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.
Discussing Project Marvel + San Antonio Spurs-Jazz gameday preview
Looking for a cry? We’re here to pat you on the back and let you know that it’s okay to let it out. |Photo by the City of San Antonio
San Antonio Spurs’ Future: Project Marvel and the Quest for a New Arena
As the San Antonio Spurs look to the future, the conversation around Project Marvel—a proposed sports and entertainment district in downtown San Antonio—has taken center stage. This ambitious project could redefine the Spurs’ off-court presence, potentially involving a new arena to replace the outdated Frost Bank Center. The current facility, while functional, falls short of modern NBA standards, prompting discussions about a significant upgrade.
The Financial Puzzle of Project Marvel
The proposed arena, part of a larger $3 to $4 billion development, raises critical questions about funding. Who will bear the financial burden? The Spurs, the city, and possibly Bear County, which currently manages the Frost Bank Center, are all stakeholders in this conversation. With the lease on the current arena extending until 2032, any new development is still years away. However, the financial implications are already a hot topic, with potential tax increases looming for San Antonio residents.
The Spurs’ management must weigh the benefits of a new arena against the financial strain it could place on the community. The promise of increased business development and a revitalized downtown area is enticing, but the cost could be a sticking point for local taxpayers. The fear of relocation, should the city fail to support the project, adds another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
A New Era for the Spurs and San Antonio
The potential new arena is not just about keeping up with other NBA teams; it’s about capitalizing on the Spurs’ current momentum. With Victor Wembanyama, a generational talent, now part of the team, the Spurs have a unique opportunity to enhance their marketability and global appeal. Wembanyama’s presence could drive demand for tickets and increase the team’s visibility, making a new arena a strategic move for the franchise’s future.
However, the logistics of a downtown arena present challenges, particularly in terms of transportation and parking. San Antonio’s public transit system is limited, and the current arena’s location is notoriously difficult to access. A downtown venue could alleviate some of these issues, but it also introduces new concerns, such as parking availability and the potential impact on local traffic.
As discussions around Project Marvel continue, the Spurs and the city of San Antonio must navigate these challenges carefully. The outcome will not only shape the future of the team but also influence the city’s economic landscape and its residents’ quality of life.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the future of the San Antonio Spurs and Project Marvel, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- The impact of Victor Wembanyama on the Spurs’ marketability
- Challenges and opportunities of relocating the Spurs’ arena downtown
- The role of local taxpayers in funding the new arena
- Potential economic benefits of a new sports and entertainment district in San Antonio
A refrain I’ve increasingly heard from casuals, like the talking heads on the NBA’s biggest broadcast partners, is that the league is too homogenous these days, that every team just goes out there and chucks up threes. Every game is the same.
Leaving aside the shortsightedness of famous, influential media analysts dumping on their own product, it’s a common enough complaint that I felt an urge to investigate. My eyeballs tell me the league’s never been more diverse and fun, thanks largely to the absurd wealth of stars today with skill sets as bespoke as their draft night suits. Jokic’s Nuggets look nothing like Tatum’s Celtics look nothing like Brunson’s Knicks, and to suggest otherwise is willful ignorance.
As I wrote about for Basketball Poetry yesterday, the current top five offenses are Boston, Cleveland, New York, the Lakers, and Dallas. Those five teams rank first, 14th, 17th, 24th, and 21st, respectively, in share of shots that are triples. You certainly don’t need to launch a million threes relative to your peers to score the basketball successfully.
Of course, that’s a rather superficial analysis. Regardless of rank, what if the absolute numbers are all getting closer together? That would represent a growing sameness.
I looked at shot data from this season, a decade ago, and 20 years ago to see how much the share of three-pointers had changed.
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
Fans Join the NBA San Antonio Spurs and SAFC for the Coca-Cola Classic Christmas at Toyota Field. The hype squad promises an exciting blend of basketball and festive cheer, uniting fans in celebration. (Pounding the Rock)
Rumor Ex-Spur Stephen Jackson makes a bold claim about Gregg Popovich’s coaching future. His assertion has sparked significant discussion among fans and analysts about the legendary coach’s next move. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis How the Cavaliers’ offseason plan has turned them into the top team in the league so far this year. (ESPN)
Milestone Russell Westbrook becomes the first player in NBA history to record 200 triple-doubles. (CBS Sports)
Must Read The NBA’s three-point revolution has gotten extreme, begging the question: How many is too many?(The Washington Post)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
The Randomness Of Fantasy Basketball On A Wednesday In The NBA
Nov 20, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images|Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Top Five Fantasy Takeaways from Wednesday’s Games
1. Paul George’s Knee Injury Concerns
Paul George’s knee hyperextension during the 76ers vs. Grizzlies game is a significant concern for fantasy managers. While initial reports suggest no structural damage, his availability in the coming games is uncertain. This situation could open up opportunities for other players on the 76ers to step up, making it crucial to monitor updates closely.
2. Unpredictable Pelicans vs. Cavaliers Game
The Pelicans vs. Cavaliers matchup was a bizarre affair, with unexpected lineups and performances. Elfrid Payton started for the Pelicans, and Jaylon Tyson shone for the Cavs, but these anomalies are unlikely to have long-term fantasy implications. Managers should view this game as an outlier and avoid making hasty roster changes based on these performances.
3. Pacers’ Struggles and Tyrese Haliburton’s Slump
The Pacers are facing challenges, particularly with Tyrese Haliburton’s shooting woes. His road performance has been notably poor, possibly due to lingering back issues. Despite this, Haliburton’s track record suggests a turnaround is likely, making him a prime buy-low candidate for managers willing to take a risk on his recovery.
Click the button below to see how Norman Powell’s injury could open up opportunities for the Clippers, and a top 50 player returns to action.
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.
