2024 NBA Draft Thread

[TD 21]

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.

Williams can't shoot and isn't really a big wing given his lack of strength (same goes for Risacher and Buzelis).

I don't see it with him or Buzelis, as far as being a fit on this team and yet they'll probably end up with one if/when they're out of Risacher range.

The last thing they need is another string bean, who lacks explosiveness, can't shoot and in the case of one, defend on ball. Virtually everything about them sounds theoretical thanks to the fetish with wings/forwards.

[Mr. Body]

Point of order, Cody Williams actually CAN shoot. His shooting efficiency is very high - although he doesn't shoot often from range (1.9 in 30 minutes) - and his ft% isn't great. He converts at a high percentage on drives and around the rim

But it's about the only thing he does. He has a good frame and can get stronger. He's a willing passer.

[Chinook]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBEbDbPU-E0&ab_channel=NBASwish

This guy doesn't seem to be much of a Spurs scholar, but his vid showed up in my feed so why not?

I don't know how I'd feel about Sarr. I think the guy is right that Wemby wants to be a stretch four. I just don't think the team would spend a top-three pick ensuring that happens. Someone like Filipowski at 10 would make more sense as a swing big. Buzelis seems like an intriguing forward, though I don't know about taking him in the top three. The same is true of Dillingham. I hope the Raptors pick conveys, because I think they can get two rotation players from the draft, which can plug some holes after a big trade or become trade pieces themselves for people who swing that way.

[Slippy]

Think another factor Gms will keep in mind about Sarr compared to other prospects. He goes up against fully developed adults in a league that allows physical play more than the nba and values defense.

[Pauleta14]

I could be wrong but Australian league seems weaker than european ones. More spacing less defense less packed paints etc

Also fully developped adults in europe but higher BBIQ

[Slippy]

Ya no.. you have no idea what its like . It's pretty much rhe opposite.

The point was he youngen going up against men in a pro league.

[Pauleta14]

Explain me the diff with europe where they play against men too then?

[Mr. Body]

Not too impressed by NBL by what I've watched and none of the players who have come out of there in the draft have been great. Giddey is already stagnating.

[Pauleta14]

First name in mind was Ball, not sure what he learned defensively

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Point of order, Cody Williams actually CAN shoot. His shooting efficiency is very high - although he doesn't shoot often from range (1.9 in 30 minutes) - and his ft% isn't great. He converts at a high percentage on drives and around the rim

But it's about the only thing he does. He has a good frame and can get stronger. He's a willing passer.

How much you believe in his shooting is the differentiator on him as a prospect, I believe. I’m more willing to ignore the ft% projections and the low volume three attempts and look at his form, which looks great to me. He’s got a very polished and fundamentally sound stroke.

The other question is how much his projection is based on his brother. But he’s three inches taller and his numbers at the same age (against much better competition) are better. I need to take a deeper dive but I’m moving into the territory where this guy is the best prospect in the draft. He looks like a Swiss Army knife to me offensively - he can initiate pick and roll, he can be the screener, he can iso, he should be able to post up smaller guys, and he can be a floor spacer. The iq seems like it’s there to handle it.

On defense, he’s going to grow into his body and get stronger. And holy shit he’s long. He and Victor playing the passing lanes would be a nightmare.

[TD 21]

Point of order, Cody Williams actually CAN shoot. His shooting efficiency is very high - although he doesn't shoot often from range (1.9 in 30 minutes) - and his ft% isn't great. He converts at a high percentage on drives and around the rim

But it's about the only thing he does. He has a good frame and can get stronger. He's a willing passer.

Point of order, what you're alluding to is called finishing which is not the same as what I was clearly referencing and that is spacing or spreading the floor.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I doubt they are going to go with a no dribble or shoot player like Sarr after benching the Collins experiment.

[DAF86]

How much you believe in his shooting is the differentiator on him as a prospect, I believe. I’m more willing to ignore the ft% projections and the low volume three attempts and look at his form, which looks great to me. He’s got a very polished and fundamentally sound stroke.

The other question is how much his projection is based on his brother. But he’s three inches taller and his numbers at the same age (against much better competition) are better. I need to take a deeper dive but I’m moving into the territory where this guy is the best prospect in the draft. He looks like a Swiss Army knife to me offensively - he can initiate pick and roll, he can be the screener, he can iso, he should be able to post up smaller guys, and he can be a floor spacer. The iq seems like it’s there to handle it.

On defense, he’s going to grow into his body and get stronger. And holy shit he’s long. He and Victor playing the passing lanes would be a nightmare.

Williams' pullup stroke is hard to watch, slow and mechanic, doesn't hit at all. Add that to the poor FT shooting and the small sample size in 3's and I just don't trust Williams' shooting at all.

[Mr. Body]

Point of order, what you're alluding to is called finishing which is not the same as what I was clearly referencing and that is spacing or spreading the floor.

Bruh, look at his outside shooting. He shoots .457 from deep. It's the internet. Right there to look at.

[Mr. Body]

Williams' pullup stroke is hard to watch, slow and mechanic, doesn't hit at all. Add that to the poor FT shooting and the small sample size in 3's and I just don't trust Williams' shooting at all.

I don't like him as a prospect. He is slow and mechanic in practically everything he does. He's slow moving. He hits a wildly great percentage driving, but they all look like tough shots to me... because he's weak and can't get into better positions. Those shots aren't going to get easier in the NBA.

He looks like a good teammate and willing to play in the system. Stuff you like. But he doesn't play great defense. Maybe strength will help. He passes well, but isn't a creator. He doesn't rebound.

What he does have is a brother, and this is entirely what people are basing their draft position of him on. If he didn't have a successful brother, he'd be talked about for next year or maybe in the 20s. I might have Kyshawn George or Johnny Furphy over him right now.

Maybe he pans out. I hope he does. But there's another point in disfavor about his brother: Jalen eventually became great by doing his work in the trenches at Santa Clara. Cody won't get as much court time to develop. Getting 15 minutes a game or time in G League is not going to be the same.

[Splits]

USC (https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/team/_/id/30/usc-trojans) freshman guard Bronny James (http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4683774/bronny-james) is expected to weigh his entry into the 2024 NBA draft based on specific team interest, not draft position, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN on Saturday.

"I don't value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation," the agent for James' father, LeBron James (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/1966/lebron-james), told ESPN on Saturday.

With the 33rd pick in the NBA draft, the San Antonio Spurs select....

[TimmehC]

And now the starting lineups for YOUR Austin Spurs... ^^

[Splits]

At 6'9", starting at small forward, number 23.... ^^

[AFBlue]

Big fan of Missi...kid is only scratching the surface of his potential and is getting better every game. Would love to see a consistent 15ft jump shot, but he's a high upside big that could play well off Wemby.

[Splits]

no more fucking Baylor players in the lottery. And I'm a Baylor alum. Walter has bust written all over him.

[Splits]

How badly did the Celtics fuck us for the Derrick White trade? As much draft capital we have from the DJM trade to Atlanta, imagine if we had DW right now. We got basically nothing in return.

:lol Blake Wesley
:lol Romeo Langford
:lol Josh Richardson
:lol 2028 swap
:lol 4 2nd round picks

If we had this nig still, shit would be so much easier to build around VW

[Mr. Body]

I really like Matas Buzelis to crash back into the top 3. Announcers will get confused draft night and say he's also an international. I can see OKC going up and getting him if they can. He's they're type of player.

[TD 21]

Bruh, look at his outside shooting. He shoots .457 from deep. It's the internet. Right there to look at.

Bruh, he's 16/35 on probably mostly wide open spot ups, his ft% is 70.8 (usually a good indicator of one's potential to extend their range) and if you read/listen to any analysis about him, you'd know his shooting is considered highly suspect.

This is the last organization that should be spending a top probably 3-5 pick on a player who in all likelihood will take a bunch of years just to be an adequate, low volume spot up option (that defenses will still ignore).

[mo7888]

I really like Matas Buzelis to crash back into the top 3. Announcers will get confused draft night and say he's also an international. I can see OKC going up and getting him if they can. He's they're type of player.

He's headed there. He's already back to #3 on Givony's Board.

[DAF86]

How badly did the Celtics fuck us for the Derrick White trade? As much draft capital we have from the DJM trade to Atlanta, imagine if we had DW right now. We got basically nothing in return.

:lol Blake Wesley
:lol Romeo Langford
:lol Josh Richardson
:lol 2028 swap
:lol 4 2nd round picks

If we had this nig still, shit would be so much easier to build around VW

There's no Wemby if we wouldn't have traded White, so I'm fine with it. The same with drafting Vassell over Haliburton. Butterfly effect working beautifuly for the Spurs.

Also, we can get our White 2.0 by drafting Sheppard.

[Mr. Body]

Derrick White is going to be 30 years old this summer. He was undervalued by the league, but whatever.

[Mr. Body]

He's headed there. He's already back to #3 on Givony's Board.

I really like him. Moves really well for his size, great handles for his size, can grab a board and move immediately, good weak-side shotblocker. Pretty slippery with his handle and agility, which is great. I think his rebounding is a bit overrated due to G League, but at least he rebounds. I think he may have more in his bag as a playmaker thatn we've seen in Ignite. Questions about his defense, but I think he's good, bites on fakes and stuff, but that's seasoning. Also believe his shooting will improve. His form is good and he hit well in high school.

He could have reclassified and gone earlier from high school, but says he didn't want to skip steps. The Spurs will love that. :lol

Btw, G League is garbage. It can help individual players develop specific skills, and that's great, but it's horrible to watch, boring and random and barely structured. Even the camera work is bad. Older players can help themselves here, but I don't think it's good for players who aren't drafted yet.

[mo7888]

I really like him. Moves really well for his size, great handles for his size, can grab a board and move immediately, good weak-side shotblocker. Pretty slippery with his handle and agility, which is great. I think his rebounding is a bit overrated due to G League, but at least he rebounds. I think he may have more in his bag as a playmaker thatn we've seen in Ignite. Questions about his defense, but I think he's good, bites on fakes and stuff, but that's seasoning. Also believe his shooting will improve. His form is good and he hit well in high school.

He could have reclassified and gone earlier from high school, but says he didn't want to skip steps. The Spurs will love that. :lol

Btw, G League is garbage. It can help individual players develop specific skills, and that's great, but it's horrible to watch, boring and random and barely structured. Even the camera work is bad. Older players can help themselves here, but I don't think it's good for players who aren't drafted yet.

He's #4 on my board, but I'd have him top 3 on a Spurs board ahead of Sarr, and i could make an argument for #1. The one thing that kinda stand out besides the things you mentioned is that alot of reports have him listed at 6'10" or 6'11" and while he's thin, his frame is pretty good. I could see him adding enough mass to play the 4 in a few years. He's perfectly interchangeable with Sochan on the defensive end, and if he can shoot like he did in high school (which I'm not sold on yet), he's interchangeable on the offensive end as well.

In this draft, he's got to be in consideration with our top pick.

[Mr. Body]

He's #4 on my board, but I'd have him top 3 on a Spurs board ahead of Sarr, and i could make an argument for #1. The one thing that kinda stand out besides the things you mentioned is that alot of reports have him listed at 6'10" or 6'11" and while he's thin, his frame is pretty good. I could see him adding enough mass to play the 4 in a few years. He's perfectly interchangeable with Sochan on the defensive end, and if he can shoot like he did in high school (which I'm not sold on yet), he's interchangeable on the offensive end as well.

In this draft, he's got to be in consideration with our top pick.

Shooting is definitely the swing skill, but I have no reason to think he won't get better there. And, yeah, definitely, he looks (and says he is) about 6'10" or 6'11". With how he moves, and some good hops, that's excellent. Great frame and athleticism for that size.

I keep seeing him as a Franz Wagner lite. That's a great archetype if he's not too far behind him.

Really don't know where I'd rank him. And my wish list for the Spurs would be different than a general mock. I find it impossible to rate Topic but think he needs to slide down. Sarr may be good, but I don't list him for the Spurs (that high), and I'd rather take Buzelis than Risacher. Just believe his has more possibilities and potential than Risacher, who I think is a bit wysiwyg.

I'd be very happy to see teams take those other players and have Buzelis drop a few spots. I do have him top 5 right now.

[Mr. Body]

One thing I like vis-a-vis Sochan is they're both really fast for their size. Can put a lot of pressure in transition and drives.

[baseline bum]

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

Yeah can't say I'm too excited about taking a Dave Kingman swing where it's either strikeout or home run, but much more likely the former. Really not excited about any low floor guy like him. Feel similar about Topic too.

[spurraider21]

Ivisic/Kolek as guys to take in early second or trading back up for late first are ones i really like

[rascal]

One thing I like vis-a-vis Sochan is they're both really fast for their size. Can put a lot of pressure in transition and drives.

Sochan isn't fast and he isn't that big for a PF at 6'8.

[mo7888]

Shooting is definitely the swing skill, but I have no reason to think he won't get better there. And, yeah, definitely, he looks (and says he is) about 6'10" or 6'11". With how he moves, and some good hops, that's excellent. Great frame and athleticism for that size.

I keep seeing him as a Franz Wagner lite. That's a great archetype if he's not too far behind him.

Really don't know where I'd rank him. And my wish list for the Spurs would be different than a general mock. I find it impossible to rate Topic but think he needs to slide down. Sarr may be good, but I don't list him for the Spurs (that high), and I'd rather take Buzelis than Risacher. Just believe his has more possibilities and potential than Risacher, who I think is a bit wysiwyg.

I'd be very happy to see teams take those other players and have Buzelis drop a few spots. I do have him top 5 right now.

Franz is my comp for him as well. Both guys can make passes in transition with either hand that most players can't.

I always just do a general Big Board because I know timvp is going to put together a breakdown on his Spurs BB, but I wouldn't have Sarr, Holland, or Williams as high on a Spurs centric board as I do on my general one.

[mo7888]

Yeah can't say I'm too excited about taking a Dave Kingman swing where it's either strikeout or home run, but much more likely the former. Really not excited about any low floor guy like him. Feel similar about Topic too.

The downside scares me as well on Collier. It's mitigated a bit if we end up with two picks. I think Collier has a much greater bust potential than Topic though. Topic is a guy who I expect to shoot better in the NBA than he has in Europe, much like I thought NSJ would shoot better from 3 in the nba than he did at Arkansas.

[DAF86]

Ax2W4oyOf-g

[Pauleta14]

Thankfully not realistic but Lebron coming to SA to ride Wemby's coattail would be a nightmare.

Not sure why some of u fantisized on him

[Slippy]

Explain me the diff with europe where they play against men too then?

Dont follow the euro league to compare. NBL has a next stars program with the NBA that allows players like Sarr to come to play pro ball here instead of college..

Larmelo Ball came out of that program.and yes so did Josh Giddy.

[AFBlue]

no more fucking Baylor players in the lottery. And I'm a Baylor alum. Walter has bust written all over him.

I said Missi, not Walter. A legit 7-footer who moves with his fluidity and has his upside (just started playing basketball a couple years ago) shouldn't be overlooked because of where he went to college.

[rascal]

Dont follow the euro league to compare. NBL has a next stars program with the NBA that allows players like Sarr to come to play pro ball here instead of college..

Larmelo Ball came out of that program.and yes so did Josh Giddy.

This board is under rating Sarr. A couple of guys in here out smart themselves trying to go against the general consensus on a player and end up convincing others in here.

[BackHome]

I would be shocked if Sarr is not going to be the number 1 pick...

[TheGreatYacht]

Ax2W4oyOf-g
Fucking stud. Kyrie reincarnated. Showed a preview of what’s to come with Wemby

Can’t believe he’s compared to “Nikola Topic”

[FuzzyLumpkins]

This board is under rating Sarr. A couple of guys in here out smart themselves trying to go against the general consensus on a player and end up convincing others in here.

dude still cannot dribble or shoot.

[mystargtr34]

Man I’d be stoked with either Dilly or Sheppard with that Raptors pick. Both can play the 1 spot for the Spurs albeit very different players.

Hopefully one or both are still there at 7.

Good thing for the Spurs is the Blazers and Grizzlies who are projected to pick 5-6 are guard heavy and need wings. Hornets are 4 could be a dark horse to take Dilly or Sheppard.

[CGD]

Fucking stud. Kyrie reincarnated. Showed a preview of what’s to come with Wemby

Can’t believe he’s compared to “Nikola Topic”

Kyrie he says…

[Ariel]

I really like him. Moves really well for his size, great handles for his size, can grab a board and move immediately, good weak-side shotblocker. Pretty slippery with his handle and agility, which is great. I think his rebounding is a bit overrated due to G League, but at least he rebounds. I think he may have more in his bag as a playmaker thatn we've seen in Ignite. Questions about his defense, but I think he's good, bites on fakes and stuff, but that's seasoning. Also believe his shooting will improve. His form is good and he hit well in high school.

He could have reclassified and gone earlier from high school, but says he didn't want to skip steps. The Spurs will love that. :lol

Btw, G League is garbage. It can help individual players develop specific skills, and that's great, but it's horrible to watch, boring and random and barely structured. Even the camera work is bad. Older players can help themselves here, but I don't think it's good for players who aren't drafted yet.
I have a feeling Risacher and Buzelis are pretty high on the Spurs' board, possibly top 3 both of them. I don't think either of them will be available by Toronto's pick, but I if there's a chance to grab both, I wouldn't be shocked if that's exactly what they do rather than pick up a PG.

[DAF86]

Fucking stud. Kyrie reincarnated. Showed a preview of what’s to come with Wemby

Can’t believe he’s compared to “Nikola Topic”

Why do you have Trae on your avatar pic? We'll get a discount Trae by picking Dilly with the Raptors' pick.

[Mr. Body]

I have a feeling Risacher and Buzelis are pretty high on the Spurs' board, possibly top 3 both of them.

Probably. Again, no idea how to rank Topic. Sarr is a 'nice to have,' but no sense in using an incredibly high draft pick on a Nerlens Noel who has to come off the bench.

I might rather go for Castle before Topic.

[Mr. Body]

Why do you have Trae on your avatar pic? We'll get a discount Trae by picking Dilly with the Raptors' pick.

This is correct. If you really want Trae Young make sure you get Dillingham instead. He won't cost you $60 million a year and jack up all kinds of stupid shots.

[Ariel]

dude still cannot dribble or shoot.
He's got ways to go as far as shooting, but he's not horrendous (about 30% from 3 & 70% from the line, last I checked). But he CAN put the ball on the floor, the guy is super agile and coordinated, has excellent mobility and can keep up laterally with wings. If the Spurs buy into his shot having a chance to develop, I think he could pair with Wemby very well, where on defense Wemby would operate more as a rim protector and Sarr would guard on the perimeter, and possibly the opposite on offense given Wemby's incredible improvements from 3.

[TheGreatYacht]

Unpopular opinion but I’d like to use the Raptors pick to move back and get an extra pick. Maybe work a deal for both of New York’s late firsts. Not a fan of mock drafts having us pick Cody Williams. He’s not even my favorite prospect on Colorado. That would be KJ Simpson.

Rob Dillingham with our first pick
Ryan Dunn with NY’s 1st
KJ Simpson with NY’s 1st via DAL
Zach Edey with our 2nd rounder

[mo7888]

I have a feeling Risacher and Buzelis are pretty high on the Spurs' board, possibly top 3 both of them. I don't think either of them will be available by Toronto's pick, but I if there's a chance to grab both, I wouldn't be shocked if that's exactly what they do rather than pick up a PG.

If I had to guess I'd think the Spurs Board looks something like this:

Risacher
Buzelis
Topic
Salaun
Shephard

Just a guess..

[TheGreatYacht]

Why do you have Trae on your avatar pic? We'll get a discount Trae by picking Dilly with the Raptors' pick.
Dilly is my guy if we don’t trade for Trae. Standing pat isn’t a problem to me as long as we take HIM. Now if we don’t make a move for Trae and take Nikola fucking Topic, I’ll meltdown.

I would rather have a scoring PG that would need to work on his playmaking over a playmaking PG that can’t shoot. IMO it’s easier to get better at being a facilitator than it is to fix a broken shot.

[Ariel]

Ivisic/Kolek as guys to take in early second or trading back up for late first are ones i really like
I'd throw in Ajay Mitchell (my personal favorite at #33) or KJ Simpson in there too.

[DAF86]

4k0VBcEoegA

Chomche with the 2nd round pick, tbh.

[rascal]

He's got ways to go as far as shooting, but he's not horrendous (about 30% from 3 & 70% from the line, last I checked). But he CAN put the ball on the floor, the guy is super agile and coordinated, has excellent mobility and can keep up laterally with wings. If the Spurs buy into his shot having a chance to develop, I think he could pair with Wemby very well, where on defense Wemby would operate more as a rim protector and Sarr would guard on the perimeter, and possibly the opposite on offense given Wemby's incredible improvements from 3.

Sarr is a good dribbler for a 7 footer. He wouldn't be the projected top pick if he couldn't dribble or shoot. You aren't drafting Sarr as a high volume 3 point shooter.

It would give Wemby some flexibility to play away from the basket at times( this would make him happy to not be stuck at center all the time) with another rim defender in Sarr. I am expecting Wemby to improve enough as a 3 pt shooter to be a matchup nightmare. Sarr enables Wemby to play away from the basket at times.

Sarr is also a strong athletic finisher at the rim. Sochan cannot be effective defensively in the post, he's too short and doesn't jump well as a shot blocker intimidator and Collins shouldn't be in the rotation at the 5. Sarr gives the spurs another athletic 7 foot defender which will be huge when Wemby sits.

It will take the Spurs to get the first pick probably to have a chance at getting Sarr but if they do you draft him then take the best PG with the Toronto pick as there will be pg options with the Toronto pick.

[onechance87]

is matas buzelis rebound and shotblocking foreal...Seems to be good at rebounding and blocking shots.
But his team losing alot....Not gonna judge him on that,Cause we got wemby and are losing.
But whats the reason they losing this much,Bad teammates or bad coaching or what.

[mo7888]

is matas buzelis rebound and shotblocking foreal...Seems to be good at rebounding and blocking shots.
But his team losing alot....Not gonna judge him on that,Cause we got wemby and are losing.
But whats the reason they losing this much,Bad teammates or bad coaching or what.

Ignite is a poorly run dumpster fire playing older guys in a pretty pathetic G-league

[TrainOfThought5]

Dilly is my guy if we don’t trade for Trae. Standing pat isn’t a problem to me as long as we take HIM. Now if we don’t make a move for Trae and take Nikola fucking Topic, I’ll meltdown.

I would rather have a scoring PG that would need to work on his playmaking over a playmaking PG that can’t shoot. IMO it’s easier to get better at being a facilitator than it is to fix a broken shot.

Branham and Gary Neal have entered the chat.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

He's got ways to go as far as shooting, but he's not horrendous (about 30% from 3 & 70% from the line, last I checked). But he CAN put the ball on the floor, the guy is super agile and coordinated, has excellent mobility and can keep up laterally with wings. If the Spurs buy into his shot having a chance to develop, I think he could pair with Wemby very well, where on defense Wemby would operate more as a rim protector and Sarr would guard on the perimeter, and possibly the opposite on offense given Wemby's incredible improvements from 3.

Sure he can bounce the ball but his offense is basically roll man, slasher, and transition. He is not doing isoes or running pnr. He doesn't have much of a post game.

I don't hate him. He reminds of Dwight Howard's game. I mean that as a compliment in that Howard was a player that came in and was effective immediately and never got better because of his lack of dedication. I am assuming Sarr has a better head so his floor is high and his ceiling higher.

[alfahdlan]

Ivisic/Kolek as guys to take in early second or trading back up for late first are ones i really like

Maybe Justin Edwards and Antonio Reeves of Kentucky are in that range too. What if we could have 2 guards from kentucky who shoot 40+ or 50 percent from 3?

https://www.secsports.com/statistics/mens-basketball/player/scoring/points/desc

[TheGreatYacht]

Branham and Gary Neal have entered the chat.
Nikola Topic has entered the chat

1764490161763516755

[Bruno]

Sarr's career path is quite unique. He started to play in France. From 14 to 16 years old he played with Real Madrid youth teams in Spain. From 16 to 18 years old, he played in the US for the overtime elite league. He is playing this year in Australia.
He is an 18 years old that has already played in 4 countries.

Regarding Sarr, the obvious question is what kind of player do you want to put alongside Wembanyama in the frontcourt. Personally, I want to put a lot of mobility and spacing around Victor. I don't think Spurs should spend a top10 pick on a big that is slow and/or without a good 3 point shot. Sarr, Filipowski, Clingan or Edey aren't good picks for Spurs.

[CGD]

If I had to guess I'd think the Spurs Board looks something like this:

Risacher
Buzelis
Topic
Salaun
Shephard

Just a guess..

I bet Cody will be up there closer to the end.

[rankingtear]

I bet Cody will be up there closer to the end.

Why do you think so? Can't get a read on Cody, he does not fit any desirable archetype.

[Ariel]

Sarr's career path is quite unique. He started to play in France. From 14 to 16 years old he played with Real Madrid youth teams in Spain. From 16 to 18 years old, he played in the US for the overtime elite league. He is playing this year in Australia.
He is an 18 years old that has already played in 4 countries.

Regarding Sarr, the obvious question is what kind of player do you want to put alongside Wembanyama in the frontcourt. Personally, I want to put a lot of mobility and spacing around Victor. I don't think Spurs should spend a top10 pick on a big that is slow and/or without a good 3 point shot. Sarr, Filipowski, Clingan or Edey aren't good picks for Spurs.
Sarr is in a completely different category than the other 3 guys in terms of mobility. Probably the one thing he's got in common with them is that they both have 2 legs and 2 arms, other than that they're completely different players. The shooting aspect is a valid concern though, if the Spurs are confident on some of the other big wings out there (Risacher, Buzelis) it definitely makes a lot of sense to go with them as a complement to Wemby.

[Ariel]

Branham and Gary Neal have entered the chat.
Dillingham is miles ahead of Branham both as a 3 pt shooter (elite) and as a playmaker (good and improving), and there's not even a difference in terms of defense (both horrid). Not a comparable situation.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Dillingham is miles ahead of Branham both as a 3 pt shooter (elite) and as a playmaker (good and improving), and there's not even a difference in terms of defense (both horrid). Not a comparable situation.

Sorry but watching Branham fighting over screens last nights against NBA wings and I find to give this take credence difficult.

[objective]

I saw a post once on the RewlGM draft board that argued that Sarr was an overrated athlete and finisher due to how many of his dunk attempts grazed rim and other layup attempts should have been dunks

Having only watched highlight reels or scouting videos, that is something that struck me as well, at least in the number of layup and short short attempts in the clips that could/should have been dunks if he was really such a great athlete. Limited sample biased by the footage available, so I don't know if that's really an issue or not

Are people sure he is that kind of elite above the rim athlete to be good enough for a top 3 or 5 pick?

[Mr. Body]

Sarr is in a completely different category than the other 3 guys in terms of mobility. Probably the one thing he's got in common with them is that they both have 2 legs and 2 arms, other than that they're completely different players. The shooting aspect is a valid concern though, if the Spurs are confident on some of the other big wings out there (Risacher, Buzelis) it definitely makes a lot of sense to go with them as a complement to Wemby.

My thing with Sarr isn't that he is or isn't a good player, or will be, but that the fit is so totally unclear. Of course it'd be nice to have a mobile shotblocker coming off the bench, but that's a hefty price for a backup. I don't think a non-shooting big man works as a starter alongside Wembanyama. Would I take a swing at Sarr with, say, a #10 pick? Absolutely. A top pick is too rich.

To me, the team more needs beef, and that's what we missed with Bassey going down. Filipowski is a big, strong dude, as is Clingan. I think both those guys can be credible (for their size) going out on the perimeter to defend when needed. I don't think Edey will be. In any case, those are the types I'm more interested in, for when we get slaughtered by Andre Drummond on the board or there's no stopping Embiid. At least there's some resistance.

[Mr. Body]

Sorry but watching Branham fighting over screens last nights against NBA wings and I find to give this take credence difficult.

Dillingham vs. Branham is an interesting comp to me, as someone who likes both. I root for Branham and hope he figures things out. I think he will, whether he sticks here or not.

Branham. More of a curling, midrange, pacy threat. Developing deep range threat. Threat as a cutter. More of an in-the-flow scorer. Pretty savvy finisher inside. Seems kind of scared to play well, like he needs permission to be good. Strictly a spot-up three point shooter or stepping into the shot, not a movement shooter. Content to post on wings and get the ball on secondary actions. Getting better at boarding and getting assists. Good ball-handler, but does not necessarily see the floor while moving with it. Good size and strength for his position. Dies on screens, like he hits the screen and it's over, loses effort and attention, cancels himself from defensive plays when shots go up, like his role is over. Not really great instincts, either. Starting to use his body and strength better on defense, especially on drives. Need to watch more to see if he's canceling himself and dying on screens as much. I believe he can become a better defender but will require constant engagement and purpose.

Dillingham. Works best with the ball in his hands, at least initiating, but can play off-ball. Not sure he can scale down. Exceptional quickness and mobility, changing direction and exceptionally shifty with the ball. Superb counters at his age. I think few NBA defenders will prevent him from getting to where he wants to go. Can get to the rim but weak in finishing. Small player who plays even smaller. Good but not exceptional passer, looks for lobs and skip passes. Can get really hot. Seems to have a clutch mentality. Has very good range and can shoot threes in small spaces and in movement. Will never be a rebounder. Fouls a lot. Defense is a big issue. Partly due to poor coaching, although he's engaged, communicative, and is trying hard to get better (by watching on the court). Will never overcome his size. Is lead-footed and blown by on defense, but can probably improve with seasoning. Positioning, rotations, assignments, all a mess, but improving. Quickness can make up for screens, but needs to be done.

Vs. Really different players! In almost every way - how they like their shots, how they get them, even how they're bad at defense in different ways. To me Dillingham's range of outcomes is much wider -- bust potential, star potential. Branham I think is definitely an NBA pro-level guy, long-term career. Dillingham, could go either way.

[spurraider21]

Sarr is in a completely different category than the other 3 guys in terms of mobility. Probably the one thing he's got in common with them is that they both have 2 legs and 2 arms, other than that they're completely different players. The shooting aspect is a valid concern though, if the Spurs are confident on some of the other big wings out there (Risacher, Buzelis) it definitely makes a lot of sense to go with them as a complement to Wemby.
im much less concerned about Sarr's ability to coexist with Wemby defensively than offensively.

Opposite with Filipowski

thats why i think id rather just wait and take Ivisic later as a candidate to be the lead backup. provides good shot-blocking, shooting, and passing. he's definitely more slow footed than wemby but he is pretty tall so can just hang back in drop coverage which we do anyway with a non-shotblocker in Collins

[Splits]

1764490161763516755

Giddey needs to be able to hit from 18 and out

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Giddey needs to be able to hit from 18 and out

Under 18 is really his sweet spot.

[SOMA Spur]

But still 2 for 4 from 3 last night.

[Mugen]

Under 18 is really his sweet spot.

:lol

[T Park]

Dillingham vs. Branham is an interesting comp to me, as someone who likes both. I root for Branham and hope he figures things out. I think he will, whether he sticks here or not.

Branham. More of a curling, midrange, pacy threat. Developing deep range threat. Threat as a cutter. More of an in-the-flow scorer. Pretty savvy finisher inside. Seems kind of scared to play well, like he needs permission to be good. Strictly a spot-up three point shooter or stepping into the shot, not a movement shooter. Content to post on wings and get the ball on secondary actions. Getting better at boarding and getting assists. Good ball-handler, but does not necessarily see the floor while moving with it. Good size and strength for his position. Dies on screens, like he hits the screen and it's over, loses effort and attention, cancels himself from defensive plays when shots go up, like his role is over. Not really great instincts, either. Starting to use his body and strength better on defense, especially on drives. Need to watch more to see if he's canceling himself and dying on screens as much. I believe he can become a better defender but will require constant engagement and purpose.

Dillingham. Works best with the ball in his hands, at least initiating, but can play off-ball. Not sure he can scale down. Exceptional quickness and mobility, changing direction and exceptionally shifty with the ball. Superb counters at his age. I think few NBA defenders will prevent him from getting to where he wants to go. Can get to the rim but weak in finishing. Small player who plays even smaller. Good but not exceptional passer, looks for lobs and skip passes. Can get really hot. Seems to have a clutch mentality. Has very good range and can shoot threes in small spaces and in movement. Will never be a rebounder. Fouls a lot. Defense is a big issue. Partly due to poor coaching, although he's engaged, communicative, and is trying hard to get better (by watching on the court). Will never overcome his size. Is lead-footed and blown by on defense, but can probably improve with seasoning. Positioning, rotations, assignments, all a mess, but improving. Quickness can make up for screens, but needs to be done.

Vs. Really different players! In almost every way - how they like their shots, how they get them, even how they're bad at defense in different ways. To me Dillingham's range of outcomes is much wider -- bust potential, star potential. Branham I think is definitely an NBA pro-level guy, long-term career. Dillingham, could go either way.



I've always viewed Branham as a shooting guard, never once a lead guard.


Dillingham to me screams All Star. his ability to set the table and score is amazing.

defense, eh, add another good wing defender and with Vassell Sochan and Wemby they can make up for it.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Dillingham vs. Branham is an interesting comp to me, as someone who likes both. I root for Branham and hope he figures things out. I think he will, whether he sticks here or not.

Branham. More of a curling, midrange, pacy threat. Developing deep range threat. Threat as a cutter. More of an in-the-flow scorer. Pretty savvy finisher inside. Seems kind of scared to play well, like he needs permission to be good. Strictly a spot-up three point shooter or stepping into the shot, not a movement shooter. Content to post on wings and get the ball on secondary actions. Getting better at boarding and getting assists. Good ball-handler, but does not necessarily see the floor while moving with it. Good size and strength for his position. Dies on screens, like he hits the screen and it's over, loses effort and attention, cancels himself from defensive plays when shots go up, like his role is over. Not really great instincts, either. Starting to use his body and strength better on defense, especially on drives. Need to watch more to see if he's canceling himself and dying on screens as much. I believe he can become a better defender but will require constant engagement and purpose.

Dillingham. Works best with the ball in his hands, at least initiating, but can play off-ball. Not sure he can scale down. Exceptional quickness and mobility, changing direction and exceptionally shifty with the ball. Superb counters at his age. I think few NBA defenders will prevent him from getting to where he wants to go. Can get to the rim but weak in finishing. Small player who plays even smaller. Good but not exceptional passer, looks for lobs and skip passes. Can get really hot. Seems to have a clutch mentality. Has very good range and can shoot threes in small spaces and in movement. Will never be a rebounder. Fouls a lot. Defense is a big issue. Partly due to poor coaching, although he's engaged, communicative, and is trying hard to get better (by watching on the court). Will never overcome his size. Is lead-footed and blown by on defense, but can probably improve with seasoning. Positioning, rotations, assignments, all a mess, but improving. Quickness can make up for screens, but needs to be done.

Vs. Really different players! In almost every way - how they like their shots, how they get them, even how they're bad at defense in different ways. To me Dillingham's range of outcomes is much wider -- bust potential, star potential. Branham I think is definitely an NBA pro-level guy, long-term career. Dillingham, could go either way.

Dillingham has a shot to be a Lillard type player. The issue is his limitations require him to be an elite shooter/playmaker. Topic is another player with questionable boom bust extremes. Either one would be great with the Toronto pick.

[Mr. Body]

I've always viewed Branham as a shooting guard, never once a lead guard.


Dillingham to me screams All Star. his ability to set the table and score is amazing.

defense, eh, add another good wing defender and with Vassell Sochan and Wemby they can make up for it.

Agree on Malaki as a SG definitely.

I honestly think Dillingham can improve. Like I say, a lot of his problems are positional and not knowing what to do. Unfortunately he'll still get overpowered but you have to live with that.

Wemby covers so much, though. I believe the team can make it work.

He also has leadership qualities and rises to the occasion in end games.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't really have a draft board, but

1. Risacher
2. Dillingham

are a lock for me. I think these 2 have the highest ceiling in this draft.

[DAF86]

I don't really have a draft board, but

1. Risacher
2. Dillingham

are a lock for me. I think these 2 have the highest ceiling in this draft.

1-Risacher with out pick.
2-Dillingham/Sheppard with the Raptors pick.
3.Chomche with the 2nd round pick.

My dream draft so far.

[TheGreatYacht]

Dillingham to me screams All Star. his ability to set the table and score is amazing.

defense, eh, add another good wing defender and with Vassell Sochan and Wemby they can make up for it.
Ryan Dunn. Defensively he’s Kawhi on steroids. He’s not projected to be a lottery pick, so that’s why I’d trade the Raptors pick to move back for both of NY’s late firsts :tu

[DAF86]

Ryan Dunn. Defensively he’s Kawhi on steroids. He’s not projected to be a lottery pick, so that’s why I’d trade the Raptors pick to move back for both of NY’s late firsts :tu

Trading the Raptors pick would mean no Dilly, there's not a chance the Spurs (or any other team) draft him in the top 3, tbh.

[BackHome]

I like Dilly but the kid is 160 pounds soaking wet and I think when he goes through the draft process he will measure max at 6'1 with shoes. As far as who we pick I don't have a dog in this fight but I am thinking that we will not be picking in the top 3 I think when it comes to the draft we will be picking 4 to 6 and will be getting Raptors pick which will be 8 or 9 so that makes things very interesting.

5 - Matas - SF/PF
8 - Sheppard - PG/SG
33 - Bradshaw -C
43 - Alex Karban - SF

or

6. Sheppard - PG/SG
9. Tidjane Salaun - PF
33. Carlton Carrington - PG
43. Ivisic - PF/C

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/oHUKPsYZazs?feature=shared

When everyone was out, I was in. (Same thing with Collier).

everything Matas does is way more convincing than any forward in this draft. The makings of a 3-level scorer are there. Honestly the most impressive thing is how physical he is inside.

[TheGreatYacht]

Trading the Raptors pick would mean no Dilly, there's not a chance the Spurs (or any other team) draft him in the top 3, tbh.
If that bum Cody Williams is considered a potential top 3 pick in this weak ass draft, Dillingham is there too. Y’all are really overselling most of these dudes lol

I’m hearing names like Matas Buzelis up there :lol who’s a net negative in the G-League

[alfahdlan]

Maybe, I can now return to lurking mode on ST since my drumbeating on Sheppard for Toronto pick is catching more grounds.

[DAF86]

If that bum Cody Williams is considered a potential top 3 pick in this weak ass draft, Dillingham is there too. Y’all are really overselling most of these dudes lol

I’m hearing names like Matas Buzelis up there :lol who’s a net negative in the G-League

Maybe, but nobody is taking a 6 foot nothing skinny ass kid that comes off the bench in the top 3, tbh. In any case, if you want to trade down and still get Dilly without reaching, the best thing would be to trade down from the Spurs' pick, not the Raptors one.

[DAF86]

https://youtu.be/oHUKPsYZazs?feature=shared

When everyone was out, I was in. (Same thing with Collier).

everything Matas does is way more convincing than any forward in this draft. The makings of a 3-level scorer are there. Honestly the most impressive thing is how physical he is inside.

A do it all forward with suspect shooting is less valuable for us than a limited forward with very good shooting, tbh.

e.i: a Nicolas Batum (which according to Bruno is Risacher's floor) is a lot more valuable next to Wemby than an Andrei Kirilenko with slightly better shooting.

[CGD]

Why do you think so? Can't get a read on Cody, he does not fit any desirable archetype.

I like the idea of him a lot. Point Forward with high bbiq, intentional/deliberate game that is shifty and appears to play low to the ground. Seems like he will be able to create for others while putting pressure on the rim (something we’ve all been clamoring for). Appears to be a decent shooter, albeit in small sample size. Since we had Bobo, I’ve long wanted that archetype of player again. Cody feels close.

The big question mark for me is, in theory, that is what you want from Sochan too. So do you use a draft resource on Cody or bet on Jeremy to grow into that playmaker at the forward position? Or do you pick Risacher who is more plug and play and doesn’t immediately need the ball? Or can Sochan and Cody co-exist up front with Vic bc Cody is a decent shooter/Jermey continues to improve in that area?

[DAF86]

I like the idea of him a lot. Point Forward with high bbiq, intentional/deliberate game that is shifty and appears to play low to the ground. Seems like he will be able to create for others while putting pressure on the rim (something we’ve all been clamoring for). Appears to be a decent shooter, albeit in small sample size. Since we had Bobo, I’ve long wanted that archetype of player again. Cody feels close.

The big question mark for me is, in theory, that is what you want from Sochan too. So do you use a draft resource on Cody or bet on Jeremy to grow into that playmaker at the forward position? Or do you pick Risacher who is more plug and play and doesn’t immediately need the ball? Or can Sochan and Cody co-exist up front with Vic bc Cody is a decent shooter/Jermey continues to improve in that area?

I don't trust Cody's shot coming around at all. His pull up game is non-existent. Everytime he tries to shoot off his dribble it looks awful, like prime Chuck Hayes free throw form. That takes away from his suppossed point forward potential. What kind of pressure can he put on opposing defenses when they can just sag off from him and wait him at the rim?

[exstatic]

Maybe, but nobody is taking a 6 foot nothing skinny ass kid that comes off the bench in the top 3, tbh. In any case, if you want to trade down and still get Dilly without reaching, the best thing would be to trade down from the Spurs' pick, not the Raptors one.

Devin Booker came off the bench at UK 38 times, and averaged a whopping 10.0 ppg. UK draws 3-4 absolute blue chip guards every year. Someone has to come off the bench.

[DAF86]

Devin Booker came off the bench at UK 38 times, and averaged a whopping 10.0 ppg. UK draws 3-4 absolute blue chip guards every year. Someone has to come off the bench.

If Dilly were 6'6'' he would be the unquestioned number one pick on this draft, 6th man be damned.

[onechance87]

Devin Booker came off the bench at UK 38 times, and averaged a whopping 10.0 ppg. UK draws 3-4 absolute blue chip guards every year. Someone has to come off the bench.

guy is 6 feet tall....If hes not making shots he worthless.Booker can defend and pass if hes not making shots.

[exstatic]

guy is 6 feet tall....If hes not making shots he worthless.Booker can defend and pass if hes not making shots.

:lol The next time Devin Booker plays any defense will be the first. As for the 6 foot thing, you don’t know that, and won’t until the combine when all players now have to be measured. You don’t like him, so you view him as shorter than necessary.

Booker’s asst% at UK was 10.9. Dillingham’s is 29, so touting Bookers playmaking isn’t the win you think it is.

[DAF86]

FWIW, there are social media rumblings about Dillingham growing an inch since the beginning of the college season. He did appear taller on that last couple of games (highlights) I've seen of him.

[onechance87]

FWIW, there are social media rumblings about Dillingham growing an inch since the beginning of the college season. He did appear taller on that last couple of games (highlights) I've seen of him.

whats his wingspan

[Chinook]

FWIW, there are social media rumblings about Dillingham growing an inch since the beginning of the college season. He did appear taller on that last couple of games (highlights) I've seen of him.

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/om1qzy/tom_petrini_confirming_that_keldon_has_grown_is/

I'm glad teams get access to combine measurements for every player now so they don't have to rely on reports like these.

[Mr. Body]

I don't trust Cody's shot coming around at all. His pull up game is non-existent. Everytime he tries to shoot off his dribble it looks awful, like prime Chuck Hayes free throw form. That takes away from his suppossed point forward potential. What kind of pressure can he put on opposing defenses when they can just sag off from him and wait him at the rim?

I don't think he's a point forward at all. Just because a guy is wing and can swing the ball it doesn't mean he's LeBron James.

[Mr. Body]

Concerns about Dillingham's size are well founded. Dude is tiny. I almost want to draft him just to see him next to Wemby.

Concerns about what he does if he doesn't shoot well are also founded. He has superior handles and quickness, so there's something.

But I think his shooting will translate. It's even improvable, potentially: he twists his legs or kicks them out. He's not actually uniform, which you want. The dude is just a born shooter. And a pure one - he splashes that shit and his shooter's touch is so pretty. He's like the anti-Collier.

The league has tons of small guards. And they're the types who shred us. Anfernee Simons, De'Aaron Fox, those types who you can't game plan for. Even TJ McConnell, who scores in different areas but does the same crap - gets anywhere and pops from anywhere.

[Frenchfred]

Dillingham reminds me of Iverson, he had Mutombo to cover his shortcomings in defense. So that could work with Wemby.

[alfahdlan]

Dillingham reminds me of Iverson, he had Mutombo to cover his shortcomings in defense. So that could work with Wemby.

If Rob Dil averaged 3+ steals in college like Iverson did, I'll drop Sheppard for Dillingham for sure. And Iverson averaged 2 steals in NBA.

[onechance87]

We gotta draft a player that has potential to grow and duel with wemby for the next several years.
Think its gonna have to either riscasher or playmakers in topic,Dilly or sheppard.Not sure who would
be the best choice to partner up with wemby,But gm and scouts better get it right this draft.

[Mr. Body]

We gotta draft a player that has potential to grow and duel with wemby for the next several years.
Think its gonna have to either riscasher or playmakers in topic,Dilly or sheppard.Not sure who would
be the best choice to partner up with wemby,But gm and scouts better get it right this draft.

It's Buzelis. I don't think Risacher grows much from what he already is.

[Mr. Body]

If Rob Dil averaged 3+ steals in college like Iverson did, I'll drop Sheppard for Dillingham for sure. And Iverson averaged 2 steals in NBA.

Tough thing about comparisons is that someone is thinking about one aspect of the player's game, then another person talks about a completely different one. I'm sure they were talking about offensively. However, AI was known for being a big ballhawker constantly getting out of position to try for steals.

Incidentally, hadn't looked at Iverson's college stats in forever. What different eras. Iverson shot 7.8 threes per 40 minutes and only hit .366. Dillingham also takes 7.8 threes per 40 minutes and right now hits .434.

(Iverson also was surprisingly bad from the line, although he got there a lot. He shot .683 from the free throw line.)

Iverson came out after his sophomore year. Nowadays he'd be considered spoiled goods.

[baseline bum]

It's Buzelis. I don't think Risacher grows much from what he already is.

Buzelis has such a low floor because of his shooting though. Would be hard to stomach taking with say a top 3 pick even in a weak draft.

[sfernald]

This board is under rating Sarr. A couple of guys in here out smart themselves trying to go against the general consensus on a player and end up convincing others in here.

Everyone on here seems scared. If you are afraid you are going to whiff, just trade out of this draft for a nice role player. There’s no guarantees in the draft, especially this draft. Probably the two best prospects are Sarr and Cody and guys on here are convinced they are bad picks lol. Gonna talk themselves into reaching for the next Anthony Bennett for sure.

[CorrectCrusader]

Please no Ignite players please

[Chinook]

The reality that Wemby can cover for poor defensive teammates shouldn't mean him doing so is Plan A. Extra energy Wemby spends on defense comes at the expense of his offense or contributes to fatigue, which means minutes and games played. Wemby will get a lot better, including on defense, but we're seeing what Wemby on a bad defensive team looks like already. You can't just export defense in the modern NBA just like you can't export spacing. It's the responsibility of every player on the court. That doesn't mean you can't bring in a guy who has some short-comings in that area. It does mean that you start pigeon-holing a team once you start locking in guys who need to be covered for by their teammates. Once you're talking about a lineup that has Trae as a poor defender, Vassell as a disappointing defender and Sochan as an inexperienced defender who might be a bit smaller than you'd like, you put Wemby into a position where he might have one other guy out there who could help, and that guy might not be premium at his position.

[rascal]

Buzelis has such a low floor because of his shooting though. Would be hard to stomach taking with say a top 3 pick even in a weak draft.

Didn't Mr. Body say last year players from the g league Ignite team were bad, that's why he didn't like Scoot.

[Mr. Body]

Didn't Mr. Body say last year players from the g league Ignite team were bad, that's why he didn't like Scoot.

No I said Ignite isn't a good development site for young players. Even Adam Silver agrees with me now.

[rascal]

Everyone on here seems scared. If you are afraid you are going to whiff, just trade out of this draft for a nice role player. There’s no guarantees in the draft, especially this draft. Probably the two best prospects are Sarr and Cody and guys on here are convinced they are bad picks lol. Gonna talk themselves into reaching for the next Anthony Bennett for sure.

Sarr is better than David Robinson was at 18.

[alfahdlan]

I'm just trying to say that AI was never a negative on defense. He has as much defensive win share as Ryan Dunn and 3x of that of Rob Dil.

https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=rob-dillingham--ryan-dunn--allen-iverson

[sfernald]

Sarr is better than David Robinson was at 18.

Well, I think Sarr is #1 prospect. We shouldn’t overthink it. That’s how you up with Jimmy Freddette. This team is so badly in need of talent take best available prospect please. I’m absolutely convinced he will become a good shooter and would create one of the best defenses in the league with Wemby.

[DAF86]

Well, I think Sarr is #1 prospect. We shouldn’t overthink it. That’s how you up with Jimmy Freddette. This team is so badly in need of talent take best available prospect please. I’m absolutely convinced he will become a good shooter and would create one of the best defenses in the league with Wemby.

Dude, this "draft the center that can't shoot to pair with Wemby" take is not as bad as your "trade our top 3 pick for Giddey" one, but it's close, tbh. :lol

Giddey is Australian, Sarr plays in Australia. You don't happen to be Australian, don't you?

[sfernald]

Dude, this "draft the center that can't shoot to pair with Wemby" take is not as bad as your "trade our top 3 pick for Giddey" one, but it's close, tbh. :lol

Giddey is Australian, Sarr plays in Australia. You don't happen to be Australian, don't you?

Has nothing to do with Australia. I’ve never been there and I live on the other side of the world haha. Sarr isn’t even Australia, he’s French, but then maybe we shouldn’t draft a Frenchman? I heard they weren’t aren’t very promising players, those internationals, you know.

And his stats aren’t as bad as you claim, in 17 minutes a game (24 game sample size) he shoots 2 threes a game and is making. 30%. The percentage itself is not the be all, for example Wemby was shooting lower than that earlier in the season. I think his shot look good. It’s not broken or anything at all. He will probably be league average his first year, it’s not like they have to rebuild him from scratch like Sochan.

i personally just think he has the most potential and Wemby would love another big to share the load with him. All of the others are even more flawed I’m afraid. This could be the worse draft in a while. It’s super risky to draft for fit when there might not be a needle mover in the bunch. Sarr has the potential to be the David Robinson to Wemby’s Duncan. Honestly though if you’ve seen him you know he’s gonna be the next huge guy like Wemby and Chet that can play really well as a wing. He can block a shot, dribble the distance and dunk it very smoothly This is the direction the league is going. Why not embrace the future?

[RC_Drunkford]

Ryan Dunn. Defensively he’s Kawhi on steroids. He’s not projected to be a lottery pick, so that’s why I’d trade the Raptors pick to move back for both of NY’s late firsts :tu

There hasn't been a Kawhi on steroids since he entered the league. I doubt anybody in this draft is the future best perimeter defender of all time.

[DAF86]

Has nothing to do with Australia. I’ve never been there and I live on the other side of the world haha. Sarr isn’t even Australia, he’s French, but then maybe we shouldn’t draft a Frenchman? I heard they weren’t aren’t very promising players, those internationals, you know.

And his stats aren’t as bad as you claim, in 17 minutes a game (24 game sample size) he shoots 2 threes a game and is making. 30%. The percentage itself is not the be all, for example Wemby was shooting lower than that earlier in the season. I think his shot look good. It’s not broken or anything at all. He will probably be league average his first year, it’s not like they have to rebuild him from scratch like Sochan.

i personally just think he has the most potential and Wemby would love another big to share the load with him. All of the others are even more flawed I’m afraid. This could be the worse draft in a while. It’s super risky to draft for fit when there might not be a needle mover in the bunch. Sarr has the potential to be the David Robinson to Wemby’s Duncan.

But this is 2024, two bigs lineup don't really work (it will be even more evident when the Wolves get exposed in the playoffs). We have seen at the beggining of the season how playing with another bigman took away from Victor's game. I really think pairing Wemby with another big is the worst possible fit for him.

I agree it's a shitty draft, but the safest bet with that top 3 pick is clearly Risacher. He plays the position that is the weakest in the starting lineup right now (SF) and provides a skill that we're desperately lacking (shooting). Add to that that some scouts think that he projects as a good defender, and he's easily the safest pick for us. Bruno said that his floor is Batum, I would more than welcome a young Batum on this team, tbh.

[sfernald]

But this is 2024, two bigs lineup don't really work (it will be even more evident when the Wolves get exposed in the playoffs). We have seen at the beggining of the season how playing with another bigman took away from Victor's game. I really think pairing Wemby with another big is the worst possible fit for him.

I agree it's a shitty draft, but the safest bet with that top 3 pick is clearly Risacher. He plays the position that is the weakest in the starting lineup right now (SF) and provides a skill that we're desperately lacking (shooting). Add to that that some scouts think that he projects as a good defender, and he's easily the safest pick for us. Bruno (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2449) said that his floor is Batum, I would more than welcome a young Batum on this team, tbh.

im just not in love with Risacher. I try to imagine him in the nba and I see a very average player. He doesn’t seem to have much athleticism and to me he just has role player written all over him.

Sarr on the other hand looks like the real deal, big who can play wing like Wemby and Chet, who can do all the things a wing can do, defend the perimeter, shoot 3s, shoot jumpers, attack the basket, but is 7’1” and can average 3 blocks a game. I just don’t see anyone better, definitely not Risacher.

[spurraider21]

There hasn't been a Kawhi on steroids since he entered the league. I doubt anybody in this draft is the future best perimeter defender of all time.
watching Dunn play he looks like a small ball center who can switch on defense. offensively he kinda of just sits in the dunker spots or scores on cuts/transition

im sure the guy will stick in the nba as a bench player because of his defense and physicality, but im not really seeing the vision of him being a good starter. his offensive skill set is kind of like Tony Allen but with even worse shooting and worse ball-handling.

i think maybe he could stick as a 4 if playing alongside a stretch 5, where his lack of shooting can be masked a bit by inverting roles on offense

[Dejounte]

But this is 2024, two bigs lineup don't really work (it will be even more evident when the Wolves get exposed in the playoffs). We have seen at the beggining of the season how playing with another bigman took away from Victor's game. I really think pairing Wemby with another big is the worst possible fit for him.

I agree it's a shitty draft, but the safest bet with that top 3 pick is clearly Risacher. He plays the position that is the weakest in the starting lineup right now (SF) and provides a skill that we're desperately lacking (shooting). Add to that that some scouts think that he projects as a good defender, and he's easily the safest pick for us. Bruno (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=2449) said that his floor is Batum, I would more than welcome a young Batum on this team, tbh.

Oh because Bruno said so it must be true. Why the fuck are we listening to what Bruno says?

[Bruno]

Oh because Bruno said so it must be true. Why the fuck are we listening to what Bruno says?

You're an awesome poster.








But don't listen to what I say, I know jack shit.

[exstatic]

You're an awesome poster.








But don't listen to what I say, I know jack shit.

ISWYDT

[FuzzyLumpkins]

It's Buzelis. I don't think Risacher grows much from what he already is.

Of course because he will be the one 20 year old on the planet that does not improve as he gets older in the NBA.

[Mr. Body]

Of course because he will be the one 20 year old on the planet that does not improve as he gets older in the NBA.

Sometimes players are just who they are. Risacher just doesn't seem to have a platform to do much more than shoot threes and hopefully play good defense. I mean, that's an awesome template and needed, but I balk at a top pick for that sort of thing.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Sometimes players are just who they are. Risacher just doesn't seem to have a platform to do much more than shoot threes and hopefully play good defense. I mean, that's an awesome template and needed, but I balk at a top pick for that sort of thing.

And sometimes people's takes are just cliches put in place of wisdom. Kawhi didn't have the platform to even shoot 3's when he came in. Prima facie your take is stupid.

[Mr. Body]

And sometimes people's takes are just cliches put in place of wisdom. Kawhi didn't have the platform to even shoot 3's when he came in. Prima facie your take is stupid.

Kawhi was an incredible defender, underrated playmaker, and got over 10 rebounds a game. Risacher doesn't do any of that shit. His asst/to is negative. He doesn't rebound. His defense is only 'pretty good.'

And Kawhi was drafted 15th.

There's absolutely no reason to think Risacher will develop those skills. He's stiff, moves okay, makes okay passes. I'd love to draft him at #15 or even like #8, where he would be in a normal draft.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Kawhi was an incredible defender, underrated playmaker, and got over 10 rebounds a game. Risacher doesn't do any of that shit. His asst/to is negative. He doesn't rebound. His defense is only 'pretty good.'

And Kawhi was drafted 15th.

There's absolutely no reason to think Risacher will develop those skills. He's stiff, moves okay, makes okay passes. I'd love to draft him at #15 or even like #8, where he would be in a normal draft.

That is not the point and you are moving the goalpost

You have dropped that Risacher will not improve to now making the assumption that any weakness he has now cannot be improved upon at 20 years old. Still stupid but different.

What is obvious is the truth is secondary to your preference in your 'analysis.'

[Mr. Body]

That is not the point and you are moving the goalpost

You have dropped that Risacher will not improve to now making the assumption that any weakness he has now cannot be improved upon at 20 years old. Still stupid but different.

What is obvious is the truth is secondary to your preference in your 'analysis.'

Not moving the goalposts. How?

I'm very consistent in this. I don't think Risacher is more than a role-player. I've always said this. I don't think he has the platform to do more than he's doing now -- shooting and playing pretty okay defense. He doesn't do anything else and I don't believe he'll do anything else.

There's nearly every player in the draft who I would pick at a certain point in that draft. I don't like Collier, but I would draft him in the 20s. Risacher is an archetype this team needs, but I don't want to take him in the top 3. There are better players with more promise who I would take first.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Not moving the goalposts. How?

I'm very consistent in this. I don't think Risacher is more than a role-player. I've always said this. I don't think he has the platform to do more than he's doing now -- shooting and playing pretty okay defense. He doesn't do anything else and I don't believe he'll do anything else.

There's nearly every player in the draft who I would pick at a certain point in that draft. I don't like Collier, but I would draft him in the 20s. Risacher is an archetype this team needs, but I don't want to take him in the top 3. There are better players with more promise who I would take first.

He can slash off the catch or the bounce too. He is improved as a finisher. You are basically going for gratuitous characterizations and them assuming he ill never change. It's shit and you know it.

[rankingtear]

Has nothing to do with Australia. I’ve never been there and I live on the other side of the world haha. Sarr isn’t even Australia, he’s French, but then maybe we shouldn’t draft a Frenchman? I heard they weren’t aren’t very promising players, those internationals, you know.

And his stats aren’t as bad as you claim, in 17 minutes a game (24 game sample size) he shoots 2 threes a game and is making. 30%. The percentage itself is not the be all, for example Wemby was shooting lower than that earlier in the season. I think his shot look good. It’s not broken or anything at all. He will probably be league average his first year, it’s not like they have to rebuild him from scratch like Sochan.

i personally just think he has the most potential and Wemby would love another big to share the load with him. All of the others are even more flawed I’m afraid. This could be the worse draft in a while. It’s super risky to draft for fit when there might not be a needle mover in the bunch. Sarr has the potential to be the David Robinson to Wemby’s Duncan. Honestly though if you’ve seen him you know he’s gonna be the next huge guy like Wemby and Chet that can play really well as a wing. He can block a shot, dribble the distance and dunk it very smoothly This is the direction the league is going. Why not embrace the future?

I think MIN is the only team that would run a 2 big man lineup after this year. MEM already abandoned theirs that only makes DET, CLE, and MIN. DET GM probably gets fired in the offseason for pushing that lineup. CLE depends on their playoff run. The best offense out of those is ranked 17th.

[onechance87]

hopefully cody williams comes back and shows out the last last couple of games and gets his team in the tourney.

[spurraider21]

Oh because Bruno said so it must be true. Why the fuck are we listening to what Bruno says?
We don’t talk about Bruno

[spurraider21]

1765028399658000674

[RC_Drunkford]

Oh because Bruno said so it must be true. Why the fuck are we listening to what Bruno says?

Bruno is from France, so it ain't far fetched that he probably knows a lot more about Risacher than we do

[TheGreatYacht]

Maybe, but nobody is taking a 6 foot nothing skinny ass kid that comes off the bench in the top 3, tbh. In any case, if you want to trade down and still get Dilly without reaching, the best thing would be to trade down from the Spurs' pick, not the Raptors one.
Dilly is a top 3 pick and he’s going to keep rising as we get closer to the draft. It’s also not a foregone conclusion that we’ll even pick that high if we go by lottery odds.

Regardless, since we’re painting Rob as a 6 foot bench player that plays no defense… We aren’t picking up a backup Center in Sarr with our first pick. We won’t pick a g league net negative in Buzelis I would hope. I’d also like to believe we aren’t taking Colorado’s second best player Cody Williams or Austin Reeves Lite from Kentucky with our non Raptors pick… and last but definitely not least, we are not taking Serbian Josh Giddey in the top 3

1765023917209444654

[rascal]

But this is 2024, two bigs lineup don't really work (it will be even more evident when the Wolves get exposed in the playoffs). We have seen at the beggining of the season how playing with another bigman took away from Victor's game. I really think pairing Wemby with another big is the worst possible fit for him.

I agree it's a shitty draft, but the safest bet with that top 3 pick is clearly Risacher. He plays the position that is the weakest in the starting lineup right now (SF) and provides a skill that we're desperately lacking (shooting). Add to that that some scouts think that he projects as a good defender, and he's easily the safest pick for us. Bruno said that his floor is Batum, I would more than welcome a young Batum on this team, tbh.

What other center did Wemby play with, Collins that stiff.

Both Wemby and Sarr have enough ball handling abilities, mobility and athleticism they aren't tradional centers. Few teams have a chance to pair players like Wemby and Sarr together and the spurs may have a chance to draft Sarr.

[LeBowen]

The more I think about it, the less I want Topic.
Not even with the Raptors pick.

First of all, anyone who mentions Topic in the same sentence as Doncic is instantly irrelevant.
It's like comparing Tony with Killian Hayes just because they're both French point guards.

While we do need playmaking, our perimeter defense and floor spacing needs are as just as bad.
Topic is a negative in both those aspects and it doesn't look like he'll ever be a positive defender.
Chances of him becoming a good shooter are not great, so what's the point of wasting a top5 pick on a defensive traffic cone that can't really shoot?

The same way NBA disregarded foreign prospects back in the day, they get overhyped now.
Just think of all the European guards that turned out to be legit NBA players and developed into good pieces for championship teams.
All of them were either obvious next big things or came over late as fully developed players.
Tony was more or less the only exception, but he was one of the quickest players in history.

Foreign* guards in recent drafts:
2022: #7 Dyson Daniels
2021: #6 Josh Giddey
2020: #7 Killian Hayes
2018: #3 Luka Doncic
2017: #8 Frank Ntilikina
2015: #5 Mario Hezonja, #7 Emmanuel Mudiay
2014: #27 Bogdan Bogdanovic (came over in 2017 at 25 years old)
2013: #17 Dennis Schroeder

*Foreign as in NBA being their first American basketball experience, I'm not counting foreign players that went to college.

You have to go all the way back to 2009 and Ricky Rubio to find another legit European point guard and he was the biggest Euro point guard prospect until Luka.

While Europeans are somewhat taking over the league, it's simply not the case for point guards.
If Topic was a great shooter, I'd take him right away, but he screams bust no matter how you look at, I can't see why would anyone take him in the lottery other than Luka hype?
It wouldn't surprise me if his injury status isn't actually legit, but they're hiding him since his draft stock went way up.

On the other hand, while it's true that Dillingham is undersized, his floor looks to be some kind of Lou Williams or Jordan Clarkson type and ceiling looks to be Maxey more or less.
Unless he's absolutely putrid on defense, you can't really go wrong with such scoring potential in today's league.

I'd maybe even take Sheppard over Dillingham.
So what if he's not going to be a superstar?
More or less guaranteed to be an elite shooter and a great defender.
Reports claim he's undersized at 6'3? Well I'd rather have great 6'3 defender that could get bullied here and there than 6'6 traffic cone. Especially when Wemby has his back.

Imo, ideal scenario would be getting the Raptors pick, draft a wing with top3 pick and get Sheppard with Raptors pick.

[BatManu20]

1765042587017302262

[MultiTroll]

Dillingham psssssh.

Been benched lately behind younger Kentucky Gs who have played better.

[TheGreatYacht]

There hasn't been a Kawhi on steroids since he entered the league. I doubt anybody in this draft is the future best perimeter defender of all time.
Dunn will sit at that table, there’s no doubt about that. Unfortunately on the other end, he’s Danny Green if Danny couldn’t and wouldn’t shoot.

I do truly believe he’s worth taking in the late teens to early 20’s though, just to see this STOCK machine wreck havoc next to Wemby

1763041251748663618

[BatManu20]

1765029672356552808

[BatManu20]

1765035027815886921

[mo7888]

Buzelis has such a low floor because of his shooting though. Would be hard to stomach taking with say a top 3 pick even in a weak draft.

His shooting will be adequate, at least. I'm not saying he'll be a 40% guy from downtown, but I'd expect 35-36% as a floor.

[BatManu20]

1765040057268805690

[DAF86]

Oh because Bruno said so it must be true. Why the fuck are we listening to what Bruno says?

I'm not saying his word is Gospel, but at least he probably saw Risacher play a lot more than any of us.

[DAF86]

Sometimes players are just who they are. Risacher just doesn't seem to have a platform to do much more than shoot threes and hopefully play good defense. I mean, that's an awesome template and needed, but I balk at a top pick for that sort of thing.

Well, under that premise I would definitely rather have Risacher than Buzelis. I'd much rather have a 6'8" forward that can help on defense and shoot 40% from 3 than yet another guy that can't shoot.

Or Risacher is the guy that will be who he is, but Buzelis will indeed improve? That sounds awfully convinient for your point of view.

[Kevin]

Risacher's lack of athleticism worries me less because his long term position is PF. Kinda like how Kyle Anderson started as a SF and moved to PF. Risacher just needs to fill in and bulk up. If he can make it as a PF he's the perfect fit next to Wemby.

[DAF86]

1765042587017302262

Mr. Body Dejounte does this kid look like a limited stiff to you? Really?

Fuck, I'm getting nervous that unless we get the #1 pick again, we won't be able to draft this guy.

[Spursfanfromafar]

1765035027815886921

This kid is an undersized Manu. Plays with a lot of spirit and has got a lot of dawg in him. It seems he is one of the guys who are always doing something decisive on the court that will help their team. Sort of like a better shooting (but less taller) Derrick White. He will be a keeper for years for a team. I think his floor will be at worst someone like Kirk Hinrich. Thats a good pick in the mid-lottery.

[baseline bum]

Mr. Body Dejounte does this kid look like a limited stiff to you? Really?

Fuck, I'm getting nervous that unless we get the #1 pick again, we won't be able to draft this guy.

It was always going to require getting at least a top 3 pick to get Risacher, and then top 2 once Topic got hurt.

[Dejounte]

Mr. Body (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=397) Dejounte (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=51342) does this kid look like a limited stiff to you? Really?

Fuck, I'm getting nervous that unless we get the #1 pick again, we won't be able to draft this guy.

Try watching a video that doesn’t consist only of highlights. Zach Collins looks good when you compile a video of just highlights.

[Mr. Body]

Well, under that premise I would definitely rather have Risacher than Buzelis. I'd much rather have a 6'8" forward that can help on defense and shoot 40% from 3 than yet another guy that can't shoot.

Or Risacher is the guy that will be who he is, but Buzelis will indeed improve? That sounds awfully convinient for your point of view.

You're very deliberately deciding to misunderstand what I'm saying, aren't you? I'm very obviously and very clearly stating that I'm talking about amount and platform of skills, not how they are executing them at this point.

This is beneath you.

[Mr. Body]

Mr. Body Dejounte does this kid look like a limited stiff to you? Really?

Fuck, I'm getting nervous that unless we get the #1 pick again, we won't be able to draft this guy.

Yeah, he's very upright in how he moves and pretty stiff. He's not entirely fluid on the court and changing direction or flipping the hips ain't the best. Stuff that Wemby is astonishingly good at. Because he's big, that may be okay, but it could lead to being mechanical in his drives and fouls because he has to reach to stop people.

You guys are acting like I shot your dog.

[baseline bum]

2024 NBA draft rankings: Jonathan Givony's top 25 prospects
Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo
Mar 5, 2024, 08:00 AM ET

It's officially the home stretch for professional basketball teams across the world, while March Madness is starting to heat up in the United States.
As seasons come to an end, March will be a crucial month for prospects slated for the 2024 NBA draft.

A pair of French players once again claim the top two spots, as small forward Zaccharie Risacher of JL Bourg in France maintains his place at No. 1 while Perth center Alex Sarr lands at No. 2. The duo to watch, though, could be a couple of Kentucky Wildcats who have a good case as top-five picks.
Guard Reed Sheppard has quickly become one of the most intriguing players in the upcoming draft despite coming off the bench for a ranked Kentucky squad. Teammate Rob Dillingham also checks in at his highest placement this season at No. 3. Both will have plenty to prove come tournament time, but they have done enough this season to warrant serious consideration near the top of the draft.

The rankings -- compiled by NBA draft expert Jonathan Givony with Jeremy Woo assisting on analysis -- continue to change throughout the draft cycle.
Check back all season as we inform you of the risers and fallers of this draft class.
Rankings and write-ups last updated: Tuesday, March 5.

1. Zaccharie Risacher | SF | JL Bourg
6-foot-10 | Age: 18.9 | Previously ranked: 1
Risacher had a quiet February due to the FIBA national team window and the French Basketball Cup, playing only two league games since Jan. 20. He made his French senior national team debut versus Croatia; unfortunately, he landed in concussion protocol after he was elbowed in the face just a few minutes in, which also knocked him out of JL Bourg's game this past weekend. The small forward already has played 48 games this season, and with three or four packed months still in store, this time off before his team's most important stretch might end up being a blessing in disguise for Risacher, who is in the midst of an outstanding campaign. He is averaging 20 points per 40 minutes and shooting 46% for 3 while playing mistake-free basketball on both ends of the floor. His team will be competing in the EuroCup quarterfinals starting March 12 or 13 and looks poised for a deep playoff run in France, where it is currently in third place. Risacher will have NBA eyes on him every time he steps on the floor. -- Givony

2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth
7-1 | Age: 18.8 | Previously ranked: 2
The playoff push will begin Friday for Sarr and the Wildcats, who finished second in the National Basketball League table and will take on third-seeded Tasmania in a best-of-three semifinal. Sarr is well-established at this point as a top pick candidate after completing the regular season with a productive string of games. He'll now have an excellent opportunity to contribute in meaningful postseason play, with NBA lottery teams watching closely. Sarr's upside is significant, considering his physical gifts and potential to be an excellent defender with room to grow on offense. His consistency as a rebounder and ability to process the floor at a higher speed will be key areas for improvement and adapting at the NBA level. -- Woo

3. Rob Dillingham | PG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.1 | Previously ranked: 7
Dillingham is a bit of a polarizing prospect among NBA teams, but it's hard to argue with the sheer star power he offers in a draft severely lacking in that category. He has been just as aggressive and effective against high-level SEC competition, coming up huge down the stretch of several games for Kentucky despite continuing to come off the bench and being on somewhat of a short leash at times.
Dillingham's ballhandling ability, shiftiness, passing creativity, dynamic shot-making and overall scoring instincts are of All-Star caliber. But his lack of size and length and his thin frame continue to hamper him as a finisher and on defense, leading to a wide range of opinions regarding what kind of NBA player he might become. His explosive offensive game appears tailor-made for the scoring-crazed NBA, however, and that should ultimately help him find a suitor early on draft night, especially if he finishes the season on a strong note. -- Givony

4. Nikola Topic | PG | Red Star
6-7 | Age: 18.5 | Previously ranked: 5
Topic continues to work his way back from a knee injury sustained in January, shortly after moving to Red Star. At this stage, he appears to be in little hurry to return, with his club having clinched first place in the Adriatic League and little left to play for in the EuroLeague. It's been disappointing from an evaluation perspective to not see more of him over the back leg of the season, but Topic put enough on film in the fall to solidify high-level interest in the lottery. His size and playmaking ability ultimately help set him apart, but with his eventual return date likely in late March or early April, teams also will hope to have opportunities to learn more about him in the pre-draft process. -- Woo

5. Reed Sheppard | PG/SG | Kentucky
6-2 | Age: 19.5 | Previously ranked: 12
Despite still coming off the bench, Sheppard has proved impossible to keep off the floor for Kentucky in SEC play, where he already has had several signature moments in cementing his case as the best freshman in college basketball. Scouts regularly express concern about his limited physical tools (6-foot-2 in shoes and 187 pounds with a 6-3 wingspan) and what that means for his defensive and finishing potential in the NBA. But that he continues to make strides with his pick-and-roll playmaking combined with his historically great 3-point shooting is increasingly hard to ignore. Only one NCAA first-round pick in the past 35 years (Michigan's Glen Rice in 1989) has shot over 50% from 3 on more than four attempts per game like Sheppard is doing this season (see note below), and Sheppard's basketball instincts should help him impact winning in a variety of other ways. -- Givony

6. Matas Buzelis | SF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 6
Buzelis put together a productive past few weeks, taking advantage of more opportunities to showcase his offense with teammate Ron Holland done for the season. While some of it has to be contextualized correctly -- G League Ignite has been struggling to win all season, and it's easy to accumulate counting stats in fast-paced G League games -- Buzelis has enough size, skill and shot-making ability to pique interest, and he has made some strides defensively. His difficult shot selection and struggles to create separation against defenders are areas for concern in projecting him as a top-scoring option, but the tools are there for him to carve out a solid role at the next level, and there's still room for his frame to keep filling out as he matures. -- Woo

7. Cody Williams | SG/SF | Colorado
6-8 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 3
After recovering from a wrist sprain, Williams had a difficult month of February, missing games due to eye and ankle injuries and struggling against some of the better competition that the Buffaloes have faced in Pac-12 play. Williams should be back on the court imminently, and he has some work to do still in assuaging concerns about his offensive game and what his NBA role projects as in the short term. Playing with a mask has diminished some of the aggressiveness and confidence he displayed earlier this season; these are important attributes considering his jump shot is not thought to be a strength (16 made 3s in 18 games). It's not clear what version of Williams we'll see moving forward or how long his season will last with Colorado firmly on the NCAA tournament bubble, but finishing on a strong note would be beneficial to return to top-tier prospect consideration. -- Givony

8. Ja'Kobe Walter | SG/SF | Baylor
6-5 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 7
Walter's stock has remained steady as one of the draft's top shot-makers, and he'll enter the league with a polished sense of how to score from long range for his age. He doesn't do anything else at an NBA level yet, but his potentially elite ability to shoot on the move and stretch defenses coupled with his competitiveness makes him plenty interesting. Walter isn't a very good ball handler, and he hasn't proved to be an advanced defender at this stage, so it will be on him to expand his game and become more multidimensional over time. But considering the NBA's premium on shooting and his room for growth defensively, it's easy to see Walter becoming a useful contributor in the future, even if he never develops much self-creation ability. -- Woo

9. Donovan Clingan | C | UConn
7-2 | Age: 20.0 | Previously ranked: 11
Clingan is hitting his stride at the right time for UConn, moving better and looking more like the dominant interior presence on both ends of the floor that NBA teams expected to see from the sophomore before his slew of injuries. He is playing above the rim more frequently, putting a lid on the basket defensively with his terrific shot-blocking timing and going out of his area for rebounds prolifically. He even is showing more flashes of ability as a passer and a free throw shooter, indicating there's possibly even more to the 19-year-old's game that can still be unlocked by his future NBA team, something we've seen in UConn warmups, when he shows soft touch beyond the arc. UConn's biggest games of the season -- particularly in the NCAA tournament -- will go a long way in solidifying how Clingan is ultimately viewed, giving him a huge platform to continue to work his way back to where he started the season as a projected top-seven pick. -- Givony

10. Tidjane Salaun | PF | Cholet
6-10 | Age: 18.4 | Previously ranked: 8
The French Basketball Cup and FIBA qualifying window made for a quiet month for Salaun and Cholet -- who only played two games since Feb. 10. A 10-rebound, six-assist outing in his most recent contest showed some of the subtle ways Salaun is improving as the season moves on, and his defense also has made significant strides, as his nonstop intensity has helped him carve out a significant role. That's important, because Salaun's jumper has been streaky since his scorching month of January (26% from 3 in the past 12 games) and he isn't a reliable shot-creator or decision-maker. It's rare to see an 18-year-old contributing at this level of competition, however, and he is clearly nowhere near reaching his full potential. Cholet has a huge month in store in the FIBA Champions League's top 16 stage while trying to lock down a playoff spot in Pro A, giving Salaun a significant platform to work off. NBA teams will be present for every game he plays. -- Givony

11. Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke
7-0 | Age: 20.3 | Previously ranked: 9
Filipowski has put together an All-American-caliber season and has helped to address some of the NBA's concerns about his game, making strides as a defender at his size and proving more mobile and versatile than many expected. While limited a bit athletically, he can create matchup problems at his size due to his skill level and should have good utility on the offensive end provided he continues to improve as a shooter. He isn't a fit for every team -- he's likely better suited for a half-court-oriented style that is slower paced -- but supplies unique qualities that will warrant consideration early in the draft, depending on what a team needs. -- Woo

12. Ron Holland | SF | G League Ignite
6-7 | Age: 18.6 | Previously ranked: 10
Holland's season came to an end with surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in his right thumb, which also kept him out of G League Ignite's events at last month's All-Star Weekend. He'll finish behind Jaden Hardy as the team's second-leading scorer in program history at 19.5 points per game while also filling up the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, steals, blocks and turnovers. NBA teams will need to grapple with the fact that Holland's on/off point differential (-8.8 per game, per the DraftExpress database) is the single-worst mark in G League Ignite history, showing the cost of Holland's outsize role on this team, which was 4-25 with him in the lineup. Holland's mission in the pre-draft process will be to remind teams why he was so universally lauded before the season for his competitiveness, unselfishness and ability to impact winning, all while hopefully showing better ability as a 3-point shooter than we saw this season (24% from 3). -- Givony

13. Dalton Knecht | SG/SF | Tennessee
6-6 | Age: 22.8 | Previously ranked: 18
Continuing on his offensive tear as one of the best scorers in college basketball, highlighted by last week's 39-point showing against Auburn, Knecht has played himself into lottery conversations with his versatile offense, consistency and competitiveness. He is unlikely to ever add a ton of value defensively due to his foot speed, but his legitimate positional size at least gives him a better chance of being effectively hidden on that end, if needed. He'll be 23 years old on draft night, but teams in need of immediate wing help will have to think hard about what Knecht could provide, as he has proved capable of doing much more than simply spacing the floor. -- Woo

14. Isaiah Collier | PG | USC
6-5 | Age: 19.4 | Previously ranked: 14
Barring an unexpected four wins in four days during the Pac-12 tournament, USC's season will be coming to an end next week. Collier is playing his best basketball of the campaign since returning from a hand injury; he is shooting the ball more effectively from the perimeter, cutting down on turnovers and living in the paint and at the foul line due to his strong frame and explosive first step. Collier has much to gain from a competitive finish, as he'll draw significant NBA attention every time he steps on the floor. Collier's perimeter shooting potential is the biggest thing NBA teams will want to get a better handle on in the pre-draft process, as his scoring instincts and shot-creation ability are both coveted and not easy to come by in this draft class in particular. Teams also will want to get a better understanding of why USC's season ended up being such a disappointment and what that means for Collier's projection. -- Givony

15. Zach Edey | C | Purdue
7-4 | Age: 21.8 | Previously ranked: 14
One of the more unique storylines to follow going into March and, ultimately, the draft will be whether Edey can anchor a deep Purdue tournament run and which teams will deem his unique set of strengths worth the pick. The other salient question is where in the draft it becomes a positive value proposition to select a throwback big of his ilk. Some things will clearly translate: Edey is dominant within five feet of the basket, offers more mobility than most players his size and is extremely tough and competitive. But the pace of NBA games and emphasis on space and attacking matchups make him an acquired taste for some, due to questions about how well it translates to an expanded role. His unique profile might help transcend the mold. -- Woo

16. Stephon Castle | PG/SG | UConn
6-6 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 15
Castle projects quite well defensively at the next level, with plus positional size and lateral agility that should allow him to switch on the perimeter and corral ball handlers. NBA teams have questions about his offensive game that will ultimately determine how high he gets selected. Castle turned in a good showing over the weekend against Seton Hall, but he has faded into the background at times against better competition while struggling to score consistently from range. The pre-draft process will be crucial for him to allay the concerns about his shooting and inspire confidence in his long-term upside. The appeal as a big two-way guard is there, but Castle might be better suited on the wing for the long term. -- Woo

17. Devin Carter | PG/SG | Providence
6-3 | Age: 21.8 | Previously ranked: 17
Carter is one of the biggest stock risers of the cycle thus far, making significant improvement as a shooter and overall scorer that has helped him turn in an All-American-caliber campaign. Capping that off with an NCAA tournament appearance would be the icing on the cake, something that Carter will have a huge say in with the way Providence -- currently on the bubble -- finishes the season. Regardless, there's a big NBA market for combo guards in his mold who can hit open shots, defend with tenacity on and off the ball and play an intelligent, winning style of basketball like Carter does, positioning him well going into June. -- Givony

18. Tyler Smith | SF/PF | G League Ignite
6-10 | Age: 19.3 | Previously ranked: 19
Smith has made the most of his season with G League Ignite, playing his way into the draft's first round off the strength of his skillset as a stretch forward. His scoring is still largely dependent on the quality of shots teammates create for him, but he has shown that he can succeed in a simplified role -- and there's a place in the NBA for forwards with size who can catch and shoot, rebound and be in the right spot defensively. While not the highest-feel operator, Smith projects pretty cleanly at the next level as a complementary scorer and floor spacer, a role that holds value on most teams. -- Woo

19. Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG/SF | Kansas
6-7 | Age: 22.9 | Previously ranked: 16
Kevin McCullar Jr. knocks down the corner 3Kansas' K.J. Adams finds Kevin McCullar Jr. who hits the corner 3-pointer.
McCullar's outstanding season has been derailed by a knee injury, causing him to miss four of his team's past six games. He is still leading the Big 12 in scoring, he remains in the top 10 in rebounds and assists, and he continues to be one of the best defenders in the college game, giving him outstanding versatility at 6-7. After a red-hot start to the season, McCullar is shooting just 17-for-61 (28%) from 3 over his past 12 games, something that could very well be exacerbated by the bone bruise he has been dealing with. It surely would help McCullar, who will turn 23 next week, to finish the season on as strong of a note as possible. Kansas has dropped four of its past seven games and hasn't been the same since he got hurt. -- Givony

20. Jared McCain | PG | Duke
6-3 | Age: 20.0 | Previously ranked: 26
McCain has turned in a few huge performances and some quiet ones of late, with his best game of the season coming in a 35-point outburst at Florida State. While not gifted physically by NBA standards, McCain's feel for the game and ability to shoot from 3 give him a chance to succeed in the long term, most likely as a combo guard who can pinch hit in different lineups and make winning plays. He has emerged as Duke's best guard at this point, and while another year of college might go a long way, he has the chops to ultimately carve out a useful NBA role. -- Woo

[baseline bum]

21. Yves Missi | C | Baylor
6-11 | Age: 19.8 | Previously ranked: 21
Missi has had no shortage of explosive moments in Big 12 play, highlighting his ability to finish above the rim emphatically while also demonstrating flashes creating his own shot one-on-one. He has been effective as conference play has proceeded, minus a handful of games, giving him momentum going into the most important games of Baylor's season. Already looking better than advertised offensively, Missi's ability to find another gear with his physicality and awareness defensively and as a rebounder will play a key role both in his team's success and how he is viewed going into the pre-draft cycle. He has been inconsistent in those areas, which are crucial for his ability to be a contributor early in his NBA career considering his likely role to start. -- Givony

22. Bobi Klintman | SF/PF | Cairns
6-10 | Age: 20.9 | Previously ranked: 22
A solid if not spectacular season in Australia (9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21 minutes per game) sends Klintman into the pre-draft process still needing to answer some questions about his long-term NBA fit. Physically, he has always fit the bill. But teams have questions surrounding his consistency, toughness and overall quality given his very limited history of actual production between last season at Wake Forest and now. Klintman is a viable development option in a draft where teams might gamble, and he has the tools to fill a role at forward if he puts everything together. He'll likely need to leave a real impression in workouts to maximize his stock. -- Woo

23. Johnny Furphy | SG/SF | Kansas
6-9 | Age: 19.2 | Previously ranked: 29
Stepping into a critical role for Kansas and doing it capably, Furphy has become a surprise one-and-done candidate, giving the Jayhawks much-needed stability. With a good sense of his role as an off-ball energy forward and a solid base as a shooter, there's a lot to like in projecting Furphy, who just turned 19, as a long-term rotation player. He will need to shore things up on defense, where Furphy will have to play up with his slender frame, but he has done an excellent job limiting mistakes and making winning contributions since moving to a starting role in January. Furphy has put himself in a position to test the waters and rise from there. -- Woo

24. Ryan Dunn | SF/PF | Virginia
6-8 | Age: 21.1 | Previously ranked: 20
Virginia's Ryan Dunn blocks the shot to deny a Virginia Tech dunk attempt.
Dunn's case will be an interesting litmus test for where executives stand amid the NBA's offensive explosion, which has seen scoring records shattered annually. He is unequivocally the best defender in college basketball, but Dunn has not taken the step forward many hoped he would on the other end of the floor, as he currently ranks among the bottom of the class in usage and scoring rate while hitting just 7 of 32 attempts from 3 and only 53% of his free throws. Dunn's offensive struggles have been magnified by Virginia's futility on that end of the floor, as the Cavaliers failed to crack 50 points in four of their past five games. Dunn will need to show more offensive potential during the pre-draft process once outside the confines of Virginia's conservative schemes to assuage worries about his ability on that end of the floor. -- Givony

25. Juan Nunez | PG | Ratiopharm Ulm
6-4 | Age: 19.7 | Previously ranked: 28
Nunez hasn't shown any signs of slowing down as the season has moved on, and he continues to stake his claim as the best passer in this draft based on the way he can manipulate defenses with high-level pick-and-roll reads. Not many NBA players show the type of vision and creativity he does with the ball, which he has paired nicely by making real strides with his finishing ability, defense and all-around scoring on a competitive team that has won quite a few games in the EuroCup and German BBL. Nunez's lack of explosiveness and streaky jumper (31% from 3, 64% at the foul line) make him a situational fit for most NBA teams, but he comes with the added flexibility of possibly being stashed on a EuroLeague squad next year, which could be intriguing for the many teams that have multiple picks. -- Givony

Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.

[DAF86]

It was always going to require getting at least a top 3 pick to get Risacher, and then top 2 once Topic got hurt.

I knew that, and I was pretty confident the Spurs would get a top 3 pick, but what I'm saying right now is that if we don't win the lottery, we're probably not getting Risacher.

[DAF86]

Try watching a video that doesn’t consist only of highlights. Zach Collins looks good when you compile a video of just highlights.

I watched a couple of full games from Risacher and those highlights were they show everything (good and bad) and was convinced that he should be our pick, tbh.

[Mr. Body]

I think MIN is the only team that would run a 2 big man lineup after this year. MEM already abandoned theirs that only makes DET, CLE, and MIN. DET GM probably gets fired in the offseason for pushing that lineup. CLE depends on their playoff run. The best offense out of those is ranked 17th.

A reason why MIN works and CLE might not is that one of the pair of bigs is a great shooter. Neither bigs in CLE shoots - but they still work very well together. A Sarr/Wemby lineup could work because Wembanyama is a great shooting threat.

[baseline bum]

Gotta say that sounds enticing if Cody Williams could be had at #7 where the Toronto pick would likely be if it conveys. If that looks to be the case I'd be less worried about taking a home run swing on Topic with the Spurs own pick.

[exstatic]

The Venn diagram of posters who think Topić, with his 88% FTs, won’t improve his 3 point shot, but Buzelis, with his 69% FTs will is a circle

[Mr. Body]

2024 NBA draft rankings: Jonathan Givony's top 25 prospects
2. Alex Sarr | PF/C | Perth
7-1 | Age: 18.8 | Previously ranked: 2
The playoff push will begin Friday for Sarr and the Wildcats, who finished second in the National Basketball League table and will take on third-seeded Tasmania in a best-of-three semifinal. Sarr is well-established at this point as a top pick candidate after completing the regular season with a productive string of games. He'll now have an excellent opportunity to contribute in meaningful postseason play, with NBA lottery teams watching closely. Sarr's upside is significant, considering his physical gifts and potential to be an excellent defender with room to grow on offense. His consistency as a rebounder and ability to process the floor at a higher speed will be key areas for improvement and adapting at the NBA level. -- Woo

This is the sort of thing that concerns me. Why isn't he already a great rebounder? Why is he having trouble processing the floor at this level? Those aren't good signs, and repeat what others have said. Effort and anticipation impact rebounding. With his size and athleticism, why isn't he more impactful? Processing is more or less innate, although a good bit can be learned from there. If he's already showing signs of not having great processing skills?

[baseline bum]

I knew that, and I was pretty confident the Spurs would get a top 3 pick, but what I'm saying right now is that if we don't win the lottery, we're probably not getting Risacher.

IDK, I still think there's a great shot Sarr goes #1. With his size and athleticism he has by far the highest floor in this draft IMO.

[Mr. Body]

The Venn diagram of posters who think Topić, with his 88% FTs, won’t improve his 3 point shot, but Buzelis, with his 69% FTs will is a circle

I've come to understand this is just a false indicator. There are simply too many examples where this doesn't match to really consider it a deal breaker.

With Buzelis, you'd have to work him out and determine whether the Ignite experience factored into his shooting slippage. He was a good shooter before and his form looks good.

With Topic, there's just way too many players who are good free throw shooters who are not and never became good outside shooters.

[DAF86]

Gotta say that sounds enticing if Cody Williams could be had at #7 where the Toronto pick would likely be if it conveys. If that looks to be the case I'd be less worried about taking a home run swing on Topic with the Spurs own pick.

Ugh, Topic and Williams is probably one of my worst case scenarios, tbh. :lol

[Mr. Body]

Ugh, Topic and Williams is probably one of my worst case scenarios, tbh. :lol

Same. Disaster.

[baseline bum]

Ugh, Topic and Williams is probably one of my worst case scenarios, tbh. :lol

Especially since that would probably mean they're not trading for Trae

[pad300]

… and last but definitely not least, we are not taking Serbian Josh Giddey in the top 3



I'm glad your not evaluating players for the Spurs FO... because wow is that a bad take on Topic.

Giddey and Topic are qualitatively different players.

Offensively, Giddey had 1 of 3 major perimeter attacking skills. He was a very good passer, but lacking in either kind of scoring tools. He was poor at driving and finishing, and a bad shooter. This is clear in the stats. He led his team in Assists per game (7.4), but he was 4th in scoring per game (10.8 ppg/ 82.9 average PPG for the team). Per game, He shot 1.0/3.5 (.293) from the 3 and 1.7/2.4 (.691) from the line. For 2 pt shots, he hit 3/6 (.500). Giddey was 1 tool player on attack, and still is.

Topic on the other hand, has 2 of the 3 skills, and show signs of being able to develop the third. He also leads his team in APG (6.9). But he leads the team in scoring as well (18.6 ppg/86). He shot 1.3/4.5 (.288) from 3 (note the higher volume), and 3.9/4.6 (.850) from the line. 2 Pt shots, 5.4/8.3 (.651). That is a 2 tool player on attack, and showing signs of potential at the third (FT shooting is a strong predictor of the ability to develop a 3 pt shot).

Topic has a higher floor that just about all the other PG's in this draft, as his size (measured at basketball without borders) 6'6" tall and a 7' wingspan allows him to play up at the wing, if he can't make it as a PG. Also, it potentially allows you to play a smaller shooting specialist beside him, while he supplies the shoot creation at the 2 (eg, in Spurs history, Patty Mills (shooter) besides Manu (creativity)). That size is also extremely valuable on D in this pick and roll happy NBA...

[DAF86]

IDK, I still think there's a great shot Sarr goes #1. With his size and athleticism he has by far the highest floor in this draft IMO.

I guess it depends who's picking first. I don't see Detroit taking Sarr when they have Stewart, Wiseman and Duren. I don't see then taking Topic either with Cade and Ivey, so they are definitely taking Risacher. The Spurs would also take Risacher over Sarr because of Wemby and Topic's injury.

That leaves the Wizards as the only top 3 candidate that wouldn't take Risacher for sure, and even then, they might do it, because they are lacking talent everywhere.

[Mr. Body]

Especially since that would probably mean they're not trading for Trae

Oh maybe I do want that, then.

[baseline bum]

I guess it depends who's picking first. I don't see Detroit taking Sarr when they have Stewart, Wiseman and Duren. I don't see then taking Topic either with Cade and Ivey, so they are definitely taking Risacher. The Spurs would also take Risacher over Sarr because of Wemby and Topic's injury.

That leaves the Wizards as the only top 3 candidate that wouldn't take Risacher for sure, and even then, they might do it, because they are lacking talent everywhere.

Could have just left it at Duren lol. Wiseman might even be worse than Killian Hayes when it comes to dogshit Pistons.

[DAF86]

Could have just left it at Duren lol. Wiseman might even be worse than Killian Hayes when it comes to dogshit Pistons.

Wiseman is playing more and producing more than Duren, tbh. At least that's what the stats say, I'm not going to come here and pretend like I watch the Pistons play, tbh. :lol

[baseline bum]

Wiseman is playing more and producing more than Duren, tbh. At least that's what the stats say, I'm not going to come here and pretend like I watch the Pistons play, tbh. :lol

I just remember two easy rebounds bouncing off Wiseman and out of bounds in the Spurs game and thinking this might be the worst fucking player in the league :lol

[spurraider21]

I've come to understand this is just a false indicator. There are simply too many examples where this doesn't match to really consider it a deal breaker.

With Buzelis, you'd have to work him out and determine whether the Ignite experience factored into his shooting slippage. He was a good shooter before and his form looks good.

With Topic, there's just way too many players who are good free throw shooters who are not and never became good outside shooters.
its relatively uncommon these days for someone to be a very good FT shooter but not being at least a solid 3 point shooter (excluding bigs that never even try shooting 3's).

off the top of my head there's Tre Jones. otherwise? there's derozan and butler who at this point are still of the "old guard" and came into the league before the 3pt shot became such a point of emphasis

and about 9.5 times out of 10, good nba three point shooters are also good free throw shooters. on the other hand its very rare for bad FT shooters to be good 3 point shooters (bruce bowen the outlier of outliers)

theres no one perfect predictor but i think analyses have been done that shows college FT% correlates better than college 3PT% when it comes to projecting NBA 3pt%. not as much as some like exstatic may lead you to believe, but slightly more.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I knew that, and I was pretty confident the Spurs would get a top 3 pick, but what I'm saying right now is that if we don't win the lottery, we're probably not getting Risacher.

We have Wemby and the rim protecting, rebounding monster role is handled. I could see DC, Charlotte, or Detroit really liking Sarr.

[spurraider21]

DAF86 always thought davis bertans would be a future all star. i think he was envisioning bertans developing the skillset risacher already shows

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If Williams tears it up here soon that has to change the conversation of the top 3 or 4.

[SOMA Spur]

I've always been a Dilli guy, but I'm starting to warm up to Sheppard. For all you Reed fans, where do you see him fitting on the Spurs? Even though he's always seemed like an undersized SG, do you guys see him definitely as our starting PG of the future?

[Chinook]

I don't know about Williams as a prospect, but I'd be in favor of SA drafting him for the drama. If we're going to have to set through Chet vs Wemby hype, may as well add a sibling rivalry to the mix.

[Splits]

We don’t talk about Bruno


https://media.tenor.com/W8dW3OcRXSEAAAAM/glasses-toomuch.gif

[spurraider21]

i dont hate cody williams, i just dont get what im supposed to love about him as a high end prospect. it kind of feels like kawhi how he was this toolsy player that could be molded, but kawhi was way further along and way more productive.

he doesnt seem like a great defender yet, he's not a good rebounder, he's not much of a passer/playmaker, and he's not much of an outside shooter.

if the toronto pick ends up sliding outside the top 7-8 and he's there, its one thing. but considering him with a top 5-6 pick just doesnt seem right

thats just the opinion of this fairly uninformed poster

[Mr. Body]

I've always been a Dilli guy, but I'm starting to warm up to Sheppard. For all you Reed fans, where do you see him fitting on the Spurs? Even though he's always seemed like an undersized SG, do you guys see him definitely as our starting PG of the future?

I've watched all Kentucky games, I think, since I started paying attention to the draft in January. They're my favorite team to watch this year because of those two players and the wild unpredictable nature of the team, how it's coached, and the constant joy-anguish of its fanbase. I've historically really despised Kentucky, btw. I hate how they get five blue chips a year and throw most of them away.

Anyway, Sheppard is hard to pinpoint. I've talked about him and Dillingham a lot, so I'll just try to answer the question as best I can. IMO you have to hope he can run your offense a bit, or that he can be effective off-ball. To me, he's not a load-taking guy. If you run pick-and-rolls with him, you have to pay attention, but although he has good athleticism, it's not dynamic enough to be a huge threat. He can beat you off the dribble, but it's not too hard to be aware of. And he's not especially shifty, meaning he can't (so far) get guys into hostage dribbles or manipulate situations with his handles and movement.

When he shares the floor with Dillingham, which is often, it's Dillingham who starts the sets. Partly this is because RD is ridiculous with his handles and quickness. The dude is completely hard to handle in that aspect. Partly it's because Sheppard is a significant spot-up threat. However, he doesn't seem to be a cutting threat. At least, that's not what they do with him.

I've comped Sheppard to guys like Stockton and Mark Price, and not just because he looks like them, but I don't think he has that floor general capability. The huge question is whether he can develop it. But to me, I don't see the advanced reads and manipulations out of him. I do see more of an off-ball SG who is highly, highly efficient. On defense, his hands are incredible. He has some impressive skills, such as some of the best outlet/bomb passing you'll see. So, he gets strips and steals, can blow up plays.

I keep seeing him as limited, but very good within that band. A team like the Rockets, where they could use a steady guard who won't make mistakes and can be super efficient while Amen Thompson carries the ball-handling load, he could be really great.

I personally am not that high on him for the Spurs. At our picks, I keep looking for guys who have very good skill bases who can simultaneously be fairly good upside swings for more. I don't think Sheppard's upside is tremendous, although his floor is very good. And I think what he can do on the team is more limited than we'd like.

[Mr. Body]

i dont hate cody williams, i just dont get what im supposed to love about him as a high end prospect. it kind of feels like kawhi how he was this toolsy player that could be molded, but kawhi was way further along and way more productive.

If you draft Cody, you may get to meet Jalen some day.

[DAF86]

DAF86 always thought davis bertans would be a future all star. i think he was envisioning bertans developing the skillset risacher already shows

Since you brough it up, I would welcome Bertans with open arms to fulfill the prophecy of the missing all-star, tbh.

[LeBowen]

Basically, Sheppard is Patty Mills with great defense?
I'd take that.

His shooting splits are ridiculous, his form looks perfect, being an elite shooter and a positive defender warrants a max in today's league, tbh.

[spurraider21]

If Sheppard's point-guarding ability can even be as much as Austin Reaves, he's probably worth taking to be your lead guard. if not, then im not sure you want to spend that high of a pick of a very small 2 or a bench combo guy.

dilly is so much more electric with the ball and his propensity for the lob is obviously something that has to be kept in mind when considering fit with wemby

sheppard is the better defender but unless im convinced he can handle close to a full time on ball PG role, i dont think he's the guy i'd target. i think the intriguing sheppard scenario is where you take topic with the earlier pick, and then you have a heck of a 3 man rotation between topic/sheppard/vassell, where sheppard can play off-ball alongside topic and on-ball alongside vassell, and he and topic could cross-defend

[LeBowen]

Imo, intriguing scenario with Sheppard would be if Jeremy's point guard experiment worked out.
Or if ther's a point forward in the draft.

[spurraider21]

Imo, intriguing scenario with Sheppard would be if Jeremy's point guard experiment worked out.
Or if ther's a point forward in the draft.
considering how often wemby has been handling the ball lately...

[mo7888]

The Venn diagram of posters who think Topić, with his 88% FTs, won’t improve his 3 point shot, but Buzelis, with his 69% FTs will is a circle

I think they both will, but i think Topics 3 pt numbers will be better.

[mo7888]

Basically, Sheppard is Patty Mills with great defense?
I'd take that.

His shooting splits are ridiculous, his form looks perfect, being an elite shooter and a positive defender warrants a max in today's league, tbh.

Shephard has a much better handle and court vision than Patty. They only similarity is they both are lethal from deep.

[Mr. Body]

If Sheppard's point-guarding ability can even be as much as Austin Reaves, he's probably worth taking to be your lead guard. if not, then im not sure you want to spend that high of a pick of a very small 2 or a bench combo guy.

dilly is so much more electric with the ball and his propensity for the lob is obviously something that has to be kept in mind when considering fit with wemby

sheppard is the better defender but unless im convinced he can handle close to a full time on ball PG role, i dont think he's the guy i'd target. i think the intriguing sheppard scenario is where you take topic with the earlier pick, and then you have a heck of a 3 man rotation between topic/sheppard/vassell, where sheppard can play off-ball alongside topic and on-ball alongside vassell, and he and topic could cross-defend

No, I don't think Sheppard is the lead guard Austin Reaves or even Patty Mills are. Reaves is much bigger, but they're both much more dynamic with the ball, able to shift side to side, and both are movement shooters while Sheppard needs wind up shoots more from a standstill.

Sheppard really isn't a lead guard on offense or a stopper on defense. He really is an off guard who can play that role extremely well. He's more Jeff Hornacek than a John Stockton in role.

[Mr. Body]

Shephard has a much better handle and court vision than Patty. They only similarity is they both are lethal from deep.

No, disagree completely. Sheppard isn't bad but Mills is a lifelong pro who has very good handles and their vision is about the same. Where Sheppard might be better is in the full court.

[spurraider21]

No, I don't think Sheppard is the lead guard Austin Reaves or even Patty Mills are. Reaves is much bigger, but they're both much more dynamic with the ball, able to shift side to side, and both are movement shooters while Sheppard needs wind up shoots more from a standstill.

Sheppard really isn't a lead guard on offense or a stopper on defense. He really is an off guard who can play that role extremely well. He's more Jeff Hornacek than a John Stockton in role.
if the bolded is true then im not sure how you can even justify a lottery pick on him at 6'2

[Mr. Body]

if the bolded is true then im not sure how you can even justify a lottery pick on him at 6'2

Have you looked at this draft class?

[Mr. Body]

Also, just looking at his draft class, Patty Mills might be around tenth or eleventh best in the group.

[SOMA Spur]

I'm trying to talk myself into Sheppard. I think Reeds defense is a little over rated, but compared to Trae he's better, and compared to Dilly he's a lot better on that side of the ball. I could see him make some exciting defensive plays at the next level.

His playmaking/lead guard skills are probably under rated. Since he defers a lot of that stuff to Dilly (as others have mentioned), this might be another one of those guard skills that gets lost in the KU system. He definitely sees the floor at an elite level. With his crisp baseball outlet passes (which Wemby would love). He's got the lob thing going on with his bigs. Mix in the occasional drive for a finish at the rim. I mean it's all there. And thats without even mentioning his shooting which would be a new weapon for our team at the point. Lately I've seen every Spur bring the ball up the court, even Wemby, so I could see scenarios where Reed runouts up the floor to his spot, and with a quick outlet pass and quick shot, Reed's torching teams from three on the break. Okay I'm in, one more great option with the Toronto pick.

[spurraider21]

i think sheppard probably is good enough to be a reaves level facilitator personally, which is why im definitely a fan of taking him with the toronto pick assuming we grab a wing with our natural pick (and even if we took topic, for the reasons i set out above, and if the good wings we'd like are off the board)

[Chinook]

Not a scouting poster, but my read on Sheppard is that he's more of a Caruso-type defender than a Beverly or Payton type. As far as I've heard, he's as bad of a one-on-one defender as he'd be stereotyped to be. So bringing him in means you still have to find a way to cross-guard for star PGs and that Vassell would not be able to hide on defense. Sochan and the SF become really important in that scenario because one of them will need to be able to handle 1-4 and the other 3-5. The good news is that Sheppard is really good off the ball, so it's not a bad thing that he's not going to be checking anyone straight up. He's probably gonna have to bulk up though so that he can provide resistance against whomever he's hiding on.

It's important to note that the Spurs don't have to have their roster figured out next year. Sheppard may not fit his best on a team without a larger play-maker, just like Dunn may not be playable without being able to shoot. But if those two players contribute to the Spurs having an elite defense again, that's a hell of a lot of progress for year two, even if the offense is so bad that the team doesn't win a whole lot of games. You can continue to build, tweak and develop from there, but that would be real tangible results without the team really leveraging anything.

[heyheymymy]

I am OUT on Sarr, Topic, Buzelis, Collier, Holland. I am MILD on Walter, Williams, Castle, Knecht. I am HIGH on Dillingham, Sheppard, Risacher, Salaun

- mainly looking at PG and SF pairs with the SA and TOR FRPs. Seems to be a few nice options of each player position at each draft position. From there it's just finding complementary pairs.

PICK ONE PLAYER: possible SA pick range PG: Topic/Dilly/(Sheppard?) & possible SA Pick range SF: Risacher/Williams/Walter (SG/SF)

PICK ONE PLAYER: possible TOR Pick range PG: Sheppard*/Castle/Collier & possible TOR Pick range SF: Salaun/Buzelis/Holland/Knecht (SG/SF with ball handing ability)

Something like (1.) Dilly + Salaun (2.) Risacher + Sheppard/Castle (3.) Williams + Sheppard

* - Reed Sheppard very well could be gone in the TOR Pick range I believe, top 5 in Givony's latest mock, but tank pushes Sheppard down 7-10 in many sims. Sheppard with the TOR pick may be a pipe dream.

[heyheymymy]

^ all that said, I could see SA pulling some moves and we are looking at it all wrong as SA only gets 1 player from the 2024 First Round.

Either SA trades one of the FRPs or bundles both up into one selection, or the TOR FRP fails to convey.

[mo7888]

No, disagree completely. Sheppard isn't bad but Mills is a lifelong pro who has very good handles and their vision is about the same. Where Sheppard might be better is in the full court.

We'll just have to a friendly disagreement on Patty then. His handles have always looked sub par to me.

[heyheymymy]

I don't know about bundling up, but lets say SA hits at #6 and TOR hits at #8 and the top 5 goes:

1. Risacher
2. Sarr
3. Dillingham
4. Williams
5. Sheppard

You are on the clock with 2 picks from this somewhat yikes remaining board:

Topic
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Would you take 2 from that list? Would you trade #6 and #8 if a top 5 team inexplicably agreed to swap their top 5 pick for your #6 and #8? Incredibly unlikely scenario to begin with but technically possible though I don't see how a team would want to move out of that top 5 but maybe they see value in two players instead of one, don't see much talent difference between the range or view stepping down from the top of the rookie scale, especially in light of mild talent disparity within that range in this draft, as a financial victory.

As SA, in the unlikely scenario someone would actually want to trade out of that top 5, in the framing of these variable circumstances to begin with, I would probably consider trading, say, Topic + Buzelis for any ONE player in that top 5.

[mo7888]

I don't know about bundling up, but lets say SA hits at #6 and TOR hits at #8 and the top 5 goes:

1. Risacher
2. Sarr
3. Dillingham
4. Williams
5. Sheppard

You are on the clock with 2 picks from this somewhat yikes remaining board:

Topic
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Would you take 2 from that list? Would you trade #6 and #8 if a top 5 team inexplicably agreed to swap their top 5 pick for your #6 and #8? Incredibly unlikely scenario to begin with but technically possible though I don't see how a team would want to move out of that top 5 but maybe they see value in two players instead of one, don't see much talent difference between the range or view stepping down from the top of the rookie scale, especially in light of mild talent disparity within that range in this draft, as a financial victory.

As SA, in the unlikely scenario someone would actually want to trade out of that top 5, in the framing of these variable circumstances to begin with, I would probably consider trading, say, Topic + Buzelis for any ONE player in that top 5.

In that scenario, I'm taking Topic and Buzelis if possible. If one is off the board at #8, I'm taking Salaun.

[spurraider21]

Salaun feels like the "two years away from being two years away" guy. There could be something amazing there, but i dont think its really close enough for us to be picking. If this were the big 3 spurs and he was there in the mid 20's, sure why not.

[spurraider21]

I don't know about bundling up, but lets say SA hits at #6 and TOR hits at #8 and the top 5 goes:

1. Risacher
2. Sarr
3. Dillingham
4. Williams
5. Sheppard

You are on the clock with 2 picks from this somewhat yikes remaining board:

Topic
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Would you take 2 from that list? Would you trade #6 and #8 if a top 5 team inexplicably agreed to swap their top 5 pick for your #6 and #8? Incredibly unlikely scenario to begin with but technically possible though I don't see how a team would want to move out of that top 5 but maybe they see value in two players instead of one, don't see much talent difference between the range or view stepping down from the top of the rookie scale, especially in light of mild talent disparity within that range in this draft, as a financial victory.

As SA, in the unlikely scenario someone would actually want to trade out of that top 5, in the framing of these variable circumstances to begin with, I would probably consider trading, say, Topic + Buzelis for any ONE player in that top 5.
certainly not an ideal situation but i'd grab Topic and Buzelis. it frustrates me because coming away with 2 picks without taking 1 known good shooter just feels bad. but these are both guys with signals that they can improve their jumpers and they have very good ancillary skills that can help them find a role even before they become very good outside shooters

i think the way i'd order them is something like

Topic/Buzelis
Holland/Castle
Filipowski
Salaun
Walter

[DAF86]

I don't know about bundling up, but lets say SA hits at #6 and TOR hits at #8 and the top 5 goes:

1. Risacher
2. Sarr
3. Dillingham
4. Williams
5. Sheppard

You are on the clock with 2 picks from this somewhat yikes remaining board:

Topic
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Would you take 2 from that list? Would you trade #6 and #8 if a top 5 team inexplicably agreed to swap their top 5 pick for your #6 and #8? Incredibly unlikely scenario to begin with but technically possible though I don't see how a team would want to move out of that top 5 but maybe they see value in two players instead of one, don't see much talent difference between the range or view stepping down from the top of the rookie scale, especially in light of mild talent disparity within that range in this draft, as a financial victory.

As SA, in the unlikely scenario someone would actually want to trade out of that top 5, in the framing of these variable circumstances to begin with, I would probably consider trading, say, Topic + Buzelis for any ONE player in that top 5.

I'm not high on either, but Topic and Buzelis at 6 and 8 could be great value. Also Dalton Knecht if you want a known shooter. There are options there, I'd like to keep both picks.

[Mr. Body]

I don't know about bundling up, but lets say SA hits at #6 and TOR hits at #8 and the top 5 goes:

1. Risacher
2. Sarr
3. Dillingham
4. Williams
5. Sheppard

You are on the clock with 2 picks from this somewhat yikes remaining board:

Topic
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Would you take 2 from that list? Would you trade #6 and #8 if a top 5 team inexplicably agreed to swap their top 5 pick for your #6 and #8? Incredibly unlikely scenario to begin with but technically possible though I don't see how a team would want to move out of that top 5 but maybe they see value in two players instead of one, don't see much talent difference between the range or view stepping down from the top of the rookie scale, especially in light of mild talent disparity within that range in this draft, as a financial victory.

As SA, in the unlikely scenario someone would actually want to trade out of that top 5, in the framing of these variable circumstances to begin with, I would probably consider trading, say, Topic + Buzelis for any ONE player in that top 5.

The Spurs don't seem to be a team that will generally trade up. With Kawhi, they were pretty desperate for young talent and it paid off massively. That said, this is new territory. Fun to try to guess, in any case.

To me, I'm not heartbroken about missing any of those players. I'm still thinking about Risacher, but that's still a rich spot for what I think he delivers. Sarr is interesting, but the questions are too large to trade up for. Of course I love Dillingham but I don't think the Spurs will go for him anyway.

Buzelis.

That's still my target for the Spurs and who (right now) I think they horn in on, alongside Risacher.

Castle/Topic/Filipowski

Filipowski is the outlier, but I think they'll be interested. Castle or Topic should make them happy.

But I wouldn't be surprised to see them trade away the Toronto pick.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

i dont hate cody williams, i just dont get what im supposed to love about him as a high end prospect. it kind of feels like kawhi how he was this toolsy player that could be molded, but kawhi was way further along and way more productive.

he doesnt seem like a great defender yet, he's not a good rebounder, he's not much of a passer/playmaker, and he's not much of an outside shooter.

if the toronto pick ends up sliding outside the top 7-8 and he's there, its one thing. but considering him with a top 5-6 pick just doesnt seem right

thats just the opinion of this fairly uninformed poster

you're discounting his defense and rebounding as if they are bad which is not the case IMO. He is shooting 46% on 3's. he does a lot of drive and kick/finish, he can post up. you can run offense through him which is not what you can say about a lot of non-PG this year.

I get not liking him at the tippy top but to say he is not in the top 5 convo is goofy IMO.

[heyheymymy]

Swapping Topic for Sheppard in the top 5 which is just as likely, how do you select if the remaining board looks like this now:

Sheppard
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Also, you have #6 & #8, so someone else will pick #7 and likely take another big name off before you get to your second selection. Let's say Buzelis goes #7, or perhaps Walter? Still, something like Sheppard + Salaun would be a pretty nice haul for SA especially outside top 5 financial rookie scale.

[exstatic]

I've come to understand this is just a false indicator. There are simply too many examples where this doesn't match to really consider it a deal breaker.

With Buzelis, you'd have to work him out and determine whether the Ignite experience factored into his shooting slippage. He was a good shooter before and his form looks good.

With Topic, there's just way too many players who are good free throw shooters who are not and never became good outside shooters.

Name shooters with high 80s % FTs who are bad 3 point shooters, and I want a lot of names, since there’s “way too many”. Your assertion, your homework.

[Dejounte]

Walter seems destined to be a Rocket, IMO.

[mo7888]

Swapping Topic for Sheppard in the top 5 which is just as likely, how do you select if the remaining board looks like this now:

Sheppard
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Also, you have #6 & #8, so someone else will pick #7 and likely take another big name off before you get to your second selection. Let's say Buzelis goes #7, or perhaps Walter? Still, something like Sheppard + Salaun would be a pretty nice haul for SA especially outside top 5 financial rookie scale.

Buzelis and Shephard... if one's gone, then Salaun

[Mr. Body]

Name shooters with high 80s % FTs who are bad 3 point shooters, and I want a lot of names, since there’s “way too many”. Your assertion, your homework.

Oh, I don't know. Kobe Bryant, Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan. Ever heard of them?

[Mr. Body]

Swapping Topic for Sheppard in the top 5 which is just as likely, how do you select if the remaining board looks like this now:

Sheppard
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Also, you have #6 & #8, so someone else will pick #7 and likely take another big name off before you get to your second selection. Let's say Buzelis goes #7, or perhaps Walter? Still, something like Sheppard + Salaun would be a pretty nice haul for SA especially outside top 5 financial rookie scale.

I'm also Buzelis and Sheppard here. Again wouldn't be surprised to see them take Castle.

[Mr. Body]

you're discounting his defense and rebounding as if they are bad which is not the case IMO. He is shooting 46% on 3's. he does a lot of drive and kick/finish, he can post up. you can run offense through him which is not what you can say about a lot of non-PG this year.

I get not liking him at the tippy top but to say he is not in the top 5 convo is goofy IMO.

Cody Williams' defense and rebounding are pretty bad though.

[scott]

Name shooters with high 80s % FTs who are bad 3 point shooters, and I want a lot of names, since there’s “way too many”. Your assertion, your homework.

Here's a list of players with more than 30 games played who shoot under 35% from 3, in descending order from highest FT%. https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=GP*GE*30:FG3_PCT*LE*35&dir=A&sort=FT_PCT

Every name on the list shoots better than 78% from the FT line.

[heyheymymy]

Great responses, thanks all

Agree Castle seems like the type of player that catches PATFOs eye

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Cody Williams' defense and rebounding are pretty bad though.

if you say so given he normally leaks out on rebounds, the C and PF are crashing the boards, and the Buffaloes don't have a negative rebounding differential.

[Mr. Body]

Here's a list of players with more than 30 games played who shoot under 35% from 3, in descending order from highest FT%. https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=GP*GE*30:FG3_PCT*LE*35&dir=A&sort=FT_PCT

Every name on the list shoots better than 78% from the FT line.

Wow, there are about 150 players in the NBA who shoot over 80% from the line and aren't what anyone would say are great 3pt shooters. That's just this year alone.

[Mr. Body]

if you say so given he normally leaks out on rebounds, the C and PF are crashing the boards, and the Buffaloes don't have a negative rebounding differential.

This is one defense, that he has a good rebounding team. That doesn't make him a good rebounder, however.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Wow, there are about 150 players in the NBA who shoot over 80% from the line and aren't what anyone would say are great 3pt shooters. That's just this year alone.

yeah they are confusing correlation with causation.

[spurraider21]

you're discounting his defense and rebounding as if they are bad which is not the case IMO. He is shooting 46% on 3's. he does a lot of drive and kick/finish, he can post up. you can run offense through him which is not what you can say about a lot of non-PG this year.

I get not liking him at the tippy top but to say he is not in the top 5 convo is goofy IMO.
i said he doesnt seem like a great defender and he's not a good rebounder, not that he's "bad" in them, though id say his rebounding leans that way (averages 4 per 40 minutes).

yes his 3pt% is astronomical but he barely shoots them, and has made 16 threes in 18 games. he's a 70% free throw shooter. with that said, his form looks fine and he has good touch so i think he can get there. but right now he's not much of a shooter.

theres a lot of things with him that look like they should get better. the shot, the defense, and the rebounding, given his frame/length. but none of them are realized yet and theres a chance he doesnt develop all of those things, or any of them. he just requires a lot more projection than the typical top 10 pick. i know this is considered a weak draft, but its weak in that it doesnt have top end talent. i still think there are good players to be had in the mid lotto to the point where im not just going to throw cody in there by default

[rascal]

Swapping Topic for Sheppard in the top 5 which is just as likely, how do you select if the remaining board looks like this now:

Sheppard
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Also, you have #6 & #8, so someone else will pick #7 and likely take another big name off before you get to your second selection. Let's say Buzelis goes #7, or perhaps Walter? Still, something like Sheppard + Salaun would be a pretty nice haul for SA especially outside top 5 financial rookie scale.

No Collier

[exstatic]

Oh, I don't know. Kobe Bryant, Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan. Ever heard of them?

Three isn’t way too many, and all of them came up in the pre 2015 3 point free for all.

[exstatic]

Wow, there are about 150 players in the NBA who shoot over 80% from the line and aren't what anyone would say are great 3pt shooters. That's just this year alone.

Ifyouput one more filter, 3 FTA, it knocks down to 32 players. 3 FTA is a pretty low bar to clear to get a sample size. Most of those 150 players have fractions of attempts, and are just noise. Those 32 players almost all shoot over 30% except centers.

[The Truth #6]

I'm curious what Sheppard's vertical ends up being, if they measure it in the combine. Some of those blocks he seems to be getting up. Maybe upper 30s? If he does measure well with his jumping, I could see that making some teams a little more comfortable with him. He seems more like a Pop player, as in what Pop wants, but maybe not what he needs?

[scott]

Ifyouput one more filter, 3 FTA, it knocks down to 32 players. 3 FTA is a pretty low bar to clear to get a sample size. Most of those 150 players have fractions of attempts, and are just noise. Those 32 players almost all shoot over 30% except centers.

The list is still a lot longer than two players even if you filter out to equal or greater to 3 FTA/gm (which I would disagree with. We have enough of a sample size of Branham shooting FTs to know he is a good FT shooter, despite taking less than one FT/gm).

https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=GP*GE*30:FG3_PCT*LE*35:FTA*GE*3&dir=A&sort=FT_PCT

[exstatic]

The list is still a lot longer than two players even if you filter out to equal or greater to 3 FTA/gm (which I would disagree with. We have enough of a sample size of Branham shooting FTs to know he is a good FT shooter, despite taking less than one FT/gm).

https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=GP*GE*30:FG3_PCT*LE*35:FTA*GE*3&dir=A&sort=FT_PCT

My initial post, unedited was looking at EXACTLY 3 attempts. Doh. It’s been fixed..

[DAF86]

you're discounting his defense and rebounding as if they are bad which is not the case IMO. He is shooting 46% on 3's. he does a lot of drive and kick/finish, he can post up. you can run offense through him which is not what you can say about a lot of non-PG this year.

I get not liking him at the tippy top but to say he is not in the top 5 convo is goofy IMO.

Williams has 16 threes on 18 games. His 3pt % is irrelevant, tbh. Dude can't shoot, and his projection doesn't look promising.

[DAF86]

Swapping Topic for Sheppard in the top 5 which is just as likely, how do you select if the remaining board looks like this now:

Sheppard
Holland
Buzelis
Walter
Flipowski
Castle
Salaun

Also, you have #6 & #8, so someone else will pick #7 and likely take another big name off before you get to your second selection. Let's say Buzelis goes #7, or perhaps Walter? Still, something like Sheppard + Salaun would be a pretty nice haul for SA especially outside top 5 financial rookie scale.

Yes.

[spurraider21]

Here's a list of players with more than 30 games played who shoot under 35% from 3, in descending order from highest FT%. https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=GP*GE*30:FG3_PCT*LE*35&dir=A&sort=FT_PCT

Every name on the list shoots better than 78% from the FT line.
that list includes dame, josh richardson, gallinari etc, who for their careers are outstanding 3pt shooters

also has a lot of guys with very few FT attempts. for example it includes knox hitting 90% of his FTs this year (on 22 attempts), but he is a career 70% FT shooter

[spurraider21]

I'm curious what Sheppard's vertical ends up being, if they measure it in the combine. Some of those blocks he seems to be getting up. Maybe upper 30s? If he does measure well with his jumping, I could see that making some teams a little more comfortable with him. He seems more like a Pop player, as in what Pop wants, but maybe not what he needs?
he probably has a good vert. i imgaine knecht will have a solid one as well. but vert is a very specific thing which can be worked on with things like squats, deadlift, and then just a lot of box jumping exercises, etc.

what both guys seem to lack somewhat, particularly knecht, is the short area lateraly quickness. sheppard looks shiftier with the ball than knecht does, which makes sense given that he's a smaller guy

[alfahdlan]

The list is still a lot longer than two players even if you filter out to equal or greater to 3 FTA/gm (which I would disagree with. We have enough of a sample size of Branham shooting FTs to know he is a good FT shooter, despite taking less than one FT/gm).

https://www.nba.com/stats/players/traditional?CF=GP*GE*30:FG3_PCT*LE*35:FTA*GE*3&dir=A&sort=FT_PCT

To put some perspective, I read somewhere that NBA 3P projection is a function of 3P attempts, 3P% and FT.
Say NBA3P Proj = 0.168 + 0.004(3Pattempts) + 0.209(3P%) + 0.112(FT) of player pre NBA draft. Thus, 3P% having much multiplier still plays big in such projection.

[The Truth #6]

In my mind I've gone back and forth considering these two (racially profiling them, admittedly), and Sheppard seems more talented but Knecht is taller. They're basically both shooting guards that may play in various positions. Shep 1 - 2. Knecht maybe 1-3, as he was a point guard for much of his career, so I can't rule it out completely.

Anyway. Interesting to think about. More so if I was in the Jazz FO.

[DAF86]

Draft shooting, tbh.

[TheGreatYacht]

:lmao faggot hipsters that want Topic
:lmao want Victor to get triple teamed
:lmao Jeremy Sochan and Nikola Topic providing spacing
:lmao Topic defensively

[onechance87]

Draft shooting, tbh.

i mean looking at wright history of drafting,Im not sure he will.

[John B]

How about Filipowski for TOR pick or trade down for him. I feel Wemby needs somebody like a Cody Zeller especially on a night like tonight. I think they take Risacher for own pick, and sign/trade for a veteran PG. I’m not sold on Spurs current bigs except for Wemby.

[onechance87]

How about Filipowski for TOR pick or trade down for him. I feel Wemby needs somebody like a Cody Zeller especially on a night like tonight. I think they take Risacher for own pick, and sign/trade for a veteran PG. I’m not sold on Spurs current bigs except for Wemby.

Major change gotta happen,Cause this roster aint it.

[Mr. Body]

How about Filipowski for TOR pick or trade down for him. I feel Wemby needs somebody like a Cody Zeller especially on a night like tonight. I think they take Risacher for own pick, and sign/trade for a veteran PG. I’m not sold on Spurs current bigs except for Wemby.

I pitched Filipowski a while back. I said he can play the short-roll, high-post facilitator role that Jakob did, maybe even better. Not the same shotblocker, and his shot is not steady, but it's a threat. He's up and down as a rebounder, but he does get them.

More important, he's beefy. I've always said Collins is more like a PF in size. Sengun is shifty as fuck and can be really hard to handle. When the refs are buying his flopping bullshit, it's even harder.

[Mr. Body]

Major change gotta happen,Cause this roster aint it.

I like how the tag under your name says 'Believe.' yet you're always shitting your drawers.

[onechance87]

I like how the tag under your name says 'Believe.' yet you're always shitting your drawers.

i believe this roster aint it.That stats show that.The team record shows that.And my eyeballs shows that.

[Mr. Body]

i believe this roster aint it.That stats show that.The team record shows that.And my eyeballs shows that.

Who on the friggen planet says this roster is it.

[objective]

I pitched Filipowski a while back. I said he can play the short-roll, high-post facilitator role that Jakob did, maybe even better. Not the same shotblocker, and his shot is not steady, but it's a threat. He's up and down as a rebounder, but he does get them.

More important, he's beefy. I've always said Collins is more like a PF in size. Sengun is shifty as fuck and can be really hard to handle. When the refs are buying his flopping bullshit, it's even harder.

I've not watched him, but I think you're saying you can't count on his shooting or rebounding or shot blocking

Not a compelling sell job lol

[onechance87]

Who on the friggen planet says this roster is it.

Our gm says.He drafted and signed these players.Now hopefully they make some changes after this pathetic year his
team had.Cause this squad aint it clown.

[Ariel]

I pitched Filipowski a while back. I said he can play the short-roll, high-post facilitator role that Jakob did, maybe even better. Not the same shotblocker, and his shot is not steady, but it's a threat. He's up and down as a rebounder, but he does get them.

More important, he's beefy. I've always said Collins is more like a PF in size. Sengun is shifty as fuck and can be really hard to handle. When the refs are buying his flopping bullshit, it's even harder.
Picking up a guy at 7/8/9 because he's beefy isn't really a strong sell. I'll be pretty disappointed if he's our pick at that range, I'm hopeful at least one of Dillingham, Topic or even Sheppard will be there. I think Buzelis goes before that, if not he's definitely in consideration for me (even with our own pick).

[BackHome]

How about Filipowski for TOR pick or trade down for him. I feel Wemby needs somebody like a Cody Zeller especially on a night like tonight. I think they take Risacher for own pick, and sign/trade for a veteran PG. I’m not sold on Spurs current bigs except for Wemby.

Do you think Filipowski can get a lot of minutes at PF or do you think he is just a back up to Wemby at Center? Or a little bit of both?

[Mr. Body]

Picking up a guy at 7/8/9 because he's beefy isn't really a strong sell. I'll be pretty disappointed if he's our pick at that range, I'm hopeful at least one of Dillingham, Topic or even Sheppard will be there. I think Buzelis goes before that, if not he's definitely in consideration for me (even with our own pick).

He's not just beefy though. He has good size. I have watched him but haven't followed why his rebounding stats aren't consistent, but it's college and there's a lot of variance in the games. As for shooting, he's greatly improved over last year and I don't see why he can't get better.

Checking his stats, his advanced defensive metrics are really solid, actually better than Poeltl when he came out of college.


I try to be honest in what I see. I think he's a smart player who plays with contact and a chippiness. He has that Boston dick thing about him.

I would personally take him over a project like Salaun if that's the choice to make. The team needs floor raisers.

That said, I don't think we need to draft a big in the lottery.

[Ariel]

Walter seems destined to be a Rocket, IMO.
The pick going to Houston from Brooklyn is unprotected, so (unlike Toronto's) it could very well end up top 4. They're overflowing with wings and atheltes but are lacking in the IQ department (Jalen Green, Whitmore, Eason, Brooks) I think they could really use a cerebral player like Sheppard, who is also a great passer and shooter, he'd help complement their young core of knuckleheads quite well IMO.

[Mr. Body]

The pick going to Houston from Brooklyn is unprotected, so (unlike Toronto's) it could very well end up top 4. They're overflowing with wings and atheltes but are lacking in the IQ department (Jalen Green, Whitmore, Eason, Brooks) I think they could really use a cerebral player like Sheppard, who is also a great passer and shooter, he'd help complement their young core of knuckleheads quite well IMO.

Sheppard would be perfect for them.

Walter is a bit of a project and you'd have to move Green, which I think they should do anyway.