General 2014 NBA Draft Discussion

[exstatic]

DX has Inglis out.

[xmas1997]

Damn I wish Inglis had not pulled out of the draft.
They worked out Glenn Robinson III though.
He is as good as any and is still growing from what I've read.

[eDizzle20]

DX has Inglis out.

DX still shows Inglis at pick #40.

[yavozerb]

DX Breaking news: Damien Inglis changed his mind and decided to keep his name IN the draft finally, according to his agent @PedjaMateric

[xmas1997]

DX Breaking news: Damien Inglis changed his mind and decided to keep his name IN the draft finally, according to his agent @PedjaMateric

Too much!
I wonder who gave him a promise, OKC?

[AFBlue]

So it's Inglis then, unless someone pulls a Batum and snags him just ahead of the Spurs.

[Captivus]

Too much!
I wonder who gave him a promise, OKC?

Could be. They need someone to play with Ibaka.
Can this guy get minutes next season? OKC must be tired of Perkins.

Cant believe Porzingis (or whatever his name is) withdraw from the draft.

[exstatic]

Inglis is a SF, or at best a stretch 4. He isn't a Perkins replacement by any means.

It's funny, because JG pulled him from the 2014 mock this afternoon and placed him in the 2015 mock. He's now back.

[Chinook]

I'd much rather have Micic than Inglis.

[kobyz]

Damn I wish Inglis had not pulled out of the draft.
They worked out Glenn Robinson III though.
He is as good as any and is still growing from what I've read.

If we can get Glenn Robinson III with our draft pick it will be fantastic, but i see him as big time sleeper in this draft, i wish we can steal him...

[Baam]

I'd much rather have Micic than Inglis.

Really I'd be fine with anything but Inglis... Don't get the "draft the best player availlable" theory... If the best player doesn't fit your needs at all then you should have traded up or down to get what you needed...

[yavozerb]

Really I'd be fine with anything but Inglis... Don't get the "draft the best player availlable" theory... If the best player doesn't fit your needs at all then you should have traded up or down to get what you needed...

Reason you go with best player available is because you have no idea what your needs will be in 3-4 yrs when Ingles well actually be ready for the NBA. Ingils also has the size and could get even bigger to play the 4. We are not drafting for the 2014-2015 season. I have no favorites with #30 but it looks like Ingles could be the guy

[ceperez]

Exactly. That's why they are late second rounders. Just get some guy with talent and see what happens.

With drafts #58 and #60 one wonders if there any sleepers that the Spurs deliberately planted in this year's draft.

Who are the complete unknown comodities in this draft?

[Baam]

Reason you go with best player available is because you have no idea what your needs will be in 3-4 yrs when Ingles well actually be ready for the NBA. Ingils also has the size and could get even bigger to play the 4. We are not drafting for the 2014-2015 season. I have no favorites with #30 but it looks like Ingles could be the guy

I hear you but Kawhi and Livio are both very young, and you even have Bertans waiting to come over... The SF position will be crowded for the foreseeable future, there's no old guy about to retire...

It's another story if you think he can be a 4 but even then I'm not sold...

[eDizzle20]

Chad Ford's mock draft released today has the Spurs drafting Early. I like Early, but the fact that he is already 23 years old makes me hope that the Spots don't draft him. A guy Ford no longer has going in the 1st round is Jerami Grant. He has a whole lot of upside and would be a steal at 30.

[Joe Schmoogins]

I have not seen any more than a few Youtube clips of Damien Inglis. However, his highlights reminds me of Ron Artest without the crazy. Similarities: Height / Weight , strong frame, long arms, big active hands, highly disruptive on D, moves well laterally (with great anticipation on D), but not an explosive leaper. Offensively, can get to the basket using strength & length. Good rebounder and passer, but inconsistent shooter.

It seems to me that Inglis has a very artestian skill set and physical gifts. To reach Ron Ron’s level, he’ll need to develop a consistent mid-range game, be able to overpower defenders in the post, and live up to his defensive potential.

Granted, this opinion is completely based on what clips I’ve found online, so it could be way off!

[Baam]

Chad Ford's mock draft released today has the Spurs drafting Early. I like Early, but the fact that he is already 23 years old makes me hope that the Spots don't draft him. A guy Ford no longer has going in the 1st round is Jerami Grant. He has a whole lot of upside and would be a steal at 30.

Yeah seems like a low upside pick... Can probably contribute as soon as he gets here tho... But when you have a team this strong it seems to me that upside matters much more than anything else so I wouldn't be too excited about that kind of pick...

Please RC get Capela or Anderson :cry

[stnick2261]

Hmm, Jerami Grant is someone I haven't looked at (since he's a SF and he was projected to go high). He seems to be a no-brainer pick at 30 if he's available. He's almost 6'8" with almost 7'3" wingspan... defensive SF with strong motor who's only negative is poor shooting mechanics. If we were to trade up, I want Capela... but at 30, I wouldn't mind Grant.

[Baam]

478941804276879360

[Drom John]

Reason you go with best player available is because you have no idea what your needs will be in 3-4 yrs when Ingles well actually be ready for the NBA. Ingils also has the size and could get even bigger to play the 4. We are not drafting for the 2014-2015 season. I have no favorites with #30 but it looks like Ingles could be the guy

Best available is the mantra at the top of the draft. By the time #30 rolls around the "best available" is a mash of ten plus players. That said, I'm a stat guy and Inglis (Ingles is a very ready free agent) is not high on Pelton's list. I'm penciling in Nikola Jokic.

[Baam]

Jokic in some ways seems like the second coming of Splitter... If they indeed promised him their first, could Tiago get traded?...

From DX :



2014 Nike Hoop Summit: International Practice Day Three
April 9, 2014
Nikola Jokic was the beneficiary of many of Mudiay's best passes, but he also returned the favor on a number of occasions, finding Mudiay, among others, with some nifty passes of his own. Jokic, an exceptionally unique player, has an advanced feel for the game, recognizing the open man when the defense breaks down, and while he isn't very explosive and needs to get stronger, he has been easily the most productive player over the last two days thanks to his shooting ability and footwork in the post. Although he's gotten his shot blocked on a couple occasions, his footwork and instincts in the post have allowed him to find his angles to get his shot off or draw contact in close. He's such an unconventional and creative finisher that you never quite know what kind of trick he will try to pull off, which has left many rotating defenders baffled, while old-school NBA lifers just shake their heads and smile. Considering he was a relative unknown only a little over a year ago, Jokic has made a very strong impression to this point, and could gain plenty of traction among scouts if he can ride this momentum to a strong performance against the stacked US frontcourt on game day.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz34vXs5xAA
http://www.draftexpress.com


Sounds incredibly Spursy tbh... So yeah I agree with Drom John, if they made a promise to one of these two players, I'd put my money on Jokic.

[Baam]

When you think about it it's extremely likely that Inglis and Jokic got their promises from the Thunder and the Spurs who have to two last first round picks... But then you can't be sure who got it from who...

Feel pretty dumb for not coming to that conclusion sooner tbh...

[ChumpDumper]

When you think about it it's extremely likely that Inglis and Jokic got their promises from the Thunder and the Spurs who have to two last first round picks... But then you can't be sure who got it from who...

Feel pretty dumb for not coming to that conclusion sooner tbh...I'd be fine with picking either. They're both going to be in the incubator for awhile.

[Baam]

There'd plenty of playing time to be had for a player like Jokic with Baynes becoming a FA and Ayres falling out of the rotation...

[ChumpDumper]

There'd plenty of playing time to be had for a player like Jokic with Baynes becoming a FA and Ayres falling out of the rotation...Baynes is restricted and I just don't see a 19 year old second round talent being brought in immediately Ayers will get another shot or be traded and some dude like Tolliver could be picked up. I'm not saying Jokic's making the rotation is an impossibility; just that it's highly unlikely The jump from the Adriatic league to the NBA is enormous.

[xmas1997]

Jokic in some ways seems like the second coming of Splitter... If they indeed promised him their first, could Tiago get traded?...

From DX :



Sounds incredibly Spursy tbh... So yeah I agree with Drom John, if they made a promise to one of these two players, I'd put my money on Jokic.

You make some great points. But I think the Spurs are pretty happy with Tiago, unless they plan to use Tiago to move up in the draft, I don't see it.

[eric365]

Inglis's agent removed his tweet. Inglis is not out:
http://www.basketusa.com/news/228108/draft-2014-dario-saric-et-damien-inglis-ne-retirent-pas-leurs-noms/

[Baam]

Inglis's agent removed his tweet. Inglis is not out:
http://www.basketusa.com/news/228108/draft-2014-dario-saric-et-damien-inglis-ne-retirent-pas-leurs-noms/

It has been explained a few times : Jokic and Inglis said they were withdrawing and changed their mind very quickly to finally stay in the draft... You can easily come to the conclusion that they got promises of bring drafted high enough to make it worth their while...

New yahoo mock : http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2014-nba-mock-draft--take-3-214528600.html

Capela is down to 27, when you know how well connected the yahoo guys are, it makes me super optimistic...

I could totally imagine a Jokic Capela frontline of the future... A finesse 5 with range next to a defensive minded monkeyballing 4... Not saying they're getting both, but if they do : :cry RC you the real mvp :cry

[ace3g]

Zach Braziller ‏@NYPost_Brazille (https://twitter.com/NYPost_Brazille) 3h (https://twitter.com/NYPost_Brazille/status/478992717587165185) Talked to Russ Smith this afternoon. Has worked out for 11 teams, will work out for Spurs this weekend and Clippers Monday.

[ace3g]

Zach Links ‏@ZachLinks (https://twitter.com/ZachLinks) 4h (https://twitter.com/ZachLinks/status/478969212388794368) Stokes will work out for the #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash) and #Clippers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Clippers?src=hash) later this week. #NBA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash) #NBADraft (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBADraft?src=hash) #Tennessee (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tennessee?src=hash) #Volunteers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Volunteers?src=hash) #Vols (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vols?src=hash) #RockyTop (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RockyTop?src=hash)


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jarnell-Stokes-6282/

[AFBlue]

I hear you but Kawhi and Livio are both very young, and you even have Bertans waiting to come over... The SF position will be crowded for the foreseeable future, there's no old guy about to retire...

It's another story if you think he can be a 4 but even then I'm not sold...

Kawhi is versatile enough to play the 2, and LJC is a 4 long-term. Bertans is a 3, but he offers a different skill set than the others. If you contend all of them will pan out, which is not too likely, it's still a good problem to have and I'd personally trust Pop to manage to it.

[AFBlue]

I'd be fine with picking either. They're both going to be in the incubator for awhile.

Agreed. Same could be said for Bogdanovic or Micic if thry went another route internationally.

[exstatic]

I hear you but Kawhi and Livio are both very young, and you even have Bertans waiting to come over... The SF position will be crowded for the foreseeable future, there's no old guy about to retire...

It's another story if you think he can be a 4 but even then I'm not sold...
So, at worst, you're stockpiling trade assets. I would honestly trade any player we have overseas right now, with our 2015 pick, to Chicago for #19 to get Payton. That would break the logjam.

[AFBlue]

Zach Links ‏@ZachLinks (https://twitter.com/ZachLinks) 4h (https://twitter.com/ZachLinks/status/478969212388794368) Stokes will work out for the #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash) and #Clippers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Clippers?src=hash) later this week. #NBA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBA?src=hash) #NBADraft (https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBADraft?src=hash) #Tennessee (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tennessee?src=hash) #Volunteers (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Volunteers?src=hash) #Vols (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vols?src=hash) #RockyTop (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RockyTop?src=hash)


http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jarnell-Stokes-6282/

Spurs worked out Patric Young and now Stokes...two bruising F/Cs in the Blair mold. Interesting.

[100%duncan]

McGary as the 30th pick? Never seen this guy play

[Baam]

McGary as the 30th pick? Never seen this guy play

I see nothing compelling about him and he has back problems... I'd pencil him at 28 going to the Clippers anyway tbh...

[100%duncan]

I see nothing compelling about him and he has back problems... I'd pencil him at 28 going to the Clippers anyway tbh...

I hope we don't pick him up tbh. We don't need another C, and that back problem is just a deal breaker imho.

[cd98]

McGary as the 30th pick? Never seen this guy play

He was on the Michigan team that made it to the championship game two years ago. He was playing well during the tournament and some thought he'd be a top 5 pick if he had left as a freshman. Alas, he stayed one more year and injured his back and got busted smoking pot. He's a tall, white dude that has a good skill level but no athleticism to speak of.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I see them drafting and stashing Vasilije Micic with the first pick. Don't really care about the second round picks, they'll probably just go BPA and stash. I'd really like them to select Micic, Dinwiddie or Tavares.

[Raven]

Kawhi is versatile enough to play the 2, and LJC is a 4 long-term. Bertans is a 3, but he offers a different skill set than the others. If you contend all of them will pan out, which is not too likely, it's still a good problem to have and I'd personally trust Pop to manage to it.

no way ljc is a 4.

[stnick2261]

no way ljc is a 4.

And yet he plays the PF position. Here's a few quotes from his thread from before the draft:


The article also says that jean-Charles will enter in this draft.

Aside from what I've said about him earlier in this thread, the true question about him is his position. He is trying to transition from PF to SF and it might not be a that good idea. He doesn't at all for the moment the perimeter skills to play SF and his terrific Hoop Summit game was playing PF. He measured at 6'9" with a 7'2" wingspan and a 217 lbs weight. He has the legit size to play PF and just need to add a little weight.


Chad Ford @chadfordinsider
(http://twitter.com/chadfordinsider)French forward Livio Jean-Charles will stay in the draft his agent just texted me. Jean-Charles our 8th ranked PF.


Draft Express had him listed as SF/PF... so I think it's possible that he'll end up a 4.

[Raven]

And yet he plays the PF position. Here's a few quotes from his thread from before the draft:


Draft Express had him listed as SF/PF... so I think it's possible that he'll end up a 4.

again, no way he is a 4, he needs to put up weight to match kevin freaking durant..

[ChumpDumper]

again, no way he is a 4, he needs to put up weight to match kevin freaking durant..He can't put on too much more weight on his frame, but another ten or fifteen pounds aren't out of the question.

[Baam]

:lol DX just dropped Embiid to 4 with his recent foot injury, guy is pulling a Noel : http://www.draftexpress.com/nba-mock-draft/2014/

[Baam]

479681604558671872

Holy shit that escalated quickly :lol.

[Raven]

He can't put on too much more weight on his frame, but another ten or fifteen pounds aren't out of the question.

that's basically what i've been saying, he just isn't a 4. Now, he may play some small ball 4, but if he is going to have success (meaning tangible success, not statpadding on shitty teams) that will be by being oversized not undersized.

[ChumpDumper]

that's basically what i've been saying, he just isn't a 4. Now, he may play some small ball 4, but if he is going to have success (meaning tangible success, not statpadding on shitty teams) that will be by being oversized not undersized.Guess it depends on what one means by tangible success. I can't project him as a starter at any position right now. i can see his coming off the bench at either position. Ideally he would be able to play the three in any situation, but too early to tell.

[Raven]

Guess it depends on what one means by tangible success. I can't project him as a starter at any position right now. i can see his coming off the bench at either position. Ideally he would be able to play the three in any situation, but too early to tell.

well right now of course, but he has the measurables and athleticism to be a stud 3 and a two way player, now that's all potential, but at the 4 he doesn't even have the potential to be good.

[-21-]

479681604558671872

Holy shit that escalated quickly :lol.
How serious is the injury? That tweet reads as if his career is already over.

[Baam]

How serious is the injury? That tweet reads as if his career is already over.

I'm not sure but feet injuries are pretty scary in general...

[Mal]

How serious is the injury? That tweet reads as if his career is already over.

He wont be another #1 big men bust, that`s for sure. If I was Philly I`d still take him with their 2nd pick.

[smaka]

I have a gut feeling Julius Randle will be the biggest draft bust this year. Not sure why, just the feeling. We'll see.

[SpursFan86]

479681745168920576

479681939189026816

[Baam]

Tavares could also be a nice piece to put next to a finesse guy like Jokic if they can't get Capela.

[SpursFan86]

Embiid officially has a stress fracture in his right foot. He's getting surgery on Friday, and will not be doing any additional workouts or attending the draft. Per Woj.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

This is an awful injury that has destroyed careers. Hope he recovers fully. It's very interesting how much he'd fall in the draft.

[Chinook]

This is an awful injury that has destroyed careers. Hope he recovers fully. It's very interesting how much he'd fall in the draft.

My guess is late lottery. I can't imagine a team like the Suns or Bulls wouldn't take the risk.

A stress fracture revived the Spurs, although that's obviously not normal.

[SpursFan86]

Yeah, the fracture is in the navicular bone, and is what plagued Yao throughout his career. This is a pretty crushing blow to Embiid tbh.

[xmas1997]

He just might fall all the way to 30.
Stranger things have happened.
The Spurs are one of the few teams who could afford to wait for him to recover.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

My guess is late lottery. I can't imagine a team like the Suns or Bulls wouldn't take the risk.

A stress fracture revived the Spurs, although that's obviously not normal.

Poor James Anderson.

As for Embiid my guess is Boston @ 6. His injury may also lead to Philly trading down, the drop off after Wiggins/Parker is huge and doubt they'd be interested in Exum since they already have MCW.

[Prime Time]

479681745168920576

479681939189026816
I wouldn't mind taking a chance on Tavares. He has great hustle and mobility for his size, 2 very rare attributes for anyone over 7'2". Add a couple of moves to his offensive arsenal and he could end up being a decent role player.

[FireMicoHalili]

I wouldn't mind taking a chance on Tavares. He has great hustle and mobility for his size, 2 very rare attributes for anyone over 7'2". Add a couple of moves to his offensive arsenal and he could end up being a decent role player.
When was the last time the team took a flier on a guy taller than 7'0"? Spurs even haven't worked him out yet; have been working out guys like Patric Young and Jarnell Stokes.

[FireMicoHalili]

Would anyone be as kind to post about players the Spurs have worked out? afaik it's been:

Glenn Robinson III
Isaiah Austin
Cleanthony Early
Cameron Bairstow
Bryce Cotton
Cameron Clark
Semaj Christon
Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Russ Smith
Ojar Silins
Jarnell Stokes
Patric Young

interviews:
Shabazz Napier
Kyle Anderson
Elfrid Payton

[AFBlue]

again, no way he is a 4, he needs to put up weight to match kevin freaking durant..

His present skill-set suggests otherwise. He could drastically improves his handle, extends his shooting range reliably out to the 3pt line, and retain the requisite athleticism after injury to be a legit 3...or he could gain 15lbs. Which do you honestly think is more likely?

[FireMicoHalili]

Would Spurs have picked Gobert if he hasn't been selected a pick prior to LJC?

[Uriel]

Damn. I really, really feel for Embiid. That stress fracture to the foot has destroyed the careers of James Anderson and Rodrigue Beaubois. Both players showed plenty of upside prior to that injury, but now have been relegated to being human victory cigars.

Embiid had hitherto been drawing comparisons to Olajuwon and Duncan. If this injury is as bad as it seems, the NBA may have just lost another great big man (the other being Oden).

[Raven]

My guess is late lottery. I can't imagine a team like the Suns or Bulls wouldn't take the risk.

A stress fracture revived the Spurs, although that's obviously not normal.

i still don't think he goes past #3 tbh..

[BackHome]

Yeah, the fracture is in the navicular bone, and is what plagued Yao throughout his career. This is a pretty crushing blow to Embiid tbh.

Yeah that is huge no way would I draft him number one just look at Oden...foot problems almost never go away..

[Raven]

His present skill-set suggests otherwise. He could drastically improves his handle, extends his shooting range reliably out to the 3pt line, and retain the requisite athleticism after injury to be a legit 3...or he could gain 15lbs. Which do you honestly think is more likely?
the first two to me seem fairly normal and the third is a prerequisite for him to even come to the nba, so..

[objective]

Looks like elfrid Payton has shoot up the charts. Chad Ford was on a podcast saying he's Gary Payton 2.0 and flat raving about him, and now DX has him in the lotto at 12

[Biggems]

Let's trade 30, 58, and 60 to the Heat for the rights to G/F James Ennis. Then we make him our backup SF. Re-sign Mills and Diaw. Convince Duncan and Manu to come back. Have Daye add about 10-15 lbs of muscle and add 2-3 low post moves to make him more versatile. Probably keep Bonner..........and that gives us 14 players on the roster.

PG - Parker, Mills, Joseph
SG - Green, Manu, Belinelli
SF - Leonard, Ennis, Daye
PF - Duncan, Diaw, Bonner
C - Splitter, Baynes

[exstatic]

i still don't think he goes past #3 tbh..

This isn't a one time everything will be fine injury. I think teams would be more comfortable if he had torn ligaments in his knee in a workout. That pretty much has a 100% recovery rate. This is his 3rd stress fracture in 2 years; foot, back, back. That is catastrophically bad for him. It's what turned Bill Walton from Tim Duncan in college to Greg Oden in the NBA. His career was short, and almost completely injury marred.

[exstatic]

Yeah that is huge no way would I draft him number one just look at Oden...foot problems almost never go away..

Oden has never had foot problems.

[exstatic]

Looks like elfrid Payton has shoot up the charts. Chad Ford was on a podcast saying he's Gary Payton 2.0 and flat raving about him, and now DX has him in the lotto at 12

That's a cascade effect of the Embiid injury. They have Orlando taking him at 4 now, instead of Exum, and picking up Payton for their PG with their second pick at 12.

[Raven]

This isn't a one time everything will be fine injury. I think teams would be more comfortable if he had torn ligaments in his knee in a workout. That pretty much has a 100% recovery rate. This is his 3rd stress fracture in 2 years; foot, back, back. That is catastrophically bad for him. It's what turned Bill Walton from Tim Duncan in college to Greg Oden in the NBA. His career was short, and almost completely injury marred.

jared sullinger's been redflagged by doctors and he was still a first rounder... at worst i think he goes 6th to boston, but most likely #3.

[exstatic]

jared sullinger's been redflagged by doctors and he was still a first rounder... at worst i think he goes 6th to boston, but most likely #3.

Again, you're REALLY underestimating chronic stress fractures. Sullinger had a bulging disc. That's fixable. Bones that chronically fracture aren't. He's Mr. Glass. Sullinger also fell from a projected 5-7 slot to the #21 pick.

[Raven]

Again, you're REALLY underestimating chronic stress fractures. Sullinger had a bulging disc. That's fixable. Bones that chronically fracture aren't. He's Mr. Glass. Sullinger also fell from a projected 5-7 slot to the #21 pick.

you just decided that it's chronic tbh, also i wouldn't draft him btw, just saying i don't see him sliding him that much.

[AFBlue]

the first two to me seem fairly normal and the third is a prerequisite for him to even come to the nba, so..

You didn't answer the question. Which is more likely? A 20yr old gaining 15lbs or developing perimeter skills to become a reliable shooter and ball-handler.

[exstatic]

you just decided that it's chronic tbh, also i wouldn't draft him btw, just saying i don't see him sliding him that much.

Three in 2 years. Back vertabra twice, which should have already terrified teams, and now the foot. I'm not deciding it's chronic, his body is.

[Raven]

You didn't answer the question. Which is more likely? A 20yr old gaining 15lbs or developing perimeter skills to become a reliable shooter and ball-handler.

well of fat, sure..

[Raven]

Three in 2 years. Back vertabra twice, which should have already terrified teams, and now the foot. I'm not deciding it's chronic, his body is.

well unless he has osteoporosis or something like that, to connect back injuries and foot fractures, it's pure speculation..

[exstatic]

well unless he has osteoporosis or something like that, to connect back injuries and foot fractures, it's pure speculation..

Follow the bouncing ball. They were ALL stress fractures, no actual impact injuries. That's Mr. Glass weak bones shit.

[Raven]

Follow the bouncing ball. They were ALL stress fractures, no actual impact injuries. That's Mr. Glass weak bones shit.

indeed, that's how speculation is defined :D

[xmas1997]

Three in 2 years. Back vertabra twice, which should have already terrified teams, and now the foot. I'm not deciding it's chronic, his body is.

It's beginning to sound like Oden II tbqh.

[BackHome]

I hate to say it Raven but you lost to Estatic - No way is his body going to be able to handle banging with the bigs of the NBA.

[TheGoldStandard]

Embiid should be considered a lost cause at this point if you're trying to draft for a center piece.

[xmas1997]

That is why I say it might be possible he falls all the way out of the first round.
Teams are going to be leery paying a guaranteed salary for another Oden IMHO.

[eDizzle20]

Has anyone seen much of K.J. McDaniels?

[xmas1997]

My guess is late lottery. I can't imagine a team like the Suns or Bulls wouldn't take the risk.

A stress fracture revived the Spurs, although that's obviously not normal.


Oden has never had foot problems.

Glad you two are still here, it seems like the good posters are leaving by the truck loads these days.

[TheGoldStandard]

Has anyone seen much of K.J. McDaniels?

Raw and not consistent but has a boat load of athleticism which he uses to get his.

[Uriel]

Here's a roundup of who the Spurs are picking in all the latest mocks:


30. SPURS (http://www.nba.com/draft/2014/teams/sas/index.html), Jarnell Stokes (http://www.nba.com/draft/2014/prospects/jarnell_stokes), Tennessee, PF, 6-8, 260
He went from being a key part of the U.S. team that won the under-19 world title to helping to lead Tennessee to the Sweet Sixteen, an ideal platform for a power player on the rise. Stokes is slightly undersized but uses strength and a long wingspan to rebound at a high rate, especially on the offensive boards, and score inside.


Cleanthony Early
San Antonio Spurs (62 - 20)
COLLEGE: Wichita State
HT: 6-7
WT: 210
POS: SF

Kawhi Leonard (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/6450/kawhi-leonard), it's safe to assume, has the starting small forward position locked down. But Early can give them minutes. He's big, athletic and can stretch the floor.


30 - San Antonio Spurs -- Walter Tavares, C, Cape Verde, 7-3, 265
The Spurs love tapping the international market, and the 7'3", 265-pound Tavares is an intriguing prospect for a team with an aging front line. A true center with limited mobility, Tavares opened some eyes with his play at the Spanish Cup. He's an ideal draft-and-stash candidate, a strategy with which San Antonio is familiar.




Mitch McGary (http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mitch-McGary-6431/)
C (Michigan (http://www.draftexpress.com/clubhouse/Michigan-190/) - Sophomore)
22 years old | 6'10" | 263 lbs

[TheCerebral1]

Here's a roundup of who the Spurs are picking in all the latest mocks:













Blah on McGary. Here's hoping that is not true for a second.

[ceperez]

I wonder if the Spurs should start trading a lot of their previous drafts in exchange for picks in this draft.

This 2014 draft seems to have a lot of players with a lot of size.

[100%duncan]

Please do not draft mcgary dude is injury prone

[stnick2261]

I wonder if the Spurs should start trading a lot of their previous drafts in exchange for picks in this draft.

This 2014 draft seems to have a lot of players with a lot of size.

I posted this also in the Draft Rundown thread.


I'd be happy if we went all big men in the draft:

Trade up for Clint Capela or stay put at 30 for Nikola Jokic or Walter Tavares

Take Khem Birch and Isaiah Austin in the 2nd round

[ceperez]

I posted this also in the Draft Rundown thread.


I'd be happy if we went all big men in the draft:

Trade up for Clint Capela or stay put at 30 for Nikola Jokic or Walter Tavares

Take Khem Birch and Isaiah Austin in the 2nd round

Isiaah Austin is legally blind on one eye. Well if the Spurs could talk a chance with a guy without ACLs, then it is likely they'll draft this guy.

I don't see him getting drafted in most of the mock drafts, but it is highly likely that the Spurs pick him up with one of their 2 second round picks. Spurs just seem to like guys who have character.

[Uriel]

I like the idea of the Spurs drafting Walter Tavares, but not as a draft-and-stash candidate, but rather, as someone who can come aboard immediately.

Even though Tavares is already 22, he only started playing basketball at the age of 17, so there's plenty of room to develop him. And what better place to develop players than in Pop's system in San Antonio?

Tavares is a mobile 7"3 big man with a mammoth wingspan and hands that are even bigger than Kawhi's. His defensive potential is sky high. I'd certainly rather see him taking spot big man minutes next season than Errors.

[Chinook]

I'm not a fan of stokes at all. The Spurs don't need another center, and that's what Jarrel is if he has limited mobility and can't shoot.

[objective]

I watched some footage of Tavares and I wouldn't want the spurs to draft him in the first, or maybe even the second. So many bad elements to his non existent game, and a body type that won't allow him to get much better. Dude moves and runs like a 35 year old Sam Bowie. And his lack of basketball experience isn't really a plus, more like a hard ceiling on any potential. He would get killed in the NBA.

[yavozerb]

I really have a hard time believing the spurs are going to take a non euro player with #30 unless Mills does not return and has expressed this to spurs fo. I see a player like Bogdanovic or Inglis as favorites with Jokic as my darkhorse pick.

[T Park]

I like the idea of the Spurs drafting Walter Tavares, but not as a draft-and-stash candidate, but rather, as someone who can come aboard immediately.

Even though Tavares is already 22, he only started playing basketball at the age of 17, so there's plenty of room to develop him. And what better place to develop players than in Pop's system in San Antonio?

Tavares is a mobile 7"3 big man with a mammoth wingspan and hands that are even bigger than Kawhi's. His defensive potential is sky high. I'd certainly rather see him taking spot big man minutes next season than Errors.


You want a guy who started playing basketball 5 years ago getting minutes.


Thank god you're not an NBA GM.

[jesterbobman]

I find myself agreeing with Baam on Jokic, which makes me feel weird. Jokic just seems to tick all the boxes needed as a role playing centre, ability to pass(BIG), rebound, some defensive ability(steal and blocks are only indicators), and can shoot.

The fact he's 19 is also a big plus. With the draft, I'm a youngster zealot, and Jokic over Payne is a clear choice to me. Same with Early and other old guys. Age isn't a reason to pass on Duncan, but does make me say no to 22 year old sophomores who are good but not great. (McGary is a prime example).

For projected late second rounders, thoughts on Khem Birch? Stat profile is very encouraging.

[ace3g]

Edgar Thompson ‏@osgators (https://twitter.com/osgators) Jun 18 (https://twitter.com/osgators/status/479273013159165952) Former #Gators (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gators?src=hash) point guard @scottiew_5 (https://twitter.com/scottiew_5) will work out for the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, his father said.

Xavier Hoops ‏@XUHoopsRumors (https://twitter.com/XUHoopsRumors) Jun 18 (https://twitter.com/XUHoopsRumors/status/479322301461442560) @SemajChriston (https://twitter.com/SemajChriston) on his way to the NBA Champions, #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash), to work out

[pad300]

Regarding picks 58 and 60, what about TJ Bray from Princeton?

BoxScoreGeeks has him as a potentially good player from NCAA stats. (2nd in their NCAA rankings).

Draftexpress has nothing but stats http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/T.J.-Bray-17852/ (and they look good, he passes Hoopsanalysts statistical benchmarks for both PG's and SG's).

Has anyone seen the guy play (I haven't)? How about physical attributes (is he long? Is he fast end to end or laterally?) Is his passing as good (for an SG) as it looks on the stats?

[bluebellmaniac]

Regarding picks 58 and 60, what about TJ Bray from Princeton?

BoxScoreGeeks has him as a potentially good player from NCAA stats. (2nd in their NCAA rankings).

Draftexpress has nothing but stats http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/T.J.-Bray-17852/ (and they look good, he passes Hoopsanalysts statistical benchmarks for both PG's and SG's).

Has anyone seen the guy play (I haven't)? How about physical attributes (is he long? Is he fast end to end or laterally?) Is his passing as good (for an SG) as it looks on the stats?

Is he willing to spend time in Europe? Up to 3 years? That's what it might take.

[pad300]

Also, cool things for people to look at regarding the draft:

hoopsanalyst.com
Comprehensive draft analysis, focuses mostly on NCAA kids

Boxscoregeeks
Statistical basketball. Does a strong draft feature every year. Part 1 for this year is up : http://www.boxscoregeeks.com/articles/the-2014-draft-preview-part-1-the-ncaa-numbers

[pad300]

Bluebell,

I suspect he might. He's on nobodies mock currently...

[ace3g]

Sportando ‏@sportando (https://twitter.com/sportando) 1h (https://twitter.com/sportando/status/480106174025830400) Klimenko suffered a mildly sprained ankle, forced to cancel a number of workouts. Will work out individually for San Antonio + Brooklyn

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Artem-Klimenko-52193/

[pad300]

Sportando ‏@sportando (https://twitter.com/sportando) 1h (https://twitter.com/sportando/status/480106174025830400) Klimenko suffered a mildly sprained ankle, forced to cancel a number of workouts. Will work out individually for San Antonio + Brooklyn

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Artem-Klimenko-52193/

For San Antonio and Brooklyn. Well, there's a hint.

[bluebellmaniac]

For San Antonio and Brooklyn. Well, there's a hint.

I wouldn't pass up Bogdan or Inglis for him. Maybe with the 58 or 60 pick since he sounds pretty raw.

[TheyCallMePro]

I just watched a lot of video on 5 prospects that will be available around 30: Walter Tavares, Mitch Mcgary, Bogdan Bogdanovic, K.J. McDaniels and Vasiliije Micic

And Walter Tavares is by far and away the best. He's 7'2, has great mobility, is a great finisher, blocks out extremely well, and is mobile enough to even guard jump shots. I'm not kidding, this guy has it all. Think Roy Hibbert, but 3 times as good. If we can get him at 30 it would be an absolute steal.

The other 4:

Least impressed with Bogdanovic. Skinny, white 6'6 foreign player who lacks athleticism. Belenelli is 100x better than him. And that's saying something.

K.J McDaniel dominates the ball. He plays good D and boards well, but it's very hard to imagine him playing off-ball, and the Spurs require that in their system.

McGary has nice touch around the rim, but he reminds me too much of Baynes. He's not going to be blocking a lot of shots, and he can't shoot outside of 5 feet. He does hustle though. Wouldn't be a terrible pick. But he's no Tavares. Not by a mile.

Micic - He's a little slow, kind of reminds me of De Colo in a lot of ways. A good passer, a pretty good shooter, and he's a 6'5 PG. He seems to have good instincts, and he's only 19, so there's room for improvement, but still. Nothing special.

[Prime Time]

Regarding picks 58 and 60, what about TJ Bray from Princeton?

BoxScoreGeeks has him as a potentially good player from NCAA stats. (2nd in their NCAA rankings).

Draftexpress has nothing but stats http://search.draftexpress.com/profile/T.J.-Bray-17852/ (and they look good, he passes Hoopsanalysts statistical benchmarks for both PG's and SG's).

Has anyone seen the guy play (I haven't)? How about physical attributes (is he long? Is he fast end to end or laterally?) Is his passing as good (for an SG) as it looks on the stats?
This TJ Bray fella sure gives me a lot of Jack McClinton vibes.

[Chinook]

Micic - He's a little slow, kind of reminds me of De Colo in a lot of ways. A good passer, a pretty good shooter, and he's a 6'5 PG. He seems to have good instincts, and he's only 19, so there's room for improvement, but still. Nothing special.

You compare him to De Colo like it's a bad thing. What's hurting Nando is not talent or skill. It's all mentality and attitude. When De Colo is aggressive, he's actually pretty productive. If Micic has Nando's skill-set and potential, he's definitely worth the pick. He's only 20 and has plenty of time to work on his weaknesses and figure out which position he'll play in the NBA. If he can get next to Mills or Denmon, the Spurs will have a nice back court behind Parker/Green.

[FireMicoHalili]

@kc1nyk: #NBADraft #NBADraft2014 #Russia Star C Klimenko hadMild Ankle Sprain, Cancelled Number of Workouts. Will still workout for #Spurs and #Nets.

[Mel_13]

Sources: San Antonio Spurs will bring in Markel Brown (Oklahoma State) for a workout tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto

[BackHome]

We have talked about Bertrans coming over what about Thomas?

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – After being selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of last summer’s NBA draft Bishop Luers graduate Deshaun Thomas spent his first professional season overseas, suiting up for JSF Nanterre just outside of Paris.
Thomas led Nanterre in scoring at 12 points per game and helped guide the franchise to its first French Cup championship. In championship game he scored 12pts and had 12 rebounds.
Spurs assistant general manager Scott Layden made multiple trips to Europe to see Thomas play and was impressed with the defensive improvement he saw.
The Spurs hold Thomas’ right through this summer’s draft. Thomas is expecting to play for the Spurs summer league team – the team he led in scoring last summer at 12.4 points a game.

[spurnash]

It would appear that Anderson and Jordan Adams have been falling on the mock drafts due to the concern of a "lack of athleticism", if either one of these guys get to 30, then we should pick him.

As for Anderson, he put up great numbers and appears to be a smart player and exceptional passer at his size. I do agree that he may just have been a numerical oddity playing point in college at 6 9 and his ridiculous 3 point shooting % was based on a low volume. Also he was turnover prone and his strength, playing point in college, maybe overshadowed by his lack of speed on the next level at SF, but at the 30 pick of the draft, taking a chance on someone that productive to me is a no brainer.

Adams seems to be slightly more likely to slip to us and I like him slightly more because at SG they are killing him on his vertical at the combine, but this lack of vertical does not seem to affect his game much. He appears to be a solid and very disruptive defender with great instincts. On offense he appears to use his strength very well, albeit he is not explosive. Without the combine vertical I think he would have been gone 10 picks earlier. Now they are expecting his back up to be selected in the teens which smells to me to be a classic work out warrior mistake.

I am hoping right now for one of these two to fall and we end up with a bargain at 30. After these two I am becoming more and more enamored with Jokic which I believe can be had in the middle of the 2nd if the spurs trade up (58 plus a future second).

[Uriel]

You want a guy who started playing basketball 5 years ago getting minutes.


Thank god you're not an NBA GM.
Joel Embiid started playing basketball 4 years ago. Prior to his foot injury, he had been projected to be one of the top big men to come out of the draft in years.

You're obviously uninformed. Thank God you're not an NBA GM.

[Uriel]

I watched some footage of Tavares and I wouldn't want the spurs to draft him in the first, or maybe even the second. So many bad elements to his non existent game, and a body type that won't allow him to get much better. Dude moves and runs like a 35 year old Sam Bowie. And his lack of basketball experience isn't really a plus, more like a hard ceiling on any potential. He would get killed in the NBA.
According to DX's scouting report, Tavares is "extremely mobile."

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Walter-Tavares-48916/

[objective]

I know what they say, I watched their video. I didn't like what I saw.

[MaNu4Tres]

I know what they say, I watched their video. I didn't like what I saw.

Agree. Don't like Tavares either.

[BackHome]

He will have a very hard time with the 3 second rule in the NBA..

[Biggems]

Any chance Big Dog 3 (Glenn Robinson III) falls to us at 30? He could make a very nice backup to Kawhi. He has a solid, not great game. He is not a head case and has shown to be a team player. Plus, from what I understand, Pop has a good relationship with his father.

[FireMicoHalili]

One has to wonder if Tavares ends up like Hassan Adams, Solomon Alabi, and Ognjen Kuzmic. Described as tall and mobile, but have yet to make any significant impact in the league.

[Raven]

I hate to say it Raven but you lost to Estatic - No way is his body going to be able to handle banging with the bigs of the NBA.

i never said it would tbh

[Raven]

I like the idea of the Spurs drafting Walter Tavares, but not as a draft-and-stash candidate, but rather, as someone who can come aboard immediately.

Even though Tavares is already 22, he only started playing basketball at the age of 17, so there's plenty of room to develop him. And what better place to develop players than in Pop's system in San Antonio?

Tavares is a mobile 7"3 big man with a mammoth wingspan and hands that are even bigger than Kawhi's. His defensive potential is sky high. I'd certainly rather see him taking spot big man minutes next season than Errors.

agree completely.

[AFBlue]

Any chance Big Dog 3 (Glenn Robinson III) falls to us at 30? He could make a very nice backup to Kawhi. He has a solid, not great game. He is not a head case and has shown to be a team player. Plus, from what I understand, Pop has a good relationship with his father.

He'll likely be in that late first to early second mix, so the Spurs should have a shot at him. He brings some good tangibles such as athleticism, intelligence, upside. He also has those intangibles, like being team-first, solid work ethic, and having an NBA pedigree that make him intriguing. Obviously he has some flaws (jump shot, rebounding) or he would be available late, but of all the NCAA talent in the range (not including Anderson) I like him best.

[BackHome]

For me get rid of Austin, Bonner, and Errors.

Sign first round draft pick Bertrans

Trade CoJo for Mill second round pick ad get Bogdan who can be third PG/SG

Draft Nikola or Iglis in first round.

[Chinook]

^ I don't even.

[DesignatedT]

I think whoever gets Elfrid Payton will get a good piece for the future. Really like this kid. One of my fav players in the entire draft.

[exstatic]

I think whoever gets Elfrid Payton will get a good piece for the future. Really like this kid. One of my fav players in the entire draft.

Yeah, I was hoping we could trade up and get him, but DX has him at like 12 now. I don't think we have anything but Kawhi that could put us in the lottery, and that's not happening. OTOH, Kawhi was rated anywhere from 3-8, and fell to 15 in 2011. Hope springs eternal.

[T Park]

Joel Embiid started playing basketball 4 years ago. Prior to his foot injury, he had been projected to be one of the top big men to come out of the draft in years.

You're obviously uninformed. Thank God you're not an NBA GM.


Yeah and his body is crumbling and is the next Greg Oden. Whatever cupcake.

[exstatic]

Yeah and his body is crumbling and is the next Greg Oden. Whatever cupcake.

Doesn't address his point at all...cupcake.

[Biggems]

Fellas, enough with the name childish name calling......let's keep it clean. We are all Spurs fans right? Of course we won't all agree on roster moves and draft picks, but that is what makes it fun and exciting.

[Biggems]

For me get rid of Austin, Bonner, and Errors.

Sign first round draft pick Bertrans

Trade CoJo for Mill second round pick ad get Bogdan who can be third PG/SG

Draft Nikola or Iglis in first round.

I had trouble following some of your post. I disagree wholeheartedly about getting rid of anyone, except James. I want to bring every piece back, even Bonner. That opens up 2 roster spots, I believe. So we need a legit backup for Leonard (Robinson III, possibly), and then an end of bench big for insurance (someone who passes well, rebounds ok, and is willing to try on defense).

[Biggems]

SG KJ McDaniels Clemson is a very intriguing player. He is only 6'6, but he has nearly a 7' wingspan. He is also one of the top, if not the top, wing defender in the draft. He is an athletic freak who finishes strong. He has dramatically improved his FT shooting. He is still a bit raw and inconsistent with the rest of his offensive game. However, working with Chip could correct his flaws. Also, the Spurs have enough offense at the moment. Bring him on board for his defense first, then allow him to learn the offensive system and build his offensive game at a nice pace.

In the mocks I have seen, and I have read a lot of them, he has gone from the late first to the early second in almost all of them.

So right now, I would be very pleased to be able to get either Robinson III or McDaniels at 30.

[ceperez]

Walter Tavares signs 3 year deal:

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24593213/draft-prospect-walter-tavares-signs-three-year-deal-with-gran-canaria

So anyone drafting this player is going to have to pay up for him if they want him quickly.

[Darkwaters]

Walter Tavares signs 3 year deal:

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24593213/draft-prospect-walter-tavares-signs-three-year-deal-with-gran-canaria

So anyone drafting this player is going to have to pay up for him if they want him quickly.

That could be a blessing in disguise. This 3 year deal probably causes him to slide in the draft. All the way to 58? Probably not. But it definitely increases that chance.

[BackHome]

SG KJ McDaniels Clemson is a very intriguing player. He is only 6'6, but he has nearly a 7' wingspan. He is also one of the top, if not the top, wing defender in the draft. He is an athletic freak who finishes strong. He has dramatically improved his FT shooting. He is still a bit raw and inconsistent with the rest of his offensive game. However, working with Chip could correct his flaws. Also, the Spurs have enough offense at the moment. Bring him on board for his defense first, then allow him to learn the offensive system and build his offensive game at a nice pace.

In the mocks I have seen, and I have read a lot of them, he has gone from the late first to the early second in almost all of them.

So right now, I would be very pleased to be able to get either Robinson III or McDaniels at 30.

In some games you could have him and Kawhi on the floor at the same time that would be a defense nightmare for teams.

[exstatic]

I think anyone drafting Tavares was thinking "stash" anyway. I think this would only put off teams that don't usually use a first rounder for stashing. He could still go anywhere from our pick at 30 to our pick at 60. This might actually INCREASE the Spurs chances of taking him.

[Uriel]

Yeah and his body is crumbling and is the next Greg Oden. Whatever cupcake.
Red herring. Cupcake.

[Baam]

Posting some floor-ceiling evaluations for an espn article, either because I thought they're interesting or funny :


Doug McDermott (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19767)

High end : Wally Szczerbiak (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/831/wally-szczerbiak). They are both tremendous shooters, and they were both questioned coming into the league due to their size and athleticism. Szczerbiak wound up averaging 14.1 points in a lengthy NBA career.

Low end : Matt Bonner (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1996/matt-bonner). At worst-case level, McDermott is a specialist like Bonner, who comes off the bench and buries shots for a team that goes deep in the postseason. But I'd be shocked if he weren't much closer to Szczerbiak than Bonner.



Kyle Anderson (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19797)

High-end : Hedo Turkoglu (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/862/hedo-turkoglu). Both have size and can really pass the ball. Anderson will be more of a point forward in the NBA, while Hedo is a better athlete and came into the league as a far superior defender.

Low end : Luke Walton (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=16834). Anderson is an extremely unique player, but both he and Walton have similar size, athleticism and feel for the game.




Jordan Adams (http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2010&playerId=19881)

High end : James Harden (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3992/james-harden). Adams isn't as athletic as Harden, but he uses angles like the Rockets star, and he just has a knack for scoring. This is an extremely high-end comp.

Low end : Wayne Ellington (http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/3981/wayne-ellington). He was picked at the end of the 2009 draft and has been a reserve for most of his career as a guy who can make shots. Adams has a more well-rounded offensive game.



And here's imo a must read from Pelton like most of his stuff : http://bbs.hupu.com/9781791.html

His WARP projection is kinda scary for Wiggins and even for one of my favorite in Payton who can't shoot inside or outside at this point... On the other hand Jordan Adams is loved by his metric... At this point I thought that if you looked for a 6th man, Anderson was THE guy to get (ball dominant guy who is a walking mismatch) but Adams could actually be a better choice, wouldn't mind having him steal Beli's minutes...

Jokic and Capela are also mesuring extremely well as it has already been said... And I still think they made a promise to Jokic but I'm also hoping that they end up trading for an extra pick...

Btw Pelton's WARP ranking is not his draft ranking, he has Exum number one for instance, he doesn't ignore the scouting side of the draft...

Just checked out Jordan Adams' DX page and he said he was interviewed by the Spurs in his combine vid...

[exstatic]

Posting some floor-ceiling evaluations for an espn article, either because I thought they're interesting or funny :








And here's imo a must read from Pelton like most of his stuff : http://bbs.hupu.com/9781791.html

His WARP projection is kinda scary for Wiggins and even for one of my favorite in Payton who can't shoot inside or outside at this point... On the other hand Jordan Adams is loved by his metric... At this point I thought that if you looked for a 6th man, Anderson was THE guy to get (ball dominant guy who is a walking mismatch) but Adams could actually be a better choice, wouldn't mind having him steal Beli's minutes...

Jokic and Capela are also mesuring extremely well as it has already been said... And I still think they made a promise to Jokic but I'm also hoping that they end up trading for an extra pick...

Btw Pelton's WARP ranking is not his draft ranking, he has Exum number one for instance, he doesn't ignore the scouting side of the draft...

Just checked out Jordan Adams' DX page and he said he was interviewed by the Spurs in his combine vid...

I'd still take Payton if I'm RC, if he doesn't cost too much to trade up for. He has to go to the right situation. A team with a crappy or non-existent developmental program won't get much out of him. I thought the comparisons to Lillard were ridiculous. Their games are nothing alike. The only thing they really have in common is attending a mid-major school.

I think there will be some surprises in this draft. I heard that Napier got an invite to the green room, and he's been solidly projected in the 20s in most mocks.

[exstatic]

I think the Spurs made a promise. I'm just not sure it's Jokic. It wouldn't surprise me at all if that were Presti. Almost every mock had them picking Porzingis with one of their first rounders, and when he pulled out, Jokic is the next best thing in that category of talented Euro bigs to stash, which I believe they will do with at least one of their picks for tax reasons. Englis also pulled out and then rescinded. He's much more in line with recent Spurs picks: French and very athletic.

[AFBlue]

I think the Spurs made a promise. I'm just not sure it's Jokic. It wouldn't surprise me at all if that were Presti. Almost every mock had them picking Porzingis with one of their first rounders, and when he pulled out, Jokic is the next best thing in that category of talented Euro bigs to stash, which I believe they will do with at least one of their picks for tax reasons. Englis also pulled out and then rescinded. He's much more in line with recent Spurs picks: French and very athletic.

It's probably Inglis, with the French connection...but I agree the Spurs made a promise. GR3, Early, etc. all just backup options at this point.

imo, tbqh, fwiw

[Baam]

If they pick Inglis it will be such an underwhelming draft for me... He's not that good and is just too similar to Livio...

[exstatic]

It's probably Inglis, with the French connection...but I agree the Spurs made a promise. GR3, Early, etc. all just backup options at this point.

imo, tbqh, fwiw

I have a feeling they're trolling for another pick if it doesn't cost too much. Phoenix's #27 would likely be cheap, but it's only a couple of slots over ours.

I'd love Chicago's #19.

Jazz at #23 or Hornets at #24 could probably be had, as they are also extra picks.

[AFBlue]

I have a feeling they're trolling for another pick if it doesn't cost too much. Phoenix's #27 would likely be cheap, but it's only a couple of slots over ours.

I'd love Chicago's #19.

Jazz at #23 or Hornets at #24 could probably be had, as they are also extra picks.

Yeah this is a pretty deep draft, so acquiring additional picks and strengthening at multiple positions makes some sense. I just wonder what or who it would cost them to acquire. No one is really expendable on the squad that's worth anything.

[exstatic]

Yeah this is a pretty deep draft, so acquiring additional picks and strengthening at multiple positions makes some sense. I just wonder what or who it would cost them to acquire. No one is really expendable on the squad that's worth anything.

If there is a player like Payton or Capela available and Chicago would give us #19 for Bertans and next year's 1st rounder, I'd trade him in a heartbeat.

[Chinook]

If they pick Inglis it will be such an underwhelming draft for me... He's not that good and is just too similar to Livio...

Indeed if that's all they do. If they end up getting an early second somehow and using that on Micic/Tavares/Bodganovic, I'd be very excited. I'd also be excited if someone unexpected falls to their second-rounders.

This doesn't feel like 2011 at all, though. I can't see the Spurs making a move during the draft, as they don't have any cheap young players on expirings. Sure, they have Green, Ayres and Beli, but Danny isn't going anywhere, no one wants Ayres, and dealing Beli would kill chemistry.

[Baam]

480584142720368640

[ceperez]

Yeah this is a pretty deep draft, so acquiring additional picks and strengthening at multiple positions makes some sense. I just wonder what or who it would cost them to acquire. No one is really expendable on the squad that's worth anything.

Well the players that were drafted like Bertrans, Livo, etc are all expendable.

[Baam]

I dont believe in the possibility of Livio being dealt...

Bertrans could be but he's not the main piece in any deal, pretty much exclusively a sweetener, dont really see the point given how low his value would be to the other team.

Beli is imo the favorite to be dealt for a pick, his playoff plus minus has to be negative for sure, his pairing with an old Manu is a big fail, it's one of the easiest thing to see so if you could flip him for a Jordan Adams of a Bogdanovic you dont think about it even one second and you jump on the opportunity imo...

Actually drafting Adams would also give the team a nice insurance with Green becoming a FA next summer...

[exstatic]

I dont believe in the possibility of Livio being dealt...

Bertrand could be but he's not the main piece in any deal, pretty much exclusively a sweetener, dont really see the point given how low his value would be to the other team.

Beli is imo the favorite to be dealt for a pick, his playoff plus minus has to be negative for sure, his pairing with an old Manu is a big fail, it's one of the easiest thing to see so if you could flip him for a Jordan Adams of a Bogdanovic you dont think about it even one second and you jump on the opportunity imo...

Actually drafting Adams would also give the team a nice insurance with Green becoming a FA next summer...

Two problems with dealing Beli for a pick.

One: he has a salary. Most teams are looking for picks or already drafted unsigned players, assets that won't hit their cap sheet.
Two: as bad as he was in the playoffs, we NEED him in the regular season, especially now that Manu is back playing NT ball.

[Mel_13]

The Bulls have made it known throughout the league one or both of their first-round picks in Thursday’s draft are available. In an attempt to save salary-cap space for additions this summer, the Bulls are trying to avoid adding two rookie-scale contracts. Chicago Tribune
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

[Uriel]

The Bulls have made it known throughout the league one or both of their first-round picks in Thursday’s draft are available. In an attempt to save salary-cap space for additions this summer, the Bulls are trying to avoid adding two rookie-scale contracts. Chicago Tribune
http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm
Are they looking for assets or are they willing to sell for cash straight-up? Because if it's the latter...

Then again, Holt isn't exactly known for his willingness to spend.

[Mel_13]

Are they looking for assets or are they willing to sell for cash straight-up? Because if it's the latter...

Then again, Holt isn't exactly known for his willingness to spend.

Well, if they don't want 2014 salary back, then they want cash, future picks, stashed picks, or some combination. I couldn't access the full article from the Chicago Tribune, just that one line from Hoopshype.

[Baam]

Two problems with dealing Beli for a pick.

One: he has a salary. Most teams are looking for picks or already drafted unsigned players, assets that won't hit their cap sheet.
Two: as bad as he was in the playoffs, we NEED him in the regular season, especially now that Manu is back playing NT ball.

That's a great point but I only partially agree, there should be plenty of SG minutes to be had but I think they could be used to groom a rookie... It doesn't seem like a good idea to wait until Manu retires to get his replacement on the team... Unlike Splitter there isn't really a case for Beli imo, his negative impact has been pretty steady...

Regarding the Bulls picks here's what I found (from SI) :



Chicago is aggressively trying to move its two first-round picks, according to rival executives. The Bulls are believed to be looking for either a veteran scorer or the chance to move up in the draft to select a young wing player with scoring potential.


I think Charlotte's 24th pick and the Sun's 27th pick are more realistic targets but who knows...

[FireMicoHalili]

Wondering which of these guys turn out to be busts. By face value, I'm thinking Tavares, Saric, Payne, Vonleh, Ennis, and Capela (if he goes top 20). Stauskas too, if he remains soft.

[ace3g]

@SHowardCooper (https://twitter.com/SHowardCooper/): Isaiah Austin has career-ending medical condition, Baylor announces. bit.ly/1ixz1s4 (http://t.co/RfCQ03NrUV)”

[Baam]

@SHowardCooper (https://twitter.com/SHowardCooper/): Isaiah Austin has career-ending medical condition, Baylor announces. bit.ly/1ixz1s4 (http://t.co/RfCQ03NrUV)”

Damn this guy got some shitty luck, feel bad for him...

[exstatic]

@SHowardCooper (https://twitter.com/SHowardCooper/): Isaiah Austin has career-ending medical condition, Baylor announces. bit.ly/1ixz1s4 (http://t.co/RfCQ03NrUV)”

Man, that sucks for him.

[eDizzle20]

@SHowardCooper (https://twitter.com/SHowardCooper/): Isaiah Austin has career-ending medical condition, Baylor announces. bit.ly/1ixz1s4 (http://t.co/RfCQ03NrUV)”

You gotta feel for the guy. That is awful news. On the bright side though it's good he entered the draft this year because obviously the condition is life threatening and was diagnosed by the NBA's testing.

[ace3g]

Michael Scotto ‏@MikeAScotto (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto) 1h (https://twitter.com/MikeAScotto/status/480749553143259136) Sources: San Antonio Spurs will bring in Walter Tavares for a workout today. Tavares (7'3") has become a rising center prospect. #NBADraft





Johnathan Snyder ‏@J_Snyder613 (https://twitter.com/J_Snyder613) 6h (https://twitter.com/J_Snyder613/status/480671565055414272) Billy Baron worked out with Spurs this weekend and will workout with the Pistons this morning. Last workout as of now scheduled he told me

[Mr. Body]

Tavares is intriguing, but rarely does a player that size not break down fairly quickly.

[Trill Clinton]

*

[Trill Clinton]

isaiah austin's basketball career if officially over due to a heart condition.


EDIT: already posted. sucks for austin but his health is more important.

[smaka]

For all the guys that keep saying Embiid has same injury as James Anderson - you are wrong. Anderson had stress fracture on 5th metatarsal bone, which is quite "far away" from navicular bone.

[smaka]

you just decided that it's chronic tbh, also i wouldn't draft him btw, just saying i don't see him sliding him that much.
You don't know much about stress fractures, do you.

[CGD]

Intrigued by the news of Chicago wanting to trade the 19th. Could they accept a teams 2015 first rounder plus a 2014/future 2nds? Can't see them trading it away for salary at or exceeding the value of the 19th.

[TheDarkSide.]

Quick question as i'm more intrigued to who the spurs draft this year than any others..what significance does bringing in a player for a workout hold to the spurs? Spurs are pretty discrete and usually any 'leaks' of what the spurs intend to do never happen. How often do the spurs draft a player they have worked out?

[Baam]

Quick question as i'm more intrigued to who the spurs draft this year than any others..what significance does bringing in a player for a workout hold to the spurs? Spurs are pretty discrete and usually any 'leaks' of what the spurs intend to do never happen. How often do the spurs draft a player they have worked out?

Actually the Livio pick kinda leaked... Even last year second round pick was kinda expected as everyone remembered the Deshaun Thomas line about not giving his phone number to the Spurs at the draft combine...

When they want to be secretive like they did with Kawhi they don't bring in the player for a workout, cause if you do chances are it's gonna leak...

The Livio leak was more about him not doing any workout after he got the Hoop summit mvp, that clearly told everyone he got a promise and the Spurs seemed like the most likely team to have given it to him, especially since he played for TP's team...

This year Jokic and Inglis are acting like they got promises so then again I think a lot of us expect the Spurs to pick at least one of the two...

[exstatic]

Quick question as i'm more intrigued to who the spurs draft this year than any others..what significance does bringing in a player for a workout hold to the spurs? Spurs are pretty discrete and usually any 'leaks' of what the spurs intend to do never happen. How often do the spurs draft a player they have worked out?

They work out a bunch of guys and draft only one. If you can figure out which one, I'm sure other teams would pay you for the info, but so far, they almost never figure it out.

[Uriel]

Many people in this thread seem certain that OKC had given Jokic a promise at #29 and that SA has given Ingliis a promise at #30.

My question is: If we flipped picks with Presti, would we draft Jokic rather than Ingliis?

[ceperez]

Actually the Livio pick kinda leaked... Even last year second round pick was kinda expected as everyone remembered the Deshaun Thomas line about not giving his phone number to the Spurs at the draft combine...

When they want to be secretive like they did with Kawhi they don't bring in the player for a workout, cause if you do chances are it's gonna leak...

The Livio leak was more about him not doing any workout after he got the Hoop summit mvp, that clearly told everyone he got a promise and the Spurs seemed like the most likely team to have given it to him, especially since he played for TP's team...

This year Jokic and Inglis are acting like they got promises so then again I think a lot of us expect the Spurs to pick at least one of the two...

The Spurs also pull out a lot of weird stuff. Like the Batum stuff of him having a heart condition and not working out with anyone.

So the Blazers steal Batum before the Spurs can get him..... However... Spurs draft Hill that they use to get Leonard.

[ceperez]

They work out a bunch of guys and draft only one. If you can figure out which one, I'm sure other teams would pay you for the info, but so far, they almost never figure it out.

It is not like they can draft everyone they worked out, when George Hill was drafted the target players were either Batum or Ibaka. The Spurs hoped to get one of them and then get Hill on the 2nd round.

[ceperez]

Many people in this thread seem certain that OKC had given Jokic a promise at #29 and that SA has given Ingliis a promise at #30.

My question is: If we flipped picks with Presti, would we draft Jokic rather than Ingliis?

Presti is the best draft picker bar none. Unfortunately for the Spurs, OKC has had for so many years the inside track by drafting earlier. OKC has 21 and 29 this year.

[TheDarkSide.]

Presti is the best draft picker bar none. Unfortunately for the Spurs, OKC has had for so many years the inside track by drafting earlier. OKC has 21 and 29 this year.

im sure that will turn around in 2 years time for us, but damn these guys with inside spurs knowledge(Presti, Pritchard, Ferry) getting some international prospects i would've loved on our team and maybe biting us in the ass a bit.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Reading that the Knicks are shopping Iman Shumpert for a first round pick, even a late one. I'd be all over that for San Antonio.

[Twisted_Dawg]

Reading that the Knicks are shopping Iman Shumpert for a first round pick, even a late one. I'd be all over that for San Antonio.

Not sure our #30 would be enough to do it.
http://fullyclips.com/2014/06/23/report-knicks-shopping-iman-shumpert-first-round-pick/

.......Several months later, the Clippers have what the Knicks are looking for and talks could strike back up with the NBA Draft only four days away. Compared to other teams in the mid-teens and late twenties that could use Shumpert’s services, the Clippers don’t have as valuable an asset. The Oklahoma City Thunder have the 21st overall pick, Utah the 23rd, Charlotte at 24th, and Phoenix the 27th. If those franchises feel the urge to provide the Knicks with the mentioned picks, the Clippers have no chance at Shumpert unless they include an asset, mainly Bullock, and if last years sentiments remain, the deal would be off because of such.

[exstatic]

It is not like they can draft everyone they worked out, when George Hill was drafted the target players were either Batum or Ibaka. The Spurs hoped to get one of them and then get Hill on the 2nd round.

They were never getting Hill in the second round, as late as our pick usually is. Hill became exactly what their plan was: a fallback position in the first if Batum was gone.

[100%duncan]

Reading that the Knicks are shopping Iman Shumpert for a first round pick, even a late one. I'd be all over that for San Antonio.

I wouldnt do it.

[exstatic]

Reading that the Knicks are shopping Iman Shumpert for a first round pick, even a late one. I'd be all over that for San Antonio.

Not a great use of our pick. Iman has played rotation minutes every year, isn't that great a shooter, and his career PER is 10.5, well below the 15.0 of an average NBA player.

A pure case of NY hype.

[Uriel]

Here are the projections of whom the Spurs will pick, based on the latest mocks:


NBA.com: Jarnell Stokes
ESPN: Cleanthony Early
Yahoo! Sports: Walter Tavares
Sports Illustrated: Walter Tavares
CBS Sports: Jarnell Stokes
USA Today: Vasilje Micic
DraftExpress: Mitch McGary
NBADraft.net: Bogdan Bogdanovic


Needless to say, all of the above names can now officially be ruled out for whom R.C. will actually take on draft night. :lol

[ceperez]

Suns offering pick #27 for future first round pick.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/233852/Suns-Interested-In-Trading-Away-27th-Overall-Pick

Hmmm... could be very valuable for the Spurs... will beat OKC to the punch.

[Uriel]

Suns offering pick #27 for future first round pick.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/233852/Suns-Interested-In-Trading-Away-27th-Overall-Pick

Hmmm... could be very valuable for the Spurs... will beat OKC to the punch.
Is there reason to believe that OKC and SA have targeted the same player?

People here are suggesting that OKC has given Jokic a promise at #29, while we gave Ingliis a promise at #30.

[Raven]

entirely possible saric falls down in our lap now.

[TheCerebral1]

Suns offering pick #27 for future first round pick.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/233852/Suns-Interested-In-Trading-Away-27th-Overall-Pick

Hmmm... could be very valuable for the Spurs... will beat OKC to the punch.

Whenever this happens, the Spurs are never involved. I imagine, Portland or Houston will be in. LOL. I would love to add another latish type pick.

[smaka]

entirely possible saric falls down in our lap now.
Why?

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Why?

Apparently has signed a new 3-year deal. Would be awesome if he slipped to the Spurs, but unlikely. Wonder what the buyouts are.

[Mr. Body]

I'm liking Walter Tavares. Not a sexy pick, but a big with that size and mobility is super-rare this late in the draft, but he may still be there. He hasn't played much basketball, yet he has a good instinct for the game (that can't generally be taught). Guys that size often break down, but at #30 he's not a bad pick at all.

[Mr. Body]

Apparently has signed a new 3-year deal. Would be awesome if he slipped to the Spurs, but unlikely. Wonder what the buyouts are.

That's really bizarre. A player stays in the NBA draft and then just before it signs a fairly long deal, one that would kill a lot of interest and drop him way down the draft order and into a lower rookie scale payout.

[smaka]

I don't get that move either. Stupid, imo.

[stnick2261]

If he really signed a 3 year deal expecting to honor all 3 years, then he wouldn't be bound by rookie scale when he comes over. After 3 years of playing overseas, while his rights are still owned by his NBA team, he would be signed like a FA with no restrictions.

[Raven]

Why?

he was saying before, that he would only come for the lakers or celtics (bad sign already, what retard would choose between two teams that are so different), now he signed a three year deal with efes right before the draft, and it's easy to think that he has no intention of coming in the nba in the short future.

[smaka]

he was saying before, that he would only come for the lakers or celtics (bad sign already, what retard would choose between two teams that are so different), now he signed a three year deal with efes right before the draft, and it's easy to think that he has no intention of coming in the nba in the short future.
Yeah I saw he's not coming for at least two years.
And :lol at only wanting to play for the Lakers and Celtic. Why would anyone want to play for the Lakers right now :lol

[Mr. Body]

The thing about the Lakers/Celtics only is apparently a rumor. He has said he wants to wait before coming over, so this seems to be him saying he's quite serious about this as a signal to whoever wants to take him. There will be teams with multiple picks who will want to take a flier on him. Thanks on the info about rookie scale after a few years.

[raybies]

On this blog I offer my take on this years draft. Written in the blog is, pick history after championship seasons, team needs, and prospects most likely to be drafted. Long story short I'm convinced that Bogdan Bogdanovic is the guy the Spurs want.

spurshomer.blogspot.com

Just some reading pre-draft...

[Captivus]

DX has Exum at 3rd pick...PHI.
Am I the only one that thinks this is totally wrong??

If I had to guess Ill say they pick Noah...maybe Randle.
And after that Orlando shouldnt take Exum...they should go with Smart.
Let the Celtics and the Lakers worry about Embiid and Exum.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

DX has Exum at 3rd pick...PHI.
Am I the only one that thinks this is totally wrong??

If I had to guess Ill say they pick Noah...maybe Randle.
And after that Orlando shouldnt take Exum...they should go with Smart.
Let the Celtics and the Lakers worry about Embiid and Exum.

I thought it was odd that nobody had Exum as the sixers pick sooner. I think the aussie connection is a no brainer. And i think MCW and Exum could coexist. Throw in Wroten off the bench. With Noel, Davies, Mullens, and Young/Payne/McDermott/Gordon/Randle. That could be a relentless pick and roll/pop game.

[ceperez]

Apparently has signed a new 3-year deal. Would be awesome if he slipped to the Spurs, but unlikely. Wonder what the buyouts are.

Buyouts can be pretty expensive. Spurs couldn't even buy out Scola.

Tavares with this deal is saying, draft me... but stash me elswhere until I can prove I can make it in the NBA.

The only teams that would be interested is sacrificing their 1st round pick for someone who can't come in for the next 3 years is a team that doesn't need rookies to play.

[stnick2261]

Scola's overseas contract was the end of an era... he had a $14mil buyout to come to the NBA which is unheard of now. Most players who want to come to the NBA have manageable buyouts now.

[ceperez]

Probably a good #60 pick: Josh Huestis

Measured at 6-8 in shoes, with a 7-1 wingspan and a solid 213 pound frame, Heustis has terrific size for a NBA small forward and is even big enough to see some minutes as a small-ball power forward in certain lineups. He's a good athlete, showing nice quickness and agility and the ability to play above the rim in transition.

Heustis' outside shooting will likely be the key to his NBA prospects. He displays solid form on his jumper, and made 34% of his 3-point attempts the last two seasons, albeit on only around two attempts per game (154 in 70 games). His touch isn't great and he only converted 33% of his shots with his feet set this year (he was actually better off the dribble), but the hope is that he can at least become a reliable enough corner 3-point shooter to keep defenses honest and allow him to stay on the floor.

The rest of Huestis' offensive game is nothing to write home about, as he's not a particularly skilled or talented player at this point in time. He struggles to put the ball on the floor and rarely gets to the free throw line, even if he's able to overpower smaller college opponents with his back to the basket inside the paint at times. To his credit, he looks like a smart player who doesn't force the issue too often and rarely turns the ball over, which bodes well for the role he is projected to play in the NBA.

The best thing that Huestis brings to the table, and the key attribute that makes him a NBA prospect, is his defense. His size, length and athleticism gives him the ability to guard multiple positions at the college level and beyond, and he shows terrific smarts and intensity locking down opponents. Even though he's a bit upright in his stance at times, Huestis' strong base helps him keep quicker opponents in front of him, while his length and activity level makes him very effective at contesting shots. Even when he gets beat off the dribble initially, he's often athletic enough to recover and make a play at the rim, as evidenced by the terrific shot-blocking numbers he's posted throughout his career at Stanford.


From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz35UFqOL1F
http://www.draftexpress.com

[Captivus]

I thought it was odd that nobody had Exum as the sixers pick sooner. I think the aussie connection is a no brainer. And i think MCW and Exum could coexist. Throw in Wroten off the bench. With Noel, Davies, Mullens, and Young/Payne/McDermott/Gordon/Randle. That could be a relentless pick and roll/pop game.

Aussi connection?
Im not sure about Exum...who is this guy? I would go safer and get Noah.
Their best player is a PG...I wouldnt risk taking another. Thats 2 risky things: 1) that this Exum guy is good and 2) that they can both play together.

[Captivus]

I thought it was odd that nobody had Exum as the sixers pick sooner. I think the aussie connection is a no brainer. And i think MCW and Exum could coexist. Throw in Wroten off the bench. With Noel, Davies, Mullens, and Young/Payne/McDermott/Gordon/Randle. That could be a relentless pick and roll/pop game.

One more thing...they could easily pick Payton with the 10th pick if they want another backcourt player.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

http://www.csnphilly.com/basketball-philadelphia-76ers/sixers-draft-target-g-dante-exum

[DrunkTXLabrat]

http://www.csnphilly.com/basketball-philadelphia-76ers/sixers-draft-target-g-dante-exum

"If anyone knows Exum’s skill set, it’s Brett Brown. When he coached the Australian National team, Brown invited a then-15-year-old Exum to train with the squad. Brown also coached Exum’s father, Cecil, when Exum was an assistant with the Melbourne Tigers."

[Richie]

Probably a good #60 pick: Josh Huestis

From DraftExpress.com http://www.draftexpress.com#ixzz35UFqOL1F
http://www.draftexpress.com

I really like Heustis with one of our second rounders. If he can improve his shooting a bit then he can definitely see minutes in the NBA with his physical profile. Draft him, bring him to summer camp and assess his future shooting potential, defensive potential and attitude.

A pick that late in the draft is such a crapshoot finding a servicable 3&D prospect is a win.

[Captivus]

"If anyone knows Exum’s skill set, it’s Brett Brown. When he coached the Australian National team, Brown invited a then-15-year-old Exum to train with the squad. Brown also coached Exum’s father, Cecil, when Exum was an assistant with the Melbourne Tigers."

Sure...and that is the ONLY reason this should/would pick him.

IMO...Noah Vonleh + Payton (if they want another PG) looks safer than Exum + Gordon.
Hope Im wrong and Exum is great, nice to have another international star in the NBA.

[raybies]

Buyouts can be pretty expensive. Spurs couldn't even buy out Scola.

Tavares with this deal is saying, draft me... but stash me elswhere until I can prove I can make it in the NBA.

The only teams that would be interested is sacrificing their 1st round pick for someone who can't come in for the next 3 years is a team that doesn't need rookies to play.

I agree. The two most recent bigs that the Spurs took in the first round were Tiago Splitter and Ian Mahinmi. Walter doesn't really fit that mold for a 1st. He's much more underdeveloped than Tiago and without the potential of Ian. With that being said he only recently started playing ball and has decent shooting mechanics and physical tools for a C. I see him with potential as a 4th big but with the Omer Asiks of the world it's plausible that he could one day be a starter if he keeps developing. Interesting prospect indeed.

[Chinook]

Saric doesn't seem like Spurs material, but his potential at 30 would be too hard to pass up. He said a while back that he'd like to play for the Spurs, so I think he'd rather SA hold his rights than most NBA teams. I don't want the Spurs to stash this pick, but for an elite D&S player I would make an exception.

[stnick2261]

If Saric falls, I'd love to have him (unless Capela was available as well). While he is an offensive-minded SF/PF (mostly PF), he relies on BBIQ and not athleticism... meaning, he could have a career as long as Duncans

[Baam]

Saric is so talented that you take him if you can... He's clearly an headcase with a shady inner circle but whatever... He could be the 4 of the future, Boris-like skills with a much more alpha attitude... People talk about stretch 4 and all that, and it's clearly the future of the league right now. But you know what beats a stretch 4, having a point forward at the 4, then you get to another level, we're talking nuclear offense...

If we're looking at the post Duncan era and the new age nba, Saric is one of the most compelling option I can think of... He's not very Spursy at this point but I think it's more about his entourage than anything, he seems competitive and hard working...

I'm a big Capela supporter but Saric is in another tier. Plus Chip could help him work on his shot during the off seasons and they could encourage him to bulk up as well... You get a 23 years old Saric when Tim finally retires...

Don't see him falling to 30 tho, they'd have to trade up.

[xmas1997]

Walter Tavares signs 3 year deal:

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24593213/draft-prospect-walter-tavares-signs-three-year-deal-with-gran-canaria

So anyone drafting this player is going to have to pay up for him if they want him quickly.


I think this signing pretty much cancels him as a Spur. The Spurs need to start grooming someone now to eventually take TDs spot IMHO.

[Baam]

From ESPN :



NBA sources say that Saric's decision to stay in Europe will affect his draft stock. He was getting looks as high as the 76ers (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phi/philadelphia-76ers) at No. 10, the Nuggets (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/den/denver-nuggets) at 11 and the Magic (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/orl/orlando-magic) at 12. However, because he's unlikely to come to the NBA for at least two years, those teams are now hesitating to draft him that high.
However, it's possible that Saric won't slide too far. Sources say the Hawks (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/atl/atlanta-hawks) at 15, the Celtics (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/bos/boston-celtics) at 17, the Suns (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/phx/phoenix-suns)at 18 and the Bulls (http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/chi/chicago-bulls) at 19 are all looking at Saric and are more comfortable drafting him and keeping him in Europe for the next two seasons. The Celtics, Suns and Bulls all have multiple picks in this year's draft.
.

[Prime Time]

Hawks will draft him, IMO.

[FireMicoHalili]

Sure...and that is the ONLY reason this should/would pick him.

IMO...Noah Vonleh + Payton (if they want another PG) looks safer than Exum + Gordon.
Hope Im wrong and Exum is great, nice to have another international star in the NBA.
"Safer"? Ok whatever floats your boat man. Draft expert over here yo

[Baam]

Hawks will draft him, IMO.

Not sure they really can afford to if some like Nurkic is there at 15... They have been looking for a center for a long time and they wouldn't have to wait 3 years to get him on the team...

[DesignatedT]

@ESPNSteinLine: RT @DJJazzyJody: Jazz are offering Derrick Favors, Alec Burks and No. 5 pick to Cavs for No. 1 pick & Jarrett Jack, according to @1280Spence

All for Jabari Parker? If I'm Cleveland I do this deal.

[yavozerb]

All for Jabari Parker? If I'm Cleveland I do this deal.

Cannot see Utah offer this for Jabari, sorry. probably started by a couple of AM radio guys or something, wait a minute...

[Chinook]

All for Jabari Parker? If I'm Cleveland I do this deal.

That deal, as constructed, is not possible under the CBA. The Cavs need to add a couple million to the deal. That can be done by including Alonzo Gee. I'd do such a deal if I were the Cavs. The only downside is that it cuts into cap space, but I think they could create enough room if James is really keen on going there. Otherwise, they can re-sign/S&T Deng and Hawes and make a playoff push. This would be much better than that Thornton trade idea.

[DesignatedT]

I know Utah is obsessed with Parker but that seems like a lot to give up.

[Uriel]

Who does Chad Ford have us taking in his latest 9.0 Mock Draft (just came out today)?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=10&source=Chad-Ford-Mock-Draft

[DesignatedT]

Who does Chad Ford have us taking in his latest 9.0 Mock Draft (just came out today)?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=10&source=Chad-Ford-Mock-Draft

Florida C Patric Young

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/patric-young


I don't see that happening

[Baam]

All for Jabari Parker? If I'm Cleveland I do this deal.

It's hard to lose a trade when you're getting the best player... So imo it'd a clear win for the Jazz...

The Jazz cant keep both Kanter and Favors anyway and Burks' rookie contract is up soon... They're really not giving up much... I think there's only 2 potential superstars in the draft : Exum and Jabari...

[DesignatedT]

Favors is only 22 and still improving each year. Getting him and moving back 4 spots for a player who hasn't played an nba minute and is far from a guarantee is a pretty good deal for Cleveland. It could screw up there Lebron plans though if they are planning on making a push there.

[elemento]

Florida C Patric Young

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/patric-young


I don't see that happening

I would hate it tbh. Young would be a great pick with the 2nd round pick though. Not sure if he falls that much.

Ford was "playing" a draft game on twitter today and he said that SA would take Mitch Gary with the 30th. Crazy that nobody has SA getting an European .

Unless someone really good falls to SA, I really think that San Antonio will draft an European player. Hopefully it's Micic

[yavozerb]

If the spurs end up going with a guard I really like Nick Johnson from Zona. Kid reminds me of Westbrook a little with his size and athleticism. Still a combo guard at this time and would have to learn to play the 1 more often, but the kid is very dynamic and can get to the rim fairly easily with his athleticism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKYf5glSnDE
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Nick-Johnson-6524/

[Baam]

Favors is only 22 and still improving each year. Getting him and moving back 4 spots for a player who hasn't played an nba minute and is far from a guarantee is a pretty good deal for Cleveland. It could screw up there Lebron plans though if they are planning on making a push there.

Yeah he's good but not great, the Jazz really need a franchise player...

[DesignatedT]

I would hate it tbh. Young would be a great pick with the 2nd round pick though. Not sure if he falls that much.

Ford was "playing" a draft game on twitter today and he said that SA would take Mitch Gary with the 30th. Crazy that nobody has SA getting an European .

Unless someone really good falls to SA, I really think that San Antonio will draft an European player. Hopefully it's Micic

Yeah. I think SA will go the draft n stash route or possibly swap it for a future first. I just don't see them adding another guaranteed contract onto the books with the uncertainty surrounding parts of the roster right now.

If the Spurs do take an American player who's ready to play now then it must be somebody they really like.

[BackHome]

In this draft in the first round we can get someone who I think can get some playing time.

[Chinook]

If it's true that Bertans is coming over this summer, then the Spurs have 13 of 15 spots locked down, provided they bring back everyone except Bonner. If Matt comes back, then it's only 14. DeShaun Thomas seems hell-bent on staying on this side of the Atlantic next season, so the Spurs are probably have to give him a camp invite. In such a case, I see Thomas and Daye fighting it out for the 15th spot. If there's no Bonner, then they would probably both get a spot.

The only way I see a first-rounder getting playing time (or even a roster spot) next season is if at least one of Mills, Diaw, Baynes or Bonner fails to return. The problem is that the Spurs won't know any of that on Thursday. So they'd probably pick a stash player anticipating a tight roster.

[Darkwaters]

If it's true that Bertans is coming over this summer, then the Spurs have 13 of 15 spots locked down, provided they bring back everyone except Bonner. If Matt comes back, then it's only 14. DeShaun Thomas seems hell-bent on staying on this side of the Atlantic next season, so the Spurs are probably have to give him a camp invite. In such a case, I see Thomas and Daye fighting it out for the 15th spot. If there's no Bonner, then they would probably both get a spot.

The only way I see a first-rounder getting playing time (or even a roster spot) next season is if at least one of Mills, Diaw, Baynes or Bonner fails to return. The problem is that the Spurs won't know any of that on Thursday. So they'd probably pick a stash player anticipating a tight roster.

Nobody is talking much about Baynes. Hes a free agent just the same as some of our others (albeit, restricted). Any chance he walks? When he got minutes in the playoffs he played well. Even though hes older than his relative experience might suggest, he still might be a decent signing for another team.

[Chinook]

Nobody is talking much about Baynes. Hes a free agent just the same as some of our others (albeit, restricted). Any chance he walks? When he got minutes in the playoffs he played well. Even though hes older than his relative experience might suggest, he still might be a decent signing for another team.

There's some chance. He could get a $10M/3 or $12M/4 deal similar to what Mahinmi got from Indiana a couple of years ago (although Ian's $16M/4 deal is just bananas). I wouldn't want the Spurs to match that unless perhaps they absolutely knew Tim was retiring after next season. He's really not worth much more than Ayres got yet.

[exstatic]

There's some chance. He could get a $10M/3 or $12M/4 deal similar to what Mahinmi got from Indiana a couple of years ago (although Ian's $16M/4 deal is just bananas). I wouldn't want the Spurs to match that unless perhaps they absolutely knew Tim was retiring after next season. He's really not worth much more than Ayres got yet.

Mahinmi got that contract because he was an unbelievable athlete, and Dallas and Indy didn't realize what we figured out: he's not really a basketball player.

[Uriel]

Florida C Patric Young

http://www.nbadraft.net/players/patric-young


I don't see that happening
It's odd that Chad Ford would have the Spurs drafting a guy who's projected to be a mid-2nd rounder in most other mocks all the way up to #30. If he were just making an educated guess about whom the Spurs were to pick, he would've just picked a player in the #25 - #35 range that fits a team need.

The only way this pick could make sense if he heard something from someone with inside info. :stirpot:

[Baam]

It's odd that Chad Ford would have the Spurs drafting a guy who's projected to be a mid-2nd rounder in most other mocks all the way up to #30. If he were just making an educated guess about whom the Spurs were to pick, he would've just picked a player in the #25 - #35 range that fits a team need.

The only way this pick could make sense if he heard something from someone with inside info. :stirpot:

Meh I don't believe it one second... If the yahoo guys start saying the same thing I'd give it a chance but at this point I don't see it...

[Baam]

What are the best assets the Spurs can use on draft night to trade up?

- future picks

- Beli or Beli+Daye

- some capspace

[Captivus]

Interesting video...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYXuquBgvBU&feature=youtu.be&a

[stnick2261]

What are the best assets the Spurs can use on draft night to trade up?

- future picks

- Beli or Beli+Daye

- some capspace

^^Or outright Cash and buy a pick

[stnick2261]

That video makes me want to move up a few spots in the 2nd round to make sure we get Khem Birch

[ChumpDumper]

Interesting video...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYXuquBgvBU&feature=youtu.be&aGlaring error saying Payton played in the Big Sky.

But yes on Birch. Guys like him always seem to be able to play at least a bit in the NBA.

[Prime Time]

Watch the Spurs end up drafting some guy none of us saw coming. Like Spencer Dinwiddie

[xmas1997]

Watch the Spurs end up drafting some guy none of us saw coming. Like Spencer Dinwiddie

Dinwiddie wouldn't be a bad choice IMHO.

[bluebellmaniac]

It's odd that Chad Ford would have the Spurs drafting a guy who's projected to be a mid-2nd rounder in most other mocks all the way up to #30. If he were just making an educated guess about whom the Spurs were to pick, he would've just picked a player in the #25 - #35 range that fits a team need.

The only way this pick could make sense if he heard something from someone with inside info. :stirpot:

My cousin works at the airport and he said he overheard Chad Ford and Patric Young talking as they were waiting for their connecting flights ...

[AFBlue]

Watch the Spurs end up drafting some guy none of us saw coming. Like Spencer Dinwiddie

Dinwiddie is the best PG in this draft. Just ask Spencer Dinwiddie.

[Prime Time]

Dinwiddie is the best PG in this draft. Just ask Spencer Dinwiddie.
:lol

[AFBlue]

It's odd that Chad Ford would have the Spurs drafting a guy who's projected to be a mid-2nd rounder in most other mocks all the way up to #30. If he were just making an educated guess about whom the Spurs were to pick, he would've just picked a player in the #25 - #35 range that fits a team need.

The only way this pick could make sense if he heard something from someone with inside info. :stirpot:

ESPN has reliable insiders for NFL, but Chad Ford as an insider is laughable. And the fact that they make you pay for his insights is insulting, tbqh.

[DesignatedT]

Watch the Spurs end up drafting some guy none of us saw coming. Like Spencer Dinwiddie

That's how it usually works out.

The George Hill draft was the best. Complete meltdown.

[ceperez]

Watch the Spurs end up drafting some guy none of us saw coming. Like Spencer Dinwiddie

Nice catch. Seems like a lot of potential candidates out there. Spurs should trade a future draft pick for Suns #27.