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.
Should the Spurs be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline?
Catch the Spurs back in action this fall. | Photo by Reginald Thomas II via San Antonio Spurs
Spurs at the Trade Deadline: Buyers or Sellers?
As the San Antonio Spurs approach the trade deadline, the question on everyone’s mind is whether they should be buyers or sellers. With a .500 record, the team is performing better than last year, but the decision to shake up the roster is not straightforward. The Spurs have a lot of flexibility, including draft capital and financial space, which could be leveraged to make impactful trades. However, disrupting the current chemistry is a significant consideration.
Evaluating the Roster
The Spurs have several players who could be attractive to other teams. Zach Collins, for instance, has been a point of frustration for fans due to his inconsistent performance. Despite his talent, Collins hasn’t found his niche within the team. His hustle is sporadic, and while he shows flashes of potential, it’s not consistent enough to satisfy the fanbase. If the Spurs decide to move him, they need to ensure they get a solid return, especially considering the hustle and energy that players like Charles Bassey bring to the table.
The team also has veterans like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes, who might be interested in chasing a championship ring. Historically, the Spurs have accommodated players seeking such opportunities, as seen with LaMarcus Aldridge’s move to Brooklyn. This could be where the Spurs act as sellers, allowing these veterans to pursue their goals while potentially gaining assets in return.
Potential Trade Targets
If the Spurs decide to be buyers, they have a wealth of draft picks to offer. Names like Duncan Robinson from Miami and Cam Johnson from the Nets have been floated as potential targets. Robinson could be acquired for a package including Collins and a future draft pick, providing the Spurs with a solid three-point shooter. Johnson, on the other hand, would offer versatility and floor spacing, which could be invaluable for the team’s offensive strategy.
The Spurs’ abundance of draft picks, with over 36 selections in the coming years, gives them the flexibility to make significant moves. However, the team is known for its cautious approach to spending and trading, often opting for long-term development over immediate gains.
Looking Ahead
As the trade deadline approaches, the Spurs must weigh their options carefully. The team is still in a rebuilding phase, and while the addition of Victor Wembanyama has brought excitement, it’s clear that patience is required. The Spurs’ management will likely use this season to evaluate the roster and determine which players will be part of the long-term plan.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ trade deadline strategy, 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’ current season
- Evaluating the performance of the Spurs’ bench players
- Historical insights into the Spurs’ trade strategies
- The role of young players in the Spurs’ rebuilding process
A common refrain about Spike Lee movies is that the city of New York feels like a living, breathing character. It has a presence in his films beyond that of a typical urban backdrop. It has dialogue; it impacts events.
Well, the Knicks crowd, amplified by the presence of Gotham villain Trae Young, felt three-dimensional in this NBA Cup quarterfinal, moaning, groaning, and cheering every time the ball ricocheted off a body part or players tumbled to the ground. It felt like it could change the events on the court, albeit with little control, like a player tilting a pinball machine. Even from my couch, I could feel the energy pulsing from the screen.
The atmosphere was electric; the quality of play was suspect. I’m not sure I’d let my loved ones watch, but for a specific breed of basketball fan (like the one who subscribes to this newsletter), it was gloriously grimy.
It was a miracle either of these teams hit triple-digits. The ball spent more time squirting out of rugby scrum-style dog piles than it did going through nets. The Knicks posted their lowest offensive rating of the season; the Hawks’ two best players, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, combined for 43 points on 42 shots. Atlanta started the game 1-for-10 from deep, while New York had a stretch where they missed 12 straight triples.
In the end, however, it was Trae Young rolling phantom dice on the Knicks’ logo to celebrate going to Vegas.
The Hawks defense might be legit. Young is an easy target, but he also suckers teams into getting out of their offense to try and attack him, leaving them vulnerable to the swarm of kinetic, lengthy athletes that are standing by to help at a moment’s notice. Dyson Daniels chewed Jalen Brunson up (14 points on 15 shots), using a toothpick to get every last morsel.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Interview Chris Paul shared insights on joining the Spurs in a candid interview with Tony Parker, discussing his decision, family influence, and future aspirations. (Pounding The Rock)
Biz The NBA announced the Emirates Cup, featuring teams like the Bucks, Thunder, and Spurs. This tournament exemplifies the league’s global outreach and commercial growth. The NBA Emirates Cup will be a major event in Las Vegas. (Pounding The Rock)
Analysis Victor Wembanyama’s game remains under scrutiny, but his perimeter-oriented approach is deemed acceptable for now, offering strategic flexibility to the Spurs. (Pounding The Rock)
Rumor What is the league doing to address referee gambling concerns, and how effective can safeguards be? (Front Office Sports)
Ticket Booth
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Spurs @ Trail Blazers
Friday, Dec. 13 | 7:00PM | Moda Center, Portland, OR | Get Tickets
Timberwolves @ Spurs
Sunday, Dec. 15 | 6:00PM | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX | Get Tickets
Hawks @ Spurs
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:00PM | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Kawhi Leonard Update & A Fantasy Basketball News Catchup
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncertain Return
Kawhi Leonard’s return remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports suggest that his comeback isn’t imminent, leaving fantasy managers in a bind. If you’re holding onto Leonard, patience is key, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumours
The rumour mill is buzzing with talk of a potential Jimmy Butler trade. While speculation is rife, it’s essential to remember that these rumours often don’t materialise. The complexities of NBA trades, including salary cap constraints and team dynamics, make it challenging to predict outcomes. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on the players currently delivering consistent performances. If Butler does get traded, assess the situation then, but for now, it’s best to concentrate on tangible fantasy assets.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- The impact of Mitchell Robinson’s injury on the Knicks’ rotation - Evaluating Max Strus’s fantasy value upon his return - Donovan Clingan’s potential role with the team - The latest on Fred VanVleet’s shooting struggles and assist numbers - A look at the upcoming matchups and their fantasy implications
Stay ahead of the game by keeping these insights in mind as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NBA fantasy basketball.
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.
