{
  "id": 18232108,
  "title": "Kenny Smith questions whether Spurs' three-guard lineup can last with Fox, Castle and Harper",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/05/kenny-smith-questions-whether-spurs-three-guard-lineup-can-last-with",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-05T02:44:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kenny-smith-questions-whether-spurs-024408744.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ESPN analyst Kenny Smith expressed doubt about the Spurs' long-term success with their three-guard starting lineup of Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper. During ESPN's Inside the NBA pregame show, Smith questioned whether the San Antonio team can maintain its winning form with this approach. The analyst pointed out that while the three guards are highly skilled, their lack of size could be a challenge.\n\nKenny Smith's primary concern lies with Castle, whose physicality and athleticism make him a crucial part of San Antonio's backcourt. With the Spurs relying on three guards, Castle is forced to play more minutes at small forward. This role requires him to contend with taller opponents and take on increased rebounding responsibilities. Smith believes Castle would be better suited to the shooting guard position, where his strength would give him an edge over smaller players.\n\nThe analyst argued that Castle's best role is at guard, as he possesses unparalleled physicality in that position. He noted that there aren't many two guards in the league who can match Castle's level of physicality. San Antonio is currently 5-2 and on a five-game winning streak, providing them another opportunity to test this lineup against the Dallas Mavericks.",
  "summary": "ESPN analyst Kenny Smith questioned whether the Spurs can sustain their success with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper starting together.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kenny Smith doubts Spurs' long-term success with three-guard lineup.",
    "Concern over Stephon Castle's physicality in small forward role.",
    "Spurs currently 5-2 on a five-game winning streak."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Relying on a small backcourt forces Stephon Castle into physically demanding roles that may compromise his natural strengths and the team's long-term defensive stability.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}