Draft projects to watch besides Wembanyama & Henderson

[exstatic]

Which one is Michael Jordan in this scenario?

Neither. Neither is Drexler either, and you know that’s not the point. You draft the redundancy, and sort it out later. Remember us having too many guards? We cashed that out to the tune of 4FRPs, and two FRP swaps for two guards drafted at the tail end of the first round.

[JPB]

I don't think we should exclude spurs taking Miller at 3. We presume they wouldn't but it's an important draft and I'm not sure Wright would care that much but could just stay pragmatical.

[heyheymymy]

I feel like Killer Miller is DUNZO in the eyes of Spurs Front Office.

[scott]

I feel like Killer Miller is DUNZO in the eyes of Spurs Front Office.

Agreed. Being the kind of guy who:

1) owns a handgun as a college athlete
2) has the kind of friends who ask to borrow said gun
3) is willing to bring the gun to his friend when asked

Seems pretty disqualifying as far as the Spurs go

Edit: I'm sure there are Spurs who fall into category #1 without it ever being known. DJM seems like the kind of cat who not only likely has a few guns but would be the kind of dude to post pics with them on IG if not being being a professional athlete with at least some sense what constitutes really stupid behavior

[exstatic]

I feel like Killer Miller is DUNZO in the eyes of Spurs Front Office.

Yeah, Ja just got suspended for SHOWING a gun in an IG Live, this kid has potential, but is nothing yet, and brought a gun used for a murder to the scene.

[Ariel]

On basketball terms alone, Brandon Miller is at least no. 3 and it's not really close. Too bad he f'd it up. I'm looking forward to the tournament to watch some of these guys.
Last year I wanted to get multiple picks into the late lottery - late teens to get an extra guy or 2: Jalen Williams went 12, Duren 13, Mark Williams 15, AJ Griffin 16, Tari Eason 17. This year I see a similar situation, but starting earlier, say 8 or so: Cam Whitmore, Anthony Black, Jarace Walker, Keyonte George, Gradey Dick... all guys I'd be ok taking, but not at a top 5 pick. Again, say we land 3-5 and we're going to pass on Miller, I think our best strategy is trading back.
One option I mentioned was Orlando (if Chicago's pick conveys and both land outside top 4), they already have a bunch of youngsters and might want to consolidate their picks and get that final piece.
Another option would be a team with a mid lottery pick and some young talent, I'd take Dyson Daniels + Lakers pick (about no. 10) for no. 3, for instance (provided we pass on Miller and Scoot isn't available).
That to me seems like a much better option than taking one of the Thompson twins, or any one guy after 3 for that matter.

[Mr. Body]

On basketball terms alone, Brandon Miller is at least no. 3 and it's not really close. Too bad he f'd it up. I'm looking forward to the tournament to watch some of these guys.
Last year I wanted to get multiple picks into the late lottery - late teens to get an extra guy or 2: Jalen Williams went 12, Duren 13, Mark Williams 15, AJ Griffin 16, Tari Eason 17. This year I see a similar situation, but starting earlier, say 8 or so: Cam Whitmore, Anthony Black, Jarace Walker, Keyonte George, Gradey Dick... all guys I'd be ok taking, but not at a top 5 pick. Again, say we land 3-5 and we're going to pass on Miller, I think our best strategy is trading back.
One option I mentioned was Orlando (if Chicago's pick conveys and both land outside top 4), they already have a bunch of youngsters and might want to consolidate their picks and get that final piece.
Another option would be a team with a mid lottery pick and some young talent, I'd take Dyson Daniels + Lakers pick (about no. 10) for no. 3, for instance (provided we pass on Miller and Scoot isn't available).
That to me seems like a much better option than taking one of the Thompson twins, or any one guy after 3 for that matter.

I like the ideas generally. I'm not fond of picking in the 3-6 range in this draft. I just don't think there's value for those picks. I don't think trading down is likely, but I'd definitely consider it.

The issue is having too many young players, but it's not like Langford is staying on his team, etc.

Orlando does have those two picks, as you say. There might be options.

[exstatic]

I like the ideas generally. I'm not fond of picking in the 3-6 range in this draft. I just don't think there's value for those picks. I don't think trading down is likely, but I'd definitely consider it.

The issue is having too many young players, but it's not like Langford is staying on his team, etc.

Orlando does have those two picks, as you say. There might be options.

I think that only works for #2, if you decide Scoot isn’t your guy You don’t trade #1, and three and below won’t pull both of those picks.

[scott]

Chicago (along with TOR) is a top contender for a Silver special for a Top 2 pick - my spidey senses are telling me our CHI pick won’t be until 2026.

[Mr. Body]

I think that only works for #2, if you decide Scoot isn’t your guy You don’t trade #1, and three and below won’t pull both of those picks.

Theoretically if they're in love with Amen Thompson, who doesn't have his fans here but may elsewhere, or even Brandon Miller, trading the #3 for a #6 and #8 isn't beyond comprehension, if they also don't see the draft as that great. Theoretically. The Spurs might have to add something on their side, like one of those later-round firsts in the future.

More likely, if anything, is trading down and getting something else, like a future FRP or a player, in return.

[Ariel]

Chicago (along with TOR) is a top contender for a Silver special for a Top 2 pick - my spidey senses are telling me our CHI pick won’t be until 2026.
I'm not one to jump on conspiracy theories, but if I were, that would make a lot of sense.

[jjspur]

Theoretically if they're in love with Amen Thompson, who doesn't have his fans here but may elsewhere, or even Brandon Miller, trading the #3 for a #6 and #8 isn't beyond comprehension, if they also don't see the draft as that great. Theoretically. The Spurs might have to add something on their side, like one of those later-round firsts in the future.

More likely, if anything, is trading down and getting something else, like a future FRP or a player, in return.

Agree, if we don't get 1 or 2, we should try to trade the pick, but trading that high a pick for future picks wouldn't help much this next incoming year. Would definitely try to trade for immediate help and future picks. Future firsts are great, but you have no clue where they will land in 3,4,5 or six years from now. Who knows, some team may get desperate and give us a small ransom for the third-fourth pick . The draft lottery can't come soon enough.

[exstatic]

Theoretically if they're in love with Amen Thompson, who doesn't have his fans here but may elsewhere, or even Brandon Miller, trading the #3 for a #6 and #8 isn't beyond comprehension, if they also don't see the draft as that great. Theoretically. The Spurs might have to add something on their side, like one of those later-round firsts in the future.

More likely, if anything, is trading down and getting something else, like a future FRP or a player, in return.

I don’t think we’re really disagreeing. I don’t think that you’re going to get a straight trade of pick 3 or below just for their two lottery picks. You’re even saying that we might need to throw something in on our side.

[exstatic]

Chicago (along with TOR) is a top contender for a Silver special for a Top 2 pick - my spidey senses are telling me our CHI pick won’t be until 2026.


I'm not one to jump on conspiracy theories, but if I were, that would make a lot of sense.

Scott and I have had this discussion, briefly before, but CHI has had like 8 lottery picks since The Jordan Years, and come away with only Derrick Rose as a prize. The league has shown little inclination to help them along, and in fact,if they did, that would incentivize playoff teams to tank for a year to try for a top 4 pick, something that is the opposite of what the league wants.

[The Truth #6]

If we get #3 and trade down, they have to be confident they will still get their players. And there seem to be a lot of underwhelming players. And so let's say they want Anthony Black and Grady Dick instead of Amen Thompson, it would be a huge bummer to trade back and still not get the players you want because in this particular draft I could see the quality college players actually rising. But there are always GMs on the hot seat who go for upside and a long developmental path (to prolong their job and getting fired). Ultimately, this is feeling like an underwhelming draft unless you are in the top 2.

[exstatic]

If we get #3 and trade down, they have to be confident they will still get their players. And there seem to be a lot of underwhelming players. And so let's say they want Anthony Black and Grady Dick instead of Amen Thompson, it would be a huge bummer to trade back and still not get the players you want because in this particular draft I could see the quality college players actually rising. But there are always GMs on the hot seat who go for upside and a long developmental path (to prolong their job and getting fired). Ultimately, this is feeling like an underwhelming draft unless you are in the top 2.

The Spurs wouldn’t target two specific players for those picks. They would only trade back if they thought there would be 3 or 4 players high on their board who would drop to those draft slots.

[Dejounte]

https://twitter.com/nbadraftwass/status/1632819485265604609?s=46

[Ocotillo]

As far as trading back, I would imagine after the tournament, there is will be some risers in the mocks and in some GMs minds that might jumble up what happens after two. In other words, some GM might want to reach for their guy and a deal may be able to happen?

[K...]

I still say theres no chance the spurs trade out or down. Just take your top player.. we dont gain much for trading out and the spurs can absorb the fiscal hit of a bad lottery pick. They have too many picks already and trading picks Won't lead to better talent.a 3-5 pick is still the goal at this point. You dont spend a whole year being terrible and say “we deserve taking second rate talent“

Remember you will never see the spurs draft board, but you know how much effort goes into it.

[duncan2150]

https://twitter.com/nbadraftwass/status/1632819485265604609?s=46

Could Jarace be more than a really good role player ? that's my question actually, i really like his profile.


If we get #3 and trade down, they have to be confident they will still get their players. And there seem to be a lot of underwhelming players. And so let's say they want Anthony Black and Grady Dick instead of Amen Thompson, it would be a huge bummer to trade back and still not get the players you want because in this particular draft I could see the quality college players actually rising. But there are always GMs on the hot seat who go for upside and a long developmental path (to prolong their job and getting fired). Ultimately, this is feeling like an underwhelming draft unless you are in the top 2.

Agreed, i think it's really to figure out about a trade down. Imo the Spurs will trade down only if they don't have their guy, i don't see them disliking all the theorical top 8 prospects.

[heyheymymy]

That was a crazy finish with UofM HOU but I felt like that was a forearm push off on the winning shot by the Cougars.

[DesignatedT]

Miller has gotten better as the season has gone on. I was a little skeptical at first but he certainly looks the part of a future all-star. I think Wemby, Scoot and Miller and shoe ins for the top 3.

[DPG21920]

I think anyone ruling Miller out for SA is wrong personally. I believe SA would be high on him and as long as no criminal charges are filed I bet SA would take him 3 if Wemby/Scoot are gone.

[exstatic]

I think anyone ruling Miller out for SA is wrong personally. I believe SA would be high on him and as long as no criminal charges are filed I bet SA would take him 3 if Wemby/Scoot are gone.

If the Spurs had had information on Primo’s exhibitionist tendencies, they wouldn’t have drafted him, and this kid brought a murder weapon to the scene on request. No charges have been filed, because he’s the top player in the #2 team in the country, not because they didn’t have cause. If he were a black non-athlete student at UA, he’d be rotting in jail right now.

[BacktoBasics]

If the Spurs had had information on Primo’s exhibitionist tendencies, they wouldn’t have drafted him, and this kid brought a murder weapon to the scene on request. No charges have been filed, because he’s the top player in the #2 team in the country, not because they didn’t have cause. If he were a black non-athlete student at UA, he’d be rotting in jail right now.
He didn’t commit a crime in that state. Neither of the two arrested have suggested differently either. He brought a gun and gave it to someone who gave to someone else. I don’t think many would argue if a white dude brought a gun upon request and gave it to someone who then gives it to someone else. Thats a typical day out for lots of fat white gun nutters.

There certainly seems to be a lack of evidence to suggest he knew it was going to be used to kill somebody. The texts lend credibility to the idea that miles loaded the gun and knew what was up.

So if you got a problem it’s with the politicians in that state which have relaxed gun laws.


According to Section 13A-2-23 of the Alabama Criminal Code — dealing with criminal liability based on behavior of another — intent is a key factor in whether a person can be charged with criminal conspiracy


A person is legally accountable for the behavior of another constituting a criminal offense if, with the intent to promote or assist the commission of the offense:

He procures, induces or causes such other person to commit the offense; or
He aids or abets such other person in committing the offense; or
Having a legal duty to prevent the commission of the offense, he fails to make an effort he is legally required to make.

[Mr. Body]

A reason Primo appealed to the team so much is not just because of burgeoning skills, but because he came off like a choir boy. No matter how much people want to disregard this, the Kawhi Leonard experience was awful -- a player they devoted tons of resources into and whose future with the team seemed completely assured stabbed them in the back. Character matters. It turns out Primo had psychological issues or whatever the fuck and liked to whip out his dick.

I don't see the Spurs fucking around with some psycho who is not ony stupid enough to bring a gun in the middle of the night to a chaotic situation, not knowing the reasons why, but was preening like a jackass, like he was the one aggrieved, when the news got out and even did this absurd 'pat me down for a gun' routine during intros. That shit is bananas. The Spurs aren't going to deal with that mess, not to mention paying $10 million a year for the privilege.

I think people are discounting just how wild this shit is, even after this Ja Morant fuckery. Not to mention whatever is going on with the Alabama program at large.

[exstatic]

He didn’t commit a crime in that state. Neither of the two arrested have suggested differently either. He brought a gun and gave it to someone who gave to someone else. I don’t think many would argue if a white dude brought a gun upon request and gave it to someone who then gives it to someone else. Thats a typical day out for lots of fat white gun nutters.

There certainly seems to be a lack of evidence to suggest he knew it was going to be used to kill somebody. The texts lend credibility to the idea that miles loaded the gun and knew what was up.

So if you got a problem it’s with the politicians in that state which have relaxed gun laws.

Do you really think he thought his friend needed some target practice shooting at pigeons?

[lmbebo]

Think Miller probably #3 on the list talent wise, but the gun issue may make him slide.

Would be leary of investing a top pick on him unless I was 100% certain about his character issues.

[BacktoBasics]

Do you really think he thought his friend needed some target practice shooting at pigeons?

Doesn’t matter what I think. The law in that state couldn’t connect the dots. There was no evidence of intent or prior knowledge of what the gun would be used for.

But I got no problem calling out the hypocrisy of being outraged that he’s not being charged when it comes to a black man handing a gun to a friend when no one would’ve criminalized a white dude for doing it. This and many states literally pave the fucking way for this way of life.

Gun culture in this country loves to remove responsibility until it’s a black dude… he should be locked up. He had to of known.

[Dejounte]

No one in this thread is outraged that he’s not being charged. That’s missing the point of what people are saying. If we pretend nothing happened that night as far as a murder goes, it is irresponsible for an athlete (black or white or any race) who has so much going for him to go out at night to hand over a gun to another person. In the context of if the Spurs should draft him under the hypothetical where the report started and ended with Miller simply taking that action that night (again, with no murder taking place), it would be a serious red flag that would likely cause the Spurs to pass on him.

[KobesAchilles]

I think you have to take Miller at 3. Red flag or not. But that was before the Ja incident. Let’s see how long Ja is out for. Miller didn’t do anything outrageous other than be a complete moron. But in SA, I don’t see Miller being that type of idiot.

[Mr. Body]

I think you have to take Miller at 3. Red flag or not. But that was before the Ja incident. Let’s see how long Ja is out for. Miller didn’t do anything outrageous other than be a complete moron. But in SA, I don’t see Miller being that type of idiot.

:lol

[Dejounte]

Bilal Coulibaly
Sidy Cissoko
Nikola Djurisic

are heavy hitters for our second round pick, IMO

[exstatic]

Doesn’t matter what I think. The law in that state couldn’t connect the dots. There was no evidence of intent or prior knowledge of what the gun would be used for.

But I got no problem calling out the hypocrisy of being outraged that he’s not being charged when it comes to a black man handing a gun to a friend when no one would’ve criminalized a white dude for doing it. This and many states literally pave the fucking way for this way of life.

Gun culture in this country loves to remove responsibility until it’s a black dude… he should be locked up. He had to of known.

They didn’t want to, because they need him on the court for the NCAAs. Surely you can’t be naive enough to not understand this.

[K...]

You put miller at 3 on the board and interview him at the combine. If he checks out, draft him.

The problem with primo was that he wasn't very good, and his shit blew back on the team. Most 18 and 19 yr olds do dumb shit and recover.

[Mr. Body]

They didn’t want to, because they need him on the court for the NCAAs. Surely you can’t be naive enough to not understand this.

I'm surprised at how many Americans still don't realize that the law is entirely optional in this country.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I think you have to take Miller at 3. Red flag or not. But that was before the Ja incident. Let’s see how long Ja is out for. Miller didn’t do anything outrageous other than be a complete moron. But in SA, I don’t see Miller being that type of idiot.


You put miller at 3 on the board and interview him at the combine. If he checks out, draft him.

The problem with primo was that he wasn't very good, and his shit blew back on the team. Most 18 and 19 yr olds do dumb shit and recover.

These are still kids. When most of us were 18 or 19 we worried about where we were going to get drunk on Friday night. Thank God our stupidity wasn't immortalized on Facebook or Twitter.

[Mr. Body]

These are still kids. When most of us were 18 or 19 we worried about where we were going to get drunk on Friday night. Thank God our stupidity wasn't immortalized on Facebook or Twitter.

You know what I didn't do at 18 or 19?

[dbestpro]

These are still kids. When most of us were 18 or 19 we worried about where we were going to get drunk on Friday night. Thank God our stupidity wasn't immortalized on Facebook or Twitter.

I joined the army at 17 and was a Sargent teaching school at the age of 20. Just saying most kids who struggle out the gate take a long time to get going.

[BacktoBasics]

They didn’t want to, because they need him on the court for the NCAAs. Surely you can’t be naive enough to not understand this.

You have no evidence of that. Not everything is a conspiracy. You sound like maga. The whole idea that a bunch of cogs in the wheel are willing to risk their careers and livelihood so Miller can play basketball sounds pretty naive as well. I'm not saying things like this have never happened but its quite the stretch in this situation.

We aren't talking about 1 person of authority making a decision. Multiple people would have to be in harmony... and with no one blowing the whistle that there's a deliberate cover up. So in my eyes, naive would be the guy who wants to take the position that multiple people would risk their career, the lives that they've built in the city and neighborhoods that they live in so an indisputable criminal can play college basketball for another month.

The real conspiracy is why the laws around guns are so relaxed.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

You have no evidence of that. Not everything is a conspiracy. You sound like maga. The whole idea that a bunch of cogs in the wheel are willing to risk their careers and livelihood so Miller can play basketball sounds pretty naive as well. I'm not saying things like this have never happened but its quite the stretch in this situation.

We aren't talking about 1 person of authority making a decision. Multiple people would have to be in harmony... and with no one blowing the whistle that there's a deliberate cover up. So in my eyes, naive would be the guy who wants to take the position that multiple people would risk their career, the lives that they've built in the city and neighborhoods that they live in so an indisputable criminal can play college basketball for another month.

The real conspiracy is why the laws around guns are so relaxed.

I agree. Not defending Miller - he’s done something remarkably irresponsible, however, it genuinely doesn’t seem to be a criminal deed. The dudes who did it are in jail.

[heyheymymy]

Was watching LAC MEM this week and the Grizz couldn't get past Clippers. Guess who was not suiting up due to off court issues? Look at the standings, do you think MEM can afford that loss? As Spurs fans we know how crucial seeding and path and home court advantage is.

So do I think Spurs leadership still has Miller on the board? No. I don't care if the draft pick is a genetic super soldier with the genes of Jesus Christ and Micheal Jordan. If they jump on the hood of a car in a strip club parking lot and negligently discharge a firearm, they are gonna get suspended and won't be on the court with all their talents to help your team win games. That sucks then, to lose 50 fucking games, tank a whole season, and all you have to show for it is a guy banned from the court?

No way am I taking that risk. At this point, it would literally require the ALA DA saying "whoops, entirely wrong Brandon Miller alltogether then" for Spurs to reconsider. For those saying isolated incident, his attitude after the news broke shows he is doubling down on the arrogance. Someone died, y'all.

[exstatic]

You have no evidence of that. Not everything is a conspiracy. You sound like maga. The whole idea that a bunch of cogs in the wheel are willing to risk their careers and livelihood so Miller can play basketball sounds pretty naive as well. I'm not saying things like this have never happened but its quite the stretch in this situation.

We aren't talking about 1 person of authority making a decision. Multiple people would have to be in harmony... and with no one blowing the whistle that there's a deliberate cover up. So in my eyes, naive would be the guy who wants to take the position that multiple people would risk their career, the lives that they've built in the city and neighborhoods that they live in so an indisputable criminal can play college basketball for another month.

The real conspiracy is why the laws around guns are so relaxed.

1. I’m probably the most unMAGA poster on this board.
2. The decision to prosecute or not rests solely with the DA. He’s a UA graduate.

Sports coverups are a long tradition. How long did that ahole at Penn State get away with molesting kids? Paterno KNEW and did nothing, and neither did anyone else. It would have damaged the program, just like prosecuting this kid at UA would.

Miller himself knows he got over. If he were genuinely horrified at what happened, and he should be if he was uninvolved, he wouldn’t be doing that stupid pat down routine during introductions. He knows.

[heyheymymy]

Also, knowing the Spurs FO got burned on Leonard and Primo, must be seeing Vietnam flashbacks at this point, it's like, the Spurs aren't just vetting players personality profile anymore, they gotta be casing the entire program lol.

Spurs doing mental heath checks on the ball boy, the announcer, the facility custodians lol I'm probing the entire fucking campus.

Makes me wonder about Keyonte George. I don't necessarily endorse the player for a Spurs pick, don't see much to like there, imo. But knowing SA just picked from Baylor last season, and now knowing this Primo/Ja/B.Miller/Gilbert Arenas type risk situation going on, I'm scared they'll just be like 'pick Keyonte' since Sochan came out of there okay just last year lol.

[BacktoBasics]

1. I’m probably the most unMAGA poster on this board.
2. The decision to prosecute or not rests solely with the DA. He’s a UA graduate.

Sports coverups are a long tradition. How long did that ahole at Penn State get away with molesting kids? Paterno KNEW and did nothing, and neither did anyone else. It would have damaged the program, just like prosecuting this kid at UA would.

Miller himself knows he got over. If he were genuinely horrified at what happened, and he should be if he was uninvolved, he wouldn’t be doing that stupid pat down routine during introductions. He knows.

I was being sarcastic about the maga. Based on the law I posted he's clearly not guilty. That's not conspiracy. That's poorly written law. I don't care where the DA graduated. That person isn't risking their career for basketball. Not only that but its an indisputable crime you'd have everyone involved with the case speaking out about the lack of the legal system doing its intended job. No one is willingly going to open themselves up to that criticism and risk out of loyalty to a college.

Again, I stated that I'm not saying its never happened. I don't know all the details around Penn but wasn't the coverup internal and within a small group of people. I could be wrong but I don't believe it included law enforcement cover up, did it? Either way it doesn't matter.

This day and age its significantly more difficult to pull off a blatant coverup.

In this case they're being transparent and the way the law is written puts this kid in the clear. Whether we agree with that or not. That's not conspiracy. That's shitting laws and a desperate need for gun reform.

[duncan2150]

Do we have all the details the Police have for Miller ? What i mean is we don't know what exactly happened. Could he not be charged if he intentionnaly bring a gun to a murderer ? I'm not sure, imo we need to have more details.

And no way i'm saying he's innocent.

[BacktoBasics]

Do we have all the details the Police have for Miller ? What i mean is we don't know what exactly happened. Could he not be charged if he intentionnaly bring a gun to a murderer ? I'm not sure, imo we need to have more details.

And no way i'm saying he's innocent.
From everything I’ve seen. They have all the text correspondence. He brought the gun. Miles took the gun then messaged the shooter that it was loaded and placed in a vehicle for him to take.

So Miles loading the gun and making the transfer was compelling enough to charge both men.

As far what’s been said there is no correspondence between Miller and the shooter and no correspondence between Miller and Miles as to intent.

That’s why he’s not being charged.

Whether that’s a fair law is another debate but I’m sure there are many instances of people handing a gun to someone unknowingly that it is intended to be handed off again for a crime.

How many degrees of separation do people want? Especially if there’s no evidence otherwise.

With that said I’m not necessarily defending Miller nor do I care to draft him.

Just pointing out that the law and lack of a charge is consistent. Has nothing to do with some grand conspiracy.

[wildbill2u]

Let's hope the Spurs get eiether 1 or 2 and don't have to make any decision on Miller or anyone else at the 3 draft position. Think positive. We have 2 chances to get those top spots.

[The Truth #6]

My oversimplified analysis: America loves guns and sports. But the law is typically prejudiced against black people. Seems like it could have gone either way for Miller. He got lucky. But then there’s a backlash against Ja, and the court of public opinion swings the other way. But I’m not following this closely.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/TheAthleticCBB/status/1633173417502310402

[tonight...you]

https://twitter.com/TheAthleticCBB/status/1633173417502310402

Very cool and needed.
Hard to evaluate unless the evaluators are truly hard-core Bball junkies of everything live.

[duncan2150]

https://twitter.com/NoCeilingsNBA/status/1633928976656658438

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1633919931073871874

[The Truth #6]

Curious who people see as “prototypical Spurs picks”, let’s say if we end up drafting somewhere between 3-9.

Trying to guess, and in no order, but maybe:

Cam Whitmore
Anthony Black
Jarace Walker
Ausur Thompson (dark horse)

I don’t see the Spurs prioritizing the Thompson Twins, but I could also see them preferring Ausur and/or seeing him as undervalued if we pick late and he’s still around.

Just speculating…

[Uriel]

Brandon Miller to the Spurs at #3 in the latest ESPN mock draft.

[Silverheart80]

Assuming Victor and Scoot go #1 and #2 as expected, I'm curious if anyone here would want the Spurs to draft Brandon Miller, if the Spurs end up with the #3 pick. He brought a gun to a teammate that resulted in a woman being murdered. His coach is the same guy that mentored Josh Primo. Does anyone here think he's still your pick at #3? If not, who would you pick at #3 instead? Or would you trade down?

[exstatic]

Brandon Miller to the Spurs at #3 in the latest ESPN mock draft.

They’re not really matching teams to players yet on most mocks. It’s more like a big board, just ranking the players, and assigning that ranked player to the team that happens to be there in the current standings.

I know a lot of you disagree, but I can see no scenario where we draft and keep Miller.

[exstatic]

Assuming Victor and Scoot go #1 and #2 as expected, I'm curious if anyone here would want the Spurs to draft Brandon Miller, if the Spurs end up with the #3 pick. He brought a gun to a teammate that resulted in a woman being murdered. His coach is the same guy that mentored Josh Primo. Does anyone here think he's still your pick at #3? If not, who would you pick at #3 instead? Or would you trade down?

I’d trade back.

[buttsR4rebounding]

My oversimplified analysis: America loves guns and sports. But the law is typically prejudiced against black people. Seems like it could have gone either way for Miller. He got lucky. But then there’s a backlash against Ja, and the court of public opinion swings the other way. But I’m not following this closely.

You say the law is predjudiced against black people yet neither Miller or Ja were charged with a crime.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Assuming Victor and Scoot go #1 and #2 as expected, I'm curious if anyone here would want the Spurs to draft Brandon Miller, if the Spurs end up with the #3 pick. He brought a gun to a teammate that resulted in a woman being murdered. His coach is the same guy that mentored Josh Primo. Does anyone here think he's still your pick at #3? If not, who would you pick at #3 instead? Or would you trade down?

Nah, Miller gave the gun away. We need shooters.

[duncan2150]

Assuming Victor and Scoot go #1 and #2 as expected, I'm curious if anyone here would want the Spurs to draft Brandon Miller, if the Spurs end up with the #3 pick. He brought a gun to a teammate that resulted in a woman being murdered. His coach is the same guy that mentored Josh Primo. Does anyone here think he's still your pick at #3? If not, who would you pick at #3 instead? Or would you trade down?

If Miller is the best player, i take him.

[The Truth #6]

You say the law is predjudiced against black people yet neither Miller or Ja were charged with a crime.

I think the last 200 years strongly suggests the law is prejudiced.

[K...]

i saw an athletic article asking if Miller was actually the right choice at two. So maybe the drama of having to pick him at 3 is moot.

[BacktoBasics]

You say the law is predjudiced against black people yet neither Miller or Ja were charged with a crime.

Gun culture and failing to push common sense gun laws and/or rolling back gun policies bit them in the ass in both these scenarios. Not that either committed a crime, because they didn't. But you better believe that with stricter gun laws they'd be the first two seeing the book thrown at them.

Had they been white it would of just been Miller bringing a gun to a buddy for self defense and how many times have we seen neckbeards and maga flaunting their guns on social media in a way more irresponsible way than Ja did. Fucking politicians families taking Christmas picks with their elementary age kids dry humping semi-autos. If Boebert or Greene were black they'd have long been criminalized.

[Russ]

I think the last 200 years strongly suggests the law is prejudiced.

Sometimes the law is prejudiced by staying out of disputes among the disfavored, as in "let em go at each other as long as . . ." That might lead to Miller not being charged.

Regarding whites brandishing guns:


If Boebert or Greene were black they'd have long been criminalized.

Probably right.

California governor Ronald Reagan came out in favor of gun control, but only after blacks started arming themselves (Black Panthers).

[DPG21920]

At this point, if Miller is draft eligible and no charges filed, I would fully expect him to still go 3 whether that is SA or anyone else. I would be thrilled with it from a basketball perspective at this point too for the Spurs.

But, I also know the Spurs will turn over every stone they can on the young man so I dont think they draft him unless they are very confident on all of this anyways so its moot.

[rjv]

part of me says the Spurs will pass on Miller because of the red flags but i have no idea what will come out in every single interview and background check that takes place before the draft. miller is in a gray area as to what extent of guilt or responsibility he shares for jamea's death. with all that happened with primo this season, the spurs will likely defer but i can't say for certain. my guess is they would pass. as to whether they trade down or not depends on what other player out there the spurs FO happens to have on their board at that time.

[exstatic]

part of me says the Spurs will pass on Miller because of the red flags but i have no idea what will come out in every single interview and background check that takes place before the draft. miller is in a gray area as to what extent of guilt or responsibility he shares for jamea's death. with all that happened with primo this season, the spurs will likely defer but i can't say for certain. my guess is they would pass. as to whether they trade down or not depends on what other player out there the spurs FO happens to have on their board at that time.

There will be teams that will thirst for Miller if they don’t get into the top 2, so no, you don’t just pass and give them the player they want. You trade back.

[The Truth #6]

I’m not following these top ranked players that closely, but a common critique I hear of many of them is that they don’t actually finish well at the rim, or they actually have problems getting to the rim still, despite their supposed athleticism and decent handles. Lots of questions with a lot of these guys.

I haven’t heard the same concerns about Scoot, as he seems to get to the rim and finish at a high rate. I always assumed he would be the lock for number two, but a lot of draft online chatter is showing Miller as the number two pic now. Of course, it’s early and it’s all online nonsense, but that’s the first I’ve seen anyone suggest that scoot would not go number two.

[couchman]

I think the Ja situation is probably exacerbated by other behind the scenes stuff we don't know about.
We've heard grumblings about his behavior before this, but not a lot of details.
I bet there's more and this gun thing is the final straw that forced the team to act.
Being super rich and famous and illegally having a gun in a club is dumb, especially when you can afford to have muscle with you do to that shit.
But it's not like he actually shot anyone. We'll see if he learns from this.

The Miller thing is hard to gauge.
He could be a decent kid who made a terrible mistake. Or it could be indicative of a flawed character.
We can't easily know the difference because the 'Bama program is run by a weasel with no ethics or morals.
That they are connected is another red flag though.
Miller is OBVIOUSLY a top 3 talent in the draft right now.
Some might even see him as top 2 if he slays in the tourney. But will he have a top3 or top 2 outcome to his career?
It will probably come down to his character.
Teams will have to do some serious investigations and due diligence if they end up in position to draft him.

[exstatic]

I’m not following these top ranked players that closely, but a common critique I hear of many of them is that they don’t actually finish well at the rim, or they actually have problems getting to the rim still, despite their supposed athleticism and decent handles. Lots of questions with a lot of these guys.

I haven’t heard the same concerns about Scoot, as he seems to get to the rim and finish at a high rate. I always assumed he would be the lock for number two, but a lot of draft online chatter is showing Miller as the number two pic now. Of course, it’s early and it’s all online nonsense, but that’s the first I’ve seen anyone suggest that scoot would not go number two.
Scoot is actually quite average at rim finishing, which is concerning considering that he plays in the gleague and there are virtually no shot blockers.

[Mr. Body]

Where do you find finishing numbers?

[Russ]

Scoot is actually quite average at rim finishing, which is concerning considering that he plays in the gleague and there are virtually no shot blockers.

The more concerning thing may be the bad record of Scoot's gleague team. He's the quarterback of a team that's losing in a fairly low-level league.

[Mr. Body]

The Ringer has Brandon Miller above Scoot at this point. https://nbadraft.theringer.com/?_ga=2.61190956.1276646557.1678380317-2104665024.1678380316

Say what you will about that guy's work, but the shift is out there. It's no secret that I value high level college ball much more than runaround G-League play, and Miller is extremely good. Scoot still has the 'he's generational! best pick in any other draft!' thing going for him.

[BackHome]

Gun culture and failing to push common sense gun laws and/or rolling back gun policies bit them in the ass in both these scenarios. Not that either committed a crime, because they didn't. But you better believe that with stricter gun laws they'd be the first two seeing the book thrown at them.

Had they been white it would of just been Miller bringing a gun to a buddy for self defense and how many times have we seen neckbeards and maga flaunting their guns on social media in a way more irresponsible way than Ja did. Fucking politicians families taking Christmas picks with their elementary age kids dry humping semi-autos. If Boebert or Greene were black they'd have long been criminalized.

Sorry but changing gun laws not going to put a dent into shooting deaths most guns used in big city shootings are stolen and criminals don’t give a shit about laws. Just like people who want illegal drugs can easily get them so can people get almost any weapon they want.

[Mr. Body]

Sorry but changing gun laws not going to put a dent into shooting deaths most guns used in big city shootings are stolen and criminals don’t give a shit about laws. Just like people who want illegal drugs can easily get them so can people get almost any weapon they want.

Study after study says that changing gunn laws will affect shooting deaths. Your talking points are like a decade old. The problem is accessing guns and wandering around with them is getting even easier. The number one cause of death for children now is guns.

I mean, in the United States. Everywhere else it's not.

[Leetonidas]

:lol literally the only country in the world that his this problem is the one that lets everyone own tons of guns yet changing the laws wouldnt do anything? rofl

by that logic why not just get rid of all laws. criminals dont care about the laws, so why even have them? See how dumb that sounds :lol

[exstatic]

The Ringer has Brandon Miller above Scoot at this point. https://nbadraft.theringer.com/?_ga=2.61190956.1276646557.1678380317-2104665024.1678380316

Say what you will about that guy's work, but the shift is out there. It's no secret that I value high level college ball much more than runaround G-League play, and Miller is extremely good. Scoot still has the 'he's generational! best pick in any other draft!' thing going for him.

Dean has also bumped him up to #2.

[Russ]

. . . most guns used in big city shootings are stolen and criminals don’t give a shit about laws.

If you allow fewer guns there are fewer guns for criminals to steal.

There is a direct correlation between the supply of guns in a society and gun deaths. That correlation holds up internationally between countries and, within the US, between states.

[exstatic]

Sorry but changing gun laws not going to put a dent into shooting deaths most guns used in big city shootings are stolen and criminals don’t give a shit about laws. Just like people who want illegal drugs can easily get them so can people get almost any weapon they want.

There’s a built in assumption in your statement that gun deaths only happen in the big city. Plenty of kids killed in suburban and small town classrooms.

[Mr. Body]

There’s a built in assumption in your statement that gun deaths only happen in the big city. Plenty of kids killed in suburban and small town classrooms.

I think mostly in people's homes. Gun owners are not responsible and let their kids have easy access. More guns also lead to more suicides.

[Mr. Body]

This stuff is why Republicans refused to allow studies of gun deaths. The truth comes out.

[Dejounte]

Miller’s game is predicated on chucking up shots. Scoot’s game is about feel. Player with the most feel ends up being more successful 9 times out of 10.

[BatManu20]

:lol

1634282825171234816

[BackHome]

I think mostly in people's homes. Gun owners are not responsible and let their kids have easy access. More guns also lead to more suicides.

I would agree with you a lot of deaths are caused from parents not educating there child on gun safety and keeping firearm secure. And current mental health crisis with veterans and people dealing with the Covid lockdowns has dramatically increased the suicide rate. You add those two with the rise in shootings in major cities is probably 90% of death by firearms.

Like I said more gun laws not going to change anything need to enforce the current laws on the books which is not being done. You have people who have attempted murder back on the streets the same day. If you want a war on guns go for it I think gun death were around 45 thousand compared to drug overdose which was around 100 thousand. The war on guns will be as affective as the war on drugs. I don’t see a lot of people talking about all the Fentanyl overdose death which was at 70,601 in 2021 and Dramatically rising- I wonder why?

[Mr. Body]

I would agree with you a lot of deaths are caused from parents not educating there child on gun safety and keeping firearm secure. And current mental health crisis with veterans and people dealing with the Covid lockdowns has dramatically increased the suicide rate. You add those two with the rise in shootings in major cities is probably 90% of death by firearms.

Like I said more gun laws not going to change anything need to enforce the current laws on the books which is not being done. You have people who have attempted murder back on the streets the same day. If you want a war on guns go for it I think gun death were around 45 thousand compared to drug overdose which was around 100 thousand. The war on guns will be as affective as the war on drugs. I don’t see a lot of people talking about all the Fentanyl overdose death which was at 70,601 in 2021 and Dramatically rising- I wonder why?

Do you work for the NRA? Lol. This is just old NRA garbage.

Look up diseases of despair, btw. Rural and suburban America has been in massive trouble for much longer than the pandemic. Tons of drug use, domestic violence, suicide among rural whites. A massive reason why life expectancy has started looking like Russia's in those parts of the world. Curious, areas that keep voting for people who hate and take advantage of them in the GOP! Weird!

[scott]

Didn't realize Bill Bradley was in this draft class.

(This is a deep cut, kudos to those of you who get it)

[Russ]

Didn't realize Bill Bradley was in this draft class.

(This is a deep cut, kudos to those of you who get it)

I don't see any reference to "Dollar Bill" Bradley in the posts above.

[BacktoBasics]

Sorry but changing gun laws not going to put a dent into shooting deaths most guns used in big city shootings are stolen and criminals don’t give a shit about laws. Just like people who want illegal drugs can easily get them so can people get almost any weapon they want.

Stfu Maga fucktard. I know your bullshit so don’t roll in with some fake ass attempt to rationalize gun culture. You’re one of the biggest extremists on this board.

Anyone with an ounce of intelligence knows that practical gun laws don’t solve problems overnight. It’s a long game. Absolutely nothing changes overnight but steps in the right direction beget stronger steps and lay the groundwork for responsible gun ownership while slowly working against the real problems. It would be a move with a 30+ year vision.

But you fucking pieces of shit fight practical legislation by convincing other fucktards that if you can’t fix the problem overnight it must be flawed logic.

You are the problem. Get bent loser.

[BacktoBasics]

Do you work for the NRA? Lol. This is just old NRA garbage.

Look up diseases of despair, btw. Rural and suburban America has been in massive trouble for much longer than the pandemic. Tons of drug use, domestic violence, suicide among rural whites. A massive reason why life expectancy has started looking like Russia's in those parts of the world. Curious, areas that keep voting for people who hate and take advantage of them in the GOP! Weird!
Backhome is worthless shill propagandist. There’s no reality in those people. Fucking waste of space.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Taking a step back from politics here, I have a quick question for the board. Does anyone else think that Jarace Walker looks like a 3 in the NBA more so than a 4 or 5? I keep getting Kawhi flashbacks watching his defensive highlights on the perimeter. A guy like that would be fantastic for the Spurs, who have demonstrated that they can really take this kind of prospect and develop out their offensive game.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Taking a step back from politics here, I have a quick question for the board. Does anyone else think that Jarace Walker looks like a 3 in the NBA more so than a 4 or 5? I keep getting Kawhi flashbacks watching his defensive highlights on the perimeter. A guy like that would be fantastic for the Spurs, who have demonstrated that they can really take this kind of prospect and develop out their offensive game.

I see him as more of a 4.5 in the NBA. Love his defense and how he's able to blend in a good team, but I don't buy that shot of his at all. He's a safe bet to find a role for himself but unless the Spurs are trading back I don't think he brings what they need - a potential 1st option on offense, a creator, etc.

[Mr. Body]

It's hard to get a read on draftees nowadays, they're so raw, often not as impactful as other players on their teams. You're having to read elements of the future in the material pieces they are now.

This obviously isn't the case with Brandon Miller, hence why he's cemented a top 4 slot. With the others, it's often hoping they fix glaring issues or lack of skills. In the past it felt lik you had a better sense of skill packages.

Maybe it's been this way for a while. Maybe it's drafting so high that makes the problem more obvious. I can see why you start taking physical and athletic profiles in the high lottery because those players otherwise have the same sort of deficiencies as anyone else. Cam Whittmore, the Thompson kids. I guess it's obvious, but there's no reason to believe they'll pay off above others in their range of age and experience, but I'm now realizing that with those high picks you're paying with draft capital and salary for greater swings of the bat.

And I think I'm still in the mode of trying to find value later in the draft.

[mo7888]

It's hard to get a read on draftees nowadays, they're so raw, often not as impactful as other players on their teams. You're having to read elements of the future in the material pieces they are now.

This obviously isn't the case with Brandon Miller, hence why he's cemented a top 4 slot. With the others, it's often hoping they fix glaring issues or lack of skills. In the past it felt lik you had a better sense of skill packages.

Maybe it's been this way for a while. Maybe it's drafting so high that makes the problem more obvious. I can see why you start taking physical and athletic profiles in the high lottery because those players otherwise have the same sort of deficiencies as anyone else. Cam Whittmore, the Thompson kids. I guess it's obvious, but there's no reason to believe they'll pay off above others in their range of age and experience, but I'm now realizing that with those high picks you're paying with draft capital and salary for greater swings of the bat.

And I think I'm still in the mode of trying to find value later in the draft.

Another thing to keep in mind about these raw guys at the top is that when the NBA goes back to letting high school players enter that this issue will only magnify. It'll cause teams at the top to have more misses than they do now and you'll see a few quality guys drop.

[BackHome]

Backhome is worthless shill propagandist. There’s no reality in those people. Fucking waste of space.

Someone needs to go back to there “Safe Space”. Lol

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I see him as more of a 4.5 in the NBA. Love his defense and how he's able to blend in a good team, but I don't buy that shot of his at all. He's a safe bet to find a role for himself but unless the Spurs are trading back I don't think he brings what they need - a potential 1st option on offense, a creator, etc.

I totally get reluctance with his shot, but it seems to me that he has the foot speed, lateral quickness and ball handling to be a 3. If he can be a 3 than his value is arguably top 5. I also think that the Spurs have proven themselves capable of developing certain types of prospects above others, and tweaking shots to make them better offensive players. I was super underwhelmed by the Sochan, Murry, White, Vassell and Leonard picks when they were made but all of those guys hit in one way or another. Seems like the Spurs struggle with developing the more offense first types, with a possible exception of Branham.

[Ariel]

Brandon Miller destroying Missouri from distance, on the break, on the boards, assisting, defending... if not for the legal issue, he's 2 or 3 at worst.

[Ariel]

They said he can't finish... :lol

[heyheymymy]

Z Eady from Purdue hell of a game. Reminds me of Garza from Mich kinda

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Brandon Miller destroying Missouri from distance, on the break, on the boards, assisting, defending... if not for the legal issue, he's 2 or 3 at worst.

I suppose there is a world where I could root for him (pending a LOT of additional information), but man — I don’t give a shit how good of a basketball player he is. The guy delivered a murder weapon to the actual crime scene.

[Ariel]

I suppose there is a world where I could root for him (pending a LOT of additional information), but man — I don’t give a shit how good of a basketball player he is. The guy delivered a murder weapon to the actual crime scene.
I'm not justifying his actions, much less rooting for him, but simply describing what I saw in the game.

[heyheymymy]

Yeah that's the shame with Miller. Would've been great on the court.

[JPB]

Barely any mass shooting in the entire world every year (besides terrorism but that's another topic), dozens every year in the only western country where eveyone can buy guns, and some people still try to elaborate obscure theories on how gun laws wouldn't change anything...

You have world wide statistics showing that no guns, no death (no shit!?), but some people are still trying... There are french, british or german who may barely see any mass shooting in their entire life, meanwhile you'll never be sure that your kids will leave their school alive in America because some wacko made a bloddbath with the assault rifle he bought the day before... But "hey... Prayers! And I don't care, it's not my kids..." Oh wait, its is? Nooooo!

[dbestpro]

Barely any mass shooting in the entire world every year (besides terrorism but that's another topic), dozens every year in the only western country where eveyone can buy guns, and some people still try to elaborate obscure theories on how gun laws wouldn't change anything...

You have world wide statistics showing that no guns, no death (no shit!?), but some people are still trying... There are french, british or german who may barely see any mass shooting in their entire life, meanwhile you'll never be sure that your kids will leave their school alive in America because some wacko made a bloddbath with the assault rifle he bought the day before... But "hey... Prayers! And I don't care, it's not my kids..." Oh wait, its is? Nooooo!

There is a political forum where you can post your theories.

[JPB]

There is a political forum where you can post your facts.

Fixed it for you.

And read the thread before trying to patronize people in the wind...

[Mr. Body]

There is a political forum where you can post your theories.

They're fine here. Just suck it up and learn something.

[Kurik]

If the Spurs end up pick 5-7 and don’t trade down I’ll be pretty content with Jarace Walker, the defensive potential would be great to have. Houston held Cincinnati to 25% shooting today.

[Russ]

I suppose there is a world where I could root for him (pending a LOT of additional information), but man — I don’t give a shit how good of a basketball player he is. The guy delivered a murder weapon to the actual crime scene.

We'll never know the true facts of how or why Miller delivered the gun (unless the state of, and University of, Alabama prove themselves to be way more forthright than I expect them to be).

I base no judgment of Miller upon any of those unknowable things.

But there is something out there that we can all know -- Miller's very public after-the-fact reaction to all of it. His reaction to this life-ending horrific event.

His cold, public reaction has been indifference bordering upon smugness (perhaps even a perverse celebration).

For that reason alone, I hope Miller is never a member of our Spurs.

[slick'81]

This sub will melt if spurs take this dude at 3

[Ariel]

This sub will melt if spurs take this dude at 3
Or WORSE: we pick after Wemby & Scoot are gone, he's available and we pass for this issue alone. That could really haunt us for a decade or more, Scola & Sengun meltdowns could look like a joke in retrospect.

Don't get me wrong, I do share Russ' view mostly, the pat down act after the fact is quite telling even if he's innocent, but I also don't want to have those what ifs hanging over my head for years and years.

[bluebellmaniac]

Nah, Miller gave the gun away. We need shooters.

This! We need more of this in this forum. +1000000000000

[slick'81]

Or WORSE: we pick after Wemby & Scoot are gone, he's available and we pass for this issue alone. That could really haunt us for a decade or more, Scola & Sengun meltdowns could look like a joke in retrospect.

Don't get me wrong, I do share Russ' view mostly, the pat down act after the fact is quite telling even if he's innocent, but I also don't want to have those what ifs hanging over my head for years and years.


this draft for San Antonio will be interesting asf

[JPB]

We'll never know the true facts of how or why Miller delivered the gun (unless the state of, and University of, Alabama prove themselves to be way more forthright than I expect them to be).

I base no judgment of Miller upon any of those unknowable things.

But there is something out there that we can all know -- Miller's very public after-the-fact reaction to all of it. His reaction to this life-ending horrific event.

His cold, public reaction has been indifference bordering upon smugness (perhaps even a perverse celebration).

For that reason alone, I hope Miller is never a member of our Spurs.

You're right, and not defending the guy in a vacuum, but I'd just moderate that by saying he's still a 20 young guy in a middle of a public and mediatic storm... Everybody is different and I'm not sure we can clearly analyse his reaction as far as defining the guy personality... There's what people project and what they think or who they are... There might be some fear, self defense, disorientation then trying to show a strong face, or he may indeed not give a fuck, as you said...

That's why psychologist exist I suppose, but from what last mock drafts indicate his value doesn't seem to be affected by the events (maybe people have more info) and as I previoulsy said, I'm not sure Wright care either. Miller has been my guy for weeks but I'm happy I'm not the guy who would have to make the decision.

That being said, if he's indeed a spur, fans will probably just embrace him.

[Russ]

Or WORSE: we pick after Wemby & Scoot are gone, he's available and we pass for this issue alone. That could really haunt us for a decade or more, Scola & Sengun meltdowns could look like a joke in retrospect.

Don't get me wrong, I do share Russ' view mostly, the pat down act after the fact is quite telling even if he's innocent, but I also don't want to have those what ifs hanging over my head for years and years.

The problem is, the same factors that led to that behavior might lead him to leave the Spurs if and when he has the chance.

That's the problem (you can't just stick your head in the ground and feel sorry for everyone else and say it won't happen to you).

[Mr. Body]

This sub will melt if spurs take this dude at 3

The team seems to value high character, good guys who like each other. They may draft a gangbanger. We don't know.

[Russ]

The team seems to value high character, good guys who like each other. They may draft a gangbanger. We don't know.

They did. We know.

[Ariel]

The problem is, the same factors that led to that behavior might lead him to leave the Spurs if and when he has the chance.

That's the problem (you can't just stick your head in the ground and feel sorry for everyone else and say it won't happen to you).
Nah, that's not it. That can happen with anyone, including Wembanyama and ESPECIALLY Scoot. But I do think the possibility of him being linked to this or another future incident with the law (even if it's not any more likely than with several other players) and having the Spurs' name dragged through the mud will give PATFO reason enough to avoid him, more so after the whole Primo ordeal. That's the scenario they'd like to avoid the most IMO, not him leaving in free agency or anything of the like.

[K...]

For fucks sake, terrible people have been incredibly good at basketball do you want to take BPA or find a boyfriend for your daughter? Miller will go second to 4rth. Its easier to replace a coach than elite talent. And a homie that brings you gun might be the sociopath the team needs. We for sure dont need raw talents that take 5 years to contribute.

[Mr. Body]

They did. We know.

Which gangbanger did the Spurs draft?

[Mr. Body]

For fucks sake, terrible people have been incredibly good at basketball do you want to take BPA or find a boyfriend for your daughter? Miller will go second to 4rth. Its easier to replace a coach than elite talent. And a homie that brings you gun might be the sociopath the team needs. We for sure dont need raw talents that take 5 years to contribute.

Draft a player who will rip apart the team and/or get in trouble with the law because he's either a violent asshole or a trusting idiot who makes bad friends?

[Ariel]

Which gangbanger did the Spurs draft?
https://i.ibb.co/C0694f6/Dejounte-Murray-3.jpg

[exstatic]

Which gangbanger did the Spurs draft?

Pick #29, 2016 draft. I don’t believe he was tied to any murders, though.

[slick'81]

A gangbanger and a sexual predator

[Ariel]

If we're being honest, it wasn't the same situation. Dejounte's history was more of a result of his family, he was a young child when he went through his worst years and when he grew up indications were he was trying to get away from the family business. So he was worth a shot... pun intended.

[Ditty]

A bit off topic and may have been mentioned. Did BM redshirt his freshman year? A 20 year old freshman is odd. Not old by any means at 21 years old this November. A 18 or 19 year old freshman sounds a bit more appealing.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

For fucks sake, terrible people have been incredibly good at basketball do you want to take BPA or find a boyfriend for your daughter? Miller will go second to 4rth. Its easier to replace a coach than elite talent. And a homie that brings you gun might be the sociopath the team needs. We for sure dont need raw talents that take 5 years to contribute.

Um. The Spurs arent my life. I'd just as rather not watch than try to root for a detestable human being.

[Dejounte]

The same team that banished Flasher not because he was charged for that crime but because he put himself in a position where it easily could have turned into something much bigger is not all of a sudden going to feel sympathetic towards Miller who again is a player who put himself in a similar irresponsible situation that could have easily been avoided. The Spurs have been largely intolerant of things like that, especially towards young players. This is just my opinion, of course. It would just surprise me given recent affairs.

I’m neither for or against Miller, but I’d like to think I know the team I root for.

[Dejounte]

Also, Miller is not a “do-or-die” type talent that the Spurs will regret passing up on later if they decide to go that route. It’s only until in recent months where he’s been perceived as a top 4 talent. In combination with the belief that the Spurs will be picking in the lottery again next year, there will be more players with equal to or better than Miller’s talent in next year’s draft WITHOUT the baggage. I mean, it’s barely been two years since many folks here wanted Simmons because no one thought there would be another opportunity for the Spurs to get a player of that caliber yet Sochan is looking like he might become that guy. There’s only one basketball and life goes on - my motto for NBA basketball.

[Biggems]

So, let's say we fall into Wemby. That would be awesome.

Would you stop there, or would you use some future draft capital to try and get another 1st round talent? I know for me, I want Wemby and Kris Murray.

Of course, we would still need to get a franchise PG. Tre is ok, but I feel he is more of reserve player.

[Russ]

https://i.ibb.co/C0694f6/Dejounte-Murray-3.jpg

That's not who I was referring to. I wanted him for the Spurs.

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259952&p=8588316&viewfull=1#post8588316

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260837&page=2&p=8596768&viewfull=1#post8596768

The guy I was referring to was the best HS player in California, Mr. Basketball in California, yet neither UCLA, nor USC, nor Stanford, nor Cal would touch him.

BTW, I also wanted that guy for the Spurs.

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181950&page=25&p=5319797&viewfull=1#post5319797

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181950&page=24&p=5319754&viewfull=1#post5319754

[Mr. Body]

Also, Miller is not a “do-or-die” type talent

Scary choice of phrase there, lol.

[mo7888]

Scary choice of phrase there, lol.

:rollin

[mo7888]

So, let's say we fall into Wemby. That would be awesome.

Would you stop there, or would you use some future draft capital to try and get another 1st round talent? I know for me, I want Wemby and Kris Murray.

Of course, we would still need to get a franchise PG. Tre is ok, but I feel he is more of reserve player.

I'd explore moving up, I'm not sure there will be a palatable deal out there but I'd definitely explore it..

Edited to add: I'd explore it even if we don't get Wembanyama. I'm much higher on this draft than most on this board. I also think there's a limit to how many young guys we want to add. I'd check in and see what our two 2nd's + the Charlotte pick could get you. I'd also explore bigger packages around Keldon to see if I could acquire another top 10 pick. I'm not saying I'd try to get two more 1st's... I'm just saying I'd explore both options to see where I could extract the most net value. The goal would be to come out of the draft with two rookies instead of the 3 we currently have.

[baseline bum]

I would agree with you a lot of deaths are caused from parents not educating there child on gun safety and keeping firearm secure. And current mental health crisis with veterans and people dealing with the Covid lockdowns has dramatically increased the suicide rate. You add those two with the rise in shootings in major cities is probably 90% of death by firearms.


LOL Covid lockdowns were like a month three years ago. Mental health crisis is from the US being an oligarchy that shits on its people leading to large numbers of deaths of despair.

[baseline bum]

Um. The Spurs arent my life. I'd just as rather not watch than try to root for a detestable human being.

Meh Utah fans and LA fans rooted for Malone after it came out he raped a 13 year old and made her raise the baby on her own while ducking child support payments for years. Just the same no one in San Antonio will give a shit about some black woman getting shot in Alabama if Miller comes here and drops 20 and 10 nightly.

[Dejounte]

Meh Utah fans and LA fans rooted for Malone after it came out he raped a 13 year old and made her raise the baby on her own while ducking child support payments for years. Just the same no one in San Antonio will give a shit about some black woman getting shot in Alabama if Miller comes here and drops 20 and 10 nightly.

People here speak for themselves and just because others are willing to let something slide doesn’t mean that’s what someone else should do too. It seems gutless to not stand on one’s own principles just because a majority of people won’t stand for it. If I was a Jazz fan, I’d say fuck other Jazz fans who supported Malone. I identify as myself rooting for the team I like, not as anybody else.

[baseline bum]

That's not who I was referring to. I wanted him for the Spurs.

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259952&p=8588316&viewfull=1#post8588316

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260837&page=2&p=8596768&viewfull=1#post8596768

The guy I was referring to was the best HS player in California, Mr. Basketball in California, yet neither UCLA, nor USC, nor Stanford, nor Cal would touch him.

BTW, I also wanted that guy for the Spurs.

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181950&page=25&p=5319797&viewfull=1#post5319797

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181950&page=24&p=5319754&viewfull=1#post5319754

I mean I'd have loved to had Pierce on the Spurs even if he's throwing B's ingame

https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExMWFlMjY3NmUyZGIxMWFlNzc5NmMyY2I yMjgyMjYxODc0ZWY2NzM3YiZjdD1n/TKO0CzPAOknL2/giphy.gif

[CGD]

So, let's say we fall into Wemby. That would be awesome.

Would you stop there, or would you use some future draft capital to try and get another 1st round talent? I know for me, I want Wemby and Kris Murray.

Of course, we would still need to get a franchise PG. Tre is ok, but I feel he is more of reserve player.

Not for another 2023 pick, but I do think about using them to hasten the rebuild. For example, many speculate Jaylen Brown could become available after next year. So do you prepare next year to make run at him if there are signals that the relationship with Boston turns shaky?

Lonzo ball is another interesting player to watch assuming he bounces back from his mysterious knee surgery. Chicago is messing up that rehab badly and I think the relationship there isn’t great.

[TD 21]

For fucks sake, terrible people have been incredibly good at basketball do you want to take BPA or find a boyfriend for your daughter? Miller will go second to 4rth. Its easier to replace a coach than elite talent. And a homie that brings you gun might be the sociopath the team needs. We for sure dont need raw talents that take 5 years to contribute.

Agreed, but we all know (or at least should) that they're not going treat this situation as such.

I already thought they wouldn't select him before this incident anyway. At this writing, he's a virtual no brainer at 3, either as an attempt to trade up to 2 if the Pistons or maybe Hornets land it or to trade down slightly to pick up an additional asset(s), but I doubt they'd even do that.

I've been consistent with this: If they land at 3 or 4, it'll be (Amen) Thompson, 5 or lower and it'll be Black.

[Ariel]

I don't think Scoot at 2 is such a lock. On paper, most lottery teams could use a big wing like Miller much more than a ball dominant PG like Scoot:
Team Scoot


Houston (no PG)
San Antonio (no PG)
Orlando (weak at point -Suggs and Fultz don't cut it-, plus Franz Wagner & Paolo at forward)
Washington (no PG, though can use anything)

Team Shoot


Detroit (Cade & Ivey)
Charlotte (Lamelo)
Indiana (Haliburton & Nembhard)
Portland (Dame & Simons)
OKC (most likely, with Shai & Giddey aboard)

Undecided:


Chicago (with Lonzo out and DDR aging, could use anything)
Toronto (may need a PG, but Masai has a hard on for Miller types)
New Orleans (Ingram, Trey Murphy, Herb Jones... but also McCollum, Daniels, etc.)
Utah (I don't see either as a good culture fit)

[exstatic]

I see no scenario where the Spurs draft and keep scoot. He’s heliocentric, average to below average shooting, below average rim finisher, and an absolute shit defender.

[Ariel]

I see no scenario where the Spurs draft and keep scoot. He’s heliocentric, average to below average shooting, below average rim finisher, and an absolute shit defender.
It's possible. As the year went by I've been cooling down on Scoot, mainly because of a perceived stagnation on his 2nd year at Ignite, plus the reasons you mention. Still I think there's a better chance the Spurs draft Scoot than Miller, for non basketball related concerns. I'd take Scoot though, but I'm not opposed to trading down for the right price.

[Dejounte]

I see no scenario where the Spurs draft and keep scoot. He’s heliocentric, average to below average shooting, below average rim finisher, and an absolute shit defender.

I’m willing to bet one person on this site about this. Do you want to be it? Parameters are if the Spurs get the #2 pick and Scoot is still there at #2. I win $100 if Scoot gets drafted and kept, $100 for the other person if he’s traded before the start of the season.

[TDMVPDPOY]

if the spurs fall in the draft or wendy isnt on the draft board, they draft their biggest need on the roster at the weakest position, or draft best athlete still available...

the spurms can always stick with trey or sign a vet/star pg through FA...

[Mr. Body]

Scoot is product of ESPN's and the NBA's need to hype the fuck out of the G-League at every turn. If they can break the NCAA, that would be gold for them.

So we've been having "Scoot Henderson, generational PG, Scoot Henderson, best guard prospect in ten years, would be top pick in any other draft" horseshit for a while now.

[exstatic]

I’m willing to bet one person on this site about this. Do you want to be it? Parameters are if the Spurs get the #2 pick and Scoot is still there at #2. I win $100 if Scoot gets drafted and kept, $100 for the other person if he’s traded before the start of the season.

With these EXACT conditions, I’m your huckleberry. The only emoney I send or receive is PayPal.

[JPB]

On pure BB, I'd take Miller over Scoot now.

[Mr. Body]

On pure BB, I'd take Miller over Scoot now.

I don't think there's any question.

[Ariel]

With these EXACT conditions, I’m your huckleberry. The only emoney I send or receive is PayPal.
What if the Spurs PASS on Scoot altogether? Should be (provided he's available when the Spurs pick) if Scoot is drafted and kept, or else.

[heyheymymy]

My early lottery mock based on a tankathon sim run:

1. Detroit Pistons - Victor Wembanyama

2. Houston Rockets - Scoot Henderson

3. Chicago Bulls - Amen Thompson

4. Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller

5. San Antonio Spurs - Ausar Thompson

6. Orlando Magic - Nick Smith Jr.

7. Indiana Pacers - Jarace Walker

8. Portland Trailblazers - Keyonte George

9. Washington Wizards - Cam Whitmore

10. OKC Thunder- Gradey Dick

11. Toronto Raptors - Anthony Black

12. NOLA Pelicans - Brice Sensabough

13. Utah Jazz - Cason Wallace

14. LA Lakers - Dariq Whitehead

[exstatic]

What if the Spurs PASS on Scoot altogether? Should be (provided he's available when the Spurs pick) if Scoot is drafted and kept, or else.

Dejounte?

[heyheymymy]

Reminds me of all the thoughts about Dyson Daniels and Shadeon Sharpe when it came down to it both were gone by #9 and the question was moot.

[heyheymymy]

Really warming up on a Thompson, prefer Ausar actually. Been thinking about this but you can teach shooting. Especially in a positive development environment like SA. You can't teach freak athleticism, that 6'7 frame. Ausar is a lump of clay and Spurs dev is the sculptor.

Look at Sochan, NOT known as an offensively diverse guy coming into the league and people said it would take work. But like 55 games in he is showcasing layers of offensive tools. The talent and the athleticism are the lump of clay and that's what players use to their advantage once they learn the offensive skillsets to abuse their advantage in athleticism. Hats off to Jeremy to learn and do the work, but that's the dev culture of San Antonio at work too, imo.

I see someone like say Nick Smith Jr as really just one dimensional scoring and some playmaking but a sieve on defense and just empty calories scoring. Which might be golden for another team with more meat on the bones roster-wise where NSJ could just come in as scoring punch and put the team over the top. Spurs need more than that right now and NSJ could seem like just a drop in the bucket in SA. But Ausar could be essentially at least in the same ballpark playmaking-wise as NSJ, with at least plausibly more respectable defense, especially perimeter, plus better glue stuff like steals, blocks, and rebounds than NSJ, plus Ausar has the athleticism to eventually become a better scorer with time once he learns, in the positive development environment of a club like SA, with tons of mins to throw at him.

How much of the inability to shoot, the poor finishing at the rim, how much of that is really just that shitty league the Thomsons twins are in? The shitty league, the shitty competition, the shitty coaches, staff and system? You can't improve in that. NCAA is better pressure and better coaching, gets kids into better positions to hone their craft and learn from more various adversities they face. But take a raw but gifted frame and freakish athleticism like Ausar and put it in the proper moulding circumstances, can you press out a diamond? Would be interesting too as Keldon possibly taps out in value, pick up Ausar who can shift up SG/SF, sell high on Keldon Johnson with mostly more late late draft capital, say 26 or 27 and on, and reload the wing. Was watching an interview with the twins and the personality read came back very clean and encouraging. They seem over themselves and ready to be carved into excellence imo.

[scott]

What if the Spurs PASS on Scoot altogether? Should be (provided he's available when the Spurs pick) if Scoot is drafted and kept, or else.

Not to interject inappropriately, but it would appear the terms of the trade would be:

If the Spurs pick #2 or lower AND Scoot is on the board, Dejounte wins if Scoot is picked by the Spurs and starts the season with him. All other scenarios (Spurs draft someone else, or they draft and trade him, or they trade out of the pick), then Ex wins.

[scott]

My early lottery mock based on a tankathon sim run:

1. Detroit Pistons - Victor Wembanyama

2. Houston Rockets - Scoot Henderson

3. Chicago Bulls - Amen Thompson

4. Charlotte Hornets - Brandon Miller

5. San Antonio Spurs - Ausar Thompson

6. Orlando Magic - Nick Smith Jr.

7. Indiana Pacers - Jarace Walker

8. Portland Trailblazers - Keyonte George

9. Washington Wizards - Cam Whitmore

10. OKC Thunder- Gradey Dick

11. Toronto Raptors - Anthony Black

12. NOLA Pelicans - Brice Sensabough

13. Utah Jazz - Cason Wallace

14. LA Lakers - Dariq Whitehead

This is a nightmare scenario, IMO, but at least Ausar is a home run swing after the tank fails to yield glory.

I still like Cam Whitmore at 5, but that's probably a reach.

[slick'81]

We got a$100 wager boys

[Mr. Body]

Reminds me of all the thoughts about Dyson Daniels and Shadeon Sharpe when it came down to it both were gone by #9 and the question was moot.

Yeah, both teams should have taken Sochan instead.

[Vince Carter's ankle]

I still like Cam Whitmore at 5, but that's probably a reach.
Do you really like Miles Bridges that much?

[mo7888]

Yeah, both teams should have taken Sochan instead.

It's way to early to draw that conclusion....

[exstatic]

It's way to early to draw that conclusion....

I think you can safely say it about Portland. Sharpe is nauseatingly bad, like bottom few on RAPTOR in the league.

[Mr. Body]

It's way to early to draw that conclusion....

Probably not. I like Daniels and we'll see. Sharpe, definitely. Either way, Pels and Blazers would be far better right now had they picked Sochan. He'd add something both teams are sorely lacking.

[mo7888]

Probably not. I like Daniels and we'll see. Sharpe, definitely. Either way, Pels and Blazers would be far better right now had they picked Sochan. He'd add something both teams are sorely lacking.

I'm not disputing that Sochan is better or that those teams would be better now, but the draft isn't about year one, and we don't have enough data to draw those conclusions yet. We really don't know if any of the 3 turn into anything special over the course of their careers. While I also agree with you and ex that Sharpe isn't likely to be a plus player (putting it mildly) over time, it only matters in the context of this proposition if Sochan does well. So, like you guys, I'd bet on Sochan at this point as being the better choice, I just can't conclude it yet..

[Ariel]

Do you really like Miles Bridges that much?
As a player Miles Bridges sounds like a good ceiling for anyone in this draft outside the top 3 (Wemby, Scoot & Miller).
If we pick outside of top 3, I think Cam Whitmore and Anthony Black are probably our best bets as high floor (productive NBA player) and relatively high ceiling (high end starter, occasional all star) type players.
As for the rest, the Thomson twins range from superstars (low probability) to busts (more likely). Keyonte George is an undersized chucker, Nic Smith isn't a PG and seems injury prone (history + body type), and every time I watch Jarace Walker I come away unimpressed.
Wemby is the only player I'd keep no matter what, Miller is on that level on talent but his circumstances make him an extremely unlikely keeper by PATFO, and Scoot's progress has been underwhelming this year so I'd be willing to move him for the right offer.
Other than that, I'd rather trade down (say for Orlando's 2 picks, NOLA's pick + Dyson Daniels, a lower lottery pick + future unrestricted pick or promising youngster, etc) or even out. I'm not enamored with this class at all.

[Ariel]

It's way to early to draw that conclusion....
It's still way too early, but if I'm given the choice today, I'd take Sochan over either of them 100 times out of 100.

[Ariel]

Reminds me of all the thoughts about Dyson Daniels and Shadeon Sharpe when it came down to it both were gone by #9 and the question was moot.
It was pretty evident at the time that only one of Mathurin, Daniels and Sochan would be available at 9. Also Sharpe was likely (though not surely) gone. No major surprises.

[Mr. Body]

I'm not disputing that Sochan is better or that those teams would be better now, but the draft isn't about year one, and we don't have enough data to draw those conclusions yet. We really don't know if any of the 3 turn into anything special over the course of their careers. While I also agree with you and ex that Sharpe isn't likely to be a plus player (putting it mildly) over time, it only matters in the context of this proposition if Sochan does well. So, like you guys, I'd bet on Sochan at this point as being the better choice, I just can't conclude it yet..

Oh, definitely. Four years, things could be very different. Sochan could plateau. Sharpe could turn it around, and I feel he will to some degree. Dyson Daniels has G-League disease right now but can definitely develop.

[K...]

What would you say about trading out and trying the compete next season? We would still have additional picks coming and can get more picks by trading our talents if we want to return to bottom barrel tanking

[exstatic]

What would you say about trading out and trying the compete next season? We would still have additional picks coming and can get more picks by trading our talents if we want to return to bottom barrel tanking

Next draft looks meh. I would trade down a bit this year, but not out. I mean, by this time last year, Wemby was already a buzz, and there is no one for 2024 generating any at all, other than the Bronny hype machine, and he won't go lottery unless someone has a stroke. The next buzz player I see is Cam Boozer in 2026, absolutely crushing the same competition that the 20 YO Thompsons are just drifting through, at FIFTEEN, and we have an unprotected swap from the DJ trade, plus other possible picks depending on what conveys and when between now and then.

[Mr. Body]

Next draft looks meh. I would trade down a bit this year, but not out. I mean, by this time last year, Wemby was already a buzz, and there is no one for 2024 generating any at all, other than the Bronny hype machine, and he won't go lottery unless someone has a stroke. The next buzz player I see is Cam Boozer in 2026, absolutely crushing the same competition that the 20 YO Thompsons are just drifting through, at FIFTEEN, and we have an unprotected swap from the DJ trade, plus other possible picks depending on what conveys and when between now and then.

Is next draft as shitty as this one?

[BacktoBasics]

Anyone feel Emoni Bates has played himself back into the late 1st or early 2nd?

[exstatic]

Anyone feel Emoni Bates has played himself back into the late 1st or early 2nd?

Possibly, but he sucks. He's heliocentric, inefficient, and a terrible defender. Counting stats, especially raw ppg, define very little. The worst mistake you can make in player eval is holding onto HS rankings.

[exstatic]

Nick Smith is gonna be a good player imo.

He's not a good college player, so I'm not sure where you're drawing this conclusion.

[K...]

Isnt? Everyone on earth heliocentric whether you believe it or not? Is this a funny way of saying ball dominant chucker? Or is the true center of the universe actually the primordial void that the universe bubbled uup from and will pop back into?

[exstatic]

Isnt? Everyone on earth heliocentric whether you believe it or not? Is this a funny way of saying ball dominant chucker? Or is the true center of the universe actually the primordial void that the universe bubbled uup from and will pop back into?

Ball dominant, and virtually a non factor without it in their hands. Also known as high friction. Should not be paired with another heliocentric. You MUST build around such a player, and if they don't pop as a superstar, you're team is fucked.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

He's not a good college player, so I'm not sure where you're drawing this conclusion.

I like Nick Smith too, despite of his poor year from a statistical standpoint.

He hasn't been fully healthy all year long, never got into a rhythm but despite all that he has shown a mature and modern type of game - great movement without the ball, good handles, a good floater, great looking shot - everything you need in a modern combo guard. This is why I'm willing to burn the tape from his poor games and believe in his upside. Drafting him anywhere past the first two picks is fine by me. I see him as a Maxey type with the additional upside of being the primary ballhandler, not just a typical combo.

[Atl Spur]

Exstatic, who pissed in your cereal? You are on one……..going full Fran Fraschilla :)

[mo7888]

What would you say about trading out and trying the compete next season? We would still have additional picks coming and can get more picks by trading our talents if we want to return to bottom barrel tanking

I wouldn't trade out. I'm pretty stoked about the top 8 or so in this draft and feel pretty good down until 19 or 20 where I think it drops off. I'm not nearly as high on next years draft. All that being said, I'd consider trading back if I'm outside of the top 2 but only if I could get 2 top 10 picks in this draft for the trouble. I have 3-9 all being in the same tier so I'd rather have 6 + 8 than 3, for example. If that weren't available I'd just pick wherever we end up and try and do a deal with someone just outside of the lottery for their pick by offering both our 2nd's + the Charlotte pick. I wouldn’t want to add 3 rookies to this roster. As for competing next year, we don't necessarily have to trade our pick to do that. We have plenty of cap room and/or future picks to add pieces to become competitive if we choose to.

[exstatic]

Exstatic, who pissed in your cereal? You are on one……..going full Fran Fraschilla :)

:lol There's just a pile of players in the top 5-7 that I have no use for. I don't even think that Smith Jr. is the best prospect from Arkansas. For years, I wondered how teams got it so wrong. There's just too much hype carryover from HS/AAU, and they never see the plateau or even regression in college, or they choose to ignore it.

[Mr. Body]

I'm with exstatic here more or less. If you pay attention to pre-season hype, you're going to get messed up. High school rankings are secretly fucked. I swear it goes like this -- once Kentucky or Duke take interest in a player, the ranking agencies move them up. Bronny is a base-ass high school player and he's been shoved into like slot 10 or something. There's so much money and influence, it's not a fair process.

This is why people are still talking about Emoni Bates for some reason. He had like two good games for a shit-tier college team that lost a ton of games. He'll get drafted in the second, but really that's just lingering hype.

Nick Young is pretty much the same. He doesn't look good. He looks like a worse Johnny Davis, although, yes, his injuries might have an impact. But if you came in without knowing anything about what wags said eight months ago, you wouldn't pick him out as a lottery player.

I see these as reasons NBA teams crock their drafts every year. Yes, there is pressure from owners and fanbases who've heard about the players for months the same way. It's almost a guarantee that more than half of a top 10 is going to crash and burn.

[exstatic]

I'm with exstatic here more or less. If you pay attention to pre-season hype, you're going to get messed up. High school rankings are secretly fucked. I swear it goes like this -- once Kentucky or Duke take interest in a player, the ranking agencies move them up. Bronny is a base-ass high school player and he's been shoved into like slot 10 or something. There's so much money and influence, it's not a fair process.

This is why people are still talking about Emoni Bates for some reason. He had like two good games for a shit-tier college team that lost a ton of games. He'll get drafted in the second, but really that's just lingering hype.

Nick Young is pretty much the same. He doesn't look good. He looks like a worse Johnny Davis, although, yes, his injuries might have an impact. But if you came in without knowing anything about what wags said eight months ago, you wouldn't pick him out as a lottery player.

I see these as reasons NBA teams crock their drafts every year. Yes, there is pressure from owners and fanbases who've heard about the players for months the same way. It's almost a guarantee that more than half of a top 10 is going to crash and burn.

Supposedly, Lacob’s son pressured their FO into drafting both Wiseman and Kuminga. They could have had LaMelo and Wagner.

[JPB]

I'm with exstatic here more or less. If you pay attention to pre-season hype, you're going to get messed up. High school rankings are secretly fucked. I swear it goes like this -- once Kentucky or Duke take interest in a player, the ranking agencies move them up. Bronny is a base-ass high school player and he's been shoved into like slot 10 or something. There's so much money and influence, it's not a fair process.

This is why people are still talking about Emoni Bates for some reason. He had like two good games for a shit-tier college team that lost a ton of games. He'll get drafted in the second, but really that's just lingering hype.

Nick Young is pretty much the same. He doesn't look good. He looks like a worse Johnny Davis, although, yes, his injuries might have an impact. But if you came in without knowing anything about what wags said eight months ago, you wouldn't pick him out as a lottery player.

I see these as reasons NBA teams crock their drafts every year. Yes, there is pressure from owners and fanbases who've heard about the players for months the same way. It's almost a guarantee that more than half of a top 10 is going to crash and burn.

Indeed, and that's because everyone, including here and me, like to act and talk like they knew and had an expert and thorough appreciation of the draft, empowerment style... That's the game but still one month ago the indisputable, universal consensus was Wemby + Scoot then a huge cliff. Now Scoot isn't even guaranteed at 2 and other players emerge. Come back in two months and the situation will still evolve... The only certainty is Wemby #1.

[Ariel]

Indeed, and that's because everyone, including here and me, like to act and talk like they knew and had an expert and thorough appreciation of the draft, empowerment style... That's the game but still one month ago the indisputable, universal consensus was Wemby + Scoot then a huge cliff. Now Scoot isn't even guaranteed at 2 and other players emerge. Come back in two months and the situation will still evolve... The only certainty is Wemby #1.
The problem is you're supposed to make up your mind on a player based on a very limited sample of meaningful games, and one month may be 20% (or more) of a player's track record. Furthermore, assessments are based on projection rather than production, so last year the baseline for Scoot had baked into it his expected progress this year. If he deviates from projections, then his stock takes a hit. That's how it goes, and there's no way around it, because the information available (to most of us) is very limited.

[exstatic]

The problem is you're supposed to make up your mind on a player based on a very limited sample of meaningful games, and one month may be 20% (or more) of a player's track record. Furthermore, assessments are based on projection rather than production, so last year the baseline for Scoot had baked into it his expected progress this year. If he deviates from projections, then his stock takes a hit. That's how it goes, and there's no way around it, because the information available (to most of us) is very limited.

I think that's Scoot's biggest negative. He hit a gleague plateau. Not good. College guys have been dinged for going back to school and not improving forever.

[duncan2150]

https://twitter.com/GMwanttobe/status/1635363719705423879

Good news for us imo

[Atl Spur]

Scoot will be fine….hold my feet to the fire on this one.

[slick'81]

Scoot will be fine….hold my feet to the fire on this one.


we trust ya analysis atl

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1635432796893360130

[JPB]

I'd like to brag that it's pretty much everything I've seen and projected in Miller for weeks but, you know...

Anyway, it really seems of court issues are really not a factor with Miller in that draft. And I persist in thinking it won't be for Wright either. On pure BB, he's more than ever my man at 2. Maybe we'll get more info at some point.

[Mr. Body]

Suddenly Scoot Henderson isn't a generational talent, he's not 'number one pick' in any other draft, suddenly he's not transcendent.

It's such a typical pattern. There's barely a reason to pay attention to draft prospects until around January or so, when college players have enough games under their belt to suggest who they are.

I continue to have eyes open about Ignite going forward. Henderson should be drafted high. I have no disagreements there - my thing was about how overhyped he was and how too many people regurgitated the hype. My interest is more how Ignite guys show up in the NBA, whether they're ready or not. In other forum's it's impossible to suggest it's not as competetive or teaching as the NCAA. You get downvoted instantly, but it's probably true. Henderson is probably their best talent coming out; how ready will he be?

Thompson twins will be even more interesting.

[BackHome]

I am kind of shocked ESPN pretty much giving him a pass but who knows maybe the have more information then the rest of us. From just pure basketball skill set I would easily take him now at the second pick he would fit very nicely with Vassell, Sochan, and him starting at the 3. It was kind of weird that the knock on him his first season was that his mid game was not good but in High School that is what he was known for being excellent in that area.

After reading all of Exstatic post I have become so depressed about this draft if we don't land Wemb. with the number 1 pick. l kinda agree with him the Thompson twins super athletic but they are Deer who can't shoot if you can not shoot when your playing basketball by 20 years old something is very wrong. Then got Nix Smith who just seems to injury prone I don't know if his body will make the adjustment and he is not a true PG, that leaves Cam who know kind of looks like a better Keldon, but is that good enough for our first pick?

[heyheymymy]

Building my bracket for the NCAA tournament and wondering if a draft candidate's team's tournament advancement depth will correlate with that candidate's selection value. Seeding path may well provide teams with draft candidates extra games and additional pressure situations to demonstrate their worth. Notice that Baylor has a decent path. UCSB and Crighton/NC State should give some showcase time for George until the team hits the wall against 2 seed Ariz.

#3 Gonzaga goes through Grand Canyon State (lol) and TCU before facing the Goliath in possibly Kansas. Does Strawther boost himself into the late 1st with such a potentially smoother tourney path affording him the luxury of optimal audition conditions?

Does Kentucky's path buy more screen time for Cason Wallace to showcase and improve draft value? Providence, Kansas St. and Mich St. Not too easy but somewhat gentler of a path. Looks like Wallace will try to play through injury so that factors in if so.

Also some cool regional matchups with Texas possibly facing Houston to lock in a Final Four appearance for the team that wins that one. After a probable Texas vs Texas A&M 2nd round matchup.

[heyheymymy]

One more thought but Jalen Wilson will play his way ahead of the Spurs early 2nd if Kansas does well. Was watching a game last week, they lost to Texas. But Jalen Wilson looked pretty decent, def at least a good 2nd round selection but I could see a late first reach stealing him away from an early 2nd bargain for someone.

[Mr. Body]

One more thought but Jalen Wilson will play his way ahead of the Spurs early 2nd if Kansas does well. Was watching a game last week, they lost to Texas. But Jalen Wilson looked pretty decent, def at least a good 2nd round selection but I could see a late first reach stealing him away from an early 2nd bargain for someone.

I feel like no one takes four year players in the first round anymore. I'd definitely take a good look at him with the second. Would be nice to get a player who actually knows how to play basketball on the team, and at a place of need.

[Mr. Body]

Building my bracket for the NCAA tournament and wondering if a draft candidate's team's tournament advancement depth will correlate with that candidate's selection value. Seeding path may well provide teams with draft candidates extra games and additional pressure situations to demonstrate their worth. Notice that Baylor has a decent path. UCSB and Crighton/NC State should give some showcase time for George until the team hits the wall against 2 seed Ariz.

#3 Gonzaga goes through Grand Canyon State (lol) and TCU before facing the Goliath in possibly Kansas. Does Strawther boost himself into the late 1st with such a potentially smoother tourney path affording him the luxury of optimal audition conditions?

Does Kentucky's path buy more screen time for Cason Wallace to showcase and improve draft value? Providence, Kansas St. and Mich St. Not too easy but somewhat gentler of a path. Looks like Wallace will try to play through injury so that factors in if so.

Also some cool regional matchups with Texas possibly facing Houston to lock in a Final Four appearance for the team that wins that one. After a probable Texas vs Texas A&M 2nd round matchup.

I feel like serious tournament runs/play impacted players' draft stock in the past. Nowadays, I have no idea. The whole draft process is entirely fucky nowadays.

[heyheymymy]

Like I felt like Suggs hitting that long wild shot to advance to the champ game won him some serious draft considerations and might've vaulted him a bit beyond his own worth lol. Could've had at least Giddey instead for sure, not sure who else but still seems like Suggs isn't totally worth the #5 at least not yet.

[heyheymymy]

holy shit I did not realize Jalen Wilson was already 22 very good call lol

"not on the timeline"

[rascal]

I think you can safely say it about Portland. Sharpe is nauseatingly bad, like bottom few on RAPTOR in the league.


Sharpe has superstar upside. 25+ future scorer.

[spurs1990]

Hot Shot Miller can be the third Tide big man the Spurs would have since Horry and McDyess. His performance during this tourney will be the smoking gun to see if he shoots up to San Antonio’s radar

[rascal]

Hot Shot Miller can be the third Tide big man the Spurs would have since Horry and McDyess. His performance during this tourney will be the smoking gun to see if he shoots up to San Antonio’s radar

I don't think the Spurs will draft Miller. They are getting Wemby anyways. The Spurs will have the worst overall record in the end and get Wembanyama. It's already happened in the future.

[heyheymymy]

I don't think the Spurs will draft Miller. They are getting Wemby anyways. The Spurs will have the worst overall record in the end and get Wembanyama. It's already happened in the future.

prayingdog.jpg but I feel that energy too

[Mr. Body]

Hot Shot Miller can be the third Tide big man the Spurs would have since Horry and McDyess. His performance during this tourney will be the smoking gun to see if he shoots up to San Antonio’s radar

We'll see what kind of caliber player he is.

[Dejounte]

Suddenly we believe media heads when it fits our narrative? Nothing has been proven until these players play NBA games, as it always has been when predictions are made. Y’all jump the gun too quick. And I haven’t been able to get on this site much, ex, I will get back to you soon.

[mo7888]

A couple of guys I'm liking in the mid 20's are Gregory Jackson II and Noah Clowney. Jackson has been dropping on several boards, I've got him pegged in the mid teens right now on mine. Clowney has been rising and is in the 20's on most boards.

We could probably package our two 2nd's and get into that range.

[Mr. Body]

Suddenly we believe media heads when it fits our narrative? Nothing has been proven until these players play NBA games, as it always has been when predictions are made. Y’all jump the gun too quick. And I haven’t been able to get on this site much, ex, I will get back to you soon.

I didn't believe in Scoot when he was super hyped.

I believed Miller pushed past him before it became a chorus.

You can believe what you want. I mean obviously nothing has been proven, lol. You sound like a wounded girlfriend.

[Dejounte]

I didn't believe in Scoot when he was super hyped.

I believed Miller pushed past him before it became a chorus.

You can believe what you want. I mean obviously nothing has been proven, lol. You sound like a wounded girlfriend.
Read your two statements again and then read mines. I clearly said “when it fits your narrative”, which you’re clearly boasting about it in this post.

And don’t get me started about “sounding like a wounded girlfriend”, that’s you and the MANY crazy rants you do on a frequent basis. Jesus. Sometimes I have coffee in the morning, open this site, and think to myself, “Ok, what bullshit is Mr Body crying about today?”

[exstatic]

Read your two statements again and then read mines. I clearly said “when it fits your narrative”, which you’re clearly boasting about it in this post.

And don’t get me started about “sounding like a wounded girlfriend”, that’s you and the MANY crazy rants you do on a frequent basis. Jesus. Sometimes I have coffee in the morning, open this site, and think to myself, “Ok, what bullshit is Mr Body crying about today?”

So,what happens if the Spurs have #2, and just pass on Scoot? That meets neither of our win conditions. Is it a draw?

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

A couple of guys I'm liking in the mid 20's are Gregory Jackson II and Noah Clowney. Jackson has been dropping on several boards, I've got him pegged in the mid teens right now on mine. Clowney has been rising and is in the 20's on most boards.

We could probably package our two 2nd's and get into that range.

Love Clowney, however, with everyone watching Alabama because of drama and Miller his play hasn't been under the radar for a while. I expect him to go way before the Spurs have a chance to move up for him. Like somewhere in the 15-20 range imo. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he's the first center drafted after Wemby.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I wonder if reports that Ja may be done for the year will have any impact on Miller’s draft placement?

[BackHome]

Agreed I thought it would be Kel’el Ware but to much noise about his work ethic has come out and Lively has no outside shooting but is a good rim protector

[exstatic]

I wonder if reports that Ja may be done for the year will have any impact on Miller’s draft placement?

I think a lot of pundits and outlets think it will, but won't write that for fear that they could get sued if he does drop and blames their stories.

BTW, MEM is on a 3-0 streak, and their win% last year was better when Ja missed those 25 games.

[rascal]

Read your two statements again and then read mines. I clearly said “when it fits your narrative”, which you’re clearly boasting about it in this post.

And don’t get me started about “sounding like a wounded girlfriend”, that’s you and the MANY crazy rants you do on a frequent basis. Jesus. Sometimes I have coffee in the morning, open this site, and think to myself, “Ok, what bullshit is Mr Body crying about today?”

Use mine not mines. Mines are where miners go.

[BackHome]

I am not so sure about that I think ESPN is going into OT to shield Ja as he is one of the new face of the NBA franchise. You see them turning the story from him brandishing a gun to him now having mental/alcohol issues. I think Sports has always turned a blind eye on players who can produce at a high level in the end it is all about the plata $$

But with Miller I think his whole life is going to be examined every text, post, like, will be examined- I also think the same will be with anyone who has close contact with him- family, teachers, teammates, coaches, and all friends from middle school to college. Everyone one of them will have a jacket and a risk assessment assigned to them - more so for his friends or people he hangs around with. Teams will definitely have a good idea of the character of Miller if they draft him.

[JPB]

Suddenly we believe media heads when it fits our narrative? Nothing has been proven until these players play NBA games, as it always has been when predictions are made. Y’all jump the gun too quick. And I haven’t been able to get on this site much, ex, I will get back to you soon.

Alternatively, you could also try to watch games to understand why Miller is rising instead on taking the "Y'all media sheeps" road...

but thanks for the revelation that "Nothing has been proven until these players play NBA games" No shit!? Why even make draft threads or talk about it? Let's just wait the end of their career before talking about players.

And I've never been that high on Scoot either.

[exstatic]

Suddenly we believe media heads when it fits our narrative? Nothing has been proven until these players play NBA games, as it always has been when predictions are made. Y’all jump the gun too quick. And I haven’t been able to get on this site much, ex, I will get back to you soon.

I went ahead and created a thread for our bet so it doesn't get lost in this one. Respond at your leisure. No hurry, as the lottery is still over two months away.

[Mr. Body]

I think a lot of pundits and outlets think it will, but won't write that for fear that they could get sued if he does drop and blames their stories.

BTW, MEM is on a 3-0 streak, and their win% last year was better when Ja missed those 25 games.

To be fair, two of those wins were against a bad Dallas team without Doncic.

[The Truth #6]

If we don’t get who we want, then maybe draft Grady Dick and trade him to Utah for three first round draft picks? Joking?

[mo7888]

Love Clowney, however, with everyone watching Alabama because of drama and Miller his play hasn't been under the radar for a while. I expect him to go way before the Spurs have a chance to move up for him. Like somewhere in the 15-20 range imo. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he's the first center drafted after Wemby.

Very well could be... Espn has him at 19 on their board now...

[exstatic]

Love Clowney, however, with everyone watching Alabama because of drama and Miller his play hasn't been under the radar for a while. I expect him to go way before the Spurs have a chance to move up for him. Like somewhere in the 15-20 range imo. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he's the first center drafted after Wemby.

What's the draw? He's not a floor spacer or a shot blocker.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

What's the draw? He's not a floor spacer or a shot blocker.

There's definitely promise in his 3 point shooting, he has good form and doesn't hesitate to shoot. Eye test says his % will be better with time. He's also mobile and can do a lot of things defensively, both as a rim protector and providing some switchability. Plus he might be comfortable playing a position down, as a PF, in the correct matchups.

One of the youngest players in the draft as well AND something I love in prospects - he plays consistently well against good teams, not just feasting against the bad ones.

[Mr. Body]

The centers in this draft seem a bit underwhelming. Here are comparisons among them and to Kessler and Duren. I didn't really 'scout' Kessler last year. His advanced numbers are absurd.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=noah-clowney--dereck-lively-ii--kel-el-ware--jalen-duren--walker-kessler

Lively seems like the top of the three, although some have said his defensive awareness is worse than his numbers show. Nearly 5 fouls per 36 minutes! Ware plays very little and apparently his attitude isn't the best.

[Mr. Body]

Basically, I doubt any of those three will ever be as good as Zach Collins, basically, although I suppose he's not a shotblocker.

If anything, I'd look at Edey or Jackson-Davis in the second round, but then they're old and this team has a logjam of bigs all of a sudden. Edey is skilled, but slow and not a shotblocker. TJD is Methuselah, cannot hit a jumpshot, but is a shotblocker and a rebounder.

[exstatic]

There's definitely promise in his 3 point shooting, he has good form and doesn't hesitate to shoot. Eye test says his % will be better with time. He's also mobile and can do a lot of things defensively, both as a rim protector and providing some switchability. Plus he might be comfortable playing a position down, as a PF, in the correct matchups.

One of the youngest players in the draft as well AND something I love in prospects - he plays consistently well against good teams, not just feasting against the bad ones.

I'm having a hard time projecting NBA 3 point success when he's shooting 28% from the shorter college line, and his FT% is 64. Your mileage may vary.

[Mr. Body]

Here's Zach Collins vs. Noah Clowney coming into their draft after their freshman years.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=noah-clowney--zach-collins

Collins didn't really shoot that many threes in college; Clowney shoots four times as many.

Collins was way better, I mean by a good deal, pretty much everywhere. Much better shot blocker, btw.

Of course you may be looking for value. Collins was drafted at #10. I'm beginning to realize the Spurs really got a player with him. Clowney is not in the same ballpark.

[duncan2150]

The centers in this draft seem a bit underwhelming. Here are comparisons among them and to Kessler and Duren. I didn't really 'scout' Kessler last year. His advanced numbers are absurd.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=noah-clowney--dereck-lively-ii--kel-el-ware--jalen-duren--walker-kessler

Lively seems like the top of the three, although some have said his defensive awareness is worse than his numbers show. Nearly 5 fouls per 36 minutes! Ware plays very little and apparently his attitude isn't the best.

Agreed, i think both Kessler and Duren are way better than the 3 you mentionned. Kessler was one of the best shotblockers in the NCAA history.

[exstatic]

Here's Zach Collins vs. Noah Clowney coming into their draft after their freshman years.

Collins didn't really shoot that many threes in college; Clowney shoots four times as many.

Collins was way better, I mean by a good deal, pretty much everywhere. Much better shot blocker, btw.

Of course you may be looking for value. Collins was drafted at #10. I'm beginning to realize the Spurs really got a player with him. Clowney is not in the same ballpark.

We stole him because he had undergone foot surgery. 3/$21M with only half guaranteed.

[Mr. Body]

We stole him because he had undergone foot surgery. 3/$21M with only half guaranteed.

Yep, a nifty bit of business.

[duncan2150]

To change a little bit as we talk a lot about our first choice in this draft, i'll talk about 2-3 guys by positon for a late first ( trading up both secound or something else) or our secounds.


Guards ( not the best position for a late first- secound round)

Sidy Cissoko G League Ignite (France) – HT: 6-7 – WT: 220 – WING: 6-9 1/2
Stats: 11.3 pts 3.1 ast 2.7 rbs 1.1 stl 43 %2pt 33%3pt

Long guard who can do a little bit of everything. Pretty athletic, Good passer, Good defender and who is better and better in G League.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54vNIWlAMFs


Colby Jones– Xavier – HT: 6-6 – WT: 203
Stats: 15.2pts 5.4 rbs 4.3 ast 1.4 stl 52% 38%3pt ( 3 3pt/g) 67% ft

Third year guard Jones is not the most flashy player but he is a complete player with a good IQ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-K5fxiM_dM


Julian Strawther-Gonzaga – HT: 6-7 – WT: 200 – WING: 6-9
Stats: 15.1 pts 5.9 rbs 1.3 stl 0.9 stl 48% 42.6 3pt( 5 3pt/g) 78% ft

Also a third year player at Gonzaga, really good shooter, good scorer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnMRcFor9Yc


Brandin Podziemski- Santa Clara 6-5, 200lbs
Stats: 19.9 pts 8.8 rbs 3.5 ast 1.8 stl 48% 43.6 3pt ( 5.8 3pt/g) 77%ft

My wild card, Sophomore Brandin Podziemski : Good scorer, can really shoot, pass the ball and not a bad defender. He's having a good year at Santa Clara.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc01zfaynKw ( just the link here)

Mentions : Judah Mintz(Syracuse), Amari Bailey(UCLA), Jordan Hawkins(Uconn).

I'll make the same about fowards next days .

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/DaveBorges/status/1635745322390413317

[Ariel]

The centers in this draft seem a bit underwhelming. Here are comparisons among them and to Kessler and Duren. I didn't really 'scout' Kessler last year. His advanced numbers are absurd.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=noah-clowney--dereck-lively-ii--kel-el-ware--jalen-duren--walker-kessler
I'm pretty ok with my 2022 class pre-draft assessment, other than Kessler. He's been able to translate much better and way faster than I anticipated. Really missed that one. For all the hype about Duren, he's the center I'd rather have.

[Gagnrath]

Was watching LAC MEM this week and the Grizz couldn't get past Clippers. Guess who was not suiting up due to off court issues? Look at the standings, do you think MEM can afford that loss? As Spurs fans we know how crucial seeding and path and home court advantage is.

So do I think Spurs leadership still has Miller on the board? No. I don't care if the draft pick is a genetic super soldier with the genes of Jesus Christ and Micheal Jordan. If they jump on the hood of a car in a strip club parking lot and negligently discharge a firearm, they are gonna get suspended and won't be on the court with all their talents to help your team win games. That sucks then, to lose 50 fucking games, tank a whole season, and all you have to show for it is a guy banned from the court?

No way am I taking that risk. At this point, it would literally require the ALA DA saying "whoops, entirely wrong Brandon Miller alltogether then" for Spurs to reconsider. For those saying isolated incident, his attitude after the news broke shows he is doubling down on the arrogance. Someone died, y'all.

Someone died, and that matters why? Someone died isn't a bad thing in a world with 7 billion someone's it probably should be considered a good thing.

[exstatic]

Someone died, and that matters why? Someone died isn't a bad thing in a world with 7 billion someone's it probably should be considered a good thing.

They didn't 'die'. That's too generic of a term. They were murdered, and yes, that matters.

[Mr. Body]

Someone died, and that matters why? Someone died isn't a bad thing in a world with 7 billion someone's it probably should be considered a good thing.

Now you're thinking like a basketball shoe representative or Klutch agent! You're going places.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

The Spurs need to draft Jarace Walker. That guy is so freaking good, it's scary. His potential offensive ceiling is high, fantastic work ethic, athleticism, strength, and ball handling. Has ok 3pt% and a concerning 67% FT percentage, but he shot 85% on his free throws in AAU and has tremendous touch on his shot. I feel like he's going to be a multi-year DPOY and a potential MVP candidate with good coaching.

Imagine playing Walker, Schoan, and Vessell together? I also think that Walker is a 3.5 in the NBA. I think you can play Walker, Schoan, and a legit rim protecting 5 in 3 years or less. That's a championship level core I think.

[heyheymymy]

Someone died, and that matters why? Someone died isn't a bad thing in a world with 7 billion someone's it probably should be considered a good thing.

Man what the fuck is this?

[heyheymymy]

Julian Strawther-Gonzaga – HT: 6-7 – WT: 200 – WING: 6-9
Stats: 15.1 pts 5.9 rbs 1.3 stl 0.9 stl 48% 42.6 3pt( 5 3pt/g) 78% ft

Also a third year player at Gonzaga, really good shooter, good scorer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnMRcFor9Yc


Shhh don't tell anyone about Straw Im hoping he falls lol

[heyheymymy]

Pacers are going to steal Straw at 29 and I will be devastated

[BackHome]

I think they going to take home talent Trayce Jackson Davis he would fit good with them

[The Truth #6]

The Spurs need to draft Jarace Walker. That guy is so freaking good, it's scary. His potential offensive ceiling is high, fantastic work ethic, athleticism, strength, and ball handling. Has ok 3pt% and a concerning 67% FT percentage, but he shot 85% on his free throws in AAU and has tremendous touch on his shot. I feel like he's going to be a multi-year DPOY and a potential MVP candidate with good coaching.

Imagine playing Walker, Schoan, and Vessell together? I also think that Walker is a 3.5 in the NBA. I think you can play Walker, Schoan, and a legit rim protecting 5 in 3 years or less. That's a championship level core I think.

I like the enthusiasm. I can’t co-sign to all of this but I’m definitely intrigued by him and can easily see us picking him if we’re outside the top 3. Yes, we need a ball dominant star but Wemby is the only sure thing for that. Walker doesn’t seem to have high bust potential. And he has potential for a Julius Randle type career, meaning a lower level star. If we’re outside the top 3, I’m looking at Walker first then Anthony Black. Want to learn more about Cam Whitmore, he could also be in the mix.

But we’ll see…

[Mr. Body]

If we are looking for two rookies in this draft, then who is that second player? With a logjam of young bigs, we may be looking for a SG bucket-getter type.

I ran a comparison among Nick Smith Jr., Keyonte George, and Kobe Bufkin, who plays for Michigan. I added Terquavion Smith, who has gone under the radar after leaving the draft last year and not really improving his stock much.

Bufkin has been mostly ignored by draft pundits until recently. Michigan is mediocre at best and Jett Howard has taken most of the draft attention.

I see no reason, at least by (some) eye test and looking at basic and advanced stats, why Bufkin isn't good value compared to Smith and George, who are in top 10 talk. Given how the draft gets kind of sludgy and players often get stuck in certain ranges, KB might not move up a ton (lottery is a possibility, though).

Kobe Bufkin is a young sophomore, only a bit older than NSJ and George. He's slight of build, which is a concern. Stats-wise, he doesn't get up as many 3pters as the others, only half as many per 36, and so this makes his overall shooting percentage much better, but his 2pt% is .546%! Keyonte George's 2pt% is a full 12% worse. That seems crazy. Bufkin takes fewer free throws, but hits .849%. His 3pt% is a decent .355, highest among all four players.

All three others hover around a 30% usage rate. General opinion of this board is that a high usage rate isn't desirable on this team. Kobe Bufkin's is 21.8%. And his advanced stats are ALL better than the others, including what appears to be a MUCH better defender.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=kobe-bufkin--keyonte-george--terquavion-smith--nick-smith-jr

tl;dr Kobe Bufkin may be an incredible value if he doesn't rise due to inertia and the Spurs can manage to get into the late first round. But... will we stand to have a player named Kobe?

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I like the enthusiasm. I can’t co-sign to all of this but I’m definitely intrigued by him and can easily see us picking him if we’re outside the top 3. Yes, we need a ball dominant star but Wemby is the only sure thing for that. Walker doesn’t seem to have high bust potential. And he has potential for a Julius Randle type career, meaning a lower level star. If we’re outside the top 3, I’m looking at Walker first then Anthony Black. Want to learn more about Cam Whitmore, he could also be in the mix.

But we’ll see…

I've seen a lot of comparisons between Walker and Randle, but don't see it at all - same body type, sure, but their games are completely different.

I like Walker if the Spurs don't land a top 2 pick and trade down. He's malleable.

[mo7888]

I've seen a lot of comparisons between Walker and Randle, but don't see it at all - same body type, sure, but their games are completely different.

I like Walker if the Spurs don't land a top 2 pick and trade down. He's malleable.

I don't see the JR comparison either, but I do like Walker alot. He's firmly in my 2nd tier behind Wembanyama. I see Walker closer to nephew than I do Randle...not saying he's nephew, but just closer on the arc to him than JR..

[rankingtear]

Keyonte George is the one to watch he moves like a star and he is the Primo archetype. Jarace and Whitmore needs a little imagination and trust in spurs development but they can just barrel into people and score a lot points.

[K...]

man it would be so easy for the spurs to get a late first by trading their second and a future second. playoffs teams will gladly trade back for the salary flexibility. Depends how badly wright wants to shape the team and whether anyone catches their eye/ With the second RP glut they kind of half to start spending almost immediately and be pick buyers.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I don't see the JR comparison either, but I do like Walker alot. He's firmly in my 2nd tier behind Wembanyama. I see Walker closer to nephew than I do Randle...not saying he's nephew, but just closer on the arc to him than JR..

I’m a Syracuse basketball fan and I watched a lot of Carmelo play when he was there. Melo played as a 4 in college, just like Kawhi, and he had a similar skill set to Walker.

[exstatic]

Keyonte George is the one to watch he moves like a star and he is the Primo archetype. Jarace and Whitmore needs a little imagination and trust in spurs development but they can just barrel into people and score a lot points.

I don't care how he moves, he's a 6'4" SG who shoots 35% from long. I'm about done with short SGs, and he's in NO WAY a point.

[rankingtear]

I don't care how he moves, he's a 6'4" SG who shoots 35% from long. I'm about done with short SGs, and he's in NO WAY a point.

He has the volume though. You miss out on Donovan and Beal if you don't consider volume with percentage.

[Mr. Body]

man it would be so easy for the spurs to get a late first by trading their second and a future second. playoffs teams will gladly trade back for the salary flexibility. Depends how badly wright wants to shape the team and whether anyone catches their eye/ With the second RP glut they kind of half to start spending almost immediately and be pick buyers.

Like, literally none of those playoff teams in the late first own their picks. They traded them away. Take a look.

https://www.tankathon.com/

Cleveland
Denver
Philly
Boston
Milwaukee

Their picks belong to Indiana, Charlotte, Utah, etc.

Memphis and Sacramento have their own picks but I don't know if they'd want to trade out of the round.

[Mr. Body]

He has the volume though. You miss out on Donovan and Beal if you don't consider volume with percentage.

"He misses a lot of shots, but at least he shoots a ton of them!"

[exstatic]

He has the volume though. You miss out on Donovan and Beal if you don't consider volume with percentage.

Neither of those players is a franchise guy. Beal has never even taken the Wiz to the playoffs as The Guy.

If you put me on the clock with Keyonte and Anthony Black still on the board, I take Black 100 times out of 100. He's bigger, has a MUCH better asst/TO ratio, smokes Keyonte on the efficiency stats like TS% and EF FG%, and gets assists, rebounds and steals at a good rate. With a USG% of 21, he has plenty of room, and with his efficiency, the expectation of increased scoring.

[Mr. Body]

Anthony Black is Jeremy Sochan. I'm telling you guys. Different bodies, different positions, but he's the same player.