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’ Devin Vassell’s best fit
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: The Sixth Man San Antonio Spurs Need
As the San Antonio Spurs navigate the season, a pressing question arises: should Devin Vassell remain a key player off the bench or return to the starting lineup? This debate has sparked interest among fans and analysts alike, given Vassell’s undeniable talent and the team’s current dynamics.
The Case for Vassell as a Sixth Man
Vassell’s return from injury has seen him coming off the bench, a role that has proven beneficial for both him and the team. The Spurs’ starting lineup, featuring Victor Wembanyama, Zach Collins, and Chris Paul, among others, boasts one of the best plus-minus ratings in the league. This success raises the question: why alter a lineup that works?
Mitch Johnson, a key figure in the Spurs’ coaching staff, emphasizes the depth of the team, particularly the strength of the second unit. Vassell’s presence off the bench adds a significant scoring punch, making him a vital component of this depth. His ability to make tough shots and provide veteran leadership mirrors the role Manu Ginóbili once played for the Spurs. Vassell’s impact is not just about starting games but finishing them, where his skills can be most effectively utilized.
Analyzing the Numbers
Statistics reveal interesting insights into Vassell’s performance. Despite a negative plus-minus when on the court, his contributions in terms of timely shots and defensive plays are invaluable. His averages of 16.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, along with impressive shooting percentages, highlight his efficiency and effectiveness as a sixth man.
The dilemma of integrating Vassell into the starting lineup involves potential disruptions. Removing a player like Julian Champagnie, who provides essential floor spacing, could affect the team’s offensive dynamics. The Spurs’ current setup allows Vassell to dominate the second unit, sharing the offensive load with Keldon Johnson and others, ensuring a balanced attack throughout the game.
Balancing Talent and Team Dynamics
The Spurs face a unique challenge with their roster depth. Vassell, one of the highest-paid players, coming off the bench might seem unconventional, but winning games justifies this strategy. The team’s performance this season, significantly improved from last year, supports the decision to maintain the current lineup.
As the Spurs continue their campaign, the focus remains on consistency and maximizing the potential of their roster. Vassell’s role as a sixth man is crucial, providing flexibility and strength to the team’s overall strategy. The decision to keep him in this role reflects a broader understanding of team dynamics and the importance of depth in achieving success.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ strategies and player roles, 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. Blazers game
- Analysis of the Spurs’ starting lineup performance
- Discussion on the impact of injuries on team dynamics
- Insights into the Spurs’ offensive and defensive strategies
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. | Brett Davis/Brett Davis-Imagn Images
I was going to write about the NBA Cup semi-finals today but Milwaukee head coach, Doc Rivers, beat me to it by putting it all pretty succinctly with this:
“I mean, we’re gonna bring our wheelchairs to the cup because we have these three young teams. You know, everybody’s — Atlanta is young, Oklahoma is young, Houston is young. Then here comes the old Milwaukee Bucks, wheeling in. That’s what we are gonna be. We’re gonna just wheel in our wheelchairs and come in on our canes and see if we can just play some basketball. That’s what we are gonna do.”
So instead, let’s talk about superstars and trades. Not because any are going to be traded, but because the allure of the possibility of people like LeBron James and Jimmy Butler — people who create their own gravity — has once again hit peak saturation in NBA discourse.
The Heat floated the idea of a Butler trade, either directly or indirectly, and speculation over which team would make a ready destination followed suit. These things tend to go like dominoes — one of Butler’s favourite pastimes — but in terms of veracity, look no further than Butler’s own agent quashing the speculation. Yes, things have read as weirdly remiss in Miami, especially involving Butler, going back to team president Pat Riley’s end of season press conference. In it, Riley seemed to suggest the Heat were behind Butler so long as he was behind them. It’s a statement that should be self-evident, which is why it’s worth taking a second look at.
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
Feel Good The San Antonio Spurs and Methodist Healthcare have teamed up to distribute 150 trees to local families, with Charles Bassey participating in the community effort. (Pounding the Rock)
Injury Stay updated on the health of key players like Victor Wembanyama and Keldon Johnson with the latest injury report from the San Antonio Spurs. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis Explore where the San Antonio Spurs stand in the latest NBA power rankings as the NBA Cup reaches the semifinals. (Bleacher Report)
Legacy Chris Paul announced his intention to play one or two more NBA seasons before retiring, expressing his enduring love for the game. Paul’s future plans highlight his passion. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Spurs will clash with the Trail Blazers at the AT&T Center at 8:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Must Read The best defense in the NBA is 4,500 screaming maniacs, or how the Clippers built the best home court advantage. (WSJ)
Analysis Even the Wizards are surprised they’re losing like this. (The Athletic)
Rumor NBA trade intel on Lakers, Pelicans, Warriors, Heat, Hawks and more from two ESPN insiders.
Award Did you know? PrizePicks is the best place to cash in on your sports knowledge. All you have to do is correctly pick More or Less on a couple of player’s stats and then watch the money roll in. Prove your knowledge on PrizePicks.*
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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
What To Do With Portland’s Centers In Fantasy Basketball
Nov 22, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan (23) handles the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams/Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Portland’s Center Conundrum
Portland is currently a hotbed of uncertainty, especially concerning their center position. With Deandre Ayton battling an illness and Robert Williams III and Donovan Clingan both questionable due to injuries, fantasy managers are left in a bind. The likelihood of all three playing is slim, making it a gamble to stream any of them. If you’re considering adding Williams or Clingan to your roster, be prepared for a potential last-minute change. This situation highlights the importance of staying updated with player statuses, especially when dealing with teams like Portland, which can be notoriously unpredictable.
Injury Updates and Player Performances
Injuries are an inevitable part of the NBA season, and they can significantly impact fantasy lineups. Stephon Castle’s unexpected absence due to a shoulder issue has opened up opportunities for other players. Devin Vassell might see increased minutes, and if he starts, it could be challenging to move him back to the bench. Meanwhile, Zach Collins’ absence in San Antonio means Charles Bassey could be a valuable stream option for those needing a big man.
The Utah Jazz are also dealing with injury woes, with Lauri Markkanen managing a lower back issue and Jordan Clarkson’s status remaining questionable. Markkanen’s potential absence could lead to increased roles for players like Johnny Juzang or Micah Potter, but the situation remains fluid. Fantasy managers should be cautious and consider steering clear of the Jazz’s lineup until there’s more clarity.
In Los Angeles, LeBron James is officially out with a foot injury, which could mean more opportunities for Rui Hachimura and Dalton Knecht. Nikola Vucevic’s illness adds another layer of complexity, and if he’s out, Jalen Smith becomes a viable streaming option.
PrizePicks: Run Your Game. | Photo provided by PrizePicks
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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.
