Originally Posted by
mountainballer
I don't see much sense to discuss the roster just focused on positions and the question who starts and who is the backup. IMO a roster can only be discussed in rotations.
considering talent the Spurs might have the best line up ever in Tony-Manu-RJ-Dice-Tim. after this 5 there is a significant gap.
so this 5 should also see the most minutes (without health concerns), no matter if this is also the starting line up.
so the next question is, who is the 3rd best wing, the 3rd best big and the 2nd best PG.
as it looks right now, it's Mason and Hill in the back court.
the biggest open question IMO is, who takes the 3rd spot in the big rotation. considering the potential it would be Blair, but it's also naive to assume a 20 years old rookie can step in and constantly contribute. in the best case he can, in a more realistic scenario Blair will struggle on defense and we also need to wait how he looks after 40-50 NBA games. so, even if most people will hate the outlook, from the current roster he has the best chance to be the 3rd big and Blair will be #4. (if Haislip surprises and contributes, he might push Bonner out of the rotation).
the #4 in the wing rotation will be Finley. it would also be a big surprise if either Hairston or Williams could push him out of the rotation. might happen, if RJ shoots the 3s well enough and Mason as well as last year. then the better defense from Hairston could become more important than Finley's shooting. (but this also won't happen till mid season)
at season start the regular season rotation should be:
PG: Tony - Hill
Wing: RJ - Manu - Mason - Finley
Big: Tim - Dice - Bonner - Blair
Hairston and Haislip will complete the 12 man roster and see garbage minutes (maybe some more in B2B). Ian, MW and Ratliff will need to wait for an injury of one from the first 12 or they can beat one of them. (like Ian might take the spot of Haislip, if he once again struggles to compete in the NBA)