Official San Antonio Spurs 2021 NBA Draft Discussion Thread

[Mr. Body]

This is Vecenie's (The Athletic) current mock draft up to the Spurs:

1. Detroit Pistons - Cade Cunningham
Fit: Cunningham is perfectly positioned to be the straw that stirs the drink as the elite player who pushes everyone down one slot in the pecking order. He fits with Hayes well as the primary ballhandler next to Hayes in the secondary role, although I think the team will need to go out and get an explosive, creative athlete to pair with those two in the backcourt as a trio just to consistently pressure the defense.

2. Houston Rockets - Jalen Green
Draft Intel: To this point, I do not believe any decision has been made with Houston. The sense I get is that the Rockets will call the Pistons about the No. 1 overall pick, but they’re unlikely to gain much traction.

Fit: The Rockets desperately need explosive talent, regardless of how it “fits.” There is no discussion of “fit” when you don’t have the guy already on the roster.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers - Evan Mobley
Fit: They really need defensive ability, and Mobley has a higher defensive upside than anybody in this class. Even if he wouldn’t be my pick, I still like the pick for Cleveland. His upside is real.

4. Toronto Raptors - Jalen Suggs
Draft Intel: Sources certainly believe the Raptors are indeed considering Scottie Barnes in addition to the consensus top-four names.

Fit: His mixture in between Fred VanVleet in the backcourt and OG Anunoby on the wing would be tremendous due to his athleticism and creativity.

5. Orlando Magic - Scottie Barnes
Draft Intel: Multiple teams I’ve spoken with actually have Barnes as a top-four prospect in this class, ahead of Suggs, Green or Mobley...don’t be surprised if Orlando tries to move up on draft night, as the team is thought to like Jalen Suggs.

Fit: Barnes fits everything this front office has looked for in the past to a T. He has great positional size, he’s strong, he’s a great teammate, he plays with infectious energy, he’s an awesome defender and he has real ball skills for his position.

6. Oklahoma City Thunder - Jonathan Kuminga
Draft Intel: The Thunder are notoriously secretive, but the name that has come up most as a potential party-crasher in the top-six is James Bouknight. A Bouknight choice would particularly create some confusion down the order, as there is some uncertainty regarding how teams below this level feel about Kuminga.

Fit: The Thunder can afford to take a flier, given that they have one of the best developmental programs in the NBA. I’m going for Kuminga for now, but there is a real chance this adjusts with more information.

7. Golden State Warriors (via MIN) - James Bouknight
Draft Intel: As always, a lot of information seems to emanate from their front office. Bouknight, Moses Moody, and Josh Giddey are the three names I’ve gotten most consistently for them.

Fit: [Bouknight, Moody, Giddey] fit a combination of what the front office wants to do (maximize the asset value) and what the coaching staff/players want (compete now and get players who can help them do that sooner rather than later).

8. Orlando Magic (via CHI) - Alperen Sengun
Draft Intel: Given the presence of two picks, the Magic are also thought to be a potential trade partner for teams.

Fit: The Magic are one of the few teams that will have Sengun in for a workout and are thought to be interested in the high-scoring Turkish star as a potential replacement for Nikola Vucevic

9. Sacramento Kings - Franz Wagner
Draft Intel: Three things have consistently come up when discussing what the Kings are thinking with sources around the league. First, that they would love to take a bigger wing/forward. Second, that defense is important to them in this pick. And third, that analytics will play a bigger role here than in other situations league-wide, given Monte McNair’s background and ownership’s emphasis on being data-driven...This pick is also thought to have come up in trade discussions as the Kings look to compete for a playoff spot next year.

Fit: Wagner is the guy that ticks all the boxes there as a 6-foot-9 player with real defensive acumen who is actually younger than quite a few of the one-and-dones in this class.

10. New Orleans Pelicans - Josh Giddey
Draft Intel: One other note on Giddey: he has a lot of fans in ranges of the draft that aren’t his projected range, including Toronto — one of the few teams to send personnel to see him live this year in Australia. Don’t be surprised to see a team target him in a trade situation.

Fit: Plus, their backcourt of the future could use a bit more size. I’ve gone Giddey here, who would be a pretty great replacement for Lonzo Ball, given that Ball is a free agent and no guarantee to re-sign in New Orleans.

11. Charlotte Hornets - Moses Moody
Draft Intel: The Hornets desperately need a long-term answer at center with Cody Zeller entering free agency this offseason. Having said that, they have an awful lot of cap space they can use this summer to fill that need...Sources around the league believe they are likely to target a center when using that space to try to take another leap up the Eastern Conference hierarchy.

Fit: The Hornets desperately need a long-term answer at center with Cody Zeller entering free agency this offseason. Having said that, they have an awful lot of cap space they can use this summer to fill that need...he was a productive college player that fills a genuine 3-and-D need next to LaMelo Ball long-term.

12. San Antonio Spurs - Jalen Johnson
Draft Intel: I’ve spent more time digging into Johnson’s draft standing than any other player this year. I’ve talked to a couple of executives for teams in the teens that have told me their team will not be selecting him. I’ve also talked to four different sources that seem to think Johnson is a lock in the lottery. Honestly, I’m not sure what to think. What I do know is that teams have some real questions about Johnson’s intel report that they’re still working through.

Fit: He fits really well with the Spurs as a point forward, though, as they need further playmaking in the frontcourt.

____

I don't really understand Giddey to New Orleans. They need shooting badly and were terrible guarding the perimeter. And I think Jalen Johnson to the Spurs is just flat out stupid. Especially considering his 'rationale,' it just shows he shouldn't be getting paid to write articles like this.

But this sort of thing shows a worst case scenario, when (IMO) the top possibilities for the Spurs are off the board by the time they pick.

[R. DeMurre]

One of the reasons I was so high on Jonathan Isaac as a FA target-- before he signed his extension-- was because I thought he was one of the younger guys in the league with a shot at following Giannis defensively, being able to guard 1 thru 5, and being able to hang defensively with Giannis himself. He's one of the players I'm most looking forward to watching next year.

[PhantomDashCam]

This is Vecenie's (The Athletic) current mock draft up to the Spurs:

...

____

I don't really understand Giddey to New Orleans. They need shooting badly and were terrible guarding the perimeter. And I think Jalen Johnson to the Spurs is just flat out stupid. Especially considering his 'rationale,' it just shows he shouldn't be getting paid to write articles like this.

But this sort of thing shows a worst case scenario, when (IMO) the top possibilities for the Spurs are off the board by the time they pick.

Thanks for sharing this. In Australia, I tried to sign up for The Athletic and they wouldn't allow it.
(Bloody Chuz-wazzahs).

Yeah Giddey to N.O doesn't make sense especially after reports leaked that coaching talks broke down between Vaughn and GM Griffin as he wanted to influence coaching decisions,
one being advocating starting Kira Lewis and NAW in the back court.

They are in a "win-now" mode (as far as convincing Zion that staying is in his best interests), so taking Giddey I feel just wouldn't move the needle enough in that direction next season.

If Jalen Johnson is the Spurs target and then subsequent pick at #12, it'd have be one of the FO's greatest draft deceptions of all time.

[Mr. Body]

It's not simply great deception on SA's part, it would be completely and utterly against very well established character of the franchise. This is clearly not a team that would draft a Jalen Johnson.

[PhantomDashCam]

It's not simply great deception on SA's part, it would be completely and utterly against very well established character of the franchise. This is clearly not a team that would draft a Jalen Johnson.

Oh, I agree. The available evidence suggests as much.

But what if the first-hand character references, intel. suggests there's a lot more to Jalen than what we are aware (granted, it's doubtful - but some other posters have already posited the Q)...
Perhaps somehow the Spurs are helping fan the flames behind the scenes... (again, very unlikely).

I mean the Klutch trio of Moody, Kai Jones and Jalen Johnson have attended a few w/o together during the pre-draft process, not inconceivable they worked him out...

Again, you go with the smart money that says No.
Just wanted to clarify my statement.

[Dejounte]

If we assume Keldon's future with the Spurs is secure... I mean, he's becoming a fan favorite and it would be weird as hell to trade him after his Olympic stint. Then...

We can look at the line-ups he is playing with in the Olympics (assuming it continues) and I don't think it would be a stretch to say that Pop's experimented with different line-ups to see what kind of guys Keldon would play with to make him most effective.

Let's see the line-ups:

Perimeter: Lilliard
Perimeter: Tatum
Perimeter/Inside: Keldon
Perimeter/Inside: Draymond
Inside: Bam

Perimeter: Lilliard
Perimeter: Tatum
Perimeter: Durant
Perimeter/Inside: Keldon
Perimeter/Inside: Draymond

Perimeter: Lillard
Perimeter: LaVine
Perimeter: Durant
Perimeter/Inside: Keldon
Perimeter/Inside: Draymond

My takeaway from this is if they're going to optimize line-ups with Keldon, they'll target a high volume shooting wing and a stretch big who's not necessarily tall, but can bang inside.

For comparison:

2020-2021 Spurs SL:

Perimeter: Dejounte
Perimeter: White
Perimeter: DeMar
Perimeter/Inside: Keldon
Inside: Poeltl

[Manu&Duncan fan]

If it comes to between Giddey and Sengun... I go Sengun 7 days out of 7.

Me too!

[The Truth #6]

Random thoughts:

How do people feel about Moody vs Kispert? If the choice came down between the two.

There's a chance that Giddey and Sengun are already gone. Or maybe it's down to: Moody, Wagner, or Kispert.

Jalen Johnson: being with Klutch should be the final nail in the coffin, but DJM and LWIV are both Klutch (I think), so maybe that's not a factor. Still, he feels like a dark horse candidate for us. Athletic, playmaking combo forward. That's exactly what we need, but I'd lean towards Wagner, I think. I mean, I love the idea of swinging for the fences, and I'd take Jalen over Kai, and taking on too many role players if we aren't ever going to trade to bring sanity to the roster kind of has it's own logic...but the bad vibe surrounding Jalen seems too much for me. It almost makes me just want to take Kispert and his bandana, look foward to HEB commercials with him with cameos of the existing Bruise Brothers, and tell myself, "well, at least DDR isn't on the team anymore."

[Dejounte]

Highly doubt the Spurs go from watching a great, unselfish, humble guy like Giannis win it all and then turn around and draft Jalen Johnson. But ya never know. Not that Giannis made their mind up, but probably the guy who wore 21 did.

[Mr. Body]

Random thoughts:

How do people feel about Moody vs Kispert? If the choice came down between the two.

There's a chance that Giddey and Sengun are already gone. Or maybe it's down to: Moody, Wagner, or Kispert.

Jalen Johnson: being with Klutch should be the final nail in the coffin, but DJM and LWIV are both Klutch (I think), so maybe that's not a factor. Still, he feels like a dark horse candidate for us. Athletic, playmaking combo forward. That's exactly what we need, but I'd lean towards Wagner, I think. I mean, I love the idea of swinging for the fences, and I'd take Jalen over Kai, and taking on too many role players if we aren't ever going to trade to bring sanity to the roster kind of has it's own logic...but the bad vibe surrounding Jalen seems too much for me. It almost makes me just want to take Kispert and his bandana, look foward to HEB commercials with him with cameos of the existing Bruise Brothers, and tell myself, "well, at least DDR isn't on the team anymore."

One of the great things about the team right now is team chemistry. Drafting a me-first lazy maladjusted quitter like Jalen Johnson takes a big squirty shit all over what they have. Plenty of indication he only cares about himself, plus signing with the me-first Klutch ain't a good sign -- he'll get funnelled to LA or whatever city LBJ is in at the time. He couldn't bear playing for Coach K and no franchise is closer to Duke in build than San Antonio. It's sheer misguided optimism to believe he'd suddenly give a crap. He's an 'absolutely not' in my eyes. You have to pretend the San Antonio Spurs franchise is something completely different than what it is to consider him.

Moody vs. Kispert?

There's something about Moody that I don't completely buy into him. But that's on me. I think his ceiling is a bit higher than Kispert but don't know how high. And he's a better defender, to be sure. Something about Kispert being hard-ass and a banger and shot nearly 10% better from three than Moody. I'd pick Moody, but have doubts about him.

[alfahdlan]

Since recent mocks say Bouk is gone @ 12, I’m amenable at trading down for 2 picks let’s get Butler and Jackson.

[Kurik]

Moody vs. Kispert?

There's something about Moody that I don't completely buy into him. But that's on me. I think his ceiling is a bit higher than Kispert but don't know how high. And he's a better defender, to be sure. Something about Kispert being hard-ass and a banger and shot nearly 10% better from three than Moody. I'd pick Moody, but have doubts about him.

One point I’ll make about Moody is that Arkansas didn’t have a true point guard and their ball movement wasn’t great. Somehow they made it far into the tourney but I’m willing to bet Moody’s 3pt% will go up a bit in the NBA.

[Mr. Body]

nbadraft.net continues its practice of bizarre drafts, although the site looks great. They have Jaden Springer and Jared Butler falling into the 2nd round. The non-lottery first round is like an explosion of confetti -- who knows who goes where -- but they have the Spurs picking Davion Mitchell and then Jericho Sims. That's close to the worst possible draft we could have, lol.

[The Truth #6]

With Moody he seems too close to Vassel. Slightly bigger, sure, and maybe eventually better, but the roles feel too similar, and at some point that’s bad for chemistry, especially in the absence of alpha leadership from DDR, to keep everyone feeling young and inexperienced, so to speak.

I think Kispert is probably wildly overrated, but fills such an obvious need, and he could play right away. He’s probably the most helpful player for year one, which seems awful to consider.

Jalen Johnson—don’t mistake me trying to predict the FO vs my own views on him. He feels like a modern Walter Berry. Huge talent, little desire. He is more likely to take us to our nadir than pull us back to relevancy.

More late 80s comparisons:

Moody: Alvin Robertson with a jumpshot and no felonies.
Wagner: Larry Krystowiak on adderall.
Kispert: a much taller Jon Sunvold
Davion Mitchell: a rich man’s Wes Mathews
Sengun: Frank Brickowski on LSD
Bouknight: Willie Anderson

Joking...

[SAGirl]

Kind of surprised by Giddey’s rise in some mocks. At best I have seen comparisons to D’Angelo Russell. I may need to watch him more since my initial reaction to him going to the Spurs in that mock was disappointment. Maybe this is why I have stopped caring so much about the draft before it happens. Lol What do I know? Nothing much about him… but I kind of get the feeling he’s overrated.

D’Lo was a better shooter and scorer at that stage. Imagine drafting a worse D’Lo that can’t shoot or score as well. What have you got? Bust potential is high. I am interested bc maybe I am wrong.

Edit and I also wonder whether whoever drafts him will play him as a wing or as a PG. maybe he can’t be the PG lacking athleticism to be the main ballhandler and needs to play some off the ball at least half the time. Can he do that? Does he keep value off the ball?

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/olgunuluc/status/1418050745115451393?s=21

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/MavsDraft/status/1418006572152799239?s=20

That pass at the :41 second mark…

[Mr. Body]

This is why I've tried to call Giddey and Sengun potentially 'transformational' players if drafted. The team is really mechanical in its offense. Murray has learned the way Parker did. Neither is a natural playmaker for others, but they know where everybody is in the team's sets. Otherwise, everybody is into straight-line drives or kicks and moving it around the horn. That's it. Only Derrick White has any next order ability to see the floor and develop other points of attack.

So, maybe I'm nostalgic for Manu, but I like how both of these players suggest a more dynamic offense and one that is harder to stop. Both seem to be very smart basketball-wise at a remarkably young age.

[Dejounte]

This is why I've tried to call Giddey and Sengun potentially 'transformational' players if drafted. The team is really mechanical in its offense. Murray has learned the way Parker did. Neither is a natural playmaker for others, but they know where everybody is in the team's sets. Otherwise, everybody is into straight-line drives or kicks and moving it around the horn. That's it. Only Derrick White has any next order ability to see the floor and develop other points of attack.

So, maybe I'm nostalgic for Manu, but I like how both of these players suggest a more dynamic offense and one that is harder to stop. Both seem to be very smart basketball-wise at a remarkably young age.

Agreed. Not sure how anyone can watch all of last season and not think that the team needs a jolt of creativity and players who can make high IQ reads, whether on offense or defense.

[spurs1990]

Highly doubt the Spurs go from watching a great, unselfish, humble guy like Giannis win it all and then turn around and draft Jalen Johnson. But ya never know. Not that Giannis made their mind up, but probably the guy who wore 21 did.

Watched some bspn vids on Johnson's 2/16 departure from Duke and looks like it was mainly to protect his stock for this draft vs not getting along with Mike K. He played in 11 games vs BCS competition and even put up some nice stats in a few. Maybe Pop can mold him like he once did with Stephen Jackson 20 years ago.

[Degoat]

I keep going back to Josh Giddey being one of the main guys I’d really like for the spurs to get! One of the weakness the spurs have had since Manu/Tony left is having a guy who gets others easy shots. Imagine Giddey setting up Keldon on some dimes, swinging it to an open Vassell on the wing!

[SAGirl]

This is why I've tried to call Giddey and Sengun potentially 'transformational' players if drafted. The team is really mechanical in its offense. Murray has learned the way Parker did. Neither is a natural playmaker for others, but they know where everybody is in the team's sets. Otherwise, everybody is into straight-line drives or kicks and moving it around the horn. That's it. Only Derrick White has any next order ability to see the floor and develop other points of attack.

So, maybe I'm nostalgic for Manu, but I like how both of these players suggest a more dynamic offense and one that is harder to stop. Both seem to be very smart basketball-wise at a remarkably young age.
I like passing a lot, so much so that Anderson was my favorite draftee of the younger crop and still enjoy watching him in the Grizzlies a good amount, but I’ve learned things while fanning him like, that can’t be your only value to a team because unless you are the star you will play off the ball a lot. Anderson still playmakes a lot for his current team but he’s not the main ballhandler and it took him years to get good enough in the NBA to be effective with his slow pace… and this is important, passing wasn’t the main value he provided for his two teams before he was trusted to be on the floor long enough to even make use of that skill. He had to get good at other things first and frankly he always needed to shoot more and better to stick in a regular rotation. It wasn’t until he became a better shooter/scorer that the rest of his game was able to help. Unless a playmaker is the star, that’s usually how it works. Just being honest here. Passing without some gravity is less useful.

Another slower wing like Joe Ingles has been a reference. Ingles provided a lot of value right away because he came in already developed overseas with great shooting, and good defensive fundamentals, maybe even better physical tools too?

But I like both Anderson and Ingles so someone in between I am likely to fan hard, but when I saw comparisons online to DLo that’s when I grew restless bc DLo was a terrific prospect at the same age, so much so that he was taken second in the lottery. On top of talented passing, which DLo has, he could shoot very young and be an efficient scorer IIRC… but he was hopeless on defense. A worse shooting DLo is going to disappoint. I think he’s more athletic than Slowmo for example (that’s an easy hurdle, doesn’t mean guy is above average). But Kyle wasn’t the negative on defense he was expected to be, due to the go go gadget arms he has and Giddey doesn’t.

I think should Giddey pan out he’ll be fantastic but bust potential is there specially when taken high in the lottery as no one expected Kyle to save any franchise and he had years to develop. If the Spurs draft him I expect he’ll need time to work on his body and shot, and I’ll trust they know what they are doing but … I’ll shut up bc I need to watch some of him.

[eDizzle20]

I’m not sure where he’ll land in the draft, but Davion Mitchell’s game resembles Lillard’s. Not to mention he’s built like a running back. He’ll be 23 before the end of the year and the Spurs don’t need another point guard, but I wouldn’t mind taking him assuming one of Murray or White is actually traded.

[Mr. Body]

Watched some bspn vids on Johnson's 2/16 departure from Duke and looks like it was mainly to protect his stock for this draft vs not getting along with Mike K. He played in 11 games vs BCS competition and even put up some nice stats in a few. Maybe Pop can mold him like he once did with Stephen Jackson 20 years ago.

My guess is K wanted to actually coach him -- Johnson can be extremely passive (lazy, disinterested) on defense, as in giving absolutely no effort and letting guys go buy him instead of helping out, plus is undisciplined on offense, shooting terrible shots and slinging the ball out of bounds -- and didn't want to deal with it. If you watch enough videos, the pattern becomes clear.

The comparison to Jackson doesn't work. Jackson was a competitor and ultimately did what it took to win. There's nothing about Jalen Johnson that says 'winner' whatsoever. And if he couldn't get along with Coach K, how the fuck would he get along with Pop?

[duncan2150]

This is why I've tried to call Giddey and Sengun potentially 'transformational' players if drafted. The team is really mechanical in its offense. Murray has learned the way Parker did. Neither is a natural playmaker for others, but they know where everybody is in the team's sets. Otherwise, everybody is into straight-line drives or kicks and moving it around the horn. That's it. Only Derrick White has any next order ability to see the floor and develop other points of attack.

So, maybe I'm nostalgic for Manu, but I like how both of these players suggest a more dynamic offense and one that is harder to stop. Both seem to be very smart basketball-wise at a remarkably young age.


totally agree, that's why they are my top 2 targets in this draft since a long time.

Then i have Moody, for the debate vs Kispert, i go straight to Moses ; he can really shoot but he is a better defender than Kispert, younger and with much potential imo.

[CGD]

The Turkish kid would have been a top 5 pick 15 years ago. Just worry the moment for that type of player has passed.

Giddy and Wagner look good in the videos, but worry they’re a few steps slow for NBA. T-Rex arms also not great. Do like Giddy’s playmaking tho.

Liking Moody and Bouknight look good, though latter probably gone before 12.

[mo7888]

1 week until the draft so here's my updated big board and I'm breaking it into tiers as well this time. Unless something unexpected happens this should be my last updated board. I may report it on draft day.

1. Cade Cunningham
2. Evan Mobley
3. Jonathan Kuminga
4. Franz Wagner
5. Jalen Green
6. Scottie Barnes
7. Jalen Suggs
8. Moses Moody
9. Alperen Sengun
10. James Bouknight
11. Jalen Johnson
12. Kai Jones
13. Corey Kispert
14. Isaiah Jackson
15. Chris Duarte
16. Jaden Springer
17. Trey Murphy
18. Jared Butler
19. Usman Garuba
20. Keon Johnson
21. Tre Mann
22. Joshua Primo
23. Josh Giddey
24. Davion Mitchell
25. Joe Weiskamp
26. Sharife Cooper
27. JT Thor
28. Ayo Dosunmu
29. Zaire Williams
30. Herbert Jones

Tier 1:
Cade Cunningham
Evan Mobley

Tier 2:
Jonathan Kuminga
Franz Wagner
Jalen Green
Scottie Barnes
Jalen Suggs
Moses Moody
Alperen Sengun

Tier 3:
James Bouknight
Jalen Johnson
Kai Jones
Corey Kispert
Isaiah Jackson
Chris Duarte
Jaden Springer

Tier 4:
Trey Murphy
Jared Butler
Usman Garuba
Keon Johnson
Tre Mann
Joshua Primo
Josh Giddey

Tier 5:
Davion Mitchell
Joe Weiskamp
Sharife Cooper
JT Thor
Ayo Dosunmu
Zaire Williams
Herbert Jones

[Dejounte]

What’s your reason for dropping Suggs and Green? mo7888

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

1 week until the draft so here's my updated big board and I'm breaking it into tiers as well this time. Unless something unexpected happens this should be my last updated board. I may report it on draft day.

1. Cade Cunningham
2. Evan Mobley
3. Jonathan Kuminga
4. Franz Wagner
5. Jalen Green
6. Scottie Barnes
7. Jalen Suggs
8. Moses Moody
9. Alperen Sengun
10. James Bouknight
11. Jalen Johnson


If these are the first 11 picks, I'm soooo trading down. 16 and 18, or even 19 and 21 , or 17 and another asset from Memphis.

Another possibility would be Delon Wright + 9 for 12.

[mo7888]

If these are the first 11 picks, I'm soooo trading down. 16 and 18, or even 19 and 21 , or 17 and another asset from Memphis.

Another possibility would be Delon Wright + 9 for 12.

It's not my prediction for how I think the draft will go. It's not a mock draft.

I'd also be in favor of doing that trade with Oklahoma..

[mo7888]

What’s your reason for dropping Suggs and Green? mo7888

It's not so much that I've dropped Green, I've just gotten more comfortable with Wagner's upside. Suggs lack of shooting worries me a bit but in reality all of the 2nd tier is really close. I don't have much difference in 3 through 9. It's more of a product of how I see them fitting with the Spurs to determine the order.

[The Truth #6]

Trading up seems hard to do, unless you get somewhere around 7-9. But to trade a key (rotation) piece to move up to get a player when we should have tanked feels super frustrating.

I’d stay put and if no Sengun, Wagner or maybe Giddey, then I’d trade down, but with Presti we’d probably get screwed. So it looks like 12 and see what we get.

[mo7888]

Trading up seems hard to do, unless you get somewhere around 7-9. But to trade a key (rotation) piece to move up to get a player when we should have tanked feels super frustrating.

I’d stay put and if no Sengun, Wagner or maybe Giddey, then I’d trade down, but with Presti we’d probably get screwed. So it looks like 12 and see what we get.

I think there's a deal to be made with Presti. He's got so many young guys that there's probably a limit to how many more he wants to add this year. My bigger fear dealing with him is that someone ahead of us would want to trade down with him.

[The Truth #6]

I think there's a deal to be made with Presti. He's got so many young guys that there's probably a limit to how many more he wants to add this year. My bigger fear dealing with him is that someone ahead of us would want to trade down with him.

True. He can likely finagle a better offer. If we end up with Moody or Kispert we will still be ok. But not my first choice.

[rankingtear]

Random thoughts:

How do people feel about Moody vs Kispert? If the choice came down between the two.



I think Kispert is more athletic than Moody. Both of them struggled against NBA type athletes, but Moody's percentage drop numbers are more significant. He barely gets his shots off against college level defenses and everything is faster in the NBA.

If you wan't a more translatable shooter then go Kispert, shoots it at NBA range and off movement.

[rankingtear]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

New ringer mock, has Spurs taking Garuba over Giddey.

- Keon dropping on all mocks.
- SAC Franz, NO Kispert , CHA Kai reaching some sort of consensus.

[Kurik]

Something I don’t think has been discussed but what if the Spurs just completely draft someone unexpected like Davion Mitchell? Not saying that’s what I want or what will happen but it wouldn’t surprise me either.

[SpursDynasty85]

Something I don’t think has been discussed but what if the Spurs just completely draft someone unexpected like Davion Mitchell? Not saying that’s what I want or what will happen but it wouldn’t surprise me either.

For the most part besides Samanic and White Spurs have just picked up the prospects that dropped to them. They may have to again if someone like Davion, Keon, or Bouknight drop to them but they absolutely need to start trading away some of their guards for value if so or trade down for guys like Kispert and Zaire Williams.

[SAGirl]

I have a better perspective on Giddey. He has a skill the team needs offensively and could potentially develop offensive skills that he didn't show yet, like a good shooting percentage, because he's undeniably young. It's great that he has surveyed other players like Joe Ingles who has drilled in him how important it is that he develops a 3 pt shot. It may take time coming or not, as he's very young and has grown as the season went on reportedly. He has more upside if he can shoot for sure. Nothing much is said about defense, but stance is going to be key, as well as discipline.

Basically returning to my casual laid back spectating mode. He's not my top target though. I prefer Sengun to him for example, and I think there are others I would take before him as well but I see the reason for the hype.

Thanks to everyone who provides feedback, insight and post some latest reports so that I can focus on who is of interest around 12.

[jjspur]

Something I don’t think has been discussed but what if the Spurs just completely draft someone unexpected like Davion Mitchell? Not saying that’s what I want or what will happen but it wouldn’t surprise me either.
The spurs do have a bit of a history picking guys out of nowhere. George Hill was one but he actually panned out. Luka was a bit of a reach at 19. Ian Mahinmi, Livio Jean-Charles, Cory Joseph. These guys weren't exactly popular household names. Some made it some didn't. It's very difficult to read the spurs front office.

[Dejounte]

I wonder when the end of workouts are. Surely there will no longer be workouts two or three days from the draft?

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/n_magaro/status/1418229050439516161?s=21

[bluebellmaniac]

7 Days until the Draft!

The final countdown begins...

[Larry O]

Unsure if this has been posted yet, but SAC TOWN is interested in giving up their draft pick for someone(s) who can win NOW. If the Spurs, let's say, give up DJM or DW4, & future picks, would the trade up be worth it? The Ringer projects that the Kings are drafting Wagner at 9. Here's the article from Real GM:


The Sacramento Kings have shopped the No. 9 overall pick in the draft for players who can help them win now, sources tell The Ringer.

The Kings finished the 20-21 season with a 31-41 record and were two games out of the final Play-In spot. The Kings last made the playoffs in 2006.
If Sacramento keeps the No. 9 pick, The Ringer currently has Franz Wagner as their selection.

Other options could be LW4 or Luka Sandwich or both. Hmmm... do they want more experienced vets though? I'm sure that FIBA Patty is untouchable with the Spurs (unless the Aussies beat USA for the Gold! :) ).

Any who, lots of possibilities going into the Draft! We shall see! One week to go, Baby!!! GSG!!!

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/n_magaro/status/1418229050439516161?s=21

This is pretty interesting. He's been mocked everywhere, up in the late first 10, into the 20s. His motor is undeniable and I think I might have compared him to a more guard-oriented Nephew at some point, lots of materials but still raw.

[mo7888]

Unsure if this has been posted yet, but SAC TOWN is interested in giving up their draft pick for someone(s) who can win NOW. If the Spurs, let's say, give up DJM or DW4, & future picks, would the trade up be worth it? The Ringer projects that the Kings are drafting Wagner at 9. Here's the article from Real GM:


The Sacramento Kings have shopped the No. 9 overall pick in the draft for players who can help them win now, sources tell The Ringer.

The Kings finished the 20-21 season with a 31-41 record and were two games out of the final Play-In spot. The Kings last made the playoffs in 2006.
If Sacramento keeps the No. 9 pick, The Ringer currently has Franz Wagner as their selection.

Other options could be LW4 or Luka Sandwich or both. Hmmm... do they want more experienced vets though? I'm sure that FIBA Patty is untouchable with the Spurs (unless the Aussies beat USA for the Gold! :) ).

Any who, lots of possibilities going into the Draft! We shall see! One week to go, Baby!!! GSG!!!

I guess it depends on what it would take to get their #9. If you talking about a current player for the pick and we keep #12 then I'd consider it strongly. If we're talking about giving up a player + #12 or a future 1st then I'd pass.

[The Truth #6]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

New ringer mock, has Spurs taking Garuba over Giddey.

- Keon dropping on all mocks.
- SAC Franz, NO Kispert , CHA Kai reaching some sort of consensus.

Thanks for sharing. KOC often has goofy opinions. And I think Jalen Green at #2 is likely smoke and mirrors. Intel from teams...how could any reporter take that at face value and not question the veracity? I mean, if all these teams are leaking actual info, then that is pretty poor team management. I suppose it’s possible, but seems more like gamesmanship. I suppose that’s how Sengun falls to #18, or just low insight from KOC.

Garuba is a dark horse candidate, but not with Yak still on the team. We can’t add more non shooters, though Garuba, while a poor shooter, is miles ahead of Yak.

But hey, we’ll see.

[Mr. Body]

I guess it depends on what it would take to get their #9. If you talking about a current player for the pick and we keep #12 then I'd consider it strongly. If we're talking about giving up a player + #12 or a future 1st then I'd pass.

My guess is a lot of teams are looking to move up into that range, including those with 2 picks in the later first round. I don't exactly know what Sacramento means about this. Getting a couple vets won't suddenly make them competitive. There are problems with the roster, but shrewd moves can get them into the playoff talk. Wagner would be the right sort of pick, though, esp. as team defense was atrocious.

[rjv]

I'd be okay with a trade down for an additional pick because right now i am liking duarte and murphy.

[Mr. Body]

Thanks for sharing. KOC often has goofy opinions. And I think Jalen Green at #2 is likely smoke and mirrors. Intel from teams...how could any reporter take that at face value and not question the veracity? I mean, if all these teams are leaking actual info, then that is pretty poor team management. I suppose it’s possible, but seems more like gamesmanship. I suppose that’s how Sengun falls to #18, or just low insight from KOC.

Garuba is a dark horse candidate, but not with Yak still on the team. We can’t add more non shooters, though Garuba, while a poor shooter, is miles ahead of Yak.

But hey, we’ll see.

Jalen Green seems to be solidifying to Houston on many mocks. My gut, or something like it, suggests their dumb owner wants some splashy player.

I agree that The Ringer is baffling at times. Clickbaity.

I don't understand Garuba as the Spurs' pick. Nothing against him, but he doesn't seem like a lottery pick and he doesn't seem to fit the team at all. He overlaps Keldon and Poeltl in unproductive ways. If he's Clint Capela, that's one thing, but he's not.

[Degoat]

Y’all think it would be worth taking on either Steven Adam’s or Eric Bledsoe if they gave us there 10th pick too?

[Dejounte]

Y’all think it would be worth taking on either Steven Adam’s or Eric Bledsoe if they gave us there 10th pick too?

l love Steven Adams as a person but that contract ew

[Dennis the Menace]

We need a Myles Turner

[R. DeMurre]

I can't imagine the Thunder and Pelicans actually using all of those later picks. Gonna be interesting to see what happens there. I'm getting the feeling there will be more than the typical action with second round pick movement this year-- it's just not very cost effective to pay multiple second rounders to play in the G league.

[The Truth #6]

Jalen Green seems to be solidifying to Houston on many mocks. My gut, or something like it, suggests their dumb owner wants some splashy player.

I agree that The Ringer is baffling at times. Clickbaity.

I don't understand Garuba as the Spurs' pick. Nothing against him, but he doesn't seem like a lottery pick and he doesn't seem to fit the team at all. He overlaps Keldon and Poeltl in unproductive ways. If he's Clint Capela, that's one thing, but he's not.


I like Garuba more than most, but I'm honest about his shooting limitations, and understand the offensive challenges. I'd still rather have Sengun, but I don't see Garuba as inconsequential.

I googled some info on his shooting improvement this year just to get more info, as I assumed there might be more to the story.

https://www.basketballnews.com/stories/international-basketball-fiba-europe-euroleague-real-madrid-usman-garuba-progressing-as-shooter-trending-upward-2021-nba-draft-prospects

"Since Dec. 1, 2020, Garuba has connected on 24 of 61 attempts from behind the arc (39.3%). His recent success shooting the ball has given me real hope that his value and projection as an offensive player at the next level could be higher than I once thought. It’s also promising to see Garuba’s huge jump in shooting volume, as he’s already tripled his output from the previous season. Garuba has shown this year that he’s willing and able to take open shots, and often contested ones, as well." This time frame was 12/1/20 to mid April 2021.

https://twitter.com/mike_schmitz/status/1416961693104496641

(his shooting form, ok in aspects, but likely problematic)

https://www.thestrick.land/strick/2021-nba-draft-profile-usman-garuba

"His full season shooting stats don’t look pretty, but he steadily improved as the campaign went on (since April 1 he shot 36% from three and 84% from the line."

IF these articles have correct info, then since December his 3pt % has been around 38%, which is a lot better than I thought. Like Sengun, he seems hyper-aware of his outside shooting concern and is getting better. Unlike Sengun, he isn't a good free throw shooter, but that seems to be trending up as well.

So, I think the comp for him, as a ceiling, is sort of like an Al Horford type player. Ugly but efficient 3 point shot, great defender, smart player, team player, though Al has better post moves. In defense of Garuba and why he isn't a Swift or a Capella is that he has good bbiq, is a good and willing passer out of pnr action, and can almost guard anyone. So I see great worth in his defense. He speaks Spanish! And seems the opposite of a Jalen Johnson selfish player. BUT, likely a high end role player, and not transformative like the hope for Sengun and Giddey is.

So, now that I think about it, maybe I'd rather have him than, say, Moody, but still below Sengun, Wagner, and probably even Kispert.

[Seventyniner]

l love Steven Adams as a person but that contract ew

Hoopshype shows him with two seasons left for $17M/$18M. Bledsoe's contract is similar. Not good but could be worth eating to get #10, especially if a player the Spurs really like is still on the board and they're afraid the Hornets would grab him at #11. It would preserve 2023 cap space too.

Not sure how I'd feel about that, but to me it's one of those things that if the FO decides to do it, it's probably a good idea.

[Dejounte]

Hoopshype shows him with two seasons left for $17M/$18M. Bledsoe's contract is similar. Not good but could be worth eating to get #10, especially if a player the Spurs really like is still on the board and they're afraid the Hornets would grab him at #11. It would preserve 2023 cap space too.

Not sure how I'd feel about that, but to me it's one of those things that if the FO decides to do it, it's probably a good idea.

yeah, after thinking about it some more. I would go for it. Adams is a good vet replacement for Patty.

[SAGirl]

https://twitter.com/w_a_morris/status/1377254397743411208?s=19

I've been down on Garuba because his offense is 1 dimensional and he has no handle, but his defense looks pretty good here. IMO, we need a little more creativity on offense so that's the only thing holding me back from prospects like him.
Garuba’s defense in these clips reminds me of early versions of nephew when he expended most of his energy on defense. I definitely like him though again is he too limited for an already offensively limited crew? On the other hand he can come in and play that defense right away. His showing against team USA will not have gone unnoticed.

[Mr. Body]

I don't see why NOP uses a nice draft pick in a good draft to get rid of that contract.

[SAGirl]

RE: Sengun

I like him but he's a serious tweener. It's not only length but his strength. If he's a C, can he hold his ground against the stronger centers in the NBA? If he's a PF, can he move quicker than Keldon can laterally? If not, then I don't think you can play those two together.

His offense is great, but it's going to be a tough one to see where he'll fit defensively.

That being said, if we're picking late and he's still available, you absolutely get him.
Strength is the one thing that’s the easiest to add for an 18 year old that went through a growth spurt. He might have even grown through the year as he’s so young still. I am team Sengun and cannot believe he’s mocked to go 18 or thereabouts.

If he does there will be busts drafted higher than him I think.

[Degoat]

I don't see why NOP uses a nice draft pick in a good draft to get rid of that contract.

They might not tbh but they’re trying to shed salary to sign Kyle Lowry

[Mr. Body]

Wow, I just realized Stephen Adams was even shittier than Jakob Poeltl from the free throw line last year.

[Ocotillo]

I have a better perspective on Giddey. He has a skill the team needs offensively and could potentially develop offensive skills that he didn't show yet, like a good shooting percentage, because he's undeniably young. It's great that he has surveyed other players like Joe Ingles who has drilled in him how important it is that he develops a 3 pt shot. It may take time coming or not, as he's very young and has grown as the season went on reportedly. He has more upside if he can shoot for sure. Nothing much is said about defense, but stance is going to be key, as well as discipline.



Your comment about Ingles got me to wondering with Nielsen coaching the Austin Spurs, how Giddey would plug in there being developed. Aussie coach, probable Aussie vet on the big boy team in Patty? Who knows?

[rjv]

Garuba’s defense in these clips reminds me of early versions of nephew when he expended most of his energy on defense. I definitely like him though again is he too limited for an already offensively limited crew? On the other hand he can come in and play that defense right away. His showing against team USA will not have gone unnoticed.

garuba is also a solid passer so that helps but when i look at garuba, i see more of a draymond green potential.

[TD 21]

Garuba makes no sense and I'd be stunned if he were the pick.

The Magic's supposed interest in Sengun is interesting and typical if true. But if he's not the Spurs target and Kuminga somehow gets to 8, it's probably worth it to offer Vassell and 12.



Y’all think it would be worth taking on either Steven Adam’s or Eric Bledsoe if they gave us there 10th pick too?

Of course. Adams should have re-sale value (Hornets, Mavericks, Raptors). Bledsoe they'd likely be stuck with, but only for a season and they need ancillary shot creation anyway.

The Pelicans more than likely only do it if they get word Lowry wants to come though.

But I'll believe the Spurs taking advantage of a team with cap issues (Kings are another) when I see it. They'll probably sit back like always and let the Thunder benefit instead.

[EasyMoney]

If sengun was 7'0 he'd be a top 5 pick.

[objective]

Something about Garuba that bugs me is that he's been with Real Madrid since he was 11, and he was born in Spain so it's not like a language barrier was there. Been with Real Madrid program for 8 years and still thought to be a raw offensive player. That's a lot of premier coaching and development from an early age and he's still a question mark on offense.

How much more can be improve with NBA coaching?

[Dejounte]

Exploiting teams with cap issues rarely happen anymore. At least not as common as it was 5+ years ago.

[TD 21]

I'd hate to lose the only young player whose a virtual lock to positively impact winning on both sides of the ball, but this organization not only lacks the type of star power needed for a 3 and D type to thrive, but is actively trying to avoid having the best odds as possible of lucking into it. Combine that with their aversion to change and it'd doubtful there's even a path to starting or full time closing.

So with a seeming boom or bust prospect like Kuminga supposedly falling to 6-7 (maybe even 8), it makes sense to offer him with 12. If he hits, he's close to the exact type they need (big wing with go-to scoring upside).



Exploiting teams with cap issues rarely happen anymore. At least not as common as it was 5+ years ago.

The Thunder just did it with the Celtics. In the longshot event Lowry wants to go to the Pelicans, someone will do it with them. If the Kings are to re-sign Holmes, ditto, etc.

[Dejounte]

I'd hate to lose the only young player whose a virtual lock to positively impact winning on both sides of the ball, but this organization not only lacks the type of star power needed for a 3 and D type to thrive, but is actively trying to avoid having the best odds as possible of lucking into it. Combine that with their aversion to change and it'd doubtful there's even a path to starting or full time closing.

So with a seeming boom or bust prospect like Kuminga supposedly falling to 6-7 (maybe even 8), it makes sense to offer him with 12. If he hits, he's close to the exact type they need (big wing with go-to scoring upside).




The Thunder just did it with the Celtics. In the longshot event Lowry wants to go to the Pelicans, someone will do it with them. If the Kings are to re-sign Holmes, ditto, etc.

yeah I was thinking of the Horford trade when I wrote that. We’ll see if those types of trades come to fruition

[rjv]

Something about Garuba that bugs me is that he's been with Real Madrid since he was 11, and he was born in Spain so it's not like a language barrier was there. Been with Real Madrid program for 8 years and still thought to be a raw offensive player. That's a lot of premier coaching and development from an early age and he's still a question mark on offense.

How much more can be improve with NBA coaching?

garuba is, like most of the picks at the 12 spot, not without his blemishes and his is on offense-he may never excel on that end of the floor with the exception of his passing (and moving without the ball). sengun's is on defense-because the question becomes who can he guard? duarte's is age and playmaking or passing, murphy is weak shooting off the dribble and he's not the best ball handler, giddey has no length and is an inconsistent shooter (like sengun, although sengun has better mechanics and great footwork)...and so on.

[RC_Drunkford]

We need a Myles Turner

one of my top targets tbh. If the Spurs can get him, go for it

[Dejounte]

I’m burnt out from watching these prospects. Literally can’t watch anymore footage on these guys.

[R. DeMurre]

I never understood the Steven Adams signing... It seems you'd want to clear the paint for Zion, not clutter it up with an old school center with no three point potential. Jaxson Hayes played really well in the last month of the season, so if they think he can start and they can shed the Adams contract for a shooter, I can see why they'd do it. The perfect back up C for them might be FA Luke Kornet-- plays D, shoots the 3, low usage rate. He'd pair well with Zion.

[alfahdlan]

When his on the clock, Josh Magaro-George of pounding the rock chose Josh Giddey.

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2021/7/22/22583959/nba-mock-draft-2021-sb-nation-bloggers-make-picks (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2021/7/22/22583959/nba-mock-draft-2021-sb-nation-bloggers-make-picks)


Giddey is the perfect blend of best player available and upside swing. While his lack of range won’t do much to help San Antonio’s abysmal three-point numbers, he’s only 18-years-old and has plenty of time to develop a jumper under legendary shooting coach Chip Engelland. The oversized Australian point guard is one of the best passers in this class, and with DeMar DeRozan possibly on the way out, the Spurs could use another distributor. He won’t lead the Silver and Black to a title anytime soon, but he was a nightly triple-double threat in the increasingly competitive NBL, which turned out productive rookies LaMelo Ball and R. J. Hampton. Should he fall this far, PATFO could be looking at another infamous draft day heist

[SAGirl]

When his on the clock, Josh Magaro-George of pounding the rock chose Josh Giddey.

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2021/7/22/22583959/nba-mock-draft-2021-sb-nation-bloggers-make-picks (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2021/7/22/22583959/nba-mock-draft-2021-sb-nation-bloggers-make-picks)
Although that’s just one guy’s opinion same as each one of ours, I have warmed up to Giddey after my initial impression of him. He’s very young, younger than most and already has some translatable skills. Needs to add to his shooting game yada yada yada, but he’s an ok gamble.

I might be disappointed if he’s still not playing his second season, I hope one season is good enough to work on his game. Frankly I want to see the Spurs youngins play together sooner rather than later. I do think he’s a good upside pick.

[Russ]

When his on the clock, Josh Magaro-George of pounding the rock chose Josh Giddey.

https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2021/7/22/22583959/nba-mock-draft-2021-sb-nation-bloggers-make-picks (https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2021/7/22/22583959/nba-mock-draft-2021-sb-nation-bloggers-make-picks)

Giddey does have that feel of a Spurs pick with one week to go.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/Vrenzzz/status/1418284822972280833?s=20

Could be a trade back candidate. Doubt he makes to #41.

[Dejounte]

Although that’s just one guy’s opinion same as each one of ours, I have warmed up to Giddey after my initial impression of him. He’s very young, younger than most and already has some translatable skills. Needs to add to his shooting game yada yada yada, but he’s an ok gamble.

I might be disappointed if he’s still not playing his second season, I hope one season is good enough to work on his game. Frankly I want to see the Spurs youngins play together sooner rather than later. I do think he’s a good upside pick.

I think you said your reservations before about him projecting to be a lesser version of Kyle Anderson because of his poor defense and lack of size?

i think fans of his, or at least myself, are betting on is his vision to be outstanding and on par with the elite players of the NBA. Kyle, while good, never quite reached that level with his passing.

the underrated side of Giddey is his extreme confidence in his abilities. Common flaw among prospects is that they’re so unsure of themselves when they first get on the court. I dont think Giddey will have that problem. It’s even a problem for older young guys and probably the greatest obstacle for them reaching their potential.

another thing is ball handling. I believe his skills in that area is quite advanced. Yes, he does turn the ball over. But I don’t necessarily think ball handling and ball security are the same thing. I think we can look at DJ for that and he had a natural ability to handle the ball but he was not very good taking care of the ball. If we look at this past season, it’s like night and day. He had one of the best ast/to ratio in the league. Anyway, what’s important is that Giddey is very similar in this regard and might actually be a bit more of a street baller compared to DJ. At 6’8” and with that kind of ball handling ability, it will enable him to be a shot creator at some point in his career. That’s what excites me most about his upside.

[TD 21]

If they're going to go with Giddey, again if Kuminga makes it to 7, might as well offer White for it.

[Mr. Body]

If they're going to go with Giddey, again if Kuminga makes it to 7, might as well offer White for it.

White for Kuminga? Kuminga will never be the above average player Derrick White is.

[TD 21]

White for Kuminga? Kuminga will never be the above average player Derrick White is.

Probably not, but he's boom or bust. Above average and conservative isn't getting this team anywhere.

White is 27 and injury prone. This team needs young, high upside talent in the worst way.

[Seventyniner]

I’m burnt out from watching these prospects. Literally can’t watch anymore footage on these guys.

You have more than put in the work. Much appreciate all your draft posts. :bobo

Now just sit back and enjoy the ride.

[Mr. Body]

Probably not, but he's boom or bust. Above average and conservative isn't getting this team anywhere.

White is 27 and injury prone. This team needs young, high upside talent in the worst way.

I wouldn't draft Kuminga.

[Uriel]

All this talk of Sengun is making me wonder if we’ve given up on Milutinov.

[tonight...you]

I think you said your reservations before about him projecting to be a lesser version of Kyle Anderson because of his poor defense and lack of size?

i think fans of his, or at least myself, are betting on is his vision to be outstanding and on par with the elite players of the NBA. Kyle, while good, never quite reached that level with his passing.

the underrated side of Giddey is his extreme confidence in his abilities. Common flaw among prospects is that they’re so unsure of themselves when they first get on the court. I dont think Giddey will have that problem. It’s even a problem for older young guys and probably the greatest obstacle for them reaching their potential.

another thing is ball handling. I believe his skills in that area is quite advanced. Yes, he does turn the ball over. But I don’t necessarily think ball handling and ball security are the same thing. I think we can look at DJ for that and he had a natural ability to handle the ball but he was not very good taking care of the ball. If we look at this past season, it’s like night and day. He had one of the best ast/to ratio in the league. Anyway, what’s important is that Giddey is very similar in this regard and might actually be a bit more of a street baller compared to DJ. At 6’8” and with that kind of ball handling ability, it will enable him to be a shot creator at some point in his career. That’s what excites me most about his upside.
That's what made Manu, Manu.
Never to be underestimated.

[tonight...you]

All this talk of Sengun is making me wonder if we’ve given up on Milutinov.
Ha ha ha ha!!! You still hold out hope?
That ship sailed homie.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/bayareapb/status/1418308815196356609?s=21

Making a late case for Giddey lmao

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/pelsnationcp/status/1418290846978375684?s=21

[tonight...you]

https://twitter.com/pelsnationcp/status/1418290846978375684?s=21
The mid-hair game is crap.
Commit to either short, or long.


I vote for long. You can play lots of games with long.

[Degoat]

Last year there weren’t any rumblings of the spurs being interested in Devin Vassell right? Makes you wonder if any of the guys the spurs have worked out this time around if they’re even actually interested in them or not lol

[The Truth #6]

garuba is, like most of the picks at the 12 spot, not without his blemishes and his is on offense-he may never excel on that end of the floor with the exception of his passing (and moving without the ball). sengun's is on defense-because the question becomes who can he guard? duarte's is age and playmaking or passing, murphy is weak shooting off the dribble and he's not the best ball handler, giddey has no length and is an inconsistent shooter (like sengun, although sengun has better mechanics and great footwork)...and so on.


Very true.

Transcendent talent potential at #12: Sengun, Giddey, Jalen Johnson. #12 comes with more flaws and bust potential, obviously. And I’ve tried to find a way to consider Jalen Johnson and I just don’t see it.

Garuba is not a transcendent talent but could be in the league over ten years and could be very useful as a trading piece to a contender. Also his shot may already be trending up. Also, I think he can contribute day 1, whereas most 19 year olds can’t.

[PhantomDashCam]

Last year there weren’t any rumblings of the spurs being interested in Devin Vassell right? Makes you wonder if any of the guys the spurs have worked out this time around if they’re even actually interested in them or not lol

Two names I would expect the Spurs to work out, who to my knowledge haven’t yet, are Kispert and Moody.

https://twitter.com/rodboone/status/1418266845325500419?s=20

Charlotte seems to be one of the stops before SA for the Klutch guys.

If we don’t hear news over the next few days concerning that duo, could very well be something there.

____

Kai fans only need apply here - watched the Moody Charlotte interview and they asked him how Kai would fit in Charlotte.
Paraphrasing a little here:

“My guy, my 2-on-2 partner. Can just throw the ball up anywhere, my eyes closed and know he’s going to get it.
Underrated side of his game is he can really step out on the perimeter and play. Can handle it, make shots, plays like a wing there.”

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Two names I would expect the Spurs to work out, who to my knowledge haven’t yet, are Kispert and Moody.

https://twitter.com/rodboone/status/1418266845325500419?s=20

Charlotte seems to be one of the stops before SA for the Klutch guys.

If we don’t hear news over the next few days concerning that duo, could very well be something there.

____

Kai fans only need apply here - watched the Moody Charlotte interview and they asked him how Kai would fit in Charlotte.
Paraphrasing a little here:

“My guy, my 2-on-2 partner. Can just throw the ball up anywhere, my eyes closed and know he’s going to get it.
Underrated side of his game is he can really step out on the perimeter and play. Can handle it, make shots, plays like a wing there.”

Bad news! Charlotte is going to pick my Kai Jones!

[objective]

Kuminga might even drop to 12.

Lots of talk about how he had zero improvement from high school to g-league or even getting worse. Add in the whispers about his age and who knows?

Halliburton fell unexpectedly, so have many others. All it takes is a couple of teams going another way and then the next few teams pass because they're already in love with the prospects they were expecting.

[Mr. Body]

Odd that the Spurs haven't worked out two of the best shooters in that area of the draft (that we know of).

[Dejounte]

Odd that the Spurs haven't worked out two of the best shooters in that area of the draft (that we know of).

theyve worked out Kispert or were you referring to someone else

[PhantomDashCam]

Bad news! Charlotte is going to pick my Kai Jones!

Never say never.

- NBADraft.net (not sure on their credibility anymore), suggests they are really into Isaiah Jackson and may trade back as a result. Would explain why he had 2 workouts there.
- There is also hometown kid, Jaden Springer, (who many of the Draft Twitter-verse love), suggest he would be the perfect b/c mate to pair with LaMelo. Also a trade back candidate.
- Also the opp. for Spurs to trade up to 7, or 10 (if they like him enough that is) - to snag him there.

Could also be just as simple as the Spurs were never really interested in Kai at all or they're convinced he's too far away from contributing...

[Mr. Body]

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

If you haven't watched this interivew with Giddey, take a moment to at least watch the first few minutes. He has his deficiencies, but it's rare to hear an eighteen year-old be able to talk about basketball with so much perspicacity.

[ATXSpursfan]

The deeper I look into Keon Johnson the more I'm starting to warm up to him. His interviews make him sound like a Spur type. His shot doesn't look broken, and he has some good touch off the dribble in the mid-range. His floor may not be all that low as he is arguably the best athlete in the draft and should automatically be a really good defender who brings energy. He is great at running the court and would fit in with our young core. His shot and handle are his biggest questionable area, but if he can develop those he has as much upside as we may find in that area of the draft. Could also be Lonnie insurance, if Lonnie doesnt improve his finishing around the rim and become more engaged. Keon would provide all the athleticism with a big improvement on defense and is an underrated passer.

[PhantomDashCam]

theyve worked out Kispert or were you referring to someone else

Did they? I thought it was just an interview with the Spurs.

Do you have a link by any chance?

[Dejounte]

Did they? I thought it was just an interview with the Spurs.

Do you have a link by any chance?

odd. I looked it up. Found nothing. Must have been thinking it was someone else.

[SAGirl]

I think you said your reservations before about him projecting to be a lesser version of Kyle Anderson because of his poor defense and lack of size?

i think fans of his, or at least myself, are betting on is his vision to be outstanding and on par with the elite players of the NBA. Kyle, while good, never quite reached that level with his passing.

the underrated side of Giddey is his extreme confidence in his abilities. Common flaw among prospects is that they’re so unsure of themselves when they first get on the court. I dont think Giddey will have that problem. It’s even a problem for older young guys and probably the greatest obstacle for them reaching their potential.

another thing is ball handling. I believe his skills in that area is quite advanced. Yes, he does turn the ball over. But I don’t necessarily think ball handling and ball security are the same thing. I think we can look at DJ for that and he had a natural ability to handle the ball but he was not very good taking care of the ball. If we look at this past season, it’s like night and day. He had one of the best ast/to ratio in the league. Anyway, what’s important is that Giddey is very similar in this regard and might actually be a bit more of a street baller compared to DJ. At 6’8” and with that kind of ball handling ability, it will enable him to be a shot creator at some point in his career. That’s what excites me most about his upside.
I mean you can just go back and read what I wrote, some of your paraphrasing me is just wrong.

I questioned the comparisons to Anderson, which btw not mine, some websites have that comparison (maybe a lazy one one their part.) I don’t think he’s Anderson. Anderson is likely to be much better at defense every day every game just by his standing reach and length (he’s also heavier, Giddey plays a lot smaller than he is, light). They don’t have the same physical profiles, so maybe it’s a lazy comparison.

What’s significant is that Anderson had to adapt to play off the ball and as a wing/PF. Does anyone expect Giddey to play like that? Then why the comparison? I didn’t even go that deep into my analysis but I rightly questioned what value if any he’d have off the ball (shooting needs to be better), and whether he could play as a swing.

He was also compared in some websites to Joe Ingles. Another tall wing/PF. First he doesn’t shoot like Ingles, (that can be improved but let’s acknowledge Ingles is in another stratosphere as a shooter). Giddey is much lighter as well and Ingles, like Anderson also swings to SF/PF depending on roster and availability.

if you have Giddey as a tall swing then obviously things like physicality and defense come into play.

Is Giddey going to get the keys to the offense? Does he have value off the ball? Can he defend wings? Legit normal questions that I don’t see answered anywhere.

Another comparison I saw, Evan Turner. Ughhhh

I think all these comparisons are lazy bc right there you’d have to assume that Giddey will need to play as a swing, off the ball at least some of the time.

He doesn’t have comparisons for other PG played as such. That’s my first thing I noticed. Who would you say he’s most like?

One PG just occurred to me now, maybe he’s like Lamelo Ball. I didn’t see that comparison anywhere and haven’t watched enough of either guy to give it, but maybe? That’s great but I wonder why it isn’t out there.

The one comparison to a less athletic PG, that made me nervous about him was a worse shooting and scoring DAngelo Russell, both guys with similar wingspan (Giddey actually has a shorter wingspan!). DLo is smaller but still tall enough to be a big PG. Anyways that comparison scared me shitless bc a worse shooting and scoring Russell would be awful.

I raised a few other issues as well like how passing without gravity is less useful in the nba and how passing without any other contributions of value is overrated (passing alone can’t get you on the court for example, specially as a wing).

I feel he has high bust potential. However, my outlook on him improved significantly when I saw he’s about the youngest guy out in this draft. I didn’t know that b4. I think he’s so young he’s going to be better than currently obviously and I think he has good chanced for his shooting to improve. I also think his lack of athleticism is overstated. He’s average and I think he’ll be able to adapt his game to the league. I also believe he will improve physically with time and effort (plus normal maturing). All these are things I changed my mind on factoring his youth and I do like his moxie a lot, plus his attitude. He’s seen things like a challenge including not getting upset when he didn’t make the 12 man selection for the Australian NT.

I am higher on him than I was, though as you can see, I do believe he’s got questions to answer at the next level. I believe if the Spurs draft him they believe in his work ethic, and I’ll be really excited about him!

[exstatic]

Y’all think it would be worth taking on either Steven Adam’s or Eric Bledsoe if they gave us there 10th pick too?
I hate both of those players. They’re relics of a bygone era.

[Dejounte]

SAGirl I said “ I think “ and ended with a question mark

as for comparisons, there truly are none.

i have also said he is the most riskiest of all my top prospects, that’s why I never put him at the top top.

[R. DeMurre]

Seems like Kuminga is very polarizing. I just don't see it at all. Terrible FG%, poor 3pt%, poor FT%, below average decision maker, mediocre assist to turnover ratio, horrible advanced stats, worst Win Shares on his entire G League team... It just feels like every scouting report comes down to his "NBA body" and the hope that he can "put it all together." I just see so many red flags. I wouldn't even take him at #12.

[Mr. Body]

Seems like Kuminga is very polarizing. I just don't see it at all. Terrible FG%, poor 3pt%, poor FT%, below average decision maker, mediocre assist to turnover ratio, horrible advanced stats, worst Win Shares on his entire G League team... It just feels like every scouting report comes down to his "NBA body" and the hope that he can "put it all together." I just see so many red flags. I wouldn't even take him at #12.

Same. I think he got caught up in the Jalen Green/Ignite hype. I've said many times I don't believe in the G-League in these cases. They don't get the coaching -- both on and off the floor -- don't get the development, don't get any of what they would in college. None of their games matter and they never play cohesive opposition or on cohesive squads. It's glorified AAU and so who gives a shit?

Kuminga, whether or not he's older than we know, got a lot done by bullying his way to the hoop with a strong body. IIRC, this is what Jabari Parker made his name doing when he was drafted high. Fine against marginal peers, it's not gonna work in the actual pros. And, as you say, his numbers fucking sucked. He's all hype.

[exstatic]

Kuminga might even drop to 12.

Lots of talk about how he had zero improvement from high school to g-league or even getting worse. Add in the whispers about his age and who knows?

Halliburton fell unexpectedly, so have many others. All it takes is a couple of teams going another way and then the next few teams pass because they're already in love with the prospects they were expecting.

There are serious questions about his age. He’s a very good prospect at 18, but pretty mediocre at 20. At 20, he should be a LOT more developed already.

[Mr. Body]

I could see Kuminga drop a bit, but would be very surprised to see him go out of the top 10. A team like Orlando should take him.

[CGD]

I could see Kuminga drop a bit, but would be very surprised to see him go out of the top 10. A team like Orlando should take him.

Kuminga has Orlando written all over him.

[Dejounte]

-/+ 1” wingspans who aren’t bad defenders

Jimmy Butler 6’7” WS
Kyle Lowry 6’1” WS
Klay Thompson 6’7-1/2” WS

A study on wingspan:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/fansided.com/2018/07/03/nylon-calculus-wingspan-defense/amp/

[Dejounte]

Kuminga has Orlando written all over him.

i think Sengun has Orlando written all over him. Dude was having the time of his life in Florida on IG

[Larry O]

Giddey does have that feel of a Spurs pick with one week to go.

Yeah, it's my feeling, too! He said that he idolized Andrew Gaze as a kid; he stays in contact with him, and since we have Fifty Mills on the team, and both play together on the Aussie National Team, this all sounds like it's written in the stars for him to be drafted by the Spurs. Hmmm, it's a possibility, but I have a feeling though, that he may be gone before the 12th pick. Any who, just 7 days before the draft! GSG!!!

[SAGirl]

SAGirl (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=49524) I said “ I think “ and ended with a question mark

as for comparisons, there truly are none.

i have also said he is the most riskiest of all my top prospects, that’s why I never put him at the top top.
Fair enough.

if he pans out he’s going to be the first of his kind :-) :bobo

A little of his physical makeup reminded me of Manu, but just probably on being tall and lanky. I think Manu was a lot more athletic and obviously better shooter, finisher scorer etc, so I didn’t mention it.

I think no one says Lonzo bc Lonzo exerts effort on defense.

Isn’t it suspicious he stopped workouts, didn’t attend the combine etc? Maybe he has an offer already and wanted to focus on the Australian National Team, but also he was unlikely to help his stock by such showing (only hurt it)?

[Dejounte]

^He’s got a strong sense of nationalism that it’s not a stretch to believe he was putting country over self (in this case, his own draft stock)

On an unrelated note,

the Rockets will pick Jalen Green, IMO

Their actions throughout the year show a greedy and incompetent owner

Jalen Green will sell lots of tickets for the Rockets. Evan…not so much even if he is a no brainer better talent

[mo7888]

^He’s got a strong sense of nationalism that it’s not a stretch to believe he was putting country over self (in this case, his own draft stock)

On an unrelated note,

the Rockets will pick Jalen Green, IMO

Their actions throughout the year show a greedy and incompetent owner

Jalen Green will sell lots of tickets for the Rockets. Evan…not so much even if he is a no brainer better talent

Perfect analysis on the Rockets situation :bobo

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/E4BEdAGAu7E

[TD 21]

I wouldn't draft Kuminga.

Like I said, I'm a skeptic. It's more about the general idea than him specifically.

[Dejounte]

CRiRKyNliZg

Franz training with Harrison Barnes

If there was a 1% chance he dropped, it’s now a 0%

I’m sorry to kill your hopes mo7888

[bluebellmaniac]

6 Days until the Draft!

So many rumors, so little time...

[offset formation]

All this talk of Sengun is making me wonder if we’ve given up on Milutinov.

probably more of a case of the inverse.

[mo7888]

CRiRKyNliZg

Franz training with Harrison Barnes

If there was a 1% chance he dropped, it’s now a 0%

I’m sorry to kill your hopes mo7888

True dat... I don't think he gets past sacto either but, I wouldn't be surprised to see Orlando snatch him up before them either. I guess if I really wanna dig deep for a bright side view, my guy Robert Woodard might be available in a deal lol

[Dejounte]

True dat... I don't think he gets past sacto either but, I wouldn't be surprised to see Orlando snatch him up before them either. I guess if I really wanna dig deep for a bright side view, my guy Robert Woodard might be available in a deal lol

really odd that he doesn’t seem to be part of their future because I watched all gleague games with in it and he’s a solid piece. Unless they plan to play Wagner mostly at 4

[The Truth #6]

True dat... I don't think he gets past sacto either but, I wouldn't be surprised to see Orlando snatch him up before them either. I guess if I really wanna dig deep for a bright side view, my guy Robert Woodard might be available in a deal lol


Admittedly, I’ve gone into the camp that these released photos can easily be part of the FO misdirection and trying to get teams to want to trade up. But maybe not? The draft always has some surprises so we’ll see, I guess.

[Dejounte]

Admittedly, I’ve gone into the camp that these released photos can easily be part of the FO misdirection and trying to get teams to want to trade up. But maybe not? The draft always has some surprises so we’ll see, I guess.

it was on an IG story by Harrison Barnes. I think very few people are catching this photo. Not gonna stir up any media attention, and probably wont be tweeted about by a Kings journalist, IMO. This is a slip up by one of their players.


OR it could be purely coincidence and Franz just happens to be training in the same gym as Barnes…doubt it.

[mo7888]

Admittedly, I’ve gone into the camp that these released photos can easily be part of the FO misdirection and trying to get teams to want to trade up. But maybe not? The draft always has some surprises so we’ll see, I guess.

That's true as well for the more savy teams..

[mo7888]

really odd that he doesn’t seem to be part of their future because I watched all gleague games with in it and he’s a solid piece. Unless they plan to play Wagner mostly at 4

I've seen reports that Wagner has grown a couple inches, so that very well could be the plan. On Woodard, I still think he's a solid piece as well. I see him as a solid 3 and D guy who brings a good bit of energy to the floor. I hope he gets that shot somewhere..

[Dejounte]

Just learned that Drew Eubanks is working out in the same gym right now. Not joking.

Franz to the Spurs confirmed
mo7888

[Dejounte]

Spurs and Kings will settle who gets Franz in a 1 on 1 with Barnes and Eubanks

[mo7888]

Just learned that Drew Eubanks is working out in the same gym right now. Not joking.

Franz to the Spurs confirmed
mo7888

:lobt2:

[Thomas82]

I'd hate to lose the only young player whose a virtual lock to positively impact winning on both sides of the ball, but this organization not only lacks the type of star power needed for a 3 and D type to thrive, but is actively trying to avoid having the best odds as possible of lucking into it. Combine that with their aversion to change and it'd doubtful there's even a path to starting or full time closing.



All of this!!

[SAGirl]

CRiRKyNliZg

Franz training with Harrison Barnes

If there was a 1% chance he dropped, it’s now a 0%

I’m sorry to kill your hopes mo7888 (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=43104)
I really like Franz. I haven’t commented much about him or gone ga-ga over him because I do believe he’ll be gone. I trust the reports that Sacramento will pick him if he’s still there at 9, even if it’s to trade, and they may very well keep him.

I don’t think he will fall to 12.

Going back to Giddey (he’s likely to still be there at 12) I saw recently where he told a local San Francisco station that he’d love to play for the warriors (dream scenario) for him. Here https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/nba-draft-2021-josh-giddey-knows-warriors-are-dream-fit-him.

I think it’s common for players to sing praises for teams that are courting them when they visit, but since he stopped workouts and such this was suspicious to me. What do you think?

[SAGirl]

Just learned that Drew Eubanks is working out in the same gym right now. Not joking.

Franz to the Spurs confirmed
mo7888 (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=43104)
In the off-season it’s very common to have players compete with each other and have their own sort of “open gym”. It doesn’t mean anything frankly. Happens every year.

Though I know you were just cheeky here.

Hmmm, what about this one? Sacramento invited Eubanks to check him out (since they have their own big issues) because he could potentially be thrown in a trade to swap pick 9 and 12 with Sacramento and get Frank on the Spurs…. :p:

[Dejounte]

I really like Franz. I haven’t commented much about him or gone ga-ga over him because I do believe he’ll be gone. I trust the reports that Sacramento will pick him if he’s still there at 9, even if it’s to trade, and they may very well keep him.

I don’t think he will fall to 12.

Going back to Giddey (he’s likely to still be there at 12) I saw recently where he told a local San Francisco station that he’d love to play for the warriors (dream scenario) for him. Here https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/nba-draft-2021-josh-giddey-knows-warriors-are-dream-fit-him.

I think it’s common for players to sing praises for teams that are courting them when they visit, but since he stopped workouts and such this was suspicious to me. What do you think?

kai and Moody said something along those lines as well. Kai actively likes every photo the Warriors put out. I see the appeal with the Warriors… fast paced, shooters to pass to, shooters get their touches, playing with a legend…

if he has a promise with the Warriors, and Kai goes 11, someone drops…

[Mr. Body]

I really like Franz. I haven’t commented much about him or gone ga-ga over him because I do believe he’ll be gone. I trust the reports that Sacramento will pick him if he’s still there at 9, even if it’s to trade, and they may very well keep him.

I don’t think he will fall to 12.

Going back to Giddey (he’s likely to still be there at 12) I saw recently where he told a local San Francisco station that he’d love to play for the warriors (dream scenario) for him. Here https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/nba-draft-2021-josh-giddey-knows-warriors-are-dream-fit-him.

I think it’s common for players to sing praises for teams that are courting them when they visit, but since he stopped workouts and such this was suspicious to me. What do you think?

He really kind of says playing with the kind of players at GSW is a dream world, not necessarily playing at GSW. It's a slight difference but important I think.

That said, if they like him, they could pull him with their #7. I don't see why they'd need to take Bouknight or Moody or others that mocks suggest. Why are those players better than Giddey? The more I look at him, the more I think he's really good (and that he'd be great on the Warriors). They could also want him with the #14, but feel he's gone by then.

More I see it, I think the top 6 picks are locked in. The #9 (Sacto) may be locked in. What GSW does with #7 is very open. Reports are they may trade out with a package for a veteran -- but why not the Australian? I can definitely see him gone by #10.

[SAGirl]

He really kind of says playing with the kind of players at GSW is a dream world, not necessarily playing at GSW. It's a slight difference but important I think.

That said, if they like him, they could pull him with their #7. I don't see why they'd need to take Bouknight or Moody or others that mocks suggest. Why are those players better than Giddey? The more I look at him, the more I think he's really good (and that he'd be great on the Warriors). They could also want him with the #14, but feel he's gone by then.

More I see it, I think the top 6 picks are locked in. The #9 (Sacto) may be locked in. What GSW does with #7 is very open. Reports are they may trade out with a package for a veteran -- but why not the Australian? I can definitely see him gone by #10.
You see Giddey gone by 10? I need to watch more of the others. I realize these guys are young and unfinished products and all have some flaw. So it’s kind of a gamble on who will improve his deficiencies and make his strengths better. That’s where the character and work ethic survey comes in, where teams would have to project.

I was looking at the past few drafts and precisely there have been good players in the middle of the first and frankly scattered up and down mid-late first and even the second. There are a lot of busts at the top, either because they underperform to the point that guys taken much later in the first are better (say a Duarte taken in the 20s could outperform many of these guys right away and even over time). These flawed guys … many of them are high bust potential… either bc they never fix the part of their game that needed fixing or they hit just the low end of their projection.

even that reporter from the Warriors said for their 7th pick most of those guys would be a reach… he liked Moody and Giddey.

I think GSW wants a win now player and trade, Giddey will need time in my estimation so his timeline does not align with GSW.

But I now think I need to compare him against the pool of others. He’s got at least a clear talent and BBIQ, and he’s soooo young tbh. Like it’s undeniable he’ll be better IMO, he’ll get stronger for example… anyways like I said I need to look at others. When have these mocks been right about the Spurs? Aside from 21-obvious pick?

[Mr. Body]

You see Giddey gone by 10? I need to watch more of the others. I realize these guys are young and unfinished products and all have some flaw. So it’s kind of a gamble on who will improve his deficiencies and make his strengths better. That’s where the character and work ethic survey comes in, where teams would have to project.

I was looking at the past few drafts and precisely there have been good players in the middle of the first and frankly scattered up and down mid-late first and even the second. There are a lot of busts at the top, either because they underperform to the point that guys taken much later in the first are better (say a Duarte taken in the 20s could outperform many of these guys right away and even over time). These flawed guys … many of them are high bust potential… either bc they never fix the part of their game that needed fixing or they hit just the low end of their projection.

even that reporter from the Warriors said for their 7th pick most of those guys would be a reach… he liked Moody and Giddey.

I think GSW wants a win now player and trade, Giddey will need time in my estimation so his timeline does not align with GSW.

But I now think I need to compare him against the pool of others. He’s got at least a clear talent and BBIQ, and he’s soooo young tbh. Like it’s undeniable he’ll be better IMO, he’ll get stronger for example… anyways like I said I need to look at others. When have these mocks been right about the Spurs? Aside from 21-obvious pick?

Which players projected in the top 10 have an elite-level skill? Other than athleticism, which isn't a skill. Giddey has elite-level passing.

I think we get gummed up a lot with mock drafts produced by websites that are looking over each other's shoulders and mimicking most of the same things. The reason why Cade Cunningham is claimed by many to be the 'only' Tier 1 player and sometimes the only 'Superstar Potential' in this draft, which is ludicrously stupid. What about Cunningham pops out to you as a superstar? Not saying he won't be good, or that he could make a leap, but... c'mon.

So there's tons of groupthink. Instead what matters is what GMs go for. Many will be swayed by popular opinion -- not saying Cunningham shouldn't go #1, for example, but soberly -- others will 'reach' for players they think should be at their spots. They evaluate players differently. Obviously this is how the Knicks pick Obi Toppin or Phoenix picks Smith last year and Haliburton drops.

Weird shit happens every draft because the basketball community is collectively crap at evaluating players, everyone gets hard over pure athletes, and it's a hard business, period. Then some GMs get smart and pick guys early who shouldn't have been picked early. And then team fit matters way more than anyone admits. A decent player going to the Wizards ten years ago was likely screwed completely.

What's somewhat unusual this draft year is that two shrewd franchises have multiple picks and some of those very early. GSW and OKC are very smart orgs and often draft well. (So does Toronto, but they're in the 'locked in' top 6.)

So the question is... for all those mock drafts repeating essentially the same things... do we really think Bouknight, Moody, Jalen Johnson, etc., are better prospects than Josh Giddey?

Not saying he's a sure thing, of course, but that we start talking down his abilities, raise his deficiencies, while overlooking them in the others, in order to make these groupthink mock drafts look right in our minds. To me, that GSW beat reporter is just repeating the same line about #7 being a reach for Giddey. Why? If you think he has the appropriate talent, and he's a great fit (very smart IQ-wise, too) and in three years, when no one cares or has forgotten when he was drafted, you think he'll be talked about more than Bouknight or Moody, why do you think he's worth a #13 pick but not a #7 pick?

[SAGirl]

Which players projected in the top 10 have an elite-level skill? Other than athleticism, which isn't a skill. Giddey has elite-level passing.

I think we get gummed up a lot with mock drafts produced by websites that are looking over each other's shoulders and mimicking most of the same things. The reason why Cade Cunningham is claimed by many to be the 'only' Tier 1 player and sometimes the only 'Superstar Potential' in this draft, which is ludicrously stupid. What about Cunningham pops out to you as a superstar? Not saying he won't be good, or that he could make a leap, but... c'mon.

So there's tons of groupthink. Instead what matters is what GMs go for. Many will be swayed by popular opinion -- not saying Cunningham shouldn't go #1, for example, but soberly -- others will 'reach' for players they think should be at their spots. They evaluate players differently. Obviously this is how the Knicks pick Obi Toppin or Phoenix picks Smith last year and Haliburton drops.

Weird shit happens every draft because the basketball community is collectively crap at evaluating players, everyone gets hard over pure athletes, and it's a hard business, period. Then some GMs get smart and pick guys early who shouldn't have been picked early. And then team fit matters way more than anyone admits. A decent player going to the Wizards ten years ago was likely screwed completely.

What's somewhat unusual this draft year is that two shrewd franchises have multiple picks and some of those very early. GSW and OKC are very smart orgs and often draft well. (So does Toronto, but they're in the 'locked in' top 6.)

So the question is... for all those mock drafts repeating essentially the same things... do we really think Bouknight, Moody, Jalen Johnson, etc., are better prospects than Josh Giddey?

Not saying he's a sure thing, of course, but that we start talking down his abilities, raise his deficiencies, while overlooking them in the others, in order to make these groupthink mock drafts look right in our minds. To me, that GSW beat reporter is just repeating the same line about #7 being a reach for Giddey. Why? If you think he has the appropriate talent, and he's a great fit (very smart IQ-wise, too) and in three years, when no one cares or has forgotten when he was drafted, you think he'll be talked about more than Bouknight or Moody, why do you think he's worth a #13 pick but not a #7 pick?
Good points. I started looking at players late this summer so I have focused more on who is projected to be taken at 12. I haven’t looked at the top guys bc they are out of reach and some guys who I clearly liked like Wagner I haven’t focused on because I truly deem him out of reach. He’s tall, skilled, has analytics behind him. Every way you look at him he’s got a high floor. He’s lower on the bust scale. He’ll be one of those guys you’d regret not taking if he was available to you IMO. I like him that much. But after that I’ve looked at Sengun and loved him. The way I see it he’s one of those guys taken later in the first round, even out of the lottery and then he comes back and outperforms a ton of high upside busts that will go in the first.

Giddey I am less sold on. I expect he will have to adjust to play as a wing and I think he’ll be able to but he will need time. I could be wrong of course, but I am starting to see him in a better light. I think he’ll figure it out.

but there’s a lot of others I haven’t looked at bc I just started, either bc they were projected to go ahead of the Spurs or they haven’t called my attention. I haven’t looked at any smaller guards for example and there’s been a few hidden gems every season among that crop of players so I know my survey is incomplete.

Keep sending any recommendations my way bc I’ll be looking at videos and such until the draft. I am looking back on this thread bc a lot was posted early that I wasn’t interested back then (too early for me to look at draft stuff).

I may quote someone’s post from 2 months ago just bc I am going over things now.

Thank you.

[rjv]

i can see giddey legitimately wanting to wind up in GS. for one, he wouldn't have to be depended upon right away and would have time to develop while on a winning team (assuming klay can finally stay healthy) and he has also spent some time being mentored by andrew gaze.

[pad300]

Spurs and Kings will settle who gets Franz in a 1 on 1 with Barnes and Eubanks

So your saying the Kings are getting him...

I like Drew, but this is asking a bit much of a him.

[Dejounte]

So your saying the Kings are getting him...

I like Drew, but this is asking a bit much of a him.

in a fist fight to the death? I dont know man. Ill put money on Drew

[spurspl]

Last year there weren’t any rumblings of the spurs being interested in Devin Vassell right? Makes you wonder if any of the guys the spurs have worked out this time around if they’re even actually interested in them or not lol

tru but his was spurs pick on tankathons mock draft for a long time

[spurspl]

im totally not buying giddey, dont wanna have another guy who is a poor shooter.

[spurspl]

double post

[John B]

Dejounte anyway the Lakers sending this pick to us for Demar?

https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/7/21/22588039/2021-nba-draft-rumors-lakers-promise-chris-duarte

[Dejounte]

Dejounte (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=51342) anyway the Lakers sending this pick to us for Demar?

https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2021/7/21/22588039/2021-nba-draft-rumors-lakers-promise-chris-duarte

its a trade I see more likely to happen than any trade involving our guards. The Lakers need to work with someone who has cap space like the Spurs. It makes total sense.

[R. DeMurre]

I don't know why people give so much weight to things draftees say in interviews after workouts... they're literally on job interviews-- does anyone think they're going to say anything but nice and complimentary things about the team that's literally watching the interview :lol? I've never heard a single guy express doubts about the way Sacramento, New Orleans, Minnesota, or Charlotte have managed their teams in the last five years, but you'd have to be pretty clueless if you didn't at least worry about that.

[R. DeMurre]

I always laugh thinking of that time Joakim Noah was trash talking Cleveland and said "well, have you ever heard someone say they're excited because they're going on vacation to Cleveland?" :lol


https://twitter.com/BN_Bulls/status/1249408941479677953?s=20

[Dejounte]

I don't know why people give so much weight to things draftees say in interviews after workouts... they're literally on job interviews-- does anyone think they're going to say anything but nice and complimentary things about the team that's literally watching the interview :lol? I've never heard a single guy express doubts about the way Sacramento, New Orleans, Minnesota, or Charlotte have managed their teams in the last five years, but you'd have to be pretty clueless if you didn't at least worry about that.

There’s nice and complimentary and then there’s glowing and excited. One example is watching the interview Duarte had with the Wizards and then with the Pacers. In the interview with the Wizards, his body language appeared engaged, his knowledge of the team more than basic, and his words were uplifting. Contrast that with his interview with the Pacers, where he is sitting back, giving short answers, and in a monotone voice. I’m not saying to have a strong takeaway from these interviews (it is just speculation, after all), I’m saying there’s a noticeable difference between the two and that’s what’s being pointed out.

[Mr. Body]

There’s nice and complimentary and then there’s glowing and excited. One example is watching the interview Duarte had with the Wizards and then with the Pacers. In the interview with the Wizards, his body language appeared engaged, his knowledge of the team more than basic, and his words were uplifting. Contrast that with his interview with the Pacers, where he is sitting back, giving short answers, and in a monotone voice. I’m not saying to have a strong takeaway from these interviews (it is just speculation, after all), I’m saying there’s a noticeable difference between the two and that’s what’s being pointed out.

Well, no one wants to live in Indiana.

[Mr. Body]

i can see giddey legitimately wanting to wind up in GS. for one, he wouldn't have to be depended upon right away and would have time to develop while on a winning team (assuming klay can finally stay healthy) and he has also spent some time being mentored by andrew gaze.

Giddey is known for pinpoint whip passes to perimeter spots for shooters.

He's also like the anti- James Wiseman in that he's really smart in basketball terms and doesn't need to be taught how to dribble.

Honestly he'd almost be a waste on the Spurs with no shooters to pass to.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/jeffgspurszone/status/1418628585838071811?s=21

Here’s a tweet to give the Kai fanboys a boner

also

https://twitter.com/jeffgspurszone/status/1418631645154979854?s=21

[bluebellmaniac]

https://twitter.com/jeffgspurszone/status/1418628585838071811?s=21

Here’s a tweet to give the Kai fanboys a boner

also

https://twitter.com/jeffgspurszone/status/1418631645154979854?s=21

Friend of my cousin's neighbor said he spent the night at Pop's mansion and discussed good places to live to get to the practice facility easier. <\bluefont>

[Degoat]

That’s a pretty big sign that the spurs are interested in Kai tbh lol I have a feeling Charlotte grabs him tho

[Ocotillo]

^^i would imagine most, if not all, guys that work out get the tour and meet management.

[Dejounte]

If the Spurs end up selecting Kai, every draft year after this one seems like it will be easy to pin point who the Spurs are picking. Can it really be this obvious?

[R. DeMurre]

Well, no one wants to live in Indiana.


It's always so hard to judge where young players will want to live, tbh. I'm constantly surprised at how popular Miami seems to be-- that's one of the last cities I'd ever want to live in. But New Orleans almost never gets shout-outs, which is also strange, as it's one of the most unique cities in the U.S. to me. I guess most 19/20 year olds about to become millionaires are probably more fascinated by shitty EDM nightclubs and strip club variety than they are about anything resembling culture. :lol

[Manu&Duncan fan]

https://twitter.com/jeffgspurszone/status/1418628585838071811?s=21

Here’s a tweet to give the Kai fanboys a boner

also

https://twitter.com/jeffgspurszone/status/1418631645154979854?s=21

Nice! Charlotte, please don't steal Kai from us. He is a Spur made in heaven! Calm, humble, smart, team player and yet competes hard. By the way, just learned that his high school GPA is 4.2. How can such a smart and hard working guy won't improve quickly? The chance is low. In addition to his height and athleticism, he already has a 3 pt shot with high release. He should be able to contribute in the second half of the season.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

If the Spurs end up selecting Kai, every draft year after this one seems like it will be easy to pin point who the Spurs are picking. Can it really be this obvious?

Usually they're very secretive but they were quite obvious with the Samanic love-in for example.

[Russ]

CRiRKyNliZg

Franz training with Harrison Barnes

If there was a 1% chance he dropped, it’s now a 0%

I’m sorry to kill your hopes mo7888

Not to nit-pick, but shouldn't that hand be a little higher on that block attempt . . .

[Dejounte]

Usually they're very secretive but they were quite obvious with the Samanic love-in for example.

for sure if Kai is available and the Spurs dont select him, we need to record it to our SpursTalk notes to refer to for the future how the Spurs operate

[Kurik]

for sure if Kai is available and the Spurs dont select him, we need to record it to our SpursTalk notes to refer to for the future how the Spurs operate

Don’t trust people who order Salmon when eating free food.

[Degoat]

I would love to have a peak at the spurs big board, I think that’s what it come
down to tbh who they think is the best prospects in the draft

[8FOR!3]

I'm guessing if we DO go with Kai that Collins is a no-go? I'm still on the dream of Giddey/Collins.

[Russ]

Don’t trust people who order Salmon when eating free food.

No wonder he had 4.7% body fat at the combine.

[The Truth #6]

^^i would imagine most, if not all, guys that work out get the tour and meet management.

Yeah, but...he had salmon!

[Dejounte]

I'm guessing if we DO go with Kai that Collins is a no-go? I'm still on the dream of Giddey/Collins.

as much as I’m lower on Kai than other prospects, I’d much rather try to develop him than overpay Collins

[objective]

I want Sengun at 12 AND Collins.

Sengun as the effective bench scoring big, like a Scola or Portis this year, but even better as a scorer, a more aggressive 2014 Diaw. I think his defense can improve to average, just like how Collins has gone from bad to average or even above average as he makes playoffs game saving blocks.

And Collins as the starter with Poeltl.

[wildbill2u]

Call me crazy, but Sengun has interior post moves that remind me of the old Celtics PF Kevin McHale. And McHale will always be an acknowledged master of interior post moves. However, McHale was 30 pound lighter and moved quickly enough to be a Ist all Defensive team selection 3 times. Doubtful Sengun will get anywhere near that level. He could replace Drew on the roster??? Playing with a Center who is pretty athletic defender able to cover for Sengun's lapses, I could see him getting some minutes next year. Any improvement in his outside shooting would be icing on the cake as he develops.

How about a line up across the front of Sengun at point PF, Poertl at Center, and Saminac at point SF. I left Poertl on there because we don't have anyone on the roster that can come close to replacing him. Maybe one of the other prospects in the mix at 12 is the center we are looking for. I haven't started studying any of the other likely players at 12 so I don't have a feel for him in comparison to them. But if he is there and nobody better is there, I'd say he is a good viable pick at 12. (praying for some upside for the 18 y.o. can't hurt.)

[exstatic]

Usually they're very secretive but they were quite obvious with the Samanic love-in for example.

I think when we were selecting at the end of the first round, there were fewer options, and they had to be more secretive. Now, there’s probably 5-6 players they want who could be there at 12.

[wildbill2u]

Friend of my cousin's neighbor said he spent the night at Pop's mansion and discussed good places to live to get to the practice facility easier. <\bluefont>

What, your cousin's neighbor spent the night with Pop discussing fasted ways to get to the Spurs practice facility?? Good info man from an anonymous source. :rolleyes Just kidding ya, Man, didn't mean it as a flame. We have too much of that around here.

[Dejounte]

Now Jericho Sims with a workout with the Spurs

second workout for Duarte and Murphy with the Warriors

[Mr. Body]

Kai Jones would be a massive mistake.

[Mr. Body]

Imo the Spurs aren't that stupid to take Kai at 12 but have him if they trade down. Also taking a guy out to dinner doesn't mean you want to fuck him. Could also be smokescreen to encourage an earlier team like Charlotte to bite. Not the dinner part but the info leak.

[John B]

Now Jericho Sims with a workout with the Spurs

second workout for Duarte and Murphy with the Warriors

Duarte could be gone before Laker's pick at 22. I don't want to pick Duarte at #12 and miss drafting a Sengun or Wagner. By the end of the day, I like Duarte at my starting SG. Collins at Pf and Sengun/Wagner from bench.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

This draft class is so deep that Now I want 3 first round picks. Our own #12 pick - Kai Jones or Sengun; Trade Murray to get the right to draft Giddey. Trade with Clipper to get Sengun or Jones or Murphy III or Duarte. Is this reasonable? can Jones and Sengun coexist? Thansk in advance for your expert input!

[SAGirl]

Giddey is known for pinpoint whip passes to perimeter spots for shooters.

He's also like the anti- James Wiseman in that he's really smart in basketball terms and doesn't need to be taught how to dribble.

Honestly he'd almost be a waste on the Spurs with no shooters to pass to.
I thought of fit too. Another ball handler who can't shoot? Not a great fit. Will get banished to the gleague with Samanic not to be seen again until he can shoot! (I am only half kidding)... I'll probably complain a ton.

[SAGirl]

Kai Jones got dined by the Spurs.

Kai Jones tells me the Spurs took him out to dinner (he had salmon), they spoke about the Spurs and past players. He said the Spurs worked him out 3-on-3 and says it has been his only 3-on-3 workout ahead of the draft. #nba #gospursgo #nbatwitter

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/James_HamNBCS/status/1418629468286029825?s=20

I think we know dinners are all a part of the process…

https://twitter.com/James_HamNBCS/status/1418622944016732161?s=20

GS was that only team so far…

https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/2021-nba-draft-luc-longley-josh-giddey-lamelo-ball/g58grlg9vdjv1xv16oujx07cq


"I think he's going to translate so well, that I've been on the phone to Steve Kerr once a week [saying] 'Steve look at this guy Steve don't miss this guy, do not sleep on this guy,'" Longley said on NBA Australia's Courtside Huddle.
"Two years ago might not have been as confident about how he was going to translate, but here's the thing — he's 6-foot-8 and probably still growing and his dad has passed him on some really good genes as far as his resilience and his toughness and his humility," Longley added

[mo7888]

This draft class is so deep that Now I want 3 first round picks. Our own #12 pick - Kai Jones or Sengun; Trade Murray to get the right to draft Giddey. Trade with Clipper to get Sengun or Jones or Murphy III or Duarte. Is this reasonable? can Jones and Sengun coexist? Thansk in advance for your expert input!

I'm not sure we want that much youth but, we might be able to pick up and extra pick by trading back with okc or trading someone to NY for a pick... to do a deal with the clippers to get their pick we'd probably have to take Kennard in some form or fashion (which I'm good with).

[objective]

Now Jericho Sims with a workout with the Spurs

second workout for Duarte and Murphy with the Warriors

I like Sims as a garbage man. One of the locked on draft hosts, the Mavsdraft guy has been comparing him to Dwight Powell, and I can see it minus any shooting whatsoever. Mavsdraft is my least favorite of the hosts to listen to, but I think he could be right on this.

I think as a vertical threat and as a defender he'd be great to pair with Giddy on a future second unit. Plus that should be a fun summer league team.

[Russ]

for sure if Kai is available and the Spurs dont select him, we need to record it to our SpursTalk notes to refer to for the future how the Spurs operate

Kai was less recruited out of HS than the other guys we're talking about -- it's new for him. He's probably in a "gee whiz" phase, like they took me to dinner and showed me all around . . .

If he really wants to go to the Spurs, he should keep his mouth shut.

On the other hand, with the Spurs' drafting reputation, if Kai wants to go higher he's probably savvy to be putting it out there.

[The Truth #6]

Call me crazy, but Sengun has interior post moves that remind me of the old Celtics PF Kevin McHale. And McHale will always be an acknowledged master of interior post moves. However, McHale was 30 pound lighter and moved quickly enough to be a Ist all Defensive team selection 3 times. Doubtful Sengun will get anywhere near that level. He could replace Drew on the roster??? Playing with a Center who is pretty athletic defender able to cover for Sengun's lapses, I could see him getting some minutes next year. Any improvement in his outside shooting would be icing on the cake as he develops.

How about a line up across the front of Sengun at point PF, Poertl at Center, and Saminac at point SF. I left Poertl on there because we don't have anyone on the roster that can come close to replacing him. Maybe one of the other prospects in the mix at 12 is the center we are looking for. I haven't started studying any of the other likely players at 12 so I don't have a feel for him in comparison to them. But if he is there and nobody better is there, I'd say he is a good viable pick at 12. (praying for some upside for the 18 y.o. can't hurt.)

Agree with so much of this. But I do think Dieng could replace Yak. Defense would suffer, yes, but the offense would flow so much better that I think it should be considered.

Random thought: So would I rather have Sengun and Dieng OR Yak and overpriced player to be named later? I love Yak but until we get a dynamic creator/passer, this team has kinks to work out. Sengun’s offense is old school but he can create for himself and others. Barely anyone else on the team can do so, except for White when he feels healthy and inspired.

Rambling further, I think this is why I prefer Sengun to Giddey—Sengun can score for himself and through that create for others, whereas Giddey’s self creation is more of a question mark, though the passing by itself is transcendent.

Hyperventilating now, it’s almost if we don’t get Sengun, then the roster will need more intense restructuring at some point unless an existing player makes a huge leap.

Anyway...

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I'm not sure we want that much youth but, we might be able to pick up and extra pick by trading back with okc or trading someone to NY for a pick... to do a deal with the clippers to get their pick we'd probably have to take Kennard in some form or fashion (which I'm good with).

I think trading with Clippers will be more realistic than Lakers. Clippers needs some cash to resign Reggie Jackson. They should be happy to send us Kennard and Zubac plus their 25th pick. Laker's trade is a pipe dream too good to be true and depensing on too many factors to happen.

[mo7888]

So, Isaiah Jackson worked out for the Spurs...I guess I had missed that one...

[Dejounte]

So, Isaiah Jackson worked out for the Spurs...I guess I had missed that one...

they took him out for dinner and he ate lobster and steak, with tira misu and a strawberry smoothie

[SAGirl]

https://twitter.com/James_HamNBCS/status/1418629468286029825?s=20

I think we know dinners are all a part of the process…

https://twitter.com/James_HamNBCS/status/1418622944016732161?s=20

GS was that only team so far…

https://www.sportingnews.com/au/nba/news/2021-nba-draft-luc-longley-josh-giddey-lamelo-ball/g58grlg9vdjv1xv16oujx07cq
I am starting to think he does have a promise from GSW with their 14th.
They are trying to trade 7 and won't keep it very possibly but need to workout players in case someone takes him b4 then and just if they end up keeping 7th. There's overt mutual fawning. Great find!

[mo7888]

they took him out for dinner and he ate lobster and steak, with tira misu and a strawberry smoothie

Sounds like we like him better than Kai.....done deal!

[mo7888]

I am starting to think he does have a promise from GSW with their 14th.
They are trying to trade 7 and won't keep it very possibly but need to workout players in case someone takes him b4 then and just if they end up keeping 7th. There's overt mutual fawning.

I read the tea leaves in similar fashion. I just wonder who they are targeting to trade their #7 (and maybe Wiseman) for?

[Russ]

they took him out for dinner and he ate lobster and steak, with tira misu and a strawberry smoothie

Just as long as they didn't ask him to try to toss his napkin in the trash basket.

[Mr. Body]

I am starting to think he does have a promise from GSW with their 14th.
They are trying to trade 7 and won't keep it very possibly but need to workout players in case someone takes him b4 then and just if they end up keeping 7th. There's overt mutual fawning.

I don't think Giddey gets past Indiana.

[John B]

Agree with so much of this. But I do think Dieng could replace Yak. Defense would suffer, yes, but the offense would flow so much better that I think it should be considered.

Random thought: So would I rather have Sengun and Dieng OR Yak and overpriced player to be named later? I love Yak but until we get a dynamic creator/passer, this team has kinks to work out. Sengun’s offense is old school but he can create for himself and others. Barely anyone else on the team can do so, except for White when he feels healthy and inspired.

Rambling further, I think this is why I prefer Sengun to Giddey—Sengun can score for himself and through that create for others, whereas Giddey’s self creation is more of a question mark, though the passing by itself is transcendent.

Hyperventilating now, it’s almost if we don’t get Sengun, then the roster will need more intense restructuring at some point unless an existing player makes a huge leap.

Anyway...

Agree. This team needs another facilitator with Demar potentially leaving and White getting hurt. That’s why I like Sengun, Wagner (and Jalen). But not necessarily a PG as Spurs are already heavy on the guards, and needs more SF/PF/C position, unless they need to trade one of Murray/White/Lonnie to get Collins. I don’t know. Now I’m more lost. The PATFO has a lot to decide with the available salary, resigning or not the expiring contracts, direction moving forward. It all will affect who they draft. Unlike before when we had a working system of the Big 3 and was just adding talents to compliment. Now it’s a possible complete overhaul. I would understand if they still miss the playoffs on the 1st year without Demar, but now they have the proper roster in placed, and to compete on the 2nd year.

While I like DJ’s strides and defense (I don’t doubt he would be an AS some day), he is NOT a PG. Derrick is just waaayyy a better facilitator, and it could be necessary to finally trade DJ to make Derrick the undisputed starting PG of the team.

I would’ve like if: (either Sengun or Wagner at #12). DJ could be gone to get Collins. And get Duarte as part of a Demar S&T:

White/Tre
Duarte/Walker/Mills
Keldon/Devin/(Wagner)
Collins/Samanic/(Sengun)
Poeltl/Dieng/Drew/#42 stretch athletic big

[The Truth #6]

I take all these dinners with a grain of salt until I hear that Luka took them to Sugar’s for surf and turf.

[PhantomDashCam]

I am starting to think he does have a promise from GSW with their 14th.
They are trying to trade 7 and won't keep it very possibly but need to workout players in case someone takes him b4 then and just if they end up keeping 7th. There's overt mutual fawning.

It’s an interesting situation to monitor.
Supposedly they may try to pursue a Brad Beal deal which I would think that picks #7 and #14 would be mandatory inclusions (along with Wiggins, Wiseman, future firsts etc) to get it done.
They may be able to get #15 back which I think they would probably take Duarte in that scenario.

I like the GS fit with Giddey long term but not sure it’s in their best interest to do so when their championship window is rapidly closing.

[The Truth #6]

It’s an interesting situation to monitor.
Supposedly they may try to pursue a Brad Beal deal which I would think that picks #7 and #14 would be mandatory inclusions (along with Wiggins, Wiseman, future firsts etc) to get it done.
They may be able to get #15 back which I think they would probably take Duarte in that scenario.

I like the GS fit with Giddey long term but not sure it’s in their best interest to do so when their championship window is rapidly closing.

Agree about the window closing. They want to trade desperately is my guess. DDR makes a ton of sense there in my biased eyes, but they may see him as closer to being another Wiggins, so to speak.

[SAGirl]

I read the tea leaves in similar fashion. I just wonder who they are targeting to trade their #7 (and maybe Wiseman) for?
Yup and thinking about it further, he sounds very confident and excited (dream scenario for him) to get drafted there. He would have been super happy to shut down workouts and focus on the Australian National Team because as far as he's concerned the team fit is perfect for him and that's better than the chance of getting drafted 1-4 spots ahead.

[SAGirl]

It’s an interesting situation to monitor.
Supposedly they may try to pursue a Brad Beal deal which I would think that picks #7 and #14 would be mandatory inclusions (along with Wiggins, Wiseman, future firsts etc) to get it done.
They may be able to get #15 back which I think they would probably take Duarte in that scenario.

I like the GS fit with Giddey long term but not sure it’s in their best interest to do so when their championship window is rapidly closing.
I thought the same too, particularly because I do think he'll need development with the rest of his offensive game. Not a raw physical tools prospect, but one still young with an incomplete offensive game (never mind the part where his body needs to develop and mature a little as well)... I thought he's just out of their window but the fawning from their media, the player's express preference, he's got a promise.

GSW is sending smoke signals for sure. They have worked out and dined other guys as well and have also been posturing that they want to keep Wiseman... (!) but they have deals possibly worked out that may depend on some contingencies.

Think about it a team with Curry Beal and Klay will benefit more from a Giddey than a Duarte (hypothetical scenario). As good as he may be, what shots do you have for Duarte. Giddey being 6’8” he may play with all those guards technically (his will need to transition to play as wing which I thought he'd need to do anyways). Duarte won't be maximized in a team like that.

Just firing from the hip!

[The Truth #6]

Giddey could easily be working out with teams and not announcing it. And any buzz to GS could be smoke to find a trade partner.

Who knows!

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Agree about the window closing. They want to trade desperately is my guess. DDR makes a ton of sense there in my biased eyes, but they may see him as closer to being another Wiggins, so to speak.

Golden States won't want DDR. They will get Brad Beal or Siakam with their #7, #14 and a couple future picks.

[SAGirl]

Giddey could easily be working out with teams and not announcing it. And any buzz to GS could be smoke to find a trade partner.

Who knows!
The interest is real. He could be gone b4 14 though.

[BackHome]

It’s all mind games at this point from agents to players to teams take what they say with a grain of salt. As far as the draft I don’t want Giddey the chance of a no athletic player with shirt wingspan making it in the NBA is a small percentage add to it that he can’t shoot and that is to much risk to roll the dice.

If we can’t get Sengun or Moody then I am all in trading back I actually think early second round can get us a starter player.

[The Truth #6]

It’s all mind games at this point from agents to players to teams take what they say with a grain of salt. As far as the draft I don’t want Giddey the chance of a no athletic player with shirt wingspan making it in the NBA is a small percentage add to it that he can’t shoot and that is to much risk to roll the dice.

If we can’t get Sengun or Moody then I am all in trading back I actually think early second round can get us a starter player.

I get your point of view for sure. But if we can’t get Sengun or Wagner, I would heavily consider Giddey because our roster construction has flaws. Giddey does too for sure, but by not tanking we’re stuck at 12 with wart-filled players, and I don’t forsee any trades coming.

With Moody my concern is he can’t create and may have limited athleticism and would compete too much with Vassel’s role. Though few agree with me, I’m leaning towards Garuba over Moody because at least he’s a position of need and could contribute immediately, and wouldn’t overcrowd our packed guard and small wing rotation.

[John B]

If Wagner, Sengun (and Jalen :lol) are gone, I'd straight up pick Duarte at #12. Offer the max to Collins and call it a day.

I'd rather S&T Demar and get another 1st round pick, but #22 could be too late for Duarte or even #14. I like Duarte as my starting SG next season.

[R. DeMurre]

I like Duarte as my starting SG next season.


Over a healthy Derrick White? You want to make White a 6th man?

[Dejounte]

Vrenz posted today that he was doing 3v3s. I don’t think Kai doing his first 3v3 indicates anything. If anything, it shows how diligent the Spurs are in their workout process.

[The Truth #6]

Duarte is a better player than Kispert, and can dance around the 3 point line, which IS the NBA now, but Kispert is a true SF, which is closer to a position of need, and though has less mobility, perhaps could play sparingly at the 4. I don’t know. The roster is goofy. It’s a mess. Basically, because I’m very skeptical of any trades coming, I’m leaning against small/big guards (Giddey the exception because he could force DJM off the ball to a more natural position.)

[Mr. Body]

Vrenz posted today that he was doing 3v3s. I don’t think Kai doing his first 3v3 indicates anything. If anything, it shows how diligent the Spurs are in their workout process.

It makes more sense than the typical "watch a guy shoot threes" workouts that don't tell you anything.

[SAGirl]

I get your point of view for sure. But if we can’t get Sengun or Wagner, I would heavily consider Giddey because our roster construction has flaws. Giddey does too for sure, but by not tanking we’re stuck at 12 with wart-filled players, and I don’t forsee any trades coming.

With Moody my concern is he can’t create and may have limited athleticism and would compete too much with Vassel’s role. Though few agree with me, I’m leaning towards Garuba over Moody because at least he’s a position of need and could contribute immediately, and wouldn’t overcrowd our packed guard and small wing rotation.
Let Franz Wagner fall to us! He’d be perfect for the Spurs….
Sengun after him.


——
ok for the daily scheduled Giddey update. I think the fact this guy has been less available, no combine, no workouts, and just rumblings here and there, has me intrigued more than anything. I am sure he’s done interviews on zoom. I found another he gave to OKC (too many draft picks to be spurned.)
https://twitter.com/royceyoung/status/1418673066763247620?s=21 (Pretty funny tidbit… I haven’t seen the full interview)
https://twitter.com/isaac_rivals/status/1418623952189116417?s=21

———
I was just thinking someone good will drop to the Spurs there will for sure be a few busts taken among the first 10.

[SAGirl]

I don't think Giddey gets past Indiana.
Indiana is a mystery to me. Real honest here. I have no idea what that team is doing, who they are losing, who their targets are in FA, etc.

I was just looking at Tankathon and they have the Pelicans taking Giddey. It doesn’t make sense to me but I think they project Lonzo is gone and Giddey is taken to replace him as a PG…

[ginobilized]

One possible factor in all this is the tight connection between Pop and Kerr.
They almost made a deal last year. I see them in great positions to help each other’s teams get better.
If GS makes a trade, I expect the Spurs to be part of it.

[Dejounte]

Let Franz Wagner fall to us! He’d be perfect for the Spurs….
Sengun after him.


——
ok for the daily scheduled Giddey update. I think the fact this guy has been less available, no combine, no workouts, and just rumblings here and there, has me intrigued more than anything. I am sure he’s done interviews on zoom. I found another he gave to OKC (too many draft picks to be spurned.)
https://twitter.com/royceyoung/status/1418673066763247620?s=21 (Pretty funny tidbit… I haven’t seen the full interview)
https://twitter.com/isaac_rivals/status/1418623952189116417?s=21

———
I was just thinking someone good will drop to the Spurs there will for sure be a few busts taken among the first 10.


it is not a “few”

I’ve done this study before.

7 of 10 players in the top 10 don’t amount to stars. 3 is the average. You can look back 20+ years for this.

after the top 10 and between the 11 to 20th pick, the average is at least 1 superstar.

this is why, IMO, tanking is not all that cut out to be. Yes, you increase your odds. But it’s an entirely separate debate to your point.

[SAGirl]

One possible factor in all this is the tight connection between Pop and Kerr.
They almost made a deal last year. I see them in great positions to help each other’s teams get better.
If GS makes a trade, I expect the Spurs to be part of it.
What do you see cooking? Bc I think GSW is going to use their assets for Beal.

[SAGirl]

it is not a “few”

I’ve done this study before.

7 of 10 players in the top 10 don’t amount to stars. 3 is the average. You can look back 20+ years for this.

after the top 10 and between the 11 to 20th pick, the average is at least 1 superstar.

this is why, IMO, tanking is not all that cut out to be. Yes, you increase your odds. But it’s an entirely separate debate to your point.
Hmm I don’t want to get sidetracked into that black hole argument but I am casting a more narrow net for the term bust, like Wiggins for a No 1 pick is a bust, but he’s still in the NBA and figured out how to play like a role player (in an overpriced star contract- but not the point). I mean real busts. Guys who are unplayable in 2 years kind of bust, once the team is tired of tanking and wants to start being competitive.

How many of those are in picks 1-10? Bc I can see a few potentials busting. Then more productive guys who have some questionable athleticism, size, or age “flaw” those stick around and some even become great.

[SAGirl]

Okafor and Jabari Parker… clear busts

[tonight...you]

it is not a “few”

I’ve done this study before.

7 of 10 players in the top 10 don’t amount to stars. 3 is the average. You can look back 20+ years for this.

after the top 10 and between the 11 to 20th pick, the average is at least 1 superstar.

this is why, IMO, tanking is not all that cut out to be. Yes, you increase your odds. But it’s an entirely separate debate to your point.
I believe your analysis is spot on.
Spot on.

[exstatic]

What do you see cooking? Bc I think GSW is going to use their assets for Beal.

They’re salary heavy, and Getting Beal doesn’t relieve that. I also don’t think #7 + Wiggins gets you Beal.

We can eat Wiggins contract + receive #7 for some minor consideration. The get 100% salary relief, and draft the best shooter available with #14. Duarte could plug in and play immediately.

[Dejounte]

Hmm I don’t want to get sidetracked into that black hole argument but I am casting a more narrow net for the term bust, like Wiggins for a No 1 pick is a bust, but he’s still in the NBA and figured out how to play like a role player (in an overpriced star contract- but not the point). I mean real busts. Guys who are unplayable in 2 years kind of bust, once the team is tired of tanking and wants to start being competitive.

How many of those are in picks 1-10? Bc I can see a few potentials busting. Then more productive guys who have some questionable athleticism, size, or age “flaw” those stick around and some even become great.

ah yeah, I was specifically focused on stars who come out of the 10. If the objective of tanking is to get a star in the top 10 (as you should since those guys have a much higher contract than anyone else picked later and at the end of the contract they tend to overpay for any little hope left that theyll reach their potential), then you have failed if all you got was a role player. So yes, i am casting a smaller net.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I am on the Sengun bandwagon. However, anyone who thinks he will play anywhere except Austin his first year have been asleep for the past 10 years. He will learn to play defense and work on his jumper and hopefully grow 2 inches all in Austin.

[SAGirl]

They’re salary heavy, and Getting Beal doesn’t relieve that. I also don’t think #7 + Wiggins gets you Beal.

We can eat Wiggins contract + receive #7 for some minor consideration. The get 100% salary relief, and draft the best shooter available with #14. Duarte could plug in and play immediately.
It’s too rational to make sense!!
I am kidding of course. It makes sense. But it depends entirely on Duarte panning out. They’d blow their chest on a move to relieve themselves from the tax and get a guy they could have gotten anyways. I don’t see it, but financially it makes sense. For contending purposes probably not good enough.

[exstatic]

Hmm I don’t want to get sidetracked into that black hole argument but I am casting a more narrow net for the term bust, like Wiggins for a No 1 pick is a bust, but he’s still in the NBA and figured out how to play like a role player (in an overpriced star contract- but not the point). I mean real busts. Guys who are unplayable in 2 years kind of bust, once the team is tired of tanking and wants to start being competitive.

How many of those are in picks 1-10? Bc I can see a few potentials busting. Then more productive guys who have some questionable athleticism, size, or age “flaw” those stick around and some even become great.

My idea of a bust is pick position dependent. Marvin Bagley of Sacramento is my example. He was the #2 overall pick in 2017. His numbers are startlingly consistent at about 14.5p/7.5r, and they track flat over his 3 years, very little variance. That’s a bad th8ng for someone on a rookie deal. You want to see improvement. In addition, his advanced stats are awful, negative nearly across the board. If you had minutes to give him, you could get a big off the waiver wire, plug him in, and expect those numbers. A clear bust IMO. Here’s the kicker: if he were picked at, say, #15, I wouldn’t consider him a bust. There aren’t the expectations further back in the round that there are at the top.

[ginobilized]

What do you see cooking? Bc I think GSW is going to use their assets for Beal.

It’s just a gut feeling. Maybe nothing. Im not good with cap space, etc.
Pop and Kerr being in Japan for the draft is interesting in and of itself.
The Spurs can’t help the Warriors directly, but, could be a 3rd team to make deal work.
Probably wishful thinking. Possibly DDR sign and trade to Wizards, Beal to GS #7 and filler to Spurs. Just an off the cuff idea. I’m surely missing some details.

[tonight...you]

They’re salary heavy, and Getting Beal doesn’t relieve that. I also don’t think #7 + Wiggins gets you Beal.

We can eat Wiggins contract + receive #7 for some minor consideration. The get 100% salary relief, and draft the best shooter available with #14. Duarte could plug in and play immediately.
Awesome idea.
If only it happens...

[John B]

Over a healthy Derrick White? You want to make White a 6th man?
I want Derrick the starting PG. Duarte the starting SG. As much as I like DJ’s strides and defense, Derrick is waaay better at facilitating. I think it’s necessary to move Murray and make Derrick the undisputed starting PG. Move DJ to get Collins. Unless DJ would take a 6th man role like Crawford. Just my take.

[PhantomDashCam]

I thought the same too, particularly because I do think he'll need development with the rest of his offensive game. Not a raw physical tools prospect, but one still young with an incomplete offensive game (never mind the part where his body needs to develop and mature a little as well)... I thought he's just out of their window but the fawning from their media, the player's express preference, he's got a promise.

GSW is sending smoke signals for sure. They have worked out and dined other guys as well and have also been posturing that they want to keep Wiseman... (!) but they have deals possibly worked out that may depend on some contingencies.

Think about it a team with Curry Beal and Klay will benefit more from a Giddey than a Duarte (hypothetical scenario). As good as he may be, what shots do you have for Duarte. Giddey being 6’8” he may play with all those guards technically (his will need to transition to play as wing which I thought he'd need to do anyways). Duarte won't be maximized in a team like that.

Just firing from the hip!

Good stuff.
The question is though, at what stage is Klay coming back and what % of a player is he when he returns from injury?

I think Nico Mannion could still be a backup PG in this league too. (He'll be playing for Italy tomorrow fwiw).
They're going to need shooting and probably more acutely scoring to stay competitive in the short term.

Bouknight fits the profile but not sure he would be at that level yet to be relied upon consistently. I would think it has to be a vet of some kind.

This draft seems to be getting nutty from the #2 pick this year...Should be a helluva ride.
:flag:

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/BryanKalbrosky/status/1418648302673870851?s=20

[SAGirl]

ah yeah, I was specifically focused on stars who come out of the 10. If the objective of tanking is to get a star in the top 10 (as you should since those guys have a much higher contract than anyone else picked later and at the end of the contract they tend to overpay for any little hope left that theyll reach their potential), then you have failed if all you got was a role player. So yes, i am casting a smaller net.

We aren’t really talking about the same thing. You’ll understand my point better if you get where I am coming from.

I don’t want the Spurs to be the ones stuck gambling and getting a potential that ends up being a zero, an unplayable, a real bust. It’s arguable Samanic is starting to fall into this category for example.

I know the chances are small the Spurs draft a star, and sometimes the guy that ends up being the star doesn’t look like that early. But he’ll at least contribute something right away like Kawhi, Paul George, etc. I mean sometimes the guy looks like he’ll be one from his first season, but not always. However, he will at least be a good player pretty early and give you flashes, that’s my more humble goal. I want a good player. Now turning that good player into the star that’s the tough tough goal.

So for me I define bust more narrowly, because there’s guys that are the unplayables, the true busts, and those are the ones I want to avoid.

It doesn’t matter for my point how widely you define bust, for me I want to avoid a bad player, one who will need a ton of Gleague before you can even see what it is that he can do at the NBA level because certain things you projected never turned out. I think for Samanic that was shooting. I believe he was expected to add that to his game and without it he was beat to the spot by others. He may not be unplayable (we should find out next season) but he’s been marginal. I believe he’ll get chances next season because the Spurs need to find what they have, I hope he’s ready.

But for my point, I draw some relief from the fact that the biggest swing and misses will probably happen somewhere between 1-10, leaving some better prospects for the next tier. Not necessarily stars (although possible, though they may not be recognizable as such), but some pretty good players will be there at 12, and I trust the Spurs to find them.

Another way of saying it:

So much attention is paid to drafting that one needle in the haystack, but how about not drafting all that hay that looks like a needle? Spurs aren’t immune to it, but if all that confusing needle-looking hay goes top 10, then yay!! That’s basically where I am coming from. The less chances one of those true busts “falls” to the Spurs the better, so let the huge gambles go high!

Bc then the Spurs have a better pool to find the potential needle, or at least some of the playable hay.

[SAGirl]

My idea of a bust is pick position dependent. Marvin Bagley of Sacramento is my example. He was the #2 overall pick in 2017. His numbers are startlingly consistent at about 14.5p/7.5r, and they track flat over his 3 years, very little variance. That’s a bad th8ng for someone on a rookie deal. You want to see improvement. In addition, his advanced stats are awful, negative nearly across the board. If you had minutes to give him, you could get a big off the waiver wire, plug him in, and expect those numbers. A clear bust IMO. Here’s the kicker: if he were picked at, say, #15, I wouldn’t consider him a bust. There aren’t the expectations further back in the round that there are at the top.
This is entirely correct and is the better explanation of the concept.

Since the Spurs aren’t drafting at 2, my concern isn’t getting the star… some drafts only have one, you’d want to be the one who gets him, but the Spurs aren’t at 1-4.

They could still draft a bust for their spot, meaning they gamble so high that they miss on other good players available. Spurs aren’t known for this kind of thing. It’s been rarer for them but they aren’t immune to a gamble here and there on a guy that’s incomplete. They’d need X or Y or Z to be playable. You’d hope the guy develops if, but he doesn’t.

No one hits bullseye 100% and I think the Spurs hit more than most but they need hits now.

[Chinook]

I think there are three basic paths to being a star. A) A player is a star in college/overseas and comes in still being a star; B) A player comes in raw and ends up booming into a star; C) A player comes in with a well-defined niche and is thought of as a role-player but then develops into a star. We should all be able to see that the most likely path is A). That's the reason why so many stars come from top picks. Not every A) is a top pick. Lillard, Mitchell and potentially Haliburton are examples of guys drafted out of the top-five picks who end up just continuing on. The disagreement is that I think a lot of fans believe that B) is significantly more common than C), to the point that the downside of trying for B) and missing against the downside of missing C) and getting a role-player is somehow smaller than the upside difference. To put it another way, those folks seem to believe that having a bigger gap between a player's floor and their ceiling is the same as having a higher ceiling. I don't actually agree with this assumption. Very few raw players develop into stars, and even though guys in C) don't usually become top-five players, top-five players are usually guys in A) anyway, and once you get down to like third-tier stars you end up seeing a higher percentage of guys in C) than in B) anyway.

As I've said before development isn't actually something than can be summed up in a simple graph. Like you can't say, "In X years, this player has some percentage chance of being good, and that's worth passing up on this other player who doesn't have a chance to be that good." It's not just about how good you can end up being. It's how effective a player will be at various points in time, how confident a staff can be at adding certain skills, how useful the player will be over the life of their time with the club, and maybe an overlooked fact -- how valuable will this player be on the trade market at various points of time. A guy from B) might be more valuable on the trade market for the first couple of years, but guys in C) will end up being really useful in collecting future assets since they're coveted by both contenders and mediocre teams. Guys in B) are at best players who might help get a star from a rebuilding team, provided they're developing well enough to not show a bust downside yet.

As I've also said before, the idea that the Spurs need to find a way to draft a franchise talent as their primary goal is antiquated. Not only are most stars acquired by trade nowadays, but guys on bad or even meh teams will ask out much more frequently. You can't draft a star and then build a team around him, because stars are usually too impatient for that. You have to basically be able to build a title contending team within two or three years of a star emerging. The idea of drafting a KD/RW/JH trio and keeping them together for a decade just won't happen anymore. It didn't even happen eight years ago or whenever the Thunder traded Harden, and the NBA wasn't where it is now. A no, it's not "Still the best way for a small-market team to build". The strategy is just more free-agent oriented for large-market teams. Trading is critical to both.

I think I'm spinning off a bit. The point I'm basically making is that the Spurs shouldn't worry about looking for a franchise player, especially if they're doing that by looking at raw guys with "upside" over established players with a clear NBA floor. If you draft a bunch of Brogdon's, you can make the moves to become a dark-horse than if you draft a bunch of raw, skinny 18-year-olds. You just have to be willing to let those Brogdon's go to get better pieces rather than coveting them or comparing them to stars.

[SAGirl]

What do people think of Kispert ? Not your prospect with a lot of potential but he could fill the need of shooting, he is lethal in that area.
True SF imo with good size, Not an elite athlet, doesn't look bad but not explosive, he can drive, shoot of the dribble....

The concern are his age and ceilling and he could be gone before our pick. And the Defense, i don't how he will be in the NBA but i think he can guard correctly SF not named Durant, Kawhi....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4S8xInBcFw

A little bit long but interesting.
I hadn’t watched him, but I like him. Reminds me a little of McBucketts, which is a FA I liked, but I think he could be better.

Anyways, I think he would help this Spurs team more than a few other projects that will need gleague and still won’t ever shoot like that.

he’s not one dimensional either, drives well, finishes well at the rim, is athletic.

[ginobilized]

I hadn’t watched him, but I like him. Reminds me a little of McBucketts, which is a FA I liked, but I think he could be better.

Anyways, I think he would help this Spurs team more than a few other projects that will need gleague and still won’t ever shoot like that.

he’s not one dimensional either, drives well, finishes well at the rim, is athletic.
I’m warming up to Kispert, too.
Super shooter. He’d add a lot to the Spurs. The good news is that it will be a fluke or act of God to stop us from getting a good prospect.

[Dejounte]

We aren’t really talking about the same thing. You’ll understand my point better if you get where I am coming from.

I don’t want the Spurs to be the ones stuck gambling and getting a potential that ends up being a zero, an unplayable, a real bust. It’s arguable Samanic is starting to fall into this category for example.

I know the chances are small the Spurs draft a star, and sometimes the guy that ends up being the star doesn’t look like that early. But he’ll at least contribute something right away like Kawhi, Paul George, etc. I mean sometimes the guy looks like he’ll be one from his first season, but not always. However, he will at least be a good player pretty early and give you flashes, that’s my more humble goal. I want a good player. Now turning that good player into the star that’s the tough tough goal.

So for me I define bust more narrowly, because there’s guys that are the unplayables, the true busts, and those are the ones I want to avoid.

It doesn’t matter for my point how widely you define bust, for me I want to avoid a bad player, one who will need a ton of Gleague before you can even see what it is that he can do at the NBA level because certain things you projected never turned out. I think for Samanic that was shooting. I believe he was expected to add that to his game and without it he was beat to the spot by others. He may not be unplayable (we should find out next season) but he’s been marginal. I believe he’ll get chances next season because the Spurs need to find what they have, I hope he’s ready.

But for my point, I draw some relief from the fact that the biggest swing and misses will probably happen somewhere between 1-10, leaving some better prospects for the next tier. Not necessarily stars (although possible, though they may not be recognizable as such), but some pretty good players will be there at 12, and I trust the Spurs to find them.

Another way of saying it:

So much attention is paid to drafting that one needle in the haystack, but how about not drafting all that hay that looks like a needle? Spurs aren’t immune to it, but if all that confusing needle-looking hay goes top 10, then yay!! That’s basically where I am coming from. The less chances one of those true busts “falls” to the Spurs the better, so let the huge gambles go high!

Bc then the Spurs have a better pool to find the potential needle, or at least some of the playable hay.

to sum it up: you want the prospect to show something short term for you to believe there’s something there long term

i mean, that’s a scouting philosophy and something I’ve been preaching since day 1. It’s evident by the players I have in my higher tiers. The lower tiers contain the guys who I don’t have as much confidence will be playable in the short term and others, I feel like dont have much to show after showing something in the short term. With a #12 pick I expect more than that.

We just both have a different definition of what a bust is. I don’t necessarily think there are big swings in the top 10… a lot of those guys look like they all have enough talent to show something in the short term. Where we differ in our view is our expectations after the short term. I’d rather fail hard than get a worthless investment in a role player in the top 10. That’s all it is and it’s okay. Ultimately, i want to get a player who looks good immediately but also shows star potential occasionally too.

[alfahdlan]

It’s happening.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/7/23/22591267/report-the-spurs-have-conducted-a-pre-draft-meeting-with-moses-moody

[Uriel]

Ha ha ha ha!!! You still hold out hope?
That ship sailed homie.
Has it though? Milutinov is only 26, roughly the same age Tiago was when he joined our team.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/n_magaro/status/1418776447758520323?s=21

Thor had dinner with the Spurs and had a cheeseburger

Feels like they’ve worked out everyone from the draft pool at this point

[rankingtear]

It’s happening.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/7/23/22591267/report-the-spurs-have-conducted-a-pre-draft-meeting-with-moses-moody

Guessing no workout since him and Lonnie share the same agent. Lonnie is up for extension too.

[PhantomDashCam]

https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1418644931506151425?s=20

Come on Jalen… They kind of are.

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1418644931506151425?s=20

Come on Jalen… They kind of are.

His last sentence is exactly what a lot of assholes I've known in my life have said about themselves.

[John B]

https://twitter.com/JandersonSacBee/status/1418644931506151425?s=20

Come on Jalen… They kind of are.

Jalen ordered steak and lobster and a bottle of Screaming Eagle :bobo

[Mr. Body]

Jalen ordered steak and lobster and a bottle of Screaming Eagle :bobo

He ate with his hands and left halfway through.

[John B]

He ate with his hands and left halfway through.

:lmao

[ragas]

https://twitter.com/n_magaro/status/1418748157186424834?s=21

Would be great to pick him up as an undrafted FA. He’s underrated; energy big, who can shoot a bit.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Has it though? Milutinov is only 26, roughly the same age Tiago was when he joined our team.

It's unlikely because the value of true centers has dropped in the NBA and they're rarely worth the MLE or near MLE salary. Milutinov makes a lot of money in Europe right now and would have to take a paycut to go to the NBA. Doesn't strike me as the kind of guy who'd do it.

[PhantomDashCam]

Draft is going to be bananas...

Both prospects rumored to have completed two workouts with the same team:

Williams - Orlando
Sengun - Charlotte.

https://twitter.com/chadfordinsider/status/1418678181935030272?s=20

https://twitter.com/HornetsPR/status/1418598054647762946?s=20

[JuneJive]

What are some good draft boards out there?

Some links? ( not espn or the other big ones )

[bluebellmaniac]

5 Days until the Draft!

It's all becoming as clear as mud who we are taking!

[Dejounte]

Drafting Ziaire would be the most Magic thing to do. Please do it.

[CGD]

I take all these dinners with a grain of salt until I hear that Luka took them to Sugar’s for surf and turf.

It’s also about building the long term Spurs brand as “first class” organization, etc. Plus you never know who the next John Collins is in 4 years looking for a new destinations— in the grand scheme of things 4 years is very little time.

[CGD]

Drafting Ziaire would be the most Magic thing to do. Please do it.

That’s how I view Kuminga. Classic Orlando profile: super athlete, huge raw talent, and/or tantalizing physical tools, but unclear what his true skillset is (see Bamba, Issac, Herzonia)

[CGD]

It’s happening.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2021/7/23/22591267/report-the-spurs-have-conducted-a-pre-draft-meeting-with-moses-moody

Moody is interesting, but he’d have to either be super elite at shooting at next level or become
a better finisher around the rim. Seems like he doesnt really get off the ground that much around the rim or just is slow.

[Ocotillo]

I am thinking I want smart, high BBIQ and less super athlete with potential. Super athlete is likely to spend a year or two toiling in Austin and while the team has a good track record of drafting and developing guys, it feels like we are getting to the point where some of our "young players" are getting close to, if not aging out, at least entering the stage of their playing career where they now the veteran players.

I understand the desire for the potential of a guy like Kai Jones but by the time he is ready, DWhite will be knocking on the door of turning 30.