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.
Dr. McCorkle discusses Popovich’s health, Sochan’s thumb injury; A chat with the luckiest little Spurs fan
Oct 30, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images|Alonzo Adams/Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Popovich’s Health Scare: Understanding Mild Strokes and Recovery
As a devoted San Antonio Spurs fan, the recent news about Coach Gregg Popovich’s health has been concerning. The Spurs organization announced that Popovich suffered a mild stroke, which has sidelined him indefinitely. While the team is rallying to support him, it’s crucial to understand what a mild stroke entails and the potential implications for his return to coaching.
Understanding Mild Strokes
A mild stroke, often referred to as a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke. It occurs when a clot or debris blocks blood flow to part of the brain. Unlike a major stroke, a mild stroke doesn’t cause permanent damage, but it serves as a warning sign for potential future strokes. The symptoms can vary, ranging from minor weakness in an arm or leg to temporary speech difficulties. Fortunately, Popovich was at the Frost Bank Center when it happened, allowing for immediate medical attention, which is critical in such situations.
The quick response from the medical team at the facility likely played a significant role in minimizing the impact of the stroke. In cases like these, time is of the essence. Treatments such as clot-busting drugs or mechanical thrombectomy can be administered within a specific timeframe to improve outcomes. Popovich’s age, being in his late 70s, does increase the risk of strokes, but his overall health and lifestyle choices, like regular exercise and a balanced diet, may aid in his recovery.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Rehabilitation is a vital part of recovery from a mild stroke. The process focuses on regaining any lost function and preventing future strokes. Depending on the severity of the stroke, rehabilitation can involve physical therapy to improve motor skills, speech therapy if speech was affected, and lifestyle changes to reduce risk factors. For Popovich, this means a tailored rehabilitation plan that addresses any deficits he may have experienced.
The Spurs have emphasized that there is no rush for Popovich to return to the sidelines. His health and well-being are the top priorities, and the team is prepared to support him through his recovery journey. While the timeline for his return remains uncertain, the hope is that with proper care and rehabilitation, Popovich will be back to leading the Spurs with the same passion and dedication he’s known for.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Popovich’s health and recovery, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Jeremy Sochan’s thumb surgery and recovery timeline
- The heartwarming story of a young Spurs fan’s encounter with Victor Wembanyama
- Insights from Dr. Ryan McCorkle on sports injuries and recovery strategies
For a comprehensive look at these stories and more, make sure to listen to the latest episode of Locked On Spurs.
After historic back-to-back nights over the weekend I hope the Kings’ De’Aaron Fox is on your radar. Fox delivered a 60 point game against the Timberwolves on Friday (the Kings, after all that, could not wrestle away the win) and then 49 points against the Jazz in a winning game on Saturday. While these scoring numbers are certainly a touch more astronomical than Fox’s norm, he’s still an athlete who’s averaged 25 points per game in the last three seasons.
Beyond pure shooting, Fox is a pleasure to watch. I mean that in an artful sense, like taking your time in a gallery or museum and letting your eyes rove over every flourish and detail. Fox has a knack for hang time, able to lightly adjust his body mid-air to tweak the angle of his jumper just so. It’s a bane to defenders because it’s nearly impossible to pre-calculate where Fox will wind up releasing the ball, but it’s startling, and fun, to see.
His passing follows the same rules. Namely: his own. One hand flings and scoops to teammates running down the lane, or flashing out to the wing, dependent on the sort of timing it takes trust and seasons of practice to nail. It speaks to the cohesiveness of the Kings, a team many are still quick to dismiss from contention but who will prove a difficult team to match up against once their roster returns to full strength.
Cade Cunningham
Admittedly, I hadn’t been paying that close of attention to Cade Cunningham, even with my well documented dedication to the Detroit Pistons. I changed that last Friday when the team was in Toronto to face the Raptors, and I spent a good chunk of pregame warmups watching Cunningham run through his drills.
There’s a new level of patience to Cade, who’s been — by circumstance — forced into holding pattern since he entered the NBA. This new level filters through his game. There’s still the juddery, at times mesmerizing, stop-start motion of his handle and with it the ability to force the pace he wants in a game, but now Cade’s letting the game come to him. Where there simply isn’t time to draw out a possession, or altering one might upend his team’s momentum (momentum has been something Detroit is relying on this season, to their benefit), Cade instead adopts the rhythm of the floor in motion. Now into his forth season, his maturation is evident, and it’s winning games.
Jabari Smith
It’s felt a touch disingenuous, how down on Jabari Smith those in the wider sphere of the Houston Rockets have been this season. Yes, he’s had some slow shooting nights, and made some frustrating decisions, but he’s also come back in the games that follow those less than stellar performances and done all the right things — leading to wins.
Smith’s a third year player in the league on a franchise that only really started to get the foundation of their rebuild right last season. He’s learning to adjust to quicker pace, tighter and more effortful defence (the Rockets are the league’s best rebounders), and what it means to actually compete versus playing at the whims of a single game, on a game-to-game basis. There’s continuity showing here, and it’s great.
Smith tends to have his best rebounding games when he’s also scoring, which just tells me that energy generated on one end of the floor is essential for him at the other. It’s also true of younger players — and teams, like the Rockets — learning what it is to stay consistent through a game’s many tide-turns.
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
Injury Victor Wembanyama’s knee injury raises questions for the Spurs as they prepare for upcoming games. His absence was felt in their recent loss to the Mavericks. (Sports Illustrated)
Biz The Spurs could be in the market for a new arena. City officials are set to unveil what’s being called “Project Marvel.” (News4SA)
Biz Deep breaths. The NBA has settled its broadcast lawsuits, and “Inside the NBA” is here to stay. (Sportico)
Preview Major changes could soon be coming to the All-Star Game. (ESPN)
Analysis The “unicorn” era of Anthony Davis may be over, but could the “Lakers AD” era just be starting? (The Ringer)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Sunday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Roundup
Nov 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images|Nick Wosika/Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
As we dive into the latest NBA action, it’s clear that Sunday was packed with intriguing performances and unexpected developments. With 10 games on the schedule, there was no shortage of excitement and fantasy implications to unpack.
Injury Updates and Opportunities
The Sacramento Kings are dealing with some significant injury news. Domantas Sabonis, usually a reliable presence, is doubtful with a back issue, potentially missing his second consecutive game. This opens up opportunities for players like Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles to step up. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is officially out for his third consecutive game.
Key Performances and Fantasy Implications
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Phoenix Suns highlighted some strategic missteps by the Suns. Starting Mason Plumlee and Jusuf Nurkic together against Minnesota’s big lineup didn’t pay off, with Nurkic playing only 14 minutes. His inconsistent performances make him a risky fantasy option, as his playing time and production fluctuate wildly.
On the Timberwolves’ side, Mike Conley’s increased minutes are worth noting. While his scoring was minimal, his contributions in other areas helped secure the win. Naz Reid, despite his scoring potential, continues to struggle defensively, which could limit his fantasy upside.
Click the button below to see why one of KD’s newest running mates could be worth a look, and how Charlotte’s injury concerns will affect your lineup.
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.
