Jeff Garcia here, the host of the daily Locked On Spurs podcast, with your daily Locked On Spurs newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Spurs and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
San Antonio Spurs’ Vassell returns; Spurs-Kings preview
Mar 27, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (24) drives as Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (8) defends during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports|Rob Gray/Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Devin Vassell is back on the court, and his return is a significant boost for the San Antonio Spurs. As one of the team’s key players, Vassell’s presence is crucial for the Spurs’ performance this season. His return comes at a pivotal time, as the team looks to strengthen its lineup and improve its standing in the league.
Vassell’s impact was immediately felt in his first game back, where he showcased his skills and reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the Spurs’ top players. Despite the team’s loss, Vassell’s performance was a bright spot, and his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively is invaluable. His return not only boosts the team’s morale but also adds depth to the roster, providing more options for the coaching staff.
Vassell’s Role in the Spurs’ Rebuild
Vassell’s return is particularly important as the Spurs continue their rebuilding phase. His consistent improvement over the past seasons is a testament to his dedication and potential. From averaging 12 points in the 2021-2022 season to 19.5 points last season, Vassell’s upward trajectory is exactly what the Spurs need. His ability to adapt and grow with the team is crucial as they aim to transition out of the rebuilding phase.
One of the key areas where Vassell can make a difference is in the mid-range game. His proficiency in this area adds a new dimension to the Spurs’ offense, complementing the skills of other players like Victor Wembanyama. With Vassell on the court, the Spurs have a more balanced attack, capable of challenging opponents both inside and from the perimeter.
Concerns and Considerations
While Vassell’s return is overwhelmingly positive, there are some concerns to keep in mind. His history of injuries is something that both fans and the team will be watching closely. Ensuring that Vassell remains healthy throughout the season is vital for the Spurs’ success. The team will need to manage his minutes carefully to prevent any setbacks.
Additionally, the competition level is something to consider. Vassell’s impressive performance came against the Utah Jazz, one of the lower-ranked teams. As the season progresses, it will be important to see how he performs against tougher opponents. This will be a true test of his impact and the team’s overall progress.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Devin Vassell’s return and its implications for the Spurs, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Preview of the Spurs vs. Kings game and key matchups to watch.
- Discussion on the impact of former Spurs players DeMar DeRozan and Trey Lyles returning to San Antonio.
- Analysis of the Spurs’ current lineup and potential changes with Vassell’s return.
- Insights into the Spurs’ strategy for managing player health and performance throughout the season.
37 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists. The first NBA player to reach these numbers in a game, and Nikola Jokic did it on a Sunday night in Denver, snowy pockets of flurries settling over the city. I wish I’d been collecting these stat lines all along, or had thought to make a note on the calendar when they happened. I’d like to see if there’s a pattern, though I’ve got a hunch that the dates would come to mean less than what the volume of them proves: in Jokic’s hands, the unprecedented becomes routine.
It starts with his skill, we know this. But let’s zero in on how he carries himself around the floor, how he moves. Jokic lopes, jogs, shuffles, occasionally bops, tends to move laterally more than he does in a direct line. It all serves to create an illusion that he’s slow and behind the pace. It’s why so many have a difficult time categorizing what it is he’s doing — he doesn’t work the way a basketball player does, tends to be the refrain. It’s because he looks, most of the time, relaxed
He can also appear pressed, like there’s someplace else he’d rather be. This is not the kind of approach we like to see from our stars. If they don’t look dialled in, if it doesn’t look strenuous at least some of the time, we tend to distrust their effort and skill. But Jokic’s arduousness is some of my favourite in the league, because it presents at our expense. And indeed, it must be exhausting to prove nearly every night that you can manipulate the game at every level.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis The Spurs’ recent loss to the Jazz revealed several key takeaways about their defensive struggles and offensive inconsistencies. This analysis breaks down what the Spurs need to improve moving forward. (Pounding the Rock)
Preview The Kings take on the Spurs at AT&T Center at 8:00 PM EST. Read the preview. (NBA)
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Basketball Managers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) holds his leg after a hard following a play against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Paycom Center.|Photo by Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Chet Holmgren’s Injury: What It Means for the Thunder and Fantasy Managers
Sunday’s NBA action took a concerning turn for the Oklahoma City Thunder as Chet Holmgren, their promising young centre, suffered a hip injury just five minutes into the game against the Golden State Warriors. This incident has left both the team and fantasy managers in a state of uncertainty, as Holmgren’s presence on the court has been pivotal.
The Impact of Holmgren’s Injury
Holmgren’s injury occurred during an attempt to contest a dunk, resulting in a hard fall that left him limping off the court. The Thunder have since reported it as a hip injury, but the full extent and severity remain unclear. Given Holmgren’s importance to the Thunder’s lineup, any absence could significantly impact their performance, especially considering their current lack of depth at the centre position.
Potential Replacements and Adjustments
In the wake of Holmgren’s injury, the Thunder may need to rely on a smaller lineup, as they did against the Warriors. This could mean increased minutes for players like Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace, who might see more court time and opportunities to contribute. In deeper leagues, Ousmane Dieng could also be considered for a temporary boost, though none are likely to replicate Holmgren’s production. Fantasy managers might consider these short-term pickups, but it’s crucial to temper expectations, as the Thunder’s rotation could remain fluid.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Discussing Project Marvel + San Antonio Spurs-Jazz gameday preview
With the current Frost Bank Center lagging behind other NBA arenas, the San Antonio Spurs and the city are exploring a possible new arena to enhance their marketability and revitalize the downtown area.
Let’s take a look at San Antonio Spurs lineups
The San Antonio Spurs are experimenting with lineup combinations, and the results might surprise you. With Victor Wembanyama’s evolving role, the team is exploring whether focusing on inside play or perimeter shooting will maximize his potential.
Victor Wembanyama’s improved shooting; San Antonio Spurs-Thunder preview
Victor Wembanyama’s recent shooting improvements have caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike. With his field goal percentage jumping from 41% to 50% and his three-point accuracy soaring from 23% to 39%, the San Antonio Spurs’ rising star is redefining expectations.
