Thursday’s preseason opener will offer a few clues about the Spurs’ starting lineup, but it’s a situation that could remain unsettled through the first regular season game and beyond, Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News writes in a subscriber-only story. Victor Wembanyama will be part of the starting five, of course, along with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, but the other two spots haven’t been determined.

“We just want to win,” said Keldon Johnson, a former starter who captured Sixth Man of the Year honors last season. “We’re a pretty tight group. And whether it’s starting or coming off the bench, our main objective is to win as many games as possible.”

Another huge component in the lineup decision is 20-year-old guard Dylan Harper, who looked like a future star during San Antonio’s run to the NBA Finals. He may be ready for an expanded role, but McDonald notes that coach Mitch Johnson has been non-committal about whether he’s comfortable with starting three guards.

“We just have to get more hours of on-the-job training and continue to see and feel what works and complements each other,” coach Johnson said. “But they’re pretty talented and they’re good guys, so I don’t have too much concern.”

There’s more from San Antonio:

• Julian Champagnie started 68 of the 82 games he played last season, but the signing of Tobias Harris could change his role, notes Tom Orsborn of The Express-News (subscription required). Harris is sidelined through the preseason with a strained left calf, so it may take a while to determine how he fits in. Champagnie, who received a three-year, $45MM extension this summer, indicated that he won’t object if Johnson decides to use him off the bench. “Whatever he needs me to do is what I’m going to do,” Champagnie said. “Whatever the team needs me to do is where I’m going to be at.”
• The Spurs plan to be cautious with Harris, who is considered questionable for the season opener, Orsborn adds. The 34-year-old forward suffered the injury early in training camp. “It’s the game. It’s how it goes,” Champagnie said. “Obviously, we need him healthy. He’s a big part of our new team. New piece, big part. So, we’ll have to just adjust to him not being here and then adjust to him getting back. But throughout the year, I’m sure there’ll be more days like that. We’ll just have to figure it out.”
• Wembanyama’s decision to host several of his teammates in France this summer was part of his growth as a leader, McDonald states in a separate story. The trip was a combination of offseason work and a sightseeing tour of Paris led by Wembanyama.“He’s everything you want in a leader and a teammate,” Castle said. “He works hard. He’s not lazy. He looks out for his teammates, obviously cares for the guys, and he’s a crazy good talent. It just speaks very high of his character.”