General 2016 NBA Draft Discussion

[Kawhitstorm]

If Payton were three years younger, he'd be high on the list. As is, I don't know how much upside he has left. The Spurs should be looking to pick up a guard who can start by his third or fourth year, and I just don't see that upside in Payton.

The market for boarderline all-star point guards is probably the least compe ive out of all the positions so that could be addressed via free agency. I see Payton as a career backup ala CoJo but he's a rookie that can play right away (LMA/Tony are on the wrong side of 30) as a defensive specialist ala Justice Winslow.

Tony's contract runs out in 2018 but the 2017 FA point guard pool looks deep:http://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agen...7/point-guard/
-Jrue Holiday is basically the same age as Kawhi & would be a nice replacement for Tony otherwise Teague is a decent consolation prize (Tony would have to come off the bench to make the deal happen)
-G.Hill: Likely to be targeted if Tony is going to remain the starter
-D-Rose is a wild-card

2018 FA point guard pool: http://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agen...8/point-guard/
-Chris Paul: Most likely will be ring chasing so could be interested if LMA ages like Dirk
-Isaiah Thomas: Only in a 6th man role
-Lowry: Most likely will be a s of himself

*I'm not considering RFAs (Marcus Smart/Schroder/MCW/Burke/Payton/LaVine) as possible candidates

[raybies]

Starting to keep tabs on Prince Ibeh. One of the best defender in college. Kinda coming out of nowhere this season to make a real impact. Reminds me of a slightly less athletic Deandre Jordan. Less of a rebounder, less of a scorer, better defender and blocker. Shaka making an impact already. One of the problems with Prince was his at ude but since working on that he has become a interesting prospect. Started basketball as a freshman in high school and is young as a senior so he has some upside. Can defend the pick and roll, even on the switch. Solid post defender. Big body. 6'11" 260. Plays above the rim much like Jordan. Really no post game to speak of other than a hook shot. Sets solid picks and rolls. Poor free throw shooter. He's a great rim protector. Would make a great project big with Starter potential. And he's right in our backyard.

Currently listed 42 on DraftExpress

[raybies]

My board

Prince Ibeh
Malik Newman
AJ Hammons
Chinanu Onuaku
Ante Zizic
Petr Cornelie
Paul Zipser

[Kawhitstorm]

Starting to keep tabs on Prince Ibeh. One of the best defender in college. Kinda coming out of nowhere this season to make a real impact. Reminds me of a slightly less athletic Deandre Jordan. Less of a rebounder, less of a scorer, better defender and blocker. Shaka making an impact already. One of the problems with Prince was his at ude but since working on that he has become a interesting prospect. Started basketball as a freshman in high school and is young as a senior so he has some upside. Can defend the pick and roll, even on the switch. Solid post defender. Big body. 6'11" 260. Plays above the rim much like Jordan. Really no post game to speak of other than a hook shot. Sets solid picks and rolls. Poor free throw shooter. He's a great rim protector. Would make a great project big with Starter potential. And he's right in our backyard.

Currently listed 42 on DraftExpress

Ibeh is like Ezeli in college w/ better hands rather than DeAndre. Ibeh is 6-10 & can move his feet well just like Ezeli but he isn't 7ft tall nor a freakish athlete like DeAndre.

[ace3g]

Tony Parker - UCLA, because why not.

[Kawhitstorm]

Tony Parker - UCLA, because why not.

Can PATFO trade Porker for him?

[BD24]

So was just looking at draft express and wtf happened to George De Paula? Has he just been garbage this year or is he not planning on entering the draft or something? Last year he was predicted as a late 1st or early 2nd round pick if he were to enter the draft. He isn't even ranked this year. Was curious if someone had some intel I am missing.

As far as other players I like, I think Chinanu Onuaku could be a great pickup for the Spurs. He is projected in the mid second round right now and I think he is a steal in that range and gives the Spurs a much needed rim protector/mobile big off the bench. Yes his offense is trash at this point and very raw, but honestly the 2nd unit already has a fairly good amount of offense and wouldn't need him to be much of a scorer. I realize we don't have a pick there, maybe trade one of our draft and stash players for the mid 2nd rounder if he is still there. I think if Skal Labissiere keeps dropping we look at maybe trading up for him. Yes he hasn't lived up to the lofty expectations, but he is still a super young guy with a ton of potential. He again fills that need of a rim protector/mobile big.

As others have said I do like GP2. Only concern there would be his age obviously, on the other hand the age and experience means he could probably come in and make an impact as a bench role player right away if needed.

[raybies]

Prince Ibeh
Aj Hammons
Malik Newman
Chinanu Onuaku
Petr Cornelie

[raybies]

Anybody watch Hammons game last night. He and Ibeh are my top two, by far. Unlike ibeh, hammons has a post game and can shoot up to 18 footers and not a liability at the line. And he's a big body. 7 footer about 280. Defensively, he's a rim protector. He uses solid positional skills to block shots at the rim and alter many more. He has a presence about him. Purdue gets him plenty of touches on the post, and he does a good job finding the open man when doubled.

Also like Caleb Swanigan on Purdue for the future.

Another guy that I'd like to see the spurs send a summer league invite to is Connor Lammert. Stretch 4 that's a solid defender.

[raybies]

Ibeh is like Ezeli in college w/ better hands rather than DeAndre. Ibeh is 6-10 & can move his feet well just like Ezeli but he isn't 7ft tall nor a freakish athlete like DeAndre.

Fran Frasillia? Mentioned in the game against Oklahoma that Ibeh had alot of the qualities of DeAndre Jordan. I said it first but he see's it too.

[Kawhitstorm]

Fran Frasillia? Mentioned in the game against Oklahoma that Ibeh had alot of the qualities of DeAndre Jordan. I said it first but he see's it too.

DeAndre is the go-to guy for an athletic center who can run & jump but has no post game just like every 6'6"+ guard that had a 40 inch vertical & could score was the next Michael Jordan.

Besides his athleticism, DeAndre is an elite rebounder b/c of his length not b/c he has great technique. He also catches every lob because of his freakish athleticism for a 7 footer ala Tyson Chandler.

Ibeh isn't as athletic or lanky as DeAndre & is going to be coming in as an older (22) prospect just like Ezeli.

[raybies]

DeAndre is the go-to guy for an athletic center who can run & jump but has no post game just like every 6'6"+ guard that had a 40 inch vertical & could score was the next Michael Jordan.

Besides his athleticism, DeAndre is an elite rebounder b/c of his length not b/c he has great technique. He also catches every lob because of his freakish athleticism for a 7 footer ala Tyson Chandler.

Ibeh isn't as athletic or lanky as DeAndre & is going to be coming in as an older (22) prospect just like Ezeli.

Yeah I hear you. I may be falling in love with his potential, but imo I think being in the right situation is vital for his career and with Duncan likely retiring I think he could fit in nicely with the starters. I see 20 mins a night 8 boards 4 pts 1.5 blocks. What is tantalizing about him is his ability to switch on the perimeter. And we don't need a big time scorer with Kawhi and LaMarcus. We just need somebody to defend, rebound, and finish around the basket. All things I think he could do exceptionally well. I say the right situation because Barnes had him for three years and couldn't get this out of him then along comes Shaka and he's all of sudden elite. He has all the tools to be a solid pro. He's my pick as of now. If Duncan retires, the more centers we have the better. Like we do whenever we're trying out people at positions. By committee...

[Big Empty]

I agree on Ibeh raybies. Think he would be a great addition.

[raybies]

Watching more of Hammons, he reminds me of Marc Gasol or of that mold as Ibeh is out of the DeAndre Jordan mold. Similarly to Gasol, Hammons struggled with weight issues growing up. He's not high energy. He kind of just methodically goes about his business. He's a foul prone. He's got like a European big man's game about him but can still play in the post. He's got a solid post game, with a hook shot, drop step, and up and under. Can step out and knockdown the jumper at the top of the key. Just started thinking, he might be the better fit as a potential Starter because he can stretch the floor. Which would be beneficial with the post up games of Leonard and Aldridge. As for Ibeh, he would be more Splitter with athleticism-type-role. I like Ibeh against teams like Cleveland and Golden State because you can theoretically switch our hedge and trap hard like the le Heat teams use to do. Both are eLite rim protectors at the collegiate level. I consider them pick 1a and 1b. I like that they are seniors too.

Forgot to mention Hammons can pass. High low and out of the post. Doesn't look like he likes to defend out on the perimeter.

[raybies]

Wish there was more discussion
But this is my niche I guess. Love scouting.

[SAGirl]

Wish there was more discussion
But this is my niche I guess. Love scouting.

I love to watch new talent as well, just don't have much time. As the draft gets closer I'll watch highlight videos. I may watch some March madness games.

They say this draft year the PG class is weak. I am unsure this early in the season which way the Spurs are going with their draft choices, since we have to see our guys in the playoffs to get a better grasp of the future as well as get a sense for guys who may be retiring, as well as Boban and West.

I am thinking we need to draft a guard. Although I have liked both Simmons and Ray, I have a lower ceiling on Simmons than others do, due to his age (he has already improved a lot over the season from where he was at during preseason and after a kind of peak, he has come back down to earth, particularly in games without Manu so I don't think he will make a big leap next season). I think Ray is actually the guy who may look better next season than he did this one just because he looked lost early in the season, and has been out of the rotation and it's hard for anyone to get rhythm going with so little playing time, but I believe Ray is also ultimately a limited player. He's not that crafty and he's athletic but no more than other guards, so he's just a solid 3rd string PG at this point.
I'll keep a better eye out as summer gets closer.

[CGD]

So what are the chances the Spurs DONT stash this 1st? There is a strong chance Bertans and LJC are coming (though for different reason).

Would they really carry 3 true rookies next year?

[raybies]

So what are the chances the Spurs DONT stash this 1st? There is a strong chance Bertans and LJC are coming (though for different reason).

Would they really carry 3 true rookies next year?

Good point. In my mind, I'm convinced that we are gonna draft a big for next year. I think we have to because Tim close to retiring and so with David, depending on if we win it all this year. Also pulling the money together to sign a quality big will be difficult to say the least so drafting well will be the most realistic approach. That's why I've been thoroughly scouting bigs. We could also use help at sg, sf, and a stretch four, but the biggest concern is c, especially with boban being somewhat situational and not that great of a rim protector. If he resigns, that gives us one center if Tim is gone. So between the draft, maybe signing Milutinov, and free agency we got to figure this out. I doubt the Spurs want to waive Diaw, but between Kyle playing best as a stretch four and diaws lethargic play the last few weeks we might do it for the right piece.

As for if we want to have three rookies on board for next year, we just might have to.

[BD24]

Honestly I would love to watch more college ball, but recently it has gotten damn near unwatchable for me. They call way too many fouls which absolutely kills the flow of the game. Not to mention the quality on the offensive end can be absolute at times.

[raybies]

Honestly I would love to watch more college ball, but recently it has gotten damn near unwatchable for me. They call way too many fouls which absolutely kills the flow of the game. Not to mention the quality on the offensive end can be absolute at times.

Yeah it sucks. I dislike the rules too. Clogging up the paint makes for ugly basketball.

[raybies]

Prospects to watch IMO
PG: Malik Newman, Isaiah Cousins, Tyler Ulis
SG: Isaia Cordinier, Grayson Allen
SF: Taurean Prince, Paul Zipser
Stretch 4's: Petr Cornelie, Connor Lammert
C: Prince Ibeh, AJ Hammons, Chinanu Onuaku

So far some might consider this a weak draft, but there are some nice pieces to be had. I think considering our cap and need for talent on the cheap, this would be a good year to cash in maybe LJC for another pick.

[SAGirl]

Good point. In my mind, I'm convinced that we are gonna draft a big for next year. I think we have to because Tim close to retiring and so with David, depending on if we win it all this year. Also pulling the money together to sign a quality big will be difficult to say the least so drafting well will be the most realistic approach. That's why I've been thoroughly scouting bigs. We could also use help at sg, sf, and a stretch four, but the biggest concern is c, especially with boban being somewhat situational and not that great of a rim protector. If he resigns, that gives us one center if Tim is gone. So between the draft, maybe signing Milutinov, and free agency we got to figure this out. I doubt the Spurs want to waive Diaw, but between Kyle playing best as a stretch four and diaws lethargic play the last few weeks we might do it for the right piece.

As for if we want to have three rookies on board for next year, we just might have to.

I see your point at center, also your point with Diaw. I mentioned elsewhere that someday soon Diaw is going to coast himself out of his own spot. He does show up for big games and the postseason, so it's really not a concern for this season, but for the next one, he needs to start considering the glut of young bigs the Spurs have in the pipelines.

Aside from KA we will also have Bertans and possibly Cady as well. I expect D.West to return. He's been healthy, has played well and if we don't ring this season, he will still be ring chasing. If we do ring, he'll want the B2B. I don't see LJC coming over though. He's too undeveloped and without a reliable jump shot I don't see him getting a spot over any of the above young forwards. Like you, I also don't see us carrying too many rookies, specially young undeveloped rookies, which LJC would be, bc at least Bertans seems to have one NBA skill-that sweet 3 pt stroke at his size, while Cady spent the token dleague season already.

However none of those guys is a defensive big (LJC is, but he's raw), so there's room to pick up someone, but I'd like a guard.

[Kawhitstorm]

Prospects to watch IMO
PG: Malik Newman, Isaiah Cousins, Tyler Ulis
SG: Isaia Cordinier, Grayson Allen
SF: Taurean Prince, Paul Zipser
Stretch 4's: Petr Cornelie, Connor Lammert
C: Prince Ibeh, AJ Hammons, Chinanu Onuaku

So far some might consider this a weak draft, but there are some nice pieces to be had. I think considering our cap and need for talent on the cheap, this would be a good year to cash in maybe LJC for another pick.

Tyler Ulis? As if the team need another midget at the point god position. He's also frail like Cotton rather than being chiseled like Isaiah Thomas.

Cousins is a combo guard like George Hill but he isn't as lanky & just an average defender.

Malik is your prototypical "Dominant in high school but average in college" type players. (Poor man's Austin Rivers)

I'll be damned if PATFO take those point guards over GPII:

Thu 2/11: Payton, son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, also had six rebounds, four assists and three steals in the game and put intense pressure on Stanford's ballhandlers all night. "He's probably one of the best two-way players in our conference," Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins said after the game. "He has long arms and such great anticipation. He's very disruptive defensively because he kind of roams everywhere in that zone."


Grayson Allen has Indian Pacers written all over him too.

[raybies]

Tyler Ulis? As if the team need another midget at the point god position. He's also frail like Cotton rather than being chiseled like Isaiah Thomas.

Cousins is a combo guard like George Hill but he isn't as lanky & just an average defender.

Malik is your prototypical "Dominant in high school but average in college" type players. (Poor man's Austin Rivers)

I'll be damned if PATFO take those point guards over GPII:

Thu 2/11: Payton, son of NBA Hall of Famer Gary Payton, also had six rebounds, four assists and three steals in the game and put intense pressure on Stanford's ballhandlers all night. "He's probably one of the best two-way players in our conference," Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins said after the game. "He has long arms and such great anticipation. He's very disruptive defensively because he kind of roams everywhere in that zone."


Grayson Allen has Indian Pacers written all over him too.

I'm not in love with the pg's either. Just listing the ones that Have caught my eye.

Here's my thinking,
Malik Newman- can stroke the 3, has some size and has some potential on d, not to mention he's only a freshman.
Isaiah Cousins- need to see more but I like his work ethic and defense and can hit the three. I miss Joseph pick.
Tyler Ulis- need to see more but I like his effort and overall skill for a scoring pgs. With that said, I don't think there's anyway we pick him, more just someone I like to watch. I can limit to strictly potential firsts only, I guess.

My only concern with Payton is offense and he's old already considering. I think defensively he could be swapped with my Cousins pick, except he can't shoot the three. With that said I wouldn't pick Cousins, Newman, Payton, or ulis with a first. My guess is if we picked up Ray with a second round pick we plan on keeping him. I doubt we let him walk and more so, I don't think any pays any big contract for him. I think we are set at the PG spot. That's where guards like cordinier and especially Grayson come in. They can guard both guard positions and for Grayson, he might be able to play a combo guard role which is really what we need. Not to mention he has an excellent motor.

Imo the first will be spent on a center, sf, or combo guard. No stretch four or pg. Best player available or biggest need is what I think it'll come down to. If it's need, it may very well be center. Best player might be Cordinier imo. Kids got lottery talent. Only knock is that he hasn't played against legit comp.

[raybies]

I see your point at center, also your point with Diaw. I mentioned elsewhere that someday soon Diaw is going to coast himself out of his own spot. He does show up for big games and the postseason, so it's really not a concern for this season, but for the next one, he needs to start considering the glut of young bigs the Spurs have in the pipelines.

Aside from KA we will also have Bertans and possibly Cady as well. I expect D.West to return. He's been healthy, has played well and if we don't ring this season, he will still be ring chasing. If we do ring, he'll want the B2B. I don't see LJC coming over though. He's too undeveloped and without a reliable jump shot I don't see him getting a spot over any of the above young forwards. Like you, I also don't see us carrying too many rookies, specially young undeveloped rookies, which LJC would be, bc at least Bertans seems to have one NBA skill-that sweet 3 pt stroke at his size, while Cady spent the token dleague season already.

However none of those guys is a defensive big (LJC is, but he's raw), so there's room to pick up someone, but I'd like a guard.

I think how diaw plays this post season is going to be huge. If he somehow plays poorly, I don't see us keeping him. He seems disinterested imo. And I think by next year Kyle will have enough time to further develop his body and slide into that role.

I guess it also depends on who we'd waive diaw to get and I don't think he has much trade value. Just thinking the way diaws contract is set up it actually may have some value in this aspect, if we do trade him for say a second round pick or maybe Toronto's late first, that team knowing his past will have a two year trial with him to see if he plays and if not they can waive him and save money on his partially non guaranteed deal. And with Boris there might be enough incentive to play for that money knowing it will be his last and if with Toronto, he might play since they're a so to speak contender, not to mention they have a need at pf. Might be a dark horse move at the trade deadline. Maybe not