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’ lineup dilemma: Keep or change the starters?
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
Spurs’ Depth Dilemma: A Good Problem to Have
The San Antonio Spurs are on the brink of being at full strength, and it’s creating a fascinating conundrum for the coaching staff. With the team nearly back to full health, minus Trey Jones who is sidelined with a shoulder injury, the Spurs are faced with the enviable challenge of deciding how to best utilize their deep roster. As a fan, seeing the team in such a strong position is exciting, but it also raises questions about the optimal lineup configurations.
Starting Unit vs. Second Unit
The return of key players like Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell means the Spurs have a wealth of talent to choose from. The big question is how to balance the starting and second units effectively. Vassell, a double-figure scorer, is a strong candidate for the starting lineup, but this would mean benching someone like Julian Champagnie, who has been a consistent three-point threat and floor spacer. Champagnie’s ability to stretch the floor is crucial for players like Victor Wembanyama to operate effectively.
The current starting lineup, featuring Harrison Barnes, Stefan Castle, Champagnie, Chris Paul, and Wembanyama, has shown impressive chemistry and effectiveness. This group has logged significant minutes together and boasts a solid net rating, indicating their success on both court ends. However, the potential return of Vassell to the starting five could disrupt this balance. The decision isn’t easy, as it involves weighing the benefits of Vassell’s scoring against the current lineup’s proven success.
The Role of Jeremy Sochan
Another layer to this puzzle is the role of Jeremy Sochan. While his return is imminent, whether he should start or come off the bench remains. Sochan’s defensive prowess and versatility make him a valuable asset, but integrating him into the starting lineup could alter the team’s dynamics. The numbers suggest that the Spurs’ most successful lineups have not included both Sochan and Vassell, complicating the decision further.
The coaching staff might consider a flexible approach, adjusting the lineup based on the opponent and game situation. This strategy could maintain the team’s current momentum while allowing for strategic adjustments as needed. It’s a delicate balance that could pay dividends as the season progresses.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ lineup decisions and strategies, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
- Analysis of the Spurs’ recent comeback victories and their implications
- Discussion on the impact of Chris Paul’s leadership on the team’s performance
- Insights into the Spurs’ second unit and its growing importance
- Preview of the upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns and its significance in the NBA Cup
Explore these topics and more by listening to the latest episode of Locked On Spurs.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) is helped up by center Jay Huff (30) and forward Jaylen Wells (0) during the second quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. | Petre Thomas/Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
In mid-November, when the Lakers beat the Grizzlies at home in L.A., it was in large part to the efforts of Dalton Knecht. The rookie was upset that a week before that game the Grizzlies very tidily (to the tune of 131-114) put the Lakers away in Memphis, but more specifically, that Ja Morant challenged LeBron James. Knecht told ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin that Morant said “he was pretty much the new king around here when Bron’s still in the league.”
This is about the Grizzlies, it is, but Knecht’s umbrage was directed at the crucial element that’s powered Memphis for so long, and what’s put them back on top after last year’s wash of a season: outsized confidence.
It’s been called disrespect, showboating, ego, but whatever the Grizzlies are being called is less important than the baseline quality of confidence the labels all spring from and the team embodies. I’ve also found these other monikers telling— like a league temperature check — depending on who is levelling them and as a result of what. In Knecht’s case, he felt it disrespectful that Morant would make such a claim but Morant’s been saying it for seasons now. What started as general agitation and prowess for his own team seasons ago, a means to get an underdog Grizzlies team fired up, worked. It also turned into something greater: Morant hasn’t replaced James yet but the weight of expectation is there, so is the pathway. The side-effect, this time, was giving a rookie like Knecht his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
The Grizzlies are sitting third in a densely competitive Western Conference, ranked fifth overall in offence and fourth in defence, and they’ve secured these spots despite largely being without Morant, their diamond-in-the-rough of Desmond Bane, and big man Zach Edey. Jaren Jackson Jr. sits comfortably on over a dozen league leaderboards, including points per 36 minutes, field goals per 100 possessions, block percentage and defensive win shares. Scottie Pippen Jr. Is an assist machine with the kind of court vision that usually takes seasons to sharpen; Jay Huff can sharp-shoot the three and the next possession take the ball up for a reverse dunk right in front of LeBron James.
And there’s no slouch in them. All down the roster, despite the injury gaps, Memphis counts seven players who average at least and typically more than 10 points a game. Of those seven, all split their minutes, with Jackson Jr. averaging the most at 29:20 a game. The result is an early depth that not many other teams can rival...
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
Biz Victor Wembanyama’s jersey sales are soaring, surpassing notable NBA stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. The rookie sensation is not just making waves on the court but also in merchandise. Wembanyama’s jerseys are flying off the shelves. (Pounding the Rock)
Preview The San Antonio Spurs face the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup, featuring a showdown between Victor Wembanyama and Kevin Durant. Key matchups and game strategies are highlighted for this exciting encounter. Spurs vs. Suns preview sets the stage. (Pounding the Rock)
Injury Jeremy Sochan is probable to play, but Tre Jones is confirmed out due to injury for the upcoming game. This update impacts the Spurs’ lineup and strategy. Injury update reveals key player statuses. (Pounding the Rock)
Preview Breaking down the NBA Cup: Here’s a primer for the final night of group-stage games. (The Athletic)
Dec 2, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Injury Updates and Player Returns
As we navigate the NBA season, keeping an eye on player injuries and returns is crucial for fantasy basketball success. Jeremy Sochan is potentially making a comeback, and I recommend adding him in all league formats. Mark Williams is another player to watch, as he’s been upgraded to questionable. While his return isn’t guaranteed, it’s worth considering adding him to your roster. Meanwhile, Draymond Green is listed as questionable, but Steve Kerr has expressed doubts about his availability. This opens up opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga, Kevon Looney, and Trace Jackson-Davis to step up in his absence.
Waiver Wire Trends
The waiver wire is buzzing with activity, and it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. Vasa Micic is the most added player, filling in for the injured LaMelo Ball and Tre Mann. While this isn’t a long-term solution, Micic is a solid pickup until one of them returns. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is another player to consider, especially with the Magic’s favourable schedule. He’s a great streaming option, but don’t expect consistent season-long value. Marcus Smart is also gaining traction, and his recent performances make him a worthy addition.
On the flip side, Isaiah Stewart, Moussa Diabate, and Naji Marshall are among the most dropped players. Stewart’s value is inconsistent, making him an easy drop. Diabate’s minutes are dwindling, and Marshall’s role is uncertain. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Ty Jerome have also seen significant drops, with Jerome’s value plummeting due to Caris LeVert’s return.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
San Antonio Spurs-Knicks Christmas Day preview with Locked On Knicks
The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the NBA, thanks to rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. With impressive stats and a game-changing presence, Wembanyama is redefining the Spurs’ strategy. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, are gearing up for a thrilling Christmas Day showdown.
Spurs’ Trade Rumors: Is De’Aaron Fox San Antonio bound?
As rumors swirl about De’Aaron Fox potentially joining the San Antonio Spurs, fans are excitedly buzzing. This episode dives into the possibility of a Fox move, analyzing its impact on the Spurs’ strategy and rebuilding timeline.
Mitch Johnson’s future with San Antonio Spurs: Head Coach in waiting?
The San Antonio Spurs are at a crossroads, with Mitch Johnson emerging as a potential future head coach. As the team navigates coaching changes and Greg Popovich’s health concerns, the spotlight is on rookie sensation Stephon Castle and his impressive Rookie of the Year award bid.
