The Spot Up Pod

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs in their last 2 games against the Indiana Pacers in Paris, France. (00:39)* The Spurs through 43 games and the schedule ahead. (08:56)* The pattern of blowout losses recently. (11:26)* Should the Spurs clear roster space for next season at this trade deadline? (17:02)* News and Notes: Wemby came close to making the Western Conference All-Star starting lineup and 2026 projected number one pick AJ Dybantsa would like to be drafted by the Spurs to play alongside Wemby (23:29)* Previewing the next 3 games for this week against the Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat. (26:32)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The Spurs in their last 4 games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies twice, and Miami Heat. (00:40)* News and Notes: Stephon Castle agreeing to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Saturday night, the latest round of All-Star fan votes for Wemby, and Jeremy Sochan’s back injury. (07:30)* The Spurs midway through the season on offense, defense, in the Math game, and by each month of the season. (10:23)* How do the Spurs approach the trade deadline? (28:13)* Features on The Spot Up Shot: How the Grizzlies defended Wemby, the Spurs shooting wide open 3s, and the Grizzlies’ quick paced offense against the Spurs’ defense. (34:48)* Previewing the next 2 games against the Indiana Pacers in Paris, France. (37:51)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

As mentioned in the episode, please visit Cares.NBA.com/wildfire-relief-efforts to see how you can help all those in Los Angeles impacted by the wildfires. In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The Spurs in their last 2 games against the Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. (01:58)* The Spurs through 37 games. (06:46)* Wemby being named a nominee for the Western Conference player of the week, Jeremy Sochan dealing with a back injury, and the NBA trade deadline approaching in 3.5 weeks. (08:17)* Wemby’s path to becoming a Western Conference All-Star. (10:42)* A check-in on the Spurs’ 2025 first round draft picks. (13:18)* Devin Vassell’s struggles shooting the ball since Christmas (18:46)* Features on The Spot Up Shot: Cam Johnson as a trade candidate, Spurs rotation players shooting catch-and-shoot 3s, and Wemby and Sochan guarding the pick-and-roll. (25:35)* Previewing the next 4 games against the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies (twice), and Miami Heat (31:56)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The Spurs in their last 7 games against the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets twice. (00:58)* The Spurs through 35 games. (05:54)* Wemby being named the Western Conference player of the week in December and being a nominee for the Western Conference player and defensive player of the month. Stephon Castle was also a nominee for the Western Conference rookie of the month. (07:52)* The Spurs’ rotation when fully healthy (12:12)* The Spurs battling for a postseason spot (20:08)* Features on The Spot Up Shot: Jonas Valanciunas as a trade candidate, Wemby in the month of December, and Wemby throwing lobs this season. (24:15)* Previewing the next 3 games against the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers (28:14)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* Victor Wembanyama’s big week in wins for the San Antonio Spurs against the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers. (0:30)* The Spurs through 28 games. (6:25)* A Spurs -De’Aaron Fox trade rumor (8:00)* The Spurs taking care of business against below .500 teams (15:00)* The Spurs’ new starting lineup and second unit with the full rotation finally healthy (18:40)* The upcoming games this week: at Philly, at New York, at Brooklyn, and at Minnesota (23:25)* A thank you for supporting The Spot Up Shot and The Spot Up Pod this year (26:55) Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs’ last 2 games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves. (0:30)* The Spurs through 26 games. (5:25)* Should the Spurs start Stephon Castle or Jeremy Sochan? (9:35)* December 15 brings the NBA trade deadline closer. (20:25)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs’ last 4 games against the Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and New Orleans Pelicans. (0:30)* Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson joining Tre Jones on the injured list. (4:35)* Chris Paul moving up to 2nd in all-time assists, Victor Wembanyama winning the Defensive player of the month for the Western Conference, and Wemby and Stephon Castle being nominated for other monthly awards. (6:40)* Castle driving the ball and getting to the free throw line this season. (11:15)* The Spurs’ struggles in first quarters this season. (18:45)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs’ last 6 games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz (twice), Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings. (00:35)* Jeremy Sochan returning from injury soon, and Tre Jones going back to the injured list. As well as Harrison Barnes winning the Western Conference player of the week award and the importance of the upcoming NBA Cup game against Phoenix. (4:30)* The Spurs on both ends of the floor through 20 games this season. (8:48)* Victor Wembanyama scoring inside and outside, while impacting the defensive end of the floor. (19:30)* Harrison Barnes’ efficiency this season with a low usage rate. (22:35)* Stephon Castle continuing to make plays, especially in crunch time. (24:35)* Julian Champagnie providing high volume outside shooting and solid defense at the wing position. (27:30)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses:* The San Antonio Spurs’ last 4 games against the Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks. (00:45)* The Math Game for the Spurs in 3-point, free throw, and 2-point scoring. (04:24)* Victor Wembanyama’s big week, where he scored a career high 50 points against the Wizards. (11:58)* Devin Vassell bringing instant offense off the bench for the Spurs. (17:35)* The rookie Stephon Castle continuing to improve with each passing game. (19:43)Sign up for the newsletter at TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In an all new episode of the Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia discusses the following topics:* A rundown of the San Antonio Spurs’ last 4 games against the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz (00:48)* Devin Vassell’s return from injury (03:37)* Injuries for Jeremy Sochan, Tre Jones, and Malaki Branham (06:10)* The defense through 10 games (09:10)* The offense though 10 games (13:34)* Victor Wembanyama in 10 games this season (18:10)* Stephon Castle in 10 games this season (24:35)* Julian Champagnie in 10 games this season (28:07)Sign up for the newsletter on TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of The Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia reviews the San Antonio Spurs' recent performances early in the NBA season. He discusses the team's last 4 game results, highlighting their defensive strengths and offensive struggles. Key player performances, including Victor Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan, are analyzed, along with contributions from the bench. The episode concludes with a look ahead at upcoming games for the Spurs.Click Ahead00:33 The last 4 games vs Houston, Oklahoma City, Utah, and Minnesota 03:23 The team defense 9:02 The team on offense14:35 Wemby18:29 Jeremy Sochan20:57 Chris Paul23:43 Harrison Barnes25:16 Keldon Johnson26:59 Malaki Branham28:23 Bench rotationSubscribe to the newsletter by visiting TheSpotUpShot.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Spot Up Pod, host Paul Garcia reviews the San Antonio Spurs' start to the NBA season, discussing their performance in two games against the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets. He provides detailed insights into individual player performances, including Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, Harrison Barnes, Chris Paul, and Stephon Castle, while also analyzing the team's defensive strategies and overall gameplay. The episode concludes with a look at the bench contributions and the upcoming challenges for the Spurs as they continue their season.Click Ahead00:00 Introduction to the Season08:30 Game Recaps: Dallas and Houston20:22 Player Performances: Starters Overview29:52 Bench Contributions On the Newsletter * Game 1: Spurs 109, Mavs 120* Game 2: Spurs 109, Rockets 106* Film Rewatch: Spurs vs Rockets Regular Season Game 2 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Spot Up Pod, Paul Garcia discusses the San Antonio Spurs' regular season roster, the impact of team options on young players like Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley, and he shares overall takeaways from the preseason. He emphasizes the importance of the upcoming season for these players and the team's focus on defense as they prepare for the regular season opener.Click Ahead00:26 Who made the regular season roster?02:54 How do the team options impact Jeremy Sochan, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley's future with the Spurs?09:05 Overall takeaways from the preseason? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Paul Garcia discusses the San Antonio Spurs' preseason performance, focusing on the potential starting lineup, key players who have emerged, and the team's emphasis on defense during training camp. He analyzes the contributions of players like Julian Champagnie, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Blake Wesley, while also highlighting the importance of defensive strategies as the team prepares for the upcoming season.Click Ahead00:00 Who will be in the starting lineup on opening night?01:55 Which players need rotation minutes?08:46 Who has stuck out among training camp invite players?10:45 Two Overall Trends This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Paul Garcia discusses the San Antonio Spurs' preseason basketball, focusing on key players returning to the lineup, particularly Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul. He analyzes what rookie Stephon Castle had to say after practice Tuesday, highlighting Castle adapting to the NBA and his on-ball defense. Additionally, Garcia reacts to Riley Minix sharing his experiences as a rookie, learning from veterans, and working on a quicker release of his 3-point shot.Click Ahead00:00 Wemby, Chris Paul to make Preseason Debut02:11 Stephon Castle06:19 Riley Minix This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Paul Garcia reviews the San Antonio Spurs' first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, discussing key player performances, and Stephon Castle’s first rookie game. He emphasizes the importance of not overvaluing preseason game statistics while highlighting individual player contributions.Click Ahead00:00 Preseason Game Overview02:28 Julian Champagnie05:38 Harrison Barnes06:13 Jeremy Sochan07:24 Stephon Castle10:31 Malaki Branham11:22 Blake Wesley12:31 Mamu14:15 Riley Minix This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Paul Garcia discusses the latest updates on the San Antonio Spurs as they prepare for their first preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Key topics include injury reports, insights from Coach Pop regarding the starting lineup, and a focus on rookie Stephon Castle and his role within the team. Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes also discussed Castle, as well as other topics in training camp. Finally, Keldon Johnson talked about what he worked on this offseason.Click Ahead00:00 Preseason Game Updates and Player Injuries02:19 Fifteen players available vs Thunder04:30 Coach Pop on Starting Lineup05:21 Coach Pop & Players on Stephon Castle08:15 Coach Pop on Keldon Johnson's Role09:24 Keldon Johnson on what he worked on this offseason10:41 Harrison Barnes on Wemby's 1-footed three point shot This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Paul Garcia discusses the latest developments from the San Antonio Spurs' training camp, including insights from players, and the impact of new additions like Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Players such as Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, rookie Stephon Castle, and Malaki Branham are highlighted, showcasing their growth and contributions to the team, as they prepare for the upcoming season.Click Ahead00:00 Training Camp Insights01:15 Lineups03:14 Wemby08:11 Chris Paul10:47 Harrison Barnes12:34 Devin Vassell on his injury13:34 Jeremy Sochan15:37 Stephon Castle17:09 Malaki Branham This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Paul Garcia discusses the latest injury updates for the San Antonio Spurs, focusing on Devin Vassell's absence and the implications for the team's lineup. He explores potential replacements for Vassell, including Keldon Johnson, Stephon Castle, Julian Champagnie, and Malaki Branham, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, Garcia comments on recent roster moves, including the signing and subsequent waiving of Jameer Nelson Jr., and the possibility of signing Nathan Mensah to bolster the team's depth.Click Ahead00:00 Injury updates and their impact on the Spurs00:29 Devin Vassell Injury Explained02:13 Zach Collins' Injury02:53 Charles Bassey's Injury04:12 Should Keldon Johnson start?06:12 Should Stephon Castle start?08:30 Should Julian Champagnie start?09:43 Should Malaki Branham start?11:19 Backup center injury replacement players12:56 Jameer Nelson Jr. signed and waived This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Paul Garcia discusses the upcoming decisions the San Antonio Spurs must make regarding team options for Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley. He analyzes the implications of exercising or declining the options and the potential impact on the roster. The conversation then shifts to answering Twitter questions from fans, covering topics such as the point guard rotation, Jeremy Sochan's role, and the competition for minutes among young players. The episode concludes with a look ahead to training camp and the regular season.Click Ahead00:00 Team Options for Spurs Players08:02 Twitter Questions Round Two08:29 Question 1: Point guard rotation and minutes distribution?11:10 Question 2: Jeremy Sochan’s role?13:45 Question 3: Will Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley find roles this season?17:43 Question 4: Will Sidy Cissoko be part of the rotation this season? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, let’s go through the recent news of the San Antonio Spurs waiving Jamaree Bouyea and the implications for the team's roster. Let’s also explore potential candidates for the open two-way contract and I answered fan questions regarding player roles and expectations for the upcoming season. Finally, the conversation highlights the competitive landscape of the Western Conference and the Spurs' challenges for the season ahead.Click Ahead00:00 Spurs Waive Jamaree Bouyea01:59 Options for open two-way roster spot04:33 Fan questions from Twitter05:40 Question 1: Will Keldon Johnson start again?08:48 Question 2: Will Blake Wesley make the roster?12:07 Question 3: Second unit lineup projections?14:01 Question 4: Season expectations for the team This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Spot Up Pod, let’s revisit three pieces I wrote during the off-season, focusing on Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. From analyzing their stats and go-to shots from last season, to providing additional observations. For Barnes, I highlighted his low fouling rate and post-up ability. For Paul, I discussed his steals and deflections numbers. Finally, I also examined their go-to shots, including Paul's mid-range jumper and Barnes' corner threes.Click Ahead* Paul and Barnes’ offense and defensive stats 1:20* Paul’s 3 go-to shots 12:10* Barnes’ 3 go-to shots 16:40The Articles References in this Episode* Diving into Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes’ stats from last season* Film Study: Chris Paul’s 3 Go-to Shots* Film Study: Harrison Barnes’ 3 Go-to Shots This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

Back on July 12, I wrote about an early San Antonio Spurs rotation outlook. Since then, my prediction hasn’t changed as much on who will be in the San Antonio Spurs’ core rotation. In this episode, I’ll be addressing a number of early lineup questions.Here are the topics for this episode:* Players most likely to start and be part of the 9-man core rotation (0:40)* My early prediction for the 10-man rotation (4:18)* Stephon Castle in the starting lineup (7:10)* Keldon Johnson in the starting lineup (8:35)* The backup minutes between Julian Champagnie, Malaki Branham, and Blake Wesley (10:25)* What about Charles Bassey and Sandro Mamukelashvili? (13:20) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Spot Up Pod, we’ll explore which players are on the San Antonio Spurs’ roster, and the three players who are trying to earn a permanent roster spot.The big questions in this episode:* Who are the 21 players on the roster, and what types of contracts do they have? (0:30)* What if one of the three training camp invites has an impressive preseason? Who might the Spurs look at waiving to open a roster spot for that player? (7:30)* Why hasn’t Nathan Mensah been signed to a training camp contract? (11:15) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thespotupshot.substack.com/subscribe