Spurs Schedule Release Provides Optimism Not Seen in Years

The San Antonio Spurs schedule is out, and there's a lot of excitement surrounding the team in the Alamo City.

SAN ANTONIO - There was a time when the releasing of the San Antonio Spurs schedule was cause for a day long stop down. 

When does Kobe come to town? Or LeBron? Or the hated Dallas Mavericks and Dirk? Those days have been missed around San Antonio until yesterday. It's the first time in recent memory when Spurs fans flocked to their phones or laptops to analyze the schedule, not because they are necessarily good but because they now have hope. And of course, they want to see Victor Wembanyama.

The "Wemby Effect" is in full display with this schedule release as the Spurs have 19 nationally-televised games compared to just four last year.

The first of those games comes on Opening Night against the Dallas Mavericks. The curmudgeon Kyrie Irving makes for a great villain wearing that Mavericks jersey. 

Then, the Spurs host the Rockets to complete the Texas two-step.

Dallas and Houston both need to be good for the hate to truly flow. The Mavs are pretty good. The Rockets are trying. With the added hype of starting the season, these games should set the tone for what will be an exciting year for the Silver and Black.

You can follow Mike Taylor here on Twitter.

Subscribe to The Mike Taylor Show on YouTube.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Spurs? Click Here.

Follow Inside the Spurs on Twitter.

Follow Inside the Spurs on Facebook.

Want even more San Antonio Spurs news? Check out the Si.com team page here.