Spurs Big Board 3.0: The Post-Combine Update

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-2022-nba-draft-combine/

Jalen Williams in the top ten could very well be a reach but on paper he's almost exactly the type of player the Spurs pick: high character, high basketball IQ, not afraid to compete at the combine, overlooked in college, late bloomer, extreme wingspan, etc, etc.

[BatManu20]

Ben Mathurin or Jalen Williams at 9 confirmed. Goodbye Lonnie.

[Uriel]

I think if Murray falls to #9, there’s no question he should and will be the pick. The question is how likely that is to happen.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-2022-nba-draft-combine/

Jalen Williams in the top ten could very well be a reach but on paper he's almost exactly the type of player the Spurs pick: high character, high basketball IQ, not afraid to compete at the combine, overlooked in college, late bloomer, extreme wingspan, etc, etc.

And slow. If we take him with the 9th pick I‘ma lose my mind. Still hope we trade up

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/scoutingrapport/status/1528961080881561600?

JWill isn’t slow :lmao what you probably saw is when he has the ball and he’s in control of his defender using his bag of hesis, pacing, and fakes. It’s the same way Lonnie stopped playing 100 mph because that’s not how NBA basketball is played… yet some of yall want that freak athlete shit with no style or substance or smarts.

[duncan2150]

Ben Mathurin or Jalen Williams at 9 confirmed. Goodbye Lonnie.

Imo drafting a guard is more like Keldon will play only PF than Lonnie leaving.

Murray/Jones/Primo
Rookie/Lonnie
Vassell/Primo

You can play all of them.

[Dejounte]

some of yall would pass up on Cade if he was available.

if you guys want to do a real deep dive into JWill. Watch this 3 hour video:


https://youtu.be/JLCuLHZe_uw

at 13:40 he makes Chet fall :lmao

[duncan2150]

some of yall would pass up on Cade if he was available.

if you guys want to do a real deep dive into JWill. Watch this 3 hour video:


https://youtu.be/JLCuLHZe_uw


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nmv47jiD-GM

This one is good also, i don't know if i'll take him at 9 but he is really interesting.

[Dejounte]

What folks need to understand is that there is RARELY a player with the combination of freaky size and skill that JWill has. Being a playmaker AND also being able to make a STANDING dunk is special.

[RC_Drunkford]

https://twitter.com/scoutingrapport/status/1528961080881561600?

JWill isn’t slow :lmao what you probably saw is when he has the ball and he’s in control of his defender using his bag of hesis, pacing, and fakes. It’s the same way Lonnie stopped playing 100 mph because that’s not how NBA basketball is played… yet some of yall want that freak athlete shit with no style or substance or smarts.

I like him, but not at 9. What I was talking about was lateral quickness on defense. Smaller players are able to get by him. Other than that his game is very polished and his length and wingspan are also very good. I'd want him on the team, just feel like we can do more with the 9th pick

[dbestpro]

What folks need to understand is that there is RARELY a player with the combination of freaky size and skill that JWill has. Being a playmaker AND also being able to make a STANDING dunk is special.

Standing dunk is Mark Williams.

[dbestpro]

I think the Spurs may go Branham here to get someone who can make buckets. It is the modern NBA way.

[Dejounte]

Standing dunk is Mark Williams.

well, yeah, any big should be able to make a standing dunk. Actually, it was a poor choice of words and I can’t find the right term right now. I’m saying Jalen’s standing vert allows him to dunk without running and lifting off. There aren’t many guards/ wings that can do that.

[Mr. Body]

Provocative board. I love seeing AJ Griffin back at 31.

I can see Procida getting tagged at 20. The interest in TyTy really makes you think.

Our board hasn't paid much attention yet to Terquavion Smith or Dalen Terry but we should.

[BackHome]

There is a new vid of Procida that is about 3 weeks old covers his offense and defense I would definitely look at him at 20 the dude is good you need to watch.

Smith has that dog mentality he is not scared to take that last shot and wants to get better and he won’t back down he is similar to Blake.

[Mr. Body]

We should draft Dalen Terry just because he's not another goddamn Jalen.

[DPG21920]

https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-2022-nba-draft-combine/

Jalen Williams in the top ten could very well be a reach but on paper he's almost exactly the type of player the Spurs pick: high character, high basketball IQ, not afraid to compete at the combine, overlooked in college, late bloomer, extreme wingspan, etc, etc.

If the Spurs like Williams that much, they should absolutely be trading for another lottery pick. Use 20 and 25 and maybe Jakob if needed to secure another lottery pick so you arent taking Williams 9. Get your guy at 9 and reach a little for Williams with like 13.

[BackHome]

Is Williams the new shiny new girl in class meaning is he all hype or is he the real deal? Not looked at much of his tape as he is just bursting on the scene would love to hear from people who have followed him in college.

[The Truth #6]

I think Spurs picking Jalen Williams at 9 seems like a decent chance given what we know so far about their proclivities. But no matter who they pick at 9 I think they should try to package 20 and 25 to move up and get Sochan or Eason. If they don't move up from those picks, then maybe Procida at 25 (to stash) and Terquavian at 20 for scoring?

[CGD]

Provocative board. I love seeing AJ Griffin back at 31.

I can see Procida getting tagged at 20. The interest in TyTy really makes you think.

Our board hasn't paid much attention yet to Terquavion Smith or Dalen Terry but we should.

TyTy would be an upgrade over Jones, right?

[Mr. Body]

TyTy would be an upgrade over Jones, right?

I guess? Maybe they think Tre is tapped out in potential. They were pretty close in production out of college -- see below -- with Jones being better. Of course that doesn't mean much without context. I guess they see having 4 draft picks as a chance of upgrading a bench position (at worst) and we could say goodbye to Jones.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=tyty-washington--tre-jones

[JPB]

Is Williams the new shiny new girl in class meaning is he all hype or is he the real deal? Not looked at much of his tape as he is just bursting on the scene would love to hear from people who have followed him in college.

2-3 weeks ago, Sochan and Eason were ST darlings at #9, this week is for Williams. Still a long way to go but it has the merit of throwing different players out there and have somehow a better overall vision of what choice spurs could have in June... before they pick someone else.

[exstatic]

There were mocks who had Tre in the 20s. He seems to be a better playmaker, too. I would STRONGLY prefer that SA take a flyer on a PF in the 20s rather than shore up a position that doesn’t need it.

[rjv]

while reading this, i found myself drifting farther away from the actual text about the potential picks and focusing on one constant-the presence of manu at the combines, and in such an intimate level. my hope is that manu's interest in the spurs has a much longer life span than duncan's because the future of the spurs hinges upon keeping alive that culture which resulted in five titles. it's encouraging to see how deeply involved he is at this time.

[Chinook]

They should absolutely consider using a first on a PG. They need depth, and Jones will be a free agent next year. Fuck Tre or DJM could get injured even. As I said before, I just want that PG to be a defensive player. And none of this switchable shit. They need someone who can actually guard the position. It's obviously a plus if they can also guard up. But being able to hide Murray and Johnson on defense going forward is a necessity if this team is going to beat anybody.

[rjv]

and i'd be fine with procida at #25. he'd be a great stash pick.

[rjv]

https://twitter.com/scoutingrapport/status/1528961080881561600?

JWill isn’t slow :lmao what you probably saw is when he has the ball and he’s in control of his defender using his bag of hesis, pacing, and fakes. It’s the same way Lonnie stopped playing 100 mph because that’s not how NBA basketball is played… yet some of yall want that freak athlete shit with no style or substance or smarts.

yeah, i don't get the freak athlete obsession. of course, if you can find a giannis, that's a no-brainer but there are quite a few examples of so-called 'slower' players having huge success in the NBA.

[rjv]

Provocative board. I love seeing AJ Griffin back at 31.

I can see Procida getting tagged at 20. The interest in TyTy really makes you think.

Our board hasn't paid much attention yet to Terquavion Smith or Dalen Terry but we should.

me too. i have no interest in AJ and it does appear that the smith and terry interest is legit. and lol at the dramatic fall of baldwin. the dude was a pre-season mock draft lottery pick. now, he might even opt to go back to college.

[CGD]

Keegan Murray gives me some Thomas Robinson vibes, and that gives me pause

[Degoat]

Keegan Murray gives me some Thomas Robinson vibes, and that gives me pause

Thats kinda how I feel about Sochan and Eason lol big wings in college are hard to evaluate tbh because they should dominate with the them being bigger than others

[CGD]

Like Keegan, Thomas Robinson won or was a finalist for all the college awards, heavily relied on his post game, and also left as a junior. Seemed like solid pick at 5 in the Anthony Davis draft. And he just couldn’t put it together in the pros.

[The Truth #6]

They should absolutely consider using a first on a PG. They need depth, and Jones will be a free agent next year. Fuck Tre or DJM could get injured even. As I said before, I just want that PG to be a defensive player. And none of this switchable shit. They need someone who can actually guard the position. It's obviously a plus if they can also guard up. But being able to hide Murray and Johnson on defense going forward is a necessity if this team is going to beat anybody.

I'm trying to make sense of this. You want to draft a PG who is a defensive player and who can guard point guards but not switchable, but it would allow us to hid DJM on defense, because...he's a bad defensive player? Am I misinterpreting you?

[The Truth #6]

Like Keegan, Thomas Robinson won or was a finalist for all the college awards, heavily relied on his post game, and also left as a junior. Seemed like solid pick at 5 in the Anthony Davis draft. And he just couldn’t put it together in the pros.

These are good things to consider. As well for Johnny Davis, whom I like as a pick in the hopes that he translates, but he's another one who might not.

[K...]

I'm trying to make sense of this. You want to draft a PG who is a defensive player and who can guard point guards but not switchable, but it would allow us to hid DJM on defense, because...he's a bad defensive player? Am I misinterpreting you?

Murray is a good defender but more valuable as the offensive leader. A defensive guard lets him conserve energy, remember this team collapsing late in games? If murray is a star this helps. Not sure if chinook wants to use pick 9 on such player, but any of the final 3 would be fine.

Tre jones is weird. He's not good enough to plan as a starter, but good enough to require a mid level contract. Its really up to him to decide if he's a starter in this league.

[R. DeMurre]

Like Keegan, Thomas Robinson won or was a finalist for all the college awards, heavily relied on his post game, and also left as a junior. Seemed like solid pick at 5 in the Anthony Davis draft. And he just couldn’t put it together in the pros.


There's a pretty huge gap in terms of advanced & other stats.

Keegan Murray:
ORtg: 134.6
DRtg: 96.8
Net rating: +37.8
BPM: 15.7 (Best on his team. Second best was Kris Murray at +9.1)
2pt%: 62.1%
3pt FGM: 66

Thomas Robinson:
ORtg: 109.8
DRtg: 84.6
Net rating: +25.2
BPM: 8.8 (Second best on team. #1 was Jeff Withey at +11.5)
2pt%: 50.5%
3pts FGM: 7

[Mr. Body]

Keegan Murray gives me some Thomas Robinson vibes, and that gives me pause

Could be. But the issue with Robinson was that he had no real basketball skills nor basketball IQ. He overpowered with strength and athleticism. He could not shoot. Keegan seems to understand the game much better and is an outside shooter.

[John B]

while reading this, i found myself drifting farther away from the actual text about the potential picks and focusing on one constant-the presence of manu at the combines, and in such an intimate level. my hope is that manu's interest in the spurs has a much longer life span than duncan's because the future of the spurs hinges upon keeping alive that culture which resulted in five titles. it's encouraging to see how deeply involved he is at this time.

I’m getting the same vibes that Manu will be working even more with the development of these youngsters. Arguably he had a strong influence on Lonnie getting more confident on his game and being more assertive. While Spurs’ fallout on Samanic could have Manu putting more insights on the prospects’ maturity and character.

That said, I’m leaning on Sochan at 9. He has that Diaw-esque playmaking at PF position and the needed height and defense at that 4 position. Of course if Keegan is available, he’s the pick. Procida could be a good stash-candidate at 25 (with Manu inquiring about his contracts). I’m hoping they offer that 20th with Poeltl to get Mark Williams for that on-man defense. And at the end of the day, I want them to address the lack of a go-to scorer, if through this draft or FA. I like Davis a lot on this draft. 20 and 25 to get him? There’s just too many creative ways on this draft. It’s exciting what Spurs “savvy” GM would do.

[Mr. Body]

There's a pretty huge gap in terms of advanced & other stats.

Keegan Murray:
ORtg: 134.6
DRtg: 96.8
Net rating: +37.8
BPM: 15.7 (Best on his team. Second best was Kris Murray at +9.1)
2pt%: 62.1%
3pt FGM: 66

Thomas Robinson:
ORtg: 109.8
DRtg: 84.6
Net rating: +25.2
BPM: 8.8 (Second best on team. #1 was Jeff Withey at +11.5)
2pt%: 50.5%
3pts FGM: 7

Thomas Robinson was better in advanced defensive stats. Everywhere else Keegan is better, usually far, far better. Some of his stats are kind of unbelievable, to be honest. Also, one thing that popped out is that Keegan only had 1.3 turnovers and 2.1 fouls per 36 minutes, which seems absurd considering his offensive load.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=keegan-murray--thomas-robinson

[Chinook]

I'm trying to make sense of this. You want to draft a PG who is a defensive player and who can guard point guards but not switchable, but it would allow us to hid DJM on defense, because...he's a bad defensive player? Am I misinterpreting you?

Murray does need to be hidden against the best offensive guards. He's a good pick-pocket, but he's always struggled stopping guards from scoring on him. The team needs someone who can do that job so that Murray can do the things he's elite at on that end. Is DJM Forbes? No, obviously not. Is he good enough to be your shutdown cornerback? Not if the Spurs want to win games.

The Spurs need one-on-one defenders who can directly guard the best players. That's more important than being switchable. If some 6-6 guy can guard PGs at an elite level while also being able to check wings (think prime LDN), that's great. But they have enough connective tissue on defense with Murray, Vassell and Poeltl and a refreshing lack of liabilities for the most part. They need bones to give that tissue structure like they had back in 2017-2018. They need defensive specialists rather than another generalist

[BatManu20]

Like Keegan, Thomas Robinson won or was a finalist for all the college awards, heavily relied on his post game, and also left as a junior. Seemed like solid pick at 5 in the Anthony Davis draft. And he just couldn’t put it together in the pros.

Except Keegan Murray was one of the best 3-point shooters in CBB last season, is a much better passer, and seems to have a higher bball IQ than Thomas ever did. Thomas was the better athlete, but they’re not that similar of players imo.

I don’t think Murray will ever be a star, but I predict him to be a very solid player at the next level.

[paperboy77]

I think if Murray falls to #9, there’s no question he should and will be the pick. The question is how likely that is to happen.

Even if he’s there at 7 or 6 they should trade to grab him.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Amazing how Williams has climbed based on the combine.

I guess if he's the pick, just don't submit the wrong Jalen/Jaylin Williams name for Adam to announce.




That wingspan and standing reach makes him a lot bigger than his height. That's crazy.

[The Truth #6]

So if they pick Jalen Williams, I'm assuming they see him as a SF, otherwise he would be the 2 guard and Keldon finally slides down to the SF position. Either way with Jalen (or Mathurin or Davis), there will be some juggling/trading that would need to happen at some point, I imagine. Vassell needs minutes and I'm sure they'd want to keep feeding Primo.

In this scenario, I'm thinking aloud here, then perhaps you definitely don't resign Lonnie Walker, and then you try to package Josh Richardson along with some of the later picks to see what that can get you, ideally at power forward?

[BackHome]

I am not sure we can’t get him latter on he is good offense but on defense he kinda gets beat easily by his man and he has a hard time fighting under screens.

[Dex]

The Spurs are going to draft Whodat Whatdafuk and you will like it!

[PhantomDashCam]

1530234943183257600

[Russ]

I guess if he's the pick, just don't submit the wrong Jalen/Jaylin Williams name for Adam to announce.

That would be hilarious.

The Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez was apparently traded by the Dodgers because they thought they were trading away a different (Yadier?) Alvarez.

[Chinook]

Marshon vs Dillon Brooks

[John B]

Almost losing Keldon at 29 because Samanic mesmerized scouts at the Combine

[Chomag]

The Spurs are going to draft Whodat Whatdafuk and you will like it!
You son ofa bitch I'm in!

[RC_Drunkford]

I am not sure we can’t get him latter on he is good offense but on defense he kinda gets beat easily by his man and he has a hard time fighting under screens.

that‘s exactly what I was talking about. That‘s also basically his only weakness.

People here comparing Murray to Robinson clearly haven’t watched enough tape. Keegan Murray can shoot and character wise is a Spurs type player. I think he’s severely underrated by some folks here.

Chinook is right, this team doesn’t really have good on ball defenders. If you have somebody who can check the other teams PG that puts Vassell and DJ in positions for help defense which they are much better at and DJ can rest more on D and play the passing lanes. That’s why Johnny Davis could be a good fit if his defense translates. That would also mean Keldon could be moved in the future, so take it how you want it.

Top priority should still be starting PF, although it seems like the Spurs keep looking for wings

[Dejounte]

Top priority for the Spurs are wings because I think the team will only go as far as their wings will take them (no pun intended)

having a great guard or wing raises the ceiling. You can get by from there with an average PF or C or both.

[TD 21]

^ Yet the three best players in the league are bigs, they've won the last four MVP's (going 1-3 in the voting this season) and been the best player in the past three playoffs.

[tbdog]

Thanks. I dont follow college ball so I have no idea who's who. So thanks for the article so I can understand some names come draft night

[Mnky]

me too. i have no interest in AJ and it does appear that the smith and terry interest is legit. and lol at the dramatic fall of baldwin. the dude was a pre-season mock draft lottery pick. now, he might even opt to go back to college.

Playing for his dad really couldn't have gone worse for him. Hate to see it. I'm still high on his potential. He needs a real program.

[poopbox]

Anything other than a legit power forward at 9 is a complete waste...

We trot out McBuckets and Keldon at the 3 and 4 to start every game the rest of it won't matter we going to be down 15 after 10 minutes as usual

[Dejounte]

Dyson Daniels is a really nice 2A option for the 9th pick. I’m buying his 3 pt shot and think he will be a really good shooter in the NBA. His form looks hella consistent every time.

Tall, long, Brandon Roy-esque style on offense, great one on one defense. It’s a good pick.

[Uriel]

I’d be happy with Dyson Daniels if he’s the pick. I’m increasingly of the belief that one of Murray, Sharpe, and Daniels will be available at #9, and whoever it is, the Spurs should grab him.

[Dejounte]

Sharpe riding high off his high school reputation is like if Patrick Baldwin Jr or Jaden Hardy didn’t play this year except we know the result of the latter two yet it’s somehow not a possibility for Sharpe to have had that kind of a subpar season and folks are hailing him as the next greatest thing. It’s almost like people ranking him high on their boards haven’t watched a minute of his tape and are just following the crowd.

[Dejounte]

PBJ (or Hardy) shouldn’t have played this year tbh since people base their opinions on the unknown, he would have maintained his top 10 projection status

[Em-City]

Do we have a chance at Dyson Daniels?

[duncan2150]

Dyson Daniels is a really nice 2A option for the 9th pick. I’m buying his 3 pt shot and think he will be a really good shooter in the NBA. His form looks hella consistent every time.

Tall, long, Brandon Roy-esque style on offense, great one on one defense. It’s a good pick.

i'm totally on the Daniels Bandwagon. Can score from 5-6 ft easily, good defender, shoot in progress.

He's my second choice after Sochan.

[Ariel]

If we stay at 9, I'm closing in on whomever is left of Mathurin, Dyson Daniels and Sochan. I'm thinking 2 of them will be picked by Portland and NO, so we'll get that choice made for us, but one of them will be available almost certainly. If not, I'd rather trade back a bit (say 13 & 15) and pick up 2 from Johnny Davis/Jalen Williams + Tari Eason/Duren/Dieng.

[Ariel]

Do we have a chance at Dyson Daniels?
IMO it's more on the no side at this point. Portland seems like a great candidate to pick him up. But then again they may trade the pick so they may not be the ones doing the choosing, so who knows.

[rascal]

Sharpe riding high off his high school reputation is like if Patrick Baldwin Jr or Jaden Hardy didn’t play this year except we know the result of the latter two yet it’s somehow not a possibility for Sharpe to have had that kind of a subpar season and folks are hailing him as the next greatest thing. It’s almost like people ranking him high on their boards haven’t watched a minute of his tape and are just following the crowd.


Sharpe is not PBJ or Hardy. That's failed logic making that comparison.

Sharpe's athletic skillset and tape looks much better than PBJ.

[rascal]

If we stay at 9, I'm closing in on whomever is left of Mathurin, Dyson Daniels and Sochan. I'm thinking 2 of them will be picked by Portland and NO, so we'll get that choice made for us, but one of them will be available almost certainly. If not, I'd rather trade back a bit (say 13 & 15) and pick up 2 from Johnny Davis/Jalen Williams + Tari Eason/Duren/Dieng.

The better play is to try to trade up and draft K Murray.

[rascal]

NO should draft Sochan then offer Sochan for 9 + 20 or 25 and get an extra pick from the Spurs.

NO should know Sochan will be the target pick for the spurs at 9 and try to get that extra pick from the Spurs.

[PhantomDashCam]

If we stay at 9, I'm closing in on whomever is left of Mathurin, Dyson Daniels and Sochan. I'm thinking 2 of them will be picked by Portland and NO, so we'll get that choice made for us, but one of them will be available almost certainly. If not, I'd rather trade back a bit (say 13 & 15) and pick up 2 from Johnny Davis/Jalen Williams + Tari Eason/Duren/Dieng.

They’re the three I’m leaning into too.

Mathurin appears to have the most Star potential out of that group, at least on the Offensive side of the ball.

Daniels is going to be a really good all-around player who may only just be learning to play with his new found height.

Sochan appears to fit this current team perfectly, both from a cultural and play style perspective. The question should be asked though if a play-in team really needs to worry about that atm?

[offset formation]

Like Keegan, Thomas Robinson won or was a finalist for all the college awards, heavily relied on his post game, and also left as a junior. Seemed like solid pick at 5 in the Anthony Davis draft. And he just couldn’t put it together in the pros.

Keegan Murray is much closer to a defensive stopper than Thomas Robinson ever was. And Murray has a more developed offensive game. I don't see a flop potential with him at all. He may not turn into an all star but he'll be close, I'd be willing to bet.

[offset formation]

If we stay at 9, I'm closing in on whomever is left of Mathurin, Dyson Daniels and Sochan. I'm thinking 2 of them will be picked by Portland and NO, so we'll get that choice made for us, but one of them will be available almost certainly. If not, I'd rather trade back a bit (say 13 & 15) and pick up 2 from Johnny Davis/Jalen Williams + Tari Eason/Duren/Dieng.

I like Dieng and Jovic too, probably ahead of Mathurian and Sochan Ideally, one of those leftover picks will be available at 20, and we end up getting 2 of the 4.

I'm not at all sold at Daniels though.

[R. DeMurre]

NO should draft Sochan then offer Sochan for 9 + 20 or 25 and get an extra pick from the Spurs.

NO should know Sochan will be the target pick for the spurs at 9 and try to get that extra pick from the Spurs.

I've been on a Pelican site recently, and Sochan is a very popular choice for them at #8, along with Dyson Daniels and Mathurin. Pretty similar to Spurstalk in terms of player rankings. But they don't have a lot of roster room, and probably don't want to add an additional pick.

[R. DeMurre]

They’re the three I’m leaning into too.

Mathurin appears to have the most Star potential out of that group, at least on the Offensive side of the ball.

Daniels is going to be a really good all-around player who may only just be learning to play with his new found height.

Sochan appears to fit this current team perfectly, both from a cultural and play style perspective. The question should be asked though if a play-in team really needs to worry about that atm?


Agreed, that's the big question. The Spurs are in need of talent, plain and simple, and they're not winning a championship next year, so getting the BPA is probably more important than having a "balanced" roster that wins 40 or 42 games next year. Though, to be honest, watching KJ play PF for too many games might not be good for my sanity :lol

[Mr. Body]

NO should draft Sochan then offer Sochan for 9 + 20 or 25 and get an extra pick from the Spurs.

NO should know Sochan will be the target pick for the spurs at 9 and try to get that extra pick from the Spurs.

Picking a guy thinking you're going to extort a later team doesn't seem like a very great tactic.

[BackHome]

I’ll say it again I don’t care who they pick at 9 as long as that players floor is a legit starter on a good team and only player I don’t want is Baldwin and Griffin.

Though my new favorite for 20/25 is Procida SG/SF - 6’7 the dude is going to be the real deal he has a beautiful 3 ball and has the ball handling to take it to the rim and poster on dudes. He is extremely athletic and his D is good enough loves to play the passing lanes and ball handling to take it down the court or to dish

[Mr. Body]

I've been on a Pelican site recently, and Sochan is a very popular choice for them at #8, along with Dyson Daniels and Mathurin. Pretty similar to Spurstalk in terms of player rankings. But they don't have a lot of roster room, and probably don't want to add an additional pick.

They really are stacked. I don't see Sochan for them, though, unless they really feel like Zion isn't coming back. They have Ingram and Hayes, too, so you're looking at drafting a full-time backup at the 9? It does make their potential defense incredible, but it feels like Daniels would be best if available. If Daniels is gone?

[R. DeMurre]

They really are stacked. I don't see Sochan for them, though, unless they really feel like Zion isn't coming back. They have Ingram and Hayes, too, so you're looking at drafting a full-time backup at the 9? It does make their potential defense incredible, but it feels like Daniels would be best if available. If Daniels is gone?


Yeah, some are speculating that a Herb Jones/Sochan combo would be deadly defensively, which is likely true, even in limited minutes while Zion and BI get rest. If you're looking long term, maybe you think about who's going to replace McCollum, their oldest vet at only 30! Love the way they assembled that team. Having three rookies on the floor at the same time during a playoff game is a pretty astounding accomplishment-- the scouts and FO should be proud.

[Dejounte]

If yall believe Jerry West can identify special talent— Jerry was at the Combine and he’s brought Jalen in for a workout with the Clippers.

[offset formation]

Wondering what folks think about Yannick Nzosa in 2nd round? Draft and stash which is needed given our 4 picks and full roster. He's 18.5 (he's got electrolytes), is 6'11", has a 7'5" wingspan. Very athletic. Great defensive instincts. Very raw offensively, but has potential...in fact he has a little left handed hook shot that reminds of David Robinson's little jump hook.

He fits the bill exactly for what we need. Just not sure he makes it to us at 38. Might be a reach at 25, but given we have 2 earlier draft picks, maybe 25 is not a bad place to take a gamble?

[mo7888]

If yall believe Jerry West can identify special talent— Jerry was at the Combine and he’s brought Jalen in for a workout with the Clippers.

I'm not as high as you are on Jalen but, Jerry West is special and if he's interested then there's probably something there... the bigger question is what entry point is Jerry looking at acquiring a pick to go get him?

[Degoat]

I’m starting to jump back on the Jalen Duren or Mark Williams bandwagon lol

[Ariel]

I've been on a Pelican site recently, and Sochan is a very popular choice for them at #8, along with Dyson Daniels and Mathurin. Pretty similar to Spurstalk in terms of player rankings. But they don't have a lot of roster room, and probably don't want to add an additional pick.
If I were them, I'd target my biggest risk: Zion. The chances of him staying there for the long term, healthy, and contributing, are very low. He'll either fatten to 300 lbs +, sustain a serious long term injury (knees, back, feet, or whatever), fall out of grace with his teammates/coaches/FO, and even if he gets back on track, he'll likely see it as an opportunity to seek greener pastures. That relationship is walking on a very thin line that will derail sooner rather than later.

Sochan as a replacement doesn't seem ideal to me, what he provides they already have. I'd use some of the many assets they have to trade up and get Keegan Murray as a long term replacement for Zion at the 4, and that should put pressure on Zion to get back on track and comply. And the minute his trade value is up, I'd flip him for the most assets I can get. He's a ticking time bomb, and I wouldn't want to have that problem on my hands when it blows up. If they do this, they're virtually risk free (or, to be more precise, as much as anyone can be) and they'll have a bright future.

[Ariel]

If yall believe Jerry West can identify special talent— Jerry was at the Combine and he’s brought Jalen in for a workout with the Clippers.
If that's the case, Jerry West might think Jalen Williams can be had in the middle of the second round, because no. 43 is all the Clippers have in this draft, and it'd be hard for them to get a higher pick with virtually no draft assets left in a LONG TIME to use.

[Dejounte]

There’s a difference between Jalen being valued as a second round pick vs him being there because other teams didn’t see the value West does if he had a pick higher. Honestly, I can see a scenario where he does get picked mid lottery and West, having the savvy FO experience he has, would offer trade assets for a different player on the team that picks Jalen and West somehow convinces that team to add Jalen as the throw-in.

[jjspur]

If Keegan Murray lasts until 7 with Portland, offer the 9, the 20, and McNuggets for him. You'll get a better player in return, fill a desperate need at PF, and use the 25 and 38 to fill other positions of need. Hey this team need an influx of talent and this draft is our chance.

[Degoat]

I was lurking on the Trailblazers fan website and some guy suggested their #7 for the spurs #9 & #25.

[Ariel]

There’s a difference between Jalen being valued as a second round pick vs him being there because other teams didn’t see the value West does if he had a pick higher. Honestly, I can see a scenario where he does get picked mid lottery and West, having the savvy FO experience he has, would offer trade assets for a different player on the team that picks Jalen and West somehow convinces that team to add Jalen as the throw-in.
I have no problem with Jalen Williams as a prospect, he does seem very intriguing for all the reasons you mentioned, and I'm fine with using no. 20 or trading for him (down from 9, or up from 20). The only thing that gives me pause is using a top 10 pick to get a guy at 9 you can get later on. But certainly I don't envision him dropping to the 2nd round either. 15-25 seems like the range for him.

[Philthemage]

https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1347434/gregg-popovich-visits-stark-arena-for-the-euroleague-final-four/

Interesting article which spotted Pop at the Euro league Final Four sitting closely with Tristan Vukcevic.

[CGD]

I was lurking on the Trailblazers fan website and some guy suggested their #7 for the spurs #9 & #25.

That seems like a good back pocket play if there is someone they absolutely love is a 7 who they know NOLA will pick at 8. I’m dubious there is THAT much of a difference between the prospects in the 7-12 range to justify the move up though.

[tonight...you]

https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague/1347434/gregg-popovich-visits-stark-arena-for-the-euroleague-final-four/

Interesting article which spotted Pop at the Euro league Final Four sitting closely with Tristan Vukcevic.
Hanging with Zarko Paspalj.
Now that's a name I hadn't thought of in a long, long time.

[scott]

PBJ (or Hardy) shouldn’t have played this year tbh since people base their opinions on the unknown, he would have maintained his top 10 projection status

I don't have a son, but if I did I'd never let him play in an organized basketball game so he could be picked #1 overall

[KingKev]

I don't have a son, but if I did I'd never let him play in an organized basketball game so he could be picked #1 overall

Youtube hype tapes for the win

[PhantomDashCam]

I don't have a son, but if I did I'd never let him play in an organized basketball game so he could be picked #1 overall

With the way our society is going, it may be possible in the future that you already have one by simply identifying/believing it as such. I’d say get in early. I’m claiming Chet as mine as I’m neither skinny nor tall. :lol

[Dejounte]

The more watch of Minott, the more I like…

the Spurs can fix their PF woes with this guy tbh. Really intriguing. Moves around like a deer

[Ariel]

The more watch of Minott, the more I like…

the Spurs can fix their PF woes with this guy tbh. Really intriguing. Moves around like a deer
Yup, he's probably the biggest upside guy we can take with the 38th. I liked Procida with that pick, but Minott is another great option. I have a feeling he'll be picked before 38 though.

[mo7888]

Yup, he's probably the biggest upside guy we can take with the 38th. I liked Procida with that pick, but Minott is another great option. I have a feeling he'll be picked before 38 though.

Procida is gonna go in the first rd Minott has a chance too..

[Degoat]

Pick 20 & 25, anything goes tbh lol I wouldn’t look at any projected draft positions or anything like that to determine who the spurs might draft

[Ariel]

Procida is gonna go in the first rd Minott has a chance too..
Unless someone falls (like Blake Wesley) I have no problem using 25 on either of those guys.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/c_joXQdUFoc

is it just me that thinks his voice sounds like Tim Duncan?

[Dejounte]

https://ibb.co/KWkMZyY


https://i.ibb.co/JH4fLkN/350-E8-F18-B249-4-C15-AD98-7-C6-AF5-BF33-C7.png

[Dejounte]

Guess Jerry sees what I see

[Dejounte]

Either that kid is a Spurs fan or he’s wearing Spurs attire because the guy next to him, presumably his dad, is a Spurs staffer. Can anyone identify who that guy is? timvp ? This is at the same time the Jalen Williams video is happening.

https://i.ibb.co/XW9drbZ/7-BDF2874-EECD-4-D12-AE50-C4824789-BF56.png

[Ariel]

To this day, my board is:
9) Mathurin / Dyson Daniels / Sochan (whichever is available @ 9)
20/25) Tari Eason / Ousmane Dieng / Jalen Williams / Blake Wesley / Nikola Jovic / EJ Liddell
38) Procida / Minott / Kamagate / Koloko / PBJ / Terquavion Smith (Procida / Minott / Kamagate may be moved up to the 25 range if necessary)
I realize a lot of the guys are likely to have been picked by the pick numbers. That's intentional, meaning take whomever falls to the range out of those guys.
Of course we won't take on 4 rookies, but 2 for sure and I'm betting on 3... maybe 3 + 1 international. Also you'd have to make a balance between them, so avoid any combination that has too many redundant guys.
Ideally I'm hoping for some combination like these (among others):
Sochan + Jalen Williams + Blake Wesley + Procida (draft & stash)
Dyson Daniels + Blake Wesley + Minott + Kamagate (draft & stash)
don't reach and take whatever opportunity the board offers.

[timvp]

Is that a Spurs logo?

[Dejounte]

It could be a slanted “LA”

[offset formation]

It could be a slanted “LA”

Could be? That's 1,000% a LA Clipper logo from their street series

[Chinook]

Pick 20 & 25, anything goes tbh lol I wouldn’t look at any projected draft positions or anything like that to determine who the spurs might draft

Yeah. People don't appreciate the power of those picks. Outside of the last few years, a pick at 20 or 25 was all Spurs fans had to look forward to. Every hope we placed in a young player for more than a decade came from guys drafted at or after those slots. So if we're supposed to think Murray and Johnson were such important picks, why are people so keen on getting rid of the chance to draft not just one of those guys, but two ... in addition to actually playing in the top-10 for the first time since Duncan? There's some real house money with those picks. Any of these guys we're talking about would have been the bee's knees to draft just five years ago. That was on a contending roster. On a team that lacks so much talent, dismissing first-round picks feels absurd.

If you trust the Spurs drafting and development team, trust that they went through the trouble of acquire extra firsts in this draft for a reason. If they didn't see talent in the 20s, they would not have made such an effort to get picks in that range in the first place.

[FutureMan]

If the Spurs don’t select Mathurin, Daniels, or Sochan in that order then I don’t even know what they are doing anymore haha

[BackHome]

Yeah. People don't appreciate the power of those picks. Outside of the last few years, a pick at 20 or 25 was all Spurs fans had to look forward to. Every hope we placed in a young player for more than a decade came from guys drafted at or after those slots. So if we're supposed to think Murray and Johnson were such important picks, why are people so keen on getting rid of the chance to draft not just one of those guys, but two ... in addition to actually playing in the top-10 for the first time since Duncan? There's some real house money with those picks. Any of these guys we're talking about would have been the bee's knees to draft just five years ago. That was on a contending roster. On a team that lacks so much talent, dismissing first-round picks feels absurd.

If you trust the Spurs drafting and development team, trust that they went through the trouble of acquire extra firsts in this draft for a reason. If they didn't see talent in the 20s, they would not have made such an effort to get picks in that range in the first place.

I totally agree this draft is not Star heavy but it is a lot deeper then people think and I think it’s a pretty good chance we could get two or even three starters from this draft - It may take a year or two for that happen but lots of talented players in the 20 to 25 range and even in the second round around 38 still has some decent talent.

[Uriel]

FWIW, I tried putting Banchero on the Spurs in NBA 2K22 and simulating a game with him in the starting lineup. It was a lot of fun making that pipe dream a reality, at least virtually.

[duncan2150]

Yeah. People don't appreciate the power of those picks. Outside of the last few years, a pick at 20 or 25 was all Spurs fans had to look forward to. Every hope we placed in a young player for more than a decade came from guys drafted at or after those slots. So if we're supposed to think Murray and Johnson were such important picks, why are people so keen on getting rid of the chance to draft not just one of those guys, but two ... in addition to actually playing in the top-10 for the first time since Duncan? There's some real house money with those picks. Any of these guys we're talking about would have been the bee's knees to draft just five years ago. That was on a contending roster. On a team that lacks so much talent, dismissing first-round picks feels absurd.

If you trust the Spurs drafting and development team, trust that they went through the trouble of acquire extra firsts in this draft for a reason. If they didn't see talent in the 20s, they would not have made such an effort to get picks in that range in the first place.


totally with this, a draft pick is golden for the spurs that's why i'm not on " they will not draft four guys". Imo they could stash one but if they don't have some good offers, i can see them drafting 4 guys.

[Dejounte]

After watching Josh Minott quite a bit, I think his best comps are

Shades of:
Jaxson Hayes
Onyeka Okongwu
(Early) Bobby Portis
Jaden McDaniels (defense-only)

Twin towers of Val + Jaxson Hayes killed us and other teams this past season.

[duncan2150]

After watching Josh Minott quite a bit, I think his best comps are

Shades of:
Jaxson Hayes
Onyeka Okongwu
(Early) Bobby Portis
Jaden McDaniels (defense-only)

Twin towers of Val + Jaxson Hayes killed us and other teams this past season.


You think he's a inside guy ? i see him more like a SF. Don't get the comparaisons but maybe you can tell us why Hayes or Okongwu after watching him more.

[Dejounte]

You think he's a inside guy ? i see him more like a SF. Don't get the comparaisons but maybe you can tell us why Hayes or Okongwu after watching him more.

Because he made like 0 shots away from the rim

[mo7888]

You think he's a inside guy ? i see him more like a SF. Don't get the comparaisons but maybe you can tell us why Hayes or Okongwu after watching him more.

My 2 cents..

He's either a 4 or small ball 5... his shot wasn't good last season and if he can't shoot he slides over to the small ball 5 spot... if he can develop a good outside shot he'll slot into the 4 position and could have a pretty successful career there...it's a risk but, I think it's an acceptable risk with one of our last 2 picks.

[Dejounte]

My 2 cents..

He's either a 4 or small ball 5... his shot wasn't good last season and if he can't shoot he slides over to the small ball 5 spot... if he can develop a good outside shot he'll slot into the 4 position and could have a pretty successful career there...it's a risk but, I think it's an acceptable risk with one of our last 2 picks.

There are exceptions to the rule here. If Minott is more Jaxson Hayes than Zach Collins, then he can play 4. He’s quick on defense which compensates for his lack of shooting. Defense is more important for playing the 4, contrary to what most believe. It’s why Sengun is a 5, not a 4.

[Dejounte]

Also im not saying he will never develop an outside shot. Just saying he can play 4 without waiting to develop a shot

[Dejounte]

Pre injury Zach Collins is actually another good comp.

[Dejounte]

Minott is one of the best lob threats in the draft without being restricted to only playing C. He’s a very versatile defender.

[Dejounte]

That’s my one quip about Keegan Murray. While he’s an excellent scorer inside, he’s not a lob threat. He doesn’t add a vertical dimension to our offense.

[mo7888]

There are exceptions to the rule here. If Minott is more Jaxson Hayes than Zach Collins, then he can play 4. He’s quick on defense which compensates for his lack of shooting. Defense is more important for playing the 4, contrary to what most believe. It’s why Sengun is a 5, not a 4.

I believe he is more naturally a 4 if you're looking at who he'd defend. I don't think that's enough to project him as a full-time 4 though. If he's one dimensional then he will be fine in certain situations but to project him out as a starting caliber 4 in the future he'd either have to become a good shooter from deep or have an exceptional amount of playmaking ability that I just don't see in him.

Note: I'm not saying you're projecting him as a starting caliber 4.... I'm saying that if I'm going to project him as that kind of player then I need to see those things develop in his game.

[Dejounte]

I believe he is more naturally a 4 if you're looking at who he'd defend. I don't think that's enough to project him as a full-time 4 though. If he's one dimensional then he will be fine in certain situations but to project him out as a starting caliber 4 in the future he'd either have to become a good shooter from deep or have an exceptional amount of playmaking ability that I just don't see in him.

Note: I'm not saying you're projecting him as a starting caliber 4.... I'm saying that if I'm going to project him as that kind of player then I need to see those things develop in his game.

I am with you. For him to be drafted, I think the Spurs have to see a lot of growing potential as they usually go for homerun picks this late in the first round.

[Dejounte]

For the record, Minott was on Assistant Coach Johnson’s team during the Combine Scrimmages. And it was the same game Brent Barry and Manu were shown on the stream

Minott had 11 pts and 8 rebs

he has had two interviews with the Spurs

[TD 21]

Minott is a 4/3 defensively and a 5 offensively. He'd ideally be paired with a floor spacing rim protector.


Yeah. People don't appreciate the power of those picks. Outside of the last few years, a pick at 20 or 25 was all Spurs fans had to look forward to. Every hope we placed in a young player for more than a decade came from guys drafted at or after those slots. So if we're supposed to think Murray and Johnson were such important picks, why are people so keen on getting rid of the chance to draft not just one of those guys, but two ... in addition to actually playing in the top-10 for the first time since Duncan? There's some real house money with those picks. Any of these guys we're talking about would have been the bee's knees to draft just five years ago. That was on a contending roster. On a team that lacks so much talent, dismissing first-round picks feels absurd.

If you trust the Spurs drafting and development team, trust that they went through the trouble of acquire extra firsts in this draft for a reason. If they didn't see talent in the 20s, they would not have made such an effort to get picks in that range in the first place.

I'd probably (would have to see how the draft is playing out before determining) prefer to consolidate, but obviously they shouldn't do so just because, so that's fair.

Not necessarily. They could (and probably did) do so just to have a myriad of options.

[Dejounte]

To be anything more than a 5 offensively, the only skill a (currently) non-shooting player like Minott would have to deveiop is catch and shoot 3s. Because when you think about it, that’s the only skill Keegan has that allows him to play the 4 (on offense).

[scott]

To this day, my board is:
9) Mathurin / Dyson Daniels / Sochan (whichever is available @ 9)
20/25) Tari Eason / Ousmane Dieng / Jalen Williams / Blake Wesley / Nikola Jovic / EJ Liddell
38) Procida / Minott / Kamagate / Koloko / PBJ / Terquavion Smith (Procida / Minott / Kamagate may be moved up to the 25 range if necessary)
I realize a lot of the guys are likely to have been picked by the pick numbers. That's intentional, meaning take whomever falls to the range out of those guys.
Of course we won't take on 4 rookies, but 2 for sure and I'm betting on 3... maybe 3 + 1 international. Also you'd have to make a balance between them, so avoid any combination that has too many redundant guys.
Ideally I'm hoping for some combination like these (among others):
Sochan + Jalen Williams + Blake Wesley + Procida (draft & stash)
Dyson Daniels + Blake Wesley + Minott + Kamagate (draft & stash)
don't reach and take whatever opportunity the board offers.

This would be awesome but I'm really afraid of the possibility none of your guys at 20 (except for maybe Liddell or Jovic) are there for that pick, let alone 25. Might end up more like:

9) Mathurin/Daniels/Sochan/Eason/Dieng/Williams
20) Porcida/Minott/Smith/Liddell/Jovic
25) Porcida/Minott/Smith

[R. DeMurre]

Jaylin Williams is such an odd character. He's 6'10" with a 7'1" wingspan, and at the combine had a below average lane agility time, an above average shuttle run, a slowish 3/4 court sprint, and shorter than average hand length but wider than average hand width. The thing I keep seeing with his impact stats is that he's repeatedly ranked above Robert Williams in career SEC categories like defensive rebounding percentage, defensive rating, defensive box +/-. Robert Williams is a much better leaper with a longer wingspan, but their two names consistently come up close together in most categories, with Jaylin always having a slight edge. He was the most impactful player on an Arkansas team that went 28-9, where all of his scoring & rebound totals were dramatically better in the second half of the season compared to the first, and he rebounded & defended especially well in big games against LSU, Gonzaga, and Duke. Such an interesting prospect and potential pick if still around at #38.

[TD 21]

Jaylin Williams is such an odd character. He's 6'10" with a 7'1" wingspan, and at the combine had a below average lane agility time, an above average shuttle run, a slowish 3/4 court sprint, and shorter than average hand length but wider than average hand width. The thing I keep seeing with his impact stats is that he's repeatedly ranked above Robert Williams in career SEC categories like defensive rebounding percentage, defensive rating, defensive box +/-. Robert Williams is a much better leaper with a longer wingspan, but their two names consistently come up close together in most categories, with Jaylin always having a slight edge. He was the most impactful player on an Arkansas team that went 28-9, where all of his scoring & rebound totals were dramatically better in the second half of the season compared to the first, and he rebounded & defended especially well in big games against LSU, Gonzaga, and Duke. Such an interesting prospect and potential pick if still around at #38.

Rumor: Arkansas’ Jaylin Williams has received NBA draft promise (usatoday.com) (https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/2022/05/29/arkansas-jaylin-williams-nba-draft-promise/)

[Ariel]

This would be awesome but I'm really afraid of the possibility none of your guys at 20 (except for maybe Liddell or Jovic) are there for that pick, let alone 25. Might end up more like:

9) Mathurin/Daniels/Sochan/Eason/Dieng/Williams
20) Porcida/Minott/Smith/Liddell/Jovic
25) Porcida/Minott/Smith
Here you've got 15 guys who are pretty much guaranteed to go top 20:
99% chance: Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, Shaedon Sharpe, Keegan Murray, Dyson Daniels, Bennedict Mathurin, Jeremy Sochan, Johnny Davis, Jalen Duren
95% chance: AJ Griffin, Mark Williams, Ochai Agbaji, Malaki Branham

There's only 4 extra picks before us at 20, and a lot of guys could slide in there as well: Jaden Hardy, Walker Kessler, TyTy Washington, Kennedy Chandler, MarJon Beauchamp, Kendall Brown, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Bryce McGowens

So even if only one of those are taken (more likely 2), that means only three players from my 20/25 list (Tari Eason, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams, Blake Wesley, Nikola Jovic, EJ Liddell) will likely be taken by 20, leaving 3 available. So I think it's over 95% Jalen Williams or Blake Wesley are still on the board and if they're not it means someone got pushed back (like Branham).

By 25 I think some of them will still be on the board, because teams picking 21-24 are contenders with specific needs (Denver, Memphis, Brooklyn/Philly, Milwaukee) chances are good at least 2 of those are there by 25. Also different teams have different boards, so quite a few surprises will jump into the top 24. All in all, I believe there is a lot of value to be had, and it's on us if we blow it.

[Dejounte]

Putting stock into how players are projected is proven silly when you feel like a player like Branham gets pushed down and consider a guy like him any better than the guys who will be available there anyway. It’s exactly why teams miss out on great players and why fans always get this shit wrong.

[Ariel]

Putting stock into how players are projected is proven silly when you feel like a player like Branham gets pushed down and consider a guy like him any better than the guys who will be available there anyway. It’s exactly why teams miss out on great players and why fans always get this shit wrong.
It's a simplified scenario based on reasonable assumptions, because you can't lay out a 10 page algorithm contemplating every possible circumstance (including trades up/down, picks switching hands, etc). So I'm trying to make an assessment of, AT THE VERY LEAST, what we can hope to get. If someone assumed to be picked before is there and you like him, you take him. If you don't, you go ahead as planned. Duh.

PS: If we go with a forward at no. 9 and my preferred options are unavailable at 20 and he is there, yes, I'd consider him a viable option.

[offset formation]

FWIW, I tried putting Banchero on the Spurs in NBA 2K22 and simulating a game with him in the starting lineup. It was a lot of fun making that pipe dream a reality, at least virtually.

The Rockets could be scary good in 3 years, assuming that's who they take.

[scott]

Here you've got 15 guys who are pretty much guaranteed to go top 20:
99% chance: Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, Shaedon Sharpe, Keegan Murray, Dyson Daniels, Bennedict Mathurin, Jeremy Sochan, Johnny Davis, Jalen Duren
95% chance: AJ Griffin, Mark Williams, Ochai Agbaji, Malaki Branham

There's only 4 extra picks before us at 20, and a lot of guys could slide in there as well: Jaden Hardy, Walker Kessler, TyTy Washington, Kennedy Chandler, MarJon Beauchamp, Kendall Brown, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Bryce McGowens

So even if only one of those are taken (more likely 2), that means only three players from my 20/25 list (Tari Eason, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams, Blake Wesley, Nikola Jovic, EJ Liddell) will likely be taken by 20, leaving 3 available. So I think it's over 95% Jalen Williams or Blake Wesley are still on the board and if they're not it means someone got pushed back (like Branham).

By 25 I think some of them will still be on the board, because teams picking 21-24 are contenders with specific needs (Denver, Memphis, Brooklyn/Philly, Milwaukee) chances are good at least 2 of those are there by 25. Also different teams have different boards, so quite a few surprises will jump into the top 24. All in all, I believe there is a lot of value to be had, and it's on us if we blow it.

I definitely understand - my fear is that the two I'm only meh on (Liddell and Jovic) will be the ones there at 20. I don't know much about Wesley, so my reaction to taking him at 20 would be based largely on the reaction of this message board on draft day, lol.

[scott]

The Rockets could be scary good in 3 years, assuming that's who they take.

That would require some degree in confidence in their management and coaching staff. For now, I'm not too worried about them. They've quickly evolved into OKC/SAC level forever terrible.

[offset formation]

That would require some degree in confidence in their management and coaching staff. For now, I'm not too worried about them. They've quickly evolved into OKC/SAC level forever terrible.

True. But based on the picks they have, the talent they have, and the trade pieces they have, they're gonna have lots of chances to fuck up. Plus, I really like Coach Silas. Think he's the right guy for them to continue developing some good talent. Patient yet firm. Good basketball pedigree.

[Ariel]

I definitely understand - my fear is that the two I'm only meh on (Liddell and Jovic) will be the ones there at 20. I don't know much about Wesley, so my reaction to taking him at 20 would be based largely on the reaction of this message board on draft day, lol.
Raw but athletic combo guard with high scoring potential:

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

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

I think there's a good chance he could fill Lonnie's role for cheaper and with higher potential.