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.
How do fans grade the San Antonio Spurs at the mid-season?
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
As we reach the midway point of the NBA season, it’s time to take a closer look at how the San Antonio Spurs are faring. Today, we’re diving into a fan’s perspective on the team’s performance, focusing on the guards and big men.
Starting with the guards, the overall grade hovers around a C-minus to D-plus. Chris Paul stands out as a bright spot, earning higher marks than his teammates. While he may not be the explosive player of his prime, Paul’s veteran presence and exceptional passing skills have been invaluable to the young Spurs squad. His leadership on the court has been particularly crucial during Coach Popovich’s absence.
Trey Jones has shown inconsistency, with his performance fluctuating between hot and cold streaks. The lack of an elite young point guard remains a concern for the team’s future.
Rookie Standout
One player who has exceeded expectations is rookie Jeremy Sochan. His confidence and defensive prowess have been impressive, making him a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year honors. Sochan’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor bodes well for the Spurs’ future.
Moving on to the big men, Victor Wembanyama unsurprisingly earns top marks. The French phenom has been a defensive force, already amassing an impressive 150 blocks midway through the season. He’s on pace to potentially reach 300 blocks by season’s end, solidifying his case for Defensive Player of the Year.
The real incentive to win in this year’s All-Star Game? Pride
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors talks with forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns and forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers before the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. | Kyle Terada/Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t spend that much time thinking about the NBA All-Star Game, or what’s reportedly ailing it. It’s like getting into a serious argument about the artistic merits of Marvel movies with another adult. They might entertain you and me, because they appeal to our sense of nostalgia (and the buying power within), but they’re made for kids.
With that out of the way, I do have a mild, hopeful prediction for this year’s game.
The last best All-Star Game I watched was in Chicago in 2020, and it was made that way because Kyle Lowry took three charges. Three charges! Many people were annoyed by it, namely LeBron James and James Harden who were at the other end of Lowry’s talents (the third was Kawhi Leonard, who was unbothered), but it was an injection of competitive spirit into a game that can get flat, fast.
It was also an anomaly. Not for Lowry (asking Lowry not to take charges would be like telling Steph Curry not to take threes), but for the game itself. A funny little hiccup that every player on the floor reacted to, whether they liked it or not. In their annoyance, James and Harden dug in, in their ability to cause annoyance and get under their rivals skin, Lowry’s ‘Team Giannis’ did the same. The crowd was engaged, excited, and that rare tendril of collective awareness in witnessing something unique happening ran through it.
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’s incredible 50-point game against the Wizards is dissected shot by shot, showcasing his offensive prowess and strategic execution. This detailed analysis provides a deeper understanding of his scoring techniques and game impact. (Pounding the Rock)
Preview The San Antonio Spurs face the Los Angeles Clippers, with trade rumors involving De’Aaron Fox and Wembanyama swirling. This game preview includes potential lineups and key matchups to watch. (Pounding the Rock)
Ranking Bleacher Report ranks the top three Spurs players most likely to be traded, offering an evaluative perspective on potential roster changes. This comparative analysis provides insights into the strategic decisions facing the team. (Bleacher Report)
Trade San Antonio Spurs emerge as favorites to acquire De’Aaron Fox, providing a dynamic boost to their backcourt. This potential trade could significantly enhance their offensive prowess. (CBS Sports)
Honor Victor Wembanyama headlines the 2025 NBA Rising Stars Game, showcasing his impact and potential. This honor highlights his rising stardom. (CBS Sports)
Preview The Clippers visit the Spurs tonight at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Playoffs 10 NBA playoff contenders: How to fix the most unbalanced teams. (ESPN)
Trades The Toronto Raptors are “holding a lot of cards” ahead of the NBA trade deadline. (SportsNet)
Feel Good Former NBA star Isaiah Thomas scores 40-points in return to G League. (NBA.com)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Sell High Opportunities in Fantasy Basketball: Zion Williamson and More
Jan 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) has a rebound bounce of his head against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Fantasy basketball is all about maximizing value, and one of the best ways to do that is by identifying sell-high opportunities. Today, I’m diving into some players who are currently performing above expectations, presenting a prime chance to trade them for potentially higher long-term value.
Zion Williamson is the first player on our radar. The New Orleans Pelicans star has been on fire lately, ranking as the 15th best player in category leagues over the past two weeks. He’s averaging an impressive 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, with 2 blocks per game. However, there are reasons to be cautious about his sustained production.
Williamson’s current 62% field goal percentage and 41% usage rate are likely unsustainable. While his defensive numbers have improved, there’s always the lingering injury risk to consider. If you can get a top-40 player in return for Zion, it might be worth pulling the trigger.
Deni Avdija: A Surprising Surge
Another player experiencing a hot streak is Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers. Over the last two weeks, he’s been the 54th ranked player in category leagues, averaging close to 40 fantasy points per game. His recent stat line of 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists with two steals is impressive, but there are signs that this level of production may not last.
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.
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