Since there's nothing better to talk about . . .

[BronxCowboy]

What do you think the Spurs will do with the 28th pick in the draft this year? Trade it? Alone or as part of a package? Pick a SF? Best player available? Overseas prospect? Any names come to mind?

[Rummpd]

Bring in the Lithuanian and Scola. Extend Nazr.

Trade Pick and Rasho for a SF.

Would make Spurs again prohibitive favorities.

[NameDropper]

I don't know but rumor has it it'll be another great sleeper pick by the Spurs.

[BronxCowboy]

Trade Pick and Rasho for a SF

Do you really think Rasho is tradeable with the contract he has left if they only throw in the draft pick? Who would they trade for to make it workable/worthwhile? I have my doubts whether Rasho is going anywhere for a couple years.

[AlamoSpursFan]

I thought we traded it to the Knicks with Malik?

Didn't we send them some picks too?

[BronxCowboy]

We sent them the pick from Phoenix, I think.

[mikester]

I sure wish we could someone more athletic for Rasho. The 28th pick is pretty hard to call right now. Someone yesterday mentioned Julius Hodge as our pick. That sounds pretty damn good to me. It would be nice to stay young throughout the rest of the Duncan era. Or at least, not too old. A good balance just like they have now.

[Kori Ellis]

Do you really think Rasho is tradeable with the contract he has left if they only throw in the draft pick? Who would they trade for to make it workable/worthwhile? I have my doubts whether Rasho is going anywhere for a couple years.

Teams were willing to trade for Rasho this season and the Spurs didn't want to part with him. So I'm sure if they actually want to move him, they can.

[Kori Ellis]

I thought we traded it to the Knicks with Malik?

Didn't we send them some picks too?

The Spurs had two first round picks this year (because of the one from Phoenix). They sent one of those picks, plus their first round pick for the following year in the Malik trade. So they still have a first round pick this year.

[AlamoSpursFan]

I had forgotten about the Phoenix pick.

[BronxCowboy]

Teams were willing to trade for Rasho this season and the Spurs didn't want to part with him. So I'm sure if they actually want to move him, they can.

Yes, but were they willing trade anyone that the Spurs should be interested in for Rasho? I don't think we're talking about just trying to dump Rasho. I'm more interested in speculating who might be on the roster in his place if that happens.

[Kori Ellis]

Yes, but were they willing trade anyone that the Spurs should be interested in for Rasho?

Yes. The Spurs tried to include Malik in several trades for players they wanted over the past two years, but teams were willing to take Rasho and not Malik.

I'm not sure who will be on the block this summer, so it's hard to speculate on who they could get.

Also, it will depend if they get Scola over here, if Horry is going to stick around another season, etc.

[BronxCowboy]

So do you think if Rasho is traded the pick will go with him?

[JUUOT]

i ha ve a new prospect dpurs material and french;-) sorry even living in canada i am still a homer.

sf 6.8 team player gelabele playing for real madrid
he might be the usual sleeper spurs find with 28th might be him. he is only expected in secound round. but if he was playing in US he would be end of first round

[Kori Ellis]

I'm not sure. The Spurs will probably eye a couple guys to drop to them. Then if they don't, they'll probably trade the pick.

The Spurs also have a lot of players returning ..

Duncan
Parker
Ginobili
Bowen
Rasho
Nazr
Horry (his choice)
Beno
Barry
Devin (?)
maybe Robinson, Marks and Johnson

Then you have the possibility of Scola coming .. So there really isn't much room on the roster for a draft pick. I guess it all depends on the new CBA. If they slice up the MLE, then it will be hard to get Scola here. Then they'd probably keep Rasho.

[BronxCowboy]

I'm not convinced that Scola tilts the scale toward shipping Rasho out. After all, Rasho is strictly a C, and Scola definitely is not. And unless you have some inside information, aren't Robinson, Devin, Marks, Johnson, and Horry far from locks?

[Kori Ellis]

And unless you have some inside information, aren't Robinson, Devin, Marks, Johnson, and Horry far from locks?

Horry is a player's option, so that's up to him.

Just my opinions (no inside info) ...

I believe they'll offer Devin a one-year deal. Also, I don't think they would have kept Johnson all season if they weren't going to keep looking at him next year. Marks -- far from a lock -- maybe they'll keep him because of his relationship with Duncan and because he's a good, loyal guy. Robinson, I'm sure they'll offer him a small contract. It will be up to him because he's bound to get offers on the market.

[Spurgal]

Rasho, definitely needs to go!

[JUUOT]

Marks is depending on draft picks. if they can get nice talent with 28 let's make room for someone to take his chance other wise keep marks.
i know he is loyal to spurs but just like malik business is business

[Boo]

i say release marks, give LJ3 a one year contract, resign horry, trade rasho and beno for someone good, that way our roster isn't so full.

JK about the rasho and beno part.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Do you really think Rasho is tradeable with the contract he has left if they only throw in the draft pick?

There's about 22-23 teams in this league who need a center. We'll be able to move him if we want.


Rasho, definitely needs to go!

This coming from someone who thought Malik was the key to this team's success. :lmao

[Dre_7]

i say release marks, give LJ3 a one year contract, resign horry, trade rasho and beno for someone good, that way our roster isn't so full.

I have been saying for a while, find a way to package Beno and get Devin Harris from the Mavs! He is gonna be a star if he is used right! Dallas didnt know how to use a player like Harris. They tried to use him like Nash, but he is more like a Tony Parker! Devin Harris will fit in great w/ the Spurs!! He can play the 1 or the 2!

Mark my words!!! Harris is destined to be a star!! You heard it here!!!!!!

[SuperManu!!!]

Just pick someone and keep that player in europe....that is what the spurs did with Manu and Scola

[xcoriate]

I have been saying for a while, find a way to package Beno and get Devin Harris from the Mavs! He is gonna be a star if he is used right! Dallas didnt know how to use a player like Harris. They tried to use him like Nash, but he is more like a Tony Parker! Devin Harris will fit in great w/ the Spurs!! He can play the 1 or the 2!

Mark my words!!! Harris is destined to be a star!! You heard it here!!!!!!

It looks like he'll bust IMO

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Devin sucks. We don't need another scoring PG, we need someone who can come in and run the offense without screwing it up for 10-15 minutes a game.

[Dre_7]

Say what you want, but when he becomes a stud in a few years, Im gonna rub it in all your faces!! :)

[Mr. Body]

Devin Harris or not, the last position the Spurs needs anything at right now is Point Guard.

[dn0774]

Devin Harris is gonna be a good player for sure, which is why the Mavs wont trade him barring some ridiculous offer. Besides, there wouldn't be any room on our roster for Harris to blossom, so its moot anyway.

If we are to move Rasho, then Ronny Turiaf could be a good pick up. He is an athletic big (similar in size to Nazr, but more athletic) who can really protect the rim. I am interested to see where Scola would fit in if Horry stays another year. I just dont see a consistent role for Scola if Horry stays. Think Rose/Horry all over again.

Normally I would say trade down like usual unless there is a gem left, but considering we aren't trying to save capspace anymore we may as well draft someone with our 1st.

[Dre_7]

I too have liked Turiaf and wanted the Spurs to draft him since the middle of the season. For some reason I really like that guy, I think he can be a solid backup big!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Turiaf is destined to be one of those guys who was fun to watch in college but ends up in the Euro league in the pros.

we've already got the rights to a bigger, better version of Turiaf in Scola.

The only thing this team needs for the remainder of the Tim Duncan era (besides better FT shooting ;) ) is a SF.

[Mr. Body]

Draft for Small Forward, the only position that doesn't go legitimately two-deep on the roster.

I've liked Francisco Garcia for some time. He's versatile, has handles, can become a very good defender, and has a huge passion for the game, though he might be too slight for the position and can get erased as the go-to guy in a big game, as he did in his last game during the Tournament.

[WalterBenitez]

I don't know but rumor has it it'll be another great sleeper pick by the Spurs.

Correct me if I am wrong, but Spurs are great in that category
:spin

[Guru of Nothing]

I sure wish we could someone more athletic for Rasho. The 28th pick is pretty hard to call right now. Someone yesterday mentioned Julius Hodge as our pick. That sounds pretty damn good to me. It would be nice to stay young throughout the rest of the Duncan era. Or at least, not too old. A good balance just like they have now.

I think Julius Hodge would be an interesting pick for the Spurs. With question marks surrounding Devin Brown's health, it is certainly in the interest of the Spurs to consider someone who can fill his role. On one site I saw him projected late in the second round, so it might be a reach to take him in the first. Ideally (perhaps), the Spurs could deal their first round pick for a 2nd this year and another second in the future.

ETA: NBADraft.net has him projected at #53; Draft Daily has him at #31.

For all you people that place emphasis on character, he did remain in school and got his degree, as he promised his mom he would. If he can add some muscle, he might turn out to be a very good pickup.

Here's a scouting report from DraftDaily.com (http://www.draftdaily.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=144&z=2)


6-7, 205, SG/SF/PG, NC State, Senior, 11/18/83

Strengths: Julius Hodge is an extremely versatile swingman who has the all-around skills to be an impact player at any level. He has the skills, size, and agility to play anywhere from the point guard, shooting guard, to small forward position in the NBA. He does a little bit of everything on the court - he can handle the ball very well, create shots for himself and his teammates, rebound, and defend.



Hodge is a natural slasher who gets to the rim as well as any player in the NCAA. He has a long wiry build and impressive first step quickness. His quickness combined with his excellent ball handling skills make him difficult to defend off the dribble. Hodge honed his skills on the playgrounds of New York City and it is evident in his game. He has some very flashy and creative moves that are straight out of Rucker Park. He is fearless going to the rack and absorbs contact well despite his lack of strength. Hodge is capable of crossing a defender over, blowing past him, getting to the lane even in traffic, and finishing strong. Once he gets to the basket he has the creativity to make spectacular plays due to his incredible body control.

(Does that remind you of anyone?)


Not just a slasher, Hodge has developed into a decent shooter from 18-20 feet. He is fluid going into his shot off the dribble and is also a good standstill shooter. His improved shooting touch is enough to keep defenders honest, and makes him even more difficult to defend. He can also post up decently well for his size.



At 6-7, Hodge made the transition to point guard for the Wolfpack his junior year, and did a terrific job. He has no problem bringing the ball up the court and is a capable distributor. He has good passing skills and court vision, and loves to make the fancy pass. Hodge is also a great rebounder for a guard who averaged over six rebounds per game, despite playing mostly on the perimeter. He is very active on both ends and is always going after the ball. Hodge is an improving defender who uses his long arms well to play the passing lanes and block shots.



Hodge also possesses an outstanding work ethic. He is truly dedicated to becoming the best basketball player he can be. He has made significant improvements to his game each year and continues to put on more and more weight. He used to be rail thin, but now he is up to a respectable 205 pounds. With his incredible work ethic, attitude toward the game, and all-around skills, it is hard to see Hodge not becoming at least a solid role player in the NBA.



Weaknesses: Hodge’s ball handling and passing skills are outstanding for a swingman, but he will have to work on both to be a good NBA point guard. His passing instincts are pretty good, but he too often gets careless with the ball. He commits too many turnovers trying to make the fancy play over the simple one. He is also too skinny to play significant minutes at small forward in the NBA, although he has done a good job gaining almost 30 pounds since his freshman year. Hodge will still get overpowered by the much stronger small forwards of the NBA. For these reasons, Hodge should be primarily a shooting guard in the NBA, with the ability to play the point guard and small forward positions in spurts.



Hodge must develop a reliable outside jump-shot. His jumper has some three-point range, but it is horribly inconsistent. It has become especially terrible this season, as he is shooting under 20% from the college three-point line. His free throw percentage has also regressed by nearly 20%. He must improve on his shooting ability significantly in the NBA. He also has a tendency to let his emotions take over his game. He has to play more in control both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. On defense, Hodge tends to be too aggressive and he will commit some unnecessary fouls.

He also is not an explosive athlete, he will have much more difficulty slashing to the basket and finishing against NBA level athletes. Hodge lacks the supreme leaping ability and quickness that so many elite NBA swingmen possess. He might not be able to make the same incredible finishes he does at the college level against the bigger, stronger, more athletic players of the NBA.

Optimistic Outlook: Jalen Rose

Pessimistic Outlook: John Salmons

[Guru of Nothing]

Bump.

I'd like to hear more prognostications on the upcoming draft.

[ShoogarBear]

I think Julius Hodge would be an interesting pick for the Spurs.
The Wit and Wisdom of Julius Hodge (http://spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12445&highlight=wisdom+julius)

[Guru of Nothing]

I like him even more after reading those quotes (which I vaguely remember). I have a hunch though, that his stock will rise before the draft.

[Dre_7]

Last time I checked, we shut his @$$ down in the NCAA Tourney!

[Guru of Nothing]

Last time I checked, we shut his @$$ down in the NCAA Tourney!

Who the F* is WE, oh vicarious one?

[T Park]

6'7 plays like Ginobili, can play D???

Bring him in.

[Guru of Nothing]

i want francisco, jarrett jack, hodge, turiaf, or hakim warrick....if not, i wont be happy. i dont want a foreigner this year, even though it has worked excellent in the past

jingobili_is_god.