2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Ditty]

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


:lmao So we can pass on another "non-shooting" "bad defensive" foreigner that dominated overseas, kick our ass like tonight for years to come
:lmao I hope we draft Topic just to see your melt down

[TheGreatYacht]

:lmao So we can pass on another "non-shooting" "bad defensive" foreigner that dominated overseas, kick our ass like tonight for years to come
:lmao I hope we draft Topic just to see your melt down
:lmao For every rare good European there’s 5 busts like Doumbouya, Goga Bidatze, Samanic, Deni Avdija, Poku, Leandro Bolmaro, Garuba, Killian Hayes, Dyson Daniels, Sochan, Ousmane Dieng, and Coulibaly etc
:lmao that’s just in the last 5 years
:lmao rooting for your team’s downfall drafting Topic
:lmao was probably a fan of Primo
:lmao thinks Sochan is good
:lmao faggot

[John B]

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?

I think Filipowski can backup in the beginning and/or pair up on situations. If the Spurs are lucky to draft Risacher, who can start at PF. The Spurs definitely need a big body to guard the likes of Embiid, Sengun. Right now Collins, Bassey are not it. And I think they will bring a vet PG instead of a rookie PG to handle the helm. So I think they would prefer to draft Risacher, as a knockout shooter, tall and athletic. Then get the best big man plus future FRP(s) for trading down to help Victor.

[spurraider21]

Wait till the guy who doesn’t want us to draft euros or white Americans and thinks we need shooting and defense realizes that the two best players in the draft when it comes to providing a combination of shooting and defense are Risacher and Sheppard

[TheGreatYacht]

Quick, name me your 10 best currently good white Americans in the league right now. You can even do 5. Go.

[objective]

I like Shepperd unless they can pull off a Trae trade

[Ditty]

:lmao For every rare good European there’s 5 busts like Doumbouya, Goga Bidatze, Samanic, Deni Avdija, Poku, Leandro Bolmaro, Garuba, Killian Hayes, Dyson Daniels, Sochan, Ousmane Dieng, and Coulibaly etc
:lmao that’s just in the last 5 years
:lmao rooting for your team’s downfall drafting Topic
:lmao was probably a fan of Primo
:lmao thinks Sochan is good
:lmao faggot

:lmao Three of the top five players in the NBA are European
:lmao Deni is actually pretty good now
:lmao Still going to be a whiny faggot even if the Spurs draft whoever you want them too

[TheGreatYacht]

:lmao Three of the top five players in the NBA are European
:lmao Deni is actually pretty good now
:lmao Still going to be a whiny faggot even if the Spurs draft whoever you want them too
:lmao Mind telling us who we drafted in the first round of Greak Freak’s draft?
:lmao Parker is my favorite player, but I hate Europeans apparently
:lmao Rather whine about Brian Wrong’s shit picks than suck the tip like you do

[alfahdlan]

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.

No, please. The reason why Calipari plays Reed more minutes in UK roster besides senior Antonio Reeves is that he finds players in their most productive spots. Imagine him finding ZCollins cut underneath the basket and shooters on the wings. I really want that player in our team. His shooting and steals are just bunoses.

[BatManu20]

1765090517770285094

[mudyez]

Lets have some fun with the tankathon simulator.
Everyone hits "sim lottery" ONCE without cheating and tells us, who they would pick using common sense and mocks who will be there.

I'll start and its...

F*** to be honest it was the 7th pick and no Toronto pick...so Ill cheat anyway...

6th+8th

With the 6th pick I'd take Reed Sheppard (and pray, that he can be enough of a PG for us) and with the 8th I'll take Dalton Knecht (him and Reed will be called the "White splash" for years to come).

[duncan2150]

Lets have some fun with the tankathon simulator.
Everyone hits "summer lottery" ONCE without cheating and tells us, who they would pick using common sense and mocks who will be there.

I'll start and its...

F*** to be honest it was the 7th pick and no Toronto pick...so Ill cheat anyway...

6th+8th

With the 6th pick I'd take Reed Sheppard (and pray, that he can be enough of a PG for us) and with the 8th I'll take Dalton Knecht (him and Reed will be called the "White splash" for years to come).

OK

I run the tankathon and we only have the pick six lol

and i will take BUZELIS

[Mr. Body]

I got 2 and 8 and took...

Risacher
Buzelis

I passed on Topic, leading Washington to take Dillingham, although I think they take Topic if available. Taking Buzelis over Castle may be too much, but winding up with the two best forward projects is kind of fascinating.

[Atl Spur]

I got 2 and 8 and took...

Risacher
Buzelis

I passed on Topic, leading Washington to take Dillingham, although I think they take Topic if available. Taking Buzelis over Castle may be too much, but winding up with the two best forward projects is kind of fascinating.

In this case, give me ZR and Collier

[rascal]

Quick, name me your 10 best currently good white Americans in the league right now. You can even do 5. Go.

Fill the team with white players and see how far they get. Star white players are the exception.

[rascal]

I got 2 and 8 and took...

Risacher
Buzelis

I passed on Topic, leading Washington to take Dillingham, although I think they take Topic if available. Taking Buzelis over Castle may be too much, but winding up with the two best forward projects is kind of fascinating.

Horrible

Spurs still in need of a pg and next year's draft looks weak in pg.

[Chinook]

I don't know if this guy's vids have made their rounds on ST, but here are a few I found interesting to listen to this morning:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYQ9AwQg8aE&ab_channel=benpfeifer


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVgeVkDufbg&ab_channel=benpfeifer


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rakv3uWheCo&ab_channel=benpfeifer

I remain high on Collier for the reasons he points out. He has a rare potential for vertical pressure that makes him a really good long-term fit for Wemby. I do wonder if some team is going to reach for Sheppard and end up with a disappointing result. Reed seems like a guy who could stick in the league forever, but it's going to be hard for him to provide the direct value he needs to to justify a high pick. In the last video, the guy calls out our favorite film session YouTuber. Also, what he says seems to suggest that Buzelis would be a very good offensive fit with Wemby if he can learn to shoot but is going to have his work cut out for him defensively.

[onechance87]

We need to draft a big who clogs up the paint and defends.Felt bad for wemby getting attacked alot in the paint
taking a tow on his body.This is one of the reasons why he didnt want be a center.Last night game showed why.

[Mr. Body]

Horrible

Spurs still in need of a pg and next year's draft looks weak in pg.

I'm not going to draft a shitty point guard just because we need a point guard.

And we have no idea what next year looks like. This year was supposed to be great for point guards and it's not. I don't know how many times you need to hear this.

[DrSteffo]

I have Topic and Risacher in the first tier. Williams, Sheppard, Dillingham and Sarr in second and Holland, Buzelis and Castle in third.

[Ariel]

I'm not going to draft a shitty point guard just because we need a point guard.

And we have no idea what next year looks like. This year was supposed to be great for point guards and it's not. I don't know how many times you need to hear this.
I don't think Buzelis will be there at 8, but if he is, taking him makes a lot of sense even if I do like Dillingham. There are many different ways the Spurs can go about finding a PG and that's besides Trae Young. I mean, give up 2/3 seconds for Brogdon, for God sakes, sign Tyus Jones... next year go for Donovan Mitchell or Derrick White. There's plenty of talent at the position, this current scarcity on the Spurs' roster was by design (traded away Dejounte & White, didn't sign anyone) but we shouldn't lose perspective. Also there are interesting PGs / combo guards at the 2nd pick (Kolek, Ajay Mitchell, KJ Simpson, etc).

[Pauleta14]

I cheated 4 times!!!) and Portland got 3 times the 1st pick!!! :lol

SA mostly the 6th

I'd take Reed Sheppard

[rascal]

I'm not going to draft a shitty point guard just because we need a point guard.

And we have no idea what next year looks like. This year was supposed to be great for point guards and it's not. I don't know how many times you need to hear this.

The pgs are just as good as the other players in this draft. And yes there is an idea for next year's draft.

[Mr. Body]

I don't think Buzelis will be there at 8, but if he is, taking him makes a lot of sense even if I do like Dillingham. There are many different ways the Spurs can go about finding a PG and that's besides Trae Young. I mean, give up 2/3 seconds for Brogdon, for God sakes, sign Tyus Jones... next year go for Donovan Mitchell or Derrick White. There's plenty of talent at the position, this current scarcity on the Spurs' roster was by design (traded away Dejounte & White, didn't sign anyone) but we shouldn't lose perspective. Also there are interesting PGs / combo guards at the 2nd pick (Kolek, Ajay Mitchell, KJ Simpson, etc).

Right. And this offense doesn't need a phenomenal, All-Star point. They rack up assists through ball movement and reads. Increasingly Wembanyama will be the focal point, anyway. Even if I liked Isaiah Collier (and I don't, at all), I don't want a player taking up a huge amount of usage when it should go elsewhere. A Collier or a Young needs to have the ball and pound it to get started.

The team's incredible need is the small forward/wing right now. Doesn't mean I wouldn't go after a guard. Definitely would! I have my favorites! But there's a particular kind of point that matches team need and, like you said, there are ways to get there. We don't need a 10 year answer, either. Getting a Brodgon or a Kolek absolutely works for now.

[Dejounte]

The offense lacks a general and plenty of that was evident last night when Malaki and Sochan were force feeding Vassell in the second half. Neither wanted to take command of the game. That’s not good at all for a team that has to establish an identity on offense. This is where a point guard would help. And even in these situations, Tre for some reason can’t control the game as much as a point guard should which tells me having an average point guard is not enough for the team’s future.

[The Truth #6]

4+8. Cody and Collier. And then shrugged.

[The Truth #6]

The offense lacks a general and plenty of that was evident last night when Malaki and Sochan were force feeding Vassell in the second half. Neither wanted to take command of the game. That’s not good at all for a team that has to establish an identity on offense. This is where a point guard would help. And even in these situations, Tre for some reason can’t control the game as much as a point guard should which tells me having an average point guard is not enough for the team’s future.

I agree with a lot of this. We have a lot of complementary players but need a ball handler to be dominant to set everyone up and take pressure off Wemby. To me, that's a reasonable way to look at this.

[Dejounte]

Last night also showed the value of having players who can penetrate. Jalen Green and Whitmore, for all the serious flaws they have, really changed the game with their penetration. Getting by guys almost at will and then outmanuevering the bigs inside for an easy 2 is what this team is missing. This is why Collier works for this team. Currently no one does this.

[Bruno]

Contrary to previous reports Topic won't play tomorrow game.

In their latest article, espn talked about a late March/early April comeback. Topic's team president also gave that timetable in an interview a couple of weeks ago. In that interview, he also said that there were torn ligaments and that they use some innovative methods to avoid surgery. We will see how this story end but it is looking more and more that this injury will hurt his draft stock. What also won't help him is that he shouldn't be able to participate at the now mandatory draft combine and medical exams because he will still play in Serbia with his team.

Topic's team president interview in Serbian:
https://sportal.blic.rs/kosarka/kk-crvena-zvezda/poznato-kad-se-nikola-topic-vraca-na-parket-metoda-oporavka-ostavila-sve-u-soku/2024022212314173550

[Dejounte]

Last night also showed the value of having players who can penetrate. Jalen Green and Whitmore, for all the serious flaws they have, really changed the game with their penetration. Getting by guys almost at will and then outmanuevering the bigs inside for an easy 2 is what this team is missing. This is why Collier works for this team. Currently no one does this.

For the record, Topic works too. IIRC, he seems to be a good finisher inside. Not in the same manner as Collier, but with finding angles and opportunities.

[Mr. Body]

I agree with a lot of this. We have a lot of complementary players but need a ball handler to be dominant to set everyone up and take pressure off Wemby. To me, that's a reasonable way to look at this.

The last thing we want with this team is a dominant point guard.

[Mr. Body]

Contrary to previous reports Topic won't play tomorrow game.

In their latest article, espn talked about a late March/early April comeback. Topic's team president also gave that timetable in an interview a couple of weeks ago. In that interview, he also said that there were torn ligaments and that they use some innovative methods to avoid surgery. We will see how this story end but it is looking more and more that this injury will hurt his draft stock. What also won't help him is that he shouldn't be able to participate at the now mandatory draft combine and medical exams because he will still play in Serbia with his team.

Topic's team president interview in Serbian:
https://sportal.blic.rs/kosarka/kk-crvena-zvezda/poznato-kad-se-nikola-topic-vraca-na-parket-metoda-oporavka-ostavila-sve-u-soku/2024022212314173550

That's terrible. How do you avoid surgery if it's needed and it's torn ligaments? Geez. What an awful situation.

[Ariel]

The offense lacks a general and plenty of that was evident last night when Malaki and Sochan were force feeding Vassell in the second half. Neither wanted to take command of the game. That’s not good at all for a team that has to establish an identity on offense. This is where a point guard would help. And even in these situations, Tre for some reason can’t control the game as much as a point guard should which tells me having an average point guard is not enough for the team’s future.
I'd say there's not a single person on these boards that disagrees that we need a better PG, the issue is how the Spurs go about finding one: drafting one in this class -doesn't solve an immediate need-, trading for Trae -probably too costly-, trading for a lesser target -like Brogdon for instance- in the short term and waiting for the right guy to become available, etc.

[onechance87]

Contrary to previous reports Topic won't play tomorrow game.

In their latest article, espn talked about a late March/early April comeback. Topic's team president also gave that timetable in an interview a couple of weeks ago. In that interview, he also said that there were torn ligaments and that they use some innovative methods to avoid surgery. We will see how this story end but it is looking more and more that this injury will hurt his draft stock. What also won't help him is that he shouldn't be able to participate at the now mandatory draft combine and medical exams because he will still play in Serbia with his team.

Topic's team president interview in Serbian:
https://sportal.blic.rs/kosarka/kk-crvena-zvezda/poznato-kad-se-nikola-topic-vraca-na-parket-metoda-oporavka-ostavila-sve-u-soku/2024022212314173550

well damn.

[Bruno]

That's terrible. How do you avoid surgery if it's needed and it's torn ligaments? Geez. What an awful situation.

It has never been reported what ligaments were hurt in his knee. I know that some of these knee injuries don't always require surgery but I'm obviously not an expert on that subject.

What I fear in Topic case is that he was in a gray area and they decided not to have the surgery to preserve his draft stock.

[Dejounte]

I'd say there's not a single person on these boards that disagrees that we need a better PG, the issue is how the Spurs go about finding one: drafting one in this class -doesn't solve an immediate need-, trading for Trae -probably too costly-, trading for a lesser target -like Brogdon for instance- in the short term and waiting for the right guy to become available, etc.

I was addressing Body’s point about not needing a dominant point guard, which is why I said general and mentioned an example about how a point guard control the game and not just mesh with the other guys. My post had less to do with the theoretical point guard’s talent and more about the role they should have on offense.

[scott]

One spin of the Tankathon Sim, and TOR jumped to #4 and we landed #6. Sheppard and Matas still on the board, and I took Matas even though I like Sheppard slightly better as I see forward as a bigger need than guard right now.

If I'm allowed to cheat... took me five Spins for the TOR pick to convey and we got #5 and #8. TAT had us taking Dilly and Matas, and that's what I would do as well.

TAT really wants TOR to get that top 4 pick :lol

[The Truth #6]

The last thing we want with this team is a dominant point guard.

The team needs someone who can get in the paint and collapse the defense and set up others. They can't just pass to VW every second or watch Devin do his orchestrated routines even if mostly improved and successful.

Do you prefer a passive point guard who doesn't do any of those things?

[Mr. Body]

The team needs someone who can get in the paint and collapse the defense and set up others. They can't just pass to VW every second or watch Devin do his orchestrated routines even if mostly improved and successful.

Do you prefer a passive point guard who doesn't do any of those things?

Why do you think ball-dominant and a good slasher are the same thing?

[BackHome]

One spin and I got the number 1 pick and 7th pick - Tankathon had us taking Sarr with first and Matas with the seventh pick

[BackHome]

Contrary to previous reports Topic won't play tomorrow game.

In their latest article, espn talked about a late March/early April comeback. Topic's team president also gave that timetable in an interview a couple of weeks ago. In that interview, he also said that there were torn ligaments and that they use some innovative methods to avoid surgery. We will see how this story end but it is looking more and more that this injury will hurt his draft stock. What also won't help him is that he shouldn't be able to participate at the now mandatory draft combine and medical exams because he will still play in Serbia with his team.

Topic's team president interview in Serbian:
https://sportal.blic.rs/kosarka/kk-crvena-zvezda/poznato-kad-se-nikola-topic-vraca-na-parket-metoda-oporavka-ostavila-sve-u-soku/2024022212314173550

Well damn that is going to impact the draft mocks for sure

[Chinook]

Contrary to previous reports Topic won't play tomorrow game.

In their latest article, espn talked about a late March/early April comeback. Topic's team president also gave that timetable in an interview a couple of weeks ago. In that interview, he also said that there were torn ligaments and that they use some innovative methods to avoid surgery. We will see how this story end but it is looking more and more that this injury will hurt his draft stock. What also won't help him is that he shouldn't be able to participate at the now mandatory draft combine and medical exams because he will still play in Serbia with his team.

Topic's team president interview in Serbian:
https://sportal.blic.rs/kosarka/kk-crvena-zvezda/poznato-kad-se-nikola-topic-vraca-na-parket-metoda-oporavka-ostavila-sve-u-soku/2024022212314173550

As far as I know, mandatory is mandatory. There isn't an exception for injury or for being on a team still playing when it comes to the evals. He won't be there during the combine, but he's still required to do them before the draft.

EDIT to paste in a link talking about the medical exams and combine rules in general.


Participation will include league medical examinations, sharing of medical history and biomechanical and functional movement testing, as well as strength and agility testing, shooting drills, performance testing and anthropometric measurements. Players will also be required to conduct team interviews, media circuits, player development sessions and other assessments, as determined by the NBA in consultation with the NBPA. Players will not be compelled to compete in five-on-five scrimmaging, which typically only a handful of first-round prospects elect to participate in.

There are exceptions to the requirements such as players who are physically unable to participate or for international players still competing or other extenuating circumstances, though medical components -- expected to be completed at a later date -- are still a requirement to be draft eligible.

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-draft-prospects-will-have-to-participate-in-leagues-combine-or-wont-be-eligible-to-be-picked-per-report/

Basically if Topic doesn't get checked out, he can't be drafted. He'll have to make the time. Given that we're hearing he might still play this year, I don't think it's going to hurt his draft stock in June.

[Seventyniner]

In my spin the Spurs got the #2 pick behind Portland, but Toronto got #4 so it didn't convey.

Tankathon thinks Portland will take Sarr if they pick first, so I'd take Risacher at #2. A pretty easy decision.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

The last thing we want with this team is a dominant point guard.

Topic will find the dunker and the corner when he gets downhill.

My issue with him is his technique is all over the place. He just looks sloppy as hell. He makes up for it with what I like about him: his hell bent for leather attitude on attacking the basket, on cuts, and most of what he does.

I like Topic, Dillingham, and Risacher's competitive levels a lot.

[spurraider21]

rolled the ole tankathon once for fun

spurs got the #2 pick and chose topic with risacher on the board, and then took buzelis at #7 with dillingham/sheppard on the board

good result as far as where we landed and who was on the board, but dont think those were the optimal picks. have to think risacher is #1 on their board, especially in a scenario where they know they have a second pick

out of curiosity i just them starting spamming the sim button and without fail, regardless of draft position or whether or not the raptors pick conveys, it has the spurs taking a PG with their top pick 100% of the time

[JPB]

I'd say there's not a single person on these boards that disagrees that we need a better PG, the issue is how the Spurs go about finding one: drafting one in this class -doesn't solve an immediate need-, trading for Trae -probably too costly-, trading for a lesser target -like Brogdon for instance- in the short term and waiting for the right guy to become available, etc.

Yeah, but when will the "right guy" be there? Will he ever be? And how long do you wait, passing on other options before realizing you find your perfect player and there's no other options? Is Luka the perfect guy, an ultra ball dominant, emotional PG, next to Wemby? Would he be available anyway?

Without arguing about the pertinence of trading for Trae, you don't end up naked, still keeping your own picks.

[JPB]

Not sure anyone is taking Topic in the lottery with his Achille issues right now. I was seeing him drop no matter what anyway. that's THE overhyped player of this draft IMO. His ball handling and technique are actually not that great if you watch his games. Not to mention, shooting... and defense. He's just another Teodovic/Micic to me, or a Nando to take a more familiar name.

[Ariel]

Yeah, but when will the "right guy" be there? Will he ever be? And how long do you wait, passing on other options before realizing you find your perfect player and there's no other options? Is Luka the perfect guy, an ultra ball dominant, emotional PG, next to Wemby? Would he be available anyway?

Without arguing about the pertinence of trading for Trae, you don't end up naked, still keeping your own picks.
I've laid out alternative scenarios about a thousand times: trade for Brogdon (2/3 SRPs should suffice), sign Tyus Jones, go for Donovan Mitchell / Derrick White in '25 (ONE year). And if not, record shows a star guard becomes available just about every year (Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Jrue, Haliburton, Harden, Kyrie, Paul George -not really a PG but could fill the creator role- , even a rising SGA was traded), sometimes more than one (and once). The Spurs won't be contenders in the next 2 years no matter what they do (can't imagine them beating Boston, Denver, Milwaukee, or even a full strenth Philly team within that time frame), the focus should be in putting together a team capable of making the play in by next year, and the playoffs by one following (i.e., no more "hard" tanking). I don't think that necessarily requires a star in the short term.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Contrary to previous reports Topic won't play tomorrow game.

In their latest article, espn talked about a late March/early April comeback. Topic's team president also gave that timetable in an interview a couple of weeks ago. In that interview, he also said that there were torn ligaments and that they use some innovative methods to avoid surgery. We will see how this story end but it is looking more and more that this injury will hurt his draft stock. What also won't help him is that he shouldn't be able to participate at the now mandatory draft combine and medical exams because he will still play in Serbia with his team.

Topic's team president interview in Serbian:
https://sportal.blic.rs/kosarka/kk-crvena-zvezda/poznato-kad-se-nikola-topic-vraca-na-parket-metoda-oporavka-ostavila-sve-u-soku/2024022212314173550

Any sprain is going to see some tearing of the ligament. The question is if it is a complete tear or what degree of spraining. Looking like he will be there for the Toronto pick more and more.

[rascal]

Last night also showed the value of having players who can penetrate. Jalen Green and Whitmore, for all the serious flaws they have, really changed the game with their penetration. Getting by guys almost at will and then outmanuevering the bigs inside for an easy 2 is what this team is missing. This is why Collier works for this team. Currently no one does this.

It's called team athleticism, which the Spurs are lacking. They can't beat their defender and get to the rim. They often can't even finish on a fast break opportunity.

[rascal]

rolled the ole tankathon once for fun

spurs got the #2 pick and chose topic with risacher on the board, and then took buzelis at #7 with dillingham/sheppard on the board

good result as far as where we landed and who was on the board, but dont think those were the optimal picks. have to think risacher is #1 on their board, especially in a scenario where they know they have a second pick

out of curiosity i just them starting spamming the sim button and without fail, regardless of draft position or whether or not the raptors pick conveys, it has the spurs taking a PG with their top pick 100% of the time

Why take Topic at 2 when you can likely get him with the 7th or 8th pick now.

[baseline bum]

Quick, name me your 10 best currently good white Americans in the league right now. You can even do 5. Go.

I mean the two best players in the league are white

[TheGreatYacht]

I mean the two best players in the league are white
I said white American

[rascal]

I mean the two best players in the league are white

But it quickly thins out after that.

[baseline bum]

Why take Topic at 2 when you can likely get him with the 7th or 8th pick now.

Tankathon loves Topic like they haven't updated their draft rankings since December.

[rascal]

I mean the two best players in the league are white

75% of the league is black for a reason, superior athletes.

[Chinook]

rolled the ole tankathon once for fun

spurs got the #2 pick and chose topic with risacher on the board, and then took buzelis at #7 with dillingham/sheppard on the board

good result as far as where we landed and who was on the board, but dont think those were the optimal picks. have to think risacher is #1 on their board, especially in a scenario where they know they have a second pick

out of curiosity i just them starting spamming the sim button and without fail, regardless of draft position or whether or not the raptors pick conveys, it has the spurs taking a PG with their top pick 100% of the time

I have a feeling Collier is higher on their board than we realize. If timvp is to be believed, they had Amen high on their board last year. They aren't afraid of shooting struggles if the tools are there. They also showed with Murray and one-and-dones with poor freshman seasons don't get discounted if they think it's a bad situation and the high-school tape is good. Part of me feel like that's who they decided to not accelerate their rebuild for.

[baseline bum]

I have a feeling Collier is higher on their board than we realize. If timvp is to be believed, they had Amen high on their board last year. They aren't afraid of shooting struggles if the tools are there. They also showed with Murray and one-and-dones with poor freshman seasons don't get discounted if they think it's a bad situation and the high-school tape is good. Part of me feel like that's who they decided to not accelerate their rebuild for.

Kind of a different situation. They took Murray with the 29th pick where you're just hoping to get someone who can make it in the league and can take chances without much opportunity cost. Whole different thing if they're picking 7-9 and you have a pick that you really have to make count. Amen I could understand taking a big home run swing on since he was the most athletic player in the draft and someone with the potential to be a transcendent player if he could be taught a jump shot. Don't really see Collier having that kind of athleticism or upside.

[KobesAchilles]

I have a feeling Collier is higher on their board than we realize. If timvp is to be believed, they had Amen high on their board last year. They aren't afraid of shooting struggles if the tools are there. They also showed with Murray and one-and-dones with poor freshman seasons don't get discounted if they think it's a bad situation and the high-school tape is good. Part of me feel like that's who they decided to not accelerate their rebuild for.
If we are going to draft a non-shooting high turnover point guard, I want everyone fired tbh. You can't surround Wemby with No Shooters. It's about the dumbest thing you can do tbh. Westbrook and Durant never rang because Westbrook couldn't shoot the ball in the ocean from 3 and he made boneheaded mistakes. Durant and Curry worked because Steph was an amazing shooter and doesn't fuck up.

Please for the love of gawd don't draft Collier

[Mr. Body]

I have a feeling Collier is higher on their board than we realize. If timvp is to be believed, they had Amen high on their board last year. They aren't afraid of shooting struggles if the tools are there. They also showed with Murray and one-and-dones with poor freshman seasons don't get discounted if they think it's a bad situation and the high-school tape is good. Part of me feel like that's who they decided to not accelerate their rebuild for.

Amen is a pretty smart player. Collier really isn't one, from watching him. Kinda bad bbIQ.

[Chinook]

Kind of a different situation. They took Murray with the 29th pick where you're just hoping to get someone who can make it in the league and can take chances without much opportunity cost. Whole different thing if they're picking 7-9 and you have a pick that you really have to make count. Amen I could understand taking a big home run swing on since he was the most athletic player in the draft and someone with the potential to be a transcendent player if he could be taught a jump shot. Don't really see Collier having that kind of athleticism or upside.

Collier's ability to get into the paint is superlative, and he's quite athletic as far as I can tell. From what I can recall the Spurs had a lottery grade on Murray, which means they didn't discount him much on their board after his freshman season. So by that right, if the Spurs had Collier high on their board going into the season, this season might NOT have dropped him in their eyes like it did for the mocks.


If we are going to draft a non-shooting high turnover point guard, I want everyone fired tbh. You can't surround Wemby with No Shooters. It's about the dumbest thing you can do tbh. Westbrook and Durant never rang because Westbrook couldn't shoot the ball in the ocean from 3 and he made boneheaded mistakes. Durant and Curry worked because Steph was an amazing shooter and doesn't fuck up.

Please for the love of gawd don't draft Collier

I think that is too rigid of a view of what works around Wemby. Victor is not Duncan. He's not going to be hanging out in the paint backing folks down. The Spurs are going to be a five-out team with him, not a four-out. While it is important to note that you can't export shooting, there are additional factors that go into having a flowing offense built around Wemby. Speed and penetration are really important too. The single thing that will help Wemby the most is a player who's too good of a scoring threat to give second or third priority to. That scoring threat matters more than how they score, because Victor at this point is his career is likely well served being able to lean into another player being the head of the offensive snake so he can actually do the things like catch lobs, get duck-ins or spot up.

Wemby's the most turnover prone player in the league. He turns the ball over more than Collier. Trae Young does too. We all expect Victor to grow out of that and are mostly willing to overlook Young's mistakes. That's not a reason to not pick Collier. Every rookie is going to have things they need to improve on. No matter how much fans want to worry, the Spurs have the time to let them figure it out.

[Mr. Body]

I've laid out alternative scenarios about a thousand times: trade for Brogdon (2/3 SRPs should suffice), sign Tyus Jones, go for Donovan Mitchell / Derrick White in '25 (ONE year). And if not, record shows a star guard becomes available just about every year (Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Jrue, Haliburton, Harden, Kyrie, Paul George -not really a PG but could fill the creator role- , even a rising SGA was traded), sometimes more than one (and once). The Spurs won't be contenders in the next 2 years no matter what they do (can't imagine them beating Boston, Denver, Milwaukee, or even a full strenth Philly team within that time frame), the focus should be in putting together a team capable of making the play in by next year, and the playoffs by one following (i.e., no more "hard" tanking). I don't think that necessarily requires a star in the short term.

Thank you.

It's easy to say "We have to fix the point guard problem." It's another to look at the actual, tangible options.

For this draft, unless some player suddenly comes into lottery range, in my estimation our first choices include:

Topic
Dillingham
Sheppard
Castle
Collier

Guys who may trickle into the teens or will last until the second round include:

Jared McCain
Tyrese Proctor
DJ Wagner
Tyler Kolek
etc.

If your request is for a good-shooting point guard who can manipulate defenses and get really pressure the lane while playing good defense, you ain't gonna get it. If you want all that AND that this player is ready right away, definitely ain't getting it.

For every one of those guys, you have to give something up.

There are maybe two of them who are very good at pressuring the rim, and that's Dillingham and Collier. Neither is going to provide much defense. Collier isn't going to provide any shooting. And, frankly, Collier just seems kind of dumb.

If you want shooting and defense, then you hope Sheppard pans out, but he provides no rim pressure and his point guard skills are a bit shaky at this point (as in lead guard).

If you want defense and size and a guy who may be able to do a lot, but who doesn't shoot, it's Castle.

THAT'S why you have to find some other solutions, because your dream scenario isn't coming from these players. Now, I really like some of these PG prospects, but otherwise some of y'all sound like the people on those House Buying shows where they list all the things they want, including pool and view and fifty bedrooms, and then say their budget is $30,000.

[spurraider21]

I said white American
Topic is not a white american

[LeBowen]

Tbh, with this Topic injury situation, I kind of hope he skips this year's draft, he could really use another year in Europe.
And I really don't want a questionable shooter, traffic cone on defense, completely unknown prospect as a top5 pick.
Especially not with his injury situation and lack of real games.

[Seventyniner]

Wemby's the most turnover prone player in the league. He turns the ball over more than Collier. Trae Young does too. We all expect Victor to grow out of that and are mostly willing to overlook Young's mistakes. That's not a reason to not pick Collier. Every rookie is going to have things they need to improve on. No matter how much fans want to worry, the Spurs have the time to let them figure it out.

That's another worrying thing about Trae Young. He's in his sixth year and his turnover% stat has gone 17.6, 16.2, 16.2, 14.5, 15.2, 16.0 (this season). There is no track record of improvement there.

Dejounte Murray is a poster child for improvement in this area. His turnover% in 7 seasons has gone 22.7, 16.6, 15.4, 10.2, 11.8, 10.2, 10.6 (this season).

Disclaimer: I don't watch a lot of Trae Young. I don't know how much of his turnover problems are due to bad decisions compared to teammates. Advanced passing stats paint him as a PnR savant in terms of shot quality created; does he try to thread needles too often? Or are his turnover problems vis a vis Dejounte due to Trae being much more of a finisher than Dejounte (based on comparative usage rate)?

[KobesAchilles]

Collier's ability to get into the paint is superlative, and he's quite athletic as far as I can tell. From what I can recall the Spurs had a lottery grade on Murray, which means they didn't discount him much on their board after his freshman season. So by that right, if the Spurs had Collier high on their board going into the season, this season might NOT have dropped him in their eyes like it did for the mocks.


I think that is too rigid of a view of what works around Wemby. Victor is not Duncan. He's not going to be hanging out in the paint backing folks down. The Spurs are going to be a five-out team with him, not a four-out. While it is important to note that you can't export shooting, there are additional factors that go into having a flowing offense built around Wemby. Speed and penetration are really important too. The single thing that will help Wemby the most is a player who's too good of a scoring threat to give second or third priority to. That scoring threat matters more than how they score, because Victor at this point is his career is likely well served being able to lean into another player being the head of the offensive snake so he can actually do the things like catch lobs, get duck-ins or spot up.

Wemby's the most turnover prone player in the league. He turns the ball over more than Collier. Trae Young does too. We all expect Victor to grow out of that and are mostly willing to overlook Young's mistakes. That's not a reason to not pick Collier. Every rookie is going to have things they need to improve on. No matter how much fans want to worry, the Spurs have the time to let them figure it out.
Young has a lot that scared me about him as a prospect on the team He turns the ball over a lot, shoots stupid shots, and plays bad defense. On the otherhand, he can get to the lane, set up teammates, and he is a good shooter. Young is a classic case of he shouldn't be the best player on your team. Shrink his role a bit, and see if you can' teach him to clean up his mistakes. That's all he really has to work on. Those two things.

Yes and so pairing Wemby with a young turnover prone guard isn't the smartest thing to do. And when you add on top of that Collier can't shoot, for me it's a nonstarter. Speed and penetration are important but to me shooting has to be in there as well. That's why I want Dilly. He has speed, penetration, and shooting. Dilly just isn't going to ever be a good defender and to me that's not that important for a PG. Wing and interior defenders are way more important.

Collier has too much (imo) to fix that he will never put it all together. We don't need to post up Wemby every possession, and by no means am I saying to. However it is disingenuous to say that we can have a nonshooting PG,PF, and SF on our team to surround Wemby with and expect to succeed. As of now, there's no plan of replacing PF, so our PG needs to be able to shoot.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

That's another worrying thing about Trae Young. He's in his sixth year and his turnover% stat has gone 17.6, 16.2, 16.2, 14.5, 15.2, 16.0 (this season). There is no track record of improvement there.

Dejounte Murray is a poster child for improvement in this area. His turnover% in 7 seasons has gone 22.7, 16.6, 15.4, 10.2, 11.8, 10.2, 10.6 (this season).

Disclaimer: I don't watch a lot of Trae Young. I don't know how much of his turnover problems are due to bad decisions compared to teammates. Advanced passing stats paint him as a PnR savant in terms of shot quality created; does he try to thread needles too often? Or are his turnover problems vis a vis Dejounte due to Trae being much more of a finisher than Dejounte (based on comparative usage rate)?

Murray does make a lot more sense as a fit for us for a lot of reasons.

[The Truth #6]

Why do you think ball-dominant and a good slasher are the same thing?

I never said ball dominant. I said dominant. Sounds like a misunderstanding.

[Atl Spur]

Murray does make a lot more sense as a fit for us for a lot of reasons.

Murray is waaaaaaaaayyyyyy too immature to have around this young group!

[LeBowen]

Young has a lot that scared me about him as a prospect on the team He turns the ball over a lot, shoots stupid shots, and plays bad defense. On the otherhand, he can get to the lane, set up teammates, and he is a good shooter. Young is a classic case of he shouldn't be the best player on your team. Shrink his role a bit, and see if you can' teach him to clean up his mistakes. That's all he really has to work on. Those two things.

I'd always rather take a player that's obviously smart and work on his flaws than take someone with fundamental shooting flaws that are really difficult to fix.
Trae isn't Westbrook who just attacked the paint without caring about anything due to his physical advantage.
He's the smallest guy on the court most of the time and while he's got the speed advantage, he wouldn't be able to do shit without high playmaking IQ.

I'd like to see some stats about what percentage of his turnovers are kept in play and end in fastbreaks.
He doesn't get stripped often and doesn't lose the ball in dumb ways, it's mostly overly-ambitious passes from what I've seen.

And for every one of those turnovers, he'll make an assist or two very few players can make.

If he buys into being Wemby's Robin, he'd be a perfect fit.
If he doesn't his career as far as serious playoff basketball would be over because if Spurs couldn't make him work, noone can.

[sfernald]

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.

He will be the French Johnny Davis!

[TheGreatYacht]

Topic is not a white american
You’re deflecting. You said I don’t like Europeans and white Americans.


Wait till the guy who doesn’t want us to draft euros or white Americans

I am bias against the latter, and with good reason. Name me the 5 best white American players currently.

[DAF86]

He will be the French Johnny Davis!

That's one of the weirdest comparissons ever. Davis is 6'4", Risacher 6"10". Davis couldn't shoot, Risacher is a 40% 3pt shooter.

[TD 21]

I mean the two best players in the league are white

Doncic is not better than Embiid or Antetokounmpo and statistically Gilgeous-Alexander either. I'd give him the edge for now on the latter though considering the relative lack of track record.


I have a feeling Collier is higher on their board than we realize. If timvp is to be believed, they had Amen high on their board last year. They aren't afraid of shooting struggles if the tools are there. They also showed with Murray and one-and-dones with poor freshman seasons don't get discounted if they think it's a bad situation and the high-school tape is good. Part of me feel like that's who they decided to not accelerate their rebuild for.

That was pre Wembanyama.

This team needs to stop trying to outsmart everyone else by picking some project and just pick someone who already knows how to (IQ and skill wise) play basketball, which is why I keep vouching for Risacher and Sheppard.

Investing and waiting probably 3-5 years to see if Collier can figure out how to be become a likely still sub par shooter because he has the physical tools to be a good defender and can get "downhill" would be a waste of an asset and time at this point.

[mo7888]

Thank you.

It's easy to say "We have to fix the point guard problem." It's another to look at the actual, tangible options.

For this draft, unless some player suddenly comes into lottery range, in my estimation our first choices include:

Topic
Dillingham
Sheppard
Castle
Collier

Guys who may trickle into the teens or will last until the second round include:

Jared McCain
Tyrese Proctor
DJ Wagner
Tyler Kolek
etc.

If your request is for a good-shooting point guard who can manipulate defenses and get really pressure the lane while playing good defense, you ain't gonna get it. If you want all that AND that this player is ready right away, definitely ain't getting it.

For every one of those guys, you have to give something up.

There are maybe two of them who are very good at pressuring the rim, and that's Dillingham and Collier. Neither is going to provide much defense. Collier isn't going to provide any shooting. And, frankly, Collier just seems kind of dumb.

If you want shooting and defense, then you hope Sheppard pans out, but he provides no rim pressure and his point guard skills are a bit shaky at this point (as in lead guard).

If you want defense and size and a guy who may be able to do a lot, but who doesn't shoot, it's Castle.

THAT'S why you have to find some other solutions, because your dream scenario isn't coming from these players. Now, I really like some of these PG prospects, but otherwise some of y'all sound like the people on those House Buying shows where they list all the things they want, including pool and view and fifty bedrooms, and then say their budget is $30,000.

Im glad you mentioned Proctor and Kolek. I like both of these guys alot and Proctor, I think has a good chance of well out performing his current draft status.

I wouldn't take either guy in tne top 10, but if we traded back or traded up from the 2nd round just a little bit, I'd be perfectly happy with either.

[spurraider21]

You’re deflecting. You said I don’t like Europeans and white Americans.



I am bias against the latter, and with good reason. Name me the 5 best white American players currently.
not exactly any greats but a decent amount of good players

Chet is a rookie but looks like he's going to be a star

Caruso is one of the best defensive guards in the league

Herro is a very good scorer who can shoot lights out and handle spot PG duties

Reaves is a very good guard who handles PG/SG duties on an otherwise veteran team

Kessler is one of the best rim protectors in the league and is in just his 2nd season

Donte DiVincenzo is good and playing a huge role for a good knicks team, has really stepped up lately as well as they deal with injuries

ill grant there arent any big stars other than Chet who has that potential but theres a lot of very good players. some who were all star caliber but past their prime like Hayward/Love. but its not like there arent solid role players all over the league like Braun, Huerter, Grayson, Strus, Duncan Robinson (having a really good season after last year's trainwreck)

Some other good rookies like Podz/Jacquez as well

its not like people here are projecting Reed Sheppard to be an all-nba type player

[SpursBills]

If the spurs wanted a combination of shooting and defense with potential as a primary ballhandler who doesn't dominate the ball, I wonder if they'll take a look at Devin Carter out of Providence. 6'3", allegedly 6'8" wingspan, has an NBA dad (Anthony Carter). Great POA defender, shoots 6 3s a game at a 0.390 clip this year, if he can function as a primary ball handler he'll give you size, rebounding, defense, athleticism, and shooting at the 1. He's older so he won't go top 10 most likely, but would be a very good candidate for a trade down.

[skin27]

I guess topic is the best pick for the spurs this coming draft

[cutewizard]

Open Letter to the San Antonio Spurs Staff who are observing and reading here:


Gentlemen:

Please take a look at the new and vastly improved KAI SOTTO of the Philippines


The best back up for Wemby that you can find in this Solar System.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMOdy9UmHjE

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDBGsh10uX8

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-78nSCXEy9k

[heyheymymy]

Saw someone else mentioning and was noticing as well that the late 2nd round has a projected range of PGs that might be targets

Procter
KJ Simpson (is already 21 though)
Carrington

Say SA gets a better PG through trade EDIT: or free agency to put in front of Jones/Wesley, you could take one of these instead with the timeline pushed back and throw them down in G league for a few seasons so they are upcoming in the pipeline

[cutewizard]

You can also have a look at Coach Tim Cone

and connect more with Philippine basketball

lots of marketing opportunities here

[cutewizard]

i wonder if i should create a separate chat topic for this

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

basta please SPURS have a look at Kai >>>> he has much to prove

[sfernald]

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

I think in this case I’d reach a little bit. I think if we can surround Wemby with 40%+ 3pt shooters we will be successful. So with that in mine I would select Walter and Knecht with the hope that both will prove to be amazing shooters to fit around Wemby. At least we have a plan then.

[spurraider21]

shooting, shooting, shooting

1765522706177331341

[spurraider21]

I think in this case I’d reach a little bit. I think if we can surround Wemby with 40%+ 3pt shooters we will be successful. So with that in mine I would select Walter and Knecht with the hope that both will prove to be amazing shooters to fit around Wemby. At least we have a plan then.
are we sure walter is a great shooter?

he's shooting 33% from 3, less than 40% from the field. nice FT shooter i guess. but im not sure what else he gives besides shooting. the one thing i do really like about him is how comfortable he looks as a movement shooter

he'd also wind up being a backup to vassell anyway, so i just question too many things about Walter, which is why i have him as low as i do on that list

[BackHome]

If the spurs wanted a combination of shooting and defense with potential as a primary ballhandler who doesn't dominate the ball, I wonder if they'll take a look at Devin Carter out of Providence. 6'3", allegedly 6'8" wingspan, has an NBA dad (Anthony Carter). Great POA defender, shoots 6 3s a game at a 0.390 clip this year, if he can function as a primary ball handler he'll give you size, rebounding, defense, athleticism, and shooting at the 1. He's older so he won't go top 10 most likely, but would be a very good candidate for a trade down.

I really really like this kid I know someone said we could get him early second but Bleacher Report has a new mock and they have him going 10th in the First Round - Draft Room has him mocked number 19 in the first round. He is an elite defender who is just now figuring out the offensive side he is the type of player Pop would love to coach

[spurraider21]

Carter has some great defensive production, but unlike the similarly productive Sheppard, the eye test shows that he's a physically imposing defender as well.

but he doesnt look as comfortable as a distributor, and man, that shot is a little hard to believe. jumped 10% in one year despite his FTs not improving. the volume is impressive though.

think if you end up taking him you basically are putting Wesley on notice

[onechance87]

Carter has some great defensive production, but unlike the similarly productive Sheppard, the eye test shows that he's a physically imposing defender as well.

but he doesnt look as comfortable as a distributor, and man, that shot is a little hard to believe. jumped 10% in one year despite his FTs not improving. the volume is impressive though.

think if you end up taking him you basically are putting Wesley on notice

wesley shot doesnt look like it will improve anytime soon.Hes just another player that hurts the team not
being able to shoot.And being a pg is important to have a respectable shot.

[SpursBills]

Carter has some great defensive production, but unlike the similarly productive Sheppard, the eye test shows that he's a physically imposing defender as well.

but he doesnt look as comfortable as a distributor, and man, that shot is a little hard to believe. jumped 10% in one year despite his FTs not improving. the volume is impressive though.

think if you end up taking him you basically are putting Wesley on notice

I think that he has low odds of ever becoming as good as Cason Wallace, who has similar dimensions and fits a similar role and who I really wanted to trade into the first round for last year. There is very scant evidence of this, but I will always suspect that Wright actually had a trade lined up with Orlando for him at 11 until Presti poached him at 10. I would value him probably as a decent pick for a first trade down between from 15-20, but have others I like more in the top 10.

[Mr. Body]

I think that he has low odds of ever becoming as good as Cason Wallace, who has similar dimensions and fits a similar role and who I really wanted to trade into the first round for last year. There is very scant evidence of this, but I will always suspect that Wright actually had a trade lined up with Orlando for him at 11 until Presti poached him at 10. I would value him probably as a decent pick for a first trade down between from 15-20, but have others I like more in the top 10.

It was Utah.

[sfernald]

That's one of the weirdest comparissons ever. Davis is 6'4", Risacher 6"10". Davis couldn't shoot, Risacher is a 40% 3pt shooter.

just in the sense of how much they look alike and also in how much he will disappoint the fans of the team drafting him.

https://i.postimg.cc/5ytscCLr/IMG-0846.jpg


https://i.postimg.cc/pL51Xz4b/IMG-0842.jpg

[heyheymymy]

See more of MPJ in Risacher

[Ariel]

are we sure walter is a great shooter?

he's shooting 33% from 3, less than 40% from the field. nice FT shooter i guess. but im not sure what else he gives besides shooting. the one thing i do really like about him is how comfortable he looks as a movement shooter

he'd also wind up being a backup to vassell anyway, so i just question too many things about Walter, which is why i have him as low as i do on that list
I can buy into drafting a skilled, all around guy who isn't shooting well (like Matas Buzelis), but a shooter who isn't shooting well and does nothing else at a high level is a tough sell.

[heyheymymy]

Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham live now on SECN

[heyheymymy]

Don't think I realized Jerry Stackhouse is the coach at Vanderbilt

[Mr. Body]

Both Reed and Rob look pretty bad so far tonight.

[heyheymymy]

Wow UK was sleep walking most of the first half but things heated up quickly

Back to back threes for Rob Dill

[heyheymymy]

13-4 UK run over 3:04

[alfahdlan]

Can we get with 2nd round pick, Antonio Reeves? Shooting, solved.

[Mr. Body]

This happens pretty much every game. Kentucky gets stagnant and then Rob Dillingham starts stirring it up. Like, he's basically their offense. Not shooting, but probing, moving the defense around. No one else does it.

[Mr. Body]

13-4 UK run over 3:04

It's almost entirely Rob Dillingham.

[Mr. Body]

I really think Dillingham is the most talented kid in this draft.

[alfahdlan]

To hell with usage. Find the hot hands.

[spurraider21]

not watching the game but wow those numbers from Dilly

and sheppard quiet on the scoring front but 10 assists

[heyheymymy]

Reed Shep career high 11 AST

8/4/11

[Ariel]

I really think Dillingham is the most talented kid in this draft.

This happens pretty much every game. Kentucky gets stagnant and then Rob Dillingham starts stirring it up. Like, he's basically their offense. Not shooting, but probing, moving the defense around. No one else does it.
Watched the 2nd half. He's such en electrifying player, lightning quick and super shifty, can score from anywhere on multiple ways, better passer and creator than he's given credit for, moves the ball quickly and makes good reads. Honestly he'd be perfect offensively for the Spurs, he'd make Wemby's life so much easier with his dynamism, the cure to a lof of our ills. He's one of the guys I'll be watching next season regardless of where he plays.

[BatManu20]

1765590217648402909

[BatManu20]

1765583738421776844

[onechance87]

if dilly does this shit in the tourney,He may be the number 1 pick.

[BackHome]

It a good showing but would like to see that against a good team it will be fun watching him in the big tourney

[spurraider21]

It’s really hard to watch him play and not think he’s top 3

Then a couple of days pass and you think about things like size, translatability, defense, etc, and i wonder if player a b and c are ahead of him

then i watch him play again and think no, he is him. Rinse repeat.

basically anybody who is ok with the Trae stuff should have Dilly as PG1. Different players of course. But if you want the strengths of shotmaking, pick and roll passing, floor spacing, and can live with him being hunted on defense, then there you go

its his ability to hit the roll man from a variety of angles and depths that sells me on him. And he doesn’t just have to immediately sprint downhill to apply pressure. Just by delaying or straddling the 3pt line after a pick he can really stretch the defense out before then exploding past his man. He really had a great aptitude for pick and roll. He’s not just a iso baller shotmaker

[JPB]

The kid can play. Ja Morant vibes, although less athetic from what I've seen yet. Hopefully less drama too. Nice handles, body control, has different moves)
If he can keep up with that kind of play, he could definitely be top 3 in this draft, and not necessarily 3.

Give me that guy over Topic any day. Could be an alternative to Trae indeed, then add a couple vets and you should be more competitive next year (not really hard).

[heyheymymy]

same thing over here with trying to talk myself out of Dillingham only for the next game to convince me all over again

also getting Ja Morant vibes as well as Maxey

[heyheymymy]

Vandy was a pushover team but Dilly has been doing this all season.

Oh well, Kentucky Sat March 9th 3PM CST @ #4 TENN so another real test coming next anyway

[Mitch Cumsteen]

It’s really hard to watch him play and not think he’s top 3

Then a couple of days pass and you think about things like size, translatability, defense, etc, and i wonder if player a b and c are ahead of him

then i watch him play again and think no, he is him. Rinse repeat.

basically anybody who is ok with the Trae stuff should have Dilly as PG1. Different players of course. But if you want the strengths of shotmaking, pick and roll passing, floor spacing, and can live with him being hunted on defense, then there you go

its his ability to hit the roll man from a variety of angles and depths that sells me on him. And he doesn’t just have to immediately sprint downhill to apply pressure. Just by delaying or straddling the 3pt line after a pick he can really stretch the defense out before then exploding past his man. He really had a great aptitude for pick and roll. He’s not just a iso baller shotmaker

I'm 100% NOT okay with the Trae stuff, but I'm definitely on board with Dillingham as PG1. Dillingham plays so much more within himself and within the team concept than Young did at that age (or any age, for that matter). In college, Young had 20 FGA/game a 37% USG rate and Dillingham is at 11 FGA/game and 30%. Granted, Dillingham has better talent around him than Young did, but still...

I really want to see where Dillingham's measurements come in - I think he's a little taller/longer than Trae which should theoretically translate to him being a more competent defender, relatively speaking.

[Dejounte]

Taller doesn’t make you likely a better defender. Wingspan and strength does.

[Ariel]

It’s really hard to watch him play and not think he’s top 3

Then a couple of days pass and you think about things like size, translatability, defense, etc, and i wonder if player a b and c are ahead of him

then i watch him play again and think no, he is him. Rinse repeat.
You're not the only one :lol

basically anybody who is ok with the Trae stuff should have Dilly as PG1. Different players of course. But if you want the strengths of shotmaking, pick and roll passing, floor spacing, and can live with him being hunted on defense, then there you g
This was my thinking all along. I think there's a very solid case to be made that Dillingham will be a poor man's Trae, I'd even say he has all the tools to be a BETTER scorer than Trae, I trust his shooting more and believe he can be more efficient. The question is how close of a playmaker can he be... I wouldn't rate him anywhere near, but all things considered (scoring potential, ACQUISITION COST) if you think he give you 50% of what Trae can, he's still a very worthwhile gamble.

[baseline bum]

Ugh I miss when Sarr and Topic were considered #1 and #2 and you could envision a scenario where the Spurs got #3 and #7 and could draft Riscaher + Dillingham. Now Risacher is probably going #1 and if the Spurs drop to #4 they probably can't get Dilly either.

[spurraider21]

1765807897366139350

[spurraider21]

Ugh I miss when Sarr and Topic were considered #1 and #2 and you could envision a scenario where the Spurs got #3 and #7 and could draft Riscaher + Dillingham. Now Risacher is probably going #1 and if the Spurs drop to #4 they probably can't get Dilly either.
i mean if topic never got hurt and played well in euroleague it could have justified us taking him. now he kind of feels like a hot potato

[stnick2261]

Regardless of who we take in the 1st round, I'm really liking the Senior 2nd round options:

PG Tyler Kolek
SF Dillon Jones
C Zach Edey

TaT has them each right around our 2nd round pick. Any one of them could step right in and be productive.

[spurraider21]

we dont need Boban Edey

[scott]

How do our draftniks feel about Dilly’s (or the other prospect’s we’ve discussed at our pick or the TOR pick) NBA readiness? One of my concerns is that the top prospects are all so young and raw that they won’t be ready to truly be year 1 contributors.

I want next season to be the year we have our play-in contender season, prepping us for a jump to where OKC is this year in year 3 of Wemby. Are these guys on that kind of time line, or maybe a year behind where shouldn’t expect big things until their year 3?

[rascal]

Does anyone still see the Spurs taking Topic over Dillingham?

They tend to be conservative even reaching for a player if they think they might not get him but I think they have/had Topic in their sights over Dillingham.

[onechance87]

Does anyone still see the Spurs taking Topic over Dillingham?

They tend to be conservative even reaching for a player if they think they might not get him but I think they have/had Topic in their sights over Dillingham.

ive always felt spurs were gonna target topic,Not sure with his injury now.

[sfernald]

How do our draftniks feel about Dilly’s (or the other prospect’s we’ve discussed at our pick or the TOR pick) NBA readiness? One of my concerns is that the top prospects are all so young and raw that they won’t be ready to truly be year 1 contributors.

I want next season to be the year we have our play-in contender season, prepping us for a jump to where OKC is this year in year 3 of Wemby. Are these guys on that kind of time line, or maybe a year behind where shouldn’t expect big things until their year 3?

Huge risk if you want that. Better to trade picks for proven players if you want a sure thing. The thing is that could make us Dallas Southwest eventually though if things don’t work out.

[pad300]

Does anyone still see the Spurs taking Topic over Dillingham?

They tend to be conservative even reaching for a player if they think they might not get him but I think they have/had Topic in their sights over Dillingham.

I certainly hope they do. I think Topic is a better prospect... Neither Dillingham nor Sheppard is a starter for Kentucky. Why? I doubt it's that their coach is a complete moron...

[itzsoweezee]

I certainly hope they do. I think Topic is a better prospect... Neither Dillingham nor Sheppard is a starter for Kentucky. Why? I doubt it's that their coach is a complete moron...

My guess is that is mostly due to politics (Wagner was a big time recruit if I remember correctly)

[mo7888]

How do our draftniks feel about Dilly’s (or the other prospect’s we’ve discussed at our pick or the TOR pick) NBA readiness? One of my concerns is that the top prospects are all so young and raw that they won’t be ready to truly be year 1 contributors.

I want next season to be the year we have our play-in contender season, prepping us for a jump to where OKC is this year in year 3 of Wemby. Are these guys on that kind of time line, or maybe a year behind where shouldn’t expect big things until their year 3?

I guess it depends on how you define 'contributor'. They guys in my top two tiers who could actually start 'some of the time' are the high floor guys (Risacher and Shephard). Most of the other one's I'd see as part of the rotation hopefully playing behind some vets. Then it's a matter of evaluating when their ready to move up.

1. Zaccharie Risacher
2. Alex Sarr
3. Nikola Topic
Tier 2:
4. Matas Buzelis
5. Reed Shephard
6. Robert Dillingham
7. Cody Williams
8. Tidjane Salaun
9. JaKobe Walter

[scott]

Huge risk if you want that. Better to trade picks for proven players if you want a sure thing. The thing is that could make us Dallas Southwest eventually though if things don’t work out.

Not what I asked though. I’m asking about the NBA readiness of this year’s class.

[mo7888]

Does anyone still see the Spurs taking Topic over Dillingham?

They tend to be conservative even reaching for a player if they think they might not get him but I think they have/had Topic in their sights over Dillingham.

I've still got Topic higher, but part of it is that I'm not knocking him for that injury info yet because i don't trust it. That could drop him significantly ..

[scott]

I guess it depends on how you define 'contributor'. They guys in my top two tiers who could actually start 'some of the time' are the high floor guys (Risacher and Shephard). Most of the other one's I'd see as part of the rotation hopefully playing behind some vets. Then it's a matter of evaluating when their ready to move up.

1. Zaccharie Risacher
2. Alex Sarr
3. Nikola Topic
Tier 2:
4. Matas Buzelis
5. Reed Shephard
6. Robert Dillingham
7. Cody Williams
8. Tidjane Salaun
9. JaKobe Walter

Are we looking at a situation where next year’s ROTY is going to be someone who averages 13/5?

I’d define contributor as someone who will be able to come in and be part of the rotation and not in the type of way that Branham or Collins are in the rotation but lead to a massive drop off. I don’t need our guys to be starters right away (though would be nice if one of them could be the starting SF at least, depending on who we go after in the offseason).

I’d say if we take PG and SF, “contributing” would be players who could successful displace Champangnie and Wesley from the rotation and for that to look like an improvement.

[sfernald]

Not what I asked though. I’m asking about the NBA readiness of this year’s class.

most picks in the spurs range will be 18-19 year old freshman so no not ready to play at all. You would have to drop down a grouping or two to the Keven Mccullars and Dalton Knechts if you want players ready to move the needle. I don’t think there’s a Wemby, Chet, Paulo or even a Brandon Miller in this draft. Maybe a Jaime J.

[LeBowen]

I certainly hope they do. I think Topic is a better prospect... Neither Dillingham nor Sheppard is a starter for Kentucky. Why? I doubt it's that their coach is a complete moron...

A certain player you might know, Devin Booker, also didn't start for Kentucky.

[mo7888]

Are we looking at a situation where next year’s ROTY is going to be someone who averages 13/5?

I’d define contributor as someone who will be able to come in and be part of the rotation and not in the type of way that Branham or Collins are in the rotation but lead to a massive drop off. I don’t need our guys to be starters right away (though would be nice if one of them could be the starting SF at least, depending on who we go after in the offseason).

I’d say if we take PG and SF, “contributing” would be players who could successful displace Champangnie and Wesley from the rotation and for that to look like an improvement.

Interesting... I haven't really contemplated award season next year. This is a wild ass guess, but the guy with the most sizzle could be Isaiah Collier if he lands on a team that treats him like 1st year Ja....

Using your definition of contributor, I'd add Buzelis, Dilly, and Topic (if the injury stuff isn't a problem) to Risacher and Shephard.

I don't think anyone else is on that particular list in the top 9 (my top 2 tiers). There are a few guys lower that could contribute year 1, even though they may have either lower ceilings (Knecht) or higher bust potential (Collier/ Castle)

[sfernald]

Are we looking at a situation where next year’s ROTY is going to be someone who averages 13/5?

I’d define contributor as someone who will be able to come in and be part of the rotation and not in the type of way that Branham or Collins are in the rotation but lead to a massive drop off. I don’t need our guys to be starters right away (though would be nice if one of them could be the starting SF at least, depending on who we go after in the offseason).

I’d say if we take PG and SF, “contributing” would be players who could successful displace Champangnie and Wesley from the rotation and for that to look like an improvement.

If that’s your minimum standard then yes almost anyone we draft will be good enough to replace Champangie and Wesley.

[Mr. Body]

How do our draftniks feel about Dilly’s (or the other prospect’s we’ve discussed at our pick or the TOR pick) NBA readiness? One of my concerns is that the top prospects are all so young and raw that they won’t be ready to truly be year 1 contributors.

I want next season to be the year we have our play-in contender season, prepping us for a jump to where OKC is this year in year 3 of Wemby. Are these guys on that kind of time line, or maybe a year behind where shouldn’t expect big things until their year 3?

I think he will be contributing on a team right away. Obvious concerns about his defense, but people act like he's three feet tall and weak as a sponge. He's definitely not great, but there are a lot of poor or developing defenders in the league.

But... honestly? His scoring is so completely natural and astonishingly effortless, his handles and shiftiness so advanced, he gets whatever shots he wants, that I would not be surprised to see him putting up 15 ppg in his rookie year. Maybe even more. I mean, obviously there is a lot to go, but his top skills are already up there.

[baseline bum]

I certainly hope they do. I think Topic is a better prospect... Neither Dillingham nor Sheppard is a starter for Kentucky. Why? I doubt it's that their coach is a complete moron...

Devin Booker wasn't a starter at Kentucky either

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/devin-booker-2.html

[baseline bum]

A certain player you might know, Devin Booker, also didn't start for Kentucky.

Damnit, beat me by six minutes :lol

[Mr. Body]

I've been having Dillingham around my top 3 for a while now. He's my top pick right now. Do I think he'll actually get picked first? No.

But I've seen enough. It's too many times where Kentucky, a team full of young but very highly rated recruits, gets bogged down and falls behind, their supposedly high-end offense not getting anything going, and then he starts ripping things apart.

And it's not because he's calling his own shot over and over, it's because he starts putting so much pressure on the defense they have trouble handling it. He's so shifty, so quick. It's really hard to guard him because of how he handles the ball -- he's flashy, but it's all for a purpose, his spins are for a purpose, his advanced moves. He's always a threat to get somewhere, but then he pops off shots super-quickly. It's hard, maybe even impossible, to read when he's about to shoot, and maybe that's the thing - he's so instinctual, so fast in his processing of defenses, that he's never having to plan things out. There's no sitting and thinking strategy.

Anyway, I find his knack unbelievable. It's not just that he's a really good shooter, it's that he's lightning fast getting there, and then he's playing within their system, and he sees open guys. Plus he does this at vital times. Too many times I've seen him take over games when they've needed him. But isn't a ball-hog. He's not taking really bad shots at all. I mean, here or there, like heat-checks, but he's not what I'd call a chucker. So, like, not only is he a crazy good scorer and ballhandler, who plays within his team, will get guys the ball and seems to relish that, he also seems super clutch.

Now... do I think he can play off-ball, lower usage, actually run an offense for the Spurs? Do I think the way he gets himself open, his spins and stepbacks, in a way that might seem wild, will work with Pop? Dunno.

But there's no question in my mind that he's the best player in this draft. He's just undersized.

[Mr. Body]

Sochan also didn't start at Baylor and he's a far better pro than the guy who started in front of him.

Sometimes coaches just like the structure of the bench. Whatever this is seems to work for Calipari and it's clear that Sheppard and Dillingham finish the games. Like... Manu.

[pad300]

It's true there are examples of guys who didn't start in the NCAA coming good in the NBA. Not sure I can think of an example involving a PG (ie someone who's primary job is handling the ball and running the team's offence). I rate Topic a better prospect, because he's doing it against much better competition. Sure the ABA isn't the euroleague.. It's still streets better than the NCAA on a night in night out basis.

[exstatic]

Huge risk if you want that. Better to trade picks for proven players if you want a sure thing. The thing is that could make us Dallas Southwest eventually though if things don’t work out.

Or Houston west.

[Mr. Body]

It's true there are examples of guys who didn't start in the NCAA coming good in the NBA. Not sure I can think of an example involving a PG (ie someone who's primary job is handling the ball and running the team's offence). I rate Topic a better prospect, because he's doing it against much better competition. Sure the ABA isn't the euroleague.. It's still streets better than the NCAA on a night in night out basis.

SEC right now is way way better than where Topic was playing.

[Pauleta14]

I'd rather see the Spurs draft a sophomore or even junior like Jalen Williams who had time to improve his game rather than an 18-19yo tbh

[DAF86]

I certainly hope they do. I think Topic is a better prospect... Neither Dillingham nor Sheppard is a starter for Kentucky. Why? I doubt it's that their coach is a complete moron...

Very simplistic reasoning, bro. Manu was also a non-starter. Was Manu bad or Pop a complete moron?

[pad300]

SEC right now is way way better than where Topic was playing.

I assume you've been smoking something? It's 2024, not 1974.

[Mr. Body]

I assume you've been smoking something? It's 2024, not 1974.

Yes, lol, 100%.

[pad300]

Very simplistic reasoning, bro. Manu was also a non-starter. Was Manu bad or Pop a complete moron?

Manu didn't start yep, there are some theories:
A) Could he physically handle it, with his play style? There are some people who say that he could not. Ok, if this is the reason why Dillingham and Sheppard aren't starting... Well NCAA is 40 or so games (of 40 minutes), and a less physically demanding league. If they can't handle starter minutes in that league, can they handle the NBA, where the season is 82+ games of 48 minutes, and the physicality level is higher...

B) There's only 1 ball... and SAS had TD (and Parker). Tim was a better player than Manu (especially considering defense as well as offense) so he was always going to start, and Parker was at least competitive with Manu. So Manu went to the bench so he could have the ball in his hands more when he played... which suited him fine. If this is why they come off the bench, who are the superior players on Kentucky who are making it make sense for Dilly and Sheppard to come off the bench? Shouldn't we be drafting one of those guys???

[Mr. Body]

Manu didn't start yep, there are some theories:
A) Could he physically handle it, with his play style? There are some people who say that he could not. Ok, if this is the reason why Dillingham and Sheppard aren't starting... Well NCAA is 40 or so games (of 40 minutes), and a less physically demanding league. If they can't handle starter minutes in that league, can they handle the NBA, where the season is 82+ games of 48 minutes, and the physicality level is higher...

B) There's only 1 ball... and SAS had TD (and Parker). Tim was a better player than Manu (especially considering defense as well as offense) so he was always going to start, and Parker was at least competitive with Manu. So Manu went to the bench so he could have the ball in his hands more when he played... which suited him fine. If this is why they come off the bench, who are the superior players on Kentucky who are making it make sense for Dilly and Sheppard to come off the bench? Shouldn't we be drafting one of those guys???

Manu wasn't starting because the team prefered the burst he provided coming off the bench. They only needed shooting at the SG in the starting unit. Ginobili had multiple skills so could provide the team what it was lacking while being fresh.

[DAF86]

Manu didn't start yep, there are some theories:
A) Could he physically handle it, with his play style? There are some people who say that he could not. Ok, if this is the reason why Dillingham and Sheppard aren't starting... Well NCAA is 40 or so games (of 40 minutes), and a less physically demanding league. If they can't handle starter minutes in that league, can they handle the NBA, where the season is 82+ games of 48 minutes, and the physicality level is higher...

B) There's only 1 ball... and SAS had TD (and Parker). Tim was a better player than Manu (especially considering defense as well as offense) so he was always going to start, and Parker was at least competitive with Manu. So Manu went to the bench so he could have the ball in his hands more when he played... which suited him fine. If this is why they come off the bench, who are the superior players on Kentucky who are making it make sense for Dilly and Sheppard to come off the bench? Shouldn't we be drafting one of those guys???

This is the same guy that had Devin Booker coming off the bench. I don't know why you would base your draft selections in something so dumb as "they are coming off the bench".

Here's an article about this topic if you are interested:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/kentucky-is-winning-despite-john-calipari-holding-back-reed-sheppard-and-rob-dillingham-his-two-best-players/amp/

[Mr. Body]

Calipari brings Sheppard and Dillingham off the bench partly because he starts a senor and guys who were ranked higher and might have been given promises to start and just kept it that way. The starters are fine and one they slow down the bench helps and they come on within three minutes or so anyway.

[rascal]

I certainly hope they do. I think Topic is a better prospect... Neither Dillingham nor Sheppard is a starter for Kentucky. Why? I doubt it's that their coach is a complete moron...

I also don't see Dillingham as a long term starting option with NBA starter's minutes.

He's going to be a player who comes off the bench for offense and that is an important role to have a player who can hit shots and jump start an offense off the bench.

[duncan2150]

I've been having Dillingham around my top 3 for a while now. He's my top pick right now. Do I think he'll actually get picked first? No.

But I've seen enough. It's too many times where Kentucky, a team full of young but very highly rated recruits, gets bogged down and falls behind, their supposedly high-end offense not getting anything going, and then he starts ripping things apart.

And it's not because he's calling his own shot over and over, it's because he starts putting so much pressure on the defense they have trouble handling it. He's so shifty, so quick. It's really hard to guard him because of how he handles the ball -- he's flashy, but it's all for a purpose, his spins are for a purpose, his advanced moves. He's always a threat to get somewhere, but then he pops off shots super-quickly. It's hard, maybe even impossible, to read when he's about to shoot, and maybe that's the thing - he's so instinctual, so fast in his processing of defenses, that he's never having to plan things out. There's no sitting and thinking strategy.

Anyway, I find his knack unbelievable. It's not just that he's a really good shooter, it's that he's lightning fast getting there, and then he's playing within their system, and he sees open guys. Plus he does this at vital times. Too many times I've seen him take over games when they've needed him. But isn't a ball-hog. He's not taking really bad shots at all. I mean, here or there, like heat-checks, but he's not what I'd call a chucker. So, like, not only is he a crazy good scorer and ballhandler, who plays within his team, will get guys the ball and seems to relish that, he also seems super clutch.

Now... do I think he can play off-ball, lower usage, actually run an offense for the Spurs? Do I think the way he gets himself open, his spins and stepbacks, in a way that might seem wild, will work with Pop? Dunno.

But there's no question in my mind that he's the best player in this draft. He's just undersized.

what do you think about his D ? I think that's the part who will be complicated for him.

[alfahdlan]

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-nba-draft-prospect-rankings-kentucky-stars-rise-purdues-zach-edey-falls-ahead-of-march-madness/

cbssports current ranking.

[Mr. Body]

what do you think about his D ? I think that's the part who will be complicated for him.

I've broken down Dillingham's defensive issues in three ways:

- Size and strength. He's just a slight dude who will get posted and pushed around and I don't think he can put on a ton of weight. He doesn't avoid contact and I even saw him boxing out a bigger dude last night, which was adorable, but he has no impact there.

- Positioning and awareness. Earlier in the season, he was blowing easy rotations and assignments, but I feel he's gotten much better. The Kentucky team is just bad. But I see him calling switches and being much more active, leading me to believe there's a receptive player here.

- Effort and instincts. He gets blown by too often. One problem is he picks up players way outside the three-point line, which is unnecessary. He's also lead-footed in his reactions. Namely, his instincts aren't great and he's not as tuned in as he thinks he is.

I don't think he'll ever be an average defender purely due to strength and size, but I do think much of the rest can be improved. He played in Overtime Elite last year and that's a no-defense league. His understanding of screens and how to cover basic stuff was pretty terrible as long ago as January, but honestly I see effort, attention, and interest. If a team could manage to get him engaged, he has the quickness to make up for some of his problems. And he seems smart enough that good coaching will ensure his spacing and reads are better.

[mudd]

odds of spurs getting raptors draft pick in 2024?

[Ariel]

odds of spurs getting raptors draft pick in 2024?
Already explained in the "Toronto Pick Watch (Top 6 protected)" thread (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302746):


If Toronto ends up 8th worst (pre-lottery), the pick has a 73.7% chance of conveying, but a 0% chance of ending up with the 7th pick.
If Toronto ends up 7th worst (pre-lottery), the pick has a 68% chance of conveying, but a 19.7% chance of ending up with the 7th pick.
If Toronto ends up 6th worst (pre-lottery), the pick has a 54% chance of conveying, but a 29.8% chance of ending up with the 7th pick.

So basically it depends on whether you prefer a slightly higher chance of conveying (then you want to finish 8th), or a significantly higher chance of maximizing the pick (then you want to finish 6th ), with the happy medium being 7th: almost as good a chance of conveying as 8th (5.7% less), with almost as high a chance of maximizing the pick as 6th.
Deeper dive for the whole 3 year window: https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302746&page=39&p=11036501&viewfull=1#post11036501

[onechance87]

odds of spurs getting raptors draft pick in 2024?

not looking good

[mo7888]

odds of spurs getting raptors draft pick in 2024?

54.2% at worst

[baseline bum]

odds of spurs getting raptors draft pick in 2024?

Around 60-65%

[baseline bum]

what do you think about his D ?

ten inches maybe?

[JPB]

what do you think about his D ?


ten inches maybe?

Primo thread.

[baseline bum]

https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/2024-nba-draft-prospect-rankings-kentucky-stars-rise-purdues-zach-edey-falls-ahead-of-march-madness/

cbssports current ranking.

I don't get why all these mocks love Walters so much. Can't shoot, can't shoot the three, doesn't do anything else, but jacks up a lot of threes.

[exstatic]

not looking good

They’re not dropping below 6th. Not enough time left to out tank the tanking 5. That means like 64% or so. Where I’m from, 2/3 is looking good. The better the odds to keep the pick, the worse the pick. Finishing 14th is like 97.6% keep the pick. Crap pick, though

[Mr. Body]

I don't get why all these mocks love Walters so much. Can't shoot, can't shoot the three, doesn't do anything else, but jacks up a lot of threes.

He and Cody just won't drop.

Walter is similar to Keyonte George last year, also from Baylor, whose efficiency was also bad. I guess people like how they're getting shots and so on. Keyonte is looking pretty good in Utah at least.

[BatManu20]

1766166107222630703

[BatManu20]

Not high on Topic personally but if true, a 6’11 wingspan for him is impressive tbh. Still wouldn’t touch him in the top-5 though.

1765858577745351104

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GH2cqu_W4AA2sbj?format=png&name=900x900

[BatManu20]

1763222445371060477

[Dejounte]

Not high on Topic personally but if true, a 6’11 wingspan for him is impressive tbh. Still wouldn’t touch him in the top-5 though.

1765858577745351104

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GH2cqu_W4AA2sbj?format=png&name=900x900


Sorry WHAT.

He has the same wingspan as Rissacher, while having twice the skills. Draft this man ASAP.

[Dejounte]

1766166107222630703

:lmao

Scoring most of his points by open looks inside and him just standing there

What a fucking joke

[Pauleta14]

1766166107222630703

I don’t the point of going in this league tbh. The level seems worse than G league or Europe by far…

nothing to be excited or even intrigued about this video

[Mr. Body]

I don’t the point of going in this league tbh. The level seems worse than G league or Europe by far…

nothing to be excited or even intrigued about this video

The draftees from NBL have been pretty underwhelming.

Honestly, Sarr isn't a number one draft prospect. It's a bad draft, sure, but c'mon.

[Pauleta14]

The draftees from NBL have been pretty underwhelming.

Honestly, Sarr isn't a number one draft prospect. It's a bad draft, sure, but c'mon.

It’s not about what he can do it’s about the real level of the opposition that changes everything.

first time I saw Barlow in summer league I was so impressed I thought he’d shine straight away in NBA

Watch the video again and focus on the opponents, most of them are small and unathletic and defenses are “open bar”.
Its just tough to transpose it with a much better opposition

[Mr. Body]

It’s not about what he can do it’s about the real level of the opposition that changes everything.

first time I saw Barlow in summer league I was so impressed I thought he’d shine straight away in NBA

Watch the video again and focus on the opponents, most of them are small and unathletic and defenses are “open bar”.
Its just tough to transpose it with a much better opposition

I didn't say he's not an NBA prospect. I said he's not a number one draft pick prospect.

[BatManu20]

1766222284434325941

[Mugen]

I'm still high on Topic and wouldn't mind him with our pick if Risacher is off the board tbh.

[Frenchfred]

I'm still high on Topic and wouldn't mind him with our pick if Risacher is off the board tbh.

do we know when he is supposed to play again? He was supposed to be out for 4-6 weeks two months ago

[TD 21]

Given the dearth of play making, I had interest in Topic early but have soured as the season has wore on.

At this point, I'm not in favor of investing significant assets in limited - non shooters, centers and small guards with sub star potential offensively.

This is why if the draft breaks a certain way, I'd be in favor of engaging with certain teams on either pick (definitely keep one; probably the natural) on proven young or youngish players who fit.

[Russ]

1766222284434325941

Loved Klintman last year till he pulled out of the draft. Like a more athletic Davis Bertans.

[Mugen]

do we know when he is supposed to play again? He was supposed to be out for 4-6 weeks two months ago

probably won't play again this season since he's still be mocked top 5. Probably can't improve his stock anymore but could certainly hurt it.

[CGD]

Not high on Topic personally but if true, a 6’11 wingspan for him is impressive tbh. Still wouldn’t touch him in the top-5 though.

1765858577745351104

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GH2cqu_W4AA2sbj?format=png&name=900x900

There is no way that’s true, if anything looks like he has T-Rex arms.

[sfernald]

There is no way that’s true, if anything looks like he has T-Rex arms.

lol does this look like TREX arms?

https://sportklub.n1info.rs/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06/1686069201-zvezda-buducnost-60487-1536x1007.jpg

[CGD]

1766222284434325941

If he’s all those things, I wonder why he is so low especially THIS year. Bad feel or bbiq?

[CGD]

lol does this look like TREX arms?

https://sportklub.n1info.rs/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/06/1686069201-zvezda-buducnost-60487-1536x1007.jpg

Touché sir. I was going off videos.

[onechance87]

if we draft topic or dillinham,Do we move on from tre jones this offseason?i know we still got another year with him.
But i feel we should always have mutiple pgs who can shoot with wemby on this team,Especially if we draft topic.Tre has been
not that impressive this year with wemby,Feel like he could of done more getting wemby involved and made easier for wemby and his teammates.
But not being a pg who can space the floor hurts this team.Feel like we gonna have to draft a shooting pg in the second round
cause i dont think tre or wesley may never be good at shooting.

[spurraider21]

nah you definitely still keep Tre. he's under contract for another year and there's no rush to move off of him. theres no guarantee that a rookie PG will be ready to assume a full time role as a starter, and i dont know about you, but i dont feel great about my only backup PG being blake wesley or Bran Ham. in the best case scenario where it seems we dont need him, you can just sell him at the deadline

[baseline bum]

probably won't play again this season since he's still be mocked top 5. Probably can't improve his stock anymore but could certainly hurt it.

Worked for scrub ass Wiseman to maintain draft stock. Wouldn't touch Topic with a ten foot pole if he's that bitchmade and not coming back and playing Euroleague.

[Mr. Body]

Topic's pterodactyl arms would be even crazier, if true, since his neck is so long, which means his arms are set lower than usual.

[onechance87]

probably won't play again this season since he's still be mocked top 5. Probably can't improve his stock anymore but could certainly hurt it.

same shit cody williams is doing it seems.

[Mr. Body]

Trade scenario:

The Spurs land the #1 and #7 picks.

Washington lands the #5 pick.

They want to trade the #5 and Bilal Coulibaly for both of our picks. Do you do it?

[Ariel]

Topic's pterodactyl arms would be even crazier, if true, since his neck is so long, which means his arms are set lower than usual.
His body type always seemed weird to me... his legs more so than anything, it's like he's got a larger torso, arms and neck, and shorter legs. Not really sure what to make of it, probably nothing, just a curiosity.

[Ariel]

Trade scenario:

The Spurs land the #1 and #7 picks.

Washington lands the #5 pick.

They want to trade the #5 and Bilal Coulibaly for both of our picks. Do you do it?
Not really sure, probably I'd be more suspicious than anything if they were willing to move on from Coulibaly this soon... are we this sure he's better than any other wing in this draft? (say, Risacher and Buzelis)

In that case, one deal I might be willing to consider is offering them to swap no. 1 for no. 5, and in turn they give the Spurs swap rights for '25 or '26 (preferably the latter).

So Spurs go from #1 + #7 to #5 + #7 + gets swap rights in '25 (or '26)
Washington goes from #5 to #1 + gives swap rights in '25 (or '26)

Another idea: #1 + Charlotte's pick + Collins for #5 + Deni Avdija + Kispert

[CGD]

Trade scenario:

The Spurs land the #1 and #7 picks.

Washington lands the #5 pick.

They want to trade the #5 and Bilal Coulibaly for both of our picks. Do you do it?

Do you think it would require adding #7?

[baseline bum]

Trade scenario:

The Spurs land the #1 and #7 picks.

Washington lands the #5 pick.

They want to trade the #5 and Bilal Coulibaly for both of our picks. Do you do it?

Nah I'd rather have Risacher. Plus #5 is probably too late to get Dillingham.

[Ariel]

Do you think it would require adding #7?
#1 for #5 AND Coulibaly? Where do I sign?

[Mr. Body]

Do you think it would require adding #7?

Hmm... I don't know. I guess I'm seeing Sarr (or Risacher) as 'nice to haves' rather than 'break the bank' type players. Guess I see the 1 and 5 as somewhat equivalent-ish and made up for by any supposed difference between Coulibaly and 7.

[baseline bum]

In that case, one deal I might be willing to consider is offering them to swap no. 1 for no. 5, and in turn they give the Spurs swap rights for '25 or '26 (preferably the latter).


They wouldn't do it for a 25 swap with Cooper Flagg coming and even with Dybantsa and Boozer in the 26 draft class that's a pretty hefty price for two years out when #5 this year is going to be a big step down from the top 3 most likely.

[Ariel]

They wouldn't do it for a 25 swap with Cooper Flagg coming and even with Dybantsa and Boozer in the 26 draft class that's a pretty hefty price for two years out when #5 this year is going to be a big step down from the top 3 most likely.
But the catch is that they'd be trading the CERTAINTY of moving up 4 spots in this (lesser) draft, for the POSSIBILITY that they move down next year, which may not happen at all since the lottery is probabilistic. So they could be moving up 4 spots for free, or for a swap between picks 5 and 7 next year. Washington takes the bird in hand, Spurs take 2 (more like 10) in the bush.

Or lets go full Presti mode:
Spurs trade #1 pick for Wasihington swaps in '25 AND '26. They give up a #1 pick pick for what may end up being nothing (if the Spurs natural pick is better than Washington's), or Cooper Flagg / Ace Bailey + Boozer / Dybantsa
:greedy:hungry:

[baseline bum]

Hmm... I don't know. I guess I'm seeing Sarr (or Risacher) as 'nice to haves' rather than 'break the bank' type players. Guess I see the 1 and 5 as somewhat equivalent-ish and made up for by any supposed difference between Coulibaly and 7.

With Dillingham looking like he's playing his way into the top 3 not interested at all. Could have sold me earlier on the deal when it looked like you could get Dilly at 5 but I'd much rather have Risacher and #7 than Coulibaly and Buzelis or Coulibaly and Topic if Nikola pulls a Wiseman and sits out the season after being cleared or continues right where he left off by looking like crap in Euroleague.

[The Truth #6]

Cody Williams. I actually feel the brother connection doesn't work in his favor. I trust the player who came out of obscurity to earn it, not the one getting accolades who hasn't really earned anything. Where's the motivation? I still think he's a Spur type player in a stereotypical sense but skeptical. Depends where our picks drop I suppose.

Others I would deprioritize: Holland, Buzelis, Sarr, Jakobe Walter.

Players I'm intrigued by: Dillingham, Topic, Isaiah Collier, Risacher, Furphy, Knecht, Sheppard, Castle.

Just spitballing.

[Mr. Body]

With Dillingham looking like he's playing his way into the top 3 not interested at all. Could have sold me earlier on the deal when it looked like you could get Dilly at 5 but I'd much rather have Risacher and #7 than Coulibaly and Buzelis or Coulibaly and Topic if Nikola pulls a Wiseman and sits out the season after being cleared or continues right where he left off by looking like crap in Euroleague.

I have no freakin idea where Dillingham will fall. He could blow up in the NCAAT and still be expected to drop to 10. A lot of the draft gurus won't look at him in their mocks until halfway through the lottery at least, but then some like Givony have put him high. Then there's a matter of who would actually take him high - like, Detroit, Charlotte, Portland, probably not even Memphis, I don't think any of those teams would take him high. I think he'll go around 5 or 6 and possibly after his teammate.

[baseline bum]

But the catch is that they'd be trading the CERTAINTY of moving up 4 spots in this (lesser) draft, for the POSSIBILITY that they move down next year, which may not happen at all since the lottery is probabilistic. So they could be moving up 4 spots for free, or for a swap between picks 5 and 7 next year. Washington takes the bird in hand, Spurs take 2 (more like 10) in the bush.

Or lets go full Presti mode:
Spurs trade #1 pick for Wasihington swaps in '25 AND '26. They give up a #1 pick pick for what may end up being nothing (if the Spurs natural pick is better than Washington's), or Cooper Flagg / Ace Bailey + Boozer / Dybantsa
:greedy:hungry:

Washington doesn't have the capspace to improve next year so no matter what they're almost certainly a bottom three team next year with Flagg looking like he could be a franchise changing player to tank for. So that's out, they're not doing it. 26 is an absolute no-go because Washington has a ton of capspace for 25-26 and will just do what Houston did and overpay a couple of free agents to get them to 35 wins and congrats, you swapped your 2024 #1 pick for the #9 in 2026.

[heyheymymy]

dubious wingspan

he is 2 inches shorter than Risacher with the same WS not saying it's impossible but I'm still hesitant

Topic just seems like this years Shaden Sharpe. A chimeric hypothetical you can't see until you buy

[heyheymymy]

shit, looking at clips yeah I guess Topic does kind of have freakishly long arms

His proportions are pretty weird, the long thumb head makes his body look more squat than it really is

[baseline bum]

I have no freakin idea where Dillingham will fall. He could blow up in the NCAAT and still be expected to drop to 10. A lot of the draft gurus won't look at him in their mocks until halfway through the lottery at least, but then some like Givony have put him high. Then there's a matter of who would actually take him high - like, Detroit, Charlotte, Portland, probably not even Memphis, I don't think any of those teams would take him high. I think he'll go around 5 or 6 and possibly after his teammate.

Dillingham sure looks like an NBA player right now. Don't think Detroit would be scared off of having a second offensive initiator when Cade has the size to play next to him. Charlotte can't afford to not pick best player available when so far in his career Lamelo is a China doll who you can only depend on being there 35 games a season. And Scoot has had a horrible rookie season so don't see Portland ruling out a PG either. Only bottom 6 team I see not being interested in him is Memphis because no way you could play him with Ja.

[baseline bum]

Cody Williams. I actually feel the brother connection doesn't work in his favor. I trust the player who came out of obscurity to earn it, not the one getting accolades who hasn't really earned anything. Where's the motivation? I still think he's a Spur type player in a stereotypical sense but skeptical. Depends where our picks drop I suppose.

Others I would deprioritize: Holland, Buzelis, Sarr, Jakobe Walter.

Players I'm intrigued by: Dillingham, Topic, Isaiah Collier, Risacher, Furphy, Knecht, Sheppard, Castle.

Just spitballing.

Is there any reason to hope Castle could develop into a competent three point shooter? Otherwise you're drafting Tre Jones when you already have him.

[Ariel]

Dillingham sure looks like an NBA player right now. Don't think Detroit would be scared off of having a second offensive initiator when Cade has the size to play next to him. Charlotte can't afford to not pick best player available when so far in his career Lamelo is a China doll who you can only depend on being there 35 games a season. And Scoot has had a horrible rookie season so don't see Portland ruling out a PG either. Only bottom 6 team I see not being interested in him is Memphis because no way you could play him with Ja.
Detroit isn't picking Dillingham because:
1) Troy Weaver's job is on the line. He has failed miserably at putting together a roster that makes sense (which he tried to address at the deadline), and if he passes on Risacher for Dillingham, he might lose his job ON THE SPOT.
2) Detroit ALREADY HAS Cunningham, Ivey, and Sasser, and Dillingham isn't Weaver's cup of tea anyway.
I'd be SHOCKED, ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED if they take Dillingham.
I can't see Portland taking Dillingham if only for how it'd look on the FO, him and Scoot are incompatible and they're unlikely to acknowledge (or at the very least signal) that they made a mistake after just a year. People much rather rationalize than honestly assess their recent decisions, and I bet they'd convince themselves that they made the right pick and double down (even if they're wrong).
Charlotte... meh.... it's not impossible they take him and move on from Lamelo (I would strongly consider that), but who knows.
All in all, I think there's a very big chance he's there at 7/8, unless he goes ballistic in the tournament (could very well be, though).

[exstatic]

Is there any reason to hope Castle could develop into a competent three point shooter? Otherwise you're drafting Tre Jones when you already have him.

Tre Jones isn’t a solid built 6’6” paint finisher. You can’t really compare two players,just because neither is a three point shooter. Doesn’t make them the same.

[baseline bum]

Detroit isn't picking Dillingham because:
1) Troy Weaver's job is on the line. He has failed miserably at putting together a roster that makes sense (which he tried to address at the deadline), and if he passes on Risacher for Dillingham, he might lose his job ON THE SPOT.
2) Detroit ALREADY HAS Cunningham, Ivey, and Sasser, and Dillingham isn't Weaver's cup of tea anyway.
I'd be SHOCKED, ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED if they take Dillingham.
I can't see Portland taking Dillingham if only for how it'd look on the FO, him and Scoot are incompatible and they're unlikely to acknowledge (or at the very least signal) that they made a mistake after just a year. People much rather rationalize than honestly assess their recent decisions, and I bet they'd convince themselves that they made the right pick and double down (even if they're wrong).
Charlotte... meh.... it's not impossible they take him and move on from Lamelo (I would strongly consider that), but who knows.
All in all, I think there's a very big chance he's there at 7/8, unless he goes ballistic in the tournament (could very well be, though).

I never said Detroit would pass on Risacher for Dillingham, come on stop with the strawman. Seems like a lot of ridiculous hopium that somehow the best PG in the draft is going to fall to precisely where the Toronto pick would convey.

[BackHome]

Detroit is definitely not taking another Guard

[baseline bum]

Detroit is definitely not taking another Guard

Detroit's not in a position to pass on talent.

[Mr. Body]

Pretty likely Detroit will target a Risacher or Williams and they'll probably get him.

[baseline bum]

Pretty likely Detroit will target a Risacher or Williams and they'll probably get him.

Risacher's probably going #1 and they get a 14% chance at that. Best case they can get him #2 if the team getting the #1 pick loves Sarr. We already saw them drop to #5 last draft with the same odds they'll have this one. Taking a wild swing on Cody with a top 5 pick as he's slipping is probably the last thing a team that has to make this draft mean something wants to do.

[KobesAchilles]

Would Washington pass on Dilly? Bc I see no reason why they would

[CGD]

^ DET desperately needs shooting. Risacher has to be their top target I would think.

I am intrigued whether that team would cough up one of their decent young players to move up to get their guy if they again fall out of the top 3. Something to watch.

[Atl Spur]

Detroit not taking a pg… Washington might depending on draft position and the board. Pg is a deep position in this draft.

[The Truth #6]

Feels like our first pick has to be Dillingham or Risacher. For me at least. Have to get shooting. If they're off the board then Topic or Collier. Then I would get Furphy or Knecht in that scenario with the Toronto pick.

Lots of complementary combos. Dill and Castle could be interesting. Collier and Knecht like I said. One SF, one point guard. Castle as a SF is interesting with his connective skills and defense.

Just not two who can't shoot.

[mo7888]

Trade scenario:

The Spurs land the #1 and #7 picks.

Washington lands the #5 pick.

They want to trade the #5 and Bilal Coulibaly for both of our picks. Do you do it?

No, but it's more to do with tbe fact that I had Coulibaly 21 on my board last year and haven't seen anything thos season to make me second guess that.

[CGD]

Would Washington pass on Dilly? Bc I see no reason why they would

Washington needs everything man. Could see them taking Sarr or whoever the best PG prospect end up being.

[Atl Spur]

You keep #1 & #7

[Chinook]

You keep #1 & #7

It's not even a compelling question for me.

[TD 21]

Detroit isn't picking Dillingham because:
1) Troy Weaver's job is on the line. He has failed miserably at putting together a roster that makes sense (which he tried to address at the deadline), and if he passes on Risacher for Dillingham, he might lose his job ON THE SPOT.
2) Detroit ALREADY HAS Cunningham, Ivey, and Sasser, and Dillingham isn't Weaver's cup of tea anyway.
I'd be SHOCKED, ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED if they take Dillingham.
I can't see Portland taking Dillingham if only for how it'd look on the FO, him and Scoot are incompatible and they're unlikely to acknowledge (or at the very least signal) that they made a mistake after just a year. People much rather rationalize than honestly assess their recent decisions, and I bet they'd convince themselves that they made the right pick and double down (even if they're wrong).
Charlotte... meh.... it's not impossible they take him and move on from Lamelo (I would strongly consider that), but who knows.
All in all, I think there's a very big chance he's there at 7/8, unless he goes ballistic in the tournament (could very well be, though).

This again?

Risacher is definitely the cleanest fit, but it's not inconceivable they could prefer Dillingham to Ivey and shop the latter while he still probably retains most of the sheen he had.

Dillingham could easily play with Ball the same way Rozier III did by being able to cross match defensively and interchange offensively.

[Mr. Body]

This again?

Risacher is definitely the cleanest fit, but it's not inconceivable they could prefer Dillingham to Ivey and shop the latter while he still probably retains most of the sheen he had.

Dillingham could easily play with Ball the same way Rozier III did by being able to cross match defensively and interchange offensively.

Don't see Detroit going for Dillingham in any universe. They're glutted with guards and Ivey is turning a corner.

Charlotte is a total question mark, but LaMello needs the ball to be effective and Dillingham probably does, too. They're both bad defensively. Doesn't make sense.

Each team will draft high enough that they'll have other options.

Really think RD goes in the 6-10 range.

This draft is simply too flat to think there's a BPA.

[Chinook]

It's much more important for the Spurs to draft guys they think will be the best players rather than drafting for any skills. That's not the same thing as going for home-run swings on guys like Poku or Primo. BPA should have built into it a potential curve calibrated for the likely results at any given projection window rather than just the maximum value. For example, the Spurs should judge a player's shooting based on how good that player can become on that end and how quickly and not whether they can currently shoot. The Spurs still have to trust their developmental staff, or they have to get rid of them. They can't keep them but then not believe they'll do the job they say they will.

The Spurs do not have to be good next year. Fans and ESPN want them to be, but the Spurs actually have to continue putting themselves into the best long-term position, and that might well mean having a somewhat disjointed performance on one or both ends as guys continue to figure things out. If they draft Topic, Collier, Sarr, Buzelis or whoever else, and they can't shoot well next year, it doesn't matter. You want them to be positive contributors or at least show skills that would indicate they will be. If Sarr or Buzelis shows that he's too much for most centers to handle, that's going to add a lot of value to Wemby's growth, because it will make it harder for teams to cross-match a PF on him, since they opponent will be creating another disadvantage, making it harder for the center to come help Victor's man. If the guard is getting into the paint at will, that's going to help Victor by bending the defense, increasing the effectiveness of the PnR, getting bigs in foul trouble, etc.

Victor is not a finished product, not even in the broad strokes. We don't even know what position Wemby is going to play in his prime, let alone what type of player he's going to be at that position. If he's more of a perimeter player whose paint touches come mostly from slashing and transition, the team is going to need vertical spacing from Wemby's front-court partner or from the guards driving. If Wemby's going to be more of a mid-post iso scorer, the most important thing might just be a "running mate" he can take turns with ala Lebron and Wade/Irving or Durant and Westbrook. If he specs into being a roll-man rim-runner, a lob threat might be useful. If he's going to be a post hub, then spot-up guys and cutters might be more important. We don't know what that's going to be, and this season really hasn't provided clarity in that regard.

That's why talent (in the BPA sense, not irrespective of intangibles) is the most important criterion. If they draft the most talented player, that player might synergize with Victor and help provide clarity on where he goes on his developmental journey, or that player can become a meaningful piece in an impact trade down the road. I think it's short-sighted to draft with next year's team in mind. There are other ways to create a functional rotation, if that's even the team's goal. The team will not have everything figured out next summer. They don't need to operate under the idea that their pieces have to work together very well right away. There are a lot of paths the team can take to really start the reconstruction process, and they aren't going to all have the same results at specific increments of time.

[onechance87]

It's much more important for the Spurs to draft guys they think will be the best players rather than drafting for any skills. That's not the same thing as going for home-run swings on guys like Poku or Primo. BPA should have built into it a potential curve calibrated for the likely results at any given projection window rather than just the maximum value. For example, the Spurs should judge a player's shooting based on how good that player can become on that end and how quickly and not whether they can currently shoot. The Spurs still have to trust their developmental staff, or they have to get rid of them. They can't keep them but then not believe they'll do the job they say they will.

The Spurs do not have to be good next year. Fans and ESPN want them to be, but the Spurs actually have to continue putting themselves into the best long-term position, and that might well mean having a somewhat disjointed performance on one or both ends as guys continue to figure things out. If they draft Topic, Collier, Sarr, Buzelis or whoever else, and they can't shoot well next year, it doesn't matter. You want them to be positive contributors or at least show skills that would indicate they will be. If Sarr or Buzelis shows that he's too much for most centers to handle, that's going to add a lot of value to Wemby's growth, because it will make it harder for teams to cross-match a PF on him, since they opponent will be creating another disadvantage, making it harder for the center to come help Victor's man. If the guard is getting into the paint at will, that's going to help Victor by bending the defense, increasing the effectiveness of the PnR, getting bigs in foul trouble, etc.

Victor is not a finished product, not even in the broad strokes. We don't even know what position Wemby is going to play in his prime, let alone what type of player he's going to be at that position. If he's more of a perimeter player whose paint touches come mostly from slashing and transition, the team is going to need vertical spacing from Wemby's front-court partner or from the guards driving. If Wemby's going to be more of a mid-post iso scorer, the most important thing might just be a "running mate" he can take turns with ala Lebron and Wade/Irving or Durant and Westbrook. If he specs into being a roll-man rim-runner, a lob threat might be useful. If he's going to be a post hub, then spot-up guys and cutters might be more important. We don't know what that's going to be, and this season really hasn't provided clarity in that regard.

That's why talent (in the BPA sense, not irrespective of intangibles) is the most important criterion. If they draft the most talented player, that player might synergize with Victor and help provide clarity on where he goes on his developmental journey, or that player can become a meaningful piece in an impact trade down the road. I think it's short-sighted to draft with next year's team in mind. There are other ways to create a functional rotation, if that's even the team's goal. The team will not have everything figured out next summer. They don't need to operate under the idea that their pieces have to work together very well right away. There are a lot of paths the team can take to really start the reconstruction process, and they aren't going to all have the same results at specific increments of time.

asking for another tank is unacceptable,Heads need to roll if we do this again.Just shows what a shit gm wright
is if we go thru this again.

[Mr. Body]

There is no BPA. If there is a draft where there is little difference between picking 1 or 8, this is it. A higher pick just means you get your personal team favorite and, yes, perhaps a somewhat better chance of hitting, but it's going to be minuscule. Sure, you could say Risacher deserves a higher pick than Sheppard, but I defy you for thinking he'll actually plan out at a higher rate of outcomes. More to the point, at any point in the top ten it will probably be impossible to designate a single best player over what is available.

[Bruno]

The whole BPA vs. best fit endless debate is almost nonexistent for Spurs' pick this year. This draft might not be that great but it has an obvious edge for Spurs: almost all top picks are good to great fit for them. Risacher, Dillingham, Topic, Sheppard and Buzelis fit well to very well with Spurs.

BPA vs. best fit is just limited to one player for Spurs pick: Alexandre Sarr.

If Spurs get Raptors' pick, it will be more of a question for that pick, especially since you will have to consider how the two picks are fitting together.

[DAF86]

His body type always seemed weird to me... his legs more so than anything, it's like he's got a larger torso, arms and neck, and shorter legs. Not really sure what to make of it, probably nothing, just a curiosity.

If that is the case, that's a great protype for an NBA PG. Low center of gravity, but still great length.

[buttsR4rebounding]

asking for another tank is unacceptable,Heads need to roll if we do this again.Just shows what a shit gm wright
is if we go thru this again.

Wright is just the person tasked with executing whatever plan PATFO have put together. Anyone who thinks Wright is the general formulating strategy is naive.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

The whole BPA vs. best fit endless debate is almost nonexistent for Spurs' pick this year. This draft might not be that great but it has an obvious edge for Spurs: almost all top picks are good to great fit for them. Risacher, Dillingham, Topic, Sheppard and Buzelis fit well to very well with Spurs.

BPA vs. best fit is just limited to one player for Spurs pick: Alexandre Sarr.

If Spurs get Raptors' pick, it will be more of a question for that pick, especially since you will have to consider how the two picks are fitting together.

Sarr is the best fit is you want to run two bigs. The Spurs recently found out that surrounding him with length, agility, and range worked better than 2 bigs.

I don't see the fit or the BPA argument.

[TD 21]

Don't see Detroit going for Dillingham in any universe. They're glutted with guards and Ivey is turning a corner.

Charlotte is a total question mark, but LaMello needs the ball to be effective and Dillingham probably does, too. They're both bad defensively. Doesn't make sense.

Each team will draft high enough that they'll have other options.

Really think RD goes in the 6-10 range.

This draft is simply too flat to think there's a BPA.

They balanced their roster at the trade deadline, have max cap space and are expected to pursue Harris and Bridges to fill their hole at starting PF.

With Thompson and Fontecchio at or capable of playing SF and Cunningham being a wing defensively, I wouldn't count on it, but I can see a scenario where they pass on Risacher.

If the Hornets and them land where projected, I would think they wouldn't select Dillingham, but this has the potential to be a crazy draft.

[Chinook]

asking for another tank is unacceptable,Heads need to roll if we do this again.Just shows what a shit gm wright
is if we go thru this again.

Tanking and losing are different things. The Spurs probably shouldn't tank, but they don't have to "try" for the playoffs either. The Thunder only won three mores games in Durant's second year before going nuclear in his third. It's important to grab the talent when you have the chance, and too many people are trying to rush the process. The key is to not waste the position the team is in. They have the ability to draft at least one of the seven best players coming out. It's important that they come away with someone good.


There is no BPA. If there is a draft where there is little difference between picking 1 or 8, this is it. A higher pick just means you get your personal team favorite and, yes, perhaps a somewhat better chance of hitting, but it's going to be minuscule. Sure, you could say Risacher deserves a higher pick than Sheppard, but I defy you for thinking he'll actually plan out at a higher rate of outcomes. More to the point, at any point in the top ten it will probably be impossible to designate a single best player over what is available.

Players are not dice. They don't have an a priori probability of working out. Whether the Spurs slot Risacher ahead of Sheppard comes down to what roadmap the scouts and developmental staff can draw up for the players. If they consider Topic's shot something fixable, his shooting isn't really going hold him back. If they think Collier has a rare talent for scoring inside the paint, they might think he can help them even if the shooting takes longer to come along. It's okay for us to believe the draft is flat, but the Spurs can't choose to build through the draft and take such a layman approach to their board. They have to believe they know how to figure out these differences and put together plans for whomever they pick. Building through the draft while believing it's a crapshoot is how you get a guy like Hinkie who'd take this team to levels of incompetence Spurs fans don't believe are possible.

This is where the FO needs to make its money. That doesn't mean they can never make a mistake ever, but they put themselves in the position and need to be able to see it through.



The whole BPA vs. best fit endless debate is almost nonexistent for Spurs' pick this year. This draft might not be that great but it has an obvious edge for Spurs: almost all top picks are good to great fit for them. Risacher, Dillingham, Topic, Sheppard and Buzelis fit well to very well with Spurs.

BPA vs. best fit is just limited to one player for Spurs pick: Alexandre Sarr.

If Spurs get Raptors' pick, it will be more of a question for that pick, especially since you will have to consider how the two picks are fitting together.

I get what you're saying, but I don't know that everyone in this thread would agree with that. I think some really do think Sarr, Topic, Buzelis and Collier shouldn't be on the board because of their "fit" with a Wemby-centric offense. My point is that if the Spurs had the fourth pick in a clone 2008 draft where you know how everyone is going to turn out, you pick Westbrook and not trick yourself into picking Gordon or Augustin because you're worried about "fit". I'm not calling anyone in this draft a Westbrook. I'm saying you chase the talent (again in a BPA sense where you factor in athleticism, size and intangibles) and not worry about fit with a Wemby who's still amorphous in relation to where he's going to be. The team can and should acquire veteran players who can help establish a functional environment. But that shouldn't be a constraint for a team looking at what could be their last top-five pick for another long while.

[scott]

1766166107222630703

The potential #1 pick only plays 13 mpg in the NBL playoffs? Not exactly encouraging.

[scott]

Sorry WHAT.

He has the same wingspan as Rissacher, while having twice the skills. Draft this man ASAP.

If we are liking some wingspan, how about those Kawhi-like stats from Cody Williams?

[Mr. Body]

If we are liking some wingspan, how about those Kawhi-like stats from Cody Williams?

What stats

[Mr. Body]

Tanking and losing are different things. The Spurs probably shouldn't tank, but they don't have to "try" for the playoffs either. The Thunder only won three mores games in Durant's second year before going nuclear in his third. It's important to grab the talent when you have the chance, and too many people are trying to rush the process. The key is to not waste the position the team is in. They have the ability to draft at least one of the seven best players coming out. It's important that they come away with someone good.



Players are not dice. They don't have an a priori probability of working out. Whether the Spurs slot Risacher ahead of Sheppard comes down to what roadmap the scouts and developmental staff can draw up for the players. If they consider Topic's shot something fixable, his shooting isn't really going hold him back. If they think Collier has a rare talent for scoring inside the paint, they might think he can help them even if the shooting takes longer to come along. It's okay for us to believe the draft is flat, but the Spurs can't choose to build through the draft and take such a layman approach to their board. They have to believe they know how to figure out these differences and put together plans for whomever they pick. Building through the draft while believing it's a crapshoot is how you get a guy like Hinkie who'd take this team to levels of incompetence Spurs fans don't believe are possible.

This is where the FO needs to make its money. That doesn't mean they can never make a mistake ever, but they put themselves in the position and need to be able to see it through.




I get what you're saying, but I don't know that everyone in this thread would agree with that. I think some really do think Sarr, Topic, Buzelis and Collier shouldn't be on the board because of their "fit" with a Wemby-centric offense. My point is that if the Spurs had the fourth pick in a clone 2008 draft where you know how everyone is going to turn out, you pick Westbrook and not trick yourself into picking Gordon or Augustin because you're worried about "fit". I'm not calling anyone in this draft a Westbrook. I'm saying you chase the talent (again in a BPA sense where you factor in athleticism, size and intangibles) and not worry about fit with a Wemby who's still amorphous in relation to where he's going to be. The team can and should acquire veteran players who can help establish a functional environment. But that shouldn't be a constraint for a team looking at what could be their last top-five pick for another long while.

There is no BPA. That's what I keep saying. There is not a point in the first eight picks where a person could legitimately say one player is the pick over any other.

If you pick first, there is no clear and obvious BPA.

Take whoever is picked at one off the board. Whoever is picking second does not see a clear and obvious best player available.

And so on.

This draft is completely subjective throughout the lottery.

Now, if you want to say who is the most talented player who may not fit teams, that's Dillingham. But the question marks are high enough that many teams will pass on him.

[onechance87]

If we are liking some wingspan, how about those Kawhi-like stats from Cody Williams?

cody is slower and weaker then leonard

[scott]

There is no BPA. If there is a draft where there is little difference between picking 1 or 8, this is it. A higher pick just means you get your personal team favorite and, yes, perhaps a somewhat better chance of hitting, but it's going to be minuscule. Sure, you could say Risacher deserves a higher pick than Sheppard, but I defy you for thinking he'll actually plan out at a higher rate of outcomes. More to the point, at any point in the top ten it will probably be impossible to designate a single best player over what is available.

For this reason, in many respects (and we've discussed this before) I'd rather have #5 and #8 than #1 and #7. The latter is going to be more expensive, but more importantly it might force you into taking a prospect you don't really like that much (Sarr, Risacher, Topic) just because you're in that range (note: I have no idea who the Spurs actually like of course, I'm just not a huge fan of those three in particular, personally. I'd rather have Dilly + Matas than Sarr + Collier, for example).

[scott]

What stats

Comment is only in regard to William's wingspan, that was the context of the post being addressed.

[scott]

cody is slower and weaker then leonard

Irrelevant to a post about wingspan - which the only context to that post.

[Mr. Body]

Comment is only in regard to William's wingspan, that was the context of the post being addressed.

Oh, I guess I don't think of those as stats.

[Mr. Body]

For this reason, in many respects (and we've discussed this before) I'd rather have #5 and #8 than #1 and #7. The latter is going to be more expensive, but more importantly it might force you into taking a prospect you don't really like that much (Sarr, Risacher, Topic) just because you're in that range (note: I have no idea who the Spurs actually like of course, I'm just not a huge fan of those three in particular, personally. I'd rather have Dilly + Matas than Sarr + Collier, for example).

I'm the same. I don't really want a top three pick because they're going to be hella expensive role players at best.

[scott]

Oh, I guess I don't think of those as stats.

Yeah, me either - but that was the context. Wingspan is pretty far down the list of ranking criteria for me, well after you pass the "can you play basketball" test :lol

[SpursBills]

For this reason, in many respects (and we've discussed this before) I'd rather have #5 and #8 than #1 and #7. The latter is going to be more expensive, but more importantly it might force you into taking a prospect you don't really like that much (Sarr, Risacher, Topic) just because you're in that range (note: I have no idea who the Spurs actually like of course, I'm just not a huge fan of those three in particular, personally. I'd rather have Dilly + Matas than Sarr + Collier, for example).

Fortunately, as we've seen with the 2021 draft, I don't think the front office cares about what "consensus" is and are going to take the player they like regardless, rather than be forced to take a player based on draft position. They had no issue with the perception of reaching for Josh Primo in the lottery when consensus had him much lower.

Unfortunately, as we've seen with the 2021 draft, their talent evaluation capability may be shit as they ended up drafting Josh Primo, so it may not matter anyway.

[SpursBills]

For all the fans of Risacher, Topic, Dilllingham, Matas, and Sarr here, I'm going to laugh when the Spurs end up getting a top 3 draft pick and take Ron Holland as the entire board melts down

[Mr. Body]

Fortunately, as we've seen with the 2021 draft, I don't think the front office cares about what "consensus" is and are going to take the player they like regardless, rather than be forced to take a player based on draft position. They had no issue with the perception of reaching for Josh Primo in the lottery when consensus had him much lower.

Unfortunately, as we've seen with the 2021 draft, their talent evaluation capability may be shit as they ended up drafting Josh Primo, so it may not matter anyway.

I hated the Primo pick. Sengun was so obvious, but... everyone passed on him for some reason.

Ignoring Sengun, Primo wasn't a bad pick, really. At the time the only real obvious player left was Trey Murphy, and he wasn't entirely great at Virginia.

Primo was starting to be impactful for a veteran Alabama team and was the youngest player in the draft. He had a great combine. He had nice skills and showed his stuff during Summer League.

His first year was shaky, but we see that with most very young players. By now, of course, his career is basically over. He lost two years of development, among the other stuff. It's impossible to say what he could have become. But as for the pick itself, not knowing the future, it really wasn't terrible. That draft was really weak.

[Mr. Body]

For all the fans of Risacher, Topic, Dilllingham, Matas, and Sarr here, I'm going to laugh when the Spurs end up getting a top 3 draft pick and take Ron Holland as the entire board melts down

Ok