The Big Fundamental Spurs Podcast

The 2021-22 regular season is over for the Spurs, who overperformed expectations and earned the right to play postseason basketball while setting themselves up for a bright future well beyond that. San Antonio finished 34-48 and made the play-in tournament as the 10 seed, and unless they beat the odds and make the playoffs, they'll have the ninth-best odds in the upcoming lottery for a stacked draft class. They're heading to New Orleans to test their mettle in a win-or-go-home contest. For this episode of the Big Fundamental Podcast, we asked Spurs fans for their thoughts on the regular season and their wishes for the play-in, and talked about the most popular answers. More on the season in review here.

Host Tom Petrini welcomes Casey Viera for the first time, and vigorous debate about the remainder of San Antonio's season ensues. The best thing about this team is that they refuse to stop fighting. They punch up, play hard, and get better from the learning experiences. Competing is a core value and so is beating the Lakers, who sit just 2.5 games ahead of them thanks to all their dysfunction.

The San Antonio Spurs are heading into the All-Star break with Dejounte Murray representing the team in Cleveland, and a series of trade deadline moves that provide maximum flexibility for the future. Host Tom Petrini brings in KENS 5 Sports Director Joe Reinagel and Spurs Reporter Jeff Garcia to talk about Murray's growth, leadership and future, and asks the All-Star himself what he wants to continue improving on, and what it means to share this moment with his family.

Dejounte Murray has missed five games, and the Spurs have clearly missed him, losing their last four. Host Tom Petrini is joined by Joe Reinagel and Jeff Garcia to talk about the impact of Murray's absence, Keldon Johnson's recent slump, Derrick White's improved play, and Becky Hammon's new job as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces.

Jeff Garcia joins host Tom Petrini to break down a big win over the Utah Jazz, and head-scratching losses to shorthanded Hornets and Kings teams. Coach Gregg Popovich and some of the players spoke about the team getting too satisfied after victories, but it goes deeper than that. Plus, the latest on San Antonio's backup center situation as Jock Landale earns more minutes and Thad Young makes it clear he'd rather be playing for a contender than riding the bench during a rebuild.

The Spurs rattled off their first four-game winning streak in over two seasons, so host Tom Petrini talked to Joe Reinagel and Jeff Garcia about what's driving the turnaround.  Jeff dove into the Pacers' trade machine madness, and Joe explained why tanking is antithetical to the Spurs' Way, even though they once lost a bunch of games and drafted Tim Duncan.

This young San Antonio Spurs team has made too many mistakes and not enough threes over the course of their 4-12 start to the season, but there are some parts of their play that inspire confidence. Tom Petrini and Jeff Garcia break down the highs and lows, and talk about what this team will need to do to right the ship.

The first slate of regular season action is in the books for the San Antonio Spurs, and although it's a small sample size, there's still plenty of positives, concerns, and overreaction. The Big Fun Pod dives into the highlights and questions from the young season, including Lonnie Walker's presence with the second unit, the excellent defense, and the horrific shooting from the first three games.  Plus, a look ahead at the matchup versus the Los Angeles Lakers, and Jackson shares some news. 

It's like Christmas Eve -- the Spurs season is just one sleep away. The Big Fun Pod dives into the last roster moves to get the Silver and Black to 15 guaranteed spots, including the surprise cutting of Luka Samanic. Plus, what the lingering restricted free agency means for Lonnie Walker IV and his future with the Spurs. Also, the pod examines the biggest takeaways from preseason (including a wild take from Joe Reinagel) and the ahead-of-schedule development of Spurs rookie Joshua Primo.

KENS 5's Big Fundamental Podcast has discussed many of the Spurs' offseason acquisitions, but for our conversation on Zach Collins, we decided to call in an expert. 10 Tampa Bay Sports Director (and former KENS 5 Sports Anchor/BFP regular) Evan Closky joins the Big Fun Pod to dish on Collins, whom Closky covered during his Gonzaga years. Also, the Ben Simmons rumor doesn't want to go away; with Simmons ready to hold out from 76ers camp, Las Vegas has updated its odds that the controversial young star is traded, with San Antonio ranked as the fifth most likely destination. The pod discusses whether trading for Simmons, given the right cost, would make the Spurs a playoff team.

The San Antonio Spurs have a hole in their starting 5 with the departure of DeMar DeRozan, who took his talents to the Chicago Bulls this offseason. Plenty of talent made its way to the Alamo City, and the Silver & Black have a good problem on their hands with a few guys qualified to slide into the rotation. The Big Fun Pod debates which piece makes the most fit alongside the Spurs' young core. Also, the NBA schedule was recently released, and the Spurs have the second-hardest schedule in the league. Does that lower the expectations set on the young Spurs for the season ahead? And should it be any surprise that Gregg Popovich wants to be the winningest head coach in NBA history? It's all in Big Fun in this week's episode! 

Sure, the San Antonio Spurs only won one game during their tenure in Las Vegas this month, but there were still plenty of positives to take away from Summer League. The Big Fun Pod offers their first impressions on rookies Joshua Primo and Joe Wieskamp and breaks down the big steps taken by second-year guys Devin Vassell and Tre Jones. Plus, the moves the Spurs made this offseason point at a team aiming to contend rather than tank for a top pick in next year's NBA Draft. The conversation gets heated on whether this was the right move for the Spurs to make. But hey, it's all in Big Fun! 

KENS 5's Tom Petrini is in Las Vegas this week reporting on the San Antonio Spurs at NBA Summer League. He sat down to record a mailbag episode of the Big Fundamental Podcast, answering fan questions about San Antonio's progress in the preseason tournament. What are the main strengths and weaknesses of Josh Primo, Joe Wieskamp, Devin Vassell and Tre Jones? Which of the rookies will play more next year? What's the most impressive thing about Primo? Will this team focus on rebuilding, play competitive basketball, or both?

The San Antonio Spurs are picking the in the lottery for a second straight year Thursday night during the 2021 NBA Draft. The Big Fun Pod breaks down the Silver and Black's biggest needs and the best fits to be found at the 12th spot during the draft, as well as discuss the rumors the team could move either up or down the draft order with a draft-day trade. Plus, DeMar DeRozan dished on his impending free agency decision, and all indications lean toward the star leaving San Antonio. We talk about what his departure would mean for this squad, and who will step up into the now empty spotlight as the team goes all-in on the young core. And, it's a lot more fun to talk Olympics basketball after Team USA's 50-point blowout. Given the shaky start for the Americans during this year's tournament, how much of the criticism directed at head coach Gregg Popovich is warranted, and is this team still coming home with the gold? 

This episode was recorded before Team USA announced Keldon Johnson had been added to the 12-man Olympics roster.    Fresh off a weekend of exhibition games, Coach Pop and Team USA are taking heat for their two losses against the Nigerian and Australian teams. The Big Fun Pod examines how much of the criticism is warranted and how much is an overreaction. Plus, the pod discusses the discourse surrounding Becky Hammon's response to being passed over by Portland as well as the way the Trail Blazers treated the longtime Spurs assistant and basketball legend. And with just two weeks until the draft and 18 days until free agency, are the Silver and Black looking to make a big splash or just dip their toes in the water? The pod looks at the recent rumblings that two up-and-coming stars could be swapped this offseason and potential draft gets for the Spurs.

WNBA legend and San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon will reportedly interview for head coaching vacancies in both Orlando and Portland. And with more head coaching positions being vacated across the league, it seems more likely than ever that the longest-tenured Spurs assistant coach will get the opportunity to be the first woman hired as an NBA head coach. Plus, some stars have backed out of Team USA commitments, but head coach Gregg Popovich will still have a wealth of talent in Tokyo this summer. The Big Fun Pod hosts its first-ever Team USA Fantasy Draft to build their best starting 5.

The San Antonio Spurs missed the playoffs for the second season in a row, and the team is now at a crossroads. The pod examines what went right -- and what went wrong -- this season for the Silver and Black. Plus, how should the team shape their roster during the offseason: should DeMar DeRozan be the priority? Will the Spurs let Rudy Gay and Patty Mills -- two of the team's best three-point shooters this season -- walk? And what's with all the talk about head coach Gregg Popovich retiring now?

The Western Conference half of the NBA's play-in tournament begins Wednesday evening as the Spurs face off against the Grizzlies with a chance to extend the season by at least one more game. San Antonio is in a win-or-go-home game in Memphis, and here's what the Big Fun Pod is watching for in the matchup. Plus, looking back to a memorable night for Spurs fans as Tim Duncan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and Kobe Bryant's legacy remembered.

The San Antonio Spurs will finish this season without versatile guard Derrick White, who suffered an ankle injury five games ago. During the stretch without him, the Silver & Black are reeling in the midst of a winless stretch of basketball. They're holding on to a play-in spot, but what can the Spurs do to make up for White's absence during the regular season's last few games? Plus, why Lonnie Walker IV is coming off the bench instead of starting while White is out; why Rudy Gay and Patty Mills continue to garner meaningful minutes over young players like Luka Samanic; and why San Antonio is relying more on Gorgui Dieng over Drew Eubanks. It's all in the latest episode of the Big Fun Pod!

Not only did the San Antonio Spurs just win their most important game of the season, putting more distance between themselves and the New Orleans Pelicans for a play-in spot, but the team emerged victorious from the most exciting game of the season, a thrilling 146-143 overtime game against the Washington Wizards. The pod looks at how tremendous DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray were in the wins, as well as the impact Derrick White's injury could have on the rest of the season. Plus, where this team stacks up in the Western Conference playoff hunt, and the incredible improvement from Jakob Poeltl from the free throw line.

DeMar DeRozan was clutch once again, hitting the game-winning shot over the Dallas Mavericks that broke the San Antonio Spurs' five-game losing streak. With the Spurs now winners of two straight games, was DeRozan's shot the game changer San Antonio needs for a playoff push? The Big Fun Pod also examines the latest report regarding DeRozan's looming free agency decision plus what Lonnie Walker IV's return to full health means for this team's second unit.

Following a slog in which the San Antonio Spurs (hopefully) hit rock bottom, The Big Fundamental Podcast examines what went wrong. Was this 3-7 stretch a factor of fatigue, injuries, bad luck -- or maybe a combination of several things? Plus, LaMarcus Aldridge's absence and subsequent buyout seemed to signal a pivot for the Silver & Black, yet instead of fully committing to the youth movement, the team is sticking to its guns, playing vets Patty Mills and Rudy Gay over guys like Luka Samanic and Devin Vassell. The pod addresses why that's been the case and whether that will change as the season progresses. The team now has to become road warriors, with 17 of their remaining 25 games outside the not-so-friendly confines of the AT&T Center, but is that a good thing for a team who's biggest strength might be their camaraderie? It's all in the latest episode of The Big Fun Pod.

While it may not have been the sexiest move at the NBA trade deadline, the Big Fundamental Podcast believes the San Antonio Spurs buying out LaMarcus Aldridge and then acquiring Gorgui Dieng could make this team better immediately. As for Aldridge, he's off to Brooklyn; what can the big man bring to the Nets, who've now accumulated two former All-NBA stars in the buyout market? Plus, the podcast examines what's the blame for the Silver and Black's recent 1-5 slump during the team's last big homestand of the season. And the pod says goodbye to Evan, who's off to Tampa Bay!

As rumors crop up surrounding several San Antonio Spurs possibly on the outs, the Silver and Black aren't making a move with less than 24 hours before the trade deadline passes. The Big Fun Pod explains why a buyout for LaMarcus Aldridge is likely the best move, and why it would be foolish for the Spurs to trade DeMar DeRozan whilst in the thick of a playoff hunt. Plus, "Big Body" goes big during the team's five-game road trip; why is he the most exciting Spur in years?

Over the last few games, the San Antonio Spurs have been without DeMar DeRozan, who's been absent to attend his father's funeral, and LaMarcus Aldridge, whose time with the Silver and Black is officially over. Without the two icons, the team has stepped into the future, relying on the core of young talent the Spurs have acquired over the last several years. The Big Fun Pod talks about how bright that future could be, and what this handful of games have revealed about the young guys, particularly Jakob Poeltl and Lonnie Walker IV.

The San Antonio Spurs kick off the second half of their season Wednesday against the Dallas Mavericks, but questions loom before the games get underway. How does Lonnie Walker IV fit into the Spurs rotation with the team nearing a fully healthy roster? Is there any smoke to the trade rumors surrounding the Silver and Black and their four veteran players? And how much longer will LaMarcus Aldridge remain a member of this squad?

Spurs forward Keldon Johnson made the Rising Stars squad -- and also made his return to the Silver and Black from COVID-19 protocols. While several other key members of the rotation remain absent, Luka Samanic -- a rising star in his own right -- has shined, capping off a solid 3-game stretch with a career night against the Knicks. Here's what his ascendence could mean for LaMarcus Aldridge's future with the team, however long that future may be.

The Spurs are down 5 players amid a COVID outbreak among the team -- so how long will they be shorthanded, and what does that mean for the Silver & Black's playoff chances? Plus, we examine the season's second half schedule, which was released this week.

San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray was transcendent in night one versus the Warriors, tallying 27 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high 8 steals. We talk about Murray's game and his development, as well as what the Spurs should do when LaMarcus Aldridge is healthy. Plus, another edition of the BFP mailbag!

We are not financial advisors. But given how "stonks" are a trending topic the Big Fun Pod has some fun discussing which Spurs they are more bullish or bearish on so far this season, and which players' value could rocket in the future. To the moon, baby!

The Silver & Black had a handful of players in contact tracing Monday and were without the required number of players to suit up against the Pelicans. We break down what we know about the postponement, and remember Kobe Bryant on the anniversary of his tragic death. 

The San Antonio Spurs are 6-2 on the road this season, with their most recent win, 125-104 over the Portland Trail Blazers, coming with big performances from the "old guys" on the Silver and Black.

The Spurs just wrapped up one of the best stretches of road games in team history, but this week the team's focus off the court turned to the racial and social injustices that were at the forefront of national conversations following the attack at the U.S. Capitol last week. Meanwhile, the NBA is trying to wrangle with the coronavirus pandemic which has already forced the cancellation of a swath of games just 3 weeks into the season's start. 

The San Antonio Spurs were able to walk into Staples Center this week and leave with a win, and that's something that shouldn't be taken for granted -- especially after a 4-game losing skid. But will the injuries to LaMarcus Aldridge and Derrick White continue to be the road blocks to some consistency for the Silver and Black? Oh, and is Keldon Johnson the best young Spurs player since Tim Duncan?

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon made history last night when she took over the head coaching role following Gregg Popovich's ejection. The Big Fun Pod reacts to the major milestone and breaks down the first week of the 2020-2021 season.

The San Antonio Spurs are ready to tip off their regular season Wednesday night in Memphis against the Grizzlies after an 0-3 preseason start, but The Big Fun Pod is less concerned with the record and more concerned about the rotation. Should Rudy Gay be in the starting lineup, or should DeMar DeRozan be the fixture at the four spot.   Also, Devin Vassell is really good and we're adopting him as the "Son of the Podcast." Will he be one of "the guys" in the Silver and Black's young core?

Brace yourselves: the NBA season is coming! On the precipice of the Spurs taking the court to kick off their preseason, the "young boys" of the Big Fun Pod go deep on all things Silver & Black, from roster additions & subtractions to offseason adjustments; we also spoke to the players and Coach Pop on how things are shaping up as the 2020-2021 NBA season draws near. This is the Avengers: Endgame of Spurs preseason podcasts!

This episode is an excerpt from the Big Fun Pod's live draft show and our instant reaction to the San Antonio Spurs selection at number 11 -- Devin Vassell, the 3-and-D sophomore from Florida State. 

DeMar DeRozan is back with the Spurs -- for now. We talk what his opt-in means for a potential trade, and whether it could be another Silver & Black star on the move. And speaking of trades, the NBA is wheeling and dealing ahead of Wednesday's draft -- including, it seems, a Houston Rockets team that failed to launch with its two stars. And the pod offers their draft predictions: who will be the newest Spur to suit up in the new fancy Fiesta jerseys?

San Antonio Spurs star DeMar DeRozan can either opt in for another year with the Silver and Black or walk and become a free agent. We discuss the potential moves for the Spurs depending on whether DeRozan stays or goes. 

It's a Big Fun Spurs Pre-Draft Special! Tom and Evan take a look at players whom the Silver and Black should consider with the 11th pick, as well as some players worth considering trading up to snag.

It was a run that would have to end eventually, and after 22 straight seasons of postseason basketball, the San Antonio Spurs will miss the playoffs. This episode of the Big Fundamental Podcast was recorded live following wins by the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies to seal the Silver & Black's fate.

The Spurs are at 2-1, and have already exceeded expectations that many had for them in the NBA's Orlando bubble. They might even actually make the playoffs. Tom Petrini and Evan Closky had some thoughts on the mistake-filled loss against Philly, especially concerning the play of Jakob Poeltl and Dejounte Murray down the stretch. The guys talked about DeMar DeRozan's stellar play in the bubble, and what it means for his role (and LaMarcus Aldridge's) with the team moving forward in this episode of the Big Fun Pod!

When San Antonio will take the court Thursday for the first time since March, the most notable difference might be three words painted across center-court: "Black Lives Matter." The Spurs, along with the rest of the NBA, have embraced the season's restart to continue to conversation on racial and social injustice in the United States; we'll listen to the team speak on those issues.    And we break down what we expect from the Spurs when their season resumes.

With the NBA reportedly voting to return to play at Disney, Evan Closky and Tom Petrini got together to discuss how it will all work, and how this impacts the Silver and Black. Also, Coach Pop took some time this week to break down the issues of systemic racism and police brutality.

It's something we've seen coming for at least the last decade, but Spurs great Tim Duncan is officially a Hall of Famer. And of course, being a podcast named after the Big Fundamental himself, the Big Fun Pod had to assemble its own big three to wax poetic about one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

The National Basketball Association made the shocking decision to suspend the remainder of the 2019-2020 season indefinitely after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for coronavirus. The Big Fun Pod discusses the watershed moment and what's next for the NBA and the San Antonio Spurs.

Head coach Gregg Popovich missed the Spurs' matchup with the Charlotte Hornets and tapped Tim Duncan as his replacement. And that led to some takes on social media. The Big Fun Pod addresses the "coaching controversy," as well as the youth movement in San Antonio as the injury bug continues to bite.And with all the talk of the future, have we given up on the Silver and Black's present playoff potential? It's all in the name of Big Fun in this week's episode!

The grueling Rodeo Road Trip has reached its conclusion, but it's not always Home Sweet Home. The Spurs drop their first game back in San Antonio to the Dallas Mavericks. The Big Fun Pod breaks down the game's action, theorizes what the team will do if LaMarcus Aldridge misses significant time, and addresses the question of fan negativity on social media.

The San Antonio Spurs were on a break while All-Star festivities were underway in Chicago, but the free agency made a move most Spurs fans anticipated in buying out DeMarre Carroll. It's fair to say Carroll was a bust signing, but is this a sign of a failing front office or just a trend the Silver and Black will buck in the future? 

Big Fun Pod hosts Jackson Floyd, Evan Closky, and Tom Petrini answer all of your burning Spurs questions. Is the team "stealth tanking"? What's the move for the Silver & Black this offseason - and the lingering "DeMar Question"? And what dirt does Marco have on Pop?  It's all in the name of Big Fun in this week's episode!