The Spurscast – Details, episodes & analysis

In the latest episode, Spurscast host Paul Garcia is joined by Project Spurs writer Benjamin Bornstein to discuss draft prospects with the 4th pick (1:30), 8th pick (15:25), 35th pick, and 48th pick (39:55), with the NBA Draft approaching next week. 

Prospects discussed in 4th pick range:

• Zaccharie Risacher (JL Bourg)
• Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
• Stephon Castle (UConn)
• Matas Buzelis (G-League Ignite)

Prospects discussed in the 8th pick range:

• Cody Williams (Colorado)
• Tidjane Salaun (Cholet)
• Dalton Knecht (Tennessee)
• Devin Carter (Providence)
• Nikola Topic (Crvena Zvezda)
• Ron Holland (G-League Ignite)
• Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)

Prospects discussed in the second round range:

• Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)
• Justin Edwards (Kentucky)
• Jalen Bridges (Baylor)
• Cam Spencer (UConn)
• Cam Christie (Minnesota)
• Ryan Dunn (Virginia)
• Pelle Larsson (Arizona)

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In the latest episode, Spurscast host Paul Garcia is joined by Project Spurs writer Collin Reid to discuss the San Antonio Spurs’ point guard options this offseason, and Victor Wembanyama’s end of season awards.

Point Guard Options (2:10)

If the Spurs plan on taking a moderate approach with their point guard situation (not trying to acquire an All-Star level point guard), they could look at adding a veteran point guard like Chris Paul or Tyus Jones, while also using the 4th or 8th pick in the draft to select a point guard like Reed Sheppard, Nikola Topic, or Rob Dillingham.

Wemby’s End of Season Awards (18:35)

Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season came to an end with a collection of end of season awards. Wemby became the first rookie to make the All-Defensive team first team. He was the unanimous winner of the Rookie of the Year award, and that also led to him being named a member of the All-Rookie first team.

Wemby was the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up behind Rudy Gobert, and he finished Top-20 in All-NBA team voting.

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In the latest episode, Spurscast host Paul Garcia discusses Victor Wembanyama leading the San Antonio Spurs to a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder (1:50), Devin Vassell attacking more often (15:55), and the Spurs waiving Marcus Morris Sr. (20:35)

Key questions addressed in the episode:

How did the Spurs defeat the Thunder?

Has Devin Vassell’s shot selection changed now that he’s attacking more often?

What will the Spurs do with the open roster spot?

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In Spurscast episode 643, Spurscast host Paul Garcia and Project Spurs writer Jonas Clark discuss the latest San Antonio Spurs topics:  The Spurs in their last 8 games Becky Hammon being hired as the new Head Coach of the Las Vegas Aces The Spurs and other teams pushing forward through health and safety protocols What has changed since the Boston game after Thanksgiving? The Last 8 Games and Other Team NewsThe San Antonio Spurs went 4-4 in their last eight games since the last Spurscast recording. While the team is currently on a three game losing streak, they did surpass their expectations in the last eight games. Based on the Vegas game lines, the Spurs were projected to go 3-5 in the last eight games, instead, they went 4-4. Dejounte Murray, Doug McDermott, Lonnie Walker IV, and Devontae Cacok are currently in health and safety protocols. After missing the last four games, Murray is expected to return to the team soon after clearing protocols. With four players in health and safety protocols, the Spurs recently signed Austin Spurs guard Jaylen Morris to a 10-day contract. Becky Hammon to be new Head Coach of Las Vegas AcesNews broke last week that Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon will become the new head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. The deal is reportedly the most lucrative deal for a WNBA head coach and Hammon will finish the NBA season with the Spurs. What has changed since the Boston game after Thanksgiving?Since the Boston game on November 26, 2021, the Spurs have gone 10-8 in their last 18 games. While initially it looked like it would be the defense the team relied on, it's actually been the offense. The Spurs rank 6th offensively during the 18-game stretch and overall, they now have the 11th ranked offense. In the episode, a discussion takes place on how Derrick White's improvement, a change in the lineup, and how a number of other players have helped the team improve offensively.

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Project Spurs writer Collin Reid discusses Thaddeus Young expressing his frustration over playing time on the San Antonio Spurs and how it's possible for neither side to be wrong in a situation like this.

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In Spurscast episode 642, Spurscast host Paul Garcia and Project Spurs writer Stephen Anderson discuss:  The Spurs in the last four games against the Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, and Charlotte Hornets The Spurs closing the gap in free throw scoring with their opponents Trade rumors involving Thaddeus Young and Bryn Forbes The Last Four Games The San Antonio Spurs went 2-2 in their last four games, and almost as if in a roller coaster sequence. The Spurs picked up a win against the Nuggets last Thursday, then two nights later fell behind by as many as 32 points and lost to Denver. Then the following night, the Spurs defeated the Pelicans, but then days later fell behind by 30 points and lost to the Hornets. In the episode, the Spurs' last four games are discussed, as well as the Spurs' injury report. Closing the Gap from the Free Throw Line With Derrick White's improvement over the last 10 games, the Spurs have seen an increase in free throw makes and attempts. Considering the Spurs are already one of the best teams for the season in not putting opponents on the free throw line, they've closed the gap in free throw scoring. Through 27 games, the Spurs are only being outscored from the free throw line by 5 total points. On a per game basis, they're losing the free throw line by 0.1 points per game, which is practically even. The areas where the Spurs have a big advantage (paint scoring), where they're almost even with opponents (free throw line, mid-range), and where they have their biggest weakness (3-point line) are discussed in the episode. Young and Forbes Trade Rumors Lastly, the latest trade rumors surrounding Thaddeus Young and Bryn Forbes are examined in the episode. A familiar Young to Phoenix rumor is floated that dates back to September, while it appears playoff contenders will be looking into whether or not to try to trade for Forbes before the February 10 deadline.

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In Spurscast episode 641, Spurscast host Paul Garcia and Project Spurs writer Evan Townsend discuss the following San Antonio Spurs topics:  The Spurs going 2-2 in their last four games against the Portland Trail Blazers, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and New York Knicks Takeaways from the 4-Game Winning Streak Derrick White improving in the last 6 games Lonnie Walker IV’s play through 23 games The Spurs blew out the Trail Blazers by 31 points last Thursday. From there, the Spurs continued their road trip with a win against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. The Spurs' season best 4-game winning streak was snapped Monday on the road in a loss to the Phoenix Suns, and the Spurs' most recent defeat came at the hands of the New York Knicks Tuesday. Though the win streak is over, there can be some takeaways to see what the Spurs can maintain going forward to find success. A number of different factors contributed to the Spurs finding success. From Derrick White turning back into Derrick White, Jakob Poeltl getting healthy and providing rim protection, Dejounte Murray continuing his stellar play and a few role players having good weeks lately in Doug McDermott and Bryn Forbes. Plus, the Spurs have started to go more and more away from the mid-range shot as of late to help close the gap in 3-point scoring and attack the rim more frequently. Some team injury updates with Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell are discussed in the episode, and some movement with Austin, as Josh Primo has started to earn minutes with San Antonio as the team deals with injuries. Meanwhile, Jock Landale will be going to Austin for the first time this season. After his breakout game against the Warriors with 21 points, Lonnie Walker IV scored just 9 points combined in the last two games. Walker IV's season through 23 games is discussed on both ends, as well as the chances he'll be a longtime player with the Spurs since he'll become a free agent this offseason.

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In Spurscast episode 640, Spurscast host Paul Garcia and Project Spurs writer Rocky Garza Jr. discuss:  The Spurs going 1-0 in their last game against the Washington Wizards Commonalities in the Spurs’ 2-game winning streak The backup center position between Drew Eubanks and Thaddeus Young Trade scenarios for Young 1-0 in last game against Washington The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Wizards by 18 points Monday night for their first winning streak of the season. The Spurs once again used lockdown defense to hold the Wizards below 100 points. Derrick White had a season high 24 points and the Spurs picked up their first win of the season when falling into a double digit hole. Commonalities in the Spurs' 2-game winning streak It's just two wins, but that's a big deal for a Spurs team that hadn't been able to do that so far this season. Commonalities on offense and defense are analyzed from the Spurs' victories over the Boston Celtics and Wizards in the episode. Jakob Poeltl being back, Dejounte Murray and Derrick White each averaging over 20 points in the last two games, and Keita Bates-Diop starting are also reasons why the team has been finding success lately. The Backup Center Position So far this season the backup center position has been between Drew Eubanks and Thaddeus Young. While both players have been averaging similar minutes per game, Eubanks has played in all 19 games while Young sat out three games earlier in the season due to a decision by the coaching staff. The play of both players is discussed in the episode and the roles each player has on the team. In the event Young is traded at some point during the season, some teams with trade exceptions or cap space large enough to absorb his salary are discussed in the episode. The Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans, and Orlando Magic all have large enough trade exceptions to absorb Young's $14.1 million salary. The Oklahoma City Thunder can open cap space to take in Young's salary by renouncing their trade exceptions.

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Collin Reid evaluates his break-out candidates one month into the season to see if any of them are on track for a break-out season.

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In Spurscast episode 639, Spurscast host Paul Garcia discusses the latest San Antonio Spurs topics:  The Spurs going 1-3 in their last four games against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, and Boston Celtics Can the Spurs get back to a Top 10 defensive level? Tre Jones’ start to Year 2 Keldon Johnson’s improved 3-point shooting 1-3 in Last 4 GamesThe San Antonio Spurs snapped their 6-game losing streak Friday with a close win against the Boston Celtics. In the episode, the Spurs' losses to the Timberwolves, Suns, and Hawks are discussed, as well as the surprising win against Boston. The Spurs are now 5-13 through 18 games. They're 3.5 games behind the Timberwolves in the standings for 10th out West and in 5th for the best lottery odds. Doug McDermott and Devin Vassell's recent injuries are also discussed in the episode. Can the defense get back to a Top 10 level?During their 6-game losing streak, the Spurs' defense had started to slip, allowing opponents to score over 110 points in 5 of those 6 games. The Spurs showed on one night Friday against the Celtics they can become a Top 10 defense, after they held the Celtics to just 88 points. The defense through 18 games is analyzed by where the Spurs are elite, where they're average, and where they're bottom 10 and need to improve to get back to a Top 10 level. Tre Jones' Start to Year 2Tre Jones' start to his second year of his career is discussed. While Jones is known for his defense, he's been very efficient with his shot selection in the paint and he's making those paint shots at a very accurate number early in the season. Keldon Johnson's Improvement from 3-Point RangeWhile his attempts are still low, Keldon Johnson has drastically improved his 3-point accuracy. He's now making 39% of his attempts from outside, which is the second most accurate number on the team among rotation players. This is also shown in the wide-open 3s data. 70% of Johnson's 3-point attempts were attempted wide open at one point during the season. Now, that number is down to just 55% of his attempts being attempted wide open.

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