Spurs Roster & Starting Lineup 2017-18 Season

Getty

Kawhi Leonard continues to be the heartbeat of the Spurs franchise.

It would not be the start of an NBA season if the San Antonio Spurs were not flying under the radar. Despite winning 61 games last season, the eyes of the NBA world are on teams like the Thunder, Rockets and other teams that made major trades over the off-season.

Here’s a look at the current Spurs roster along with their eventual starting lineup. One quick note, Kawhi Leonard will miss the Spurs opening game as he recovers from a quad injury. Tony Parker is also recovering from injury.

C- Pau Gasol, Matt Costello (two-way)
PF- LaMarcus Aldridge, Joffrey Lauvergne, Davis Bertans
SF- Kawhi Leonard*, Rudy Gay, Kyle Anderson
SG- Danny Green, Manu Ginobili, Brandon Paul, Derrick White, Darrun Hillard (two-way)
PG- Dejounte Murray, Patty Mills, Bryn Forbes, Tony Parker*
*Denotes players recovering from injury.

Here’s a look at the Spurs projected starting lineup without Leonard.

C- Pau Gasol
PF- LaMarcus Aldridge
SF- Rudy Gay
SG- Danny Green
PG- Dejounte Murray

By the Spurs standards, San Antonio made a fairly major signing in bringing in Rudy Gay. With Leonard out, Gay should get extended minutes, but Kyle Anderson is also in the equation to get the start.

Rudy’s strength lies in his scoring and rebounding ability. The challenge for Gay has been his ability to stay on the floor. Gay played in just 30 games last season for the Kings, but did average 18.7 points and 6.3 rebounds.

Parker tore his left quadriceps during the Spurs playoff series with the Rockets. According to the San Antonio Express-News, Parker is hoping to be back by December.

The good news for Spurs fans is the team will get a good look at some of the talented, young guards on the roster. Dejounte Murray is expected to start for the Spurs, and Murray has a chance to hold onto the job if he performs well even after Parker returns. Murray showed flashes of his potential during the playoffs when he saw extended minutes after Parker went down.

The Spurs are still the Spurs. For all the question marks surrounding this team heading into the season, their track record reminds us not to discount San Antonio when we speak of Western Conference contenders.