The Spurs shook things up in Charlotte on Saturday, making a notable change to their starting five that ended one of the NBA’s longest active streaks. For the first time since the 2015-16 season, Harrison Barnes came off the bench, with Devin Vassell stepping into the starting lineup.
Barnes had started 775 consecutive games - a model of consistency and durability in a league where roles can change overnight. But with the veteran forward struggling through a tough January - averaging just 6.8 points and shooting 26.7% from deep - the coaching staff opted to hit reset.
“We all occupy a role and the main focus is winning,” Barnes said after the game. “So it’s just trying to figure out ways to impact the game, to still be vocal, to do my part, to help contribute to winning.”
That’s the kind of veteran mindset coaches love. And according to head coach Mitch Johnson, the decision wasn’t about punishing Barnes - it was about trying to spark something in Vassell and give the lineup a different look.
“We’ve had a lot of guys in and out of the lineup,” Johnson said. “So it was just something as much as trying to get Devin back into his starting role that he had before. Just felt like Devin the last couple games didn’t quite find his rhythm, thought maybe that just getting him back to that starting lineup could maybe get him back in the fold.”
Vassell responded with 13 points in his return to the starting unit - his first start since December 29 - and logged just over 30 minutes in only his third game back from a groin injury that sidelined him for 13 contests. He looked more comfortable, but also acknowledged the situation remains fluid.
“I don’t know if that’s going to continue,” Vassell said postgame. “I think we’re just trying out new stuff to see different lineups, different ways how to space the floor, so we’ll just see what happens with that. But I don’t know if it’s a permanent thing or not.”
That kind of experimentation is typical for a team still figuring out its identity, especially one dealing with injuries and trying to balance development with competitiveness.
The Spurs also had to deal with some unexpected travel hurdles. A snowstorm in Charlotte forced the team to adjust its plans, including moving up Saturday’s tip-off time.
After the game, the team was grounded at the airport for two hours before the runway was shut down, forcing them to spend the night in North Carolina. That delay could impact Sunday’s scheduled home game against the Magic, originally set for 3 p.m.
CT. With both teams off Monday, there’s some flexibility, but nothing official has been announced.
In the bigger picture, the Spurs’ midseason moves are starting to pay off - especially the acquisition of De’Aaron Fox ahead of last year’s trade deadline. Fox has brought a steady hand and dynamic presence at point guard, and the Spurs gave up a package that, in hindsight, looks like a savvy deal. Tre Jones, Zach Collins, and Sidy Cissoko weren’t viewed as long-term building blocks, and the draft capital included may not even yield a top-10 pick.
That’s the kind of trade that can quietly shape a franchise’s trajectory - not flashy, but effective. And with Fox in place, the Spurs have a clearer vision of what their backcourt can look like moving forward.
So while Saturday’s lineup shift might seem like a small tweak, it’s part of a broader process. The Spurs are evaluating, adjusting, and building - one piece at a time.