timvp
06-25-2009, 06:00 AM
Heading into the 2009 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs have three second round draft picks. One of the second rounders is near the beginning (37th), while the other two are near the end (51st and 53rd).
On paper this draft didn't look to exciting for the Spurs. Then the Richard Jefferson trade took place. Not only did that trade open up roster spots that could potentially be filled via the draft, interviews with R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich following the trade hinted at San Antonio being very active in the draft proceedings. According to multiple media sources, the Spurs have actively attempted to move up into the first round. With a front office apparently on the war path to improve, it should be an interesting event -- even though the Spurs head into the draft with only second round draft selections at their disposal.
TEAM NEEDS
Bigman
After trading Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Spurs have a noticeable void in the bigman department. Currently, the only power forwards and centers on the roster are Tim Duncan, Matt Bonner and Ian Mahinmi. Prior to the start of the regular season, the Spurs need two or three more bigs to add to the equation.
Defensive Wing
Bruce Bowen was also a part of the Jefferson trade. While the door isn't closed on his return, the Spurs could really use a defensive shooting guard or small forward for the future. A defensive wing with size would be preferred.
Perimeter Shooting
The Spurs have been a very good shooting team the last few years but they could soon need more marksmanship. Roger Mason, Jr. has been involved in trade rumors, Michael Finley isn't guaranteed to be back and Bowen's three-point shooting shouldn't be overlooked.
Backup Point Guard
Most Spurs fans would love to see George Hill given the reins to the backup point guard position. However, Pop hasn't shown much confidence in Hill's ability to play the point. If the Spurs view Hill as more of a shooting guard, this need grows. Even if Pop sees Hill as a point guard, the Spurs could be in the market for a third string point guard to replace Jacque Vaughn.
Athleticism
When it comes down to it, this squad could really use athleticism -- at literally every position. The Spurs have gotten older, slower and more athletically-challenged in recent years. Adding a few athletes to the roster is vital to compete in today's NBA.
DRAFT STRATEGY
I expect the Spurs to approach this draft like they have always approached draft night in the Pop Era. The team will narrow down their wish list to a handful of players. If a trade becomes available to move up in the draft to get one of those players, the Spurs could make the move. If not, they may sit, wait and hope that one drops to 37.
To move up in the draft, the most likely assets to be utilized are the 37th pick, a future first round pick, cash, George Hill, Matt Bonner, Roger Mason, Jr. and the rights to Tiago Splitter. Combining a few of these assets together could potentially allow the Spurs to move up to the mid to late first round.
At 51 and 53, the front office is most likely to go the draft-and-stash route. Whoever is drafted at this two picks will likely end up in Europe next season.
Trading out of the draft is another possibility. In recent years, the value of early second round draft picks has risen dramatically. If San Antonio doesn't like what they see when it's their turn to select, don't be surprised if a trade is arranged.
THE 2009 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS
Key
**** - A great fit on the Spurs
*** - A very good fit for the Spurs
** - A decent fit for the Spurs
* - A bad fit for the Spurs
CREAM OF THE CROP
These players are likely out of range for San Antonio.
Blake Griffin, Oklahoma ****
The best player in the draft, Griffin is the lone elite prospect available.
Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut ***1/2
Defensively, the sky is the limit for Thabeet. Offensively, it could be a struggle.
Ricky Rubio, Spain ***1/2
Rubio is a natural basketball player with an amazing feel for the game.
James Harden, Arizona State ***
Arguably the best scoring perimeter player in the draft, Harden should go top 5.
Stephen Curry, Davidson ***
Dell's son has a beautiful stroke and is undoubtedly the best shooter in the draft.
Jordan Hill, Arizona ***
Impressive bigman athlete but needs to refine his skill level.
Tyreke Evans, Memphis ***
Evans is a big combo guard who can handle and score the rock.
Jonny Flynn, Syracuse **1/2
Likely the best floor leader in the draft who also moves with good quickness.
Jrue Holiday, UCLA **1/2
Holiday gives good effort, very competitive but he's still raw -- especially for a PG.
Demar DeRozan, USC **1/2
Speaking of raw, DeRozan sometimes looks like Kobe and sometimes like a bust.
TRADING UP
These players should be a lock to go prior to 37, which means a trade likely would be needed if they are to call San Antonio home.
DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh ***
Built like a tank, Blair's stats were very impressive. However, injury concerns persist.
Terrence Williams, Louisville ***
Great athlete, very good size and a deceptively skilled forward.
James Johnson, Wake Forest ***
A slasher with good athleticism, though he might be a tweener.
Earl Clark, Louisville ***
At 6-foot-10, Clark can do a little bit of everything.
Gerald Henderson, Duke ***
Impressive athlete who moves fluidly and could become an elite perimeter defender.
Ty Lawson, North Carolina **1/2
Probably the most ready point guard in the draft but has limited upside.
Brandon Jennings, USA **1/2
Still somewhat of an unknown after a year in Europe but should go rather high.
Sam Young, Pittsburgh **1/2
Pretty old (24) and potential may have been reached but looks like he's ready to play.
B.J. Mullens, Ohio State **1/2
Legit size for a center but he's a few years away from being able to help an NBA team.
Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina **1/2
Had one of the most impressive college careers in history. Will it translate?
Jeff Teague, Wake Forest **1/2
Has room to improve but will likely need to make it in the league as a point guard.
Austin Daye, Gonzaga **1/2
Very good size but needs a few years to translate some of his skill to the court.
IN THE MIX
These players could potentially still be on the board at 37.
Point Guards
Eric Maynor, VCU **1/2
Small school star who can score and pass. Will likely be off the board at 37.
Toney Douglas, Florida State **1/2
Can score, can shoot but he needs a lot of work as a playmaker.
Nick Calathes, Florida **
First round talent but has already signed a contract in Greece.
Darren Collison, UCLA **
Not much potential but he could play a roll very similar to Vaughn.
Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's **
Erratic but played well in the Olympics and has a similar game to Claxton.
Rodrigue Beaubois, France **
Good tools but he's a few years away from helping out an NBA team.
Sergio Llull, Spain *1/2
Definitely a talent but it's not clear if he ever wants to cross the pond.
Shooting Guards
Wayne Ellington, North Carolina **1/2
Good shooter, good athlete but his size and strength is in question.
Marcus Thornton, LSU **
Can score the rock but he's small for the position and not too versatile.
Jermaine Taylor, Central Florida **
Small school scoring sensation but one-dimensional and somewhat undersized.
Patrick Beverley, USA **
Played in the Ukraine last year. Gives great effort and has heart but is position-less.
Jack McClinton, Miami **
One of the best shooters in the draft but his size could force him to the PG position.
Sergey Gladyr, Ukraine **
The Spurs have been linked to Gladyr. Has potential but needs more grooming.
Nando De Colo, France **
Very good playmaker but not much of an athlete. Also linked to Spurs.
Small Forwards
Omri Casspi, Israel **1/2
The Spurs have scouted him for years. Great size and toughness for the position.
Chase Budinger, Arizona **1/2
Very good athlete and has skill but does he want it bad enough?
DeMarre Carroll, Missouri **1/2
Hustle player who plays hard every second -- but there are health concerns.
Jonas Jerebko, Sweden **
James Gist's teammate has the size and athleticism to make it at small forward.
Danny Green, North Carolina **
All-around game but Green doesn't flourish in any one area. Not a great athlete.
Derrick Brown, Xavier **
A bit of a tweener who lacks ideal skill. That said, his athleticism could compensate.
DaJuan Summers, Georgetown **
Can shoot, has good size but might be a bit stiff to play small forward.
Joe Ingles, Australia *1/2
Good size and athleticism but his heart and motor have been questioned.
Power Forwards
Victor Claver, Spain **1/2
Athletic and could also play small forward. Is he willing to come to the NBA?
Taj Gibson, USC **
Old (24) and skinny but could become good rebounder and shotblocker.
Dante Cunningham, Villanova **
Smart bigman who can play away from the basket but small and not a great athlete.
Josh Heytvelt, Gonzaga **
Pretty athletic and can shoot but not much of a rebounder or defender.
Ahmad Nivins, Saint Joseph's **
Still learning the game but he has potential to be a quality NBA defender.
Centers
Jeff Pendergraph, Arizona State **
Evolving all-around game but needs to get stronger and more defensive minded.
Jon Brockman, Washington **
Even though just 6-foot-7, Brockman is tough player who crashes the boards.
Slava Kravtsov, Ukraine **
Big, athletic and physical. The basketball playing aspect needs some work.
Hank Norel, Holland *1/2
Good length and a fluid athlete but needs to find his niche on the court.
BEST OF THE REST
Emir Preldzic, Bosnia **
Ball-handling small forward with length.
Christian Eyenga, Congo **
Extremely raw but good draft-and-stash option.
Tony Gaffney, Massachusetts *1/2
His shotblocking alone makes him interesting.
Dionte Christmas, Temple *1/2
Can score but is one-dimensional
Jodie Meeks, Kentucky *1/2
Scored well in college but small and not too athletic.
Lester Hudson, Tennessee Martin *1/2
Small school prospect who doesn't fit a position.
A.J. Price, Connecticut *1/2
Paul Harris, Syracuse *1/2
Jerel McNeal, Marquette *1/2
Alade Aminu, Georgia Tech *1/2
Antonio Anderson, Memphis *1/2
Jeff Adrien, Connecticut *1/2
Leo Lyons, Missouri *1/2
Terrel Harris, Oklahoma State *1/2
Robert Dozier, Memphis *1/2
Wesley Matthews, Marquette *1/2
Courtney Fells, NC State *
Chris Johnson, LSU *
Curtis Jerrells, Baylor *
Goran Sutton, Michigan State *
Bryan Mullins, Southern Illinois *
Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga 1/2
Lee Cummard, BYU 1/2
Nemanja Aleksandrov, Serbia 1/2
THE 2009 NBA MOCK DRAFT
1. Clippers - Blake Griffin
2. Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet
3. Thunder - Ricky Rubio
4. Kings - Jonny Flynn
5. T'Wolves - Tyreke Evans
6. T'Wolves - James Harden
7. Warriors - Jordan Hill
8. Knicks - Stephen Curry
9. Raptors - Demar DeRozan
10. Bucks - Jrue Holiday
11. Nets - James Johnson
12. Bobcats - Terrence Williams
13. Pacers - Ty Lawson
14. Suns - Earl Clark
15. Pistons - B.J. Mullens
16. Bulls - Gerald Henderson
17. Sixers - Eric Maynor
18. T'Wolves - DeJuan Blair
19. Hawks - Brandon Jennings
20. Jazz - Tyler Hansbrough
21. Hornets - Sam Young
22. Blazers - Omri Casspi
23. Kings - Chase Budinger
24. Mavericks - DeMarre Carroll
25. Thunder - Jonas Jerebko
26. Bulls - Nick Calathes
27. Grizzlies - Jeff Teague
28. T'Wolves - Taj Gibson
29. Lakers - Jack McClinton
30. Cavaliers - Toney Douglas
31. Kings - Victor Claver
32. Wizards - Darren Collison
33. Blazers - Sergio Llull
34. Nuggets - Jeff Pendergraph
35. Piston - Rodrigue Beaubois
36. Grizzlies - Wayne Ellington
37. Spurs - Patrick Mills
38. Blazers - Dante Cunningham
39. Pistons - Sergey Gladyr
40. Bobcats - Jon Brockman
41. Bucks - Marcus Thornton
42. Lakers - Josh Heytvelt
43. Heat - Derrick Brown
44. Pistons - Jermaine Taylor
45. T'Wolves - DaJuan Summers
46. Cavaliers - Danny Green
47. T'Wolves - Christian Eyenga
48. Suns - Patrick Beverley
49. Hawks - A.J. Price
50. Jazz - Paul Harris
51. Spurs - Nando De Colo
52. Pacers - Goran Suton
53. Spurs - Slava Kravtsov
54. Bobcats - Jodie Meeks
55. Blazers - Henk Norel
56. Blazers - Joe Ingles
57. Suns - Alade Aminu
58. Celtics - Tony Gaffney
59. Lakers - Emir Preldzic
60. Heat - Ahmad Nivins
THE CRYSTAL BASKETBALL
If DeJuan Blair, Terrence Williams, James Johnson or Earl Clark fall to around the middle of the first round, the Spurs will try to trade up. Same if Omri Casspi can be had in the 20s.
At 37, the Spurs will hope for DeMarre Carroll, Jonas Jerebko or Victor Claver. With none on the board, the Spurs will either trade or pick Patrick Mills and tout the speed, fearlessness and depth he provides at point guard.
At 51 and 53, the Spurs will hope for two of Sergey Gladyr, Rodrigue Beaubois, Christian Eyenga, Nando De Colo, Slava Kravtsov and Joe Ingles.
On paper this draft didn't look to exciting for the Spurs. Then the Richard Jefferson trade took place. Not only did that trade open up roster spots that could potentially be filled via the draft, interviews with R.C. Buford and Gregg Popovich following the trade hinted at San Antonio being very active in the draft proceedings. According to multiple media sources, the Spurs have actively attempted to move up into the first round. With a front office apparently on the war path to improve, it should be an interesting event -- even though the Spurs head into the draft with only second round draft selections at their disposal.
TEAM NEEDS
Bigman
After trading Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Spurs have a noticeable void in the bigman department. Currently, the only power forwards and centers on the roster are Tim Duncan, Matt Bonner and Ian Mahinmi. Prior to the start of the regular season, the Spurs need two or three more bigs to add to the equation.
Defensive Wing
Bruce Bowen was also a part of the Jefferson trade. While the door isn't closed on his return, the Spurs could really use a defensive shooting guard or small forward for the future. A defensive wing with size would be preferred.
Perimeter Shooting
The Spurs have been a very good shooting team the last few years but they could soon need more marksmanship. Roger Mason, Jr. has been involved in trade rumors, Michael Finley isn't guaranteed to be back and Bowen's three-point shooting shouldn't be overlooked.
Backup Point Guard
Most Spurs fans would love to see George Hill given the reins to the backup point guard position. However, Pop hasn't shown much confidence in Hill's ability to play the point. If the Spurs view Hill as more of a shooting guard, this need grows. Even if Pop sees Hill as a point guard, the Spurs could be in the market for a third string point guard to replace Jacque Vaughn.
Athleticism
When it comes down to it, this squad could really use athleticism -- at literally every position. The Spurs have gotten older, slower and more athletically-challenged in recent years. Adding a few athletes to the roster is vital to compete in today's NBA.
DRAFT STRATEGY
I expect the Spurs to approach this draft like they have always approached draft night in the Pop Era. The team will narrow down their wish list to a handful of players. If a trade becomes available to move up in the draft to get one of those players, the Spurs could make the move. If not, they may sit, wait and hope that one drops to 37.
To move up in the draft, the most likely assets to be utilized are the 37th pick, a future first round pick, cash, George Hill, Matt Bonner, Roger Mason, Jr. and the rights to Tiago Splitter. Combining a few of these assets together could potentially allow the Spurs to move up to the mid to late first round.
At 51 and 53, the front office is most likely to go the draft-and-stash route. Whoever is drafted at this two picks will likely end up in Europe next season.
Trading out of the draft is another possibility. In recent years, the value of early second round draft picks has risen dramatically. If San Antonio doesn't like what they see when it's their turn to select, don't be surprised if a trade is arranged.
THE 2009 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS
Key
**** - A great fit on the Spurs
*** - A very good fit for the Spurs
** - A decent fit for the Spurs
* - A bad fit for the Spurs
CREAM OF THE CROP
These players are likely out of range for San Antonio.
Blake Griffin, Oklahoma ****
The best player in the draft, Griffin is the lone elite prospect available.
Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut ***1/2
Defensively, the sky is the limit for Thabeet. Offensively, it could be a struggle.
Ricky Rubio, Spain ***1/2
Rubio is a natural basketball player with an amazing feel for the game.
James Harden, Arizona State ***
Arguably the best scoring perimeter player in the draft, Harden should go top 5.
Stephen Curry, Davidson ***
Dell's son has a beautiful stroke and is undoubtedly the best shooter in the draft.
Jordan Hill, Arizona ***
Impressive bigman athlete but needs to refine his skill level.
Tyreke Evans, Memphis ***
Evans is a big combo guard who can handle and score the rock.
Jonny Flynn, Syracuse **1/2
Likely the best floor leader in the draft who also moves with good quickness.
Jrue Holiday, UCLA **1/2
Holiday gives good effort, very competitive but he's still raw -- especially for a PG.
Demar DeRozan, USC **1/2
Speaking of raw, DeRozan sometimes looks like Kobe and sometimes like a bust.
TRADING UP
These players should be a lock to go prior to 37, which means a trade likely would be needed if they are to call San Antonio home.
DeJuan Blair, Pittsburgh ***
Built like a tank, Blair's stats were very impressive. However, injury concerns persist.
Terrence Williams, Louisville ***
Great athlete, very good size and a deceptively skilled forward.
James Johnson, Wake Forest ***
A slasher with good athleticism, though he might be a tweener.
Earl Clark, Louisville ***
At 6-foot-10, Clark can do a little bit of everything.
Gerald Henderson, Duke ***
Impressive athlete who moves fluidly and could become an elite perimeter defender.
Ty Lawson, North Carolina **1/2
Probably the most ready point guard in the draft but has limited upside.
Brandon Jennings, USA **1/2
Still somewhat of an unknown after a year in Europe but should go rather high.
Sam Young, Pittsburgh **1/2
Pretty old (24) and potential may have been reached but looks like he's ready to play.
B.J. Mullens, Ohio State **1/2
Legit size for a center but he's a few years away from being able to help an NBA team.
Tyler Hansbrough, North Carolina **1/2
Had one of the most impressive college careers in history. Will it translate?
Jeff Teague, Wake Forest **1/2
Has room to improve but will likely need to make it in the league as a point guard.
Austin Daye, Gonzaga **1/2
Very good size but needs a few years to translate some of his skill to the court.
IN THE MIX
These players could potentially still be on the board at 37.
Point Guards
Eric Maynor, VCU **1/2
Small school star who can score and pass. Will likely be off the board at 37.
Toney Douglas, Florida State **1/2
Can score, can shoot but he needs a lot of work as a playmaker.
Nick Calathes, Florida **
First round talent but has already signed a contract in Greece.
Darren Collison, UCLA **
Not much potential but he could play a roll very similar to Vaughn.
Patrick Mills, Saint Mary's **
Erratic but played well in the Olympics and has a similar game to Claxton.
Rodrigue Beaubois, France **
Good tools but he's a few years away from helping out an NBA team.
Sergio Llull, Spain *1/2
Definitely a talent but it's not clear if he ever wants to cross the pond.
Shooting Guards
Wayne Ellington, North Carolina **1/2
Good shooter, good athlete but his size and strength is in question.
Marcus Thornton, LSU **
Can score the rock but he's small for the position and not too versatile.
Jermaine Taylor, Central Florida **
Small school scoring sensation but one-dimensional and somewhat undersized.
Patrick Beverley, USA **
Played in the Ukraine last year. Gives great effort and has heart but is position-less.
Jack McClinton, Miami **
One of the best shooters in the draft but his size could force him to the PG position.
Sergey Gladyr, Ukraine **
The Spurs have been linked to Gladyr. Has potential but needs more grooming.
Nando De Colo, France **
Very good playmaker but not much of an athlete. Also linked to Spurs.
Small Forwards
Omri Casspi, Israel **1/2
The Spurs have scouted him for years. Great size and toughness for the position.
Chase Budinger, Arizona **1/2
Very good athlete and has skill but does he want it bad enough?
DeMarre Carroll, Missouri **1/2
Hustle player who plays hard every second -- but there are health concerns.
Jonas Jerebko, Sweden **
James Gist's teammate has the size and athleticism to make it at small forward.
Danny Green, North Carolina **
All-around game but Green doesn't flourish in any one area. Not a great athlete.
Derrick Brown, Xavier **
A bit of a tweener who lacks ideal skill. That said, his athleticism could compensate.
DaJuan Summers, Georgetown **
Can shoot, has good size but might be a bit stiff to play small forward.
Joe Ingles, Australia *1/2
Good size and athleticism but his heart and motor have been questioned.
Power Forwards
Victor Claver, Spain **1/2
Athletic and could also play small forward. Is he willing to come to the NBA?
Taj Gibson, USC **
Old (24) and skinny but could become good rebounder and shotblocker.
Dante Cunningham, Villanova **
Smart bigman who can play away from the basket but small and not a great athlete.
Josh Heytvelt, Gonzaga **
Pretty athletic and can shoot but not much of a rebounder or defender.
Ahmad Nivins, Saint Joseph's **
Still learning the game but he has potential to be a quality NBA defender.
Centers
Jeff Pendergraph, Arizona State **
Evolving all-around game but needs to get stronger and more defensive minded.
Jon Brockman, Washington **
Even though just 6-foot-7, Brockman is tough player who crashes the boards.
Slava Kravtsov, Ukraine **
Big, athletic and physical. The basketball playing aspect needs some work.
Hank Norel, Holland *1/2
Good length and a fluid athlete but needs to find his niche on the court.
BEST OF THE REST
Emir Preldzic, Bosnia **
Ball-handling small forward with length.
Christian Eyenga, Congo **
Extremely raw but good draft-and-stash option.
Tony Gaffney, Massachusetts *1/2
His shotblocking alone makes him interesting.
Dionte Christmas, Temple *1/2
Can score but is one-dimensional
Jodie Meeks, Kentucky *1/2
Scored well in college but small and not too athletic.
Lester Hudson, Tennessee Martin *1/2
Small school prospect who doesn't fit a position.
A.J. Price, Connecticut *1/2
Paul Harris, Syracuse *1/2
Jerel McNeal, Marquette *1/2
Alade Aminu, Georgia Tech *1/2
Antonio Anderson, Memphis *1/2
Jeff Adrien, Connecticut *1/2
Leo Lyons, Missouri *1/2
Terrel Harris, Oklahoma State *1/2
Robert Dozier, Memphis *1/2
Wesley Matthews, Marquette *1/2
Courtney Fells, NC State *
Chris Johnson, LSU *
Curtis Jerrells, Baylor *
Goran Sutton, Michigan State *
Bryan Mullins, Southern Illinois *
Jeremy Pargo, Gonzaga 1/2
Lee Cummard, BYU 1/2
Nemanja Aleksandrov, Serbia 1/2
THE 2009 NBA MOCK DRAFT
1. Clippers - Blake Griffin
2. Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet
3. Thunder - Ricky Rubio
4. Kings - Jonny Flynn
5. T'Wolves - Tyreke Evans
6. T'Wolves - James Harden
7. Warriors - Jordan Hill
8. Knicks - Stephen Curry
9. Raptors - Demar DeRozan
10. Bucks - Jrue Holiday
11. Nets - James Johnson
12. Bobcats - Terrence Williams
13. Pacers - Ty Lawson
14. Suns - Earl Clark
15. Pistons - B.J. Mullens
16. Bulls - Gerald Henderson
17. Sixers - Eric Maynor
18. T'Wolves - DeJuan Blair
19. Hawks - Brandon Jennings
20. Jazz - Tyler Hansbrough
21. Hornets - Sam Young
22. Blazers - Omri Casspi
23. Kings - Chase Budinger
24. Mavericks - DeMarre Carroll
25. Thunder - Jonas Jerebko
26. Bulls - Nick Calathes
27. Grizzlies - Jeff Teague
28. T'Wolves - Taj Gibson
29. Lakers - Jack McClinton
30. Cavaliers - Toney Douglas
31. Kings - Victor Claver
32. Wizards - Darren Collison
33. Blazers - Sergio Llull
34. Nuggets - Jeff Pendergraph
35. Piston - Rodrigue Beaubois
36. Grizzlies - Wayne Ellington
37. Spurs - Patrick Mills
38. Blazers - Dante Cunningham
39. Pistons - Sergey Gladyr
40. Bobcats - Jon Brockman
41. Bucks - Marcus Thornton
42. Lakers - Josh Heytvelt
43. Heat - Derrick Brown
44. Pistons - Jermaine Taylor
45. T'Wolves - DaJuan Summers
46. Cavaliers - Danny Green
47. T'Wolves - Christian Eyenga
48. Suns - Patrick Beverley
49. Hawks - A.J. Price
50. Jazz - Paul Harris
51. Spurs - Nando De Colo
52. Pacers - Goran Suton
53. Spurs - Slava Kravtsov
54. Bobcats - Jodie Meeks
55. Blazers - Henk Norel
56. Blazers - Joe Ingles
57. Suns - Alade Aminu
58. Celtics - Tony Gaffney
59. Lakers - Emir Preldzic
60. Heat - Ahmad Nivins
THE CRYSTAL BASKETBALL
If DeJuan Blair, Terrence Williams, James Johnson or Earl Clark fall to around the middle of the first round, the Spurs will try to trade up. Same if Omri Casspi can be had in the 20s.
At 37, the Spurs will hope for DeMarre Carroll, Jonas Jerebko or Victor Claver. With none on the board, the Spurs will either trade or pick Patrick Mills and tout the speed, fearlessness and depth he provides at point guard.
At 51 and 53, the Spurs will hope for two of Sergey Gladyr, Rodrigue Beaubois, Christian Eyenga, Nando De Colo, Slava Kravtsov and Joe Ingles.