2024 NBA Draft Thread

[CGD]

Did Sacramento need a PG when they picked Haliburton? Most of the time teams will take the player they think is most talented. If you end up with two stars at the same position that's a good problem to have and you trade one for a star that's a better fit like they did for Sabonis.

Sacramento….

[Dejounte]

Who said it has to be Wemby chasing smaller players. Sarr is fast and quick on his feet and would be excellent at PF.

Spurs have already made two low post defenders a successful team build.

Yes, welcome to 2024 where two centers in the same lineup hasnt won a championship in ages. Again, Sarr is a shiny projected #1 pick and people think he can turn into anything (until five years later where people have selective memory about what they say… ahem all the Poku fans are quiet now) but his most likely archetype is a Nic Claxton archetype and those types aren’t full time PF’s. People cry about Sochan’s three point shooting now but wait until you see Sarr try to shoot threes in the NBA only to give up on it after 50 games.

[Spursfanfromafar]

I generally believe that one should draft for talent and not for need. By that token, among the three - Risacher, Sarr and Topic.. who is the most talented? I would argue Topic because he plays a valuable position - a tall playmaker with the ability to finish well -- that is a game changer if he lives up to his fullest potential based on what we know of him as a young PG in the Adriatic League. Next would be Sarr for me, who combines on-ball defence with shot blocking and some off-the-dribble game as a big man but who isn't a stretch big in that sense. And Risacher is an excellent catch-and-shooter and a potentially good defender, from what I have read about him, plus he plays a position - competent wing - that is the most coveted in the NBA today.

If we didn't have Wemby, it would have been Topic > Sarr > Risacher for me. But we have an once in a generation player and who needs urgent help in the form of playmaking, on the ball defence, shooting. My dilemma would be then to choose between Topic and Risacher. I believe that playmaking can be purchased via the free agency and therefore Risacher is my first choice. But Topic would be a great back-up plan for me.

If the Spurs get another top 8/9 pick.. and they get to choose Risacher I would love to go for Reed Shepppard, who will be a great addition to a Wemby led squad. And fill up other needs via trade and free agency.

If on the other hand, they choose Topic as their first pick, I would love for the Spurs to consider Buzelis or Cody Williams as the second pick if they are available.. and if they are not and Sheppard/ Dillingham are.. go for one of them (Sheppard ideally.. I like the dog in this guy. Such players tend to adapt well to the motor of the NBA and carve out great careers). Reminds me of other short players like Van Vleet, Brunson, or even JJ Redick who didn't have the best size/ athletic abilities, but made it big in the NBA by building on a skill and being so good at it and acceptable in others. Sheppard has such good feel for the game that I think he will find a niche in the NBA and he seems like a winning player to have.

[Dejounte]

People also say “don’t worry about fit on a very bad team” I think there’s one exception to that rule and it exists when you have a generational player. Would the Grizzlies spend a top 5 pick on another point guard given they have (pre-gun) Morant? That would make no sense. Or if the Warriors drafted another PG using a top pick during Curry’s ascension? That’s throwing a dart on the wall and having no plan in mind.

[spurraider21]

Sacramento….
They’ve become one of the better teams in the league if ya haven’t noticed

[TD 21]

If Mobley and Jackson Jr. (they've finally moved him to C, at least for now) could get by primarily defending PF's, I see no reason why Sarr couldn't either.

The problem with pairing him with Wembanyama would be more so offensively. Neither would be optimized because even hybrid/"unicorn" type bigs never are when paired next to another C and the team's offense suffers as a result.

In a now clear offense first league, that's untenable as far as contending for championships.

[RC_Drunkford]

If Sarr would become Jaren Jackson Jr. he'd be perfect next to Wemby. The thing is JJJ is a DPOY and volume 3-point shooter. I'm not sure Sarr can get to that level. I'd rather pick Risacher.

[LeBowen]

If Sarr would become Jaren Jackson Jr. he'd be perfect next to Wemby. The thing is JJJ is a DPOY and volume 3-point shooter. I'm not sure Sarr can get to that level. I'd rather pick Risacher.

Eh, JJJ's DPOY was a joke.
Anyhow, I'd also take Risacher, but I'd rather have Sarr than any of these guards with fundamental flaws.

Wemby surely won't get more than 30-32mpg the next season and having Sarr back him up would ensure 48 minutes of elite interior defense.
And they could spend some minutes on the floor together, especially against teams with big lineups.

Three elite shooters around Wemby and Sarr and spacing would be fine.
Can't have Sochan-Sarr-Wemby together, though.

[scott]

Just my personal opinion, but I'd prefer for us to end up with 5 and 7 or 6 and 7 and take the combo of Dilly and Matas.

If that doesn't happen, I would be nice to land the #1 pick and hope one of these other teams falls in love with the idea of Sarr so much that they're willing to make a big move up to get him. This is probably unrealistic, but say Detroit has terrible luck again and lands at #5 while we land at #1. While I don't think it makes sense for them, maybe Detroit is so desperate to finally get that #1 pick they they're willing to swap #1 for #5 and a future unprotected FRP or Jaden Ivey. Again, I'm not sure this actually makes any sense for DET, but something along those lines from other team that feels like Sarr at #1 is the big splash they need.

[rascal]

Yes, welcome to 2024 where two centers in the same lineup hasnt won a championship in ages. Again, Sarr is a shiny projected #1 pick and people think he can turn into anything (until five years later where people have selective memory about what they say… ahem all the Poku fans are quiet now) but his most likely archetype is a Nic Claxton archetype and those types aren’t full time PF’s. People cry about Sochan’s three point shooting now but wait until you see Sarr try to shoot threes in the NBA only to give up on it after 50 games.


Not many teams have had the opportunity to have two athletic 7+ footers. Those type of players are not common to find. If the Spurs get the first pick they should draft Sarr. Sarr can play PF interchangeably with Wemby.

Sarr is shooting the 3 pt as well as Sochan did in college. Sarr is bigger and plays bigger than Sochan, a better rim defender than Sochan.

Wemby doesn't want to be planted at center and that's it. He wants some flexibility to move off center at times and Sarr enables him to do that against some teams. Spurs will have a big advantage defensively with those two guys.

I believe Wemby's 3 pt shot will improve enough that he won't be a liability there and will be able to play away from the basket at times. That is what he wants to do, have a flexible game and be allowed to move out of playing center sometimes.

You don't need an entire team of 3 point shooters as long as you have a couple of athletic 7' players who will dominate in matchups with their speed/size combination.

[mo7888]

Not many teams have had the opportunity to have two athletic 7+ footers. Those type of players are not common to find. If the Spurs get the first pick they should draft Sarr. Sarr can play PF interchangeably with Wemby.

Sarr is shooting the 3 pt as well as Sochan did in college. Sarr is bigger and plays bigger than Sochan, a better rim defender than Sochan.

Wemby doesn't want to be planted at center and that's it. He wants some flexibility to move off center at times and Sarr enables him to do that against some teams. Spurs will have a big advantage defensively with those two guys.

I believe Wemby's 3 pt shot will improve enough that he won't be a liability there and will be able to play away from the basket at times. That is what he wants to do, have a flexible game and be allowed to move out of playing center sometimes.

You don't need an entire team of 3 point shooters as long as you have a couple of athletic 7' players who will dominate in matchups with their speed/size combination.

I think you're right about how Wembanyama's 3 game projects out. He's going to be an asset there. The issue with Darr and him are how they are on the other end. Can Sarr guard in space consistently? I'm skeptical..

[CGD]

They’ve become one of the better teams in the league if ya haven’t noticed

It’s been 15 months and one playoff series. Let’s settle down. Before that they were a JOKE franchise, including the regime what dumbassedly created a roster controversy precisely by drafting another PG when they had Fox emerging. Sure the trade Forest Gump’d out for them (tho they were getting ROASTED at the time for trading Hali), but that was absolutely not the goal of that foresight challenged FO at the time they drafted Hali.

Also, Jonny Flynn says hi.

[TD 21]

If the Spurs are interested in pairing Wembanyama with another big, target Reid by offering the Hornets 1st, Champagnie and Bassey.

Youngish, team friendly contract, legit stretch with good handle, mobile enough to guard some 4's and strong enough to guard 5's.

[exstatic]

They’ve become one of the better teams in the league if ya haven’t noticed

They were last year, but they’re surprising no one this year, currently sitting at the #7 seed in the west.

[John B]

I’d hate to miss on Topic if he’s the 2nd coming of Doncic, smart and can pace the game, also like a Jason Kidd, big guard with oozing bball IQ. Those are generational talent. I like the potential of Sarr and having an athletic 7 footer next to Wemby. Call me sentimental, but that brings me back to DRob/Timmy days. Risacher is fine and very ideal, nothing wrong with a 6’9 who shoots north of 40% from the 3. Does he have the frame to bulk up and defend the post? Good problem…

[objective]

Not quite understanding the Halliburton and Kings talk.

Who SHOULD the Kings have taken to avoid another point guard? Nesmith? Precious? Isaiah Stewart?

If there's a discussion to be had it's actually the Spurs going for Devin instead. They might have passed on Halliburton for being a point guard when they had Dejounte and White plus were really really solid on Dejounte. On top of that it was coming off the COVID season where before the break Pop refused to play Murray and White together, leaving no time for another point guard.

And Devin was supposed to be an elite defender. Little did we know that Florida State is one of those system schools that inflates the appearance of defensive impact. Vassell, Patrick Williams, Scottie Barnes, all ended up being overrated college defenders

[rascal]

If the Spurs are interested in pairing Wembanyama with another big, target Reid by offering the Hornets 1st, Champagnie and Bassey.

Youngish, team friendly contract, legit stretch with good handle, mobile enough to guard some 4's and strong enough to guard 5's.

Why would any team want to trade anything of value for that package?

[TD 21]

From a Spurs perspective, unless a Johnson trade is coming this off season (and it probably isn't), there's a good chance they select a SF, so it's unclear where Champagnie will fit anyway.

It'll be easier to start whichever questionable shooting SF that is if they upgrade the starter at PF from Sochan to Reid.



Why would any team want to trade anything of value for that package?

The Timberwolves, with looming tax issues, would cut $10.9M in salary once Bassey's non guarantee is waived, plus add needed cost controlled wing depth/shooting and draft capital.

If it's not quite enough, the Spurs can always add a 2nd(s) to attempt to push it over the line.

[rascal]

I’d hate to miss on Topic if he’s the 2nd coming of Doncic, smart and can pace the game, also like a Jason Kidd, big guard with oozing bball IQ. Those are generational talent. I like the potential of Sarr and having an athletic 7 footer next to Wemby. Call me sentimental, but that brings me back to DRob/Timmy days. Risacher is fine and very ideal, nothing wrong with a 6’9 who shoots north of 40% from the 3. Does he have the frame to bulk up and defend the post? Good problem…

Spurs could end up with both Sarr(1) and Topic(7) with some luck. Topic isn't a lock to go in the top 6.

[objective]

If the Spurs are interested in pairing Wembanyama with another big, target Reid by offering the Hornets 1st, Champagnie and Bassey.

Youngish, team friendly contract, legit stretch with good handle, mobile enough to guard some 4's and strong enough to guard 5's.


Why would any team want to trade anything of value for that package?

If this is about Naz Reid ....

I listen to the Dane Moore Podcast, who covers the Wolves full time. Really good show, always with other guests who cover the Wolves or NBA in the local market professionally, just a solid, informative, rational team podcast.

The February 20 episode about the Conley extension did spend time on the tax and roster implications and the one player and one team mentioned brainstorming wise was Naz Reid and the Spurs, just into the Spurs caproom for a first round pick (a "good" first)

While Reid would improve this crap roster, he has a player option after next year and would have a significant cap hold.

[TD 21]

If this is about Naz Reid ....

I listen to the Dane Moore Podcast, who covers the Wolves full time. Really good show, always with other guests who cover the Wolves or NBA in the local market professionally, just a solid, informative, rational team podcast.

The February 20 episode about the Conley extension did spend time on the tax and roster implications and the one player and one team mentioned brainstorming wise was Naz Reid and the Spurs, just into the Spurs caproom for a first round pick (a "good" first)

While Reid would improve this crap roster, he has a player option after next year and would have a significant cap hold.

Interesting.

In theory, his worth is probably something like a pick in the 15-20 range, but the Spurs don't have a projected 1st in that range and in reality, good luck to the Timberwolves finding a team to give them one (they'll be more valuable than ever with the CBA changes kicking in) and save them this much in the process.

I don't care about the raise he'd command in a year or the cap hold. In the unlikely event the Spurs have something big on the horizon then where that becomes an issue, it can be sorted out at the time.

[exstatic]

If this is about Naz Reid ....

I listen to the Dane Moore Podcast, who covers the Wolves full time. Really good show, always with other guests who cover the Wolves or NBA in the local market professionally, just a solid, informative, rational team podcast.

The February 20 episode about the Conley extension did spend time on the tax and roster implications and the one player and one team mentioned brainstorming wise was Naz Reid and the Spurs, just into the Spurs caproom for a first round pick (a "good" first)

While Reid would improve this crap roster, he has a player option after next year and would have a significant cap hold.

When you want to trade a player into cap space to avoid the tax or one of the aprons, it costs you picks, it doesn’t get you any. He’s an ending contract next year, and I’m not sure he’s better than Bassey.

[TD 21]

It won't in this case, but that'll also help bring the cost down because if it's not Towns, it'll be him.

Still, a player this young, relatively inexpensive (for a year) and unique (combo bigs are valuable because of the lineup flexibility they provide) won't be given away.

Andy Bailey occasionally aggregates players based on the average score of 8 "catch all" metrics and in the latest update Reid is 98th.

[baseline bum]

Or if the Warriors drafted another PG using a top pick during Curry’s ascension?

Yeah thank god they drafted Wiseman instead of Lamelo.

[baseline bum]

I’d hate to miss on Topic if he’s the 2nd coming of Doncic, smart and can pace the game, also like a Jason Kidd, big guard with oozing bball IQ. Those are generational talent. I like the potential of Sarr and having an athletic 7 footer next to Wemby. Call me sentimental, but that brings me back to DRob/Timmy days. Risacher is fine and very ideal, nothing wrong with a 6’9 who shoots north of 40% from the 3. Does he have the frame to bulk up and defend the post? Good problem…

C'mon son, second coming of Doncic? Doncic dominated the Euroleague, winning an MVP and leading his team to the title, in a league that hates playing teenagers. Doncic probably had the best resume of any draft pick since the 1-and-done era started.

[objective]

When you want to trade a player into cap space to avoid the tax or one of the aprons, it costs you picks, it doesn’t get you any. He’s an ending contract next year, and I’m not sure he’s better than Bassey.

Depends on if the player is any good

Atlanta dodged the tax by trading away Huerter for a future lotto protected first

They dodged the tax again by trading John Collins for Rudy Gay's expiring that might not even have been fully guaranteed I can't remember, and Utah also sent a second round pick

[Ariel]

Yeah thank god they drafted Wiseman instead of Lamelo.
Actually Bob Myers and Kerr told a story about how they almost drafted Haliburton, he had a terrific workout and killed the interview, but ultimately the team decided to go with Wiseman. Kind of puts things into perspective, doesn't it?

[RC_Drunkford]

Just my personal opinion, but I'd prefer for us to end up with 5 and 7 or 6 and 7 and take the combo of Dilly and Matas.

If that doesn't happen, I would be nice to land the #1 pick and hope one of these other teams falls in love with the idea of Sarr so much that they're willing to make a big move up to get him. This is probably unrealistic, but say Detroit has terrible luck again and lands at #5 while we land at #1. While I don't think it makes sense for them, maybe Detroit is so desperate to finally get that #1 pick they they're willing to swap #1 for #5 and a future unprotected FRP or Jaden Ivey. Again, I'm not sure this actually makes any sense for DET, but something along those lines from other team that feels like Sarr at #1 is the big splash they need.

there's no reason to root for anything less than the #1 pick. Even if we don't want to draft a player there, we can just trade down and aquire more assets

[John B]

C'mon son, second coming of Doncic? Doncic dominated the Euroleague, winning an MVP and leading his team to the title, in a league that hates playing teenagers. Doncic probably had the best resume of any draft pick since the 1-and-done era started.

That’s why he went 3rd. Look, I didn’t say Topic is, or he would easily be the 1st pick. But obviously not and mock drafts have him top 5. But I like Topic scoring at will in the paint, not by athleticism but more like cunningness. He’s not the fastest but he has a way to dictate the pace - all very much like Doncic

[Ariel]

C'mon son, second coming of Doncic? Doncic dominated the Euroleague, winning an MVP and leading his team to the title, in a league that hates playing teenagers. Doncic probably had the best resume of any draft pick since the 1-and-done era started.
Yeah, totally different ball game. Also, I don't agree with the comparison, Topic is excellent at getting to the rim because he's pretty damn fast but usually drives straight at the rim, he doesn't have Luka's pace, skill, craftiness, playmaking, shooting prowess... he might end up a really good player, but the comparison isn't a great one IMO.

[Ariel]

there's no reason to root for anything less than the #1 pick. Even if we don't want to draft a player there, we can just trade down and aquire more assets
Normally I'd agree, and a team such as Dallas would take advantage of this, but the Spurs tend to be far too conservative and would probably reach than risk missing their target, even if the potential reward is well worth it.

[spurraider21]

It’s been 15 months and one playoff series. Let’s settle down. Before that they were a JOKE franchise, including the regime what dumbassedly created a roster controversy precisely by drafting another PG when they had Fox emerging. Sure the trade Forest Gump’d out for them (tho they were getting ROASTED at the time for trading Hali), but that was absolutely not the goal of that foresight challenged FO at the time they drafted Hali.

Also, Jonny Flynn says hi.
They wisely drafted bpa and were able to parlay that into a star center to go alongside fox.

You say 1 playoff appearance in 15 months yet there have only been 1 cycle of playoffs in that time :lol And they’re poised to make it this year as well

[Mr. Body]

Saying BPA at pick 1 or 2 is way different than saying BPA at 12 or whatever was Haliburton's pick when there wasn't much left in that draft.

[SpursBills]

That’s why he went 3rd. Look, I didn’t say Topic is, or he would easily be the 1st pick. But obviously not and mock drafts have him top 5. But I like Topic scoring at will in the paint, not by athleticism but more like cunningness. He’s not the fastest but he has a way to dictate the pace - all very much like Doncic

I'm a huge fan of Topic, but the Doncic comparison is a little unrealistic I think. Just like you can make the argument for Doncic, if you want a scary downside comp looking at their advanced stats, check this out:

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=nikola-topic--killian-hayes

[exstatic]

C'mon son, second coming of Doncic? Doncic dominated the Euroleague, winning an MVP and leading his team to the title, in a league that hates playing teenagers. Doncic probably had the best resume of any draft pick since the 1-and-done era started.

And he was picked 5th, because euros are always underrated.

[Ariel]

And he was picked 5th, because euros are always underrated.
Luka was picked 3rd, not 5th, it just so happened that he went to the team with the no. 5 pick (Dallas) via trade (with Atlanta, for Trae).

Also, not every Euro is underrated, some are (Sengun, Luka, Giannis, Jokic) while some are overrated (Bargnani, Dragan Bender, Mario Hezonja, Kanter, Kyllian Hayes, Ntilikina, Ousmane Dieng). I'd say a more fair statement would be that they''re improperly rated (for better or worse)

[exstatic]

Luka was picked 3rd, not 5th, it just so happened that he went to the team with the no. 5 pick (Dallas) via trade (with Atlanta, for Trae).

Also, not every Euro is underrated, some are (Sengun, Luka, Giannis, Jokic) while some are overrated (Bargnani, Dragan Bender, Mario Hezonja, Kanter, Kyllian Hayes, Ntilikina, Ousmane Dieng). I'd say a more fair statement would be that they''re improperly rated (for better or worse)

My post was a response to bb saying he was the best prospect in a long time. Multiple teams in his draft didn’t think so.

[baseline bum]

My post was a response to bb saying he was the best prospect in a long time. Multiple teams in his draft didn’t think so.

I said he had the best resume entering the draft that anyone has had in the one and done era. LOL Phoenix pissing their #1 pick away on Ayton instead of making the obvious pick.

[CGD]

I'm a huge fan of Topic, but the Doncic comparison is a little unrealistic I think. Just like you can make the argument for Doncic, if you want a scary downside comp looking at their advanced stats, check this out:

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=nikola-topic--killian-hayes

OK, now I’m off Topic lol!

[baseline bum]

OK, now I’m off Topic lol!

Problem is there is strong bust potential in so much of the top of this draft. Dillingham could very well be Brandon Knight. Buzelis could be Dragan Bender. And so on. Sarr and Risacher probably have productive floors but outside those two lottery picks are probably going to be pretty high risk.

[Ditty]

Topic is still my #1 prospect but I can see Risacher being their top prospect as SF might be their biggest need. I hope BW will consider the outlook as of now how strong the 2025 draft will be with fowards, SG's and lacking of point guards.

I don't think Keldon is the answer at SF or a fit next to Wemby. If they are able to get something very similar like they did with White then they need to do that. JP has shown flashes but he is not a starting SF in the NBA anytime soon.

[RC_Drunkford]

comparing Topic to Doncic is insane. Doncic was clearly better than prime Goran Dragic when he played with him in Eurobasket before the draft. Topic is nowhere near prime Dragic.

[JPB]

comparing Topic to Doncic is insane. Doncic was clearly better than prime Goran Dragic when he played with him in Eurobasket before the draft. Topic is nowhere near prime Dragic.

Pretty much no one here ever saw one single Topic's game, simply basing their judgment on Youtube highilghts from the glorious Adriatic League...

But not every white, young PG from eastern europe whose name ends in "ic" is the next Luka...

[Bruno]

espn has an article about Cody Williams:
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/39584759/2024-nba-draft-making-case-selecting-cody-williams-no-1


Projected NBA lottery team that provides the best fit for Williams

[...]
I'd be curious about Williams as a fit for the San Antonio Spurs, who need a lead guard type and could look to develop him in that vein.

Personally, I'm not curious at all about him as "lead guard". He is averaging 1.8apg in 30.6mpg...

[Mr. Body]

espn has an article about Cody Williams:
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/39584759/2024-nba-draft-making-case-selecting-cody-williams-no-1



Personally, I'm not curious at all about him as "lead guard". He is averaging 1.8apg in 30.6mpg...

These takes on Williams are lazy and stupid it's driving me crazy.

Here are the legitimately good things about Cody Williams:

- His size. He's lanky and long and moves pretty well. Once he puts on some weight he'll have good NBA size for a wing.
- His efficiency. He hits a lot of his shots, including inside.
- His demeanor seems great and he seems very coachable and plays within a system.
- He can move the ball within an offense.

Here's what is bad about Cody Williams so far.

- He's weak and gets pushed around. This will probably change.
- He's passive. Doesn't put up many shots, doesn't take risky shots (when he should).
- Not a great defender, but this can change with strength.
- He's slow.
- He doesn't rebound much at all. Doesn't mix it up, doesn't go after them, doesn't get them.

Here's what he doesn't appear to be:

- A point forward type.

Yet I see it repeated thoughtlessly, like somehow some big wing is going to become LeBron James with distribution because you think so. I've seen no indication of it. Is he Cam Whitmore bad at seeing teammates and passing the ball? No. Is he a hub? Absolutely not.

[The Truth #6]

Whether or not Cody should be a lead guard is different issue than whether or not Brian Wright drafts him and they try to develop them that way, cuz I wouldn't be shocked if they actually did that.

[spurraider21]

i like Cody but lead guard? we doing this point sochan shit again?

[Seventyniner]

i like Cody but lead guard? we doing this point sochan shit again?

Lead Guard Primo 2.0

[scott]

Find you someone who loves you the way Wright and Pop love forcing non-PGs to play PG.

[Mr. Body]

Find you someone who loves you the way Wright and Pop love forcing non-PGs to play PG.

Which has happened, like... once?

[DAF86]

Which has happened, like... once?

Primo, Branham, Wesley, Sochan. Neither played PG in college.

[Mr. Body]

Primo, Branham, Wesley, Sochan. Neither played PG in college.

All but one are guards. Give me a break.

[DAF86]

All but one are guards. Give me a break.

There's a huge difference between being a Guard and a Point Guard. Something as simple as dribling the ball up the court makes a huge difference in the complexion of an offense and it's something that comes as second nature for guys that played PG all their lives and it can be a real struggle for guys that are not used to it. Would you have played guys like Bruce Bowen or Michael Finley as PGs back in the days?

[DAF86]

At this point, and with so many uncertainties, I would draft Dillingham, if only for the excitement his style of play would bring. Even if he ends up in the G-league to start his career, it would be worth the watch.

[jjspur]

I've seen a few of these guys on Tv or on videos, but all I think is meh, these guys have a lot of flaws. None of them scream starter, even on this team. A lot of these guys play in foreign leagues which aren't quite NBA calibur which means they will need some if not a lot of development since they play a different type of game overseas which doesn't always translate. None are the quality of Luka or Wemby so lets not get too excited. Even the American college players are mainly one and dones, which means they will also need developing.

Just not overly impressed with this draft. If we manage to get two 1st rounders in this draft, I would take the best available player regardless of position, and trade the other pick for an established player and possibly another asset if not more. We can improve this team quicker if we draft well and make a few trades along the way.

[Mr. Body]

At this point, and with so many uncertainties, I would draft Dillingham, if only for the excitement his style of play would bring. Even if he ends up in the G-league to start his career, it would be worth the watch.

I don't know if the G League would help Dillingham. He'd wind up shredding them, imo. What he needs help with is team defense and overall defensive concepts and the G League is pretty shit in that area. If the Spurs did take Dillingham, they'd have to suck up some growing pains on that end. He's a bad defender, but imo a good chunk of it is a lack of coaching and experience.

[BackHome]

Two guys that I would seriously look if we get the Raptors pick would be:

Johnny Furphy - SF - 6'9 - Kansas - I like the kid he can shoot the 3 ball - 394% and looks to be a good rebounder for his postion. Two things that I think we need which is rebounding and better outside shooting which he does well in.

Devin Carter - PG - 6'3 "Legit" - Providence - Starting to really like his game and think this is the kind of kid Pop would love to coach as Dejounte likes to say "He got the Dog" in him he plays great defense and is probably the best defender and rebounder for his position. He is older 22 but I don't mind as he was well known as being a great defender but has really improved his offensive game

[exstatic]

Primo, Branham, Wesley, Sochan. Neither played PG in college.

Primo played zero PG in his rookie year. DJ started, and Tre came off the bench. According to bbref, he played 2% of his minutes in his 4 games in season two at PG.

[DAF86]

Primo played zero PG in his rookie year. DJ started, and Tre came off the bench. According to bbref, he played 2% of his minutes in his 4 games in season two at PG.

Do you really need a page to tell you where Primo played when Murray was traded? If not Primo, who was the backup PG back then?

[Mr. Body]

Two guys that I would seriously look if we get the Raptors pick would be:

Johnny Furphy - SF - 6'9 - Kansas - I like the kid he can shoot the 3 ball - 394% and looks to be a good rebounder for his postion. Two things that I think we need which is rebounding and better outside shooting which he does well in.

Devin Carter - PG - 6'3 "Legit" - Providence - Starting to really like his game and think this is the kind of kid Pop would love to coach as Dejounte likes to say "He got the Dog" in him he plays great defense and is probably the best defender and rebounder for his position. He is older 22 but I don't mind as he was well known as being a great defender but has really improved his offensive game

Here's Johnny Furphy counting and advanced stats versus Cody Williams.

https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=johnny-furphy--cody-williams

He's just straight up a better player, period. They play similar roles on upperclassman-lead teams, low usage. Williams shoots better, but I don't totally believe in it. (Although he's very good.) Meanwhile, the Furph gets twice as many rebounds, is a better defender, etc. etc. Like, one just stands around thinking about his successful brother and the other just hustles and plays. Stats include half the season before Furphy blew up, btw.

[exstatic]

Do you really need a page to tell you where Primo played when Murray was traded? If not Primo, who was the backup PG nack then?

I trust bbref more than your bitter rants. It was also only 4 games.

bbref shows that Josh Richardson played 34% of his minutes before his February trade at PG. There’s your backup.

[baseline bum]

Which has happened, like... once?

Bran Ham too

[DAF86]

I trust bbref more than your bitter rants. It was also only 4 games.

bbref shows that Josh Richardson played 34% of his minutes before his February trade at PG. There’s your backup.

What bitter rant? :lol I simply answered a question, tbh.

So you trust more a random site than a fan that actually watches the games? Primo played PG, every Spurfan knows it; but, fine, you wanna say Josh Richardson played PG? That's another non-PG that Pop put at the one. The point still remains.

[DAF86]

And I forgot stints of Lonnie Walker and Bryn Forbes playing the point. :vomit:

[scott]

There is also the fact that timvp spent an entire summer telling us the Spurs viewed Primo as a PG. But, maybe his sources were wrong.

[Mr. Body]

Sochan is the only outlier in that group. The team seemed to want to try a big lineup and one where they could also start Keldon.

Who gives a shit. It didn't work. Can we keep this thread to draft prospects?

[exstatic]

What bitter rant? :lol I simply answered a question, tbh.

So you trust more a random site than a fan that actually watches the games? Primo played PG, every Spurfan knows it; but, fine, you wanna say Josh Richardson played PG? That's another non-PG that Pop put at the one. The point still remains.

His rookie year, he played none. It was DJ and Tre. His second year, he played four games. Repeating, it was four games. Four whole games. We’ll never know what would have happened, because it didnt. If you really need to add him to your list for playing parts of four games at PG, knock yourself out.

[objective]

And I forgot stints of Lonnie Walker and Bryn Forbes playing the point. :vomit:

Exactly, people forget point Forbes

[Mugen]

Which has happened, like... once?

There's been 3 very clear examples in just this season: Sochan, Branham and Cedi for a game :lol

[Mugen]

You can go back to Point Neal and Point Mason Jr. as well, I don't even know what the Sniff Crew is on today :lol

[Mr. Body]

Don't the Spurs consistently have one of the highest assist rates in the league?

They have never needed a traditional point. That's the freaking point.

The issue is who that person guards. I keep saying this over and over.

[Mr. Body]

This 'discussion' is clinically idiotic.

[vy65]

They have never needed a traditional point.

https://media.assettype.com/afkgaming/import/media/images/64144-5f5d9b481fe5863c196d3441322ab983.jpeg

[vy65]

This 'discussion' is clinically idiotic.

This is a heroically retarded take, even by your standards. This team absolutely needs a traditional point guard. The team was playing at historically awful metrics when it tried slotting a non-play making wing into that role. Either you did not watch the first 25 games of the season, or have literally the worst analytical skills imaginable. I'm leaning more toward the latter.

[DAF86]

His rookie year, he played none. It was DJ and Tre. His second year, he played four games. Repeating, it was four games. Four whole games. We’ll never know what would have happened, because it didnt. If you really need to add him to your list for playing parts of four games at PG, knock yourself out.

Primo did play some PG in his rookie season, despite what that site you quote says. Regardless of that, Primo only played 4 games as a PG in his sophomore year because he was a fucking deviant. Pop planned all off season long for Primo to play PG, there were reports about it, timvp spilled the inside tomatoe sauces, and we discussed Primo as a PG here all offseason long. Pop planned to transform a non-PG into a PG, which was the whole fucking point of this argument.

[DAF86]

This 'discussion' is clinically idiotic.

The discussion wasn't "do the Spurs need a traditional PG?", in fact there was no discussion. You said Pop only tried a non-PG at PG once, so I went and mentioned some of the other examples of Pop playing non-PGs at PG out of respect for the truth. It wouldn't have got to this point if you and exstatic would have accepted this pretty agreeable fact among Spurs fans, tbh.

[objective]

You can go back to Point Neal and Point Mason Jr. as well, I don't even know what the Sniff Crew is on today :lol

Forgot about Mason

Neal get some spot minutes at point guard also? Forgot that too

The list never ends

[spurraider21]

Neal would get some minutes at the point though most of those had manu babysitting

[alfahdlan]

Locked on Thunder Podcast Host”s Evaluation of Reed Sheppard. Just a thought: Scary to have Reed and SGA on the same team vice Josh Giddey. Toronto Pick please,https://www.si.com/nba/draft/newsfeed/nba-draft-2024-reed-sheppard-kentucky-wildcats-guard-prospects

[DAF86]

Locked on Thunder Podcast Host”s Evaluation of Reed Sheppard. Just a thought: Scary to have Reed and SGA on the same team vice Josh Giddey. Toronto Pick please,https://www.si.com/nba/draft/newsfeed/nba-draft-2024-reed-sheppard-kentucky-wildcats-guard-prospects

Sheppard projects as a championship level role player. Derrick White lite. Having Wemby, drafting a championship level role player might actually be better than a flawed star, tbh.

[alfahdlan]

Sheppard projects as a championship level role player. Derrick White lite. Having Wemby, drafting a championship level role player might actually be better than a flawed star, tbh.
You hit it.

[KobesAchilles]

I don’t see how we don’t take Dilly. We have nobody who can consistently get to the rim. Nobody who can create for others. And nobody who can create for themself smartly while being able to shoot open shots. Size be damned he is everything we are in need of and really is the BPA. White guards defense never translates to the nba

[DrSteffo]

Sheppard is a good defender. Dillingham is an awful defender. Opponents constantly attack him and it's a problem. Has nothing to do with race, just a fact. Dillingham is more shifty and has better shot creation, however and is better on O overall even if Sheppard is a better 3 pt shooter.

[DAF86]

I don’t see how we don’t take Dilly. We have nobody who can consistently get to the rim. Nobody who can create for others. And nobody who can create for themself smartly while being able to shoot open shots. Size be damned he is everything we are in need of and really is the BPA. White guards defense never translates to the nba

That's racist as fuck, tbh. :lol

Also:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/wp-content/uploads/migration/2023/10/12/BS5GSKDCKVFZBFAYD3NPYT7JHI.jpg?w=620

[DAF86]

That said, I would also pick Dillingham over Sheppard. But I would be fine with either one. Risacher, Dillingham and Sheppard, on that order, are my picks so far.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Here's Johnny Furphy counting and advanced stats versus Cody Williams.

https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=johnny-furphy--cody-williams

He's just straight up a better player, period. They play similar roles on upperclassman-lead teams, low usage. Williams shoots better, but I don't totally believe in it. (Although he's very good.) Meanwhile, the Furph gets twice as many rebounds, is a better defender, etc. etc. Like, one just stands around thinking about his successful brother and the other just hustles and plays. Stats include half the season before Furphy blew up, btw.

I caught Furphy live and in person on Saturday in Lawrence against Texas. He's a good player, but he's not asked to initiate much on a team that is otherwise very talented. They played through their center mostly and around their PG. That said, he's good at fitting in and affecting the game without otherwise needing the ball in his hands. He looks like he's 12 years old. I guess the obvious comparison is Gradey Dick from Kansas last year, but Furphy is bigger. He's like a bigger Dick, so to speak.

[Mr. Body]

I caught Furphy live and in person on Saturday in Lawrence against Texas. He's a good player, but he's not asked to initiate much on a team that is otherwise very talented. They played through their center mostly and around their PG. That said, he's good at fitting in and affecting the game without otherwise needing the ball in his hands. He looks like he's 12 years old. I guess the obvious comparison is Gradey Dick from Kansas last year, but Furphy is bigger. He's like a bigger Dick, so to speak.

Definitely. His usage is only 17%. He's popped for a veteran-heavy team where he replaced another player in the starting unit who just wasn't panning out. He doesn't have any offense run for him at all. His handles aren't great and he doesn't initiate much, but I feel like he has more than he's shown in games. He can do all that stuff. Still, he's effective in a peripheral role. He's a good shooter and cuts really well. Good athleticism and good size. And he rebounds the hell out of the ball versus his position. Dick is a good comp. He's not quite the same shooter but perhaps a better defender - he needs work there, but is active - and does a lot of other things better.

I'm not quite sure what to make of him. Depends on what he's not able to show on that talent-heavy Kansas team. A high motor guy who makes good decisions, has room to grow, and bangs in shots. Right now I see more with him than Buzelis, tbh, whose possibilities seem more imaginary although their roles are very different.

[manufan10]

1762172043187937633

[Mr. Body]

Sheppard and Dillingham are actually both pretty poor defenders. If you watch the games you'll see this. Both get blown by. The difference is Sheppard is a strong help defender... sometimes. He over-helps and ballhawks to positional detriment. I think both are poor in this regard because of poor coaching and both can improve. Will Dillingham ever be competent? ...Maybe? He's quick enough to stay with people, he just doesn't, and I chalk some of that up to lack of current ability and training. The effort is actually pretty good, it's unharnessed. Will he get punished on switches? Definitely. Do I think he has the attitude to work on his defense and improve? Yes.

What Reed Sheppard has is absolutely phenomenal hands. He gets deflections and rips extremely well in all varieties. As a man-to-man defender he's not as good as we think, although that can improve, too.

[Mr. Body]

Where I'm sitting now, unimportantly and who-cares-ish, is that this team badly, badly needs scoring. There are vast swaths of the game where only two guys on the floor can really get points, and it's Wemby and Vassell. Off the bench it's practically no one. It's almost accidental when the team makes runs. There's just no scoring threats.

I don't think this will happen, but at the possible detriment of defense, here's who I want with the two picks:

Rob Dillingham
Dalton Knecht

Reasons? I am doubtful about the defense of most everyone in this lottery class. Wembanyama will cover a lot of mistakes and I think most of these players can improve. Where the team most stands to gain is getting up points and I think the offensive talents of these two guys are not only translatable, they'll translate quickly. Not a lot of 'woe is me, what do I do' with these guys. They're going to fire away and score.

As for Knecht, he's not optimal in terms of age or position. To me he's more of a shooting guard, but he can still slot into the starters instead of Vassell. His age is a concern... if you feel he has to develop for a long time. I don't think so. As for Dillingham, I think he's a bench guy, maybe more, but can super-jumpstart stagnant periods of the game and be a real threat. Defense a concern, yes, but a Wembanyama-Vassell-Sochan-Knecht-Dillingham lineup could be lethal. Yes, even with Sochan being a straw-stirrer rather than an outside threat. If Wemby is drawing multiple attention, you have three spot-ups who are significant knockdown threats and two of whom can be serious closeout threats, too.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Spurs value size and I would think they would want Topic over the UK smurf.

[JPB]

That said, I would also pick Dillingham over Sheppard. But I would be fine with either one. Risacher, Dillingham and Sheppard, on that order, are my picks so far.

I truly believe a this point that Spurs FO is tanking for Risacher.

[Mr. Body]

Spurs value size and I would think they would want Topic over the UK smurf.

They might draft Topic, but not because of size.

[Mr. Body]

I truly believe a this point that Spurs FO is tanking for Risacher.

If they're strictly tanking for Risacher, that would suck. It's more that they just can't win games.

[scott]

If the Spurs had plans on getting SF help via some other means this offseason (sign Tobias Harris, trade for Bridges, for example) then I wouldn't mind going Dilly/Sheppard (assuming our natural pick falls to 5 or 6... don't think it makes sense to take Dilly higher than that personally). I like the sound of "elite role player" if that's truly within Sheppard's reasonable range of outcomes.

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1762147023254348249

Givony points out that 43% of the players drafted in the top 40 of 2020 and 2021 drafts have already been dumped by the team that drafted them.

"The NBA has become increasingly cutthroat with declining team options or waiving young players on rookie-scale deals. Thirty-four of the 80 players (43%) selected in the top 40 of the 2020 or 2021 NBA drafts already have been shown the door by the team that drafted them or were never signed to a standard NBA contract to begin with, with more players likely to see that fate this summer."

I hope we start seeing a market correction where the extraordinarily young and unprepared players coming out at 18 and 19 start developing elsewhere before going into the draft. We have way too many longshot, unlikely prospects reclassifying and going way too early. In the NBA, they don't get time to develop with time on the court and the G League frankly sucks.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

They might draft Topic, but not because of size.

Why would they not factor size amongst many other factors in their evaluations?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1762147023254348249

Givony points out that 43% of the players drafted in the top 40 of 2020 and 2021 drafts have already been dumped by the team that drafted them.

"The NBA has become increasingly cutthroat with declining team options or waiving young players on rookie-scale deals. Thirty-four of the 80 players (43%) selected in the top 40 of the 2020 or 2021 NBA drafts already have been shown the door by the team that drafted them or were never signed to a standard NBA contract to begin with, with more players likely to see that fate this summer."

I hope we start seeing a market correction where the extraordinarily young and unprepared players coming out at 18 and 19 start developing elsewhere before going into the draft. We have way too many longshot, unlikely prospects reclassifying and going way too early. In the NBA, they don't get time to develop with time on the court and the G League frankly sucks.

:lol the top 40 is a shitty bias considering where our picks are slotted.

[Mr. Body]

:lol the top 40 is a shitty bias considering where our picks are slotted.

Why?

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Why?

Well I know there are huge bumps in performance around the top ~3 and again at top ~8. It's been awhile since I looked at the data. Your essentially making a comment about our second round pick not being worth much which is not exactly news.

[Mr. Body]

Well I know there are huge bumps in performance around the top ~3 and again at top ~8. It's been awhile since I looked at the data. Your essentially making a comment about our second round pick not being worth much which is not exactly news.

You don't understand the top 40 includes the top picks?

[The Truth #6]

We have a bunch of picks coming in, but it's going to be hard to give everyone playing time, and at some point it will just feel like a wasted resource. Do Blake and Malaki only have one more year left? Do we give them the nod over our next FRP as far as playing time? I don't know. Seems like drafting some safe players has an advantage, especially for the TOR pick.

[The Truth #6]

You don't understand the top 40 includes the top picks?

My interpretation is he's saying that our pics will be most likely top eight and so there's a different percentage of players not making the cut, and that players from later in the draft closer to the 40th pick are heavily affecting those percentages that you cited.

[mo7888]

We have a bunch of picks coming in, but it's going to be hard to give everyone playing time, and at some point it will just feel like a wasted resource. Do Blake and Malaki only have one more year left? Do we give them the nod over our next FRP as far as playing time? I don't know. Seems like drafting some safe players has an advantage, especially for the TOR pick.

I'm kind of expecting a Tre/Malaki/ or Wesley to he included in a trade this summer, maybe two of the 3..

[scott]

With so many picks coming up and with Wemby on board, the expectations for players should be higher and the leashes shorter. With that said, IMO, we've already seen enough of Branham. He should either be traded or be given the Wrong Luka treatment and released.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

I just don't understand giving up on any of these young guys yet. They are kids going up against grown men every night. They are supposed to look bad. It makes what Wemby is doing even more absurd. But for the rest of these guys including Sochan who is also just 20, there needs to be some perspective. And patience. A whole lot of patience.

[Mr. Body]

My interpretation is he's saying that our pics will be most likely top eight and so there's a different percentage of players not making the cut, and that players from later in the draft closer to the 40th pick are heavily affecting those percentages that you cited.

If that was Givony's point, he would have said so. That's not his point. It's throughout the entire Top 40.

The larger point about the draft in general is more important, Fuzzy's just being a dolt who can't see the big picture. Like I said in that post, there may be a market correction to how teams view picks. With the NIL added to the mix we may be seeing a change in how things go.

[Mr. Body]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

I just don't understand giving up on any of these young guys yet. They are kids going up against grown men every night. They are supposed to look bad. It makes what Wemby is doing even more absurd. But for the rest of these guys including Sochan who is also just 20, there needs to be some perspective. And patience. A whole lot of patience.

Holy crap, some real perspective! It's like swimming through the muck of SpursTalk and seeing a beam of light. Hallalujah!

[The Truth #6]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

I just don't understand giving up on any of these young guys yet. They are kids going up against grown men every night. They are supposed to look bad. It makes what Wemby is doing even more absurd. But for the rest of these guys including Sochan who is also just 20, there needs to be some perspective. And patience. A whole lot of patience.

I agree but there's a lot of picks and only so much playing time. It comes down to prioritizing different players. Unless they consolidate picks. Otherwise, whoever we draft this year might have to wait a year while we figure out Blake and Malachi for another year, so to speak.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

You don't understand the top 40 includes the top picks?

sure and then given equal weight to pick 10-40. you don't work with stats much I take it.

[KobesAchilles]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

I just don't understand giving up on any of these young guys yet. They are kids going up against grown men every night. They are supposed to look bad. It makes what Wemby is doing even more absurd. But for the rest of these guys including Sochan who is also just 20, there needs to be some perspective. And patience. A whole lot of patience.
We have a shitload of picks coming up so that’s why we can’t be as patient as years past. Patience is nice if we had a vet team but with a team full of kids it’s kinda like we have to pick a few to develop and cut loose the ones that don’t. It’s about to be really cutthroat here in a bit which is weird for the people who preach patience to not want to trade picks for an established star. You can’t have it both ways.

We either develop our players and trade for a star or keep the picks and cut out players. There is no in between

[onechance87]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

I just don't understand giving up on any of these young guys yet. They are kids going up against grown men every night. They are supposed to look bad. It makes what Wemby is doing even more absurd. But for the rest of these guys including Sochan who is also just 20, there needs to be some perspective. And patience. A whole lot of patience.

you saw potential in them to be good.And they became good.Nobody sees potential in branham.He does nothing good.Has no basketball iq or
talent.He should be in the gleauge.

[objective]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

Plenty of us were complaining that White deserved to play as a rookie, he was that good.

I posted during that year that he was at worst the 4th best guard on the team and probably already the third best, and there were posters who agreed with me.

[JeffDuncan]

Neither Branham nor Wesley is a rookie.

In DJM’s second season he was named to the All NBA Defensive 2nd team, and he got some MIP votes, as well.

In Derrick White’s second season he got MIP votes. Not a lot, but his name is there.

Anybody who cites DJM and Derrick as a pattern for Branham and Wesley is the person who has a poor memory.

[alfahdlan]

Locked on Thunder Podcast Host”s Evaluation of Reed Sheppard. Just a thought: Scary to have Reed and SGA on the same team vice Josh Giddey. Toronto Pick please,https://www.si.com/nba/draft/newsfeed/nba-draft-2024-reed-sheppard-kentucky-wildcats-guard-prospects

Only 3 inches separates them from each other

https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=reed-sheppard--shai-gilgeous-alexander

[mo7888]

Interesting game with KY vs MSU tonight. I've been impressed by Josh Hubbard and wanted to see how he matches up with Shephard and Dilly.. at the half Hubbard has 12, Shephard 9, and Dilly 0.

Full transparency- I didn't see the 1st (just looking at stats). I wanted to see how they matchup size-wise. Hubbard is reportedly only 5'10", but he's a little tank.

[itzsoweezee]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

I just don't understand giving up on any of these young guys yet. They are kids going up against grown men every night. They are supposed to look bad. It makes what Wemby is doing even more absurd. But for the rest of these guys including Sochan who is also just 20, there needs to be some perspective. And patience. A whole lot of patience.
You can literally say that about any young player.

[mo7888]

Good game... Shephard and Hubbard had a real good battle going for a while until the MSU coach took the ball out of his hands to give it to the upperclassmen. He went back to Hubbard after they got down with a minute to go, but it looks like it's to late.

Shephard really impressed with his penetration and dishing.

[mo7888]

Good game... Shephard and Hubbard had a real good battle going for a while until the MSU coach took the ball out of his hands to give it to the upperclassmen. He went back to Hubbard after they got down with a minute to go, but it looks like it's to late.

Shephard really impressed with his penetration and dishing.

Wow! Hubbard knocked down 3 3's in tne last 50 seconds to tie it...

Shephard scores with 0.5 seconds left to take the lead...

KY wins by 2...

[Mr. Body]

A real showcase game for Sheppard with Dillingham in foul trouble. Kentucky rides these two guys so much.

[mo7888]

Wow! Hubbard knocked down 3 3's in tne last 50 seconds to tie it...

Shephard scores with 0.5 seconds left to take the lead...

KY wins by 2...

Shephard scores 32

Hubbard scores 34

Dilly scores 9

[onechance87]

not sure dilly a real pg...if hes not making shots,He pretty much worthless.Other then being a shooter doesnt really
anything else great.Hes a good passer.

[mo7888]

not sure dilly a real pg...if hes not making shots,He pretty much worthless.Other then being a shooter doesnt really
anything else great.Hes a good passer.

I think Dilly and Hubbard have a future as energizer scoring options off the bench. Shephard is the better all around player though.

[alfahdlan]

Reed is a low usage player in a team full of gunners. But if the need arises, he can always turn it around. Depends on what the coach wants.

[Pauleta14]

Branham is 20. Wesley is 20. Does anybody remember what Dejounte Murray looked like when he was a 20 year old rookie? Or even Derrick White as a 23 year old rookie?

I just don't understand giving up on any of these young guys yet. They are kids going up against grown men every night. They are supposed to look bad. It makes what Wemby is doing even more absurd. But for the rest of these guys including Sochan who is also just 20, there needs to be some perspective. And patience. A whole lot of patience.

Its their fault primarily. They should’ve stayed in college and finish their development.

They’d need to have at least one huge skills that separate them to be worth the years of patience imo.

Look at Vassell, even if elite shooter, after 4 years in the NBA he still has a terrible ball handling or court vision! 4 freaking years and below average…

[onechance87]

Reed sheppard may be my pick with raptors pick if we get it.Dude kinda reminds me of derrick white.Not as big or better defender.
Better shooter,With good hands helping block shots and rebound.Decent passer as well.

[poopbox]

As long as the Spurs stay in front of the wizards in the draft I think its a no brainer they take Topic with their own pick. If we get the Raptors pick...probably just take the best defensive forward available with Keldon either permanently a bench player or traded

[offset formation]

Holy shit. I knew the Thompson twins were bad shooters and it's the #1 reason I didn't want either of them if we missed on Wemby, but I'm watching the Rockets in the background and I thought I heard the announcer say Amen was now 16% on the season. I literally lol'd thinking no way I heard that right. So I just checked and it's worse than that...Amen is shooting 15.6% on 3pt%.

Sometimes it's best to go with your gut on these guys like I did when I absolutely hated the idea of drafting one of these kids.

And I'm still sick to my stomach we don't have Sengun in San Antonio right now. Can you imagine Wembanyama playing off Sengun and visa versa??? Instead we got the flasher.

FIRE WRIGHT

[TheGreatYacht]

Holy shit. I knew the Thompson twins were bad shooters and it's the #1 reason I didn't want either of them if we missed on Wemby, but I'm watching the Rockets in the background and I thought I heard the announcer say Amen was now 16% on the season. I literally lol'd thinking no way I heard that right. So I just checked and it's worse than that...Amen is shooting 15.6% on 3pt%.

Sometimes it's best to go with your gut on these guys like I did when I absolutely hated the idea of drafting one of these kids.

And I'm still sick to my stomach we don't have Sengun in San Antonio right now. Can you imagine Wembanyama playing off Sengun and visa versa??? Instead we got the flasher.

FIRE WRIGHT
Posters on here wanted to trade multiple firsts for him.

I will never be a fan of non shooting point guards like Amen, Anthony Black, Topic, Hayes, etc

Give me a sniper like Dilly who has Kyrie dribbling any day of the week :tu

[sfernald]

Just my personal opinion, but I'd prefer for us to end up with 5 and 7 or 6 and 7 and take the combo of Dilly and Matas.

If that doesn't happen, I would be nice to land the #1 pick and hope one of these other teams falls in love with the idea of Sarr so much that they're willing to make a big move up to get him. This is probably unrealistic, but say Detroit has terrible luck again and lands at #5 while we land at #1. While I don't think it makes sense for them, maybe Detroit is so desperate to finally get that #1 pick they they're willing to swap #1 for #5 and a future unprotected FRP or Jaden Ivey. Again, I'm not sure this actually makes any sense for DET, but something along those lines from other team that feels like Sarr at #1 is the big splash they need.

Speaking of that, would you consider a Okc proposal (let’s say they want our 1-2-3 pick for Cody Williams say for example). If they offered Josh Giddey and their picks currently #9 and #11 would you consider it? I think some really nice players that would fit around Wemby would fall right in that range. Reed might even fall there.

[baseline bum]

Speaking of that, would you consider a Okc proposal (let’s say they want our 1-2-3 pick for Cody Williams say for example). If they offered Josh Giddey and their picks currently #9 and #11 would you consider it? I think some really nice players that would fit around Wemby would fall right in that range. Reed might even fall there.

ROFL fuck off OKC fan, no one wants that shit

[sfernald]

ROFL fuck off OKC fan, no one wants that shit

Why so hostile? Josh Giddey needs to be a PG full time. Too many in Okc. He would be perfect with Wemby actually. He would play so much better here. That’s a good trade for the spurs. There’s a lot of risk in this draft that 1/2/3 won’t be any better than 8/9/10th player.

[baseline bum]

Why so hostile? Josh Giddey needs to be a PG full time. Too many in Okc. He would be perfect with Wemby actually. He would play so much better here. That’s a good trade for the spurs. There’s a lot of risk in this draft that 1/2/3 won’t be any better than 8/9/10th player.

How about Spurs trade the Toronto pick and the Chicago pick for Jalen Williams

[sfernald]

How about Spurs trade the Toronto pick and the Chicago pick for Jalen Williams

JDub is a budding superstar, so I don’t think they would consider that. JDub + Chet for Wemby I think they might consider?

[scott]

Speaking of that, would you consider a Okc proposal (let’s say they want our 1-2-3 pick for Cody Williams say for example). If they offered Josh Giddey and their picks currently #9 and #11 would you consider it? I think some really nice players that would fit around Wemby would fall right in that range. Reed might even fall there.

Hmmm, it would be a no for me mostly because I don’t want 3 picks this draft (or really in any draft)

[Ditty]

Amen is going to be a really good player in this league, even if he doesn't become a good shooter :lol

[objective]

Liking Shepperd more and more and was very encouraged by his development as a freshman, but I am a little surprised that he's already almost 20 and will be by draft night. I had thought he was 18 and was just a savant at that age but he is a little older and that can explain how he's so advanced.

But I'm still in on Shepperd. Guaranteed shooter who excels in getting the ball up the court passing wise, and can create defensive events despite his physical shortcomings? I'm in. Guys who get the most of their tools is a good thing on defense even if he's a legit target. Forbes and Branham never tried so hard or smart on defense.

[couchman]

I’ve been saying for a while that Sheppard is underrated but that might change soon if he keeps this up.
As of now I have him as the second best PG prospect ahead of Dilly and behind Topic.
He’s the only one of the three that ever makes plays on defense and the way he plays offense would be an instant fit with the Spurs system.
We’ll see how Topic looks when he returns…

[couchman]

Another quick point on Sheppard is that he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes on either end of the floor.
He also seems to have good situational awareness and is opportunistic.
Considering how dumb the current brand of Spurs basketball is I think we should prioritize some basketball IQ in the draft if possible. I’m really hoping Sheppard is there for us with the Toronto pick.
Give me Risacher and Sheppard and this team suddenly can shoot the ball at a high level.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Why so hostile? Josh Giddey needs to be a PG full time. Too many in Okc. He would be perfect with Wemby actually. He would play so much better here. That’s a good trade for the spurs. There’s a lot of risk in this draft that 1/2/3 won’t be any better than 8/9/10th player.

Giddey has stagnated and he’s been benched a lot lately because teams treat him like Tony Allen. He wouldn’t be a better fit with Wemby than Jones is. Neither can shoot but Jones at least provides more rim pressure and can finish unlike Giddey who’s below .500 at the rim and settles for floaters all the time.

OKC will trade him to some stupid team, no doubt, but I hope it’s not the Spurs.

[DAF86]

Why so hostile? Josh Giddey needs to be a PG full time. Too many in Okc. He would be perfect with Wemby actually. He would play so much better here. That’s a good trade for the spurs. There’s a lot of risk in this draft that 1/2/3 won’t be any better than 8/9/10th player.

Giddey sucks ass, that's why.

[SpursBills]

Speaking of that, would you consider a Okc proposal (let’s say they want our 1-2-3 pick for Cody Williams say for example). If they offered Josh Giddey and their picks currently #9 and #11 would you consider it? I think some really nice players that would fit around Wemby would fall right in that range. Reed might even fall there.

you’re not going to get anybody to bite with giddey. If you wanted people to actually consider your offer your starting point needs to be Cason Wallace

[sfernald]

you’re not going to get anybody to bite with giddey. If you wanted people to actually consider your offer your starting point needs to be Cason Wallace

Giddey is basically Topic’s best case comp so if you don’t like Giddey don’t even think about drafting Topic and he might end up much worse. Giddey has had one bad season because he has been crowded out by rising stars of Okc but he would be the second best players on the spurs.

[sfernald]

you’re not going to get anybody to bite with giddey. If you wanted people to actually consider your offer your starting point needs to be Cason Wallace

I’m sure Okc would do that assuming again that they were totally in love with Cody. Cason Wallace is the lesser player between him and Giddey at this point for sure. There’s a reason he’s not starting. I like him but wouldn’t let him stop this deal. What he does he does well, but his shooting percentages are dropping fast and he’s pretty limited in the breath of what he does on the court.

[The Truth #6]

Giddey's off court baggage likely will scare off the FO. But on the court, the poor shooting is a concern. Teams don't even guard him on the perimeter sometimes. That said, he rebounds well and passes the ball well. I'm curious how much the legal drama has affected him. I had proposed him as a target last Summer. It's hard to say now if he could be had for cheap versus is it even worth it.

[sfernald]

Giddey's off court baggage likely will scare off the FO. But on the court, the poor shooting is a concern. Teams don't even guard him on the perimeter sometimes. That said, he rebounds well and passes the ball well. I'm curious how much the legal drama has affected him. I had proposed him as a target last Summer. It's hard to say now if he could be had for cheap versus is it even worth it.


He’s 33% from three dude. Without checking that probably makes him the second best three point shooter in the spurs starting lineup lol.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Giddey is basically Topic’s best case comp so if you don’t like Giddey don’t even think about drafting Topic and he might end up much worse.

I'm not Topic's biggest fan but no, this isn't true. Topic projects to be someone who is crafty enough to get to his spots, get to the rim and finish well. Giddey is awful at this. Topic's shot also projects to improve, while Giddey has been proving his shot isn't trending up. Also, Topic is actually guarded when he shoots 3s, Giddey shoots when there's no defender in sight.


He’s 33% from three dude.

He's basically the same level of shooter that Sochan and Collins are, identical volume as well. At least Sochan's shot appears to be improving.


Without checking that probably makes him the second best three point shooter in the spurs starting lineup lol.

Try checking more then. Giddey's EFG% would rank 11th on the spurs, tied with Branham and his TS% would be 14th.

Also, watch an OKC game and see how defenses treat him and why he's getting benched so often.

[sfernald]

I'm not Topic's biggest fan but no, this isn't true. Topic projects to be someone who is crafty enough to get to his spots, get to the rim and finish well. Giddey is awful at this. Topic's shot also projects to improve, while Giddey has been proving his shot isn't trending up. Also, Topic is actually guarded when he shoots 3s, Giddey shoots when there's no defender in sight.



He's basically the same level of shooter that Sochan and Collins are, identical volume as well. At least Sochan's shot appears to be improving.



Try checking more then. Giddey's EFG% would rank 11th on the spurs, tied with Branham and his TS% would be 14th.

Also, watch an OKC game and see how defenses treat him and why he's getting benched so often.

I’ve watched every Okc game this year. Giddey scored like the first 9 points of the last game. People are irrationally down on him right now but that just tells me spurs should buy low. He’s best when he doesn’t force it to score and plays the game naturally and he heads towards a triple double cause he is a great passer and rebounder. He is left open all the time because he’s like the only starter on the team who isn’t shooting nearly 40% on three. Teams have no choice in the matter really. If he’s covered like he would be as a spur (cause teams would leave sochan or champagne open instead probably) he won’t take those threes but he’s a smart player and will drive and pass and create things. Number one he is a playmaker. He’s such a good passer he handles every single inbound for the team. Coach will even put him back in the game just for an inbound.

As a second year player he had 17/8/6 stats. Those would be dream stats for topic let’s be realistic here. Kid player in a very weak league and hasn’t shown anything in euro league so it’s even debatable if he’s nba material until he comes back from injury. Regression happens sometimes especially third year. Doesn’t mean he won’t come right back with 17/8/6 next year if put in a better situation. He has proven himself in the nba and is a starter on one of the best teams in the league. Again he would immediately become the spurs second best player and would unlock Wemby.

[exstatic]

Giddey is basically Topic’s best case comp so if you don’t like Giddey don’t even think about drafting Topic and he might end up much worse. Giddey has had one bad season because he has been crowded out by rising stars of Okc but he would be the second best players on the spurs.

Topić finishes well at the rim in a more physical, less spaced European league. In addition, he shoots 88% from the FT line. In his year before being drafted, Giddey shot 69% from the FT line, a poor shooting signal that has carried over to his NBA career, in spite of having Chip Englland on staff. They’re nearly nothing alike, other than being tall for the position.

[exstatic]

I’m sure Okc would do that assuming again that they were totally in love with Cody. Cason Wallace is the lesser player between him and Giddey at this point for sure. There’s a reason he’s not starting. I like him but wouldn’t let him stop this deal. What he does he does well, but his shooting percentages are dropping fast and he’s pretty limited in the breath of what he does on the court.

Cason Wallace is Jrue Holiday in the making. He’s already stealing minutes from Giddey as a rookie, and that will only continue. If 50/41/78 are his “dropping percentages”, yes please.

[sfernald]

Cason Wallace is Jrue Holiday in the making. He’s already stealing minutes from Giddey as a rookie, and that will only continue. If 50/41/78 are his “dropping percentages”, yes please.

like I said he’s good for what he is but he’s not a playmaker. He’s a connective piece with decent hands but short and limited in function. A sort of 3 and D guard. Look at his percentages the last 10 games or so. He’s not Jrue Holiday not even close.

[ambchang]

Giddey is basically Topic’s best case comp so if you don’t like Giddey don’t even think about drafting Topic and he might end up much worse. Giddey has had one bad season because he has been crowded out by rising stars of Okc but he would be the second best players on the spurs.

Giddey actually has one good season. If we are looking at shooting, his league adjusted shooting are ALL below 100, except his second year FG+, which was 101, and this year's FT+, which is at 105%. His FG and TS Add were negatives in all three years. His shooting from 16ft out is just bad (less than 35%). 91% of his 3s are assisted (96% this year). I love his passing, especially given his size, but his O/D Rtg difference has been negative all three years, despite playing on a pretty good OKC team. As shocking as it sounds, his shooting numbers and profile are pretty close to Sochan across the board, and we all agree Sochan sucks in shooting.

As for Topic, I haven't really watched him play outside of highlights, but so far, I am not sure of why people are fawning all over him. He looks good against bad comp, so his stint at Euroleague will really determine his potential, but he has quite a few red flags. Put Reed Sheppard in the Adriatic league and he'd look like Jimmer in the CBA.

[sfernald]

Giddey actually has one good season. If we are looking at shooting, his league adjusted shooting are ALL below 100, except his second year FG+, which was 101, and this year's FT+, which is at 105%. His FG and TS Add were negatives in all three years. His shooting from 16ft out is just bad (less than 35%). 91% of his 3s are assisted (96% this year). I love his passing, especially given his size, but his O/D Rtg difference has been negative all three years, despite playing on a pretty good OKC team. As shocking as it sounds, his shooting numbers and profile are pretty close to Sochan across the board, and we all agree Sochan sucks in shooting.

As for Topic, I haven't really watched him play outside of highlights, but so far, I am not sure of why people are fawning all over him. He looks good against bad comp, so his stint at Euroleague will really determine his potential, but he has quite a few red flags. Put Reed Sheppard in the Adriatic league and he'd look like Jimmer in the CBA.

Again he’s not a shooter, he’s a playmaker. You give him the ball and let him create things with his passing and such. He’s what I guess Pop was hoping Sochan could be best case in the PG experiment. He needs reps tho. It’s hard for him to get the reps to be consistent with Shai and now JDub in front him pounding the ball. He really is a bad fit on that team. This spurs team desperately needs his skill set though. They would look like a different team with him running the show and he would look like a different player. How many turnovers did they have in their last game? They need a maestro.

And what I’m saying is buy low on him. It’s not him or Topic. Its topic or him, #9 and #11. #9 could possibly even be Reed Shepherd cause no one knows where he’ll get drafted. Maybe #11 could be Dunn, perhaps the best defensive prospect to come along in years.

Also, since he’s so tall you could also use the Toronto pick on Dill and they would fit well in the back court and there you go you got your go to scorer.

[couchman]

Can someone take this Giddey trash out of our draft thread?

[Splits]

Giddey needs to start dropping the hammer on more than mid-teens for me to consider

[spurraider21]

1762858034064191917

[DesignatedT]

https://youtu.be/YW8j7WpWFnc?si=iazYIDzQkqYRxxeg

[spurraider21]

^yeah, he's still quite rough around the edges, and i think anybody who thinks he comes into the NBA able to play the 4, particularly offensively, will be pretty disappointed

but his defense is already quite good and the outline is there for a very good offensive player too, like a taller and more skilled Duren

he still just turns 19 in a couple of months, but if we think wemby looked out of place at the 4 to start the season, Sarr would be worse. though he might have some better directional change on defense

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/YW8j7WpWFnc?si=iazYIDzQkqYRxxeg

I’m glad this shows the lowlights. People will focus on the good and ignore the bad. What’s evident here is the poor defensive awareness he has in the paint, it’s almost Zach Collins-like… biting on fakes, not boxing out, not offering any rim protection… and then the trying-hard on offense that resulted in bad turnovers or bad misses. This is everyone’s projected top 2 pick that they are so enamored with because mock drafts are saying so. Not actually watching the games.

He would be the 9thish pick in a normal draft and nowhere near worthy what would be expected from a top pick.

[TD 21]

I don't know when people are going to comprehend that this team can't afford to sink any more significant assets/roles into questionable - non shooters.

They're literally the worst 3-point shooting team in the league (and would be the worst offense period if not for significant injuries to the Hornets, Grizzlies and Trail Blazers).

There's a grand total of one player who stresses defenses from beyond the arc (obviously Vassel) and only one other who even comes close, but is a fringe rotation player masquerading as a starter (obviously Champagnie).

Yes, players can and do improve upon it, but you can't have a team full of that or you get what we've seen for years here.

No, shooting mid 30s on low volume, unguarded spot ups doesn't constitute being a threat.

[spurraider21]

I don't know when people are going to comprehend that this team can't afford to sink any more significant assets/roles into questionable - non shooters.

They're literally the worst 3-point shooting team in the league (and would be the worst offense period if not for significant injuries to the Hornets, Grizzlies and Trail Blazers).

There's a grand total of one player who stresses defenses from beyond the arc (obviously Vassel) and only one other who even comes close, but is a fringe rotation player masquerading as a starter (obviously Champagnie).

Yes, players can and do improve upon it, but you can't have a team full of that or you get what we've seen for years here.

No, shooting mid 30s on low volume, unguarded spot ups doesn't constitute being a threat.
ive always felt Sarr's 3 point shot was illusory, and have been adamant that we cant use both picks on non-shooters (i know rascal has long been touting Topic + Castle, for instance).

i dont study the nba draft nearly as much as i do for the NFL, so i usually end up deferring to other people's takes and scouting reports i find online. my only position on Sarr is that if they truly think he is the clear best prospect, i dont think the spurs have a good enough roster to prioritize fit if there is a clear talent gap

if there is no talent gap, or if its marginal, sure take the better positional fit and shooter

[sfernald]

Can someone take this Giddey trash out of our draft thread?

he’s provably the best inbound passer in the league. Need any more reason for the spurs to grab this trash?

[TD 21]

my only position on Sarr is that if they truly think he is the clear best prospect, i dont think the spurs have a good enough roster to prioritize fit if there is a clear talent gap

There's exceptions to every rule and this is one: A GOAT level C prospect, in an era where playing multiple together is untenable offensively, would not be optimized playing next to a virtual non shooting C.

The PF should be the one spacing for him. Not him attempting to do so for an inferior player.

If they land at 2 or 3 and Risacher is gone but Sarr is on the board, I'd shop the pick either for a young veteran or move back a few spots and select Sheppard.

[spurraider21]

There's exceptions to every rule and this is one: A GOAT level C prospect, in an era where playing multiple together is untenable offensively, would not be optimized playing next to a virtual non shooting C.

The PF should be the one spacing for him. Not him attempting to do so for an inferior player.

If they land at 2 or 3 and Risacher is gone but Sarr is on the board, I'd shop the pick either for a young veteran or move back a few spots and select Sheppard.
id probably shop the pick then as well unless im convinced that sarr is just a monster and its worth figuring out the fit later. unless Topic comes back like gangbusters in euroleague and becomes a must-take

[Mr. Body]

Dalton effin Knecht.

In the right situation he could vie for ROY next year. Down year, maybe, but he's going to come right out of the box.

[onechance87]

Dalton effin Knecht.

In the right situation he could vie for ROY next year. Down year, maybe, but he's going to come right out of the box.

man is instant offense...not sure who is better,knecht,matas,holland,furphy.

[spurraider21]

Dalton effin Knecht.

In the right situation he could vie for ROY next year. Down year, maybe, but he's going to come right out of the box.
Almost hung a 40 burger over a ranked team. Good stuff

[onechance87]

if knecht was 2 years younger,He would be top 3 pick.Think he is maybe top 10 rn.

[Mr. Body]

Almost hung a 40 burger over a ranked team. Good stuff

Auburn is the fifth ranked defense in the NCAA, too.

[mo7888]

if knecht was 2 years younger,He would be top 3 pick.Think he is maybe top 10 rn.

I don't think he's top 10 right now based on how much emphasis teams put on younger players with 'upside', but i think he should be. I've got him in the tier starting with #9 going through the mid teens . Top 10 isn't a stretch in my opinion...

[SpursBills]

1762858034064191917

Here's the thing about Sheppard - there's this misconception that he's not able to keep up his insane efficiency if he increases his usage. But if you dig into the numbers (I use Bart Torvik) and sort his games by USG%, what you see is that his AST% goes way up (expected) while his TO% actually goes down (unexpected) with high USG games (i.e. games where he's forced to assume a lot more ball-handling duties). The clips above show that he's still able to get some separation and is actually able to finish pretty well around the rim from a number of tough angles. This and the clips above suggest to me that he is capable of acting as a primary ball handler. To me as of right now he's a must-draft with the raptors pick. If Topic ends up showing out in Euroleague, you take them both and run rascal's 3 guard rotation where Reed can toggle between off-ball with Topic and on-ball with Vassell providing shooting and draft a wing next year with one of your 2-3 draft picks. If Topic sucks in Euroleague, take the best wing you can this year with your own pick.

[DAF86]

Interesting game with KY vs MSU tonight. I've been impressed by Josh Hubbard and wanted to see how he matches up with Shephard and Dilly.. at the half Hubbard has 12, Shephard 9, and Dilly 0.

Full transparency- I didn't see the 1st (just looking at stats). I wanted to see how they matchup size-wise. Hubbard is reportedly only 5'10", but he's a little tank.

oYe2abOw1Zs?si=uEj46nTAnqs7bpwa

Honestly, I would be fine with drafting any of these three guards (Dillingham, Sheppard, Hubbard) with the Raptors' pick.

[baseline bum]

Dalton effin Knecht.

In the right situation he could vie for ROY next year. Down year, maybe, but he's going to come right out of the box.

Good size and can shoot the three so should be a decently high floor. Might be pretty nice with the Toronto pick if it conveys.

[DAF86]

On second look, Hubbard's efficiency isn't all that. I wonder if he could be had at the second round.

[The Truth #6]

We should be happy to get Knecht with the TOR pick. Lots of holes to fill on the team, but scoring is one of them. Might be redundant with Devin but that's perhaps a good thing if we need to make moves. I've been preaching Knecht for a few weeks now. This is his first year in a real college program. He still has upside imo. But whatever. At least not someone with huge bust potential. Our pick will be the typical development pick. Now I just don't know if Wright can pivot away from 19 year old prospects.

[Mr. Body]

We should be happy to get Knecht with the TOR pick. Lots of holes to fill on the team, but scoring is one of them. Might be redundant with Devin but that's perhaps a good thing if we need to make moves. I've been preaching Knecht for a few weeks now. This is his first year in a real college program. He still has upside imo. But whatever. At least not someone with huge bust potential. Our pick will be the typical development pick. Now I just don't know if Wright can pivot away from 19 year old prospects.

The whole league is in love with 19 year olds. That's why there's increasing grumbles about teams slowly starting to look at older players who can actually play and why there's so many picks (1-40) who flame out before their second contract. And why we see the Jacquez types really popping.

It's unsustainable.

Not saying Knecht is the guy, but this team needs floor raisers and not big swings. We got our big swing and it's an eight-run homer (somehow). I just want guys who aren't scared of making mistakes and won't play timid. Like... if Dalton Knecht comes out and scores 15 ppg and fairly good defense and never improved a ton, I'm probably even absolutely fine with that as a baseline.

I can see Knecht getting up into top 8 territory or more. This is the year where that could happen.

[spurraider21]

If TOR pick falls out of top 10 think Knecht becomes a worthwhile target. I’d take him over a guy like Salaun

[scott]

On second look, Hubbard's efficiency isn't all that. I wonder if he could be had at the second round.

Did someone mention he was 5’10” earlier? When’s the last time a sub 6-footer was drafted (maybe it was just last year, IDK, just seems like it would be a major hurdle these days)

[Mr. Body]

If TOR pick falls out of top 10 think Knecht becomes a worthwhile target. I’d take him over a guy like Salaun

Why is 10 the magic number? Why wouldn't you pick a player at 8 if he's good enough? What player do you think will be at 8 who is worth more than Knecht?

[Spursfanfromafar]

Here's the thing about Sheppard - there's this misconception that he's not able to keep up his insane efficiency if he increases his usage. But if you dig into the numbers (I use Bart Torvik) and sort his games by USG%, what you see is that his AST% goes way up (expected) while his TO% actually goes down (unexpected) with high USG games (i.e. games where he's forced to assume a lot more ball-handling duties). The clips above show that he's still able to get some separation and is actually able to finish pretty well around the rim from a number of tough angles. This and the clips above suggest to me that he is capable of acting as a primary ball handler. To me as of right now he's a must-draft with the raptors pick. If Topic ends up showing out in Euroleague, you take them both and run rascal's 3 guard rotation where Reed can toggle between off-ball with Topic and on-ball with Vassell providing shooting and draft a wing next year with one of your 2-3 draft picks. If Topic sucks in Euroleague, take the best wing you can this year with your own pick.

I completely agree. Sheppard seems to be not just putting up phenomenal numbers but he is doing because of an advanced feel for the game. Such players stick in the modern NBA longer than others. I also think the Spurs can draft Topic and Sheppard together, provided Topic stands out well in the Euroleague but the best case scenario for me would be to draft Risacher with the Spurs' first pick and Sheppard with the second if he is available.

[spurraider21]

Why is 10 the magic number? Why wouldn't you pick a player at 8 if he's good enough? What player do you think will be at 8 who is worth more than Knecht?
I don’t know what the magic number is. I don’t have a defined big board in mind. But it’s not just a matter of where you value them. You want to squeeze value out of your picks. It’s possible you could trade down, get additional assets, and still get your guy. We see these kind of draft day trades all the time.

as far as prospects who are likely to be valued more than knecht (not as far as who would be best fits for the spurs), you probably have, in no particular order

sarr, risacher, topic, Williams, holland, buzelis, Sheppard, dillingham, castle, filipowski, collier and probably others as well. You have to play the board, not just grab “your guys” regardless of your draft position

[objective]

It’s possible you could trade down, get additional assets, and still get your guy. We see these kind of draft day trades all the time.


It can also backfire. 2017 Denver traded out of 12 to 21 convinced they had Anunoby locked up. When Toronto took him at 20, Denver was so out of their minds that couldn't think straight and took Tyler Lyndon on tilt. (Local hero Derrick White went 29)

[Slippy]

I’m glad this shows the lowlights. People will focus on the good and ignore the bad. What’s evident here is the poor defensive awareness he has in the paint, it’s almost Zach Collins-like… biting on fakes, not boxing out, not offering any rim protection… and then the trying-hard on offense that resulted in bad turnovers or bad misses. This is everyone’s projected top 2 pick that they are so enamored with because mock drafts are saying so. Not actually watching the games.

He would be the 9thish pick in a normal draft and nowhere near worthy what would be expected from a top pick.

I remember reading an article about this game where local reports said how there were 5 or 6 nba execs there for that game. . The spurs were not represented which would indicate they not interested or smokescreen?

Get what you're saying about going by mock drafts..should be pointed out.. Sass's level of play from last year to this year has improved heaps. More game experience and simply getting wiser will help improve that defensive awareness .

He definitely no Zack Collins .

[Dejounte]

I don’t know what the magic number is. I don’t have a defined big board in mind. But it’s not just a matter of where you value them. You want to squeeze value out of your picks. It’s possible you could trade down, get additional assets, and still get your guy. We see these kind of draft day trades all the time.

as far as prospects who are likely to be valued more than knecht (not as far as who would be best fits for the spurs), you probably have, in no particular order

sarr, risacher, topic, Williams, holland, buzelis, Sheppard, dillingham, castle, filipowski, collier and probably others as well. You have to play the board, not just grab “your guys” regardless of your draft position

Trading up to get your guy is more commendable than trading down to get your guy. For all the crap OKC gets for drafting Dieng (a reach), they at least got the guy they wanted and felt strongly about. That’s better than whatever extra pennies a team gets because the player they want might be available a few positions later. In many cases, it’s not even like that… you see teams trading doen because they lost their guy who got drafted one draft position before them. Playing this game of getting more value is as silly as it gets and I don’t think it’s as common as people think it is, meaning those trades happen but mostly for the reasons I just described.

[Bruno]

Topic should be back on March 7 for an euroleague game against Monaco.

https://twitter.com/SportalSrbija/status/1763169142503272762

[Ignazzz]

7th Of March return expected

[mo7888]

oYe2abOw1Zs?si=uEj46nTAnqs7bpwa

Honestly, I would be fine with drafting any of these three guards (Dillingham, Sheppard, Hubbard) with the Raptors' pick.

I don't expect Hubbard to come out this year from what I've heard around the team, but yes, they all bring things we need..

[spurraider21]

Trading up to get your guy is more commendable than trading down to get your guy. For all the crap OKC gets for drafting Dieng (a reach), they at least got the guy they wanted and felt strongly about. That’s better than whatever extra pennies a team gets because the player they want might be available a few positions later. In many cases, it’s not even like that… you see teams trading doen because they lost their guy who got drafted one draft position before them. Playing this game of getting more value is as silly as it gets and I don’t think it’s as common as people think it is, meaning those trades happen but mostly for the reasons I just described.
Having to panic pick at 21 in an indictment on the nuggets draft prep a more than anything.

[SPURt]

1763258571158892605

Already > Collins

[Splits]

1763258571158892605

Already > Collins

Damn I hope that TOR pick conveys so we can nab this nig

[JPB]

I keep believeing Topic is gonna fall in the draft and (gut feeling) is never gonna be more than a 3rd string in the NBA... Overhyped to me.

[spurraider21]

think you're banking on a Scottie Barnes like improvement from 3

1763300995390480596

[sfernald]

Check out this nice article on Cody Williams:

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/colorados-cody-williams-aims-to-be-top-nba-draft-pick-follow-brother-jalen-williams-a-lottery-pick-in-2022/amp/

[intlspurshk]

Dalton Knecht is rising and he addresses the shooting issues of the team. He looks like a much safer pick if Toronto pick converts

[Ditty]

Bruno, is there any similarities and differences you have seen between Bilal and Risacher? Who do you think is the better prospect and has more potential? Anyone else can chime in also.

[alfahdlan]

Dalton Knecht is rising and he addresses the shooting issues of the team. He looks like a much safer pick if Toronto pick converts

To give added perspective, Knetch is to Tennessee as to what Reeves is to Kentucky. Knetch has FG/FT/3P clip of 48.2/76.6/41.4 as to 50.1/87.9/44.2 to Reeves in as many attempts in FG and 3P. Knetch has +30 made free throw though.

[NickiRasgo]

Topic looks like a bigger Jimmer Fredette to me and just more on pass first.
I dunno but it seems Killian Hayes type feel to me or could be worse.
To be fair, Killian Hayes seems more promising prior to the draft.

[mo7888]

Bruno, is there any similarities and differences you have seen between Bilal and Risacher? Who do you think is the better prospect and has more potential? Anyone else can chime in also.

Coulibaly is much more raw. I thought he was an extreme stretch for Washington. I had him 21 on my board and i think he benefitted from playing with Wemby. Risacher has more skill, better feel, and is a much better player.

[Twisted_Dawg]

Trading up to get your guy is more commendable than trading down to get your guy. For all the crap OKC gets for drafting Dieng (a reach), they at least got the guy they wanted and felt strongly about.


That’s better than whatever extra pennies a team gets because the player they want might be available a few positions later. In many cases, it’s not even like that… you see teams trading doen because they lost their guy who got drafted one draft position before them. Playing this game of getting more value is as silly as it gets and I don’t think it’s as common as people think it is, meaning those trades happen but mostly for the reasons I just described.

To your point, in the 2013 draft the Spurs waited patiently at the 28 pick for Gobert, only to be taken at 27 by Utah. We got Labia Jean-Charles as a consolation.

In the 2008 draft, we were interested in Ibaka and Batum and waited patiently at 26 only to have Ibaka taken at 24 by Presti at Seattle, and Batum at 25 taken by Phoenix and immediately traded to Portland whose GM had just left the Spurs.

[onechance87]

Bruno (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2449), is there any similarities and differences you have seen between Bilal and Risacher? Who do you think is the better prospect and has more potential? Anyone else can chime in also.

if risacher shooting is real and can defend,Risacher would be the better prospect.We need guys who can shoot and defend.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Ulrich Chomche


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCstPa6rW9I

Will be interesting to see where this guy goes in the draft. I think this he is going to be a late riser, and wouldnt be surprised to see a team use a top 3 or top 5 pick on him if he performs well at the combine and in individual workouts. He has rare athletic tools and appears to be a plus volume 3 point shooter.

Scouting Report
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-cameroons-ulrich-chomche

[DAF86]

Ulrich Chomche


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCstPa6rW9I

Will be interesting to see where this guy goes in the draft. I think this he is going to be a late riser, and wouldnt be surprised to see a team use a top 3 or top 5 pick on him if he performs well at the combine and in individual workouts. He has rare athletic tools and appears to be a plus volume 3 point shooter.

Scouting Report
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-cameroons-ulrich-chomche

Do you imagine this guy at the 4 and Wemby at the 5?

[rankingtear]

if risacher shooting is real and can defend,Risacher would be the better prospect.We need guys who can shoot and defend.

Definitely, hope we get the first pick cause I don't see anybody passing on that guy.

[jjspur]

I tend to look at things realistically. The best the spurs will pick is probably 3. I know in the lottery anything can happen, but I just don't see the spurs landing a top 2 pick after landing Wemby last year. That being said I look at who would be available from pick 3 to 6 since that is where the spurs most likely will be picking. Please don't quote percentages, we all know what they are already. We can also look at the number 7 Toronto pick as well since it's looking like it might convey this year.

We absolutely need a point guard and some scoring. Considering what position they are being drafted, both players selected should be able to fit in at least as a top 10 player on the team. No 2-4 year projects. Doing that will all but give us another 20 win season if that much. Think of players that could compliment our bench or even be a part time starter - not someone glued to the G-League for 2 years, flop and get cut while still being paid. We also have two 2nd round picks. Trade those for a better bench player as well. Second rounders sometimes do well, but mostly don't. The G-League is full of them trying for a shot at an end of the bench position.

All in all, there are decent players in this upcoming draft that could very much improve the team, we just don't need to waste another year of Wemby's career by drafting player's who need another two plus years of development (Ignite players anyone). That would be a true injustice to our only superstar. The objective is to really improve not stay the same 20 win team like Detroit.

[mo7888]

I tend to look at things realistically. The best the spurs will pick is probably 3. I know in the lottery anything can happen, but I just don't see the spurs landing a top 2 pick after landing Wemby last year. That being said I look at who would be available from pick 3 to 6 since that is where the spurs most likely will be picking. Please don't quote percentages, we all know what they are already. We can also look at the number 7 Toronto pick as well since it's looking like it might convey this year.

We absolutely need a point guard and some scoring. Considering what position they are being drafted, both players selected should be able to fit in at least as a top 10 player on the team. No 2-4 year projects. Doing that will all but give us another 20 win season if that much. Think of players that could compliment our bench or even be a part time starter - not someone glued to the G-League for 2 years, flop and get cut while still being paid. We also have two 2nd round picks. Trade those for a better bench player as well. Second rounders sometimes do well, but mostly don't. The G-League is full of them trying for a shot at an end of the bench position.

All in all, there are decent players in this upcoming draft that could very much improve the team, we just don't need to waste another year of Wemby's career by drafting player's who need another two plus years of development (Ignite players anyone). That would be a true injustice to our only superstar. The objective is to really improve not stay the same 20 win team like Detroit.

If you assume 3-6 then Risacher and Sarr ate probably off the board. You're looking at Topic or Buzelis. Then the Toronto pick (if it conveys) you're looking at Salaun, Williams, Knecht, or JaKobe if we take Topic first or one of Shephard, Dillingham, Collier, or Castle if we go Buzelis first.

[Mr. Body]

Ulrich Chomche


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCstPa6rW9I

Will be interesting to see where this guy goes in the draft. I think this he is going to be a late riser, and wouldnt be surprised to see a team use a top 3 or top 5 pick on him if he performs well at the combine and in individual workouts. He has rare athletic tools and appears to be a plus volume 3 point shooter.

Scouting Report
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-cameroons-ulrich-chomche

Someone that completely raw and uncertain won't go top 5. Salaun is very raw as it is and he's probably going lottery. Chomche will probably go in the 20s at the earliest, but even then teams will see it as a big swing. I see early SRP.

[DAF86]

zhaMj3sl874?si=tHC6I4RrLYewyKPs

Risacher with our pick
Sheppard with the Raptors pick
Chomche with the 2nd round pick.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Someone that completely raw and uncertain won't go top 5. Salaun is very raw as it is and he's probably going lottery. Chomche will probably go in the 20s at the earliest, but even then teams will see it as a big swing. I see early SRP.

I think you would be amazed at the number of times NBA teams have taken raw, athletic, offensively versatile bigs extremely high in the NBA draft. It happens quite regularly, to be honest.

[Bruno]

Bruno, is there any similarities and differences you have seen between Bilal and Risacher? Who do you think is the better prospect and has more potential? Anyone else can chime in also.

Risacher is way more productive this year than Coulibaly last year was. Coulibaly had some very good games/plays but he was overall quite bad. Risacher is already a good player in french league. I like Risacher significantly more. He may not be as athletic/explosive but he is more skilled and has a higher BBIQ.

I would say that Tidjane Salaün is the one that has a lot of similarities to Coulibaly. They have both a very intriguing package of basic skills and physical abilities but they need to put them together. As an obvious main difference, Salaün if bulkier and should end up playing PF.

A comparison I like a lot for Risacher is Nicolas Batum. To me, Batum is Risacher's floor. For his ceiling, I'm not sure.

[Mr. Body]

I think you would be amazed at the number of times NBA teams have taken raw, athletic, offensively versatile bigs extremely high in the NBA draft. It happens quite regularly, to be honest.

With the top of the lottery? No. Like a top five pick? Are you joking?

[spurraider21]

Risacher is way more productive this year than Coulibaly last year was. Coulibaly had some very good games/plays but he was overall quite bad. Risacher is already a good player in french league. I like Risacher significantly more. He may not be as athletic/explosive but he is more skilled and has a higher BBIQ.

I would say that Tidjane Salaün is the one that has a lot of similarities to Coulibaly. They have both a very intriguing package of basic skills and physical abilities but they need to put them together. As an obvious main difference, Salaün if bulkier and should end up playing PF.

A comparison I like a lot for Risacher is Nicolas Batum. To me, Batum is Risacher's floor. For his ceiling, I'm not sure.
Batum comp is pretty apt. Or something in between Batum and Michael Porter Jr.

Batum became a pretty good connective playmaker and passer but that didnt really come along for a while. He averaged about 1.5 assists or less in each of his first 4 seasons, only really breaking through in that department in his age 24 season. For whatever concerns people have about Risacher's lack of playmaking exhibition, he's only still about to turn 19

[Mr. Body]

I'm personally not concerned about Risacher's lack of playmaking. I'm concerned about his lack of rebounding and whether he actually plays good defense. Drafting a good shooter who can't do anything else or play great defense with a top 3 pick would really suck.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

With the top of the lottery? No. Like a top five pick? Are you joking?

If he really impresses in the pre-draft circuit, anything is possible. All the top guys will have to play in the combine this year, so teams may weigh that more highly. If he performs well at the combine, then he'll probably get a number of team workouts. If he impresses there and starts really generating some draft buzz, then there is always one team willing to take a chance on a guy like that super early in the draft. This year has no set top 10 like previous drafts, so I'm expecting super weird things to happen.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Do you imagine this guy at the 4 and Wemby at the 5?

I can imagine it, and to be honest I find the prospect pretty exciting.

[Mr. Body]

Ok buddy

[jjspur]

Risacher and Sarr are both decent players most likely going 1 & 2. Unless the spurs get the first or 2nd pick, we aren't getting either one of these guys. I feel like Buzelis is Luka Sammich 2.0 with more energy and is also an Ignite player so pass on that guy as well. Considering our two favorite players will probably be gone by the time we get our first pick, Sheppard and Kenect who would be great selections if we draft late ( pick five and above). I'm thinking Topic is going to drop and with a decent tournament Kyle Filiipowsky will rise. Not a whole lot of size in the top 10 other than guys in the top 2. So one of the sweet shooting guards with our first pick and a tall Dukie who can rebound, pass and score as well with our second pick. Maybe a trade might happen. We'll know in a few months. Bottom line , we need better shooting and better passing ASAP.

[Mugen]

I think it'll still depend on how the top 5 lottery shakes out.

Detroit, Spurs, and probably the Hornets would take Risacher. I think the Blazers, Wizards, and Grizz would go Sarr tbh.

[Pauleta14]

March Madness could still change a lot of things. If Cody shines for ex

If Topic makes a good come back as well...

There are still no clear top 3-5 imo

[Russ]

Risacher and Sarr are both decent players most likely going 1 & 2. Unless the spurs get the first or 2nd pick, we aren't getting either one of these guys. I feel like Buzelis is Luka Sammich 2.0 with more energy and is also an Ignite player so pass on that guy as well. Considering our two favorite players will probably be gone by the time we get our first pick, Sheppard and Kenect who would be great selections if we draft late ( pick five and above). I'm thinking Topic is going to drop and with a decent tournament Kyle Filiipowsky will rise. Not a whole lot of size in the top 10 other than guys in the top 2. So one of the sweet shooting guards with our first pick and a tall Dukie who can rebound, pass and score as well with our second pick. Maybe a trade might happen. We'll know in a few months. Bottom line , we need better shooting and better passing ASAP.

The Spurs are lacking a penetrating passer. Completely lacking.

That could change the whole picture more than any other thing they could acquire.

[BackHome]

This team needs a lot of new talent:

We need a starting PG
We need a starting SF
We need a starting PF

We need a backup PG who can hit the 3 ball
We need a better backup SG someone who can be a plus on offense and defense
We need a better backup for Wemby

[spurraider21]

1763426063785267312

[onechance87]

The Spurs are lacking a penetrating passer. Completely lacking.

That could change the whole picture more than any other thing they could acquire.

you thinking topic

[DAF86]

1763426063785267312

I'm not sure what blueprint he's implying, tbh.

Is he saying Tre is the starting PG of the future and we shouldn't improve on that position?

[The Truth #6]

I think that is what he's saying.

[Ariel]

I'm not sure what blueprint he's implying, tbh.

Is he saying Tre is the starting PG of the future and we shouldn't improve on that position?
I think he means real PG + 3 pt shooting, more than anything. Tre (and Vassell too) can definitely be improved, but you need someone who can run a team's offense and you need proper spacing. Those 2 are non negotiables.

[rankingtear]

I'm not sure what blueprint he's implying, tbh.

Is he saying Tre is the starting PG of the future and we shouldn't improve on that position?

Inverted pick and roll with Tre. DHO with Devin. I've said it a thousand times, Wemby does not need a helio guy, he needs guys that can move around him when he functions as a pnr ballhandler and dho hub. His offensive versatility and playmaking is wasted as a roll man.

[JPB]

We first need to know what spurs intentions are before stating what they need in this draft. If they trade for Trae, obviously it changes everything. With Trae/Tre as starter and backup, there's no point picking a PG (like Topic that I don't want anyway).

Now, even if you can sign a vet swingman to streghthen your rotation around Vic and Trae, Risacher is versatile enough to get playing time as a backup wing and can play 2-3-4, à la Batum... Same for a vet big. Depending on if Collins is on the trade package, even if you sign an experienced big to play along Vic, you can still pick Sarr as a backup 4-5.

[Ignazzz]

Do you imagine this guy at the 4 and Wemby at the 5?

lets make a deal for Chet our new PF and then draft this guy on SF.
nicola from our first and I can live with Devin as SG. Or trade him for OG.

[spurraider21]

I'm not sure what blueprint he's implying, tbh.

Is he saying Tre is the starting PG of the future and we shouldn't improve on that position?
I don’t think he means Tre specifically but a good distributing pg + wemby + shooters.

wemby doing this well with a non shooting pg could also alleviate concerns about topic’s shooting questions. Especially if you upgrade the SF spot

[Knoxxx]

Ulrich Chomche


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCstPa6rW9I

Will be interesting to see where this guy goes in the draft. I think this he is going to be a late riser, and wouldnt be surprised to see a team use a top 3 or top 5 pick on him if he performs well at the combine and in individual workouts. He has rare athletic tools and appears to be a plus volume 3 point shooter.

Scouting Report
https://www.si.com/nba/draft/prospect-profiles/nba-draft-scouting-report-cameroons-ulrich-chomche

Perhaps most impressively, he doesn’t throw the ball to the other team after every rebound.

[Mr. Body]

March Madness could still change a lot of things. If Cody shines for ex

If Topic makes a good come back as well...

There are still no clear top 3-5 imo

I agree that things can definitely shift. It'll shift until draft day, imo, a year like the Banchero/Jabari Smith year when it wasn't clear who Orlando was going to pick, but even moreso.

The tournament may greatly help some players, the way Mathurin exploded during his year.

The combine and team workouts will change things even more.

As a note, Cody Williams likely won't be in the tournament. Colorado, despite having three likely drafted players, is on the outside looking in. USC definitely will not play, as they are totally out (Isaiah Collier).

[Mr. Body]

Sat afternoon basketball.

Consistently put Dillingham in my top 5. Maybe a consequence of a weak draft, but he has elite quickness and puts pressure on the rim at a near elite level, limited mostly by his physical weakness, which might improve. Very good handles, good vision and, for Spurs purposes, very good at throwing lobs. Concerns about defense are obvious, but he's actually improving, imo. Clearly is working on it. There's no one in this draft that is elite at certain skills like he is.

Any case, Kentucky was down at home vs. an Arkansas team desperate (too late) to turn things around. Dillingham came in and put tons of pressure on the paint with his drives. Wasn't shooting well today, but this ignited a stagnant Wildcat offense. He had some makes and lobs/assists and that made the game.

Consistently, too, think Sheppard is a high-end role-player and, given his also diminutive height, this restricts his value. His defense is also not really great, but he does make very heady and some very eye-popping plays. Every time I watch them, I confirm having him lower.

Furphy didn't have a good or remarkable game against a strong Baylor team, perhaps wasn't big enough for the moment, but he's ahead of where he was expected to be (not likely for this draft). His limitations seemed to be there - does not initiate offense (partly due to role), wasn't strong enough to have a defensive impact (but movement and positioning was fine), didn't play scared or timid but just wasn't a player for this game. I'd have him late lottery or teens right now.

EDITED: Oh, Ivisic. If he comes out this year, which I think is likely, definitely someone to consider trading into the 20s to get. If he ranges in the teens, maybe not, but there's good stuff there.

[mo7888]

Sat afternoon basketball.

Consistently put Dillingham in my top 5. Maybe a consequence of a weak draft, but he has elite quickness and puts pressure on the rim at a near elite level, limited mostly by his physical weakness, which might improve. Very good handles, good vision and, for Spurs purposes, very good at throwing lobs. Concerns about defense are obvious, but he's actually improving, imo. Clearly is working on it. There's no one in this draft that is elite at certain skills like he is.

Any case, Kentucky was down at home vs. an Arkansas team desperate (too late) to turn things around. Dillingham came in and put tons of pressure on the paint with his drives. Wasn't shooting well today, but this ignited a stagnant Wildcat offense. He had some makes and lobs/assists and that made the game.

Consistently, too, think Sheppard is a high-end role-player and, given his also diminutive height, this restricts his value. His defense is also not really great, but he does make very heady and some very eye-popping plays. Every time I watch them, I confirm having him lower.

Furphy didn't have a good or remarkable game against a strong Baylor team, perhaps wasn't big enough for the moment, but he's ahead of where he was expected to be (not likely for this draft). His limitations seemed to be there - does not initiate offense (partly due to role), wasn't strong enough to have a defensive impact (but movement and positioning was fine), didn't play scared or timid but just wasn't a player for this game. I'd have him late lottery or teens right now.

EDITED: Oh, Ivisic. If he comes out this year, which I think is likely, definitely someone to consider trading into the 20s to get. If he ranges in the teens, maybe not, but there's good stuff there.

I watched that Ky game today and i came away with something different. Dilly had a short spurt that was good, but overall i just wasn't impressed. I mean, i can't drop him much lower on my board (#9, but in the 5-9 tier) because of everyone else. Comparing he and Shephard (same tier) I see Shephard as a solid role player who could start vs Dilly as a hot/cold bench guy.

On the Baylor Kansas game i agree with your Furphy take. On the Baylor side i was very disappointed in JaKobe. Basically laid an egg with low bbiq that really didn't offer much when his shot wasn't falling.

[Mr. Body]

I watched that Ky game today and i came away with something different. Dilly had a short spurt that was good, but overall i just wasn't impressed. I mean, i can't drop him much lower on my board (#9, but in the 5-9 tier) because of everyone else. Comparing he and Shephard (same tier) I see Shephard as a solid role player who could start vs Dilly as a hot/cold bench guy.

On the Baylor Kansas game i agree with your Furphy take. On the Baylor side i was very disappointed in JaKobe. Basically laid an egg with low bbiq that really didn't offer much when his shot wasn't falling.

Dillingham had a bad game... then won the game. UK loses without him. I don't know if that translates, but this isn't the first game he lifted the team out of the mire and nearly beat TAMU (forced overtime with a series of threes) and LSU (detonated down the stretch). Maybe he gives away more than he gives overall, but it's a pattern, which is impressive for a freshman. Even if he comes off the bench in the NBA, as he does now, his ability to take over games has a good chance of translating.

[mo7888]

Dillingham had a bad game... then won the game. UK loses without him. I don't know if that translates, but this isn't the first game he lifted the team out of the mire and nearly beat TAMU (forced overtime with a series of threes) and LSU (detonated down the stretch). Maybe he gives away more than he gives overall, but it's a pattern, which is impressive for a freshman. Even if he comes off the bench in the NBA, as he does now, his ability to take over games has a good chance of translating.

Yup... that's pretty much right. It has a good chance of translating. I am concerned about his wingspan and how that'll affect his ability to finish in a league with a lot more length.

As of now, I probably hope someone else takes him higher and causes someone else to drop. I just think that in the top 10 I'm not stoked about taking a guy with his profile.

[mo7888]

Isaiah Collier is showing out today. He's showing the skill set that had him in contention for the #1 pick before the season started.

[Bruno]

^ Yep, USC sucks but he was great. To me, he is for sure a strong candidate for at least the Raptors pick.

[Mr. Body]

Collier is a big body that moves very well. Reminds me of Scoot -- not airborne, but chunky. Collier may be faster.

But to me he was spamming a lot of the same AAU type moves. Washington couldn't keep him out of the lane, which is great for Collier, but right now I don't see much diversity or a skillset that works for the Spurs. I hope someone takes him high, though.

[mo7888]

Collier is a big body that moves very well. Reminds me of Scoot -- not airborne, but chunky. Collier may be faster.

But to me he was spamming a lot of the same AAU type moves. Washington couldn't keep him out of the lane, which is great for Collier, but right now I don't see much diversity or a skillset that works for the Spurs. I hope someone takes him high, though.

He hit a couple 3's early in rhythm, and the shot looked smooth and natural. I liked that, what i don't like is that team as a whole looks undisciplined and untethered (like your AAU comment).

Bronny looks completely uninterested out there. He is either lazy or just dgaf...

[mo7888]

^ Yep, USC sucks but he was great. To me, he is for sure a strong candidate for at least the Raptors pick.

I think so, too. He's got a lot more upside than Shephard or Dilly.... he's got a lot more downside, too

[spurraider21]

I just doing see any point guarding from Collier

[mystargtr34]

If the Spurs could get Risacher or Williams with their pick then one of Shepard, Dillingham, Collier with the Raps pick then they’ve taken a solid step forward in solving two of their biggest weaknesses. All you can ask for really. Big wing who can shoot at the 3/4 spot and an upgrade at the 1.

Then you’ll still have a war chest of picks to make a splash for a superstar if desired.

[duncan2150]

Isaiah Collier is showing out today. He's showing the skill set that had him in contention for the #1 pick before the season started.

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1764075442833645955

[Mr. Body]

I just doing see any point guarding from Collier

Same. He's an older school shoot-first point guard.

Those first threes looked great, but when he misses, there's no touch, they rocket off the rim or they are just off. This plays out with his free throws. If they don't go in, there's little shooter's touch.

[rascal]

Same. He's an older school shoot-first point guard.

Those first threes looked great, but when he misses, there's no touch, they rocket off the rim or they are just off. This plays out with his free throws. If they don't go in, there's little shooter's touch.

Not really

Pure shooters hit all net. You hear and see the net snap with the proper arc on the shot. Those three point shots he made hit the rim.

[CGD]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1764075442833645955

It’s funny, the old Wizards regime could be counted on to take a reach player like this with a top3 selection. Suspect that’s not the case anymore, but we’ll see.

[Mr. Body]

Not really

Pure shooters hit all net. You hear and see the net snap with the proper arc on the shot. Those three point shots he made hit the rim.

Yeah, like the inside of the rim. Lots of his shots are wildly off. If they hit the rim elsewhere they usually go astray. Like I said, no shooter's bounce.

[Mr. Body]

It’s funny, the old Wizards regime could be counted on to take a reach player like this with a top3 selection. Suspect that’s not the case anymore, but we’ll see.

Oh man you're totally right. He'd score 22 ppg and get like 2 apg and lose all sorts of games, yet the media would talk him up.

[Pauleta14]

Collier looked more like Keldon on this vid than a potential NBA PG to me

[BackHome]

I watched that Ky game today and i came away with something different. Dilly had a short spurt that was good, but overall i just wasn't impressed. I mean, i can't drop him much lower on my board (#9, but in the 5-9 tier) because of everyone else. Comparing he and Shephard (same tier) I see Shephard as a solid role player who could start vs Dilly as a hot/cold bench guy.

On the Baylor Kansas game i agree with your Furphy take. On the Baylor side i was very disappointed in JaKobe. Basically laid an egg with low bbiq that really didn't offer much when his shot wasn't falling.

I couldn’t watch all the game but when Arkansa was making a run early Sheppard stepped up and calmly hit back to back 3 balls and nothing but net