General 2014 NBA Draft Discussion

[stnick2261]

There's a lot of guys I'd like between 20-40 so regardless of who we take, I'd love to see us make a move to get multiple picks in that range

[AFBlue]

That's how it usually works out.

The George Hill draft was the best. Complete meltdown.

Holy shit that was an epic meltdown...and I'm pretty sure I was a part of it tbqh. Mario Chalmers was still on the board!

[Darkwaters]

Holy shit that was an epic meltdown...and I'm pretty sure I was a part of it tbqh. Mario Chalmers was still on the board!

I remember I was visiting my parents. Watching that round I jumped up and said, "WTF?!"

You just never know with the Spurs. Ironically, we usually do pretty well with our firsts. Even if they don't come over for several years!

[bluebellmaniac]

I remember I was visiting my parents. Watching that round I jumped up and said, "WTF?!"

You just never know with the Spurs. Ironically, we usually do pretty well with our firsts. Even if they don't come over for several years!
Technically, our pick that year was Kawhi, we just had to wait until 2011 for him to join the team.

[ace3g]

Jabari Young ‏@jabari_young (https://twitter.com/jabari_young) 4h (https://twitter.com/jabari_young/status/481525900203134976) League source told me #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash) wanted to bring in K.J. McDaniels for a workout but scheduling didn't work. Spurs are looking at him though

[Prime Time]

Oh man, McDaniels is probably my top choice so I'm glad the Spurs are looking at him.

Athletic defenders aren't easy to come by, in case we forgot the horror show that was 2008-2011. And I doubt a 28yr old Green would want to stick around for the rebuilding phase.

[ceperez]

Strange... the latest draftexpress.com mock draft shows almost all the players we mention here being taken before the Spurs have a chance on them. Only bright side is the Spurs have one chance of getting a guy with potential at #30.

[TheGoldStandard]

McDaniels will need to work on his handles and his jump shot, his release point seems kinda low and he doesn't use a lot of leg.

[DesignatedT]

I don't know much about Mcdaniels or Dinwiddle but those are two guys that have been getting good reviews.

[Biggems]

McDaniels will need to work on his handles and his jump shot, his release point seems kinda low and he doesn't use a lot of leg.

He will be a rookie and will hardly see the court. He will probably spend a year in Austin. If he does make the roster, he will have a year to work with Chip to correct any issues he has with his shot, all the while helping us with what he does best, DEFENSE. Besides, if he is a subpar offensive player at this point, it is ok, as we have plenty of offensive fire power at the moment.

[eDizzle20]

Jabari Young ‏@jabari_young (https://twitter.com/jabari_young) 4h (https://twitter.com/jabari_young/status/481525900203134976) League source told me #Spurs (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spurs?src=hash) wanted to bring in K.J. McDaniels for a workout but scheduling didn't work. Spurs are looking at him though
McDaniels' elite athleticism and defense would be a great addition. Not to mention he runs the floor extremely well.

[TheGoldStandard]

He will be a rookie and will hardly see the court. He will probably spend a year in Austin. If he does make the roster, he will have a year to work with Chip to correct any issues he has with his shot, all the while helping us with what he does best, DEFENSE. Besides, if he is a subpar offensive player at this point, it is ok, as we have plenty of offensive fire power at the moment.

I could see him going to Austin to hone his craft, it's just been past experiences that kill me on the athleticism with raw talent kinda players, those guys usually don't pan out in SA. I do like his athleticism though, he can run the court, can leap out of the gym and is long. His shot doesn't need a lot of work, just needs either a higher release point or he needs to get a little more air under his feet.

[Baam]

481605414518554626

I'd be shocked if they didn't pick at least one big... Too many promising ones : Capela, Jokic, Tavares...

[objective]

I love McDaniels at 30.

He has some big flaws that make him a non lotto pick. But I think those flaws can be smoothed over by coaching and development. I'll take that over some other guys who have physical flaws that can't really be overcome, like deshaun Thomas and his cement shoes.

[DesignatedT]

I love McDaniels at 30.

He has some big flaws that make him a non lotto pick. But I think those flaws can be smoothed over by coaching and development. I'll take that over some other guys who have physical flaws that can't really be overcome, like deshaun Thomas and his cement shoes.


To be fair Deshaun Thomas was selected 58th overall. Not much left at that point these days.

[ceperez]

481605414518554626

I'd be shocked if they didn't pick at least one big... Too many promising ones : Capela, Jokic, Tavares...

Why would he sign for 3 years with Gran Canaria but still work out with 11 NBA teams? Maybe he's not a Spurs plant after all. If the Spurs had interest, then he would be acting like he has some kind of genetic defect.

[Baam]

Why would he sign for 3 years with Gran Canaria but still work out with 11 NBA teams? Maybe he's not a Spurs plant after all. If the Spurs had interest, then he would be acting like he has some kind of genetic defect.

:lol well we don't know what goes on behind closed doors but if they gave their promise to someone else already like I think they did then you can't really complain...

[objective]

To be fair Deshaun Thomas was selected 58th overall. Not much left at that point these days.

No doubt, my intention wasn't to use Thomas in direct comparison as for draft stock, but to illustrate why I like McDaniels using those as a player people would be familiar with so they could see what I mean.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Why would he sign for 3 years with Gran Canaria but still work out with 11 NBA teams? Maybe he's not a Spurs plant after all. If the Spurs had interest, then he would be acting like he has some kind of genetic defect.

Not really sure what you're trying to say here. The deal has easy NBA out clauses, so he's working out for teams since they know he can be easily had when they think he's ready.

[ceperez]

Not really sure what you're trying to say here. The deal has easy NBA out clauses, so he's working out for teams since they know he can be easily had when they think he's ready.

I'm saying that if the Spurs wanted him, they would not let him workout with other teams. Do you recall what happened to Batum?

"French swingman Nicolas Batum, projected to be a late first-round NBA draft pick, stopped participating in a workout with the Toronto Raptors earlier this week after a stress echo test -- a treadmill test that measures the health of the heart -- came back in the "borderline" area."

What about Livio... DraftExpress: Livio Jean-Charles did not conduct a single workout for any NBA team. Completely shut it down after his amazing Hoop Summit performance. 2013-06-27 22:36:13

Spurs draft choices typically don't workout with other NBA teams.

What I'm saying is that if these workouts with 11 teams were true, then Tavares is likely not targeted by the Spurs. Unless it's some kind of reverse pyschology tactic.

[Darkwaters]

I'm saying that if the Spurs wanted him, they would not let him workout with other teams. Do you recall what happened to Batum?

"French swingman Nicolas Batum, projected to be a late first-round NBA draft pick, stopped participating in a workout with the Toronto Raptors earlier this week after a stress echo test -- a treadmill test that measures the health of the heart -- came back in the "borderline" area."

What about Livio... DraftExpress: Livio Jean-Charles did not conduct a single workout for any NBA team. Completely shut it down after his amazing Hoop Summit performance. 2013-06-27 22:36:13

Spurs draft choices typically don't workout with other NBA teams.

What I'm saying is that if these workouts with 11 teams were true, then Tavares is likely not targeted by the Spurs. Unless it's some kind of reverse pyschology tactic.

You make a good point. I don't Tavares is our target anyways - but all those workouts serve only as further evidence against the idea.

[Mel_13]

From a Tavares article:

Now he’s 22 and is projected as a late-first or early second-round pick in the NBA Draft. DraftExpress.com has him going No. 31 on Thursday to the Milwaukee Bucks, while some think he might be prime pickings for the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs at No. 30 because of their history of stashing players overseas.

Tavares, who was coming off a flight from a workout in Phoenix, has already worked out for the Suns as well as Miami, Atlanta, Memphis, San Antonio and Indiana. He is signed with Gran Canaria for next season and has a $600,000 buyout, his agent, Andy Miller, told SNY.tv.

Still, the NBA scout on hand said he wasn’t awed by Tavares’s mobility.

“He’s a legit 7-2, 7-3, huge hands,” the scout told SNY.tv. “Very Euro with the jump shot, beautiful touch.

“I was shocked at his lack of mobility. He has real good footwork, but doesn’t have good mobility. I think someone’s going to fall in love with his size and I would probably say, late first or early second. Stash him for a year.”

He added: “I’m not coming away impressed. He’s got no strength in his base. Twenty minutes into it he was gassed. He’s in good physical shape, awful condition. It doesn’t look like he has a real motor….He’s only been playing four years, so people are going to fall in love with that….Let’s say he played for Syracuse, he’d sit behind Rakeem Christmas.”

Both Miller and Tavares are aware of the criticisms and seem to understand them.

“He’s gotta have the right kind of training, which he hasn’t had necessarily,” Miller said. “Over here he can get more sophisticated development, but I think it’s all on the come for him in terms of his development and growth.”

Asked about those concerns, Tavares said: “I know it’s something that I need to get better at and I’m going to try to improve.”

http://zagsblog.com/articles/7-foot-2-walter-tavares-is-the-latest-international-man-of-mystery-in-the-nba-draft/

[xmas1997]

I'm saying that if the Spurs wanted him, they would not let him workout with other teams. Do you recall what happened to Batum?

"French swingman Nicolas Batum, projected to be a late first-round NBA draft pick, stopped participating in a workout with the Toronto Raptors earlier this week after a stress echo test -- a treadmill test that measures the health of the heart -- came back in the "borderline" area."

What about Livio... DraftExpress: Livio Jean-Charles did not conduct a single workout for any NBA team. Completely shut it down after his amazing Hoop Summit performance. 2013-06-27 22:36:13

Spurs draft choices typically don't workout with other NBA teams.

What I'm saying is that if these workouts with 11 teams were true, then Tavares is likely not targeted by the Spurs. Unless it's some kind of reverse pyschology tactic.

In most cases what you say would be true, but remember, this year they have 3 draft picks.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I'm saying that if the Spurs wanted him, they would not let him workout with other teams. Do you recall what happened to Batum?

"French swingman Nicolas Batum, projected to be a late first-round NBA draft pick, stopped participating in a workout with the Toronto Raptors earlier this week after a stress echo test -- a treadmill test that measures the health of the heart -- came back in the "borderline" area."

What about Livio... DraftExpress: Livio Jean-Charles did not conduct a single workout for any NBA team. Completely shut it down after his amazing Hoop Summit performance. 2013-06-27 22:36:13

Spurs draft choices typically don't workout with other NBA teams.

What I'm saying is that if these workouts with 11 teams were true, then Tavares is likely not targeted by the Spurs. Unless it's some kind of reverse pyschology tactic.

That is interesting, but I don't think that's something that should be interpreted in the way you've described it. I'm not aware of any draftees who have already canceled workouts this year, but if there is and he makes sense for San Antonio, then sure. But that's two draft picks in six years you mention. Was this the same case with all the other draft picks in between?

[TheGoldStandard]

From a Tavares article:

Now he’s 22 and is projected as a late-first or early second-round pick in the NBA Draft. DraftExpress.com has him going No. 31 on Thursday to the Milwaukee Bucks, while some think he might be prime pickings for the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs at No. 30 because of their history of stashing players overseas.

Tavares, who was coming off a flight from a workout in Phoenix, has already worked out for the Suns as well as Miami, Atlanta, Memphis, San Antonio and Indiana. He is signed with Gran Canaria for next season and has a $600,000 buyout, his agent, Andy Miller, told SNY.tv.

Still, the NBA scout on hand said he wasn’t awed by Tavares’s mobility.

“He’s a legit 7-2, 7-3, huge hands,” the scout told SNY.tv. “Very Euro with the jump shot, beautiful touch.

“I was shocked at his lack of mobility. He has real good footwork, but doesn’t have good mobility. I think someone’s going to fall in love with his size and I would probably say, late first or early second. Stash him for a year.”

He added: “I’m not coming away impressed. He’s got no strength in his base. Twenty minutes into it he was gassed. He’s in good physical shape, awful condition. It doesn’t look like he has a real motor….He’s only been playing four years, so people are going to fall in love with that….Let’s say he played for Syracuse, he’d sit behind Rakeem Christmas.”

Both Miller and Tavares are aware of the criticisms and seem to understand them.

“He’s gotta have the right kind of training, which he hasn’t had necessarily,” Miller said. “Over here he can get more sophisticated development, but I think it’s all on the come for him in terms of his development and growth.”

Asked about those concerns, Tavares said: “I know it’s something that I need to get better at and I’m going to try to improve.”

http://zagsblog.com/articles/7-foot-2-walter-tavares-is-the-latest-international-man-of-mystery-in-the-nba-draft/


I wonder who the scout was, could make a big difference in terms of a legit review of the guy and his potential

[exstatic]

I think other teams have figured out our mis-directions and workout shutdowns. That may be the sole reason that McGary is listed as our pick on a couple of mocks. He's not working out for anyone, and has only provided his medical records to Milwaukee. The problem with that is he doesn't fit what we've been drafting the last 3-4 years. He's not a premier athlete, and his wingspan is identical to his height.

[AFBlue]

That is interesting, but I don't think that's something that should be interpreted in the way you've described it. I'm not aware of any draftees who have already canceled workouts this year, but if there is and he makes sense for San Antonio, then sure. But that's two draft picks in six years you mention. Was this the same case with all the other draft picks in between?

Damien Inglis didn't attend Eurocamp and shut down workouts after the Nike Hoop Summit, where he measured out really well and showed decently in practice. Just sayin...

[ceperez]

I think other teams have figured out our mis-directions and workout shutdowns. That may be the sole reason that McGary is listed as our pick on a couple of mocks. He's not working out for anyone, and has only provided his medical records to Milwaukee. The problem with that is he doesn't fit what we've been drafting the last 3-4 years. He's not a premier athlete, and his wingspan is identical to his height.

Yeah his actions are indeed weird. Why would you withold your medical records? Unless of course some team out there already has a promise. Rumor has it that it is the Bobcats. A McRoberts replacement.

[Biggems]

I could see him going to Austin to hone his craft, it's just been past experiences that kill me on the athleticism with raw talent kinda players, those guys usually don't pan out in SA. I do like his athleticism though, he can run the court, can leap out of the gym and is long. His shot doesn't need a lot of work, just needs either a higher release point or he needs to get a little more air under his feet.

i haven't seen his shot, but it cant be anyworse than Marion shooting from the hip

[TheGoldStandard]

i haven't seen his shot, but it cant be anyworse than Marion shooting from the hip

It's not horrid looking like Marion but it's too stiff, looks like a Shane Battier shot rather than an in flow jump shot. He needs to work on his footwork and mechanics. Needs to go through extensive passing drills too

[Darkwaters]

Technically, our pick that year was Kawhi, we just had to wait until 2011 for him to join the team.

No, technically our pick was for George Hill - you know, the guy we actually picked. George was here for 3 seasons - 75% of his rookie contract. And during that time he was a solid addition to our team. Now I'm undoubtedly happy we flipped him for Kawhi, but I'm not going to knock his contributions during the time he was here.

[Darkwaters]

Damien Inglis didn't attend Eurocamp and shut down workouts after the Nike Hoop Summit, where he measured out really well and showed decently in practice. Just sayin...

Thats pretty proto-typical Spurs. Plus...hes French.

Memories of drafting Mahinmi and Jean-Charles are dancing through my mind.

[ceperez]

Thats pretty proto-typical Spurs. Plus...hes French.

Memories of drafting Mahinmi and Jean-Charles are dancing through my mind.

Yeah... this guy propably is in the radar. Capela is also a target but I doubt Spurs can pick him.

[ceperez]

It's not horrid looking like Marion but it's too stiff, looks like a Shane Battier shot rather than an in flow jump shot. He needs to work on his footwork and mechanics. Needs to go through extensive passing drills too

Leonard's shot really looked bad when he came out of San Diego. It got fixed. It is as if the Spurs can grab anyone (see: Green, Leonard, Mills) and their shot gets much better. The big mystery.... Joseph.... why hasn't his shot improved?

[Mel_13]

Leonard's shot really looked bad when he came out of San Diego. It got fixed. It is as if the Spurs can grab anyone (see: Green, Leonard, Mills) and their shot gets much better. The big mystery.... Joseph.... why hasn't his shot improved?

His shooting percentages have increased each year.

[Richie]

Leonard's shot really looked bad when he came out of San Diego. It got fixed. It is as if the Spurs can grab anyone (see: Green, Leonard, Mills) and their shot gets much better. The big mystery.... Joseph.... why hasn't his shot improved?

This is the sort of thing that annoys me. Fans seem to think Chip can turn anyone in to an elite shooter, which is obviously not the case. If the Spurs take a player with a bad jump shot, its because they've identified it and think they can fix it. That is absolutely not the same as being able to turn anybody into a jump shooter.

[smaka]

Some news about Nurkic, although he is clearly out of our range unless the Spurs trade up.

He wants to go to the nba now, doesn't want any stashing. He still has contract with his team, so a buyout will be needed, the team will pay 500k €, the rest is on him.

Source is his agent.

[Baam]

Some news about Nurkic, although he is clearly out of our range unless the Spurs trade up.

He wants to go to the nba now, doesn't want any stashing. He still has contract with his team, so a buyout will be needed, the team will pay 500k €, the rest is on him.

Source is his agent.

Capela also wants to go to the nba right away, I've seen some mock drafts that said he was a draft and stash option but it's wrong...

Also just relaying that tid bit with Saric :

481798124454027264

Basically only says he met with the Lakers and the Hawks and that he won't come right away... Said one or 2 years from now but imo if you draft him you gotta expect 3 years... Makes too much sense money-wise for him...

[smaka]

Afaik it was said for Saric that he'll probably play 2 seasons for Efes, I think his contract is 2+1 so that kind of makes sense.

[ceperez]

This is the sort of thing that annoys me. Fans seem to think Chip can turn anyone in to an elite shooter, which is obviously not the case. If the Spurs take a player with a bad jump shot, its because they've identified it and think they can fix it. That is absolutely not the same as being able to turn anybody into a jump shooter.

Not saying everybody's shot can be fixed there are of course limits.

I mean, even Splitter who was horrible as the stripe, now is pretty consistent. The Spurs staff know how to correct problems with shooting. Of course, I guy who starts out with talent (i.e. Neal) is better than one that does not (i.e. Ayres). I haven't seen Ayres shot improve over the course of the season.... what gives?

[Andthentherewas21]

Not saying everybody's shot can be fixed there are of course limits.

I mean, even Splitter who was horrible as the stripe, now is pretty consistent. The Spurs staff know how to correct problems with shooting. Of course, I guy who starts out with talent (i.e. Neal) is better than one that does not (i.e. Ayres). I haven't seen Ayres shot improve over the course of the season.... what gives?

Can't improve his shot if he can't catch the ball. As far as the Spurs and improving player's shooting, the Spurs (aka Chip) are good at correcting and simplifying shot mechanics, but even they aren't miracle workers. There has to be something they can work with and a player willing to adjust his shot

[ceperez]

Can't improve his shot if he can't catch the ball. As far as the Spurs and improving player's shooting, the Spurs (aka Chip) are good at correcting and simplifying shot mechanics, but even they aren't miracle workers. There has to be something they can work with and a player willing to adjust his shot

I agree, fixing Ayres shot may take a miracle. On the other hand, the FO may have thought that it was fixable prior to signing him up.

[Baam]

481832811901771776

Doesn't make any sense to me, you can easily get a point in free agency, if you're gonna move up get a big... Seems like a dumb move but that's just me...

[Mel_13]

481832811901771776

Doesn't make any sense to me, you can easily get a point in free agency, if you're gonna move up get a big... Seems like a dumb move but that's just me...

Plus, I don't see how Norris Cole adds any value to the 26th pick. Back in 2010, Miami had to package the 18th pick with Daequan Cook in order to get OKC to take him off their hands. 2014 Cole isn't any better than 2010 Cook and they think he's an asset that will get them from 26 to the middle of the first round? Good luck with that.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, Norris Cole doesn't do anything to budge a 26th pick. Not sure you could get a 2nd rounder for him. I mean, he's decent but nothing you can't find elsewhere.

[Mr. Body]

A steal in the 2nd round could be Russ Smith, out of Louisville. A heady PG with tenacious defense but iffy, if improving, decision making, he'd be a good 3rd PG behind Joseph should we lose Mills.

Regardless he may be one of those guys who should have gone much earlier.

[raybies]

Yeah, Norris Cole doesn't do anything to budge a 26th pick. Not sure you could get a 2nd rounder for him. I mean, he's decent but nothing you can't find elsewhere.

I remember hearing that the Knicks were interested in him last season, but how much they were willing to give is anyone's guess. He's like Cory Joseph in my opinion. Some think we could trade up with Cory... If Miami can do it, Spurs better see what they can get. lol

[xellos88330]

I am still hoping for Capela to fall to the Spurs.

[cjw]

I haven't seen Ayres shot improve over the course of the season.... what gives?

Who hit the last shot of the season for the Spurs? And a 20-footer for good measure!

[Baam]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrAH1CMCIAANS8B.jpg

[exstatic]

DX is updating multiple times per day. Inglis is climbing, up to 32 at last check. They FINALLY took McGary off as our pick, and now have us taking Bogdanovic. I still think it's Inglis unless someone tasty falls to us.

[AFBlue]

DX is updating multiple times per day. Inglis is climbing, up to 32 at last check. They FINALLY took McGary off as our pick, and now have us taking Bogdanovic. I still think it's Inglis unless someone tasty falls to us.

Agree, though Bogdanovic is rumored to have a first round promise according to NBADraft.net, and they also have him going to the Spurs like DX.

[Baam]

Agree, though Bogdanovic is rumored to have a first round promise according to NBADraft.net, and they also have him going to the Spurs like DX.

If he had a promise why would he workout for several teams? You get a promise if you agree to do something for the team giving it, most of the time it's not working out for any other team...

There's two players that got promises without a doubt, it's Jokic and Inglis...

[ceperez]

check out: Jordan Bachynski
7'2" Ambidexrous center.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2103520-jordan-bachynski-nba-draft-2014-highlights-scouting-report-and-more

[exstatic]

check out: Jordan Bachynski
7'2" Ambidexrous center.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2103520-jordan-bachynski-nba-draft-2014-highlights-scouting-report-and-more

He's 24, though. At that age, he should be dominant against young college kids. It also limits his upside.

[ceperez]

He's 24, though. At that age, he should be dominant against young college kids. It also limits his upside.

Not a lot of upside, but a serviceable big.

[ace3g]

@NBATV (https://twitter.com/NBATV/) mock draft special had Spurs drafting Glenn Robinson III with 30th pick, hmm last time Spurs had a Glenn Robinson was '05 season...

[TheyCallMePro]

Were gunna take freaking Bogdanovic...who I don't like. Listed at 6'6 but he plays smaller. And he's really just an un-athletic white guy who shoots 3's. He won't come over right away either. Boring pick.

[objective]

I'm not a big fan of Bogdanovic either. Plays beneath the rim like nando and turns the ball over so much it's scary.

[BackHome]

If he had a promise why would he workout for several teams? You get a promise if you agree to do something for the team giving it, most of the time it's not working out for any other team...

There's two players that got promises without a doubt, it's Jokic and Inglis...

Don't forget he plays with Bertrans so Spurs have seen him play a lot and know exactly what type of player he is. Not thrilled with this if true would much rather have Jokic..

[Mr. Body]

Ditto for me. Would rather take a flier on Inglis or somebody than a vanilla selection like Bogdanovic. Decision making is poor. Scent shooter, decent defender, which is good, but he leaves me cold.

[Uriel]

The thing with guessing whom the Spurs will draft is that no one ever gets it right. :lol I haven't seen a Mock Draft or anyone in SpursTalk successfully predict a draft pick in years.

[Baam]

Ditto for me. Would rather take a flier on Inglis or somebody than a vanilla selection like Bogdanovic. Decision making is poor. Scent shooter, decent defender, which is good, but he leaves me cold.

Can't really disagree at this point, seems too much like Beli 2.0... Rather see them pick Jordan Adams if they want to draft an SG...

Capela - Adams - Anderson - Jokic or bust for me tbh

Saric would be like winning the lottery but hey it's not happening...

[Prime Time]

The thing with guessing whom the Spurs will draft is that no one ever gets it right. :lol I haven't seen a Mock Draft or anyone in SpursTalk successfully predict a draft pick in years.
#TheDinwiddieArrival

[DrunkTXLabrat]

The thing with guessing whom the Spurs will draft is that no one ever gets it right. :lol I haven't seen a Mock Draft or anyone in SpursTalk successfully predict a draft pick in years.
You sparked my curiosity. So i peeped the Jean-Charles thread for funzies. You're right, nobody predicted it, but people were sniffing around it. Ace posted an Alex Kennedy tweet. Kennedy seemed to have a clue. Interestingly enough, Kennedy has a mock out this year. He has the spurs picking Cleanthony Early. Here's a link:

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/2014-nba-mock-draft-consensus-ver-7-0/

i gotta say though, it's dated from the 18th and has Embiid as the 1 overall. yikes!

[objective]

The thing with guessing whom the Spurs will draft is that no one ever gets it right. :lol I haven't seen a Mock Draft or anyone in SpursTalk successfully predict a draft pick in years.

Hey, I got James Anderson! :lol

[raybies]

Can't really disagree at this point, seems too much like Beli 2.0... Rather see them pick Jordan Adams if they want to draft an SG...

Capela - Adams - Anderson - Jokic or bust for me tbh

Saric would be like winning the lottery but hey it's not happening...

He has a better first-step and is a better slasher than Marco. Marco likes pull-up jumpers, spot-up shooting, and isn't much of a creator. The Spurs did put him in those situations last year and it seemed to be mixed results. This guy can create. Generally he's a 15-4-4 guy. For a 21 year old that's impressive. He put up similar numbers in Euroleague. I'm not going to get into the Serbian League where he went off in the end but there's a lot of potential. Even if he just played Green's role he could excel. But the thing is he has the potential to be another ball handler and facilitator. This guy can create. He's not going to get the rim like Manu in the sense of throwing it down, but he can get there in less demonstrative way.

I don't want to sound like I have a crush on this guy cause I would deep down like a DeAndre Daniels or a Glenn Robinson but this guy just screams Spur imo.

[objective]

My issue with Inglis is that he might be the shortest 6-8 I've ever seen. Looks like without that giant neck and head he'd stand shoulder to shoulder with Roger Mason Jr. Maybe it's an optical illusion, but that guy looks small.

[jesterbobman]

A point I've made before that was correct until Livio last year: The Spurs draft board has looked like a best available option from the Wages of Wins guys. (Splitter, Hill, Anderson, Blair, Kawhi, Denmon were all at/near the top of their best available. Livio wasn't, but still useful to keep in mind)

http://www.boxscoregeeks.com/articles/the-2014-draft-preview-part-3-the-deepest-draft

Other models:
Hoopsnerd, http://hoopsnerd.com/?p=600 and
Peltons WARP (http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2014/story/_/id/11102133/nba-draft-marcus-smart-tops-kevin-pelton-prospect-projection-rankings)

Generally have similar players, with some differences( e.g Jokic liked by Pelton)

The semi realistic/realistic options (Have been seen at/around 21 or later and therefore in some possibility of dropping) who come across well are

Bigs
Capela
Tavares
Stokes
Birch
McGary

Wings
Adams
Anderson
DinWiddie

Points
Ennis
Napier

Anderson has been a long time favourite here that seems unlikely to drop that far. I'm all in for Capela and like him like I liked Steven Adams last year: a mix of decent stats and admitted ethnic/national homerism. Ennis is a PG fit if Mills is going,

I think Ennis, Anderson and Capela are unlikely to be available to the Spurs as they get taken earlier. I'd take any of them, though they seems unlikely. All fit the big wingspan for position that the Spurs have gone for.

Jordan Adams also fits both(6'10") wingspan. Projects like a very good Waiters(More efficient and therefore more valuable) , and I'm not sure watching that he's the creator the Spurs would be asking from SG's. Steal rate as ridiculous as his is also historically a really good sign. Dinwiddie is a weaker prospect, though a better fit for the System with superior 3p% and passing, though part of that is age (year older). SG isn't a need now, but Manu will be gone soon and future planning doesn't need a SF/PF(Kawhi, Livio, Bertans) as much as a future SG (Green, ...).

[Richie]

My issue with Inglis is that he might be the shortest 6-8 I've ever seen. Looks like without that giant neck and head he'd stand shoulder to shoulder with Roger Mason Jr. Maybe it's an optical illusion, but that guy looks small.

Height is overrated IMO. Wingspan is far more important and if he really is 7'3" in that area he has potential to be an elite defender.

Compare Bonner and Davis. Matty is only an inch shorter than Davis without shoes, but Davis has a 9" longer wingspan. Griffin can jump out of the gym but barely averages half a block/game, the NBA is so much more about wingspan than height.

[ChumpDumper]

Height is overrated IMO. Wingspan is far more important and if he really is 7'3" in that area he has potential to be an elite defender. Wingspan is the same as Leonard's so his standing reach is a little higher.

I have more doubts about his age than his size tbh.

[Raven]

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.

i wouldn't, i consider favors as a half bust and wiggins is too good a fit to trade for a player you'd have to overpay in a year. With wiggins they'd be pretty set the way they are. Now if they intend to draft parker, well.. perhaps

[Baam]

482064634367967232

^ that's why I'm not that optimistic for tonight... So many teams trying to do the same thing, trading up is gonna be very hard...

[MaNu4Tres]

Personally not very high on Inglis.

Prefer any of these players at 30: Cleanthony Early, Glenn Robinson III, Bogdan Bogdanovic, K.J McDaniels

[Richie]

482064634367967232

^ that's why I'm not that optimistic for tonight... So many teams trying to do the same thing, trading up is gonna be very hard...

Im still hoping we can grab a pick for Joseph. If we pay Mills (which I expect we will) then we won't re-sign Joseph after next year, and after a couple good playoff runs where he has shown flashes I think we could maybe grab a late first/early second or him. I wouldn't want to package the #30 with him just to move up a couple spots though, it'd have to be for an extra pick.

Obviously it's a risk if Mills gets a big offer which we don't want to match, but it could be a risk worth taking. Bucks and Sixers both have two early seconds, I think one of those could be had.

[MaNu4Tres]

Im still hoping we can grab a pick for Joseph. If we pay Mills (which I expect we will) then we won't re-sign Joseph after next year, and after a couple good playoff runs where he has shown flashes I think we could maybe grab a late first/early second or him. I wouldn't want to package the #30 with him just to move up a couple spots though, it'd have to be for an extra pick.

Obviously it's a risk if Mills gets a big offer which we don't want to match, but it could be a risk worth taking. Bucks and Sixers both have two early seconds, I think one of those could be had.

Spurs may be able to package Joseph with one or both of their 2nds to move up in the mid/late 40's but that's about as best the Spurs' could do to move up with Joseph and his expiring. IMO

And I highly doubt Spurs trade away Joseph without knowing their future with Patty.

[Richie]

Spurs may be able to package Joseph with one or both of their 2nds to move up in the mid/late 40's but that's about as best the Spurs' could do to move up with Joseph and his expiring. IMO

And I highly doubt Spurs trade away Joseph without knowing their future with Patty.

Obviously it all depends on how Brett Brown rated Cory while he was here, but if he liked him then I definitely think #39 could be in play. Im not sure if the 76ers want more second rounders (they have 5 already) so it would all hinge on if they like Joseph. Unless they could take one of our #60 and perhaps package that with their #52 and/or #54 and move back up in the second round, they have so much flexibility.

Regardless I agree with what you're saying re: Patty, if the Spurs aren't sure he's coming back at a good price then Cory will definitely not be moved.

[xmas1997]

I think if the FO is relatively confident they will sign Patty, barring the outlandish offer from another team, they use Cojo and one or both of their second round picks to move up into the early twenties from say the Bulls, or the teens with say the Sixers, or maybe even buy one of the Suns picks which might be available for sale, something the Spurs have never done before..
I also think they keep Beli because this will be his second year and should show marked improvement since he will have had a year to become familiar with the system. The same could be said of Ayers. It usually takes a year to get used to the Spurs system and both players have had that now, plus Beli played a lot this last year even though he didn't have the corporate knowledge with the Spurs yet.

[exstatic]

482064634367967232

^ that's why I'm not that optimistic for tonight... So many teams trying to do the same thing, trading up is gonna be very hard...

How many teams have the foreign assets that we do? Most of those teams with picks don't want salary back....

[exstatic]

Inglis is climbing. DX now has him at 29, going to OKC...

[xmas1997]

Inglis is climbing. DX now has him at 29, going to OKC...

:lol
Somebody leaked they made him a promise no doubt.

[exstatic]

:lol
Somebody leaked they made him a promise no doubt.

I DO think OKC will "stash" at least one of their two first round picks. Whether that is Inglis or not remains to be seen...

[xmas1997]

This would be a great draft for the Spurs to package a player, and maybe one or two of their second round picks, to move up in the first round.

[smaka]

I'm saying Spurs are drafting Cleanthony Early. Don't ask me why.

[Mr. Body]

I'm starting to feel Cleanthony Early a little bit more, too.

Damien Inglis to OKC is a good pick for them.

[Mr. Body]

482064634367967232

^ that's why I'm not that optimistic for tonight... So many teams trying to do the same thing, trading up is gonna be very hard...

Not surprising, but interesting. Those picks in the teens to early 20s are as valuable to sell as they ever have been. I see a lot of smaller trades going down in the second half of the round. Should be wild.

[xmas1997]

This may turn out to be one of the most exciting drafts in recent years.

[Mr. Body]

If the end of the draft is valuable, maybe the #30 will draw some interest from someone determined to get "their guy". How about dumping for a couple picks in the early 2nd round or future picks? I don't see anybody that's a clear can't miss, so why not go for overall value?

[elemento]

I'm saying Spurs are drafting Cleanthony Early. Don't ask me why.

I would hate it.

I'd rather Glen Robinson III or stash another Euro.

[Uriel]

Who does Chad Ford have the Spurs taking in his Final Mock Draft?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=11&source=Chad-Ford-Mock-Draft&ex_cid=InsiderTwitter_Ford_FinalMock

[smaka]

I would hate it.

I'd rather Glen Robinson III or stash another Euro.
Why?

[raybies]

482212850925330432

[bluebellmaniac]

482212850925330432

How would he know what the Spurs were hoping? He's making stuff up.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, if that's what they're claiming pre-draft, they're actually after someone else.

[SpursFan86]

What do y'all think about trading one of our 2nd round picks along with some other piece (cash, Ayres, etc) to get an early 2nd round pick and get Jokic? He's projected to go in the 40s right now according to the few mock drafts I've seen. I think he'd be a steal at that point. I wouldn't even mind taking him with our 30th pick.

[xmas1997]

482212850925330432

CIA Pop getting another team to waste their pick?
:hat

[DesignatedT]

I'm not too big on Early either.

[DesignatedT]

With Capela looking like he wont make it, I'm hoping Jordan Adams somehow falls. Other than that, KJ Mcdaniels still looks the most intriguing to me out of the american bunch.

Fully expect a foreigner to be drafted or to trade out though.

[elemento]

Why?

I don't like the idea of spending 2 1st round picks in a row to get forward tweeners. He played most of his time in college as a PF, a 6'7 PF.

He is not quick laterally and he is bellow average as a perimeter defender. He couldn't defend wings well in college and I definitely don't see him doing it in the NBA. Lacks ball-handling skills and struggles to create in the perimeter.

What do you like about him ?

[jesterbobman]

Who does Chad Ford have the Spurs taking in his Final Mock Draft?

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mock/?season=2014&version=11&source=Chad-Ford-Mock-Draft&ex_cid=InsiderTwitter_Ford_FinalMock

Jokic.

[jesterbobman]

CIA Pop getting another team to waste their pick?
:hat

I don't think Spurs(or any team) liking Capela should be a shock. Both the scouting on attributes(athleticism, length etc) and stats based predictions (Pelton WARP, WoW) love him. I'd take him before basically anyone ranked 10th or below. Wanting him to be at 30 isn't a shock.

[Mr. Body]

Spencer Dinwiddie is one to keep an eye on. Probably should be a 1st round pick, has good height for his position, is a smart guy, seems to be a smart player, and could be a super-efficient scorer off the bench.

[jesterbobman]

I don't think Spurs(or any team) liking Capela should be a shock. Both the scouting on attributes(athleticism, length etc) and stats based predictions (Pelton WARP, WoW) love him. I'd take him before basically anyone ranked 10th or below. Wanting him to be at 30 isn't a shock.

For stats consensus model at Basketball Insiders, Capela is #1.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QGL4fb3HYqssTXk2zCXtom_xvCV1anikx1X76xYsYxA/edit#gid=0

[xmas1997]

For stats consensus model at Basketball Insiders, Capela is #1.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QGL4fb3HYqssTXk2zCXtom_xvCV1anikx1X76xYsYxA/edit#gid=0

Hmm, interesting.

[smaka]

I don't like the idea of spending 2 1st round picks in a row to get forward tweeners. He played most of his time in college as a PF, a 6'7 PF.

He is not quick laterally and he is bellow average as a perimeter defender. He couldn't defend wings well in college and I definitely don't see him doing it in the NBA. Lacks ball-handling skills and struggles to create in the perimeter.

What do you like about him ?

Honestly I know nohing about him, haven't been following draft prospects much this season. That's why I asked, just to hear an opinion. My pick was a plain guess.

[Marcus Bryant]

Spurs worked out Joe Harris, look for him at 58 or 60 to go to Europe.

[Solid D]

Don't know if Early will last to 30, but I like him. Glenn Robinson, III is a favorite of mine.

[Marcus Bryant]

Don't know if Early will last to 30, but I like him. Glenn Robinson, III is a favorite of mine.

We will have one of the two now.

[ace3g]

Joining the bandwagon on the description (I saw on twitter) of Kyle Anderson out of UCLA being similar to Boris Diaw. Seems to have good passing/handles for his size.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EoxHiXIqfQ

+1

[Solid D]

We will have one of the two now.

and yet, they didn't. Kyle Anderson lasted longer than I thought, though. I can live with this pick. The kid is pretty good.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i was wrong on Bogdan, too. Anderson slide is just as good of news. Go spurs go!

[ABC]

Re: Anderson


I think draftexpress is crazy to have him at 55. I think he'll go well above that.


Unless he has some sort of break out, he likely IS a late second rounder.

[Solid D]

Jay Bilas had Anderson rated as the 24th best talent on his pre-draft board. He had Cleanthony Early rated at 22. Spurs did well and Knicks likely got a steal. I'm sad about the Heat getting Shabazz, though.

[elemento]

Overall I am happy with the draft

SA got a talented guy that they didn't expect would fall to them and I can't complain much about the 54th pick as it was the typical stashed Euro pick (I would be happier if it was Micic instead of Nemanja).

I would give SA a B+.

[Baam]

So Capela said in a French interview that he had a promise from the Spurs at 30 (don't really see the point of giving him one in this case).
Full interview : http://www.basketusa.com/news/229767/interview-clint-capela-ca-va-etre-enorme-de-pouvoir-travailler-avec-hakeem-olajuwon/

Wonder is they would have traded up to 27 if he fell past the Rockets... Also gotta wonder if they made an offer to Charlotte... Was hard to beat Miami's 26th pick without adding any significant asset tho since Charlotte was targeting PJ Hairston...

[99 Problems]

I'm happy. Had hope we might of got Bogdan.

[Chinook]

I just realized out crazy it would have been had the Spurs drafted Glenn Robinson III. I was looking at the Spurs' page on Sham Sports, and I saw the team still has Robinson II's cap hold on the books. How trippy is that?

[Uriel]

So Capela said in a French interview that he had a promise from the Spurs at 30 (don't really see the point of giving him one in this case).
Full interview : http://www.basketusa.com/news/229767/interview-clint-capela-ca-va-etre-enorme-de-pouvoir-travailler-avec-hakeem-olajuwon/

Wonder is they would have traded up to 27 if he fell past the Rockets... Also gotta wonder if they made an offer to Charlotte... Was hard to beat Miami's 26th pick without adding any significant asset tho since Charlotte was targeting PJ Hairston...
NOOOOOO. That makes me even more upset about Houston stealing him from us.

[Seventyniner]

NOOOOOO. That makes me even more upset about Houston stealing him from us.

If it makes you feel any better, moving up would likely have cost the Spurs Kyle Anderson.

[Uriel]

If it makes you feel any better, moving up would likely have cost the Spurs Kyle Anderson.
If R.C. had to choose between Capela and Anderson, he probably would've chosen the former; hence, the promise. Even Woj tweeted before the draft that the Spurs were hoping Capela would fall to them at #30.

That tells me that Capela was someone that our front office really liked--even more than Anderson.

[xmas1997]

Fate intervened.

[Baam]

Mam Jaiteh was on the latest TP show after a 18pts in 23min game, he said that he'd like to enter the next draft, definitely on the Spurs shortlist imo. It's still super early but I cant help being very interested in Aaron Harrison, I know that he benefited from extra hype and everything but he's still a baller.

Edit : meant to post that in the Draft thread.

[Chinook]

Mam Jaiteh was on the latest TP show after a 18pts in 23min game, he said that he'd like to enter the next draft, definitely on the Spurs shortlist imo. It's still super early but I cant help being very interested in Aaron Harrison, I know that he benefited from extra hype and everything but he's still a baller.

Edit : meant to post that in the Draft thread.

There you go.

And I agree that Jaiteh and Harrison are good targets for the team. I'd probably want Harrison more, since two-guard is a need and there aren't many free-agent SGs.

[exstatic]

There you go.

And I agree that Jaiteh and Harrison are good targets for the team. I'd probably want Harrison more, since two-guard is a need and there aren't many free-agent SGs.

Honestly? I'd rather have Jamaal Franklin than both Harrison twins. With Bonner, Ayres, and Baynes all FAs, I'd also dispute that SG is our position of need. Jaiteh is an interesting option, but you also need to take a look at Shawn Long. He was at LA Lafayette with Elfrid Payton last year. He's 6'10" 255 with a 7'0" wingspan. He both shot 40% on 2.4 attempted 3s per game, and blocked 2.7 shots per game. DX has him at 36 right now, but expect that to change upwards unless he stiffs this year.

[Chinook]

Honestly? I'd rather have Jamaal Franklin than both Harrison twins. With Bonner, Ayres, and Baynes all FAs, I'd also dispute that SG is our position of need. Jaiteh is an interesting option, but you also need to take a look at Shawn Long. He was at LA Lafayette with Elfrid Payton last year. He's 6'10" 255 with a 7'0" wingspan. He both shot 40% on 2.4 attempted 3s per game, and blocked 2.7 shots per game. DX has him at 36 right now, but expect that to change upwards unless he stiffs this year.

The way I see it, the Spurs are going to sign at least one big in free agency. There's just too many good ones out there. That's not true for guards, though. The Spurs also shouldn't spend a lot of money on a guard, since they'll be paying Green and Leonard next summer. It makes sense to draft one, or to sign and develop one like Franklin. I think the idea of getting a combo-guard (in a good way) makes a ton of sense for the 2015 Spurs' bench. They'll have two PFs coming over, so that position's covered. Anderson can play the two if he has to, but no one should want that. They'll need a center, but that'll be taken care of with cap space, or by re-signing Baynes with the room exception.

I'm okay with drafting a big, though, especially if they can get Franklin on the team in March. Jaiteh just has one of the coolest-sounding names out there.

[exstatic]

The way I see it, the Spurs are going to sign at least one big in free agency. There's just too many good ones out there. That's not true for guards, though. The Spurs also shouldn't spend a lot of money on a guard, since they'll be paying Green and Leonard next summer. It makes sense to draft one, or to sign and develop one like Franklin. I think the idea of getting a combo-guard (in a good way) makes a ton of sense for the 2015 Spurs' bench. They'll have two PFs coming over, so that position's covered. Anderson can play the two if he has to, but no one should want that. They'll need a center, but that'll be taken care of with cap space, or by re-signing Baynes with the room exception.

I'm okay with drafting a big, though, especially if they can get Franklin on the team in March. Jaiteh just has one of the coolest-sounding names out there.

I'd love a drafted big(Jaiteh or Long), Franklin, and Mal Thomas, who apparently only signed for one year in Philly, to replace the players who will roll off. I'm not bullish on Baynes, and I'm not sure the Spurs are, either. They paid him more to only play one year, and if they really wanted the leanest cap sheet for next summer, that's not the way to do it, unless they plan to renounce. His figure would have been lower if they did a multi year deal at the QO than paying him more for one year. I think all of the 'AY' boys (Baynes, Ayres, Daye) are on the bubble, and Bonner is almost for sure gone. It's my position that this will also be the last year for Tim and Manu.

[Chinook]

I'd love a drafted big(Jaiteh or Long), Franklin, and Mal Thomas, who apparently only signed for one year in Philly, to replace the players who will roll off. I'm not bullish on Baynes, and I'm not sure the Spurs are, either. They paid him more to only play one year, and if they really wanted the leanest cap sheet for next summer, that's not the way to do it, unless they plan to renounce. His figure would have been lower if they did a multi year deal at the QO than paying him more for one year. I think all of the 'AY' boys (Baynes, Ayres, Daye) are on the bubble, and Bonner is almost for sure gone. It's my position that this will also be the last year for Tim and Manu.

All those departures signal to me that the Spurs will go hard for a starting-caliber big in free agency. I'd think PF would be their prime target, but even another center would be good if it's a good enough player to lock down the bench. After that, there are a few rMLE options like Baynes and Seraphin to play that third-center/fifth-big spot. If the Spurs want a strong vet guard to replace Manu, they'll have to trade for one, I think. And that's just wasting assets, in my opinion.

It's possible that a Mills/Anderson/Bertans/LJC/Baynes bench would be pretty good, but I'd feel much better if a young play-making guard was available to shift everyone besides Mills up a position. It doesn't have to be Harrison, and it can be Franklin, but that's something the team absolutely has to target.

Baynes probably won't get tendered next season, but I think there are great odds that he's back if he plays decently. He shouldn't command more than the room exception, so the Spurs don't need to factor in his cap hold.

[yavozerb]

My top 5 bigs in FA in 2015: (in order)
1. Aldridge
2. M. Gasol
3 Monroe
4. Millsap
5. Hibbert

[yavozerb]

Not a big fan of bleacher report but article includes the spurs and monroe..

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2248989-6-teams-who-should-monitor-greg-monroes-2014-15-season-very-carefully/page/7

[Richie]

My top 5 bigs in FA in 2015: (in order)
1. Aldridge
2. M. Gasol
3 Monroe
4. Millsap
5. Hibbert

Monroe doesn't have a mid range game so would be a horrible fit next to Splitter going forward.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

i really hope the spurs skip all the free agency losers. there's enough bench depth that stash cashin and good draftin can fill a good enough chunk of the void. if there is anything the free agency market can help with, i'd say it's some of the finals tested vet leadership that Timmy and Manu would take with them. Hell, forget free agency, trade for KG right now.

[eDizzle20]

K.J. McDaniels defensive play has been excellent this season. It's surprising he wasn't drafted until pick 32.

[Richie]

K.J. McDaniels defensive play has been excellent this season. It's surprising he wasn't drafted until pick 32.

Defense always seems to be underdrafted. If he hit higher than 31% from 3 in college he likely would have been a first rounder though, lets see how his shooting holds up over 82 games.

[DrunkTXLabrat]

add Patrick young and jokic to the list. Florida Sr. seem to do well in the nba . could be a late round steal. also like kane .

Young could still be a cheap young option for depth at big.

http://clipperholics.com/2015/06/25/report-patric-young-chasing-clippers-summer-league-team/