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.
Where have the San Antonio Spurs not improved?
Nov 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
As we approach the halfway point of the NBA season, it’s time to examine the San Antonio Spurs’ rebuilding. While there have been positive developments, particularly with the addition of Victor Wembanyama, the team still needs to improve significantly in certain areas.
One of the most glaring issues is consistency. The Spurs have shown flashes of brilliance, like their dominant win against the Lakers in Los Angeles. However, they’ve also struggled to maintain that level of play, as evidenced by their recent loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. This inconsistency is a hallmark of a young team still finding its footing, but it’s an area that needs addressing as the rebuild progresses.
Another crucial aspect that requires attention is the team’s physicality. Too often, we’ve heard players and coaches lament that the Spurs were outmuscled or lacked the necessary grit. This issue has become so prevalent that opposing teams are using it as a defensive strategy, particularly against Wembanyama. The Spurs need to develop a more robust physical presence on the court to compete at the highest level.
Shooting remains a significant concern for the team. The Spurs’ three-point percentage hasn’t improved from last season, holding steady at 34%. In today’s NBA, where perimeter shooting is crucial, this lack of improvement is worrying. The team desperately needs to add consistent shooters to their roster, whether through trades, free agency, or player development.
The overall field goal percentage has actually dropped slightly from last season, from 46% to 45%. While this may seem like a small decrease, it’s indicative of a larger issue with the team’s shooting efficiency. The Spurs lack reliable shooters from all areas of the court, including mid-range specialists.
Perhaps the most pressing need for the Spurs is finding a second star to complement Wembanyama. While players like Zach Collins have shown promise, the team lacks a clear second option who can take over games when Wembanyama is struggling or facing intense defensive pressure. This roster construction issue will likely be a key focus for the front office moving forward.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Spurs’ rebuild, tune into the Locked On Spurs podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Spurs Podcast:
• Preview of tonight’s rematch between the Spurs and Grizzlies
• Discussion on Jeremy Sochan’s recent absence and its implications
• Analysis of the Spurs’ third-quarter struggles in recent games
Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives for a shot past Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the rest of the NBA season could just be various instances spent listening to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go WOOOO to varying decibels and degrees of excitement? It would be, to borrow from a master gone too soon, Lynchian.
If not that, then to watch the Thunder and Cavaliers play each other, over and over, until April 13th. I suspect we still wouldn’t have our fill of these two teams but don’t fret, we’d have a riveting seven game series. Each game a competitive and tight feast for the eyes.
To really get an understanding of how, though relentless pressuring and seamless switching, the Thunder have run away with the first overall defensive rating. That even against a team like Cleveland who pride themselves on the way they’re able to take care of the ball, and their communication skills, OKC can pluck the ball out of the hands of an opponent on a fastbreak, a drive, as if they were walking right up to a kid and taking candy from their hands.
Of course, this all makes it sound like watching these two teams in perpetuity is going to look heavily lopsided for the Thunder. The matchup last night was a wallop for the West, for sure, but Cleveland showed why they’ve been coolly leading the East and the entire league. Rainbow threes from Mitchell, light lobs over the heads of every Thunder player — just then upturned to watch — between Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and fadeaway shots from the corner care of Max Strus.
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
Analysis Victor Wembanyama is poised to become the next face of the league due to his unique skill set, physical attributes, and the potential to dominate both ends of the court. Wembanyama’s impact on the Spurs and the NBA is analyzed, highlighting his ability to transform the game. (Pounding the Rock)
Watch Watch as Victor Wembanyama and Sandro Mamukelashvili face off in NBA 2K, bringing virtual excitement to Spurs fans. Wemby vs. Mamu showcases their digital skills in a fan-favorite game. (Pounding the Rock)
Fans Victor Wembanyama secures a significant spot in the latest All-Star fan returns, demonstrating his popularity and the strong support from Spurs fans worldwide. (Sports Illustrated)
Opponent The duel between Victor Wembanyama and Zach Edey highlights the unique rivalry between the Spurs and the Memphis Grizzlies, offering a microcosm of their competitive matchups. Wembanyama vs. Edey adds another layer to this exciting rivalry. (Sports Illustrated)
Preview The Grizzlies clash with the Spurs in San Antonio at 8:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Fantasy Basketball News Roundup: The Tanking In Utah
Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale/Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers are taking tanking to a whole new level. The Jazz have been sitting players like John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler for various reasons. While I understand the incentives for tanking, the odds of getting the number one pick are not high. The NBA has been cracking down on teams resting healthy players, but these two franchises seem to be pushing the boundaries.
As a fantasy analyst, I’ve been advising people to avoid high picks from these teams due to the risk of shutdowns and reduced playing time. It’s frustrating to see this level of blatant tanking, especially when it impacts fantasy basketball managers.
The Memphis Grizzlies are another team to watch, with Ja Morant constantly appearing on the injury report. While they’re not tanking like Utah and Portland, Morant’s frequent injuries are concerning for fantasy managers.
In other news, Donte DiVincenzo is out with a toe sprain for the Knicks, which could lead to increased minutes for Mike Conley. However, I wouldn’t rush to add Conley in most leagues.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Spurs podcasts.
Fan episode: How do fans grade the San Antonio Spurs at the mid-season?
The San Antonio Spurs are making waves in the NBA, with star players like Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell leading the charge.
But how do Spurs fans feel about the team at the mid-season point?
Emergency show: Reacting to the latest San Antonio Spurs-De’Aaron Fox rumor
On this emergency episode of Locked On Spurs, host Jeff Garcia welcomes Jack Thompson, formerly with San Antonio Spurs Star, and Spurs on Sports Illustrated’s Matt Guzman, to react to the latest rumor involving the San Antonio Spurs and Kings guard De’Aaron Fox.
San Antonio Spurs in Paris wrap up; Midseason grades: The guards
The San Antonio Spurs, led by rising star Victor Wembanyama, recently showcased their skills in Paris, leaving fans buzzing about their potential. With the NBA season at its midpoint, the Spurs’ performance, especially the contributions of their guards, is under the microscope.
