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.
Why the San Antonio Spurs should not trade the Hawks picks: Part 2
Jan 26, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) during the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports | Scott Wachter/Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
The San Antonio Spurs find themselves at a crossroads with the unprotected first-round picks acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in the Dejounte Murray trade. As the trade deadline approaches, the question looms: should the Spurs keep these valuable assets or trade them away?
There are compelling arguments on both sides of this debate. On one hand, trading the picks could bring in an immediate impact player to accelerate the Spurs’ rebuild around Victor Wembanyama. The Hawks are currently hovering around .500, which means the picks’ value might be at its peak right now.
However, there are strong reasons to hold onto these picks. The unpredictability of the NBA means the Hawks could potentially bottom out, significantly increasing the value of those picks. If Atlanta struggles, the Spurs could find themselves with multiple top-10 picks in upcoming drafts, a scenario that could rapidly transform the franchise’s fortunes.
Another crucial factor to consider is leverage. Draft picks are like gold in the NBA, providing immense bargaining power in trade negotiations. By holding onto these picks, the Spurs maintain flexibility for future moves, whether it’s trading up in the draft or pursuing a disgruntled star who becomes available unexpectedly.
The 2025 NBA Draft is projected to be particularly deep, with impact players available well into the first round. Even if the Hawks’ picks fall outside the lottery, the Spurs could still land a difference-maker. Some analysts believe there could be starter-caliber talent available as late as the second round in 2025.
Looking even further ahead, the Spurs have a pick swap with Atlanta in 2026 and an unprotected pick in 2027. These future assets could prove invaluable, especially if the Hawks struggle in the coming years. The 2026 and 2027 draft classes are already generating buzz, with potential franchise-altering talents like Cameron Boozer and AJ Dybantsa on the horizon.
Ultimately, the decision to keep or trade these picks will depend on the Spurs’ long-term vision and the offers they receive. While the allure of immediate improvement is tempting, the potential for multiple high lottery picks and sustained success might be too valuable to pass up.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ draft pick dilemma, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Keldon Johnson’s struggles since moving to the bench
• The potential for a major trade to accelerate the Spurs’ rebuild
• Updates on Victor Wembanyama’s impact on and off the court
Jan 13, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles up court against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Something I realized last night at the Warriors-Raptors game, perhaps more pressingly than the last time the team was in town a season ago — this thing isn’t going to last forever.
You wouldn’t get that impression from Steph Curry, who takes his pre-game warmup last and happily engages with the fans who show up an hour before tip-off to watch him. Curry’s off-court presence, compared to his superstar contemporaries, has always been demure and private, but watching him revel and work within that outsized adoration is a privilege in itself. No fan in attendance watching him take feathery lob after feathery lob, or take a volleyball spike to the basketball so he could meet it mid-air for a dunk, was thinking about the finite nature of Curry — performer or competitor.
Even if the underlying desire of proximity to greatness stems from the understanding that one day that greatness will no longer exist, that reality doesn’t translate in the moment. In the moment, there’s just Curry, laughing with his coaches, signing the backs of jerseys, going through footwork, prepping for the night’s game.
Where the impression of a dynasty in its final stages becomes more pronounced is through the words of Warriors coach, Steve Kerr. Asked about how difficult it is to maintain a dynasty, and Kerr reverted to Curry.
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
Watch Experience a unique perspective as Victor Wembanyama takes you through his pre-game warm-up routine, offering an intimate look at the Spurs’ star player’s preparation. (Pounding the Rock)
Analysis The Spurs’ fourth-quarter defense was crucial in their recent game against the Lakers, effectively stifling their opponents to seal the win. Defensive strategies played a pivotal role. (Sports Illustrated)
Replay After trailing at halftime, the Spurs surged in the second half to dominate the Lakers, breaking their losing streak with a convincing performance. The second half surge was key. (Sports Illustrated)
Analysis The upcoming NBA draft could see major shifts, with predictions and comparisons highlighting potential new talents. The 2025 NBA mock draft provides insights into future stars and their pro comparisons. (Bleacher Report)
Trade Speculating on trade scenarios, the article outlines strategies teams might employ if the trade deadline were today. The trade deadline could bring significant changes for the Spurs and other teams. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis TheDetroit Pistons are emerging as a serious surprise story this season. (TSN)
Biz Explosive court documents show co-conspirators and other shocking details in Jontay Porter’s ongoing betting scandal. (The Athletic)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Injury Update: Key Players Sidelined and Return Timelines For Fantasy Basketball
Jan 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (13) attempts a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images | Rob Gray/Rob Gray-Imagn Images
As we approach the midpoint of the NBA season, injuries continue to play a significant role in shaping team dynamics and fantasy basketball strategies. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful injuries across the league and their potential implications.
The Utah Jazz are once again at the forefront of injury-related drama. Lauri Markkanen’s back spasms and John Collins’ hip issue have raised eyebrows, with many speculating about potential load management strategies. Keyonte George’s heel soreness has kept him out for five consecutive games, while Jordan Clarkson’s plantar fascia injury could potentially end his season. The Jazz’s injury situation is one to monitor closely, as it could lead to increased opportunities for players like Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier
In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s knee injury has kept him out for four consecutive games. This absence highlights the risks associated with drafting Embiid in the first round of fantasy drafts. With a busy schedule ahead, including back-to-back sets, Embiid’s playing time could be limited even upon his return.
For more insights and a deeper dive into NBA injuries and their fantasy implications, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
• Portland Trail Blazers injury updates
• Phoenix Suns roster changes and injury concerns
• Orlando Magic’s lengthy injury report and fantasy implications
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Visit with Dr. McCorkle: Medical side of the San Antonio Spurs & Rodeo Trip’s impact on the players
Can allergies sideline an NBA star? Discover how San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama’s battle with Central Texas allergens impacts him.
Dive into sports medicine as Dr. Ryan McCorkle shares insights on managing allergies, concussion protocols, and the physical toll of extended road trips on NBA players.
San Antonio Spurs’ GM Brian Wright: The architect of success
Does Brian Wright rank among the NBA’s best General Managers?
With General Manager Brian Wright at the helm, the San Antonio Spurs are making strategic moves to generate buzz among fans.
Play-In? Playoffs? The impact Fox will have on the San Antonio Spurs
Could this trade be the game-changer the San Antonio Spurs need to boost their playoff chances? With De’Aaron Fox joining forces with Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs are poised for a potential deep run in the Western Conference.
