The San Antonio Spurs reimagined as famous Christmas movie characters

One of the best parts of Christmas has to be all of the classic Christmas movies, but which famous Christmas movie characters are San Antonio Spurs players most like?

From classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and How the Grinch Stole Christmas to newer favorites like Elf and Love Actually, everyone loves Christmas movies. Just like how everyone has a favorite San Antonio Spurs player, everyone has a favorite Christmas movie that means a little more to them.

There’s plenty of exciting basketball taking place tomorrow but unfortunately, the San Antonio Spurs were not included in festivities. Much like Rudolph, they were left out of the fun and games. All that means is that there’s more time for spending time with family, eating too much good food, and maybe taking in a Christmas movie or two.

Whether you go for the classics or believe that Die Hard is a Christmas movie (it totally is) you’ve probably seen your fair share of holiday films. You should be more than familiar with all of the movie characters who will be compared to Spurs players on this list.

Here are a few San Antonio Spurs reimagined as famous Christmas movie characters, feel free to toss out other comparisons for these players or those not listed in the comments section.

Next: Buddy the Elf

Patty Mills is Buddy the Elf

He didn’t spend his formative years raised at the North Pole believing he was an elf but Patty Mills has all the energy and spirit that Buddy the Elf has.

Mills began his career as a towel-waving member of the bench mob, more well known for his constant enthusiasm on the bench than his contributions on the court. That’s changed over the years as he’s carved out a role as one of the best backup point guards in the league but one thing that has remained the same throughout his career has been the frantic pace at which Mills plays.

You can criticize his defense or shot selection but no one can say with a straight face that Mills doesn’t give his all every time he steps on the court. He’s sprinting all over the place, taking charges, weaving through screens, and constantly moving the ball. Like Buddy, he’s always going.

And like Buddy, Mills is more than capable of catching fire and bailing the Spurs out of a pinch. Remember when Buddy and Michael are cornered in the park by a gang of bullies and Buddy turns out to be a snowball throwing monster? Mills is like that, except the bullies are bad losses and the snowballs are three-pointers. It doesn’t happen all the time but Patty’s bailed the Spurs out of more than a few pinches with his long-range marksmanship.

Next: Kevin McAllister

Lonnie Walker IV is Kevin McAllister

He hasn’t been left off the team plane yet (that we know of) but Lonnie Walker has been left riding the pine by Gregg Popovich more than a few times this season. It seems like a deliberate decision rather than a pure mistake but the end result is the same.

And like Kevin, Lonnie has come to the rescue for the Spurs. In Walker’s version of Home Alone, the Wet Bandits were named James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Not quite as threatening as Marv and Harry but still a tough task for such a young player.

Instead of slippery stairs, a flamethrower, and a BB gun, Walker decided to dispatch the Houston Rockets star duo through the hard-nosed defense, three-pointers from well behind the arc, and thunderous dunks as he led the Spurs to their most thrilling win of the season. 

Kevin McCallister saved Christmas and Lonnie Walker could end up saving the San Antonio Spurs someday. He’s one of the most exciting prospects that the team has had in quite some time and already has shown that he can come through in big moments. It may only be a few years until Lonnie is asking the rest of the league if they’re ready to give up, or are they thirsty for more?

Next: The Grinch

Gregg Popovich is The Grinch

Come on, this one should’ve been clear from the moment you read the article title. It’s too perfect. The theme song can even be adapted for the head coach of the San Antonio Spurs. “You’re a mean one, Coach Pop” just rolls off the tongue.

Just so we’re clear, Pop is 1966 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Grinch, not the animated 2018 version and certainly not 2000 Jim Carey version. Those ones were far too wacky, borderline depressed, or animated to be the head coach we all know and love.

Whether it’s taking minutes away from players after a poor showing on defense, sitting stars in primetime matchups, or giving gruff answers to reports during halftime, Pop has played the role of the Grinch more than a few times throughout his tenure with the San Antonio Spurs.

In the 1966 version of the Christmas classic, the singing of the Whos down in Whoville is what helps the Grinch’s heart grow three sizes. What makes Pop’s heart swell? Probably red wine, ball movement, defense, and his five NBA Championships.

Like the Grinch, Pop’s gruff exterior is just a cover for what we all know is a huge heart and a sense of empathy, both for those in the Spurs organization and around the world, that is right in line with what Christmas is all about.