Official San Antonio Spurs 2021 NBA Draft Discussion Thread

[Dejounte]

precisely my thoughts. of the 20 or so listed, almost none of those guys seem like top #12 picks, aside from maybe one or two of them. I'm hoping there's something to read into this or the Spurs FO is viewing this draft very differently than my hopes and expectations would lead me to believe.

Maybe even a three team trade could happen where

DeMar + 12th pick goes to LA,
Kuzma + LAL pick#22 + Thunder pick # 16 goes to SA,
and THT goes to OKC.

[Kurgan]

Maybe even a three team trade could happen where

DeMar + 12th pick goes to LA,
Kuzma + LAL pick#22 + Thunder pick # 16 goes to SA,
and THT goes to OKC.

Lakers get the best player AND the best pick in a trade? This makes no sense

[Dejounte]

Lakers get the best player AND the best pick in a trade? This makes no sense

it’s the NBA, everything is lopsided in their favor :lmao

[TD 21]

Maybe even a three team trade could happen where

DeMar + 12th pick goes to LA,
Kuzma + LAL pick#22 + Thunder pick # 16 goes to SA,
and THT goes to OKC.

:tu

The only thing that would give me pause is if there's a player available at 12 who they think might have star potential. Outside of that, there's unlikely to be a marked difference in the players picked at 12 and 16, so it'd be worth it to get 22.

If Butler's heart issue doesn't derail his career, I'd target him and Murphy III . . .

Kuzma/Samanic/Murphy III
Johnson/Vassell/Jeffries?
Poeltl/Dieng?/Eubanks
White/Walker IV/Butler
Murray/Mills?/Jones



Lakers get the best player AND the best pick in a trade? This makes no sense

While technically true, they'd be sacrificing their only credible youngish player and prospect and more than likely closing the book on winning another championship in the James era by picking up such a flawed player, who'd double as a poor fit.

[Mr. Body]

The case for trading down seems pretty strong, assuming it's a 2-for-1 trade or some other asset comes in with a 1-for-1 trade.

I don't feel like there is a Tier 1 in this draft. Now, obviously there is, just as a semantic/technical obviousness, but I don't know if there's a top rank of players. The supposed top 3-4, none of them are obvious stars to me. I might put them above the next ten or so players, but only barely. Regardless, each is filled with risks and even the risers like Scottie Barnes and Bouknight have very large question marks.

Now, at the #12 range, you have a collection of good players with similar question marks. Giddey has exceptional passing, but serious questions about shooting, defense, and handles. Moody is passive and may only be a 3-and-D type with stiff mechanics. Kai Jones has great athleticism but couldn't even start for his college team. Etc.

I could see a scenario where Houston or New York wants to move up to tag a player they like. I'm not sure the Spurs will want to deal with the Knicks given how underhanded they were with the Morris affair, but whatever. Houston may not want three rookies on their team, but who knows.

So, in my opinion the talent sort of flattens after picks 6-7. So if that initial field is sort of Tier 1, then the next eight to ten picks is sort of Tier 2, but I don't know if there's a huge difference between those players and the next tier.

AND/OR, we are likely to see good players in that Tier 2 plateau drop, like Vassel and Haliburton did last year. Yes, even into the 20s this time, since this is a deeper draft, both naturally and because Covid pushed some players into this draft class. I think even before pick 20 we're going to see some stupid shit being done by the usual suspects, so could see the Giddey types fall into those NYK, HOU pick ranges. Nbadraft.net, which I think is doing some bizarre shit, just updated their Mock and still has Sengun in the early 2nd round.

So... is it worth it to maybe package the #12 with something else (if needed) to get two swings at potentially strong players? If we're unsure about Jaden Springer or Duarte at #12, then surely either is a great pick at #23, or a raft of other good players like Trey Murphy or Isaiah Jackson.

[The Truth #6]

The case for trading down seems pretty strong, assuming it's a 2-for-1 trade or some other asset comes in with a 1-for-1 trade.

I don't feel like there is a Tier 1 in this draft. Now, obviously there is, just as a semantic/technical obviousness, but I don't know if there's a top rank of players. The supposed top 3-4, none of them are obvious stars to me. I might put them above the next ten or so players, but only barely. Regardless, each is filled with risks and even the risers like Scottie Barnes and Bouknight have very large question marks.

Now, at the #12 range, you have a collection of good players with similar question marks. Giddey has exceptional passing, but serious questions about shooting, defense, and handles. Moody is passive and may only be a 3-and-D type with stiff mechanics. Kai Jones has great athleticism but couldn't even start for his college team. Etc.

I could see a scenario where Houston or New York wants to move up to tag a player they like. I'm not sure the Spurs will want to deal with the Knicks given how underhanded they were with the Morris affair, but whatever. Houston may not want three rookies on their team, but who knows.

So, in my opinion the talent sort of flattens after picks 6-7. So if that initial field is sort of Tier 1, then the next eight to ten picks is sort of Tier 2, but I don't know if there's a huge difference between those players and the next tier.

AND/OR, we are likely to see good players in that Tier 2 plateau drop, like Vassel and Haliburton did last year. Yes, even into the 20s this time, since this is a deeper draft, both naturally and because Covid pushed some players into this draft class. I think even before pick 20 we're going to see some stupid shit being done by the usual suspects, so could see the Giddey types fall into those NYK, HOU pick ranges. Nbadraft.net, which I think is doing some bizarre shit, just updated their Mock and still has Sengun in the early 2nd round.

So... is it worth it to maybe package the #12 with something else (if needed) to get two swings at potentially strong players? If we're unsure about Jaden Springer or Duarte at #12, then surely either is a great pick at #23, or a raft of other good players like Trey Murphy or Isaiah Jackson.

Totally agree. If we could somehow capitalize our #12 pick and pull some sort of s/t with DDR (if legal), I would love to get two picks a bit later in the first round.

If we could get two of: Duarte, Moody, Springer, Murphy, Garuba, Thor, then I’m thrilled.

The only exception is if someone we really like is still there at 12. For me, that is Sengun, even if that forebodes poorly for the lovable but gruff banger Drew Eubanks sticking around.

(Wagner, I’ve cooled on. Feels like a rich man’s Larry Krystkowiak.)

[Mr. Body]

Totally agree. If we could somehow capitalize our #12 pick and pull some sort of s/t with DDR (if legal), I would love to get two picks a bit later in the first round.

If we could get two of: Duarte, Moody, Springer, Murphy, Garuba, Thor, then I’m thrilled.

The only exception is if someone we really like is still there at 12. For me, that is Sengun, even if that forebodes poorly for the lovable but gruff banger Drew Eubanks sticking around.

(Wagner, I’ve cooled on. Feels like a rich man’s Larry Krystkowiak.)

I don't think DeRozan is involved at all. The #12 could have value to someone. The second round pick or Lonnie or such can be used if necessary.

[The Truth #6]

I don't think DeRozan is involved at all. The #12 could have value to someone. The second round pick or Lonnie or such can be used if necessary.

If Pop returns, I definitely think we should trade Lonnie. He’s become like a walking algorithm trying to process everything and not make mistakes. I would love to trade him for something. If Becky takes over, I’d give him another year generally speaking, but not if we get a pick in the late teens/early 20s.

Man, so much uncertainty for this franchise: what’s our plan, who is the coach, are we even looking for a centerpiece et cetera. But getting more picks in an amorphous draft has merit. More dice to roll.

[mo7888]

If we want to move down (and I'm very open to that if Wagner is off the board at 12) I don't think we have to take on Kuzma to do it. I could see Oklahoma offering both of their pick to move up because there's a limit to how many young guys they will want on that already young roster. I could also see the Knicks giving up one of their picks for one of our young players on a controlled contract. Either scenario seems better to me than giving the lakers #12 in a DDR trade.

[The Truth #6]

If we want to move down (and I'm very open to that if Wagner is off the board at 12) I don't think we have to take on Kuzma to do it. I could see Oklahoma offering both of their pick to move up because there's a limit to how many young guys they will want on that already young roster. I could also see the Knicks giving up one of their picks for one of our young players on a controlled contract. Either scenario seems better to me than giving the lakers #12 in a DDR trade.

Giving DDR to the Lakers could easily doom their title aspirations, though he seems like an awesome dude et cetera, so there is some motivation to screw them over and let DDR get home. Win/win, at least theoretically.

[Mr. Body]

Giving DDR to the Lakers could easily doom their title aspirations, though he seems like an awesome dude et cetera, so there is some motivation to screw them over and let DDR get home. Win/win, at least theoretically.

Jesus fucking Christ are people here fucking nuts about how good DeRozan is.

[TD 21]

If we want to move down (and I'm very open to that if Wagner is off the board at 12) I don't think we have to take on Kuzma to do it. I could see Oklahoma offering both of their pick to move up because there's a limit to how many young guys they will want on that already young roster. I could also see the Knicks giving up one of their picks for one of our young players on a controlled contract. Either scenario seems better to me than giving the lakers #12 in a DDR trade.

As much as Kuzma was overhyped because he's a Laker and an inefficient mediocrity, let's not pretend he's an albatross or that the Spurs could do better (along with a late 1st) for DeRozan.

3/$39M is reasonable for a 26 year old, durable, modern 4 and as long as his delusions of grandeur could be kept in check (a major question mark given the lack of established or clear pecking order), he'd be a nice fit here. He could also easily be rerouted at any time.

[PhantomDashCam]

I don’t see anything special with Jaden Springer, he’ll be a good player but ehhh I don’t see much upside

This is Springer at 15 years old competing against guys who are 17-18-19. He's guarding Precious Achiuwa (19 yo at the time), in the post too later in the clip (6:34 mark).

Precious mauls everyone with his combination of power and finesse but watch what happens when he goes up against Jaden.

Should be noted Jaden is doing this after rolling his ankle at the 6 min mark and clearly isn't 100% for the rest of the comp.



https://youtu.be/QuoYdJEwMCM

[Dejounte]

As much as Kuzma was overhyped because he's a Laker and an inefficient mediocrity, let's not pretend he's an albatross or that the Spurs could do better (along with a late 1st) for DeRozan.

3/$39M is reasonable for a 26 year old, durable, modern 4 and as long as his delusions of grandeur could be kept in check (a major question mark given the lack of established or clear pecking order), he'd be a nice fit here. He could also easily be rerouted at any time.

I didn’t even know he was making that little. League average for a starter is $17~ mil, I believe. $13 mil for Kuzma is a bargain, especially if he’s a starter. Would people rather have Markkanen at $18+ mil? I can deal with Markkanen at $15 mil at most.

[The Truth #6]

Jesus fucking Christ are people here fucking nuts about how good DeRozan is.

Well, I know I’m not. I think it’s more about the fear of trading to the Lakers because we might help them. To me , DDR doesn’t really help anyone as far as going far in the playoffs.

[duncan2150]

Per his interview,

Isaiah thinks he's a 4 in the NBA, and a little bit of a 5. Studies Kevin Garnett. Have huge doubts, like I do with nearly every prospect. But if the guy can shoot, that changes things a bit. He does have a better free throw percentage than someone like Kai Jones, so he has that going for him.


I may prefer him to Kai Jones, Jackson is an elite shotblocker. You have this for sure with him, problem is the offense for the moment. If he can shoot the ball he could develop into a good nba player.

[mo7888]

As much as Kuzma was overhyped because he's a Laker and an inefficient mediocrity, let's not pretend he's an albatross or that the Spurs could do better (along with a late 1st) for DeRozan.

3/$39M is reasonable for a 26 year old, durable, modern 4 and as long as his delusions of grandeur could be kept in check (a major question mark given the lack of established or clear pecking order), he'd be a nice fit here. He could also easily be rerouted at any time.

I don't see Kuzma as an albatross and I'm not opposed to doing the deal and acquiring him, I just don't see him being worth the #12 pick so we can drop back into the 20's.

[mo7888]

Giving DDR to the Lakers could easily doom their title aspirations, though he seems like an awesome dude et cetera, so there is some motivation to screw them over and let DDR get home. Win/win, at least theoretically.

I'm fine with trading ddr to the lakers, I just wouldn't swap picks with them to do it.

[mo7888]

I didn’t even know he was making that little. League average for a starter is $17~ mil, I believe. $13 mil for Kuzma is a bargain, especially if he’s a starter. Would people rather have Markkanen at $18+ mil? I can deal with Markkanen at $15 mil at most.

I know I'm in the minority here but, I'd rather have Lauri than Kuzma. Kuzma doesn't have a bad contract but, I'd rather have a guy at the 4 shooting 40% from 3 instead of 30% from 3....especially if they both are poor defenders.

[BacktoBasics]

Well, I know I’m not. I think it’s more about the fear of trading to the Lakers because we might help them. To me , DDR doesn’t really help anyone as far as going far in the playoffs.

That’s a typical ST misconception. DDR as your star player… yeah I agree he’s not helping anyone.

He’d be great on a winning team where he can get on a roll in spurts and bring some offense when your first two options aren’t getting it done.

The only barrier to teams being more trade friendly is that no ones paying 30 million for a 3rd or 4th option. Now if he’ll entertain low 20’s on a contract you might have more options. It’ll really comes down to what he’ll accept on a contract for an S&T to happen.

[Uriel]

I don’t understand why Sacramento would make Wagner a promise. Don’t you only make promises to prospects who are in danger of withdrawing from the draft? Or to prospects who are far above your projected draft range, but who want to go to your organization (e.g. Batum)?

[Dejounte]

I don’t understand why Sacramento would make Wagner a promise. Don’t you only make promises to prospects who are in danger of withdrawing from the draft? Or to prospects who are far above your projected draft range, but who want to go to your organization (e.g. Batum)?

maybe it’s to stop him from doing workouts with the teams ahead of the Kings. Maybe the Kings fear the Magic would love him during those workouts and take him before they do.

[BackHome]

I don't like Derozz on our team but people acting like he is a scrub he is a very good player who is not an All Star but still will be your third best on a team chasing a ring. Every stat you could look at he got better and to be honest how many players that got burned in a trade like he did would show up be professional and still play.

I think if he goes to a contender he would be even more motivated and as long as he is not your first or second player he would add value over the season. Teams have to have these type of players because if your first or second offensive option gets hurt for any amount of time you got a guy who can shoulder the load until they return

This season showed if you don't have a deep bench it's the difference of making the playoffs/advancing in the playoffs or going fishing

[Dejounte]

I may prefer him to Kai Jones, Jackson is an elite shotblocker. You have this for sure with him, problem is the offense for the moment. If he can shoot the ball he could develop into a good nba player.

I'll admit, I never took Jackson seriously since I was under the impression he was another big who couldn't shoot past 3 ft and we don't need or want any of that.

Watching him more, he actually has a decent shot tendency to face up from mid-range. His form looks solid and consistent, something I never found convincing from Kai. Kai has a tendency to act like a wing who thinks he has the ability to shoot off the dribble and fails miserably at it. Isaiah is your old school face-up big who will take the shot from mid-range if he thinks he can shoot over you. On the perimeter, I can envision him being a stand still shooter down the line. Make no mistake, Isaiah doesn't look like he's going to project into your modern big that everybody dreams about. But what he does have is the potential to be your LaMarcus type big who will take the ball from the post or farther out, giving the offense a little bit of structure than modern basketball. Obviously, this is all highly unlikely to happen but IF he does put in the work then that is the type of ceiling I see.

Kai Jones took 27 shots in the mid-range, at 33% FG.
Isaiah took 54 shots in the mid-range, at 35.2% FG. He likes to shoot.

I'll probably bump him up to my Tier 4, which is the same group Kai is currently in but Isaiah will be higher.

[Dejounte]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-62sxsQCRT4

They finally made a video for my boy. The perfect modern 4. Would be extremely happy if they select him (preferably late 1st round).

[Mr. Body]

I'll admit, I never took Jackson seriously since I was under the impression he was another big who couldn't shoot past 3 ft and we don't need or want any of that.

Watching him more, he actually has a decent shot tendency to face up from mid-range. His form looks solid and consistent, something I never found convincing from Kai. Kai has a tendency to act like a wing who thinks he has the ability to shoot off the dribble and fails miserably at it. Isaiah is your old school face-up big who will take the shot from mid-range if he thinks he can shoot over you. On the perimeter, I can envision him being a stand still shooter down the line. Make no mistake, Isaiah doesn't look like he's going to project into your modern big that everybody dreams about. But what he does have is the potential to be your LaMarcus type big who will take the ball from the post or farther out, giving the offense a little bit of structure than modern basketball. Obviously, this is all highly unlikely to happen but IF he does put in the work then that is the type of ceiling I see.

Kai Jones took 27 shots in the mid-range, at 33% FG.
Isaiah took 54 shots in the mid-range, at 35.2% FG. He likes to shoot.

I'll probably bump him up to my Tier 4, which is the same group Kai is currently in but Isaiah will be higher.

Jones just doesn't do it for me. A guy who didn't even start for his college team -- that's bad news, especially since he wasn't even a freshman. I do think he'll go late lottery at least.

Isaiah Jackson is one to keep an eye on. I don't like him at #12, but he's in the Mitchell Robinson or Nerlens Noel mold. While Kai Jones blocked 1.6 shots per 40 minutes, Isaiah Jackson blocked 5.0, and in probably the better conference.

[Dejounte]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-62sxsQCRT4

They finally made a video for my boy. The perfect modern 4. Would be extremely happy if they select him (preferably late 1st round).

Why'd you have to do this to me, Jeremiah...

I just had an epiphany. JRE plays too much like Keldon Johnson for my liking.

My draft philosophy is this:

1) The player that is drafted must bring a different style of game than any player on the roster

2) but if not, and they're pretty much the same archetype as any one player on the roster, they must project to be A LOT better.

JRE is neither... He drops to Tier 5 for me.

Both #1 and #2 are based off the team we currently have, and this philosophy changes if the team was a strong playoff team.

My #1 rule above is a huge priority for me since we've seen what works and what doesn't with the 2020-2021 roster. What doesn't work: having a lack of 3 point shooters. Having a lack of length in the front court. Lack of shot creation from our guards and wings. Having a lack of defensive IQ.

[davi78239]

Josh Giddey?? That’s the latest I’ve seen spurs taking. Australian sharp shooter. Comparable to Ben Simmons but Much better shooter.

[Dejounte]

I'm close to locking in...


Tier 1 = Extremely happy
Wagner
Moody
Giddey

Tier 2 = Happy
Duarte
Bouknight

Tier 3 = Risky, but understandable
Jalen Johnson
Murphy III
Sengun

Tier 4 = Interesting, can't wait to see how the rest of the roster shapes out
Isaiah Jackson
Filip Petrusev
Kai Jones

Tier 5 = Satisfied
Jeremiah Earl Robinson
Tre Mann
Usman Garuba

Tier 6 = Not happy, but I trust the Spurs
Corey Kispert
Keon Johnson
Jaden Springer

[TD 21]

I don't see Kuzma as an albatross and I'm not opposed to doing the deal and acquiring him, I just don't see him being worth the #12 pick so we can drop back into the 20's.

In the Dejounte hypothetical, the Spurs would also receive #16.



I know I'm in the minority here but, I'd rather have Lauri than Kuzma. Kuzma doesn't have a bad contract but, I'd rather have a guy at the 4 shooting 40% from 3 instead of 30% from 3....especially if they both are poor defenders.

Career wise, Markkanen is at 36.6% and Kuzma 33.8% from 3 and while the latter has graduated to non liability defender at both the 4 and 3, the former will always be a liability at both the 4 and 5.



That’s a typical ST misconception. DDR as your star player… yeah I agree he’s not helping anyone.

He’d be great on a winning team where he can get on a roll in spurts and bring some offense when your first two options aren’t getting it done.

The only barrier to teams being more trade friendly is that no ones paying 30 million for a 3rd or 4th option. Now if he’ll entertain low 20’s on a contract you might have more options. It’ll really comes down to what he’ll accept on a contract for an S&T to happen.

No, he wouldn't because of the lack of malleability to his game.

[rankingtear]

Per his interview,

Isaiah thinks he's a 4 in the NBA, and a little bit of a 5. Studies Kevin Garnett. Have huge doubts, like I do with nearly every prospect. But if the guy can shoot, that changes things a bit. He does have a better free throw percentage than someone like Kai Jones, so he has that going for him.

Hard to play full time starting 5 at his weight. Pretty much a backup center for now. The only way he starts is at the four, which means developing as a 40% 3pt shooter aka the John Collins route.

[EricB]

I don’t get the Giddey love and I don’t get the Kispert hate

[EricB]

That would be Orlando. Not sure they'd take him, but he will likely go top 10. Thing is, this year? I don't know. Again, teams do headscratching stuff every draft.


its Orlando. They love big men. Still think it’s 1998

[duncan2150]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-62sxsQCRT4

They finally made a video for my boy. The perfect modern 4. Would be extremely happy if they select him (preferably late 1st round).


I really like him since the beginning of the NCAA season, high IQ , he can do a lot of things. It strange that he is so low on mocks, he is not an unbelivable athlet but he's solid.

[Dejounte]

I don’t get the Giddey love and I don’t get the Kispert hate


https://youtu.be/rCKY2N8HYFE

Giddey is definitely the riskiest out of all my favorite prospects.

I think people underrate ball handling ability. Most players who are shot creators have advanced dribbling moves. Giddey has that in spades which IMO, will enable him to become a shot creator down the line. At 6’8”, that’s a star. If Lonnie could dribble and protect the ball in traffic, he would be a star. Obviously all unlikely to happen, but that’s my reasoning behind it.

[Dejounte]

Sandro Mamukelashvili in San Antonio for a workout.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MXqN4Ux1dg

Draft tracker

Interview only



Keon Johnson
Kai Jones
Corey Kispert
LJ Figueroa


Workout + Interview



Josh Primo
Chris Duarte
Trey Murphy III
Tre Mann
Joe Wieskamp
Austin Reaves
Romeo Weems
MaCio Teague
Yves Pons
Ethan Thompson
Terry Taylor
Jaden Springer
Colbey Ross
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Jordan Burns


Workout + Interview, but went back to college



Jordan Hall
Davion Mintz

[alfahdlan]

https://youtu.be/rCKY2N8HYFE

Giddey is definitely the riskiest out of all my favorite prospects.

I think people underrate ball handling ability. Most players who are shot creators have advanced dribbling moves. Giddey has that in spades which IMO, will enable him to become a shot creator down the line. At 6’8”, that’s a star. If Lonnie could dribble and protect the ball in traffic, he would be a star. Obviously all unlikely to happen, but that’s my reasoning behind it.


Why do I have that feeling that if Warriors doesn’t get him @ 7 he’ll be @ 14?

[BackHome]

Josh Giddey?? That’s the latest I’ve seen spurs taking. Australian sharp shooter. Comparable to Ben Simmons but Much better shooter.

Umm No Giddey is not athletic at all and will probably be a poor defender other then that they are comparable

[exstatic]

Umm No Giddey is not athletic at all and will probably be a poor defender other then that they are comparable

So, a shorter, less athletic, terrible defense version of Simmons?

Where do i sign?

[Mr. Body]

Kispert seems like what he'll always be, an exceptional outside shooter and good competitor. I do feel some might expect he's just a standstill shooter who does little else, like Duncan Robinson, and we may be able to find shooters without using a lottery pick. Also, Gonzaga grads don't exactly set the world on fire.

Giddey, there may be some star quality there. At least there's room for development. His handle is really high, his shooting is poor, and his defense may be slow, but he's a smart kid and only eighteen. There is no reason to think he won't improve. He gets 7.5 and 7.5 rebounds and assists a game. This team needs playmaking beyond mechanical sets and maybe we just miss Manu.

[Mr. Body]

Sandro Mamukelashvili in San Antonio for a workout.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MXqN4Ux1dg[COLOR=#000000][COLOR=#000000][COLOR=#000000][B]



Mamukashvili is a crazy good passer for his size and handles the ball really well and has a shot.

[duncan2150]

So, a shorter, less athletic, terrible defense version of Simmons?

Where do i sign?

Simmons is a guy who did not work his game since joinning the NBA, Giddey is smarter imo and he can shoot way better than simmons tough it's a work in progress. Offcourse he is less athletic .

[duncan2150]

Mamukashvili is a crazy good passer for his size and handles the ball really well and has a shot.

I like him as a secound rounder. Nice complete player.

[Degoat]

I think people underestimate how soft the NBA is tbh with Giddey he’s been playing with grown men in Australia, I think Giddey and his skills will easily translate to the NBA.

[exstatic]

Simmons is a guy who did not work his game since joinning the NBA, Giddey is smarter imo and he can shoot way better than simmons tough it's a work in progress. Offcourse he is less athletic .

And yet, he’s made All NBA and All D teams. Simmons has one basketball flaw: his jumper. Giddey has three: a jumper that makes Simmons look like Steve Kerr, loose high handle, and horrible defense. Not a basketball skill, but he’s also a sub par athlete, by NBA standards.

[bluebellmaniac]

17 Days until the Draft!

[rjv]

I'm close to locking in...


Tier 1 = Extremely happy
Wagner
Moody
Giddey

Tier 2 = Happy
Duarte
Bouknight

Tier 3 = Risky, but understandable
Jalen Johnson
Murphy III
Sengun

Tier 4 = Interesting, can't wait to see how the rest of the roster shapes out
Isaiah Jackson
Filip Petrusev
Kai Jones

Tier 5 = Satisfied
Jeremiah Earl Robinson
Tre Mann
Usman Garuba

Tier 6 = Not happy, but I trust the Spurs
Corey Kispert
Keon Johnson
Jaden Springer

this is pretty much mine although i'd have sengun in my tier 1 and i'd have kispert in tier 4.

[John B]

It's a bust or boom season for me, that's why I'm picking Jalen Johnson (??? very unlikely the Spurs pick) or Moses Moody and even Kai Jones.

But I'd be very happy with Duarte, Sengun, Wagner, Bouknight (in that order), the players imo the Spurs are likely to pick when available. I think they are the safest bet, great character and can immediately contribute.

It's a deep Draft, so I wouldn't mind if the Spurs do a trade and get two lottery picks, especially to nab Duarte. But I really hate to lose any of our young core, except for Poeltl. I just don't see him putting 100% EVERY night. I think if he did, he would be top 5 center. That's how much I think he is capable of, the reason I'm so critical of him.

[EasyMoney]

https://youtu.be/aES14c-Y1PU

Just uploaded. Sengun draft profile.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I'm close to locking in...


Tier 1 = Extremely happy
Wagner
Moody
Giddey

Tier 2 = Happy
Duarte
Bouknight

Tier 3 = Risky, but understandable
Jalen Johnson
Murphy III
Sengun

Tier 4 = Interesting, can't wait to see how the rest of the roster shapes out
Isaiah Jackson
Filip Petrusev
Kai Jones

Tier 5 = Satisfied
Jeremiah Earl Robinson
Tre Mann
Usman Garuba

Tier 6 = Not happy, but I trust the Spurs
Corey Kispert
Keon Johnson
Jaden Springer

Great attitude! You'll be a happy man no matter what. I'll be very disappointed if we don't get both Kai Jones and Murphy III.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

That assumes Duarte’s baseline is an average 3 and D player. I think he’s more dynamic than that, and somewhat in the mold of Manu (who arrived on the Spurs at the age of 25) where he shows he’s a top player on the team right away. If he’s that, I think the expectation for him to improve is overblown. Of course I could be wrong about this, these are just my thoughts.


https://youtu.be/3nvSAl9jUqY

Duarte’s presence is felt in nearly every play.

i know (well I hope) you’re not saying he will turn out like Manu but I still think it’s a bad comparison. Manu was a really good player in a league of grown men. He also didn’t just have one great season like Chris had in Oregon. Manu was consistently good for many years in Italy. Manu won back to back MVP’s over there and a ton of games.

I’m not bashing Duarte and I think he will most likely be a solid pro but for our team needs at with the 12th pick I think he is a reach. If we had another pick lower in the 1st round then it would be great to draft him along with a higher upside player.

[Dejounte]

i know (well I hope) you’re not saying he will turn out like Manu but I still think it’s a bad comparison. Manu was a really good player in a league of grown men. He also didn’t just have one great season like Chris had in Oregon. Manu was consistently good for many years in Italy. Manu won back to back MVP’s over there and a ton of games.

I’m not bashing Duarte and I think he will most likely be a solid pro but for our team needs at with the 12th pick I think he is a reach. If we had another pick lower in the 1st round then it would be great to draft him along with a higher upside player.

I am well aware of the differences in accomplishments, I’m merely evaluating from a talent standpoint. In the end, Manu barely made it in as an NBA draft selection at a time when teams overlooked international players. I’m counting on teams and fans like you and me overlooking Duarte because he’s older and went through a different journey (JUCO, redshirt year due to ESL, etc.) than 90% of other players who made it into the NBA. I think there’s something in his game that is special that could lead to something great in the NBA, but that’s just me. It’s certainly an unpopular opinion, but it’s one I’ll stand by because I’ve put in some time watching him. Totally aware of the possibility that he doesn’t meet the ceiling I think he could reach.

[Sugus]

It's a bust or boom season for me, that's why I'm picking Jalen Johnson (??? very unlikely the Spurs pick) or Moses Moody and even Kai Jones.

But I'd be very happy with Duarte, Sengun, Wagner, Bouknight (in that order), the players imo the Spurs are likely to pick when available. I think they are the safest bet, great character and can immediately contribute.

It's a deep Draft, so I wouldn't mind if the Spurs do a trade and get two lottery picks, especially to nab Duarte. But I really hate to lose any of our young core, except for Poeltl. I just don't see him putting 100% EVERY night. I think if he did, he would be top 5 center. That's how much I think he is capable of, the reason I'm so critical of him.

There's no way that's the reason you're so critical of him :lol

At this point I'm convinced you're Austrian and personally know him and he screwed your girl or something like that, there's no way that you consistently criticize him like you do only because you think he can be so great (no way in hell he sniffs top 5 center in the league, ever, btw, and I like the guy). I don't think I've ever seen you mention Poeltl's name in a sentence, where you don't also mention how lazy, bad, inept, stiff, bad-looking or mouth-breathing he is, lmao

Not that there's anything wrong with that, you're free to bash whichever player you dislike, but I've come to expect it from you and there's just no way that that's the reason you shit on him :lol

[John B]

There's no way that's the reason you're so critical of him :lol

At this point I'm convinced you're Austrian and personally know him and he screwed your girl or something like that, there's no way that you consistently criticize him like you do only because you think he can be so great (no way in hell he sniffs top 5 center in the league, ever, btw, and I like the guy). I don't think I've ever seen you mention Poeltl's name in a sentence, where you don't also mention how lazy, bad, inept, stiff, bad-looking or mouth-breathing he is, lmao

Not that there's anything wrong with that, you're free to bash whichever player you dislike, but I've come to expect it from you and there's just no way that that's the reason you shit on him :lol

I’m just saying he’s the 1st player I would trade for a pick. Maybe some teams would value him as top 10 Defensive Center :lol

Have you watched his highlights in college? The guy had post moves, jump shots and free throws. What happened? He regress until he’s on a contract year or somebody lights his ass.

But to get back to the thread relevance, aside from S&T’ing Demar, Poeltl will be the next option for me to get another pick. Sorry to have hurt your feelings :dramaquee:lol

[PhantomDashCam]

http://mavsdraft.com/chris-duarte-scouting-report/

A nice overview of Chris Duarte as a prospect for those seeking a little more info about him.


Pros:

Excellent shooting ability
Good shooter off the dribble & off fakes
Defensive playmaker that disrupts passing lanes
Polished P&R ball handler
Good finisher at the rim with soft touch
Intelligent cutter
Strong defensive instincts
Comfortable as a help-side defender near the rim

Cons:

Limited athlete
Needs to get stronger finishing against bigs
Basic ball-handler that doesn’t blow by defenders

[Dejounte]

“Basic ball-handler” /facepalm

[duncan2150]

https://twitter.com/N_Magaro/status/1414707056423100419

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/N_Magaro/status/1414707056423100419

Surprising… he said himself he had no workout with the Spurs three days ago. So the Spurs must have called within the last few days. Interesting. You’d figure all these workouts are planned way ahead of time. Perhaps the Spurs are not convinced with the 2nd rounders they’ve worked out so far?

[Twisted_Dawg]

I'm close to locking in...


Tier 1 = Extremely happy
Wagner
Moody
Giddey

Tier 2 = Happy
Duarte
Bouknight

Tier 3 = Risky, but understandable
Jalen Johnson
Murphy III
Sengun

Tier 4 = Interesting, can't wait to see how the rest of the roster shapes out
Isaiah Jackson
Filip Petrusev
Kai Jones

Tier 5 = Satisfied
Jeremiah Earl Robinson
Tre Mann
Usman Garuba

Tier 6 = Not happy, but I trust the Spurs
Corey Kispert
Keon Johnson
Jaden Springer

Any chance you can expand your list to what we might be looking at in the second round?

BTW, you put in a lot of time and do some exceptionally good work for the board. Far better than most of the learned big name national guys as well as the dim witted local guys. We appreciate your work and efforts!

[PhantomDashCam]

“Basic ball-handler” /facepalm

Just one scouts opinion.
For example, you think Josh Giddey is an outstanding ball-handler because he puts it behind his back in an open gym, ignoring the high dribble and fact he looks down at the ball
when gathering.
He was very complimentary overall to him. I wouldn't worry too much.

[Dejounte]

Just one scouts opinion.
For example, you think Josh Giddey is an outstanding ball-handler because he puts it behind his back in an open gym, ignoring the high dribble and fact he looks down at the ball
when gathering.
He was very complimentary overall to him. I wouldn't worry too much.

I don’t think Josh is an outstanding ball handler based off the video I posted… weird to say that at all.

[duncan2150]

Surprising… he said himself he had no workout with the Spurs three days ago. So the Spurs must have called within the last few days. Interesting. You’d figure all these workouts are planned way ahead of time. Perhaps the Spurs are not convinced with the 2nd rounders they’ve worked out so far?


It's difficult to know cause we don't know how they operate during the draft process.
Actually they have worked ( as we know)close to zero prospect who will be the targets at 12 but they will or they already have.

[Mr. Body]

Surprising… he said himself he had no workout with the Spurs three days ago. So the Spurs must have called within the last few days. Interesting. You’d figure all these workouts are planned way ahead of time. Perhaps the Spurs are not convinced with the 2nd rounders they’ve worked out so far?

Maybe they're closer to cementing what they're looking at with the first pick and are looking for wings with the second.

Anyway, my dream of a Franz/Vrenz draft is still on the board.

[BackHome]

Giddey high will be Vinny Del Negro - His floor will be Loyd Daniels.

[ace3g]

grain of salt

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1412848742164701187/QRWHkWQ6_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA) Brenden Nunes (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA)Bren (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8762)denNunesNBA




“He’s listed at 6’9”, I hear he’s like 6’11”.” -@NBADraftWass (https://twitter.com/NBADraftWass/) on Franz Wagner
9:42am · 12 Jul 2021 (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA/status/1414596123117834241) · Twitter for iPhone


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mKq64hbtb4
(https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/how-to-tweet#source-labels)

[tonight...you]

grain of salt

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1412848742164701187/QRWHkWQ6_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA) Brenden Nunes (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA)Bren (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8762)denNunesNBA




“He’s listed at 6’9”, I hear he’s like 6’11”.” -@NBADraftWass (https://twitter.com/NBADraftWass/) on Franz Wagner
9:42am · 12 Jul 2021 (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA/status/1414596123117834241) · Twitter for iPhone

<a href="https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/how-to-tweet#source-labels" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mKq64hbtb4
(https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/how-to-tweet#source-labels)
He bought dem Tom Cruise elevator shoes.

[slick'81]

Maybe they're closer to cementing what they're looking at with the first pick and are looking for wings with the second.

Anyway, my dream of a Franz/Vrenz draft is still on the board.


Wagner would def be my dream along with sengun

[The Truth #6]

Surprising… he said himself he had no workout with the Spurs three days ago. So the Spurs must have called within the last few days. Interesting. You’d figure all these workouts are planned way ahead of time. Perhaps the Spurs are not convinced with the 2nd rounders they’ve worked out so far?

Could be a camp invite as he may go undrafted.

[The Truth #6]

Giddey high will be Vinny Del Negro - His floor will be Loyd Daniels.

Sweet Pea Lloyd Daniels, nice comp. I would love it if the prospects were all compared to mid/late 80s Spurs players.

[ace3g]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCs6zEDT6_Y

[pad300]

https://deanondraft.com/2021/07/10/is-alperen-sengun-too-old-school-to-succeed-or-too-talented-to-fail/

[bluebellmaniac]

16 Days until the Draft!

[slick'81]

16 Days until the Draft!


:lol Almost there

[Dejounte]

These Olympic exhibition games are really showing how eye popping talent is trash if they don’t know how to play within a team concept. That is why I don’t get caught up in some of these prospects who look like world class athletes… they have to have brains too.

[The Truth #6]

https://deanondraft.com/2021/07/10/is-alperen-sengun-too-old-school-to-succeed-or-too-talented-to-fail/

Interesting analysis. It’s a weird draft where many prognostications will be wrong. I hope this one about Sengun is right and we grab him.

[Dejounte]

grain of salt

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1412848742164701187/QRWHkWQ6_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA) Brenden Nunes (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA)Bren (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8762)denNunesNBA




“He’s listed at 6’9”, I hear he’s like 6’11”.” -@NBADraftWass (https://twitter.com/NBADraftWass/) on Franz Wagner
9:42am · 12 Jul 2021 (https://twitter.com/BrendenNunesNBA/status/1414596123117834241) · Twitter for iPhone


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mKq64hbtb4
(https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/how-to-tweet#source-labels)

Sadly, if this is the way he speaks to teams during interviews, there is no way he’s going to be there at #12. Sounds like he has a true basketball mind.

He’s a better prospect than Patrick Williams last year and would have been chosen top 5.

[mo7888]

Sadly, if this is the way he speaks to teams during interviews, there is no way he’s going to be there at #12. Sounds like he has a true basketball mind.

He’s a better prospect than Patrick Williams last year and would have been chosen top 5.

Yep... I still maintain that if his 3 pt % can get to 38% that he has a chance to be the best player in this draft.

[Dejounte]

Per the athletic this morning:



NBA Draft: Villanova forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl has impressed teams, including New Orleans, as he continues to solidify a potential first-round position.

[Russ]

Giddey high will be Vinny Del Negro - His floor will be Loyd Daniels.

I focussed on Giddey during warmups before US v Australia. He was hitting all his shots with confidence. Three pointers, mid range, all of them. That's the concern, right? If so, that was a good sign.

[buttsR4rebounding]

https://deanondraft.com/2021/07/10/is-alperen-sengun-too-old-school-to-succeed-or-too-talented-to-fail/

This really makes a great point. If he's there at 12 I think he is who you roll the dice with. Comps are great compared to Embid, Simmons, Kawhi, Griffen, etc. in a better league at a younger age.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Sadly, if this is the way he speaks to teams during interviews, there is no way he’s going to be there at #12. Sounds like he has a true basketball mind.

He’s a better prospect than Patrick Williams last year and would have been chosen top 5.

He could go #5 this year.

[ginobilized]

Sadly, if this is the way he speaks to teams during interviews, there is no way he’s going to be there at #12. Sounds like he has a true basketball mind.

He’s a better prospect than Patrick Williams last year and would have been chosen top 5.

Great point. He’s a keeper attitude and mentality-wise.
I can’t imagine Golden State passing on him at 7 if he’s there. Seems like a perfect fit for their schemes.

[Mr. Body]

https://deanondraft.com/2021/07/10/is-alperen-sengun-too-old-school-to-succeed-or-too-talented-to-fail/

If Sengun is available at #12, you take him, you absolutely have to. Don't know if the Spurs do, but they should. The only reasons he's not projected in the top 5, or 3, or even going number one are questions about defending in space and size and strength. That's it. Like, literally he's going to become a knockdown outside shooter. He's going to cause so much pain on defenses, meanwhile, it's hard to imagine. Now, it's a particularity of this draft that I'm not sure anyone projected in the top 10 will be an obvious star, but that just makes Sengun that muh more obvious.

The things that stick out to me above others:
1. His motor. The guy flies around. He's not some stuck-in-the-mud, plodding center, he has a fire.
2. His free throw rate. Guy shot over six free throws a game and that was just on shot attempts. Knocked down 81% of them, by the way.
3. He gets into his post moves extremely fast. In an era where post moves are nearly obsolete, making Barkley-style pounding the ball style post-ups very rare, Sengun gets into his moves super-quickly. LMA would pound the ball, pound it, then take a fadeaway. Sengun seems to sense the leans of his defender and just starts his actions without hesitation. This makes his posts and footwork actually a tool, whether a dump-down or if he catches on a pick-n-roll.

Not to mention passing, a very high basketball IQ, shotblocking, etc. While other teams are salivating over Jonathan Kaminga (why??) and hoping Bouknight becomes a Ja Morant (could certainly do), Sengun is hard to pass up to me.

[Dejounte]

CRRsCJbg46Q

[offset formation]

If Sengun is available at #12, you take him, you absolutely have to. Don't know if the Spurs do, but they should. The only reasons he's not projected in the top 5, or 3, or even going number one are questions about defending in space and size and strength. That's it. Like, literally he's going to become a knockdown outside shooter. He's going to cause so much pain on defenses, meanwhile, it's hard to imagine. Now, it's a particularity of this draft that I'm not sure anyone projected in the top 10 will be an obvious star, but that just makes Sengun that muh more obvious.

The things that stick out to me above others:
1. His motor. The guy flies around. He's not some stuck-in-the-mud, plodding center, he has a fire.
2. His free throw rate. Guy shot over six free throws a game and that was just on shot attempts. Knocked down 81% of them, by the way.
3. He gets into his post moves extremely fast. In an era where post moves are nearly obsolete, making Barkley-style pounding the ball style post-ups very rare, Sengun gets into his moves super-quickly. LMA would pound the ball, pound it, then take a fadeaway. Sengun seems to sense the leans of his defender and just starts his actions without hesitation. This makes his posts and footwork actually a tool, whether a dump-down or if he catches on a pick-n-roll.

Not to mention passing, a very high basketball IQ, shotblocking, etc. While other teams are salivating over Jonathan Kaminga (why??) and hoping Bouknight becomes a Ja Morant (could certainly do), Sengun is hard to pass up to me.

solid post and as you can guess, I agree with everyone word. when I posted my hope the Spurs drafted him, he seemed to be flying under the radar. that's no longer the case. in fact I bet he goes in the top 10 now if not top 5. and that's with most mock drafts having him go in the late teens to twenties or even the second round.

they're starting to compare him to Jokic. very, very doubtful he falls to 12. I'd love to see PATFO move up to take him if possible.

[Mnky]

CRRsCJbg46Q

Kid looks like he's slimmed up. Growth spurt maybe?

[rjv]

i like sengun at 12 and i'd probably rate him as my preference but i'm starting to think he's off the board by 12.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I'm now ok with Sengun too after reading that article above. No one in this draft is guaranteed to be an all star. But Sengun and Kai Jones are two of those who have a chance if they reach their ceilings. I feel at least one of them will be there at 12th Spot. Go Spurs go!

[Dejounte]

Murphy, IMO, is a Bertans level shooter with upside on defense. His shot release is so quick.

[ginobilized]

My main takeaway from the choices at 12 is that we will get a very decent prospect in all likelihood.
It will be so interesting to see how it shakes out and what the Spurs do.

[Mr. Body]

Murphy, IMO, is a Bertans level shooter with upside on defense. His shot release is so quick.

The same site previously posted about Sengun had a post about Trey Murphy. Taken with a grain of salt, but he points out how Virginia had to hide him on defense, he was prone to inattention and lapses, and as we've mentioned he's not a good rebounder at all. Just points to take in.

https://deanondraft.com/2021/07/07/is-trey-murphy-a-stretch-4-sleeper/

[Manu&Duncan fan]

The same site previously posted about Sengun had a post about Trey Murphy. Taken with a grain of salt, but he points out how Virginia had to hide him on defense, he was prone to inattention and lapses, and as we've mentioned he's not a good rebounder at all. Just points to take in.

https://deanondraft.com/2021/07/07/is-trey-murphy-a-stretch-4-sleeper/

If he is a good rebounder, he would be a top 6 or top 8 pick. I hope we can ask Lakers to pick him and then S&T with us. This draft has so many good prospects, I really hope we can at at least 2 first round picks.

[Mr. Body]

My main takeaway from the choices at 12 is that we will get a very decent prospect in all likelihood.
It will be so interesting to see how it shakes out and what the Spurs do.

It's a better draft than many, although I don't think there are sure-fire hits. I absolutely, totally do not believe in the G-League guys, especially Kuminga. I think a good number of mid-lottery teams will make bad mistakes like there always are, resulting in a small basket of good prospects dropping to SAS. Of course what the team wants isn't clear.

[Mr. Body]

If he is a good rebounder, he would be a top 6 or top 8 pick. I hope we can ask Lakers to pick him and then S&T with us. This draft has so many good prospects, I really hope we can at at least 2 first round picks.

Yeah, he gets one rebound every 10 minutes on the floor, which seems crazy for a guy who's nearly 6'10".

[exstatic]

Yeah, he gets one rebound every 10 minutes on the floor, which seems crazy for a guy who's nearly 6'10".

He’s not perfect, or complete. If he were, he wouldn’t be a late first rounder. We have rebounding, in spades. What we don’t have is fucking SHOOTING. His goddammed shooting line is 50/43/93.

Perhaps we’re being a bit nit picky?

[Mr. Body]

He’s not perfect, or complete. If he were, he wouldn’t be a late first rounder. We have rebounding, in spades. What we don’t have is fucking SHOOTING. His goddammed shooting line is 50/43/93.

Perhaps we’re being a bit nit picky?

I mean, he's not perfect, but he's just a tall shooter and maybe not even anything else. As the account makes clear, he got burned a lot on defense and Bennett hid him on defense fairly often PLUS he couldn't even dribble out when he couldn't shoot:

"Before anybody drafts Murphy in round 1, they need to seriously consider the risk that he is bad at all aspects of the game other than shooting. How sharp can it be to draft a prospect in round 1 who as an NCAA junior often matched up with the opponents’ worst offensive player AND worst defensive player?"

Definitely not a lottery pick. May be great as a late first round, sure. But yes I'm going to be nitpicky about first round prospects.

[Mr. Body]

Joe Wieskamp is getting more attention, certainly not as a lottery pick. Didn't hit fts well that great last year, strangely, but was good the previous year. Put up more threes per game, hit more of them, rebounded more. Kispert is getting lottery attention, although it may not be deserved. Wieskamp is creeping into the first round.

[mo7888]

Joe Wieskamp is getting more attention, certainly not as a lottery pick. Didn't hit fts well that great last year, strangely, but was good the previous year. Put up more threes per game, hit more of them, rebounded more. Kispert is getting lottery attention, although it may not be deserved. Wieskamp is creeping into the first round.

I like Wieskamp alot in the 20's... I like his game, his age (for that late 1st round pick), and that his athleticism is better than I thought.

[Uriel]

Jalen Johnson (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4701230/jalen-johnson) | SF | 6-9 | 220 | Duke

1408416912363622406
ESPN Top 100 ranking: No. 12

What makes him polarizing?

The wide range of opinions about Johnson are largely a product of the inconsistencies during his 13 games at Duke, combined with his impressive talent and versatility at 6-9. Without the foundation of USA Basketball tournaments or high school all-star games that were wiped out by COVID-19, scouts struggle with what to make of the variance in Johnson's performances in Durham.

Can they expect the prospect who exploded for 24 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists against Pittsburgh? Or was a 7-point, 7-rebound showing on 3-for-10 shooting in a loss to Illinois more indicative of the player we'll see at the next level? The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle, but it's clear that finding the right coach and organizational structure will play a big role in the type of player Johnson becomes in the NBA.

Intriguing fit: San Antonio Spurs (https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/sa/san-antonio-spurs) (12th overall)

Not only are the Spurs in dire need of a big forward to complement Dejounte Murray (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3907497/dejounte-murray), Derrick White (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3078576/derrick-white), Keldon Johnson (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395723/keldon-johnson), Lonnie Walker (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4277890/lonnie-walker-iv) and Devin Vassell (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4395630/devin-vassell), but Johnson could use a strong organization like San Antonio to help him show off his array of talents. Gregg Popovich could utilize the 6-9, 220-pound Johnson like a prime Boris Diaw, allowing him to push in transition, facilitate from different spots on the floor in the halfcourt and defend multiple positions without asking him to score too much early on in his career.

Johnson's clear swing skill is his shooting, so having a legendary coach like Chip Engelland to help him iron out his release would be a match made in heaven. Popovich's ability to connect with all different types of personalities yet hold players accountable should be desirable for Johnson, who was once ranked as high as No. 4 on our top 100 and averaged an impressive 20.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 2.1 steals and 2.3 blocks per 30 minutes at Duke.

[BatManu20]

Whiteside is a legit 7’0 so looks like Senguin’s listing of 6’9 is on the money.

[SpurPadre]

He’s not perfect, or complete. If he were, he wouldn’t be a late first rounder. We have rebounding, in spades. What we don’t have is fucking SHOOTING. His goddammed shooting line is 50/43/93.

Perhaps we’re being a bit nit picky?

We were 22nd in rebounding this season with Aldridge getting alot of those.

[Dejounte]

Any chance you can expand your list to what we might be looking at in the second round?

BTW, you put in a lot of time and do some exceptionally good work for the board. Far better than most of the learned big name national guys as well as the dim witted local guys. We appreciate your work and efforts!

Man, I can already predict what’s going to happen with the second rounder. The Spurs are going to draft someone and Wright or whoever the mouthpiece is is going to say, “he was high on our board, we couldn’t believe he dropped”.

I will make a list later on. Honestly, I think it’s going to end up being someone who is a pure shooter like Wieskamp.

[exstatic]

We were 22nd in rebounding this season with Aldridge getting alot of those.

Aldridge hardly played at all. Might have been the reason we tailed off. Most of our guards and wings are either good or very good rebounders.

[PhantomDashCam]

My observations from the Klutch Pro Day:

- As expected, very much 95% glitz/puff and 5% sizzle.

- Moses Moody looked fantastic. Seemingly hit every shot he took. Fundamentally, very sound prospect.

- Kai Jones was at times otherworldly, and at other times, Raw, just needing seasoning.
Looks absolutely cut - he might have put on another 5-10 pounds of muscle, ran the floor faster than anyone there (Mike Schmitz said he used to watch Kai run suicides prior to Texas games and was astounded at how he moved), shot the ball well for stretches but did miss a few in a row here and there from 3.

The thing that stood out though was just how engaged and positive he was with the other prospects and their performances.
I guarantee you, like Keldon, would be a joy to be around seemingly at all times.

- Jalen Johnson’s athleticism really stood out. He threw down a through the legs jam, finishing with his left seemingly taking off just inside the free throw line. He made it look so effortless. ESPN showed off their mock and again thought he would be perfect with the Spurs.
His shooting though was very iffy. Shot seemed to change on every 3 he took.

- BJ Boston is a weird one to get a read on. Moves well, fluid but it was strange watching him shoot.
He tried to take jumpers about a foot behind the 3 point line, top of the arc - and really struggled with the distance for the first 5-6 attempts.
Weird that you would want to show that off in this environment.
An NBA strength and conditioning program will do wonders for the kid but he’s at least 2 years away.

Edit: You can see the JJ dunk in this mini highlight reel.
FWIW, Lonnie was taking in the sights sitting next to Jordan Clarkson.

https://twitter.com/WhosNextHS/status/1415123459248693252?s=20

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/espnausnz/status/1415131733561724930?s=21

https://twitter.com/draftdummies/status/1415132917160767490?s=21

9 pts at the half

[Kurik]

https://twitter.com/espnausnz/status/1415131733561724930?s=21

https://twitter.com/draftdummies/status/1415132917160767490?s=21

9 pts at the half

Hard to believe he’s just 18, I’m starting to put him higher on my list.

[Kurik]

My observations from the Klutch Pro Day:

- As expected, very much 95% glitz/puff and 5% sizzle.

- Moses Moody looked fantastic. Seemingly hit every shot he took. Fundamentally, very sound prospect.


Thanks for the recap, Moody was my favorite from the start and is still up there. I think he has a high floor and will be in the league 10 years.

[Dejounte]

Hard to believe he’s just 18, I’m starting to put him higher on my list.

The day he jumped up my list is when I realized the X factor component stars have is the boldness to try crazy shit. He has that.

[PhantomDashCam]

Thanks for the recap, Moody was my favorite from the start and is still up there. I think he has a high floor and will be in the league 10 years.

Yep and I think you might be conservative on the 10 years too.

I’m not sure he pushes a team like the Spurs forward but I can absolutely see him thriving with say Indiana or GS.

[The Truth #6]

Kid looks like he's slimmed up. Growth spurt maybe?

Yeah, he slimmed up fast. That is significant. Not sure if it improves his game a ton, but he’s definitely motivated.

[The Truth #6]

https://deanondraft.com/2021/06/22/2021-draft-lottery-guide/

More from Dean on Draft. Some unorthodox views but after reading, he sounds insightful, reasonable, and better informed than most sites.

Positive comments on Wagner, Giddey, Sengun, and, trigger warning, Jaden Springer, as the #10 prospect. He makes a good case for Barnes and, with caveats, Jalen Johnson.

He sees it as a 12 player draft, which is good for us.

[Dejounte]

Reflecting again on the season:

If we put aside “Pop being Pop” and try to decipher the madness of it all,

recall this past season and how many times a play was drawn up for Patty, either for the game winning shot or out of a short shot clock possession

you have to ask why? Outside of being the veteran on the team, why choose Patty?

Answer: because he was our reliable shooter.

Something tells me this is not a long term plan to always rely on Patty being the go to guy for buzzer beaters.

Vassell could very well grow into that role OR they could draft another guy like Patty (not necessarily an undersized shooting guard) who can be relied on to shoot and draw up plays for.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/draftdummies/status/1415151650780635136?s=21

Handles

[Sugus]

https://twitter.com/draftdummies/status/1415151650780635136?s=21

Handles

Sweet move. Great to see there's a lot of interesting players that could be falling to the Spurs in this draft...

[gospursgojas]

https://twitter.com/espnausnz/status/1415131733561724930?s=21

https://twitter.com/draftdummies/status/1415132917160767490?s=21

9 pts at the half

Slower release than Kyle Anderson. Hard pass

[Degoat]

Will see what happens but I think If Giddey or Sengun are still on the board when the spurs pick, they’ll select one of them imo

[Mr. Body]

https://deanondraft.com/2021/06/22/2021-draft-lottery-guide/

More from Dean on Draft. Some unorthodox views but after reading, he sounds insightful, reasonable, and better informed than most sites.

Positive comments on Wagner, Giddey, Sengun, and, trigger warning, Jaden Springer, as the #10 prospect. He makes a good case for Barnes and, with caveats, Jalen Johnson.

He sees it as a 12 player draft, which is good for us.

It's an interesting site. He's willing to go out there on some things. Look at what he said just before last year's draft.

https://deanondraft.com/2020/11/18/2020-draft-guide/

[Mr. Body]

Will see what happens but I think If Giddey or Sengun are still on the board when the spurs pick, they’ll select one of them imo

That's it for me, too. They each have question marks, but they have talent that can transform the team and push it ahead. Don't know what the FO is thinking though.

I thougth Giddey was cut from the Australian team?

[Ditty]

Same I think the pick is either going to be Sengun or Goodey. I wonder if the Spurs are doing everything possible to get both, that’s why we are hearing that White or Murray might be moved.

[gospursgojas]

Seems like ST gm’s are set on two players I don’t buy at all. Sengun and Giddy. Ugh.

[bluebellmaniac]

15 Days until the Draft!

[tim_duncan_fan]

I have watched about 1 minute of Giddey, but he doesn't look all that quick.

Of course, I have only seen a minute of him lol

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/TheTyJager/status/1415122952547352576?s=20

https://twitter.com/TheTyJager/status/1415121048215900161?s=20

[duncan2150]

Will see what happens but I think If Giddey or Sengun are still on the board when the spurs pick, they’ll select one of them imo

I think so and if they are not , they will go with moody or wagner imo.

[The Truth #6]

It's an interesting site. He's willing to go out there on some things. Look at what he said just before last year's draft.

https://deanondraft.com/2020/11/18/2020-draft-guide/

He seems more right than wrong, but has high standards, which isn’t a bad thing. I like his writing.

[rjv]

watched a little bit of giddey in the garbage time minutes he had against nigeria last night. he definitely has a point guard mentality and he can pass but he was a little sloppy with the ball and did get beat on defense a couple of time. but he will definitely be a QB on the floor.

[D-Robinson 50 fan]

It’s going to be a lot of solid undrafted players this season. I think we will be able to find decent sized shooters this way.

A guy like UVA’s Sam Hauser comes to mind as one of many. This class is pretty damn deep.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/Mike_Schmitz/status/1415436162508853251

https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1415416059054731270

[SpursDynasty85]

DJ+12 for Scottie Barnes. :)

[Degoat]

DJ+12 for Scottie Barnes. :)

I thought about DJ + 12 for pick 6 to select Barnes but I don’t think it’s worth it for the spurs

[SpursDynasty85]

I thought about DJ + 12 for pick 6 to select Barnes but I don’t think it’s worth it for the spurs

Well it has to work for both teams. Scottie replaces DJ well because Scottie is a point-forward and should mesh well with White and Poetl. White, Vassell, Johnson, Barnes, Poetl as a SL should put us back in the mix real soon. Then Tre, Walker IV, Samanic, and Dieng off the bench. Yea, I’d like our team for sure.

[Dejounte]

Spurs workout Isaiah Miller, Jordan Goodwin, and AJ Lawson.


Draft tracker

Interview only




Keon Johnson
Kai Jones
Corey Kispert
LJ Figueroa



Workout + Interview




Josh Primo
Chris Duarte
Trey Murphy III
Tre Mann
Joe Wieskamp
Austin Reaves
Romeo Weems
MaCio Teague
Yves Pons
Ethan Thompson
Terry Taylor
Jaden Springer
Colbey Ross
Isaiah Miller
AJ Lawson
Vrenz Bleijenbergh
Jordan Goodwin
Sandro Mamukelashvili
Jordan Burns



Workout + Interview, but went back to college




Jordan Hall
Davion Mintz



Methinks Spurs are trying to find Jeff Ledbetter / London Perrantes replacements... players who can be leaders for the Austin team.

[alfahdlan]

DJ+12 for Scottie Barnes. :)

Since we're at it can we have DJ + 12 for Evan Mobley.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1415383125878661122?s=20

[dbestpro]

You wonder with the talent Texas had and the lack of playing time afforded to players that will be drafted is the coaching of the sucky nature.

[Dejounte]

You wonder with the talent Texas had and the lack of playing time afforded to players that will be drafted is the coaching of the sucky nature.

Or they’re not very good? Let’s not assume these guys won’t bust yet. And we’re only talking about two players: Kai and Greg. Greg might not he drafted until the second round, if at all. A lot of red flags with that guy.

[Kurik]

It’s hard to evaluate Texas players for sure but they have a few big men who have been successful in the NBA. I don’t want Kai Jones over some other players but I think he’ll have a decent career if his 3pt shot becomes a weapon.

[bluebellmaniac]

14 Days until the Draft!

Two weeks my friends!

[Mr. Body]

You wonder with the talent Texas had and the lack of playing time afforded to players that will be drafted is the coaching of the sucky nature.

No, it's because they were bad at basketball. I think Smart got out of there, too, because Longhorn athletic culture is extremely toxic and the donors are awful.

[The Truth #6]

I read one site that thought Jherico Sims could have a career as a defensive 12th man, also implying that Brown and Kai would bust. It was an interesting take. Sims might go undrafted. The Toros should kick the tires with him.

[The Truth #6]

More UT stuff:

https://www.theringer.com/2021/7/15/22576835/meet-the-most-interesting-sleeper-in-the-2021-nba-draft

The title seems so wrong it was hard to take any of it seriously. Kai Jones is the opposite of a sleeper, he’s overhyped if anything.

[Dejounte]

More UT stuff:

https://www.theringer.com/2021/7/15/22576835/meet-the-most-interesting-sleeper-in-the-2021-nba-draft

The title seems so wrong it was hard to take any of it seriously. Kai Jones is the opposite of a sleeper, he’s overhyped if anything.

IMO, there’s more incentive for writers to overhype prospects, than to do the opposite and shit on them (even though it may be more truthful). Doing the latter will make you unpopular with readers, as readers are typically irrationally in love with prospects… as we’ve seen on this board.

[GAustex]

Shaka Smart I think to be a poor coach. His teams never ran anything close to a competent offense. Quite the opposite high picks and one on one.
His teams were never resourceful and were constantly beaten by less talented teams.

His players Jones, Brown and Sims all should have been better. The one constant is Shaka who in my opinion Is thankfully gone

[bluebellmaniac]

Shaka Smart I think to be a poor coach. His teams never ran anything close to a competent offense. Quite the opposite high picks and one on one.
His teams were never resourceful and were constantly beaten by less talented teams.

His players Jones, Brown and Sims all should have been better. The one constant is Shaka who in my opinion Is thankfully gone

I never understood why he didn't run his famous full court press more often. Didn't do what made him famous...

[Mr. Body]

IMO, there’s more incentive for writers to overhype prospects, than to do the opposite and shit on them (even though it may be more truthful). Doing the latter will make you unpopular with readers, as readers are typically irrationally in love with prospects… as we’ve seen on this board.

I find The Ringer to be particularly egregious. Very hot-take, very clickbait. Their recent youtube mock draft was generally terrible. One of the guys is clearly auditioning for Skip/Stephen A. Screamer's position. If you don't want to actually analyze and discuss sports, don't. Go into the circus or design video games.

[Mr. Body]

I never understood why he didn't run his famous full court press more often. Didn't do what made him famous...

We'll see what happens at Marquette. My sense is he didn't have the players he needed at Texas to run smart, trapping defenses and he may have had interior pressure on what he could do. He was out of there like a bat out of hell. I'd hate to work for UT.

[PrimeMinister]

Scottie is going to contribute right away and might look like the best player early on but I think the top 3 guys will all battle out for years as to who is the best. Really exciting potential between Cade, Green, and Mobley.

if there’s any package the spurs can put together (there isn’t) - that would be the scenario in which DJ, Derrick, or any one else would be “gettable” as stated in recent reports.

Shaka seems like a decent morale, rahrah guy but good lord his players fundamentally look broken. Kai is for sure a hard worker though, just have to hope that the work he’s putting in is good work, but his shot mechanics don’t look it sadly. Could be hard to unlearn some bad habits but not impossible. If he can put the ball on the floor and develop in the mold of an open court ball handler with his gifts, might not matter if he learns to shoot.

I don’t think there’s any losing for the spurs at 12 tbh. Good options.

[GAustex]

We'll see what happens at Marquette. My sense is he didn't have the players he needed at Texas to run smart, trapping defenses and he may have had interior pressure on what he could do. He was out of there like a bat out of hell. I'd hate to work for UT.
How all of this translate into how do you judge UT draft prospects complicates the situation.
Sims is such a freak. Jones and Brown alluring.
Hard to say what to think of all of them.

[SpursDynasty85]

I don’t see the reasoning behind all the Evan Mobley hype. He seems like a possible drop out of the top 10 kind of guy in this years draft.

[Mr. Body]

Scottie is going to contribute right away and might look like the best player early on but I think the top 3 guys will all battle out for years as to who is the best. Really exciting potential between Cade, Green, and Mobley.

if there’s any package the spurs can put together (there isn’t) - that would be the scenario in which DJ, Derrick, or any one else would be “gettable” as stated in recent reports.

I don't believe in any of the top 5 guys. To be fair, I've never watched Mobley, so will just go on faith he'll be at least decent. Cunningham has pretty big warning signs. I don't believe in the G-League guys at all, although Green should be far better than Kuminga, although that says more about Kuminga than anything else. Suggs is interesting and very competitive at least. Everyone at the top of the lottery has huge question marks to me. Really risky taking 'high upside' guys who never played any competitive basketball whatsoever and look great in glorified exhibition games.

Then you move into players like Barnes and Bouknight and there's no sure things anywhere. Gotta do your due diligence and make shrewd choices.

[look_at_g_shred]

I don’t see the reasoning behind all the Evan Mobley hype. He seems like a possible drop out of the top 10 kind of guy in this years draft.
wtf?

[Russ]

IMO, there’s more incentive for writers to overhype prospects, than to do the opposite and shit on them (even though it may be more truthful). Doing the latter will make you unpopular with readers, as readers are typically irrationally in love with prospects… as we’ve seen on this board.

I think you're on to something. Let's make one small change . . .


IMO, there’s more incentive for [internet forum posters] to overhype prospects, than to do the opposite and shit on them (even though it may be more truthful). Doing the latter will make you unpopular with readers, as readers are typically irrationally in love with prospects… as we’ve seen on this board.

Just kiddin ya man. Keep up the good work and sayin what you believe.

[Mr. Body]

I think you're on to something. Let's make one small change . . .



Just kiddin ya man. Keep up the good work and sayin what you believe.

There was a good example of a blog that was freely slagging top picks when the writer thought they were overrated. It definitely happens. In our society too many others are trying to beef their 'cred' and clicks at the expense of actually do what their jobs entail.

[Dejounte]

Another common flaw boards or writers have is not acknowledging their errors of the past.

It’s hard for people to admit when they’re wrong. And I get it, no one wants to be wrong.

I was wrong about Vassell last year and I used that experience to be better this year. You can reflect on such things and adjust how you weigh things. Last year, I was high on players who were big and looked like they had switchability. If I didn’t learn anything from last year, I would be high on Kai this year. I suspect a lot of people who follow the draft don’t keep track of the little things. I’m always about learning from past mistakes. What mistakes in your scouting of prospects did you learn from last year? How can that information shape your assessment of players this year? These are the questions to ask. It’s called growth.

I will probably learn something this year and be wrong about guys like Jaden. I doubt it :) but we will see. The important thing is being able to learn a lesson from it. It’s not about right or wrong. This isn’t middle school.

GROWTH.

[Dejounte]

Moody at the Warriors facility per IG.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Another common flaw boards or writers have is not acknowledging their errors of the past.

It’s hard for people to admit when they’re wrong. And I get it, no one wants to be wrong.

I was wrong about Vassell last year and I used that experience to be better this year. You can reflect on such things and adjust how you weigh things. Last year, I was high on players who were big and looked like they had switchability. If I didn’t learn anything from last year, I would be high on Kai this year. I suspect a lot of people who follow the draft don’t keep track of the little things. I’m always about learning from past mistakes. What mistakes in your scouting of prospects did you learn from last year? How can that information shape your assessment of players this year? These are the questions to ask. It’s called growth.

I will probably learn something this year and be wrong about guys like Jaden. I doubt it :) but we will see. The important thing is being able to learn a lesson from it. It’s not about right or wrong. This isn’t middle school.

GROWTH.

Nice! Thank you for all the nice info you posted!

[Thomas82]

Since we're at it can we have DJ + 12 for Evan Mobley.

I already accepted the fact that he'll likely be a Rocket.

[Dejounte]

Scottie Barnes at Thunder facility per Twitter (not that he had any chance of dropping but it gives insight on how the draft order could go)

[Thomas82]

I don’t see the reasoning behind all the Evan Mobley hype. He seems like a possible drop out of the top 10 kind of guy in this years draft.

He won't make it past #2.

[John B]

Scottie Barnes at Thunder facility per Twitter (not that he had any chance of dropping but it gives insight on how the draft order could go)
I'd trade up for him.

[PhantomDashCam]

Another common flaw boards or writers have is not acknowledging their errors of the past.

It’s hard for people to admit when they’re wrong. And I get it, no one wants to be wrong.

I was wrong about Vassell last year and I used that experience to be better this year. You can reflect on such things and adjust how you weigh things. Last year, I was high on players who were big and looked like they had switchability. If I didn’t learn anything from last year, I would be high on Kai this year. I suspect a lot of people who follow the draft don’t keep track of the little things. I’m always about learning from past mistakes. What mistakes in your scouting of prospects did you learn from last year? How can that information shape your assessment of players this year? These are the questions to ask. It’s called growth.

I will probably learn something this year and be wrong about guys like Jaden. I doubt it :) but we will see. The important thing is being able to learn a lesson from it. It’s not about right or wrong. This isn’t middle school.

GROWTH.

Dejounte, with all due respect, you haven’t learnt nearly enough then.

Your issue is treating current prospects in comparison with players of year/s past based on your own personal experiences.
Ie. the lack of said players achieving initial NBA success, or discounting them due to having similar physical characteristic overlaps.
Basically, you’ve decided to take a “once bitten, twice shy” stance.

The thing is though, every player/prospect is unique. Every single one has a chance to bust or succeed. The odds though, are not always equal.

Sure, there can be overlapping skills, physical characteristics, perhaps even personality traits but their journey is by and large their own.

Would the Spurs avoid drafting a “Kawhi Leonard” type (hard working, loyal, introverted, family oriented, great athlete) because of what he evolved into? (Myopic, distrusting, selfish).
I would say no.

If you start drawing lines in the sand on prospects because what you thought someone was last year was not what they are now, you’re going to miss out on some potentially extraordinary discoveries.

The Spurs bet on high character guys first. It doesn’t always work out.

[Dejounte]

Dejounte, with all due respect, you haven’t learnt nearly enough then.

Your issue is treating current prospects in comparison with players of year/s past based on your own personal experiences.
Ie. the lack of said players achieving initial NBA success, or discounting them due to having similar physical characteristic overlaps.
Basically, you’ve decided to take a “once bitten, twice shy” stance.

The thing is though, every player/prospect is unique. Every single one has a chance to bust or succeed. The odds though, are not always equal.

Sure, there can be overlapping skills, physical characteristics, perhaps even personality traits but their journey is by and large their own.

Would the Spurs avoid drafting a “Kawhi Leonard” type (hard working, loyal, introverted, family oriented, great athlete) because of what he evolved into? (Myopic, distrusting, selfish).
I would say no.

If you start drawing lines in the sand on prospects because what you thought someone was last year was not what they are now, you’re going to miss out on some potentially extraordinary discoveries.

The Spurs bet on high character guys first. It doesn’t always work out.


It’s a joke if you think I go as far back as one year or that it’s as simple of an evaluation of going through very vague attributes of past players. I look at much more data than that. And to have an overly optimistic view of “every player can make it” is just not a realistic point of view when I’ve laid out the percentages of how very few players make it. I deal with data and facts, granted the data always change from year to year and that’s why I say I adjust my analysis every year in an attempt to get closer every year. It’s not always a fresh batch of players every year with no prior experience to learn from. That’s how you always end up with busts and forgetting about them years later. I don’t ever recall you bringing up past players you were wrong about and learning from them. If that’s your approach, then it is what it is. I just don’t think it’s very reliable.

[Dejounte]

I don’t know if anyone here is exposed to agile concepts, but here you go

The Agile methodology is a way to manage a project by breaking it up into several phases. It involves constant collaboration with stakeholders and continuous improvement at every stage. Once the work begins, teams cycle through a process of planning, executing, and evaluating.

I deal a lot with this and statistics professionally, as well as a shit load of other things

[Dejounte]

Jonathan Kuminga worked out for the Cavaliers.

[Dejounte]

Jay Huff worked out for the Spurs per Jeff Garcia.

[Dex]

1415809533222563840

Well, we don't have to worry about the Warriors choosing Kai then :lol

[Mr. Body]

1415809533222563840

Well, we don't have to worry about the Warriors choosing Kai then :lol

"Yeah, we're not really sure why we invited you."

[pad300]

Hey Dejounte, a question - have you heard about Sengun working out for any team?

[Dejounte]

Hey Dejounte, a question - have you heard about Sengun working out for any team?

He looks like he’s just been training in Miami for awhile now. Either he’s confident about his draft position or someone made him a promise.

[Dejounte]

Sengun signed with Excel Sports agency

notable names with that agency

James Wiseman
Saddiq Bey
Khris Middleton
Drew Eubanks
McCollom
John Collins
Andre Drummond
Kevin Love
Kemba Walker
Aaron Nesmith
Onyeka Okongwu
Jamal Murray
Jokic

[alfahdlan]

Mobley’s USC vs Bouknight’s UConn. Evan involved in every play while James had 3 in 3 attempts from 3 pt in the first 5 minutes of the game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUtevTvzuJw

[Dejounte]

CRUBYdxnvqa

As I previously mentioned, my two main concerns are: perimeter defense and lack of size to be an effective interior defender.

I think I can buy his shot. It looks pure. So if he’s got that down, he’s really only have two things to prove in his career. The second one he really can’t do anything, but the first one he has a chance. Or maybe not if his hips just don’t allow him to. Overall, still a decent prospect even if he doesn’t overcome these things.

[slick'81]

Lets go sengun!

[duncan2150]

He looks like he’s just been training in Miami for awhile now. Either he’s confident about his draft position or someone made him a promise.


I think he met or will meet some teams, same things for the workouts. He finished with Turkey NT just a few days ago.

[Mr. Body]

Sengun signed with Excel Sports agency

notable names with that agency

James Wiseman
Saddiq Bey
Khris Middleton
Drew Eubanks
McCollom
John Collins
Andre Drummond
Kevin Love
Kemba Walker
Aaron Nesmith
Onyeka Okongwu
Jamal Murray
Jokic

Those are some serious players, at least, not like the Klutch Klown Show.

[Eaglenole2002]

Jalen Johnson was invited to the NBA draft green room FWIW.

[Mr. Body]

CRUBYdxnvqa

As I previously mentioned, my two main concerns are: perimeter defense and lack of size to be an effective interior defender.

I think I can buy his shot. It looks pure. So if he’s got that down, he’s really only have two things to prove in his career. The second one he really can’t do anything, but the first one he has a chance. Or maybe not if his hips just don’t allow him to. Overall, still a decent prospect even if he doesn’t overcome these things.

Interior defense is a big concern and that's why I think he projects as a four. I believe he'll be better defending in space than some think. Not great out there, but smart with positioning and able to make up for some deficiencies.

[PhantomDashCam]

It’s a joke if you think I go as far back as one year or that it’s as simple of an evaluation of going through very vague attributes of past players. I look at much more data than that. And to have an overly optimistic view of “every player can make it” is just not a realistic point of view when I’ve laid out the percentages of how very few players make it. I deal with data and facts, granted the data always change from year to year and that’s why I say I adjust my analysis every year in an attempt to get closer every year. It’s not always a fresh batch of players every year with no prior experience to learn from. That’s how you always end up with busts and forgetting about them years later. I don’t ever recall you bringing up past players you were wrong about and learning from them. If that’s your approach, then it is what it is. I just don’t think it’s very reliable.

Come on man.
We all have hits and misses. We all have favourites in the draft. We all have guys that we don’t like for one reason or another.
I truly believe stats at junior levels of competition are not the be all/end all of prospect determination.

I’m a draft hobbyist. My philosophy is a simple one. BPA.

BPA takes on many forms but for me it’s something like:

Character + Floor/Ceiling projection + Work Ethic + BB IQ + Athletic Profile + Age + Flashes of BBall Brilliance + Elite Skill + NBA role + Position of need. (Weighted probably in that order).

I start by looking at a few mock drafts, read a few prelim. Scouting reports, collate some names then watch some highlight/lowlight packages (where available) of said guys.

I then will try and hunt out some current interviews of said prospects, then BG checks on HS/Intl. history and so on…
I might at best go 40-45 names deep, keep an eye on going mocks - and rinse and repeat.


My 5 guys last year, one per (traditional) position: Kira Lewis, Desmond Bane, Jaden McDaniels, Isaiah Stewart and James Wiseman.

This year: Tre Mann, Jaden Springer, Corey Kispert, JT Thor and Kai Jones.

:toast

[duncan2150]

Jalen Johnson was invited to the NBA draft green room FWIW.


Giddey, Kai Jones, Mitchell also.

Don't know how they make these invites ?

[The Truth #6]

Another common flaw boards or writers have is not acknowledging their errors of the past.

It’s hard for people to admit when they’re wrong. And I get it, no one wants to be wrong.

I was wrong about Vassell last year and I used that experience to be better this year. You can reflect on such things and adjust how you weigh things. Last year, I was high on players who were big and looked like they had switchability. If I didn’t learn anything from last year, I would be high on Kai this year. I suspect a lot of people who follow the draft don’t keep track of the little things. I’m always about learning from past mistakes. What mistakes in your scouting of prospects did you learn from last year? How can that information shape your assessment of players this year? These are the questions to ask. It’s called growth.

I will probably learn something this year and be wrong about guys like Jaden. I doubt it :) but we will see. The important thing is being able to learn a lesson from it. It’s not about right or wrong. This isn’t middle school.

GROWTH.


Well said. And Jaden may well suck and not find a position. Challenge for us on a board like this is having to react to so much of the hype coming from the various websites, who all too often fall into group think, and then try to see who for ourselves, from afar, is overlooked and who is overhyped.

[objective]

I like Sengun'e stroke a lot more than Giddy's.

[Dejounte]

Those are some serious players, at least, not like the Klutch Klown Show.

seriously. That Drew Eubanks guy especially. Sengun is in legendary company with him alone.

[The Truth #6]

Re: Sengun and concerns of being a strong enough interior defender.

I don’t think the concern is necessarily overblown, I admit he probably can’t guard Joker or Embiid, but then who can? More importantly, are anchor bigs the dominant trend? Obviously not. I mean, in the playoffs every team goes tiny to get the anchor bigs out of the game. Being 6’9” with a 7’ wingspan might actually be the perfect height and size for a modern big to survive in various environments.

Of the two, I am much more concerned about defending in space then defending down low for the vast majority of situations. He’s a beast on the boards; I think he will play bigger than his size in the paint. He’s seems to be slimming down for mobility. Admittedly, I have no idea how that will go. But he seems super motivated to make drastic adjustments to his game in a short amount of time. I’ll roll with a player like that every single time.

[Dex]

CRUBYdxnvqa

As I previously mentioned, my two main concerns are: perimeter defense and lack of size to be an effective interior defender.

I think I can buy his shot. It looks pure. So if he’s got that down, he’s really only have two things to prove in his career. The second one he really can’t do anything, but the first one he has a chance. Or maybe not if his hips just don’t allow him to. Overall, still a decent prospect even if he doesn’t overcome these things.

I hate these workout videos that have become the trend on Twitter / IG / etc.

If I had a private court to just put up shots with a crew passing me the balls, I could put together a "highlight reel" of me hitting three to four shots in a row and call it a day.

I'd just have to cut out the other 30 minutes of me clanking shots and maybe air-balling a couple. :lol

[slick'81]

I hate these workout videos that have become the trend on Twitter / IG / etc.

If I had a private court to just put up shots with a crew passing me the balls, I could put together a "highlight reel" of me hitting three to four shots in a row and call it a day.

I'd just have to cut out the other 30 minutes of me clanking shots and maybe air-balling a couple. :lol

Yea they mean jack shit,but sengun is probably the best four the spurs can get at 12 so i dont mind the hype

[Dejounte]

I hate these workout videos that have become the trend on Twitter / IG / etc.

If I had a private court to just put up shots with a crew passing me the balls, I could put together a "highlight reel" of me hitting three to four shots in a row and call it a day.

I'd just have to cut out the other 30 minutes of me clanking shots and maybe air-balling a couple. :lol

Meh, I’m not really paying attention to anything else but his form. That’s something you can’t really fake. Unless you fake a bad form, then that’s easier.

[Biggems]

Jay Huff worked out for the Spurs per Jeff Garcia.

I like his skill set, he is a bit soft at times. Still, he has a versatile set of skills on both ends. Still, I would not be shocked if he was not drafted.......since, Athletic prowess is in far greater demand than basic skills and fundamentals. If he is not drafted, I want us to get him on the phone immediately once pick 60 comes in and try to sign him.

[Mnky]

I hate these workout videos that have become the trend on Twitter / IG / etc.

If I had a private court to just put up shots with a crew passing me the balls, I could put together a "highlight reel" of me hitting three to four shots in a row and call it a day.

I'd just have to cut out the other 30 minutes of me clanking shots and maybe air-balling a couple. :lol

Those are more about form and mechanics tbh.

[offset formation]

https://twitter.com/swishcultures_/status/1415383125878661122?s=20

is traveling still a thing or do we just get to run with the ball and take several comfort steps before shooting 3s now?

[Mr. Body]

is traveling still a thing or do we just get to run with the ball and take several comfort steps before shooting 3s now?

Have you not been watching the NBA lately?

[Eaglenole2002]

Keon Johnson with a green room invite.

[PhantomDashCam]

After Booker mugged a guy in the finals and then was whinging about it, claiming it to be a jump ball; I think the rules may be open to interpretation. :lol

In all seriousness though, he was warming up for the event just showing off the dominant athletic gifts.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/anthonyvslater/status/1415812746671575040?s=21

Moody got to second base

You could say it’s getting serious…

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/anthonyvslater/status/1415812746671575040?s=21

Moody got to second base

You could say it’s getting serious…

I feel like GSW is going to come out with two terrific players.

[Uriel]

1415832750330834947
Did RC make him a promise? :stirpot:

[Mr. Body]

1415832750330834947
Did RC make him a promise? :stirpot:

Fuck no. I hope someone like Sacto pulls the lever on him, but I can see him dropping hard.

[offset formation]

Have you not been watching the NBA lately?

this was harden on steroids

[TD 21]

Interior defense is a big concern and that's why I think he projects as a four. I believe he'll be better defending in space than some think. Not great out there, but smart with positioning and able to make up for some deficiencies.

I realize rim protection will be an issue too, but he's clearly a five. The question is, will he be skilled enough offensively/rebounding wise that he eventually has to be a starter and whoever drafts him prioritizes pairing him with a floor spacing rim protector?

[spurs1990]

Any new rumblings on the Stanford kid being eyed by RC? Keep the Pac10 theme going on the roster

[bluebellmaniac]

13 Days until the Draft!

[Dejounte]

“I would love to play for the Warriors, honestly” -Moody

think it’s a done deal for him to go there, and not just based off this comment

Kai also begun following the Warriors on IG, and no other team AFAIK

Those could be the two picks for the Warriors

[ragas]

https://twitter.com/AssassinateHate/status/1415878667545284608?s=20

[PhantomDashCam]

“I would love to play for the Warriors, honestly” -Moody

think it’s a done deal for him to go there, and not just based off this comment

Kai also begun following the Warriors on IG, and no other team AFAIK

Those could be the two picks for the Warriors

https://twitter.com/MontePooleNBCS/status/1415832181146980358?s=20

I can’t help but feel it’s subterfuge. They’re 2 in demand prospects but I don’t think either of them are helping the
Warriors contend next season.

Feels like they’re trying to generate a bidding war.

My moneys on them trying to get Myles Turner from the Pacers.

[The Truth #6]

Quite possibly subterfuge. After Wiseman, why in the world would they bring in Kai?

[EasyMoney]

Quite possibly subterfuge. After Wiseman, why in the world would they bring in Kai?


Yeah. Makes no sense. Unless they feel kai has massive potential and plan on trading him down the road when his stock rises.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/MontePooleNBCS/status/1415832181146980358?s=20

I can’t help but feel it’s subterfuge. They’re 2 in demand prospects but I don’t think either of them are helping the
Warriors contend next season.

Feels like they’re trying to generate a bidding war.

My moneys on them trying to get Myles Turner from the Pacers.

If they do select Kai, it may be that they don’t have time or patience to find out if Wiseman will work out or not. So by doubling up, they double their chances of getting the player they want out of one of those two, which is probably an athletic rim running big to exploit the spacing Steph Curry gives.

Quite possibly subterfuge. After Wiseman, why in the world would they bring in Kai?


Yeah. Makes no sense. Unless they feel kai has massive potential and plan on trading him down the road when his stock rises.

[Dejounte]

I think i posted a while back that they recently hired an assistant coach with a background in developing big men.

[The Truth #6]

My point isn’t about Kai’s potential, but the long path to get there most likely for him, and how that doesn’t fit their window.

[Dejounte]

My point isn’t about Kai’s potential, but the long path to get there most likely for him, and how that doesn’t fit their window.

Yes, I’m referring to the slim chance he does work out quickly for them and the Warriors taking that gamble.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, Kai Jones is like Wiseman Part II for the Warriors. Maybe they're dumping Wiseman and want another headache?

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/AssassinateHate/status/1415878667545284608?s=20

LOL why do scrub 'analysts' think jump shots can't be fixed? "Oh no way can his hands be moved around! It's too late! We're all gonna crash!" :lol

[SpursDynasty85]

https://twitter.com/AssassinateHate/status/1415878667545284608?s=20

Who is this?

[look_at_g_shred]

Who is this?
think its Jalen Johnson

[Mr. Body]

think its Jalen Johnson

It's Enrico Palazzo.

[Eaglenole2002]

Rusillo said on Ford’s podcast that he keeps hearing teams are much higher on Bouknight than he sees in the mocks. Kevin O’Connor heard he’s in play for OKC at 6.

[Mr. Body]

Rusillo said on Ford’s podcast that he keeps hearing teams are much higher on Bouknight than he sees in the mocks. Kevin O’Connor heard he’s in play for OKC at 6.

I think this totally makes sense. He's in the Ja Morant mold where he can get anywhere on the court and get any shot he wants. Whether he fills that promise is another thing.

[Dejounte]

Rusillo said on Ford’s podcast that he keeps hearing teams are much higher on Bouknight than he sees in the mocks. Kevin O’Connor heard he’s in play for OKC at 6.

All these guys I called from the beginning… Wagner, Giddey, JRE, Bouknight… all becoming risers ;)

[EasyMoney]

We are going to hear a lot of flip flop. This player being projected to go higher and vice versa. We'll even hear about detroit maybe passing on Cunningham right before the draft. A bunch of running around as we go into the final week.

[SpursDynasty85]

think its Jalen Johnson

Twitter is stating that is Josh Giddey. If so, that is quite an unsightly picture of his jumpshot. I've never liked his release as it appears he struggles to get enough power out of it sort of straining to get the ball out of his hands on his 3's. This could be evidence on why his release looks that way. Fortunately dude is 6' 9" and dribbles pretty well. With the right work he can definitely get better. Wagner, Moody, Sengun is who I want. He has moved down below those guys for me.

[ginobilized]

https://twitter.com/AssassinateHate/status/1415878667545284608?s=20

I thought this was Giddey. The arms are bad, but, the knees coming together like that are so counterproductive to shooting mechanics. Ugly form right there, whoever this is.

[John B]

1415832750330834947
Did RC make him a promise? :stirpot:
:hungry::hungry::hungry:

They can roll with the same, resign Demar, draft Jalen for additional offense at 4 and get Lauri for better spacing. Resign Mills.

Or better yet, iffy details but:
S&T Demar, and send Murray/Kuzma on a 3way to get Collins, use #23 pick to get Duarte as starting SG, and use #12 for Wagner at backup PG. Derrick is the starting PG. Derrick, Duarte, Keldon, Collins, Poeltl

[Mr. Body]

:hungry::hungry::hungry:

They can roll with the same, resign Demar, draft Jalen for additional offense at 4 and get Lauri for better spacing. Resign Mills.


Wow, that sounds like the shittiest team possible. That's amazing.

[John B]

Wow, that sounds like the shittiest team possible. That's amazing.
Hey I’m not the GM.:lol
How about my 1st choice? Derrick, Duarte, Keldon, Collins, Poeltl. Wagner backup PG.
However they can do a 3way to get another pick, and package DJ/plus to get Collins

[Kurik]

Hey I’m not the GM.:lol
How about my 1st choice? Derrick, Duarte, Keldon, Collins, Poeltl. Wagner backup PG.
However they can do a 3way to get another pick, and package DJ/plus to get Collins

Cocaine is a hell of a drug.

[John B]

Cocaine is a hell of a drug.
:lol
That’s a hell of a SL, Derrick, Duarte, Keldon, Collins, Poeltl. Plus Wagner as backup PG.
I have to include Poddle in there unless Sugus calling me out with his boy :lol

[exstatic]

think its Jalen Johnson

Giddey. Not facing the rim, feet pointing 30 degrees left, WAY too much guide hand.

[Mr. Body]

More from The Ringer today. Could be horseshit, but sounds plausible.

Detroit sticks with Cunningham. Houston jukes a bit and takes Jalen Green. Cleveland would then take Evan Mobley. Toronto takes Suggs.

Possibles then are Barnes to Orlando, Bouknight to OKC. This would leave Kuminga slipping (unsurprisingly). GSW wouldn't want him, needing win-now players. Trade out? Or take who they wanted anyway?

Then you have Orlando's second pick, Sacramento, New Orleans, and Charlotte. This is the danger zone of teams who might nab Spurs' favorites. I can totally see Wagner go to Sacramento, Moody go to New Orleans, Charlotte picking Sengun. I feel Orlando would take Kuminga before them. This would leave, say, Josh Giddey.

There are a lot of scenarios, but if the top six to seven picks look this way, then things are shaking out in an interesting way. Dark horses include Kai Jones attracting one of those picks, NOP deciding against shooting and replacing Lono Ball with a stab at Giddey or Davion Mitchell, those sorts of things. Jalen Johnson remains an enigma, although I think he will drop.

Again, it's The Ringer. The only real story for SAS is that Bouknight and Barnes seem like they're going pretty high and I believe that.

[TD 21]

I'm a Kuminga skeptic, but the physical tools and raw skillset are undeniably rare and needed, so if he really does fall to 7, the Spurs should strongly consider pursuing a trade. Unfortunately the only feasible one is probably White and 12 (maybe they could be talked into a top 10 protected future 1st instead of 12, since they already have 14). Vassell (Warriors were reported high on him last year and he's plug and play) and 12 could be tried, but I doubt they'd do that.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/743297685302632451/pSX-RERB_normal.jpg
Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress
(https://twitter.com/DraftExpress) 2h (https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1416121096697430025)
Source: Five more players are expected to be added to the Green Room next week. Likely to come from this group of players based on NBA team voting:
Ziaire Williams
Cam Thomas
Sharife Cooper
Usman Garuba
Alperen Sengun
Trey Murphy
Isaiah Jackson
Jared Butler
Chris Duarte



Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress

(https://twitter.com/DraftExpress)

Source: 15 players have received invites to the NBA Draft green room so far Cade Cunningham Jalen Green Evan Mobley Jalen Suggs Jonathan Kuminga Scottie Barnes Davion Mitchell James Bouknight Keon Johnson Franz Wagner Josh Giddey Jalen Johnson Corey Kispert Moses Moody Kai Jones

[mo7888]

I'm a Kuminga skeptic, but the physical tools and raw skillset are undeniably rare and needed, so if he really does fall to 7, the Spurs should strongly consider pursuing a trade. Unfortunately the only feasible one is probably White and 12 (maybe they could be talked into a top 10 protected future 1st instead of 12, since they already have 14). Vassell (Warriors were reported high on him last year and he's plug and play) and 12 could be tried, but I doubt they'd do that.

I like Kuminga alot and have him high on my personal board...the only concern I have is his age... I've been looking at it as he's the age he claims to be but I've seen reports lately that are questioning that...

[Uriel]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/743297685302632451/pSX-RERB_normal.jpg (https://twitter.com/DraftExpress)
Jonathan Givony @DraftExpress
(https://twitter.com/DraftExpress)
Source: 15 players have received invites to the NBA Draft green room so far Cade Cunningham Jalen Green Evan Mobley Jalen Suggs Jonathan Kuminga Scottie Barnes Davion Mitchell James Bouknight Keon Johnson Franz Wagner Josh Giddey Jalen Johnson Corey Kispert Moses Moody Kai Jones
Is it just a coincidence Jalen Johnson is the 12th name on that list, or could that mean something more? :stirpot:

[BackHome]

I like Kuminga alot and have him high on my personal board...the only concern I have is his age... I've been looking at it as he's the age he claims to be but I've seen reports lately that are questioning that...

Yep, huge difference to get a kid with potential when he is 18 or 19 but very different if he is 20 and older

[PhantomDashCam]

I’d be shocked if Sengun doesn’t get a green room invite.

If I had to guess from that list - Sengun, Cooper, Jackson, Duarte, Thomas.

[Thomas82]

Mobley’s USC vs Bouknight’s UConn. Evan involved in every play while James had 3 in 3 attempts from 3 pt in the first 5 minutes of the game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUtevTvzuJw

I keep hearing that the Rockets are torn between Evan Mobley and Jalen Green. I would be surprised if they pass on Mobley.

[Mr. Body]

I keep hearing that the Rockets are torn between Evan Mobley and Jalen Green. I would be surprised if they pass on Mobley.

Rockets have maybe the worst owner in sports. Their fan base is so screwed and I wouldn't be surprised if he's tipping the scales for 'marketability' or some crap.

[alfahdlan]

I keep hearing that the Rockets are torn between Evan Mobley and Jalen Green. I would be surprised if they pass on Mobley.

It may depend on what they need most, the best shooting guard or the best center in the draft upside being considered. Me, I go with height atm.

[mo7888]

Rockets have maybe the worst owner in sports. Their fan base is so screwed and I wouldn't be surprised if he's tipping the scales for 'marketability' or some crap.

I agree... I wasn't sure we find a worse owner than Sacramento has....but alas we have...

[Dejounte]

Rockets have maybe the worst owner in sports. Their fan base is so screwed and I wouldn't be surprised if he's tipping the scales for 'marketability' or some crap.

their CEO quit and followed Morey to the Sixers :lmao

[Thomas82]

It may depend on what they need most, the best shooting guard or the best center in the draft upside being considered. Me, I go with height atm.

So would I.

[John B]

It may depend on what they need most, the best shooting guard or the best center in the draft upside being considered. Me, I go with height atm.
What would they do with Christian Wood? I won’t gift the #2, but trade to #3 and future pick, then get Green which is what they need.

[mo7888]

What would they do with Christian Wood? I won’t gift the #2, but trade to #3 and future pick, then get Green which is what they need.

They trade him if they take Mobley..

[Chinook]

I'm just starting to wake up for the draft. If the Spurs find a way to get a later first (like trading 12 for 19 and 22), then I really like Queta. Dude has that rare combination of both looking like a finished product and having obvious upside. I legit think he could become buoyant from three if his development staff wills it badly enough, and most of the rest of the game is already there.

[keithington1]

As of today I only like Sengun and J. Johnson for the Spurs. Both of these players have alpha mentality. Idc what coach K says about Johnson. I’d still take him because he almost certainly will get along with young guys.

[Mr. Body]

As of today I only like Sengun and J. Johnson for the Spurs. Both of these players have alpha mentality. Idc what coach K says about Johnson. I’d still take him because he almost certainly will get along with young guys.

This is some bizarre logic.

[Mr. Body]

I'm just starting to wake up for the draft. If the Spurs find a way to get a later first (like trading 12 for 19 and 22), then I really like Queta. Dude has that rare combination of both looking like a finished product and having obvious upside. I legit think he could become buoyant from three if his development staff wills it badly enough, and most of the rest of the game is already there.

Queta is very interesting. There are some decent big man prospects under the radar. It's hard to project in the league right now, as some of them may be completely unplayable, but I think many will have value.

[pad300]

Queta is interesting, but I wouldn't trade for a pick to acquire him. I'd be guessing that he's there at 41... That said, I certainly wouldn't object to acquiring another (mid-late) first in this draft; I think there's quite a few interesting bits of talent.

[Mr. Body]

Queta is interesting, but I wouldn't trade for a pick to acquire him. I'd be guessing that he's there at 41... That said, I certainly wouldn't object to acquiring another (mid-late) first in this draft; I think there's quite a few interesting bits of talent.

I don't even think we're in the market for another big. What we need are shooting and playmaking. But Quetas has great qualities and if the FO doesn't think Poeltl is the solution, then somone like him might be good. Hard to tell where a lot of these players are going to get tabbed. Right now Quetas feels like a 2nd rounder, too.

[ace3g]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1197929409044504576/nKXnm0aN_normal.jpg
Shams Charania ShamsCharania
(https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania) 4m (https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1416525083657392128)
Sources: Great news for potential first-round NBA pick Jared Butler of Baylor: The NBA’s fitness-to-play panel has medically cleared Butler to play in the NBA.

[Degoat]

How do people feel about Isaiah Todd? Pretty interesting prospect, would be awesome to grab him in the 2nd round

[Marco]

^ Jared Butler is my man. Great news indeed.