San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson is making a seriously bold call for the 2026-27 NBA season opener, confirming Friday that the team will start three guards against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper are set to share the backcourt, joined by Devin Vassell and superstar Victor Wembanyama to round out the starting five. This isn’t just a tweak; it’s a statement about how they’re kicking off what they hope is a championship-level season.
This Is a Bet on Speed and Skill (With Some Big Risks)
“We’re planning on starting that same crew [in the opener],” Johnson told ESPN’s Michael C. Wright. This isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision either. The Spurs tried out this smaller, faster lineup during a 123-103 preseason win over the Phoenix Suns last Wednesday. And let me tell you, it was a mixed bag. The trio struggled offensively right out of the gate, which is a major red flag when you’re talking about three ballhandlers. But they eventually found their rhythm, outscoring Phoenix by a solid 10 points during their 11 minutes on the court together. The problem? Perimeter shooting. They hit just two of nine three-point attempts with those three guards sharing the floor. That’s rough. On the flip side, the smaller unit surprisingly outrebounded the Suns 13-11 in that stretch, showing some grit despite the size disadvantage.
Can This Trio Really Mesh for a Championship Run?
Here’s where it gets real: Johnson’s decision is a huge commitment to getting these talented ballhandlers to click, even though they barely played together last season. ESPN reported that Fox, Castle, and Harper shared the court for only 69 minutes total during the 2025-26 campaign, with just 25 of those coming in the NBA Finals. And here’s the kicker, the stat that will make you raise an eyebrow: San Antonio was outscored by a whopping 47 points during those limited stretches. That number alone should make every fan wonder if this combination can consistently succeed. Fox himself knows the deal, saying, “When we’re making shots, it allows other guys to be able to get downhill.” He stressed that floor spacing is key for them to hit their offensive potential. Wembanyama’s versatility, his defensive presence, and his ability to stretch the floor will be crucial in compensating for the smaller lineup, but the pressure is absolutely on Fox, Castle, and Harper to create scoring chances without becoming a defensive liability.
The Spurs are coming into this season wanting to build on last year’s NBA Finals appearance, where they fell to the New York Knicks. Tuesday’s opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder isn’t just any game; it’s the first real test for Johnson’s unconventional lineup. Can it be a championship-winning combination? The Spurs have got the talent, no doubt, but finding that right chemistry is going to decide everything this season. Get ready, because Tuesday is going to tell us a lot.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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