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’ Victor Wembanyama’s All-Star starter snub + mid-season grades: The bigs
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 NBA All-Star voting results are in, and there’s a glaring omission that has Spurs fans up in arms: Victor Wembanyama didn’t make the starting lineup for the Western Conference. As a Spurs writer, I can’t help but feel this is a major snub for our rookie sensation.
Wembanyama narrowly lost out to Kevin Durant for the final frontcourt spot. While Durant is undoubtedly deserving, it’s LeBron James’ inclusion that raises eyebrows. James, while still a force, isn’t putting up the numbers that justify his starting position over Wembanyama.
The voting breakdown reveals where things went wrong for Wemby. He finished second in media voting, which should have given him a comfortable lead. However, he ended up fourth in fan voting, which ultimately doomed his chances. This highlights the ongoing issue with All-Star voting being more of a popularity contest than a true reflection of on-court performance.
It’s frustrating to see a player of Wembanyama’s caliber, who’s been in the MVP conversation, miss out on a starting spot. His defensive prowess alone should have secured his position. The argument that the Spurs’ losing record should count against him doesn’t hold water when you consider that Steph Curry made the cut despite the Warriors not being in playoff contention.
Jan 27, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) works for the ball against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) in the second half at TD Garden. | David Butler II/David Butler II-Imagn Images
The Knicks starters were having fun, the bench was having fun, the deep bench was having fun, Tom Thibodeau may have even cracked a smile at one point.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around and the Knicks led the Grizzlies by 20 points, with Knicks backup point guard Cam Payne practically waltzing downhill, uncontested to the basket, there wasn’t a more fun game to be found on a Monday night. Definitely not for the Grizzlies, but they’re a resilient team who will learn from the loss.
What the win and the Knicks ingenuity — the way New York was dominant but allowed for a shifting dominance — made me think about was the Celtics. Specifically how last season Boston was celebrated for their competitive exactitude, and what their losses this season are showing about their rigidity. Namely, that it could cost them.
The most striking stat to me in the Knicks win last night was that the team tallied 32 assists compared to the Grizzlies’ 21. New York was shooting from everywhere but there can be a temptation with a lead that big for teams to start letting the ball fly from deep, chucking up hero shots because they’ve got the padding of points and a nice boost of confidence.
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
Celebrate Happy Birthday to the legendary San Antonio Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich! Popovich’s storied career continues to inspire, and his leadership remains pivotal as the Spurs navigate the season. Celebrate his legacy today. (Pounding the Rock)
Trade As the trade deadline approaches, the San Antonio Spurs are considering their options with Tre Jones’ expiring contract. This strategic move could potentially reshape the team’s future. Explore the possibilities. (Pounding the Rock)
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.
