Spurs Mock Draft 1.0: Picking at 9, 20, 25 and 38 for the Spurs

[Drom John]

The Hoop Doctors | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Top 10 Picks
admin, May 23, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Bennedict Mathurin

Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs are always looking for a specific kind of player in the NBA Draft, and Bennedict Mathurin fits that mold. Mathurin exploded on the scene at Arizona last year, and he will be an impact player at the next level.

[mo7888]

What would you say is the trade value on 9?

Trading down or for an established player?

[rascal]

Meh. Maybe, but bust rate is a lot higher for Sharpe. No way I'm taking him over Ivey.

Neither will bust.

[Mr. Body]

The Hoop Doctors | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Top 10 Picks
admin, May 23, 2022

I actually don't think Methurin fits the 'specific kind of player' mold Popovich looks for. Not saying he wouldn't like him, but this isn't a Popovich type.

[RiverwalkParade]

Trading down or for an established player?

Player or future picks. Not a popular idea, but if this is a flat draft, couldn’t we get the most value from 9, tie up less money with later picks and hope for better results next year?

[rascal]

nope, that's too much.

Even without the 2023 FRP i'll have to think about it. Depends on who is there.

I'm a believer in Quality over Quantity.

You need stars to win in this league and moving up to 4 in this draft gives you a chance at getting a star level talent. Barring injury of course Sharpe and Ivey are no miss talents to me.

The 9th pick this year is not likely to net an all star player(most likely a solid starter) unless the unexpected happens and a couple of teams reach.

The pick in the 20s might just be a role player if your lucky and many of those picks don't even make the team. Josh Richardson is not worth giving up a chance at a future top 10 talent in the league.

The lotto protected pick also doesn't hurt too bad as it saves you from losing a top pick next year with a bad season so it's not a bad trade if you really look deep into it and don't get caught up that you're giving so much up (quantity)because you really aren't.

[rascal]

I actually don't think Methurin fits the 'specific kind of player' mold Popovich looks for. Not saying he wouldn't like him, but this isn't a Popovich type.

Pop would pass on Mathurin for Sochan.

[DesignatedT]

Spurs should just try to unload the 25 to a team without a first rounder this year (NOP, LAL) for an unprotected first next year. Teams without a first round pick often feel desperate to try and get into the action. Spurs don't need four picks.

[rascal]

Spurs should just try to unload the 25 to a team without a first rounder this year (NOP, LAL) for an unprotected first next year. Teams without a first round pick often feel desperate to try and get into the action. Spurs don't need four picks.

Not likely to get an unprotected for that low of a pick but probably a protected is what the Spurs will do.

[KingKev]

Just one more month until we get our future superstar

Disrespectful to Vassell and Primo.

[mo7888]

Player or future picks. Not a popular idea, but if this is a flat draft, couldn’t we get the most value from 9, tie up less money with later picks and hope for better results next year?

I don't think trading it for a future pick makes any sense. Trading for a player hypothetically could make sense if the Spurs want to go their version of all-in next year (although I don't want them to trade 9). The value of 9 probably gets you a Grant or John Collins...maybe even a little better... I don't think those are wise trades though..

[exstatic]

Spurs should just try to unload the 25 to a team without a first rounder this year (NOP, LAL) for an unprotected first next year. Teams without a first round pick often feel desperate to try and get into the action. Spurs don't need four picks.

??? New Orleans has a FRP, lottery in fact. They got it when the Lakers dropped out of the playoffs. LA owes NO a pick swap option next year, too. Not sure if you can trade the option or not. They also owe NO their 2024 FRP.

Teams without a FRP in this draft:
Toronto
Boston
Clippers
Lakers
Phoenix
Utah
Philly

Doubt we entertain trading picks back to TOR or BOS. Both LA teams are in huge pick debt. Our best bets to trade with a team lacking an FRP are PHO, UTH, PHI. There also may be teams wanting an extra FRP.

[KingKev]

^ we are going to struggle to move these 2022 draft picks for future picks (I suspect) without paying a cost due to the market Ex described above.

[Ariel]

Spurs should just try to unload the 25 to a team without a first rounder this year (NOP, LAL) for an unprotected first next year. Teams without a first round pick often feel desperate to try and get into the action. Spurs don't need four picks.
Unload like it's a burden? Not all drafts are equal, and there will be players available at 25 that may not be there next year... so if there's someone we like I'd rather take the chance now (even if we take on 3 rookies) than putting it off for a year where there may be no one worth the pick. So no. unless there's no one we like or we get a good enough offer.

[Ariel]

I REALLY like this kid @20 ... him @25 would be a total steal IMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0r8NcU2nNQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5UsVC3YCuc

[exstatic]

^ we are going to struggle to move these 2022 draft picks for future picks (I suspect) without paying a cost due to the market Ex described above.

The key could be teams that want an extra pick. PHO can trade their 2024 without question. Utah has an outstanding debt 2024 FRP that could extend with protections to 2026, meaning their first available FRP would be 2028. OTOH, if it conveys in 2024, their 2026 pick would be available. I think the trade language could be written 2028 FRP, or two years after the 2024 pick conveys. Chicago, Indy, NYK and ATL each have an extra FRP for next year. Brooklyn has a FRP from Philly in 2027. Memphis has a VERY lightly protected 2024 GS FRP. New Orleans is frikkin loaded, having a 23 pick swap and 24 FRP from LAL, and 2024/2026 swaps and 2025/2027 FRPs from MIL. Orlando has extra 2023 and 2025 FRPs. Portland has an extra 2025 FRP.

There are tradeable FRPs out there.

[exstatic]

Unload like it's a burden? Not all drafts are equal, and there will be players available at 25 that may not be there next year... so if there's someone we like I'd rather take the chance now (even if we take on 3 rookies) than putting it off for a year where there may be no one worth the pick. So no. unless there's no one we like or we get a good enough offer.

So, kick it 3/4 years down the road. Much more likely that lightning strikes in that time period.

You can't effectively develop 3-4 players at one time. There aren't the staff resources or the time for practices during the season. You have to take a chance, and kick the pick down the road. This isn't some special draft where a monster player is going to drop to 25. Maybe you get lucky and hit the rumored 'double draft' where they let the HS players enter again.

[KingKev]

The key could be teams that want an extra pick. PHO can trade their 2024 without question. Utah has an outstanding debt 2024 FRP that could extend with protections to 2026, meaning their first available FRP would be 2028. OTOH, if it conveys in 2024, their 2026 pick would be available. I think the trade language could be written 2028 FRP, or two years after the 2024 pick conveys. Chicago, Indy, NYK and ATL each have an extra FRP for next year. Brooklyn has a FRP from Philly in 2027. Memphis has a VERY lightly protected 2024 GS FRP. New Orleans is frikkin loaded, having a 23 pick swap and 24 FRP from LAL, and 2024/2026 swaps and 2025/2027 FRPs from MIL. Orlando has extra 2023 and 2025 FRPs. Portland has an extra 2025 FRP.

There are tradeable FRPs out there.

I appreciate that insight and knowledge here I really do. Problem is other teams like OKC, Charlotte etc also have multiple picks so there are probably going to be a few teams jockeying to defer FRPs.

[exstatic]

I appreciate that insight and knowledge here I really do. Problem is other teams like OKC, Charlotte etc also have multiple picks so there are probably going to be a few teams jockeying to defer FRPs.

OKC and Houston both have two picks, but they will be much more expensive than our 20 and/or 25. OKCs are 1 and 12, and Houston's are 3 and 17. Those lottery picks are going to cost multiple FRPs, where ours will be a 1 for 1 exchange for a future FRP.

[Chinook]

Houston literally had four first-rounders last year. I made a post a few months back showing that the clear majority of drafts have had teams that have made at least three picks. The irony is that in the case where a team came into the draft with three picks but dump one, the pick that gets dumped has turned out to be the best player of the three. A team that wants a first badly enough to trade future assets for it almost always does so because there is a player they really like who falls low enough to take a chance on. Why teams are wrong about players they fall in love with all the time, they are right often enough to where I'd be wary of a call when the Spurs have the 25th from some team looking to trade future assets for it. The last thing you want is to give up the next Thybulle or Bane trying to be cute with your warchest.

Mind you, that's different than using a first to trade up. Historically, that doesn't often work out that well either. But if you see a guy and have the means, it could make sense. The point was about planning to trade away firsts for future assets rather than just making the picks.

[Ariel]

So, kick it 3/4 years down the road. Much more likely that lightning strikes in that time period.

You can't effectively develop 3-4 players at one time. There aren't the staff resources or the time for practices during the season. You have to take a chance, and kick the pick down the road. This isn't some special draft where a monster player is going to drop to 25. Maybe you get lucky and hit the rumored 'double draft' where they let the HS players enter again.
It depends on what kind of players you take. If it's 3 Primos or Pokusevskis you're talking about, sure. There's no room for multiple guys in your roster that will take playing time and won't be productive for 2/3 year . But take the Pelicans for instance. Last year they took 3 rookies: Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Alvarado. All three productive from day one, and all three with upside left.
With Lonnie & Richardson likely on their way out, probably Poeltl as well, are you going to tell me that you can't add a third rookie because of Wieskamp, KBD, Landale?... I'd much rather take a flyer on Liddell, Kendall Brown, Wesley, Hardy, Kamagate, or whomever could be reasonably productive and falls, than missing out because you want to keep your 13th, 14th or 15th guy.
So in short. If no one we like is available, sure, trade it away. Or if you get a good offer, like trading up, or for a future pick projected to go higher. But trading it away just for the notion that you can't add 3 rookies (when reality shows you can) can be a wasted opportunity.

[exstatic]

It depends on what kind of players you take. If it's 3 Primos or Pokusevskis you're talking about, sure. There's no room for multiple guys in your roster that will take playing time and won't be productive for 2/3 year . But take the Pelicans for instance. Last year they took 3 rookies: Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Alvarado. All three productive from day one, and all three with upside left.
With Lonnie & Richardson likely on their way out, probably Poeltl as well, are you going to tell me that you can't add a third rookie because of Wieskamp, KBD, Landale?... I'd much rather take a flyer on Liddell, Kendall Brown, Wesley, Hardy, Kamagate, or whomever could be reasonably productive and falls, than missing out because you want to keep your 13th, 14th or 15th guy.
So in short. If no one we like is available, sure, trade it away. Or if you get a good offer, like trading up, or for a future pick projected to go higher. But trading it away just for the notion that you can't add 3 rookies (when reality shows you can) can be a wasted opportunity.

If JRich andPoodle are moved, there will be contracts coming back. It’s not all just about roster spots, though The Spurs have the player development program they do because they limit themselves to two players per year. That’s how they get a #29 pick from the streets into the ASG. That’s how they get another #29 pick to be a 17 point scorer who shoots 40% from deep. It takes time and attention to develop quality NBA players. The Spurs know that, and they have a formula and a process.

[KingKev]

If JRich andPoodle are moved, there will be contracts coming back. It’s not all just about roster spots, though The Spurs have the player development program they do because they limit themselves to two players per year. That’s how they get a #29 pick from the streets into the ASG. That’s how they get another #29 pick to be a 17 point scorer who shoots 40% from deep. It takes time and attention to develop quality NBA players. The Spurs know that, and they have a formula and a process.

Maybe the answer is more guys “from the streets”

[Mr. Body]

It depends on what kind of players you take. If it's 3 Primos or Pokusevskis you're talking about, sure. There's no room for multiple guys in your roster that will take playing time and won't be productive for 2/3 year . But take the Pelicans for instance. Last year they took 3 rookies: Trey Murphy, Herb Jones and Alvarado. All three productive from day one, and all three with upside left.
With Lonnie & Richardson likely on their way out, probably Poeltl as well, are you going to tell me that you can't add a third rookie because of Wieskamp, KBD, Landale?... I'd much rather take a flyer on Liddell, Kendall Brown, Wesley, Hardy, Kamagate, or whomever could be reasonably productive and falls, than missing out because you want to keep your 13th, 14th or 15th guy.
So in short. If no one we like is available, sure, trade it away. Or if you get a good offer, like trading up, or for a future pick projected to go higher. But trading it away just for the notion that you can't add 3 rookies (when reality shows you can) can be a wasted opportunity.

Alvarado wasn't drafted and NOP was a complete fluke.

Houston, meanwhile, sucked.

[Chinook]

The Spurs have the player development program they do because they limit themselves to two players per year.

FFS this isn't a thing. The Spurs don't "limit themselves to two players". They usually have two rookies because they have two draft picks, like the average NBA team does. They also bring in UDFAs and cast-offs to serve either as two-way players or direct signing to the Toros. Last year, they have Primo, Wieskamp and Cacock. In 2019, they had Sam, Keldon, Weatherspoon and Eubanks. "But Eubanks was actually a rookie in 2018" So what? The program isn't a one-season thing. Improvement doesn't just happen in training montages. It takes years of instruction, practice and physical maturation. Insofar as the Spurs have some developmental academy, it doesn't manifest in a big one-year jump where the player reaches their potential and stays there.

Also, I think repping Murray as some unique triumph for making it as an alternate due to a guy drafted at 35 bowing out, where there were six other guys drafted in the 20s or later, teeters on the edge between Spurs homerism and Spurs nationalism. They are not superlative developing guys to the point where we should mythologize idiosyncrasies of their history as necessary steps of their process. They haven't earned that and probably don't even want it. It makes even less sense given that it was the Spurs that acquired the three firsts in the first place. If there's something necessary to their process that requires them to not let too many younguns into their super-secret hyperbolic time chamber, someone should tell them that.

[Mr. Body]

The Spurs ain't gonna have four rookies on the team. Full stop.

They're not going to have six fucking players, including Primo and Wieskamp, that don't have a full season's worth of playing time among them.

[Chinook]

The Spurs ended last season with seven players who were rookies or sophomores, and that's not counting Cacock, who had 109 total minutes of NBA playing time the two previous seasons. But last year was an exception, right? No. The Spurs went into the season before with six rookies and sophomores, which isn't counting Eubanks and his 45 games of playing time. The season before? Six.

The assumption that the Spurs would trade a first so they wouldn't compete with fucking Wieskamp is lunacy. Could I see the Spurs stashing a pick or wanting their second-rounder to sign a two-way contract? Yes. Do I think the Spurs want to sign Wieskamp and the other two-way/former two-way players at least for camp? Yes. But do I think that's going to stop the Spurs from taking four rookies? Not at all. The Spurs need to find talent, not get stuck on any youngster who's worn a Spurs jersey recently. They have the room on their roster for six young players, and with their possible desire to use cap space, they might need young cheap players locked into long-term deals. There are four spots on the team that could use a developmental prospect. They don't have to address every spot right now, but they shouldn't hesitate to do so if there's a guy they like at their pick.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson
Johnson, McDermott, Langford
Bates-Diop, Landale
Poeltl, Collins

That's the depth chart right now. That's 11/17 spots taken, with multiple occupied by guys who could easily be off the team. There are several potential RFAs on that list, but it's not a guarantee that any of them return, especially in lieu of a first-round pick at their position.

[Drom John]

Last year, they have Primo, Wieskamp and Cacock.

And Landale.

Though technically, Cacok was a 3rd year player (108 NBA minutes the previous 2 years). Still they gave development time.

[exstatic]

And Landale.

Though technically, Cacok was a 3rd year player (108 NBA minutes the previous 2 years). Still they gave development time.

Cacok's contract was converted from a 2 way to an NBA deal on 3/4/2022. He proceeded to not play in the next 14 consecutive games. If you consider that development, then we're in trouble if we draft and keep all 4 picks.

Landale was 26, and a seasoned international and FIBA player. He just needed to learn our plays and terminology. I don't think he need to learn a reverse pivot, a jumper, or how to get rebounding position.

[Drom John]

SBNation Bulleta Forever : NBA Draft 2022: Here’s an early mock of the entire first round
Matt Modderno, Osman Baig, Dominique Nelson May 24, 2022


9. San Antonio (Modderno): Jeremy Sochan, 6-9, Baylor, 19 years

20. San Antonio (Nelson): Nikola Jovic, 6-11, Mega Bemax, 18.9 years

25 San Antonio (Baig): Walker Kessler, 7-1, Auburn, 20.8 years

[Chinook]

And Landale.

Though technically, Cacok was a 3rd year player (108 NBA minutes the previous 2 years). Still they gave development time.

You're correct that Landale was a rookie, and I mentioned that in a later post. I was referring to guys who got a substantial amount of d-league time last year in that post.

[Degoat]

When have the spurs ever drafted a guy spurs talk really wanted? Lol honestly remember a lot lotta people wanting Luka Samanic (smh) lol

[Drom John]

Fansided 8.9 | NBA Mock Draft 4.2: Predicting the top 10 selections in 2022
Zach Pearson, 1 hour ago, AKA 24 May 2022



9
Tari Eason
F LSU
San Antonio Spurs

Here’s another athletic forward with good size that can make an impact right away on the defensive end for the Spurs. His three-point percentage increased in his second year at LSU, but he was really effective inside the arc, converting over 55% of his attempts. He averaged 16 points per game this season and would be a nice addition to San Antonio.

[CGD]

SBNation Bulleta Forever : NBA Draft 2022: Here’s an early mock of the entire first round
Matt Modderno, Osman Baig, Dominique Nelson May 24, 2022

I like Sochan and all, but im starting to feel he’s getting overhyped ala GameStop stock circa 2021.

[Mr. Body]

When have the spurs ever drafted a guy spurs talk really wanted? Lol honestly remember a lot lotta people wanting Luka Samanic (smh) lol

It looks like you literally answered your own question.

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report NBA | NBA Mock Draft 2022: Projections for Prospects with Most Star Potential
Zach Buckley, May 24, 2022


9. 9. San Antonio Spurs: Jalen Duren, C, Memphis

20. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR): Ousmane Dieng, SG/SF, New Zealand Breakers

25. San Antonio Spurs (via BOS): Blake Wesley, SG, Notre Dame

[CGD]

The Spurs ended last season with seven players who were rookies or sophomores, and that's not counting Cacock, who had 109 total minutes of NBA playing time the two previous seasons. But last year was an exception, right? No. The Spurs went into the season before with six rookies and sophomores, which isn't counting Eubanks and his 45 games of playing time. The season before? Six.

The assumption that the Spurs would trade a first so they wouldn't compete with fucking Wieskamp is lunacy. Could I see the Spurs stashing a pick or wanting their second-rounder to sign a two-way contract? Yes. Do I think the Spurs want to sign Wieskamp and the other two-way/former two-way players at least for camp? Yes. But do I think that's going to stop the Spurs from taking four rookies? Not at all. The Spurs need to find talent, not get stuck on any youngster who's worn a Spurs jersey recently. They have the room on their roster for six young players, and with their possible desire to use cap space, they might need young cheap players locked into long-term deals. There are four spots on the team that could use a developmental prospect. They don't have to address every spot right now, but they shouldn't hesitate to do so if there's a guy they like at their pick.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson
Johnson, McDermott, Langford
Bates-Diop, Landale
Poeltl, Collins

That's the depth chart right now. That's 11/17 spots taken, with multiple occupied by guys who could easily be off the team. There are several potential RFAs on that list, but it's not a guarantee that any of them return, especially in lieu of a first-round pick at their position.

Vassell

[RC_Drunkford]

I like Sochan and all, but im starting to feel he’s getting overhyped ala GameStop stock circa 2021.

He's not the answer if you ask me. He's more of a 3 since he doesn't block shots (which we really need from our 4), is not much of an athlete and can't shoot.

[CGD]

Bleacher Report NBA | NBA Mock Draft 2022: Projections for Prospects with Most Star Potential
Zach Buckley, May 24, 2022

Don’t dislike this draft. A lot can happen in a month, but seems like Deng will go before 20 tho.

[Drom John]

TalkBasket | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Vol. 2
Paul Terrazzanno, May 24, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Mark Williams

Mark Williams was another prospect who helped his stock at the combine, as his measurements and performance are a strong sign he could be selected over Jalen Duren.

[CGD]

He's not the answer if you ask me. He's more of a 3 since he doesn't block shots (which we really need from our 4), is not much of an athlete and can't shoot.

I’d like him more if we were picking slightly later, but I do like his edginess.

[exstatic]

Vassell

He doesn't like Vassell, so it's easy for him to forget him.

[Chinook]

Vassell

Oh, I guess I was already trading him to move up from 9 to 4 in my mind :lol . I'm actually annoyed that I remembered Langford and not Devin.

[Chinook]

He doesn't like Vassell, so it's easy for him to forget him.

I've barely spoken against Vassell. He's far from my least-favorite Spur. Don't confuse not thinking he's going to be better than Lavine in a year or two as not liking him.

[CGD]

TalkBasket | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Vol. 2
Paul Terrazzanno, May 24, 2022

I know it’s out there, but warming to this idea. Idea for Primo/Williams pairing as the foundation for next iteration of young spurs is intriguing.

[Thomas82]

TalkBasket | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Vol. 2
Paul Terrazzanno, May 24, 2022

Naw, let's stay away from those Duke players.

[CGD]

Naw, let's stay away from those Duke players.

We’ve got a pretty promising one on the roster now

[PhantomDashCam]

Rascal should be thrilled…
https://www.nbadraft.net/nba-mock-drafts/

Updated: 2022-05-24 20:39:13

# Team Player H W P School C
1 Orlando Jabari Smith 6-10 220 PF Auburn Fr.
2 Oklahoma Cty Chet Holmgren 7-0 195 PF/C Gonzaga Fr.
3 *Houston Paolo Banchero 6-10 250 PF/C Duke Fr.
4 *Sacramento Jaden Ivey 6-4 195 PG/SG Purdue So.
5 Detroit Keegan Murray 6-8 225 PF Iowa So.
6 *Indiana Bennedict Mathurin 6-6 205 SG/SF Arizona So.
7 Portland Johnny Davis 6-5 195 SG Wisconsin So.
8 *New Orleans AJ Griffin 6-6 220 SF Duke Fr.
9 San Antonio Shaedon Sharpe 6-5 200 SG Kentucky Fr.
10 Washington Ochai Agbaji 6-6 215 SG Kansas Sr.
11 New York TyTy Washington 6-3 195 PG Kentucky Fr.
12 *Oklahoma Cty Tari Eason 6-8 215 SF/PF LSU So.
13 *Charlotte Jalen Duren 6-11 250 PF/C Memphis Fr.
14 *Cleveland Malaki Branham 6-5 195 SG/SF Ohio St. Fr.
15 *Charlotte Nikola Jovic 6-11 225 SF/PF Serbia Intl.
16 Atlanta Mark Williams 7-1 240 C Duke So.
17 *Houston Jeremy Sochan 6-9 230 PF Baylor Fr.
18 Chicago Blake Wesley 6-4 185 PG/SG Notre Dame Fr.
19 Minnesota Dyson Daniels 6-7 195 PG/SG G-League Intl.
20 *San Antonio MarJon Beauchamp 6-6 195 SG G-League So.
21 Denver Kendall Brown 6-7 200 SF/PF Baylor Fr.
22 *Memphis Max Christie 6-5 190 SG Michigan St. Fr.
23 *Brooklyn Jaden Hardy 6-4 200 SG G-League Fr.
24 Milwaukee Jalen Williams 6-6 210 SG/SF Santa Clara Jr.
25 *San Antonio Ousmane Dieng 6-9 185 SF/PF France

[rascal]

^

That Mock is so off in so many places.

[CGD]

^

That Mock is so off in so many places.

I mean, outside of maybe Sochan (whose been inflated in my view) and Daniels, this mock is just as realistic as any other I’ve seen.

[rascal]

I mean, outside of maybe Sochan (whose been inflated in my view) and Daniels, this mock is just as realistic as any other I’ve seen.

Never seen Sharpe at 9.

[PhantomDashCam]

Never seen Sharpe at 9.

None of us have seen Sharpe play...

1528821175199182849

1528821404501671936

1528822591133188098

But PD Web's Cerebro sports re-tweeted...

1528851934605615107


According to their website " C-Ram is Contextual Ram - deriving the strength of a player's performance relative to an average performer in the same event. This acts as a yardstick, allowing cross event comparison..."

10+ is a Superstar by their metrics, the yellow highlights...

Who knows with him tbh. Who takes the risk. Unlikely Sacramento can, Detroits been spinning its wheels for awhile and just landed Cade, Indiana doesn't seem like a fit... He could slip.

[Mr. Body]

Sharpe is starting to slip in some mocks. I would absolutely not take him in the top 10 if I were a GM, but someone will.

[rascal]

Sharpe is starting to slip in some mocks. I would absolutely not take him in the top 10 if I were a GM, but someone will.

Good thing you're not the gm.

[mo7888]

I've got Sharpe #7 on my board but he's admittedly risky for the reasons listed above. Would I take him at #9 if Murray and Mathurin are gone...absolutely...

[Mr. Body]

Good thing you're not the gm.

Drafting a guy who doesn't have the guts to play a minute of college? Nah. There's something wrong going on there.

[rascal]

Sharpe is probably not in game shape since he hasn't played in awhile against top competition and he's still projected in most mocks to get picked 4th or 5th so his camp doesn't want him to slip with a subpar performance.

He'll be fine and I wouldn't have any concerns about drafting him.

[rascal]

Drafting a guy who doesn't have the guts to play a minute of college? Nah. There's something wrong going on there.

It's not about guts. It wasn't his decision to not play.

Kentucky wasn't going to play him much coming on at mid season out of high school and when they had already been playing as a team.

This was going to hurt his draft stock which was in the lottery, not getting minutes. Why is this so hard for you to figure?

[Mr. Body]

It's not about guts. It wasn't his decision to not play.

Kentucky wasn't going to play him much coming on at mid season out of high school and when they had already been playing as a team.

This was going to hurt his draft stock which was in the lottery, not getting minutes. Why is this so hard for you to figure?

Lol, no. Calipari wanted him to play. You're giving a revisionist history. Then, a month after he arrived, Cal said he wasn't prepared. He wasn't ready. And the way Calipari said this, he was putting the onus for this on Sharpe. He wasn't ready to play. This was while UK was facing major injury problems. It's ludicrous to say they let him come on the team and weren't going to play him.

What's appalling about Sharpe, even in high school, is he's really slow. His lateral quickness is pretty bad, and he could barely get past high school players. His first step is glacial. On defense, he's even worse. He's atrocious on defense. It wouldn't matter if he has no instinct for it -- he just outright doesn't seem to care, getting juked five feet out of the way with basic head and shoulders moves.

Just kind of gross stuff.

[rascal]

Lol, no. Calipari wanted him to play. You're giving a revisionist history. Then, a month after he arrived, Cal said he wasn't prepared. He wasn't ready. And the way Calipari said this, he was putting the onus for this on Sharpe. He wasn't ready to play. This was while UK was facing major injury problems. It's ludicrous to say they let him come on the team and weren't going to play him.

What's appalling about Sharpe, even in high school, is he's really slow. His lateral quickness is pretty bad, and he could barely get past high school players. His first step is glacial. On defense, he's even worse. He's atrocious on defense. It wouldn't matter if he has no instinct for it -- he just outright doesn't seem to care, getting juked five feet out of the way with basic head and shoulders moves.

Just kind of gross stuff.

He wasn't going to play much right away. If Calipari wanted him to play he would have played. Sharpe was on the team and he was the coach. It's not like Sharpe refused to play contrary to what Calipari wanted.

Calipari backed off on playing him stating he wasn't ready yet to get the minutes.

Calipari was shooting for next year but when talk was out there he was going to get drafted high he supported him entering the draft.

[BatManu20]

1529099516418437120

[Mr. Body]

1529099516418437120

Holmgren and Pokushevski, the Chopstick Bros.

[Mr. Body]

I said at one point, I feel like Holmgren will work very well in certain situations. I don't think OKC is that situation. I have no idea what OKC is doing, what their vision is, if this is their pick.

[PhantomDashCam]

Holmgren and Pokushevski, the Chopstick Bros.

:lol

The Twin Flowers.

J/K - Love Holmgren.

[Ariel]

If JRich andPoodle are moved, there will be contracts coming back.
If the deals are for picks, whatever contracts are taken back will likely be short term and/or unguaranteed. And most likely will receive the Thaddeus Young treatment. So yes, chances are more playing time will be available as a result, which can in turn be used on developing talent.

It’s not all just about roster spots, though The Spurs have the player development program they do because they limit themselves to two players per year. That’s how they get a #29 pick from the streets into the ASG. That’s how they get another #29 pick to be a 17 point scorer who shoots 40% from deep. It takes time and attention to develop quality NBA players. The Spurs know that, and they have a formula and a process.
The Spurs have historically developed rookies while maximizing their chances to compete. As a result, obviously there's so much time you can allot to rookies without hurting your chances. This is no longer the case, and the best long term strategy is finding all the talent we can. And if we pass on talent because of some arbitrary preconceived notion, because those places are occupied by worse prospects (anyone on our roster not named Vassell, who's an established rotation player), then I'd find it disappointing to say the least. The thought of passing on a better talent for Wieskamp, KBD, Landale or even Primo gives me the chills. If constraints on developing talent are that stringent, you may have just -unwillingly- made the strongest case against the Primo experiment.

[Ariel]

Alvarado wasn't drafted and NOP was a complete fluke.
I mentioned three ROOKIES, not three DRAFTEES. And I fail to see how they signing an undrafted player is any different from having picked them in the 2nd round, for the purpose of the argument being made.
Also, it's a fluke to have three rookies succeed on the same team, as much as it is to select any group of three rookies drafted at their same positions (one undrafted) and have them achieve similar success. So that would be the baseline for you to compare, that having three rookies simultaneously hurts their chances relative to their development otherwise, not that it is unlikely for three rookies to succeed (together or by themselves).

Houston, meanwhile, sucked.
How exactly? Jalen Green's game developed fine, Sengun showed more promise than any of our rookies, and I fail to see exactly what Garuba's play supports your argument, since you'd have to prove it's because he was drafted alongside 2 more rookies.

[BatManu20]

Holmgren and Pokushevski, the Chopstick Bros.

The Twig Towers.

[BackHome]

Yeah I said it before you draft the best available player and next season you tell every player it’s up to them to get playing time. You play them in G League to start off you have two or three players will be shopping for mid season trade so play them early and once they playing good you ease up and let the young guys get playing time and after the trade all young guys play. So will probably have a worse record but the young players get good experience and they all play so you can start to see who to keep and who to trade or release

[BatManu20]

So many here wanted Banchero in San Antonio. Well at least he’ll be up the road I guess lol.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FTNZwBnX0AI-MH3?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FTOziqUXEAAnOLE?format=jpg&name=medium

[The Truth #6]

So many ways to look at draft priorities. High floor. High ceiling. Positional fit.

How about guys that just play really hard and don't back down?

Not a long list, but at first glance:

Johnny Davis/Sochan/Eason at #9
EJ Lidell at #20.
David Roddy at #25.

I actually see Lidell and Roddy as somewhat similar and I think both can have good careers playing important roles. Neither are classic power forwards or project to be stars, but what's typical about NBA positions these days, anyway?

Which is a roundabout way to say I'm more and more intrigued by David Roddy. I don't think he projects better than Liddell, but...maybe?

Roddy actually might have more useful skills, especially his solid 3P shooting this year. 6'6" 260 pounds. 6'11" wingspan. Solid playmaking. 2.3 combined stocks. FG: 57%. 3P: 44%. 19PPG. 7.5 rebounds. Near picture perfect shooting form. He could easily slip right in as a starter at the 4, which is more of a statement at our lack of a viable forward to play alongside Keldon. The team rebounding should improve with him on the floor.

Not many draft profiles out there, but found this one: https://www.denverstiffs.com/2022/5/16/23074441/2022-nba-draft-profile-david-roddy

Anyway, I think he would be available at 25 and I'd probably rather roll the dice on him then another Joe Wieskamp type.

[Mr. Body]

I mentioned three ROOKIES, not three DRAFTEES. And I fail to see how they signing an undrafted player is any different from having picked them in the 2nd round, for the purpose of the argument being made.
Also, it's a fluke to have three rookies succeed on the same team, as much as it is to select any group of three rookies drafted at their same positions (one undrafted) and have them achieve similar success. So that would be the baseline for you to compare, that having three rookies simultaneously hurts their chances relative to their development otherwise, not that it is unlikely for three rookies to succeed (together or by themselves).

How exactly? Jalen Green's game developed fine, Sengun showed more promise than any of our rookies, and I fail to see exactly what Garuba's play supports your argument, since you'd have to prove it's because he was drafted alongside 2 more rookies.

We're talking about the Spurs taking all their draft picks. We're not talking explicitly about rookies. Specifically the draft itself.

And Houston fucking sucked. They lost, what, the most games in the league? Or were they second? They were fucking terrible.

[Mr. Body]

So many here wanted Banchero in San Antonio. Well at least he’ll be up the road I guess lol.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FTNZwBnX0AI-MH3?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FTOziqUXEAAnOLE?format=jpg&name=medium

Banchero is one ugly dude.

[Ariel]

We're talking about the Spurs taking all their draft picks. We're not talking explicitly about rookies. Specifically the draft itself.

And Houston fucking sucked. They lost, what, the most games in the league? Or were they second? They were fucking terrible.
I replied to an argument (not yours) that you can't develop 3 rookies at once, and I cited NO as an example that it IS perfectly possible do so, to which your rebuff was that Alvarado was undrafted and that Houston sucks. Both completely irrelevant to the point I was making: Alvarado going undrafted does not take from his rookie status, and Houston was horrible and would have been horrible because they lack overall talent and are horribly put together, not because they took on 3 rookies at once. So yes, you can take on 3 rookies at once and it can work... you just have to pick 3 rookies who are actually good and ready, i.e., not Primo and Wieskamp. So unless you actually provide some relevant argument or evidence to the contrary, I fail to see what it is you think you're disproving.

[Mr. Body]

I replied to an argument (not yours) that you can't develop 3 rookies at once, and I cited NO as an example that it IS perfectly possible do so, to which your rebuff was that Alvarado was undrafted and that Houston sucks. Both completely irrelevant to the point I was making: Alvarado going undrafted does not take from his rookie status, and Houston was horrible and would have been horrible because they lack overall talent and are horribly put together, not because they took on 3 rookies at once. So yes, you can take on 3 rookies at once and it can work... you just have to pick 3 rookies who are actually good and ready, i.e., not Primo and Wieskamp. So unless you actually provide some relevant argument or evidence to the contrary, I fail to see what it is you think you're disproving.

I said NOP was a complete fluke. They also sucked for the first part of the year and only got better once Ingram got back and they traded for McCollum. Houston sucked because none of them knew how to play.

It's a dumb argument. Putting another three or four rookies on this team is just a dumb idea and it's not going to happen.

[Ariel]

I said NOP was a complete fluke. They also sucked for the first part of the year and only got better once Ingram got back and they traded for McCollum. Houston sucked because none of them knew how to play.

It's a dumb argument. Putting another three or four rookies on this team is just a dumb idea and it's not going to happen.
It's only dumb if your picks are dumb, and that is valid whether it's one, two or three rookies. If there is talent available, what is dumb is to let them go because of some arbitrary mental blockage that prevents you to do so just because you didn't do it before. If anyone thinks Wieskamp, KBD or Landale should prevent us from picking up talent (provided it's available), they're out of their minds.

[scott]

He wasn't going to play much right away. If Calipari wanted him to play he would have played. Sharpe was on the team and he was the coach. It's not like Sharpe refused to play contrary to what Calipari wanted.

Calipari backed off on playing him stating he wasn't ready yet to get the minutes.

Calipari was shooting for next year but when talk was out there he was going to get drafted high he supported him entering the draft.

Are you Sharpe's agent? You expressed confidence a few pages ago that he wouldn't be a bust. What is this based on? Some HS tape? His measurables? What a microscopically thin layer of ice to base a top 5 pick on. Maybe he'll turn out a superstar, but the odds for him to be a big flaming zero in the NBA are significantly greater than zero.

[scott]

It's only dumb if your picks are dumb, and that is valid whether it's one, two or three rookies. If there is talent available, what is dumb is to let them go because of some arbitrary mental blockage that prevents you to do so just because you didn't do it before. If anyone thinks Wieskamp, KBD or Landale should prevent us from picking up talent (provided it's available), they're out of their minds.

I don't think the argument is that you don't take 4 rookies because you have Wieskamp, KBD or Landale. It's that you don't take 4 rookies because you sub-optimize your odds at turning any one of those 4 into premier players. It's one thing to send some 2nd rounders who you don't have high hopes for to the G-League to develop. It's another to have 3 first rounders who need the attention of the Spurs staff to develop the way you want. You can send 20 and 25 to the G-League to get the typical Spurs treatment, but I think the argument is you are better punting those picks down the road (maybe they become better picks) when you have a better chance at giving the FRPs the full attention they need.

With that said, I don't think two FRPs is out of the question, but I don't think it's wise to pick all 3. It's just going to result in an amplification of the typical Spurs fan frustration of why these guys aren't on the main squad. But, since we'll likely be frustrated anyway... maybe it doesn't actually matter.

[Payote75]

I'm not. I just don't see the special skills.

What does he have that makes you think he's going to be so good? He's young? It's going to take more than that.

I don't see the extreme athleticism or fire in his game, plays timid, or quick burst in his first step, or a quick release on his shot.

It's going to be a risk that didn't pan out well.


i think it's a lot to ask to see all those attributes at wt 18? 19? I'm in no way saying he is Kobe but Kobe took a beating his first year and God rest his soul dare I say they thought he looked awful entitled and arrogant had trouble getting into games. What Kobe had though is the killer instinct the killer instinct which is why he was a generational talent. Primo deserves to develop let's see how he looks year two and three will tell all I believe even though he will still be young he we'll be seasoned enough by then.

as far as skills I see a good shot the ability to blow by you but like harden blow by where you wonder how he did but yet still did it. I see that euro step at such a young age. Work ethic and mind set will mean everything for him some players have one not the other if he can commit to wanting to be great I believe sky's the limit.

[Dejounte]

Putting faith into the Rockets draft selections is laughable when they haven’t made a good pick for the last decade. Not to mention they’ve passed up guys like Kawhi to draft Marcus Morris, Draymond and Khris to draft Royce White and Lamb instead. Theyve done nothing to show they can draft players and keep them for majority on their careers. Sure, they can get lucky after all this time but Spurstalk’s habit of propping up other team’s talent year after year only for to turn around and admit a few years later that that same shitty team is still shitty, but sometimes it’s “ThEYrE piCkInG tOp 5 ThiS yEaR!! greAt FuTurE!” for five consecutive years. When the fuck is that great future happening? Ten years later? Get the fuck out of here.

oh and this infatuation with Sengun who likely won’t turn into anything more than an average big has to stop.

[KingKev]

Banchero is one ugly dude.

SUS.

[Drom John]

Yahoo! | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Zak's Draft 1.0
Zak Hanshew, May 24, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: A.J. Griffin | Duke | Forward | Freshman | 6’6, 220

Griffin moves well without the ball, making the right cuts to get to the basket or taking advantage of catch-and-shoot opportunities. He used his size and athleticism to fight for rebounds and finish powerfully at the rim at Duke last season and shot a blistering 44.7% from beyond the arc. Griffin has the skills to finish as a top-5 player in this draft class, and the Spurs get a steal at No. 9. San Antonio isn’t a great fantasy landing spot thanks to typically slow development, but Griffin could operate well alongside Dejounte Murray if given the opportunity.


0. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Nikola Jovic | Serbia | Forward | International | 6’10, 205

Right off the bat, let’s clear things up. This is not the NBA’s 2020-21 MVP, but Jovic does have a similar skill set as a point big. He’s usually popping a three and making shots in a variety of ways, but he’s not a pass-first guy despite his excellent ability to find teammates. I’d love to project a Jovic/Jokic pairing and mock him to Denver, but I don’t think the Spurs will let him slip past them, especially with a proven track record of developing international players. Jovic might need some time to develop, so we can pump the breaks on a fantasy-relevant rookie season and leave him to dynasty leagues.


25. San Antonio Spurs: Christian Koloko | Arizona | Center | Junior | 7'0, 221

At 7’0, 221, Koloko has a size advantage on most opponents, and that should translate well to the NBA. He’s typically in a good position to grab long rebounds, he’s a strong shot-blocker and he hits free throws at a high clip. After passing on a center with their first pick, the Spurs grab Koloko with a little bit of a reach and add some important big-man depth behind Jakob Poeltl. Jock Landale and Drew Eubanks (pre-trade) were useful streamers when Poeltl missed time last season, and Koloko could be too.

[Drom John]

SI Fan Nation | 2022 NBA Mock Draft 1.0 - Post-Combine Edition
Brett Siegel, 16 hours ago, AKA 24 May 2022


#9 San Antonio Spurs - Bennedict Mathurin (Arizona, Sophomore)

The San Antonio Spurs are always a major question mark in the draft, as you never know what to expect from them. Last year, they shocked everyone by taking Joshua Primo, the youngest player in the draft with one of the biggest upsides on the offensive-end of the floor.

Still looking to find their identity and form a long-term, youthful core, San Antonio could be obligated to go after another high-potential guy like Bennedict Mathurin on the wing to pair with Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson.

Being able to play off another high-motor talent like Murray, Mathurin could really evolve as a primary scoring option on the wing for the Spurs and at 20-years-old, he still has plenty of room for growth on both ends of the floor. A strong three-point shooter with a high understanding for the game offensively, Bennedict Mathurin is a player San Antonio has been linked to in the pre-draft process and he would fill a void they currently have out on the wing. Mathurin is the best available talent on the board here for the Spurs in this scenario.


#20 San Antonio Spurs - F Nikola Jovic (Serbia)

Having three first-round picks this year, it is hard to believe that the Spurs will look to utilize all three without at least trying to move up and down the draft board. No matter who they take in the lottery, San Antonio still has multiple needs on their roster and they could look to address the same position twice.

Nikola Jovic is arguably the best international prospect in this draft class and he is a versatile forward that can do a little bit of everything on the floor. Pick-and-roll sets are where Jovic flourishes on the court and he is just a very smart player with the ball in his hands. San Antonio has found a lot of success with international prospects in the past and being a 6-10 forward, Jovic has a lot of potential to grow into a two-way factor for any team that takes a chance on him.


#25 San Antonio Spurs - C Walker Kessler (Auburn, Sophomore)

With Mathurin and Jovic already heading to San Antonio in this mock draft, the Spurs will likely go ahead and draft for value with their third first-round pick that will almost definitely be moved. They could look to add backcourt depth, but having Joshua Primo and Tre Jones, it likely makes more sense to take one of the bigs that has fallen a little bit.

Being a strong looking shot-blocker that also has great footwork around the rim offensively, Walker Kessler is definitely an intriguing center prospect for the Spurs to add not only for depth behind Jakob Poeltl, but possibly as his replacement in the near future. As reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto this season, the Spurs did hold some trade discussion centered around Poeltl, so it is possible he could be on the move at some point during the 2022-23 season.


#38 San Antonio Spurs - G Jean Montero (Overtime Elite)

[Uriel]

I agree Sharpe would be a risk, but he possesses elite, top-5 pick talent, and as a rebuilding team, we need as much of that as we can get. If he falls to #9, and assuming somebody who’s a better fit isn’t available (i.e. Murray), he would be a no-brainer.

[Drom John]

Lines | 2022 NBA Mock Draft
Lance Cartelli, May 24, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Bennedict Mathurin, Wing, Arizona

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors): Blake Wesley, Wing, Notre Dame

25. San Antonio Spurs (via Boston Celtics): Walker Kessler, Big, Auburn

[Drom John]

New Update.uk | NBA Mock Draft 2022: Projections for Prospects with Most Star Potential
Adam D'Angelo, May 24, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Jalen Duren, C, Memphis

20. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR): Ousmane Dieng, SG/SF, New Zealand Breakers

25. San Antonio Spurs (via BOS): Blake Wesley, SG, Notre Dame

[Drom John]

Belly Up Sports | Aman's NBA Mock Lottery Draft
Parker Ainsworth, May 25, 2022


NBA Draft Pick 9. San Antonio Spurs: Center, Jalen Duren (Memphis, Freshman)

NBA Draft hopeful Jalen Duren

The San Antonio Spurs have not made the playoffs in four years, and as Gregg Popovich’s coaching career enters its final years, they hope to make one last run. After Kawhi Leonard was traded to the Raptors, Spurs basketball has hit a dead end. There hasn’t been much production and it hasn’t been fun to watch. The Spurs have an overall young roster, and there’s plenty of potential for some of their players. This year, guard Dejounte Murray was the runner-up for the Most Improved Player award as he emerged as an all-star guard. The Spurs are lacking a center as they only have two on the roster, and Jalen Duren could work his way to have a starting role for the Spurs.

Jalen Duren plays like a traditional center, which is what the Spurs currently lack. Duren is an explosive shot-blocker and defender in general. He does a phenomenal job of protecting the paint, and he keeps up with guards on the perimeter when he needs to. He is also a spectacular interior scorer as he was a lob threat at Memphis, and he continued to get putbacks off the numerous offensive rebounds that he collected. Surprisingly, Duren is a solid passer as well. Whether it’s from the perimeter or in the paint, Duren was able to find his teammates from all around the court.

The main thing Jalen Duren struggles with his shooting. Duren struggled at the free-throw line as he made only 63% of his free throws. Players who are incapable of hitting free throws have been penalized in the NBA as they are often taken out of the game during crunch time. Duren will need to work on his shooting to round his offensive ability. If he can improve his shooting, he has the potential to be a top center in the league.

Player comparison: Slightly larger Robert Williams

[The Truth #6]

I definitely don't want to draft Walker Kessler at 25. But, I'm still intrigued by David Roddy at #25, so unfortunately, let's talk about him some more.

In depth scouting analysis: https://zonahoops.com/2022/03/08/david-roddy-nba-scouting-report/

Highly skilled yet overweight, Ruben-esque players are not the worst projects, especially with a later pick, and especially when they shoot 44% from three, in my opinion.

Some positives: Amazing footwork. Beautiful shooting stroke. Insanely efficient scorer in a wide variety of situations. Solid passer. Great hands. Gets a good amount of steals and blocks. Has progressed every year, with his 3P% going from 19% his freshman year to 44% his junior year at 6.5/100 possessions.

Some negatives: Most of what he does won't translate because he won't be given the same high usage rate, especially not in the low to mid post in the NBA. Defending in space is going to be the overwhelming factor that will affect his ability to stay on the floor.

Some random tidbits: Was an all around athlete in High School in MN. He won state in track and field with the discuss. Was an All State quarterback in football while also All State in basketball.

In summary, you have a highly skilled player with a very high body mass index. It's concerning, but the obvious move is to get him in a pro conditioning program and get him to lose weight. If he could lose 30 pounds, he would still be a bruiser but with increased quickness. Typically, it's the opposite issue--trying to bulk up some 18-year old toothpick; Osmane Dieng comes to mind. I argue it's better to be a fat guy with skills then a skinny guy with mostly athleticism and few skills (not talking about Dieng specifically here). Is San Antonio a good place to lose weight? Obviously not. But we're talking about the 25th pick here, sort of like looking for the next Kyle Anderson type, someone with skills but questions about their physical traits.

[Mr. Body]

I definitely don't want to draft Walker Kessler at 25. But, I'm still intrigued by David Roddy at #25, so unfortunately, let's talk about him some more.

In depth scouting analysis: https://zonahoops.com/2022/03/08/david-roddy-nba-scouting-report/

Highly skilled yet overweight, Ruben-esque players are not the worst projects, especially with a later pick, and especially when they shoot 44% from three, in my opinion.

Some positives: Amazing footwork. Beautiful shooting stroke. Insanely efficient scorer in a wide variety of situations. Solid passer. Great hands. Gets a good amount of steals and blocks. Has progressed every year, with his 3P% going from 19% his freshman year to 44% his junior year at 6.5/100 possessions.

Some negatives: Most of what he does won't translate because he won't be given the same high usage rate, especially not in the low to mid post in the NBA. Defending in space is going to be the overwhelming factor that will affect his ability to stay on the floor.

Some random tidbits: Was an all around athlete in High School in MN. He won state in track and field with the discuss. Was an All State quarterback in football while also All State in basketball.

In summary, you have a highly skilled player with a very high body mass index. It's concerning, but the obvious move is to get him in a pro conditioning program and get him to lose weight. If he could lose 30 pounds, he would still be a bruiser but with increased quickness. Typically, it's the opposite issue--trying to bulk up some 18-year old toothpick; Osmane Dieng comes to mind. I argue it's better to be a fat guy with skills then a skinny guy with mostly athleticism and few skills (not talking about Dieng specifically here). Is San Antonio a good place to lose weight? Obviously not. But we're talking about the 25th pick here, sort of like looking for the next Kyle Anderson type, someone with skills but questions about their physical traits.

I never thought I'd seen a basketball player described as rubenesque.

[KobesAchilles]

Putting faith into the Rockets draft selections is laughable when they haven’t made a good pick for the last decade. Not to mention they’ve passed up guys like Kawhi to draft Marcus Morris, Draymond and Khris to draft Royce White and Lamb instead. Theyve done nothing to show they can draft players and keep them for majority on their careers. Sure, they can get lucky after all this time but Spurstalk’s habit of propping up other team’s talent year after year only for to turn around and admit a few years later that that same shitty team is still shitty, but sometimes it’s “ThEYrE piCkInG tOp 5 ThiS yEaR!! greAt FuTurE!” for five consecutive years. When the fuck is that great future happening? Ten years later? Get the fuck out of here.

oh and this infatuation with Sengun who likely won’t turn into anything more than an average big has to stop.

They haven’t won any championships but the Rockets have been as steady of a franchise as you could ask for the past 2 decades. You don’t really follow them so you don’t know, but they made the playoffs basically every year the past decade before they traded Harden. And even before that they only had like 4 years of not making the playoffs. You are skewed by the greatness of Tim Duncan and that’s ok. Take pride in the 5th greatest player of all time. I know I do. But we don’t have him anymore and the Rockets are a good goal of what we should strive to become as a franchise.

They also got a brand new GM so bashing Morey who is no longer their GM seems kinda weird. It would be like me bashing Pop for Bob Hill not double teaming Hakeem. Different coach.

Also unlike what Bill Simmons says, Green is looking like a good pick. He has really grown as a player and looks like an NBA player which is great for a rookie. Does he improve? Idk. Their new ownership is probably the worst in the league of not top 5. But he could definitely make the step as an all star in a few years. Also Sengun looks pretty good too. He’s not an all star but Rocket fans don’t have to say well wait 2 years and then watch out how my 1st round pick might become the 7th best player on our team. They need to get rid of Christian Wood tbh

[rjv]

christian wood is doing his best johnathon simmons impression.

[2centsworth]

My dream:

9. Bennedict Mathurin

20. Mark Williams

25. Nikola Jovic

38. Trade down to Minnesota for 40 and 50

40. Patrick Baldwin Jr.

50. Bryson Williams

What the Spurs will probably do:

9. Blake Wesley

20. Ismael Kamagate

25. Marcus Sasser

38. Yannik Nzosa

[JPB]

The Spurs ended last season with seven players who were rookies or sophomores, and that's not counting Cacock, who had 109 total minutes of NBA playing time the two previous seasons. But last year was an exception, right? No. The Spurs went into the season before with six rookies and sophomores, which isn't counting Eubanks and his 45 games of playing time. The season before? Six.

The assumption that the Spurs would trade a first so they wouldn't compete with fucking Wieskamp is lunacy. Could I see the Spurs stashing a pick or wanting their second-rounder to sign a two-way contract? Yes. Do I think the Spurs want to sign Wieskamp and the other two-way/former two-way players at least for camp? Yes. But do I think that's going to stop the Spurs from taking four rookies? Not at all. The Spurs need to find talent, not get stuck on any youngster who's worn a Spurs jersey recently. They have the room on their roster for six young players, and with their possible desire to use cap space, they might need young cheap players locked into long-term deals. There are four spots on the team that could use a developmental prospect. They don't have to address every spot right now, but they shouldn't hesitate to do so if there's a guy they like at their pick.

Murray, Jones
Primo, Richardson
Johnson, McDermott, Langford
Bates-Diop, Landale
Poeltl, Collins

That's the depth chart right now. That's 11/17 spots taken, with multiple occupied by guys who could easily be off the team. There are several potential RFAs on that list, but it's not a guarantee that any of them return, especially in lieu of a first-round pick at their position.

you're right but I precisely don't see the spurs continuing down that road. If they use their cap and chase a marquee FA, while drafting a solid player at 9, they'll try to build a competitive with Murray being 26 now. So, I don't see them entering next season with 6 or 7 rookies/sophomores.

[Chinook]

you're right but I precisely don't see the spurs continuing down that road. If they use their cap and chase a marquee FA, while drafting a solid player at 9, they'll try to build a competitive with Murray being 26 now. So, I don't see them entering next season with 6 or 7 rookies/sophomores.

There is space for both. And the alternative to having six or seven guys with one year or less of experience isn't dumping firsts. It's getting rid of the chaff on the roster like Wieskamp, Landale and Cacock. If you have three firsts, it's a huge opportunity to fill your third-string with legit NBA prospects. The Spurs haven't had that since 2013. They need a massive infusion of talent and should take advantage of the opportunity to get it.

Plus, the Spurs could stand to trade some of their middle prospects anyway. Even guys like Johnson, Vassell and Primo are much easier to trade if the Spurs have young guys ready to fill in, and I imagine the Spurs can make a real run in the trade market if they can include those guys along with their cap space and future firsts.

[lmbebo]

My dream:

9. Bennedict Mathurin

20. Mark Williams

25. Nikola Jovic

38. Trade down to Minnesota for 40 and 50

40. Patrick Baldwin Jr.

50. Bryson Williams

What the Spurs will probably do:

9. Blake Wesley

20. Ismael Kamagate

25. Marcus Sasser

38. Yannik Nzosa


I don't see Williams or Baldwin falling that far back ...

[Drom John]

SI Fan Nation All Hornets | All Hornets 1st Round 2022 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
James Plowright and Schulyer Callihan, 58 minutes ago, AKA 25 May 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs

The pick: G Shaedon Sharpe (Kentucky)

Analysis: Some concerning reports about Sharpe's attitude could see him slide out of the top five and right to the Spurs at No. 9. Another factor is that he's not as "NBA-ready" as you would like for him to be. The three teams ahead of the Spurs are in "win-now" mode and aren't interested in taking a risk.


20. San Antonio Spurs

The pick: G Kendall Brown (Baylor)

Analysis: Brown has good size and is athletic for a wing. He's shown flashes of feel, he just needs the right development situation and what better place to develop than San Antonio?


25. San Antonio Spurs

The pick: G Pat Baldwin Jr. (UW-Milwaukee)

Analysis: Similar player to Davis Bertans who had success in San Antonio. Not much of an athlete, but not that's not essential in this system.

[Mr. Body]

SI Fan Nation All Hornets | All Hornets 1st Round 2022 NBA Mock Draft 1.0
James Plowright and Schulyer Callihan, 58 minutes ago, AKA 25 May 2022

Analysis: Some concerning reports about Sharpe's attitude could see him slide out of the top five and right to the Spurs at No. 9. Another factor is that he's not as "NBA-ready" as you would like for him to be. The three teams ahead of the Spurs are in "win-now" mode and aren't interested in taking a risk.

Sir, the Spurs are also in "win-now" mode. They also don't tend to like players with attitude. Thanks for not paying attention to basketball.

[R. DeMurre]

If you're still pushing PBJ as a pick, you definitely did not pay attention to the draft combine, where all of the concerns about his underwhelming U19 FIBA World Cup showing and horrible NCAA run at Milwaukee became even more understandable, and he finished at the very bottom percentile of every single athletic test they have-- lane agility, shuttle run, three quarter sprint, standing vertical, & max vertical. Unless some narrative emerges about him having long term post-covid physical malaise, Baldwin is essentially Emoni Bates now, or Hasheem Thabeet. Why he even participated in the physical testing is a question, as he (and his reps) had to know he wouldn't perform well. I wish him well, shooting the lights out in Monaco, Belgrade, or Quindao next year, if he doesn't return to college. At this point, Julian Champagnie is firmly ahead of Patrick Baldwin as a 2nd round flyer, and he might be a 6'8" Bryn Forbes.

[bluebellmaniac]

If you're still pushing PBJ as a pick, you definitely did not pay attention to the draft combine, where all of the concerns about his underwhelming U19 FIBA World Cup showing and horrible NCAA run at Milwaukee became even more understandable, and he finished at the very bottom percentile of every single athletic test they have-- lane agility, shuttle run, three quarter sprint, standing vertical, & max vertical. Unless some narrative emerges about him having long term post-covid physical malaise, Baldwin is essentially Emoni Bates now, or Hasheem Thabeet. Why he even participated in the physical testing is a question, as he (and his reps) had to know he wouldn't perform well. I wish him well, shooting the lights out in Monaco, Belgrade, or Quindao next year, if he doesn't return to college. At this point, Julian Champagnie is firmly ahead of Patrick Baldwin as a 2nd round flyer, and he might be a 6'8" Bryn Forbes.

Gotta love the mocks where not a PF is chosen when we have none on this team. SMH.

[Gibbz]

If Sharpe is there at 9 I think you pretty much have to take him despite whatever attitude concerns there are. He has as much of an upside as anyone in the draft.

[jjspur]

Look this draft is a crapshoot like any other draft especially after the top 5 guys. You win some you lose some. We lost with Sammich but won with Keldon all in the same draft. What we probably do know is this
1. Unless there is a decent trade to be made , they will select #9 in which there is a range of about 6 players that they should take because of talent or fit.
2. One or possibly two players we didn't expect to drop will be available to them at 9. Will they select a falling player ? Its a decision they will make as it happens.
3 They will trade at least one of their four picks if not more. Can't see 4 rookies replacing 4 vets on this team. We already have a very young team. They will probably keep 2 possibly 3 but not 4.
4. They will take a flier on some foreign player. I would bet on that one. If they are a top talent on some top tier Euro team fine, just don't select some middling guy on some middling half ass team. Potential is great but waiting years for it to appear sucks when it doesn't. Explain that one to the fans Brian Wright. Procida or Besson would be ok additions.
5. Hopefully in this draft they don't reach for a player, but its always a possibility with the spurs. They've done it before, they'll do it again. With 4 picks its ok to reach at 25 or 38 but not at 9 or even 20. If there isn't any one available that they like, trade the pick for a future pick. It beats selecting a player that sits on the bench for 2 years and then gets cut or selecting a G-League lifer.
6 Its a crapshoot but as in all crapshoots there are always a few winners but losers as well.

[gambit1990]

poeltl + #20 + #38 for jarrett allen.

[exstatic]

poeltl + #20 + #38 for jarrett allen.

Yeah, that’s not happening. The days of incompetence in CLE front office are over.

[BacktoBasics]

Yeah, that’s not happening. The days of incompetence in CLE front office are over.

Plus it’s working for them. There is no motivation to blow up what’s working.

[MannyIsGod]

I don't think the argument is that you don't take 4 rookies because you have Wieskamp, KBD or Landale. It's that you don't take 4 rookies because you sub-optimize your odds at turning any one of those 4 into premier players. It's one thing to send some 2nd rounders who you don't have high hopes for to the G-League to develop. It's another to have 3 first rounders who need the attention of the Spurs staff to develop the way you want. You can send 20 and 25 to the G-League to get the typical Spurs treatment, but I think the argument is you are better punting those picks down the road (maybe they become better picks) when you have a better chance at giving the FRPs the full attention they need.

With that said, I don't think two FRPs is out of the question, but I don't think it's wise to pick all 3. It's just going to result in an amplification of the typical Spurs fan frustration of why these guys aren't on the main squad. But, since we'll likely be frustrated anyway... maybe it doesn't actually matter.

While this argument is valid, there's also a point to be made that you take as many as you can, then work them out for a few months before you focus on the best ones. The odds of them all being successful are incredibly low, but there's an argument this increases your odds of getting an exceptional player out of the bunch. I'm not sure if I buy it, but I'm not sure I don't.

[Chinook]

I don't think the argument is that you don't take 4 rookies because you have Wieskamp, KBD or Landale. It's that you don't take 4 rookies because you sub-optimize your odds at turning any one of those 4 into premier players. It's one thing to send some 2nd rounders who you don't have high hopes for to the G-League to develop. It's another to have 3 first rounders who need the attention of the Spurs staff to develop the way you want. You can send 20 and 25 to the G-League to get the typical Spurs treatment, but I think the argument is you are better punting those picks down the road (maybe they become better picks) when you have a better chance at giving the FRPs the full attention they need.

With that said, I don't think two FRPs is out of the question, but I don't think it's wise to pick all 3. It's just going to result in an amplification of the typical Spurs fan frustration of why these guys aren't on the main squad. But, since we'll likely be frustrated anyway... maybe it doesn't actually matter.

The Spurs don't turn guys into premier players. That's never been their thing. They draft guys, some of whom have the ceiling to become elite players, and then those guys show enough to get bigger roles. It isn't like 2K where you send prospects to camps to boost their attributes, and enough boosts eventually means a player becomes a star. Kawhi and Parker are/were not stars because the Spurs worked some voodoo on them. They always had star potential, and the Spurs eventually realized that and shifted responsibilities to them. That also happened with Murray if people recall with him getting the starting job his second year and sitting in on coaches meetings during his injury. If the Spurs draft four rookies, they won't all be treated the same, and certainly all won't develop at the same pace. Some might stay in the d-league for a year or two, while others will be in the rotation early.

It's important that the Spurs legitimately improve upon Landale, KBD and the like, because those guys played minutes and would play more next year if left to their own devices. Even replacing them with guys thought to be high-floor/low-ceiling prospects and never getting big roles out of them like with Cory Joseph is very valuable. In 2013, the Spurs had a number of guys who could be rotation players sitting on their deep bench. They have Mills, Baynes and Blair along with Bonner and De Colo. They had their first-rounder from a couple of years before as a 10-day. It's okay for the Spurs to have that kind of depth again and not ever truly need to hit on all of those guys. That's why you have multiple firsts. Back in the day, Spurs fans had to cherish the shitty prospects the team was able to scrounge up and place our hope for the franchise's future in them. Now, the team is getting good picks, and those same late-firsts can be the same relative chaff without the same expectations. When fans stop putting the Spurs on a pedestal and acknowledge their developmental team for the competent but not superlative group it is, we can enjoy the extra later picks as the bonuses they are and not the keys to contending we had to pretend they were during leaner draft years.

[The Truth #6]

Oh, no. More thoughts on David “Rubenesque” Roddy:

https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/david-roddy-colorado-state-nba-draft-interview-combine-results-stats

[PhantomDashCam]

Oh, no. More thoughts on David “Rubenesque” Roddy:

https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/david-roddy-colorado-state-nba-draft-interview-combine-results-stats

1528889514449457152

Justin Lewis was also at this workout.

There are a couple of clips from Justin's interview, going against Roddy in a workout setting, that again have me worried how Roddy's game may translate to the NBA.
Justin out-muscles him (very few guys can probably dislodge Roddy so worth noting) and shoots over the top of him (the biggest issue).
Roddy may do all the right defensive things and the majority of players can simply shoot over him.

I think he would be a fine second round pick but wouldn't want to commit guaranteed money to him over at least two years...

1528906733048979456

[The Truth #6]

It’s a good point. His defense is a big question mark. He quite possibly goes undrafted.

[BackHome]

Draft Range:

9th Pick:
* Jeremy Sochan - PF
* Dyson Daniels - SG
* Bennedict Mathurin - SG
* Jalen Duren - C
* Ousmane Dieng - SF/PF

20th Pick:
* Blake Wesley - SG
* Bryce McGowens - SG
* Jake LaRavia - SF
* E.J. Liddell - PF
* Nikola Jovic - SF
* Jalen Williams - SF



Pick 25:
* Christian Koloko - C
* Terquavion Smith - SG
* Christian Braun - SG
* Gabriele Procida - SG/SF
* Marjon Beauchamp - SG

38th Pick:
* Dominick Barlow - PF/C
* Josh Minott - PF
* David Roddy - SF
* Leonard Miller - SF
* John Butler - PF/C
* Orlando Robinson - C

[PhantomDashCam]

Draft Range:

9th Pick:
* Jeremy Sochan - PF
* Dyson Daniels - SG
* Bennedict Mathurin - SG
* Jalen Duren - C
* Ousmane Dieng - SF/PF

20th Pick:
* Blake Wesley - SG
* Bryce McGowens - SG
* Jake LaRavia - SF
* E.J. Liddell - PF
* Nikola Jovic - SF
* Jalen Williams - SF



Pick 25:
* Christian Koloko - C
* Terquavion Smith - SG
* Christian Braun - SG
* Gabriele Procida - SG/SF
* Marjon Beauchamp - SG

38th Pick:
* Dominick Barlow - PF/C
* Josh Minott - PF
* David Roddy - SF
* Leonard Miller - SF
* John Butler - PF/C
* Orlando Robinson - C

On board with this list tbh. :tu

Would swap Koloko with Justin Lewis but that's just me and add Murray to potential 9th pick category. (Unlikely but stranger things have happened).

[scott]

No Eason?

[Mr. Body]

Wouldn't it make sense to just have one list of players and you take the top of who is left with each pick? Or, just have a #9 list and a #20+ list? You wouldn't give up on your 20 range players if any are still there at 25.

[BackHome]

No Eason?

Man, I struggle with Eason on one day I see high ceiling because of his defense and flashes of offense - But then another day I see his turnovers and general basketball IQ and wonder if he can stay on the floor without fouling out. But, in the end I think he gets drafted in the 12-16 range which is why I left him out.

[Payote75]

I don't think the Spurs will make all 4 picks for a single second. Either they move up or they make some type of player trade. I would guarantee all those picks aren't made.

[C-Dub]

09th Pick: 6'10" PF Jeremy Sochan

20th Pick: 6'10" SF Ousmane Dieng

25th Pick: 6'6" SG Jalen Williams

38th Pick: 6'10" PF Jaylin Williams

Great height at each position. In a couple years:

Starters: DJM, DV, Primo, KJ, JP
Bench: Jones, J Will, OD, JS, J Will

[JPB]

Wouldn't it make sense to just have one list of players and you take the top of who is left with each pick? Or, just have a #9 list and a #20+ list? You wouldn't give up on your 20 range players if any are still there at 25.

I think that list somehow considers who will be available (or not) for each pick (even though there are six players at the 20th pick while spurs also pick 5 picks later).

None of the players from the 9th pick category will (probably) be available at 20 for example. So it makes sense to list by pick rather than an overall list by preference.

[CGD]

09th Pick: 6'10" PF Jeremy Sochan

20th Pick: 6'10" SF Ousmane Dieng

25th Pick: 6'6" SG Jalen Williams

38th Pick: 6'10" PF Jaylin Williams

Great height at each position. In a couple years:

Starters: DJM, DV, Primo, KJ, JP
Bench: Jones, J Will, OD, JS, J Will

I’d be very pleased with this outcome

[widowmaker]

Man, I struggle with Eason on one day I see high ceiling because of his defense and flashes of offense - But then another day I see his turnovers and general basketball IQ and wonder if he can stay on the floor without fouling out. But, in the end I think he gets drafted in the 12-16 range which is why I left him out.

Sochan Looks the same way but at least Eason can shoot.

[rascal]

Sochan Looks the same way but at least Eason can shoot.

Sochan's form on his shot doesn't look bad so he can improve in that area. I expect Sochan will be the pick at 9. I don't think he moves the needle all that much making the Spurs all that much better than last years team as a player.

He's not a bad player added to a team with a couple of explosive scorers. Without those offensive scorers on the roster the Spurs are similar to last year.

[widowmaker]

Sochan's form on his shot doesn't look bad so he can improve in that area. I expect Sochan will be the pick at 9. I don't think he moves the needle all that much making the Spurs all that much better than last years team as a player.

He's not a bad player added to a team with a couple of explosive scorers. Without those offensive scorers on the roster the Spurs are similar to last year.

Im not expecting any player drafted this year to move the needle Eason seems more like a plug and play type and would certainly improve quicker than sochan.

[The Truth #6]

Sochan’s ideal version is Boris Diaw, maybe.

Eason is Kawhi, most likely.

To me the choice has to come down to personality. Neither are likely to sniff those comps, but no point starting a journey with either one, though specifically thinking of Eason here, if he has an abrasive personality. Not saying he does but not totally confident, either.

[Uriel]

Mathurin and Duren seem to be the players most frequently picked for the Spurs in most recent mocks. Not that they know anything, though. Nobody foresaw Primo last year.

It makes me wonder though: if Primo were available in this year’s draft, would the Spurs pick him at #9?

[rascal]

Mathurin and Duren seem to be the players most frequently picked for the Spurs in most recent mocks. Not that they know anything, though. Nobody foresaw Primo last year.

It makes me wonder though: if Primo were available in this year’s draft, would the Spurs pick him at #9?

Doubt it.

This year the draft is deeper.

[Mr. Body]

Mathurin and Duren seem to be the players most frequently picked for the Spurs in most recent mocks. Not that they know anything, though. Nobody foresaw Primo last year.

It makes me wonder though: if Primo were available in this year’s draft, would the Spurs pick him at #9?

Yes.

[2centsworth]

I don't see Williams or Baldwin falling that far back ...

Would be my dream scenario, but about a 1% chance of happening.

[BackHome]

Baldwin sucks he has injury history and his combine scores were terrible he is a bad version of Bertans at best. Know Williams well he is in another category as far as moving up in draft but will see how far he moves up - We way over reached for Primo I don’t want us to do that again.

[Drom John]

Complex | 2022 NBA Mock Draft (V2)
Danny Cunningham, May 26, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs - AJ Griffin, Duke
AJ Griffin Duke
Image via Getty/Grant Halverson

Position: Forward
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 220 pounds
Year: Freshman
Age: 18

It’s still weird seeing San Antonio in the NBA Draft Lottery, isn’t it? Head coach Gregg Popovich squeezed the most out of the team by getting this group to the NBA Play-In Tournament, but it’s clear that they need some help to get back over the top. The Spurs have historically had a terrific player development system, and their selection at ninth overall could be a huge benefit of that.

The scary thing about Griffin is the hitch he has in his shot. He needs a quicker release, and with the speed of the NBA game there are shots he gets off in college that may not be as good of an idea in the NBA. If he can still shoot a solid percentage in the NBA, he’ll be a good 3-and-D player off the bench. As the season went on at Duke, his offensive game expanded a bit as he seemed to be more comfortable putting the ball on the floor. He dealt with a number of different injuries while in high school that caused him to miss time, so the pre-draft process will be important for teams that are considering him.


20. San Antonio Spurs – Christian Koloko, Arizona
Christian Koloko Arizona
Image via Getty/Rebecca Noble

Position: Center
Height: 7’1”
Weight: 230 pounds
Year: Junior
Age: 21

Christian Koloko is an incredibly energetic, raw talent that’s going to need time to develop. At the very least, he should be able to provide energy and shot blocking for an NBA team off the bench. He still has plenty of upside on the offensive end if he’s in the right player development situation, but that will need to take some time. Right now, he should be used primarily as a guy that can set screens and roll to the rim. He can also outhustle opponents down the floor in transition for easy finishes at the rim.


25. San Antonio Spurs – Christian Braun, Kansas
Christian Braun Kansas
Image via Getty/Jamie Schwaberow

Position: Forward
Height: 6’7”
Weight: 218 pounds
Year: Junior
Age: 21

Christian Braun wasn’t a consistent enough shooter in college to be a lottery player, but he’s been good enough to find himself in the first round. While he was at Kansas, he was lights out on a smaller volume from deep, knocking down 44 percent of his three-point attempts (2.3 per game). His efficiency dropped to just 34 percent in his sophomore year on a much higher volume (5.1 attempts per game) before finding a happy medium as a junior at 38.6 percent on 3.3 attempts per game. He did expand his game offensively as a junior as he attacked the basket at a higher frequency, more than doubling his attempts from inside the arc.

[Ariel]

Sochan’s ideal version is Boris Diaw, maybe.
Better defender and a worse shooter, but in terms of size, versatility, selflessness, BBIQ, there are certainly many things in common between the 2.

[Drom John]

HeatCheckBB | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: New No. 1 pick in updated post-Combine projections
Brian Rauff, May 25, 2022


9) San Antonio Spurs

Jeremy Sochan, PF, Baylor – 6-foot-9, 230 lbs.
9.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 47.4 FG%, 29.6 3P%

Sochan is an investment into potential and upside. He’s an elite athlete for someone his size and should be an impact player defensively and on the glass right away. His offensive skills and shooting are still raw, but that defense gives him a solid floor in today’s NBA. San Antonio needs long-term help on the interior and loves that versatility, making this a good fit.


20) San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors)

TyTy Washington, PG, Kentucky – 6-foot-3, 197 lbs.
12.5 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.5 rpg, 45.1 FG%, 35.0 3P%

The Spurs value versatility, so adding another guard who can play either with or without the ball and has a reliable 3-point shot seems like a no-brainer. That description fits Washington at this point in the draft. He has already been linked to San Antonio and has the kind of offensive upside that could make this a steal for the Spurs.


25) San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics)

EJ Liddell, PF, Ohio State – 6-foot-7, 240 lbs.
19.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 49.0 FG%, 37.4 3P%

Another versatile, positionless player going to the Spurs … sensing a theme here? Liddell’s shooting ability makes him an appealing stretch-4 and he showed he can play defense both inside and on the perimeter at a high level. The Ohio State junior is an older prospect but could provide some impact right away.

[Ariel]

Baldwin sucks he has injury history and his combine scores were terrible he is a bad version of Bertans at best. Know Williams well he is in another category as far as moving up in draft but will see how far he moves up - We way over reached for Primo I don’t want us to do that again.
Baldwin seems like he's trying his best to go undrafted. Every news that comes about him hurts him more, whether it's his athleticism, his questionable decisions, his work ethic... at this point I'd hesitate to use #38 on him.

[Mr. Body]

Complex | 2022 NBA Mock Draft (V2)
Danny Cunningham, May 26, 2022

AJ Griffin/Christian Koloko/Christian Braun

Another "we forgot AJ Griffin, let's stick him on the Spurs" draft.

The Spur's flirtation with players who can only shoot didn't go well this last year with Forbes and McBuckets. When the best player in your haul is Christian Koloko, you done fucked up.

[Mr. Body]

HeatCheckBB | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: New No. 1 pick in updated post-Combine projections
Brian Rauff, May 25, 2022

Sochan/TyTy Washington/EJ Liddell

Sochan of course is a fine pick at 9. I don't know how Washington has been linked to San Antonio. How? By other mock drafts? He's a provocative pick. Other guards and wings, the team would have to axe at least one player. To make room for Washington's development I feel like they have to axe at least two (Walker, Jones). I'm growing on Liddell. I think he'd be a steal with a later pick, although I don't think he's a longtime starter.

[Ariel]

Another "we forgot AJ Griffin, let's stick him on the Spurs" draft.

The Spur's flirtation with players who can only shoot didn't go well this last year with Forbes and McBuckets. When the best player in your haul is Christian Koloko, you done fucked up.
A blindfolded chimp throwing darts at the draft board couldn't pick worse than that. I almost threw up my lunch.

[wildbill2u]

Look this draft is a crapshoot like any other draft especially after the top 5 guys. You win some you lose some. We lost with Sammich but won with Keldon all in the same draft. What we probably do know is this
1. Unless there is a decent trade to be made , they will select #9 in which there is a range of about 6 players that they should take because of talent or fit.
2. One or possibly two players we didn't expect to drop will be available to them at 9. Will they select a falling player ? Its a decision they will make as it happens.
3 They will trade at least one of their four picks if not more. Can't see 4 rookies replacing 4 vets on this team. We already have a very young team. They will probably keep 2 possibly 3 but not 4.
4. They will take a flier on some foreign player. I would bet on that one. If they are a top talent on some top tier Euro team fine, just don't select some middling guy on some middling half ass team. Potential is great but waiting years for it to appear sucks when it doesn't. Explain that one to the fans Brian Wright. Procida or Besson would be ok additions.
5. Hopefully in this draft they don't reach for a player, but its always a possibility with the spurs. They've done it before, they'll do it again. With 4 picks its ok to reach at 25 or 38 but not at 9 or even 20. If there isn't any one available that they like, trade the pick for a future pick. It beats selecting a player that sits on the bench for 2 years and then gets cut or selecting a G-League lifer.
6 Its a crapshoot but as in all crapshoots there are always a few winners but losers as well.

Lots to think about in this post. :bobo

[wildbill2u]

Could some of you draft gurus take a look at these questions???

If you had to replace Kelden Johnson at SF with the 9th or 20th pick, considering all aspects of defense and offense, who would fit the Spurs best?

If you had to replace KJ at PF with the 9th or 20th pick, considering all aspects of defense and offense, who would fit the Spurs best?

As you can gather, I'm not a big fan of KJ as a long-term Spur answer, much less a starter at either position, because of his "tweener" limitations at both positions. I have my own ideas on this draft as a way to improve the team by putting him on the bench (sooner rather than later), but I'm not as competent as some of you are to analyze the draft desirability/availability of the respective players at these positions. So I'm looking for a list of SFs and PFs who might be there and move KJ out soon.

I will say I'm OK with a "swing for the fences" pick at #9 this point, but I'd hate to have us pick another guard unless he has All-Star potential. (Damn I hate that word "potential"/ Can you say Sharpe?)

I'm not particularly a KJ hater, but I just think his upside for the Spurs is as a 6th or 7th man off the bench when we need an energy lift or possibly some 3pt shooting in a good matchup.

[Uriel]

My dream (extremely unlikely) scenario would be:
1. Keegan Murray falls to #9, and we pick him there.
2. Ousmane Dieng falls to #20, and we pick him there.
3. Nikola Jovic is available at #25, and we pick him there.

Then we stash one of Dieng and Jovic (probably Jovic) while marinating the other in Austin. Then insert Murray immediately into the starting lineup.

[JPB]

The closer we get to the draft, the meh'er this class looks tbh. Hope I'm proven wrong.

[scott]

Could some of you draft gurus take a look at these questions???

If you had to replace Kelden Johnson at SF with the 9th or 20th pick, considering all aspects of defense and offense, who would fit the Spurs best?

If you had to replace KJ at PF with the 9th or 20th pick, considering all aspects of defense and offense, who would fit the Spurs best?

As you can gather, I'm not a big fan of KJ as a long-term Spur answer, much less a starter at either position, because of his "tweener" limitations at both positions. I have my own ideas on this draft as a way to improve the team by putting him on the bench (sooner rather than later), but I'm not as competent as some of you are to analyze the draft desirability/availability of the respective players at these positions. So I'm looking for a list of SFs and PFs who might be there and move KJ out soon.

I will say I'm OK with a "swing for the fences" pick at #9 this point, but I'd hate to have us pick another guard unless he has All-Star potential. (Damn I hate that word "potential"/ Can you say Sharpe?)

I'm not particularly a KJ hater, but I just think his upside for the Spurs is as a 6th or 7th man off the bench when we need an energy lift or possibly some 3pt shooting in a good matchup.

At SF: Mathurin, Davis, Daniels, JWill! Dieng
At PF: literally anyone

And I’d like KJ

[duncan2150]

Sochan of course is a fine pick at 9. I don't know how Washington has been linked to San Antonio. How? By other mock drafts? He's a provocative pick. Other guards and wings, the team would have to axe at least one player. To make room for Washington's development I feel like they have to axe at least two (Walker, Jones). I'm growing on Liddell. I think he'd be a steal with a later pick, although I don't think he's a longtime starter.

Agreed on Washington tough i saw that he has a workout scheduled with the Spurs. Same on Lidell.

[Mr. Body]

Could some of you draft gurus take a look at these questions???

If you had to replace Kelden Johnson at SF with the 9th or 20th pick, considering all aspects of defense and offense, who would fit the Spurs best?

If you had to replace KJ at PF with the 9th or 20th pick, considering all aspects of defense and offense, who would fit the Spurs best?

As you can gather, I'm not a big fan of KJ as a long-term Spur answer, much less a starter at either position, because of his "tweener" limitations at both positions. I have my own ideas on this draft as a way to improve the team by putting him on the bench (sooner rather than later), but I'm not as competent as some of you are to analyze the draft desirability/availability of the respective players at these positions. So I'm looking for a list of SFs and PFs who might be there and move KJ out soon.

I will say I'm OK with a "swing for the fences" pick at #9 this point, but I'd hate to have us pick another guard unless he has All-Star potential. (Damn I hate that word "potential"/ Can you say Sharpe?)

I'm not particularly a KJ hater, but I just think his upside for the Spurs is as a 6th or 7th man off the bench when we need an energy lift or possibly some 3pt shooting in a good matchup.

For PF, it's hard to imagine the Spurs would pass on Keegan Murray if he drops. Other possibilities at that pick are Jeremy Sochan or Tari Eason. Eason is more well-rounded but is a bit wild, Sochan is a potentially great switchable defender who has some shooting issues.

Any of those players could let Keldon push to the SF. Sochan and Eason seem like they could play the 3 or 4, potentially. Murray feels more like a modern 4.

The two guards I find reasonable at 9 are Ben Mathurin and Johnny Davis. Each has weaknesses, both have some star potential. I wouldn't say Sharpe is a swing for the fences player. He's more like you're taking a home run chop at a 2nd base pitch.

[Drom John]

CBS | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Auburn's Jabari Smith is new top pick by Magic, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren slips to No. 2
Kyle Boone, 42 minutes ago, AKA 26 May 2022



Round 1 - Pick 9
Dyson Daniels SG
G League Ignite • 6'6" / 175 lbs
Projected Team
San Antonio
PROSPECT RNK
17th
POSITION RNK
5th
PPG
11.3
RPG
5.9
APG
4.4
3P%
25.5%
Daniels is rising up boards and clearly into lottery territory after a strong G League Ignite season and a strong pre-draft process. He's a creative live-dribble passer with great size and incredible defensive chops as one of the best on-ball perimeter defenders. Still needs to develop his game, particularly as a shooter, but the feel and IQ make me confident in his game translating.


Round 1 - Pick 20
Malaki Branham SF
Ohio State • Fr • 6'5" / 180 lbs
Projected Team
San Antonio
PROSPECT RNK
16th
POSITION RNK
3rd
PPG
13.7
RPG
3.6
APG
2
3P%
41.6%
Ohio State turned to Branham as one of its go-to options down the stretch run of the season, and he responded by averaging 17.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in the second half of the year. He's a big wing who can torch the net and scores it at a really high level, and now that he's committed to staying in the draft, should be in the mix as a potential lottery pick.


Round 1 - Pick 25
Leonard Miller SF
Fort Erie Int'l • 6'9" / 195 lbs
Projected Team
San Antonio
PROSPECT RNK
69th
POSITION RNK
20th
This is an upside play for the Spurs. Miller's incredibly raw as a prospect and not ready to be an NBA contributor just yet, but he's got the physical tools to be a dynamic two-way player in time. Low risk (picks in the late 20s don't hit all the time) but high reward (Miller could be a legit rotation player in a few years).

[scott]

CBS | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Auburn's Jabari Smith is new top pick by Magic, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren slips to No. 2
Kyle Boone, 42 minutes ago, AKA 26 May 2022

This is precisely the kind of Spursy draft to piss us all off that I’m expecting ��

[Ariel]

The closer we get to the draft, the meh'er this class looks tbh. Hope I'm proven wrong.
I don't think it's a bad draft, I just think it's distributed differently from last year. Having a top 8 pick in 2021 was awesome, multiple potential franchise / perennial all star caliber guys... but from 9 onwards it was mostly underwhelming, give or take a surprise or two (mostly Herb Jones).
This draft's value lies mostly in the top 4, but there's also value to be had even a few picks past the lottery. from 6 onwards you have:
bigs/forwards: Duren, Keegan Murphy, Sochan, Eason
wings/guards: Mathurin, Johnny Davis, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Williams, Blake Wesley
prospects: Dieng, Jovic
If we could come out with one from each group, it'd be ideal. We just need an extra pick in that 10-18 range... and we have the assets to pull it off.

[R. DeMurre]

Of course a lot will be determined by who gets picked ahead of the Spurs' slots, but I was thinking today that I wouldn't mind it if a scenario like this happened: Spurs pick Sochan at #9, and then Tari Eason unexpectedly slips to #20, where they pick him because he's the BPA at that point. Some might say those would be overlapping picks, but I don't think a team can really have too much versatility at 6'8" with 7'+ wingspans.... Jalen Williams and Jake Laravia are kind of my sentimental favorites at this point, as well as Mark Williams if he somehow slips to #25. Ditto for Keegan Murray/ Eason.

[Ariel]

^ That would be GREAT, I'd be ecstatic. But I can't see it happening, Tari will get snatched anywhere from 14 to 18 IMO. We might have a chance if we package 38 to move up 2 or 3 spots.

[rascal]

9. Sharpe/Mathurin/Murray (Want to come out of the draft with one high upside offensive player)
13. Sochan/ Eason - trade Poeltl
20. Kamagate
25. trade for a future first

[The Truth #6]

^ That would be GREAT, I'd be ecstatic. But I can't see it happening, Tari will get snatched anywhere from 14 to 18 IMO. We might have a chance if we package 38 to move up 2 or 3 spots.

To me, that is ideal and potentially realistic: grab Sochan at 9 and use some combination of our other picks to move up and secure Eason, who I doubt makes it to 20. Two power forwards, which arguably makes our development work easier as they have somewhat similar deficiencies at the same position, mainly shooting. We’ll still be in the lottery next year, but our roster will be less of a Frankenstein creation, and hopefully, our draft selection process next year has less glaring deficiencies to address.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I'd be pleased if the Spurs get Sochan at 9.

This team needs athletic size. If we don't address that this off season it will be another long year.

Trading Poeltl, without an adequate replacement, will cost us wins next year. He does a lot of "off the balance sheet" work that doesn't get a lot of credit in the box score but certainly makes the Spurs a better team. Trading him would require a very healthy return, IMO.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'm not that intrigued by Sochan tbh. I still hope the Spurs trade up from the 9th pick to at least get Keegan Murray

[rascal]

I'm not that intrigued by Sochan tbh. I still hope the Spurs trade up from the 9th pick to at least get Keegan Murray

Yes, moving up a little from 9 then draft Murray is the best move and use of their extra draft pick assets.

[objective]

Another "we forgot AJ Griffin, let's stick him on the Spurs" draft.

The Spur's flirtation with players who can only shoot didn't go well this last year with Forbes and McBuckets. When the best player in your haul is Christian Koloko, you done fucked up.

Spurs have a a chunk of recent history of seeking out one dimensional shooters and never learning their lesson. They did outbid the rest of the league on a 3 year deal for a 30 year old McDermott. They did get Forbes twice. They went after and signed Marco twice.

Seems pretty fair to mock Griffin to the Spurs with that context

[BackHome]

Of course a lot will be determined by who gets picked ahead of the Spurs' slots, but I was thinking today that I wouldn't mind it if a scenario like this happened: Spurs pick Sochan at #9, and then Tari Eason unexpectedly slips to #20, where they pick him because he's the BPA at that point. Some might say those would be overlapping picks, but I don't think a team can really have too much versatility at 6'8" with 7'+ wingspans.... Jalen Williams and Jake Laravia are kind of my sentimental favorites at this point, as well as Mark Williams if he somehow slips to #25. Ditto for Keegan Murray/ Eason.

I was very impressed with Jake Laravia shooting and his combine numbers he was a lot more athletic then I thought. One question do you think he is a pure PF a SF or combo?

I agree I really looking for length and athleticism and a dog either on offense or defense no Beta’s

Dog on Defense:
Sochran
Tari
Daniels
Davis

Dog on Offense:
Davis
Blake Wesley
Williams
Terquavian Smith
Liddell

Beta:
AJ Griffin
Baldwin

[K...]

Spurs have a a chunk of recent history of seeking out one dimensional shooters and never learning their lesson. They did outbid the rest of the league on a 3 year deal for a 30 year old McDermott. They did get Forbes twice. They went after and signed Marco twice.

Seems pretty fair to mock Griffin to the Spurs with that context

The closest the spurs have been to using a draft pick on a chucker is james anderson. The other players you mentioned were 2nd round afterthoughts, undrafteds, and journeyman players. Not saying they don't love chuckers, but they don't use frp on them

[TD 21]

9. Sharpe/Mathurin/Murray (Want to come out of the draft with one high upside offensive player)
13. Sochan/ Eason - trade Poeltl
20. Kamagate
25. trade for a future first

Exactly. All this talk and lusting after these non shooting, role playing fours; I don't get it. I understand the need to fill that position, but not with those types (at least at 9).

If there's a roster in the league screaming for offensive dynamism in the worst way, it's this. Murray and Mathurin come closest as they at least have clear paths to being ancillary scorers and the draft will be a failure if they don't land one or trade the pick for a young veteran who fits that description.

I don't care if it takes a slight overpay to do it either. Just figure out a way to land a projected core piece instead of loading up on more spare parts.

[duncan2150]

Exactly. All this talk and lusting after these non shooting, role playing fours; I don't get it. I understand the need to fill that position, but not with those types (at least at 9).

If there's a roster in the league screaming for offensive dynamism in the worst way, it's this. Murray and Mathurin come closest as they at least have clear paths to being ancillary scorers and the draft will be a failure if they don't land one or trade the pick for a young veteran who fits that description.

I don't care if it takes a slight overpay to do it either. Just figure out a way to land a projected core piece instead of loading up on more spare parts.

I'm not sure Murray will be the scorer you think. He's not the one who creates the separation against some NCAA players , tough he was older ...i'm not sold on his ceilling offensively. His quickness and ball handling makes me think he will be a good role player to 3rd option on a team if he develops well. I could be wrong on this.

I agree for Mathurin, i will bring Davis too.

[Uriel]

I wouldn’t trade Poeltl. He’s the team’s second best player and his age fits the timeline of our current roster. I understand he will be a free agent this off-season and will be expensive, but I would rather pay him and lock him in for his prime during Murray’s all-star years than draft Williams or Duren and wait another five years for them to develop, by which time Murray will be 30.

[TD 21]

I'm not sure Murray will be the scorer you think. He's not the one who creates the separation against some NCAA players , tough he was older ...i'm not sold on his ceilling offensively. His quickness and ball handling makes me think he will be a good role player to 3rd option on a team if he develops well. I could be wrong on this.

I agree for Mathurin, i will bring Davis too.

That's why I said ancillary scorer.

People are overthinking this: He projects as a non liability in terms of on/off ball offense and defense, at the scarcest position in the league.

If this team ever becomes good again, that's going to make him extremely valuable in the playoffs, while all these limited to non shooters will be played off the floor.

[duncan2150]

That's why I said ancillary scorer.

People are overthinking this: He projects as a non liability in terms of on/off ball offense and defense, at the scarcest position in the league.

If this team every becomes good again, that's going to make him extremely valuable in the playoffs, while all these limited to non shooters will be played off the floor.

I could be ok with this and i really think there's a good chance he'll be there at 9.

Imo he's in the group after the top 5 ( i think Sharpe is a lock in the top 10) with Davis-Mathurin-Daniels-Sochan-Duren-Griffin...that will make the lottery.

[TD 21]

I could be ok with this and i really think there's a good chance he'll be there at 9.

Imo he's in the group after the top 5 ( i think Sharpe is a lock in the top 10) with Davis-Mathurin-Daniels-Sochan-Duren-Griffin...that will make the lottery.

He's going 4-7, book it. Let's hope it's 6-7, where a trade up theoretically becomes more feasible.

[rascal]

Murray is a beast. He sure can be a top scorer in the league as position of need for the Spurs.

He has a great looking shot(smooth) and enough athleticism to go strong to the basket and finish.

He's also NBA ready and would step right in and contribute, no hope he can correct his shot crap like other players desired by many here with the 9th pick.

It's going to take a trade up to get Murray maybe 3 or 4 spots in the draft but it would be a huge success if the Spurs can pull it off.

[R. DeMurre]

I was very impressed with Jake Laravia shooting and his combine numbers he was a lot more athletic then I thought. One question do you think he is a pure PF a SF or combo?

I agree I really looking for length and athleticism and a dog either on offense or defense no Beta’s

Dog on Defense:
Sochran
Tari
Daniels
Davis

Dog on Offense:
Davis
Blake Wesley
Williams
Terquavian Smith
Liddell

Beta:
AJ Griffin
Baldwin


I think I see LaRavia more as a SF in the mode of pre-injury Gordon Hayward... I think people tend to forget that before his avalanche of injuries, Hayward was a pretty impressive all around player.

[CGD]

Spurs have to at least pick up the phone and call Houston about 3, no? Wonder what it would realistically take.

[cool cat]

Spurs have to at least pick up the phone and call Houston about 3, no? Wonder what it would realistically take.

Murry and 9 if we were lucky.

[PhantomDashCam]

1529855942153670656

Not sure if it's a typo, but if you go into the article, it also states that Minott worked out with the Spurs Pre-Combine. That would make two workouts already....

[Dejounte]

Hmm i wonder if the 20 and 25 picks will turn out to be Marjon and Minott

[Dejounte]

From a website

A more interesting list came up during a BartTorvik (https://www.barttorvik.com/) query, though. Since 2016, only four players have had a BLK % over 5.0, a STL % over 3.0, an AST % over 12, and an OREB % over 12. They are as follows:
-Josh Minott
-Fringe NBA Player Gary Clark as a senior at Cincinnati
-Consensus first-round pick LSU sophomore Tari Eason
-Former number one overall pick Zion Williamson as a freshman at Duke


——————-

makes sense for the Spurs to be interested. Like i said, every offseason they address their weaknesses. And I said help defense was a big one.

[The Truth #6]

Oddly, the advantage of having so many glaring weaknesses is that there are few wrong ways to approach the draft. Lol. Pretty much any approach that adds talent in any way is basically valid.

[exstatic]

Spurs have to at least pick up the phone and call Houston about 3, no? Wonder what it would realistically take.

Our entire cupboard of picks and swaps, and 2-3 of our former FRPs. No one in this draft is a transformative player to be worth that.

[The Truth #6]

Spurs seem very glacial and methodical, as if each off-season has a purpose.

Vassel and Tre Jones: defense.
Lil Weezy, McBuckets, and Primo: shooting.

This season: Maybe defense again?

[PhantomDashCam]

I think they're looking at upside from the wing. What separates Barlowe, Minott, Dieng, Eason, Sochan etc. from one another?
What's that intangible Spurs-ian quality they are looking for?

If they think the difference between Sochan (generally considered a top 10 pick) and Minott is slim or actually tilts in favor of the latter; it would make sense to obtain him later in the draft and use #9 somewhere else.
That may be in a trade up scenario or to select combine darling Jalen Williams who's likely not making past late lottery.

[BatManu20]

1527799523195879424

1529824405110394882

[CGD]

Our entire cupboard of picks and swaps, and 2-3 of our former FRPs. No one in this draft is a transformative player to be worth that.

Yeah F that.

[CGD]

I’m coming back around to Johnny Davis at 9. Alpha dog, high bbiq, natural bucket getter which the team lacks.

Cooling on Sochan at 9. I feel there are some reasonable facsimiles of him that will be available later in the draft including the other Baylor kid Brown.

I really like Mark Williams but not at 9, which is where we’d need to take him. Some of the other centers (the Arkansas and Arizona ones) seemed to have good combines and could be had at 25.

Deing is the type of swing for the fences pick id like to see at 20.

[rascal]

Spurs have to at least pick up the phone and call Houston about 3, no? Wonder what it would realistically take.

No. 3 will cost more than 5 or 6 in a trade.

Rather have Murray at 5 or 6 than Banchero.

[Uriel]

I’m increasingly of the belief that one of Murray, Sharpe, or Daniels will be available at #9. Whichever one of them falls has to be the pick, in my opinion.

[duncan2150]

He's going 4-7, book it. Let's hope it's 6-7, where a trade up theoretically becomes more feasible.

Ok book it that he'll be not be pick 5 or 6 . we talk about that after the draft lol maybe you're right maybe not

I will not trade up for him if he's out of reach

[RC_Drunkford]

That's why I said ancillary scorer.

People are overthinking this: He projects as a non liability in terms of on/off ball offense and defense, at the scarcest position in the league.

If this team ever becomes good again, that's going to make him extremely valuable in the playoffs, while all these limited to non shooters will be played off the floor.

Yup. Spurs need a high level player who can play both ends. Keegan Murray was the best player in college basketball last season and he fits our style of play. Not only does he extremely well in transition, you can also run him off screens as an offball shooter like McDermott. He‘s a deadeye shooter, good defender, can help protect the rim and is a great rebounder which always translates. He won‘t be able to bully players in the post like he did in college, but he can still put on some muscle and there‘s some upside left in unleashing his midrange game. At worst he‘s a high level 3-and-D starter, but there‘s a chance for him to average 20 PPG and become a borderline All-Star depending how many moves he can add to his offensive arsenal.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'm not sure Murray will be the scorer you think. He's not the one who creates the separation against some NCAA players , tough he was older ...i'm not sold on his ceilling offensively. His quickness and ball handling makes me think he will be a good role player to 3rd option on a team if he develops well. I could be wrong on this.

I agree for Mathurin, i will bring Davis too.

I don‘t understand why you think he has to be able to create separation. He plays the 4. Those type of players score out of the post and pick & roll, they don’t have to go 1 on 1 with dribble moves and step backs

[duncan2150]

I don‘t understand why you think he has to be able to create separation. He plays the 4. Those type of players score out of the post and pick & roll, they don’t have to go 1 on 1 with dribble moves and step backs

We talk about scoring in this thread, especially about a go to scorer. A go to scorer needs to create some separation sometimes to score.

Imo Murray is not that and lacks the quickness to. Also the fact that he's posting a lot vs younger players makes me wonder if that will translate. I don't say no but i have a doubt.

Last thing is the difficulties he had against biggest oppositions, it was better as the season goes but he was struggling against good teams at the beginning of the year.

[RC_Drunkford]

We talk about scoring in this thread, especially about a go to scorer. A go to scorer needs to create some separation sometimes to score.

Imo Murray is not that and lacks the quickness to. Also the fact that he's posting a lot vs younger players makes me wonder if that will translate. I don't say no but i have a doubt.

Last thing is the difficulties he had against biggest oppositions, it was better as the season goes but he was struggling against good teams at the beginning of the year.

there are plenty of moves that you can make on the low block that don't require fast foot speed. It's more about footwork. Post ups also create separation between you and the defender. Banchero ain't that quick either, but can score from anywhere. I'm not saying Murray will be a go-to guy, but he'd solve pretty much all the problems this roster has at once, besides having a go-to guy. There are some questionmarks on what his ceiling is, but I doubt players like Sochan or Daniels will turn out to be better.

[dbestpro]

Daniels is Walker 2.0 as far as productivity. Souchan has the higher upside but toss a coin as to him developing an offensive game.

[duncan2150]

there are plenty of moves that you can make on the low block that don't require fast foot speed. It's more about footwork. Post ups also create separation between you and the defender. Banchero ain't that quick either, but can score from anywhere. I'm not saying Murray will be a go-to guy, but he'd solve pretty much all the problems this roster has at once, besides having a go-to guy. There are some questionmarks on what his ceiling is, but I doubt players like Sochan or Daniels will turn out to be better.

I don't disagree, like i said i have some doubts about the translation of those post ups in the NBA and his offense in general. I trust the shooting but other areas needs to be seen against NBA competition.

[rjv]

1529855942153670656

Not sure if it's a typo, but if you go into the article, it also states that Minott worked out with the Spurs Pre-Combine. That would make two workouts already....


"I plan to be like Josh Primo (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4702176/joshua-primo) [a surprise No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft] coming out of the woodwork this spring," Minott said.

[Drom John]

Fansided | Orlando Magic Daily 2022 Mock Draft Version 2.0: Who is the pick… this week?
Philip Rossman-Reich, 16 hours ago, AKA 26 May 2022



9
Ousmane Dieng
SF, San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs have a lot of nice players. But they are still looking for that big player to tie their whole roster together. They probably will not get it in this draft. But taking a swing on the playmaking forward in Ousmane Dieng would be a decent choice. Dieng is a 6-foot-10 forward with good playmaking skills who finished his season in the NBL really strong.



20
Terquavion Smith
SG, San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs

Terquavion Smith is one of the more intriguing scorers in this draft class. He averaged 16.3 points per game while shooting 36.9-percent from deep and 39.8-percent from the floor overall.

Smith has good size and can get into the lane, but his efficiency will be a huge question moving forward. And the Combine did not help — he played one game, scoring an inefficient 17 points and then sat out the remaining games.

Smith has the size the NBA likes. The question is how he puts all those skills together and finds his role.



25
Nikola Jovic
F, San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs

Nikola Jovic is one of the more intriguing prospects in this draft class. Figuring out what to do with him and whether he is someone to invest in will be a challenge. But he is definitely one of my players to keep an eye on.

Jovic is a 6-foot-10 forward who has good shooting form and good playmaking instincts. He can attack off the dribble well and beat up smaller defenders. This is what the modern forward looks like.

Jovic just plays zero defense. And his translation to the NBA is still a question. But the natural talent and ability are all there for him to grow and develop from.

[bluebellmaniac]

Fansided | Orlando Magic Daily 2022 Mock Draft Version 2.0: Who is the pick… this week?
Philip Rossman-Reich, 16 hours ago, AKA 26 May 2022

Give me a total of at least two PF or SF/PF type guys... With height (6'9" or taller). No midget PFs. We need size and muscle for some pounding.

[The Truth #6]

I could see Sharpe or Murray falling to 9 and Spurs fielding trade requests like what happened with Halliburton. Would be interesting scenario.

[Mr. Body]

I could see Sharpe or Murray falling to 9 and Spurs fielding trade requests like what happened with Halliburton. Would be interesting scenario.

If Murray falls, I think the Spurs grab him. If Sharpe falls, it's indication that teams have seen through the unbelievable bullshit. Maybe someone would still trade up to get him, but I'd rather take a good player stil there.

[jjspur]

If K. Murray falls to 9 , you select him. End of story. Don't even wait all the allotted time. He'll be a starter averaging 15 plus points and this board will still be debating whether or not to give an extension to Poetl, Keldon, Vassell or even Pop. :blah
Short of the top 3 selections, he's about as sure a thing as you can get. Some team will get a really good all around player. Bet on it.

[rascal]

If Murray falls, I think the Spurs grab him. If Sharpe falls, it's indication that teams have seen through the unbelievable bullshit. Maybe someone would still trade up to get him, but I'd rather take a good player stil there.

You're too conservative.

This is what a Pelican /Kentucky fan wrote.

As a Kentucky fan I got to watch all the Sharpe drama unfold and from what I saw is that Coach Cal was planning on saving him for next years team which so he didn’t mess up the rotation for this year. Then Sharpe decided to leave because of all the draft interest. It was never the case he didn’t want to play it was more like Cal did not want him to play. I believe that if he stayed another year he would be the 1st overall pick next year so I absolutely think we should take him if he slides down to 8.

[rascal]

I could see Sharpe or Murray falling to 9 and Spurs fielding trade requests like what happened with Halliburton. Would be interesting scenario.

I don't think either will be there at 9. The Spurs will need to trade up a little(may cost them 9 and 20 or 25) to grab Murray if they want him.

[Mr. Body]

You're too conservative.

This is what a Pelican /Kentucky fan wrote.

As a Kentucky fan I got to watch all the Sharpe drama unfold and from what I saw is that Coach Cal was planning on saving him for next years team which so he didn’t mess up the rotation for this year. Then Sharpe decided to leave because of all the draft interest. It was never the case he didn’t want to play it was more like Cal did not want him to play. I believe that if he stayed another year he would be the 1st overall pick next year so I absolutely think we should take him if he slides down to 8.

I also followed it. Calipari wanted and needed him to play. Kentucky fans... well, bless their hearts, they ain't too bright.

Waaaaay too many huge red flags around Sharpe to bother with him. And that's before getting into his lack of lateral quickness or burst and possibly historically awful defense.

[Degoat]

Idk why but I feel like Marjon Beauchamp is a target for the spurs imo

[RC_Drunkford]

Minott reminds me of John Collins minus the shooting

[TD 21]

Obviously the order could change, but right now I don't see any of 4-7 taking the risk on Sharpe. Even though they're often ranked behind, I get the sense Mathurin and Daniels (unclear how much influence Schmitz will have, but he's a big fan) end up ahead.

He probably won't get past 8, but if he did they'd be fools to not select him.

[rascal]

I also followed it. Calipari wanted and needed him to play. Kentucky fans... well, bless their hearts, they ain't too bright.

Waaaaay too many huge red flags around Sharpe to bother with him. And that's before getting into his lack of lateral quickness or burst and possibly historically awful defense.

If Calipari wanted and needed him to play then why didn't he play?

Sharpe refused to play? Of course Not. Sharpe wasn't going to join the team after they've been playing for three months and immediately be starting.
And if he was not getting minutes this could hurt his draft position as he was projected as a lottery pick so Cali sat him out.


There are no red flags other than what's in your head. Conservative thinking will make you miss out if you pass up on drafting Sharpe if he's there at 9.

[T Park]

Idk why but I feel like Marjon Beauchamp is a target for the spurs imo

Seattle guy. Can be gotten at 20 or 25

[T Park]

Obviously the order could change, but right now I don't see any of 4-7 taking the risk on Sharpe. Even though they're often ranked behind, I get the sense Mathurin and Daniels (unclear how much influence Schmitz will have, but he's a big fan) end up ahead.

He probably won't get past 8, but if he did they'd be fools to not select him.


The Blazers hiring Schmitz and him some how convincing them to go Daniels pushing Murray to the Spurs would be epic.

[Mr. Body]

Idk why but I feel like Marjon Beauchamp is a target for the spurs imo

Could be a defensive spark plug off the bench. I don't think the Spurs would look at Jaden Hardy -- just awful on defense -- but Beauchamp maybe.

[BackHome]

Yeah Griffin, Baldwin, and Hardy, are all Hard Pass.........:(

[BatManu20]

Idk why but I feel like Marjon Beauchamp is a target for the spurs imo

Yea I’ve felt the same way for a while. Hope he’s still there at pick 20 but he could be gone. Dejounte posted about him on his IG story a couple days ago. They’re buds from Seattle.

[BatManu20]

If Spurs were to hypothetically take Jalen Williams at 9, I think MarJon becomes an afterthought though.

[Mr. Body]

I find it hard to believe the Spurs would take Jalen Williams at 9. Of course there's great precedence with their attention to the combine. But he just feels like a higher floor / lower ceiling guy you'd love to have but is a reach in the top 10.

[BackHome]

A big reach at 10 but Spurs have done stupid things like this before ie..Primo. I honestly have no idea who the Spurs are picking at any pick, I just pray they don't fuck it up

[TD 21]

The Blazers hiring Schmitz and him some how convincing them to go Daniels pushing Murray to the Spurs would be epic.

Schmitz is also big on Murray. It's highly unlikely he makes it to 7, but if he does he won't fall further.

[Ariel]

We need AJ Griffin to go top 8 to push someone back, and it's looking more and more unlikely.

[Uriel]

I would trade #9 and #20 for #7 if Murray is there.

[Mr. Body]

We need AJ Griffin to go top 8 to push someone back, and it's looking more and more unlikely.

I dunno, I could see Sacramento do something completely silly like that. Griffin is well-regarded, really, even if we shit on him.

[PhantomDashCam]

Just a rumour but Mavs/Magic well respected in the draft community…

1530061989883662336

Arguably heard less from Duren over the last couple of months than Sharpe.
‘Mavs/Magic also goes onto say in a retweet that he doesn’t believe Eason is doing well in workouts atm.

[Ariel]

I dunno, I could see Sacramento do something completely silly like that. Griffin is well-regarded, really, even if we shit on him.
That would be completely idi0tic. Then again, they did pick Marvin Bagley ahead of Luka, so if someone can pull it off, it's them.

[Mr. Body]

Just a rumour but Mavs/Magic well respected in the draft community…

1530061989883662336

Arguably heard less from Duren over the last couple of months than Sharpe.
‘Mavs/Magic also goes onto say in a retweet that he doesn’t believe Eason is doing well in workouts atm.

Each lotto pick gets a time of hype. I wonder if Charlotte is facing the prospect of both level 1 centers going before their picks -- in Mark Williams and Duren.

[Ariel]

Obviously the order could change, but right now I don't see any of 4-7 taking the risk on Sharpe. Even though they're often ranked behind, I get the sense Mathurin and Daniels (unclear how much influence Schmitz will have, but he's a big fan) end up ahead.

He probably won't get past 8, but if he did they'd be fools to not select him.
By Schmitz & Givony: https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/33980075/the-four-players-break-2022-nba-draft-big-three

Murray could also be a day one contributor for the Trail Blazers (No. 7) as an excellent fit alongside Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons given his versatility, shooting touch and mature game. -- Schmitz

Portland looks like another intriguing landing spot at No. 7. Daniels would be an excellent fill-in-the-blanks, all-around wing to play off Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons as the Trail Blazers figure out what their long-term future looks like as it pertains to Dame Time, giving Daniels time to acclimate until he's ready to step into a bigger offensive role. A backcourt of Simons and Daniels could complement each other extremely well, allowing Simons to defend the easier of the guard matchups while being allowed to focus heavily on what he does best -- score. -- Givony
So I'm guessing they'll pick whichever is available out of Keegan Murray and Dyson Daniels, that's if they don't trade for Jerami Grant.

[Mr. Body]

That would be completely idi0tic. Then again, they did pick Marvin Bagley ahead of Luka, so if someone can pull it off, it's them.

AJ Griffin should probably go in the top 10 and anything after the top 3 could happen.

[Degoat]

This draft has a lot of interesting prospects, it’s gonna be hard for the spurs to screw up lol I think in this draft the spurs will really focus in on size and rebounding imo.

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report | Updated 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Why Teams Are Nervous About Chet Holmgren
Jonathan Wasserman, May 31, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Johnny Davis (Wisconsin, SG, Sophomore)

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Ousmane Dieng (New Zealand Breakers, SG/SF, 2003)

Dieng buzzing, but not everyone on board

Dieng's rise became a common talking point after a late-season breakout in the NBL. The idea of a 6'9" wing who can handle and shot-make is obviously enticing, and his productive stretch from March to April came at a time when teams were looking/hoping for new talent to emerge. But not every team is buying the hype. Some think he's merely an idea, or that he's too raw and underdeveloped physically to confidently invest in. All it takes is one team to see upside that's worth spending a few years trying to unlock. It wouldn't be a total shock if Dieng went in the late lottery. But he's not a sure thing to land there. He may make more sense for a team that has multiple first-round picks to gamble with.

25. San Antonio Spurs (via Bucks): Ismael Kamagate (Paris Basketball, C, 2001)

38. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers): Trevion Williams (Purdue, PF/C, Senior)

Trevion Williams becoming outlier worth betting on

On paper, it's tough to picture an NBA fit in a 265-pound big who is a limited shooter and defender. But Williams looks easier to buy after scrimmaging in Chicago. He opened with a 14-point, 13-rebound, five-assist line on Thursday. It's well known that he's one of the draft's most skilled passers, but he also flashed some wiggle off the dribble and touch, both around the post and behind the arc.

[Drom John]

FanNation Inside the Thunder | NBA Mock Draft: Thunder Take Two Swings in Lottery
Nick Crain, May 30, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Bennedict Mathurin (Guard | Arizona)

[Drom John]

NBC Sports Washington | 2022 NBA Mock Draft 9.0: Where does Shaedon Sharpe slot after the NBA Combine?
Tyler Byrum and Chase Hughes, 22H ago, aka 30 May 2022


09 San Antonio Spurs: Bennedict Mathurin

Team: Arizona
Year: Sophomore
Position: SG/SF
Height/Weight: 6'7, 195 lbs

A lengthy playmaker on the wing is exactly what the Spurs need to amplify their current roster led by Dejounte Murray. Mathurin is expected to be a plug-and-play competitor that brings high energy and a contagious style. There would be no better landing spot for Mathurin as the Spurs development system could round out the question marks in his game while still allowing him to see action on the floor.



20 San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Nikola Jovic

Team: Mega Basket (ABA League/ International)
Age: 19 on draft day
Position: SG/SF
Height/Weight: 6'10, 209 lbs

Playing a full season in the ABA was huge for Jovic to follow up his impressive U19 World Cup performance. At 6-foot-10, Jovic is a unicorn-type who can do everything on the offensive end of the floor. Once he bulks up and is able to defend his position at the NBA level, he has star potential.


25 San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics): E.J. Liddell

Team: Ohio State
Year: Junior
Position: PF
Height/Weight: 6'7, 240 lbs

While a junior at Ohio St., Liddell improved significantly all three years at school. He is now a legitimate outside threat, who can make plays off the dribble and has an advanced midrange fadeaway. Liddell is quick up and down the floor, with a strong build at 6-foot-7. He also blocks 2.5 shots per game. The trajectory he has shown so far of getting much better each year should be a great sign for any team that drafts him.

[Drom John]

Fansided Piston Powered | 2022 NBA mock draft: Detroit Pistons make a trade
Aaron Kellerstrass, 3 hours ago, AKA 31 May 2022

Pistons getting #7 Bennedict Mathurin for Jerami Grant



9
AJ Griffin
Forward Duke / San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs made the play-in this season and still walked way with the 9th pick, so they have to be pretty excited.

They’d be even more excited if Griffin fell to them here, as he might be the best 3-point shooter in the 2022 NBA Draft, which is a skill the Spurs desperately need.

He’s a nice fit with Dejounte Murray and Josh Primo and would give the Spurs a good young core to build around. If the Spurs could get a guy like Griffin, they’d also be in a position to make a trade to add a star player and go for it now.

I think the Spurs are another wildcard in this draft, as they could easily trade back here, especially if someone was desperate to move up and willing to offer a future first rounder to move back a few spots.

Griffin falling this far would give the Spurs some leverage in a trade.


#20-Spurs via Raptors

E.J. Liddell: Power forward, Ohio State

#25-San Antonio Spurs via Celtics

Blake Wesley: Guard, Notre Dame

[offset formation]

Bleacher Report | Updated 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Why Teams Are Nervous About Chet Holmgren
Jonathan Wasserman, May 31, 2022

Lol. BR got a 20 at 9 and a 9 at 20.

[offset formation]

NBC Sports Washington | 2022 NBA Mock Draft 9.0: Where does Shaedon Sharpe slot after the NBA Combine?
Tyler Byrum and Chase Hughes, 22H ago, aka 30 May 2022

I'd LOVE this draft.

[Drom John]

CBS | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Jabari Smith to Magic at No. 1 ahead of Chet Holmgren; Bennedict Mathurin into top five
Colin Ward-Henninger, May 31, 2022



Round 1 - Pick 9
TyTy Washington Jr. PG
Kentucky • Fr • 6'3" / 197 lbs
Projected Team
San Antonio
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
1st
PPG
12.5
RPG
3.5
APG
3.9
3P%
35%
The Spurs clearly need a secondary ball-handler next to Dejounte Murray, and Washington is an excellent choice with his ability to create offense for both himself and for others. He's also more than capable as an off-ball 3-point shooter, allowing him to both play alongside Murray and serve as the backup point guard.



Round 1 - Pick 20
Patrick Baldwin Jr. PF
Milwaukee • Fr • 6'9" / 220 lbs
Projected Team
San Antonio
PROSPECT RNK
37th
POSITION RNK
9th
PPG
12.1
RPG
5.8
APG
1.5
3P%
26.6%
Baldwin was one of the top recruits in the country coming out of high school, but his draft stock plummeted after a horrific season at Milwaukee. The Spurs are just the type of organization to read through the noise and see a 6-9 bucket-getter with a 7-2 wingspan who has advanced shooting and scoring potential to go along with a "best player on the floor" type of confidence. Baldwin could end up being a huge steal if he falls this far, and San Antonio will be glad to get him in its program.



Round 1 - Pick 25
Jake LaRavia PF
Wake Forest • Jr • 6'8" / 235 lbs
Projected Team
San Antonio
PROSPECT RNK
27th
POSITION RNK
7th
PPG
14.6
RPG
6.6
APG
3.7
3P%
38.4%
LaRavia just seems to do everything well -- a trait that Gregg Popovich would likely find useful. The 6-8 forward has great instincts on both ends of the floor, and projects as a knock-down 3-point shooter, particularly from the corners. He also has some point-forward potential given his passing ability.

[Drom John]

Yahoo! | 2022 NBA Mock Draft, Vol. 2
Raphielle Johnson, June 2, 2022


9. San Antonio: SF A.J. Griffin (Duke)

The Spurs have three first-round picks, which could open the door to the team taking a "swing" with one of those choices, as they did with Joshua Primo last year. Griffin's 3-point shooting ability, as he made close to 45% of his 4.1 attempts per game at Duke last season, would help a team that ranked 26th in makes, 25th in attempts, and 18th in percentage. San Antonio ranked 18th in offensive rating and having another consistent perimeter shooter could help Gregg Popovich's team in its quest to avoid the play-in tournament after landing there each of the last two seasons.


20. San Antonio (from Toronto): SG Jaden Hardy (G League Ignite)

Hardy has the potential to be a high-level scorer, but he can be a bit streaky. That may say more about his decision-making than it does his shooting ability, as Hardy did shoot better than 88% from the foul line. Being able to play off of a point guard in Dejounte Murray, who's very good at getting guys shots in spots where they can be successful, would help Hardy. And as noted above, with San Antonio having three first-round picks it would not be all that shocking if they took a gamble with one of them.


25. San Antonio (from Boston): SF Caleb Houstan (Michigan)

It was reported by ESPN's Jonathan Givony last month that some believe that Houstan may have a first-round promise, which led to his decision to turn down an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine. If that's the case, the team in question is obviously under the impression that his numbers at Michigan don't match up with the player that he can potentially be. Houstan shot just over 38% from the field this past season, but at 6-foot-8 he has good size for an NBA wing. With regard to where he could potentially go, a team with multiple firsts (San Antonio has three) could fit the bill.


38. San Antonio (from LA Lakers via Chicago and Washington): PG/SG Hugo Besson (New Zealand Breakers)

[BackHome]

The last two are terrible mocks I would cry if we drafted those players just terrible

[Drom John]

247 Sports | 2022 NBA mock draft: We predict every team's first-round selection
Joel Ryan, May 31, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Mark Williams, Duke

San Antonio Spurs 2021-2022 regular-season record: 24-48

Mark Williams is a 7-foot center. He'll be 20 on draft night.

High ceiling

247Sports' Adam Finkelstein notes that, at Duke, Mark Williams was asked to play just two specific roles: "rim protector and finisher." Finkelstein writes that Williams' "soft touch" and free-throw skills indicate that has has even more to offer.


20. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors): Jaden Hardy, Ignite (G League)

Toronto Raptors 2021-2022 regular-season record: 48-34

The Toronto Raptors ceded this pick to the San Antonio Spurs as part of the Goran Dragic trade.

Jaden Hardy is a 6-foot-4 shooting guard who most recently played for the Ignite team of the NBA's developmental G League.


25. San Antonio Spurs (from Boston Celtics): Justin Lewis, Marquette

Boston Celtics 2021-2022 regular-season record: 51-31

The Boston Celtics ceded this pick to the San Antonio Spurts in the Derrick White trade.

Justin Lewis is a 6-foot-7 power forward who'll be 20 on draft night. CBS Sports rates him as the 25th-best prospect in the 2022 NBA Draft.

[rjv]

damn, these last three mocks are :nope

[JuneJive]

Justin Lewis, eh?

Talk about under-the-radar pick.

[TDomination]

the spurs should trade the 25th and 38th pick to move up to 21

that way we can have picks 9, 20 and 21.

those 3 numbers gave us great seasons for many years, perhaps it could happen again in a different form.

[Drom John]

ESPN | ESPN updates 2022 NBA mock draft after multiple withdrawals
Stephen Samra getting Jonathon Givony results without commentary outside the paywall, June 1, 2022


9) San Antonio Spurs — Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
20) San Antonio Spurs (via TOR) — Jalen Williams, F, Santa Clara
25) San Antonio Spurs (via BOS) — Caleb Houstan, F, Michigan
38) San Antonio Spurs (via LAL) — Khalifa Diop, C, Senegal

[Drom John]

FantasyPros | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: First Round Picks, Predictions & Player Notes
Jamie Calandro, May 31, 2022


9. SAN ANTONIO SPURS – G/F Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona Sophomore

This pick makes so much sense after the Spurs traded away Derrick White
. Mathurin shot 36% from beyond the arc as a sophomore and is an instant pairing with Dejounte Murray
who will drive all day.


20. SAN ANTONIO SPURS – F Nikola Jovic
, Mega Basket International

All film and scouting reports on this guy just scream “Spurs” to me. The combination of shot creation and length is something Popovich covets in his young players, and he’s also the perfect coach to teach Jovic defense.


25. SAN ANTONIO SPURS – G Blake Wesley
, Notre Dame Freshman

The Spurs’ third first-round pick, and they use this one on upside as well. Wesley needs to improve his distance shooting, but his versatility on both ends makes him a fun Popovich pick here.

[Drom John]

SportsNaut | 2022 NBA mock draft: Full 2-round version with Chet Holmgren going No. 1
Vincent Frank, June 1, 2022


9. San Antonio Spurs: Shaedon Sharpe, guard, Kentucky
Kentucky-Shaedon-Sharpe
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

When looking at NBA Draft rankings, a lot of it has to do with upside. According to 247 Sports, Sharpe was the No. 3 overall recruit in the class of 2021. Unfortunately, he did not suit up as a freshman.

Despite this, there’s talk that Sharpe will simply go pro. He’s an athletic dynamo with an unfinished floor game. It will be interesting to see him perform during the pre-draft process. The Spurs can afford to take a chance on him with two more first-round picks in this 2022 NBA mock draft.


20. San Anonio Spurs (from Raptors): Jeremy Sochan, forward, Baylor
25. San Antonio Spurs (from Celtics): Walker Kessler, center, Auburn
38. San Antonio Spurs (from Lakers): Christian Koloko, center, Arizona

[Drom John]

WalterFootball | 2022 NBA Mock Draft
WalterFootball, June 2, 2022


9 San Antonio Spurs: Johnny Davis, SF, Wisconsin
What the Spurs need most is for Gregg Popovich to regain his sanity. That's not available at this pick, so they can add a wing to help replace DeMar DeRozan. Johnny Davis was one of the worst coaches in NBA history. Let's hope his potential son is a better player than his potential dad was a coach.


20 San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
The Spurs could stand to add another guard to their rotation, given their depth issues.


25 San Antonio Spurs: Ismael Kamagate, C, France
With all of these picks, the Spurs figure to select one foreign player and stash them overseas, where they may never be heard from again.

[John B]

SportsNaut | 2022 NBA mock draft: Full 2-round version with Chet Holmgren going No. 1
Vincent Frank, June 1, 2022

#9 Sharpe
#20 Sochan (pipe dream)
#25 Kessler
#38 Koloko

I’d be thrilled with these draft

[offset formation]

FantasyPros | 2022 NBA Mock Draft: First Round Picks, Predictions & Player Notes
Jamie Calandro, May 31, 2022

Winner, winner chicken dinner.

Thanks for posting these mocks, tbh. Much appreciated.

[Chinook]

The last two are terrible mocks I would cry if we drafted those players just terrible

I like that first one a fair bit. Washington makes sense in theory and LaRavia fills a need. Baldwin makes sense as a flier if the Spurs like him. Draft a center at 38, and its worth looking into.

[rjv]

uh, that walter football mock almost reads like a piece from "The Onion".

[BatManu20]

Not enough people are talking about mid-range master and future Spurs legend TyTy Washington, who we have already worked out. Will fill the mid-range quota we’ve missed since DeMar left tbh.


1515008297396576266

[Mr. Body]

Dyson Daniels and Dalen Terry are very similar players

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=dyson-daniels--dalen-terry

[BackHome]

Great find Mr Body - Watched a few highlight definitely someone to further study, some notes from scouting report; Edit - I think you found a hidden gym he is definitely is a riser

HT: 6’7
Wingspan: 7’1
Age: 19

OFFENSE:
Excels in Transition Offense 1,351 PPP (Ranked 27th in Country)
Athletic Runs the floor hard
Great Outlet Passer with Great Court Vision
Very Efficient PNR Passer as the Ball Handler 1,195 PPP
Crafty and Athletic Finisher at Rim
Shot 68.3 at the Rim
Shot 36% from catch and shoot a 4% increase from previous season
Shot Higher When he was Guarded 43%

DEFENSE:
Stays in Front of Man Moves Feet Quickly
Has a feel for When to Reach for a Steal and Speed to recover if Wrong
Will take on Challenge of guarding Bigs
Does a Great Job Fighting Screens
Plays Passing Lanes Extremely well
Forces Turnovers

[Thomas82]

The last two are terrible mocks I would cry if we drafted those players just terrible

Yeah, just plain terrible!!

[Thomas82]

ESPN | ESPN updates 2022 NBA mock draft after multiple withdrawals
Stephen Samra getting Jonathon Givony results without commentary outside the paywall, June 1, 2022

I would be happy with this one.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

WalterFootball | 2022 NBA Mock Draft
WalterFootball, June 2, 2022



9 San Antonio Spurs: Johnny Davis, SF, Wisconsin
What the Spurs need most is for Gregg Popovich to regain his sanity. That's not available at this pick, so they can add a wing to help replace DeMar DeRozan. Johnny Davis was one of the worst coaches in NBA history. Let's hope his potential son is a better player than his potential dad was a coach.

20 San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
The Spurs could stand to add another guard to their rotation, given their depth issues.

25 San Antonio Spurs: Ismael Kamagate, C, France
With all of these picks, the Spurs figure to select one foreign player and stash them overseas, where they may never be heard from again.




Wtf is this lol

[PhantomDashCam]

1532506052897300480

Has there ever been as big a name prospect as Jalen Duren with such little, up to the minute information/buzz three weeks out from the draft?
Very strange...

[Mr. Body]

1532506052897300480

Has there ever been as big a name prospect as Jalen Duren with such little, up to the minute information/buzz three weeks out from the draft?
Very strange...

Dunno, his big push was in the tournament, then some national dude suggested he had high level interest a couple weeks ago and that's been it. Mockers seem obsessed with having the Spurs pick him.

[CGD]

Dunno, his big push was in the tournament, then some national dude suggested he had high level interest a couple weeks ago and that's been it. Mockers seem obsessed with having the Spurs pick him.

I can see the urge. Folks are internalizing that we may trade or let Jakob go by next year. It will be a position of need unless the spurs are willing to pay big time for Jakob.

[PhantomDashCam]

Dunno, his big push was in the tournament, then some national dude suggested he had high level interest a couple weeks ago and that's been it. Mockers seem obsessed with having the Spurs pick him.

Yeah I’ve seen many draft pundits stay resolute with him at #9.
Seems a very atypical Spurs pick on paper but very strange to not have heard more about him.

When you look at all the first round picks consistently mocked, he’s the one - by a wide margin - that has seemingly vanished.

Rob Dauster, an analyst I respect, suggests he is indeed 6’11 - 7 ft, which is something you, I and others have questioned at times.

1532498545223139328

Could he be the ultimate Spurs subterfuge?

[exstatic]

1532506052897300480

Has there ever been as big a name prospect as Jalen Duren with such little, up to the minute information/buzz three weeks out from the draft?
Very strange...

Big men no longer generate buzz, but if this were even 2-3 years ago, he’d be a top 5 pick. Just look at Wiseman. He only played like 3 games, and was #2 overall. Duren had a full productive season.

[PhantomDashCam]

Big men no longer generate buzz, but if this were even 2-3 years ago, he’d be a top 5 pick. Just look at Wiseman. He only played like 3 games, and was #2 overall. Duren had a full productive season.

You’re probably right. It may just be that simple.

[Mr. Body]

Fave of yesteryear, Nicola Jovic, now has more garbagetime Finals seconds under his belt than any current San Antonio player. SpursTalk in shambles.

[EricB]

SportsNaut | 2022 NBA mock draft: Full 2-round version with Chet Holmgren going No. 1
Vincent Frank, June 1, 2022


jesus if this would’ve shaken out….