2024 NBA Draft Thread

[spurraider21]

I guess I'd put it this way, to keep people from pissing themselves:

If Furphy was being posted as a top 3 pick in this draft and Risacher was hanging around the 20s, I'd say this:

"I would rather draft Risacher at #21 than Furphy at #2."

Does that stop the thumbsucking? Does a very basic concept become clearer to you? It should.
i would also prefer to draft the better player at 21 than the worse player at 2

[CGD]

id take dick over furphy

risacher has "good, versatile defender who can defend smalls" in his range of outcomes

The “bend over” guy is gonna have a field day with this one

[Bruno]

The Spurs can become the best team in the league, and that's not a bad goal. But is that what they want to do during these transition years? It's okay to draft liabilities if they're BPA, because you can use them as capital to trade later on. The Spurs are not close to contending; they don't have to think the guys on their roster now need to be be parts of that future. Moreover, if the Spurs for some reason think they could make a Young-like liability work and that Dillingham is a similar liability, getting him still allows the team to grow around that limitation during a stretch where Young's unlikely to be moved and the Spurs don't particularly need him. Folks know I'm not married to any of the players in this draft, but there are very few flaws any of the prospects can have that would override them being BPA. The team is just too amorphous and in need to talent to worry about such things.

BPA vs best fit argument isn't a binary one, it really should be nuanced and it's always on a case by case basis.
It there is an obvious BPA that isn't an atrocious fit, you go with him.
If there are a group of players with roughly the same level, you look at how they fit instead of going with the slightly better one.

Dillingham/Sheppard are quite bad fit with how I think Spurs should build their team. For example, if Spurs put Dillingham and Castle in the same tier, Castle would be a better option.

[CGD]

BPA vs best fit argument isn't a binary one, it really should be nuanced and it's always on a case by case basis.
It there is an obvious BPA that isn't an atrocious fit, you go with him.
If there are a group of players with roughly the same level, you look at how they fit instead of going with the slightly better one.

Dillingham/Sheppard are quite bad fit with how I think Spurs should build their team. For example, if Spurs put Dillingham and Castle in the same tier, Castle would be a better option.

What does your Top 10 look like right now?

[objective]

???

What kind of hype do you think he's getting? He's late teens early twenties at best in mocks.

(and Risacher gets the same stocks per 36???)

I listen to a bunch of NBA draft podcasts and he has occasionally been touted as a lottery pick on a meteoric rise. I've heard that him being Australian is a big plus because that makes him super tough, you know how tough Aussies are!.

[spurraider21]

I listen to a bunch of NBA draft podcasts and he has occasionally been touted as a lottery pick on a meteoric rise. I've heard that him being Australian is a big plus because that makes him super tough, you know how tough Aussies are!.
probably played rugby in his earlier years!

[Bruno]

What does your Top 10 look like right now?

I quite like for Spurs Risacher, Cody Williams, Buzelis, Stephon Castle, Isaiah Collier, Devin Carter and Tidjane Salaün. Even if I'm not sold on his fit with Spurs, Dillingham is really talented, much more than Sheppard.

For Nikola Topic, I'm in wait and see mode.

[The Truth #6]

Jeremy is building a triple wythe brick wall. Yikes.

Edit: Oops. Wrong thread.

[CorrectCrusader]

Reed Shepphard my beloved

[TheGreatYacht]

I really doubt it but if anyone here has Sarr, either of the Ignite brick layers, or Topic on their draft board… I suggest following Kurt Cobain’s steps.

Sochan is shooting 22% from three since February started. If you don’t want Wemby to get triple teamed nightly and be forced to request a trade after winning under 20 games once again next season then I suggest reevaluating your draft board, stop posting about basketball because it clearly is not your thing, and maybe try a different hobby.

I’d trade the pick for Trae in a second. If for some reason it isn’t then the pick has to be a shooter. No other choice. Dillingham, Risacher, Sheppard. That’s it.

[BackHome]

I am really starting to like the Colorado PG - KJ Simpson, after watching videos of Cody Williams - Not as fast as Dilly but still gets to the rim and much more physical then him and still does a lot of what he does. I would have no problems using our first second round pick on him if we don't select a PG in the first

[TheGreatYacht]

I am really starting to like the Colorado PG - KJ Simpson, after watching videos of Cody Williams - Not as fast as Dilly but still gets to the rim and much more physical then him and still does a lot of what he does. I would have no problems using our first second round pick on him if we don't select a PG in the first
Love that guy. He’s one of the reasons I wanted to move back in the draft with the Raptors pick, if possible. Whoever gets him in the 20’s will get a steal.


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

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

[objective]

I really doubt it but if anyone here has Sarr, either of the Ignite brick layers, or Topic on their draft board… I suggest following Kurt Cobain’s steps.

Sochan is shooting 22% from three since February started. If you don’t want Wemby to get triple teamed nightly and be forced to request a trade after winning under 20 games once again next season then I suggest reevaluating your draft board, stop posting about basketball because it clearly is not your thing, and maybe try a different hobby.

I’d trade the pick for Trae in a second. If for some reason it isn’t then the pick has to be a shooter. No other choice. Dillingham, Risacher, Sheppard. That’s it.

Can't disagree

And Buzelis can't really be counted on as a shooter either. Couldn't shoot as a junior, could shoot as a senior, can't shoot in the g-league

[Chinook]

BPA vs best fit argument isn't a binary one, it really should be nuanced and it's always on a case by case basis.
It there is an obvious BPA that isn't an atrocious fit, you go with him.
If there are a group of players with roughly the same level, you look at how they fit instead of going with the slightly better one.

Dillingham/Sheppard are quite bad fit with how I think Spurs should build their team. For example, if Spurs put Dillingham and Castle in the same tier, Castle would be a better option.

I think we're risking going off the reservation when it comes to how we use the term "fit". In an American context, I would say the term BPA is used most frequently for NFL prospects, and "fit" in that context is used much more specifically to refer to position and archetype rather than skill-set. Like if you have a star running back and the best player available is another RB or you run a 3-4 and the prospect in question is an under tackle. When we're talking about NBA teams, I don't know that "bad shooter" or "poor defender" should be thought about in that same context. Nobody prefers guys suck at those skills. Those are weaknesses that teams have to either feel confident they can fix or scheme around. In that regard, the Spurs are one of the teams that basically has an open roster, and they thus have as much chance to build around a talented player's weaknesses or allow for the time for those weaknesses to improve.

We all have our preferences for how we'd like the Spurs to be constructed, but they don't have to make moves solely to that end. If Dillingham has the same profile as Young but is less developed, he becomes one of the most interesting players the Hawks could get in a Young trade. If that's the case, drafting him and giving him the chance to become a nice trade piece is a smarter move toward the team's ultimate goal than drafting a guy like Castle who might be more likely to fill the immediate hole without the same upside. As I've said before, BPA tends to factor in need and the comparative value of individual skills along with a bunch of other things. When I'm talking about it here, though, I don't basically mean BPA outside of fit. I think it would be more like talent and intangibles rated as "objectively" as possible. Like if they think Sheppard is going to be better than Castle, despite his lack of size and questionable on-ball defense, then pick him. You already factored in those other things the first time, and there's no reason to do it again.

I get the idea that draft boards have tiers in them, but I don't see any justification for having, say, Sheppard at 6 and Castle at 8 but then picking Castle if both are on the board. If they think Castle is better, rank him higher. If Sheppard is still ranked more highly despite the concerns, then he's the guy. That logic is true for me whether we're talking about size, shooting, IQ, "clutch-ness" or whatever else. I'm not tied to any PG and in fact pointed out Castle in one of my first posts in this thread. I'm not trying to speak against him. I just think the Spurs are going to have a chance to pick among a lot of interesting prospects, and I want them to get the best one they can rather than put on fake limits.

[The Truth #6]

probably played rugby in his earlier years!

Or talks to animals like Crocodile Dundee!

[duncan2150]

The only good thing is that portland keep losing and they have a strong schedule remaining. I highly doubt toronto will past them, really unlikely.

[JPB]

The real problem going on here isn't about Furphy or any other player. It's that Risacher is just grossly, absurdly overrated on this thread. He's absolutely not the player a lot of these guys have boosted him to be. And it's gotten so panicky that people get really angry when this messianic exaggeration is even close to pricked with a pin. It's like a version of Trumpism. Risacherism.

Getting totally phantasmagorical :lol

Absolutely no one has done this in the entire forum, quite the opposite. His skills/flaws and limitations and the player he could/couldn't be has been pretty fairly analysed. Stop making stuff in your head and posting nonsense, litterally nobody has been even remotely close to think that about Risacher here. You're out of control and hysterical with your "me against ST" schtick, this is getting ridiculous.

And I have zero doubt you haven't seen one single Risacher game live, stop acting like you were some kind of authority and making definitive judgements all day long about these kids because after one or two freaking unwatchable College games you found a new pet to make yourself look smarter in Furphy who wouln't worth than Risacher...

Absolutely no one in the NBA is thinking that. No, you don't pass on Risacher in the top 3 because you could get freaking Furphy in the 20s... You have no idea what you're talking about, stop acting like you did. There's a reason why one is projected top 3 and the other non lottery... Come back in two weeks, and you'll fall in love with another pet.

[dbestpro]

Edey had a monster game 30-20. He is going to be better in the NBA than most think. His physical play and size is a treat to watch.

[dbestpro]

Getting totally phantasmagorical :lol

Absolutely no one has done this in the entire forum, quite the opposite. His skills/flaws and limitations and the player he could/couldn't be has been pretty fairly analysed. Stop making stuff in your head and posting nonsense, litterally nobody has been even remotely close to think that about Risacher here. You're out of control and hysterical with your "me against ST" schtick, this is getting ridiculous.

And I have zero doubt you haven't seen one single Risacher game live, stop acting like you were some kind of authority and making definitive judgements all day long about these kids because after one or two freaking unwatchable College games you found a new pet to make yourself look smarter in Furphy who wouln't worth than Risacher...

Absolutely no one in the NBA is thinking that. No, you don't pass on Risacher in the top 3 because you could get freaking Furphy in the 20s... You have no idea what you're talking about, stop acting like you did. There's a reason why one is projected top 3 and the other non lottery... Come back in two weeks, and you'll fall in love with another pet.
Bidenism, Bushism, Obamaism, Clintonism, Reaganism, and many more.

[FutureMan]

Edey had a monster game 30-20. He is going to be better in the NBA than most think. His physical play and size is a treat to watch.

He is projected to go in the second round right now. This is probably one of the best 2nd rounds ever IMO and no one is really talking about it.

[Pauleta14]

He is projected to go in the second round right now. This is probably one of the best 2nd rounds ever IMO and no one is really talking about it.

He was projected 15th 1st round recently. His hype is raising

[BatManu20]

Edey had a monster game 30-20. He is going to be better in the NBA than most think. His physical play and size is a treat to watch.

He'll be a bit of a liability defensively in PnR, but he definitely has a role in the league with his size, length and post game. He's likely going in the First Round, especially in such a weak draft class. I predict somewhere between 18-25. We'll see.

[BackHome]

Yeah, there was some talk about a month or two ago that he was going to go in the first as certain team or two really would take him in that round. After March madness I am pretty sure he is going to definitely work himself in the first round - I think your right pick around 18 to 25 sounds about right

[onechance87]

holmes looking good even tho they losing.A big who can shoot and play sum d and rebound

[baseline bum]

I really doubt it but if anyone here has Sarr, either of the Ignite brick layers, or Topic on their draft board… I suggest following Kurt Cobain’s steps.

Sochan is shooting 22% from three since February started. If you don’t want Wemby to get triple teamed nightly and be forced to request a trade after winning under 20 games once again next season then I suggest reevaluating your draft board, stop posting about basketball because it clearly is not your thing, and maybe try a different hobby.

I’d trade the pick for Trae in a second. If for some reason it isn’t then the pick has to be a shooter. No other choice. Dillingham, Risacher, Sheppard. That’s it.

At least there's hope Buzelis can shoot since he was a good shooter in HS and maybe you can blame being on a trash G-League Ignite team for his percentage this season. So wouldn't mind using the Toronto pick on him if he's still there. Holland though fuck no. And god I'd hate to take Topic with the Spurs own pick with how high risk he is with no jumpshot.

[Frenchfred]

At least there's hope Buzelis can shoot since he was a good shooter in HS and maybe you can blame being on a trash G-League Ignite team for his percentage this season. So wouldn't mind using the Toronto pick on him if he's still there. Holland though fuck no. And god I'd hate to take Topic with the Spurs own pick with how high risk he is with no jumpshot.

there is also the concern that his injury is more serious, he was supposed to be out 6-8 weeks, it has been 12 now. IF he doesn't come back soon, I don't think that Topic will be taken in the top10.

[Knoxxx]

there is also the concern that his injury is more serious, he was supposed to be out 6-8 weeks, it has been 12 now. IF he doesn't come back soon, I don't think that Topic will be taken in the top10.

I'm not wild about Topic. All the highlights I saw, he was just barreling in doing layups and not much else. How many successful NBA players do we see that just do lots of layups and play below the rim? Sochan has been a good example of what can happen to you when you play below the rim on offense, you get your shit packed frequently. Then you couple in that Topic is not a shooter, and he is not a fit at all for what we need and would be a disastrous pick. Now if he is the best lob thrower of all time, maybe I would stand corrected but I am not seeing it here.

[spurraider21]

At least there's hope Buzelis can shoot since he was a good shooter in HS and maybe you can blame being on a trash G-League Ignite team for his percentage this season. So wouldn't mind using the Toronto pick on him if he's still there. Holland though fuck no. And god I'd hate to take Topic with the Spurs own pick with how high risk he is with no jumpshot.
holland is the kind of guy you want to draft if you want to shoot for the stars and hope you get a legit #1 scorer who can also defend. but with the shooting and playmaking still lacking, just a very poor fit when looking at wemby

[Knoxxx]

He was projected 15th 1st round recently. His hype is raising

I brought him up some time back as I was mainly following the B1G in college basketball. Noting that he was possibly available as late as round 2, I thought he would be an excellent bruiser to back up and pair with Wemby at times. I was met with "he's too slow", though I appreciated such in depth analysis.

One thing we should be considering is trading up or down as well, between our 1 or 2 first round picks and pick 33. Of course if I was another NBA team, I would be looking to give us ZERO HELP.

One last thing on Edey, I don't like this current style of chucking up lots of 3 pointers, even with a defender in your face. "That's today's NBA" just seems like some lazy BS to me. How about we just pound the living shit out of teams with Edey and Wemby inside, and make them adapt to us, not the other way around. That's how I think about it at least. Probably just a pipe dream though, for us to get Edey, but we do need another quality big to help Wemby that's for sure. Barlow can be useful, but he's a much more versatile defender than burly inside.

[Pauleta14]

I brought him up some time back as I was mainly following the B1G in college basketball. Noting that he was possibly available as late as round 2, I thought he would be an excellent bruiser to back up and pair with Wemby at times. I was met with "he's too slow", though I appreciated such in depth analysis.

One thing we should be considering is trading up or down as well, between our 1 or 2 first round picks and pick 33. Of course if I was another NBA team, I would be looking to give us ZERO HELP.

One last thing on Edey, I don't like this current style of chucking up lots of 3 pointers, even with a defender in your face. "That's today's NBA" just seems like some lazy BS to me. How about we just pound the living shit out of teams with Edey and Wemby inside, and make them adapt to us, not the other way around. That's how I think about it at least. Probably just a pipe dream though, for us to get Edey, but we do need another quality big to help Wemby that's for sure. Barlow can be useful, but he's a much more versatile defender than burly inside.


Ive just watched highlights of him tbh, don’t have a solid take on him, but the more it goes the less I’m sure of what are the priorities…

we definitely need some help inside for Wemby
we 100% need shooters
we 1000# need playmakers/passers
champagnie can’t be starting at the 3

Its going to be fascinating summer :lol

[Knoxxx]

Ive just watched highlights of him tbh, don’t have a solid take on him, but the more it goes the less I’m sure of what are the priorities…

we definitely need some help inside for Wemby
we 100% need shooters
we 1000# need playmakers/passers
champagnie can’t be starting at the 3

Its going to be fascinating summer :lol

Indeed! The knock on Edey aside from being slow will be he doesn't shoot from outside. I have not seen enough of him to know whether he has even a mid range jumper, pretty sure he sucks from 3 currently, but maybe he does not see a point to shooting 3s when he dominates the paint so easily.

[scott]

Edey is just gonna have to settle for being the tallest Enterprise Rent-A-Car management trainee in history

[CGD]

Edey is just gonna have to settle for being the tallest Enterprise Rent-A-Car management trainee in history

Edey should go dominate in Europe since everyone says it’s the more physical league.

[exstatic]

Edey should go dominate in Europe since everyone says it’s the more physical league.

Yup. He would do well there.

[CorrectCrusader]

I'm starting to really hope the Raptors pick doesn't convey this year

[exstatic]

I'm starting to really hope the Raptors pick doesn't convey this year

Why? That’s not smart. This could be the best position we might ever get for it. The last time they were in the lottery, they followed that up by being the six seed the next year, and their pick was number 20. I know this because they traded it to us for Thad Young, and we picked Malaki at 20. You want another #20 pick? I don’t.

[CorrectCrusader]

Why? That’s not smart. This could be the best position we might ever get for it. The last time they were in the lottery, they followed that up by being the six seed the next year, and their pick was number 20. I know this because they traded it to us for Thad Young, and we picked Malaki at 20. You want another #20 pick? I don’t.

They have pieces. Quickley Rj Scottie. I doubt they'll be 6th worth pick for the next 3 seasons. Also it seems highly unlikely that the balls wouldn't fall our way one of those years.

[Knoxxx]

The pick may not convey at all, so best to get it sooner than later.

[exstatic]

The pick may not convey at all, so best to get it sooner than later.

There’s that, too. Every time it doesn’t convey, the overall odds of getting the pick drops. Someone did the math earlier in this thread.

My bottom line is that there’s no draft, in my mind, where it’s better to have a non lottery pick than #7 or #8 in a bad draft.

[CGD]

I quite like for Spurs Risacher, Cody Williams, Buzelis, Stephon Castle, Isaiah Collier, Devin Carter and Tidjane Salaün. Even if I'm not sold on his fit with Spurs, Dillingham is really talented, much more than Sheppard.

For Nikola Topic, I'm in wait and see mode.

I have a feeling Cody Williams is exactly the type of player the Spurs will fall in love with and pick. There were all those rumblings about their interest in his brother two years ago, so I’m sure they got all their due diligence lined up on the family, the Air Force thing, temperament, etc.

Carter seems interesting now that I’ve seen him a little.

[scott]

Why? That’s not smart. This could be the best position we might ever get for it. The last time they were in the lottery, they followed that up by being the six seed the next year, and their pick was number 20. I know this because they traded it to us for Thad Young, and we picked Malaki at 20. You want another #20 pick? I don’t.

I also don’t want another pick #20. And I’m afraid pick #8 this year is a pick #20 in another year. Kind of hoping whether it conveys this year or not, we trade it for a player who can contribute. Let someone else roll the dice.

[spurraider21]

Edey should go play whatever league milutinov was in

[Thomas82]

Here is a solid scouting report on Sarr. I think he’s one of the more sure thing prospects in this draft full of uncertainty.


https://youtu.be/nzj9XcxcyrE?si=5vOuJf0cWEzi8sH3

Sarr, yes Sarr!!

[sfernald]

I was disappointed in what I saw of Cody Williams. I don't care about missed shots. Some nights the ball won't fall. I do care about lack of hustle. On offense, he found a spot and just camped out, possession after possession. There was no motion or movement. It would have been nice to see some off ball movement, some screen setting or whatever. A few of his teammates were setting screens and moving around.

For a potential top 5 pick, he leaves a lot to be desired.


Perfect Spur.

[heyheymymy]

[Edey] is projected to go in the second round right now. This is probably one of the best 2nd rounds ever IMO and no one is really talking about it.

Was thinking the same thing. 20-30 looks loaded and could spill over but the 2nd round proper has lots of interesting names too. Surely some of these names will pull up into the late first. Don't think KJ Simpson will stay a secret after that tourney game winning shot although he is older at 21 already going on 22 so maybe that will drop him?

Pretty good year for the league to start giving the second round it's own televised day, should be worth it.

[Biggems]

Dante had another good game in the Oregon loss. In 48 minutes, he had 28 pts, 20 rbs, 3 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl.

I am doubling down that I want him in the 2nd round. Our D sucks. Having him as Wemby's backup allows our defense to remain competitive while #1 us on the bench resting.

[rankingtear]

I'm not wild about Topic. All the highlights I saw, he was just barreling in doing layups and not much else. How many successful NBA players do we see that just do lots of layups and play below the rim? Sochan has been a good example of what can happen to you when you play below the rim on offense, you get your shit packed frequently. Then you couple in that Topic is not a shooter, and he is not a fit at all for what we need and would be a disastrous pick. Now if he is the best lob thrower of all time, maybe I would stand corrected but I am not seeing it here.

He is kinda like Tyrese Maxey outlier finishing with physicality and creativity, same flat shot but in rythm.

[JPB]

Keep believing if Risacher is there to grab, he's a spur.

Not the most flashy pick, could take some time before he becomes a real, solid contributor but fundamentally sound and high BBIQ are two things I beleive spurs will rely on in this uncertain draft, with prime Batum as a ceiling for Zacharie IMO.

[CGD]

Keep believing if Risacher is there to grab, he's a spur.

Not the most flashy pick, could take some time before he becomes a real, solid contributor but fundamentally sound and high BBIQ are two things I beleive spurs will rely on in this uncertain draft, with prime Batum as a ceiling for Zacharie IMO.

I think you’re right, whether we like it or not. Find it hard to see they don’t take the best SF if they’re picking Top 4.

I think that if they fall to 5 or lower (or the TOR pick conveys), then they take the best PG left. With the Topic injury, Risacher + Topic definitely in play if both picks convey.

[Maddog]

Dante had another good game in the Oregon loss. In 48 minutes, he had 28 pts, 20 rbs, 3 ast, 2 blk, 2 stl.

I am doubling down that I want him in the 2nd round. Our D sucks. Having him as Wemby's backup allows our defense to remain competitive while #1 us on the bench resting.

He had 4 TOs. Wouldn't disrupt game flow when he comes in for Wemby

[Chinook]

I don't think it gets talked about enough that the Spurs may feel more of a need to use their second or get into the late first if the Toronto pick doesn't convey this year. They need to start making decisions on their young players and keep cycling talent

[CGD]

I don't think it gets talked about enough that the Spurs may feel more of a need to use their second or get into the late first if the Toronto pick doesn't convey this year. They need to start making decisions on their young players and keep cycling talent

I agree even if the TOR pick conveys. My hope is that the strategy changes to use quality SRP picks on more mature college players that have a chance to be solid role, specialist, and bench pieces. More Tre Jones types.

But honestly anything after 44 (like the LAL pick) should just be sold and/or rolled over. I suspect the two day draft will bring more scrutiny to the second round such that shenanigans to direct players to certain teams will get snuffed out.

[Biggems]

He had 4 TOs. Wouldn't disrupt game flow when he comes in for Wemby

a big with 4 TOs in 48 minutes is fine by me. He would probably only play 18 minutes a game behind Wemby, so 2 TOs.


I have no clue who I truly want in the 1st round, as there is just a jumble of guys at the top this year. I just hope that one of the two is a PG.

Now, in the 2nd, if these guys are available, I would love to have them.....G/F Dillon Jones, PG Tyler Kolek, C Zach Edey, C Dante

[onechance87]

kolek may be the best pg in this draft

[spurraider21]

If the raptors pick doesn’t convey and we want to move up a few spots to get back into the first Kolek is probably worth targeting there

[baseline bum]

Keep believing if Risacher is there to grab, he's a spur.

Not the most flashy pick, could take some time before he becomes a real, solid contributor but fundamentally sound and high BBIQ are two things I beleive spurs will rely on in this uncertain draft, with prime Batum as a ceiling for Zacharie IMO.

Ugh this fucking draft when Prime Batum is the ceiling for the #1 pick.

[onechance87]

kolek is improving his stock....Was hoping we would be able to get him in the second round.

[spurraider21]

Kolek has been a late 1 guy in most mocks ive seen last couple months.

[duncan2150]

Kolek has been a late 1 guy in most mocks ive seen last couple months.

And he'll stay there IMO unless his atletic results are strong.

[Knoxxx]

Edey can go 30-20 and not even look good doing it!

[Big Empty]

Edey is our guy. If we could land he & Castle we’d take a huuuuge step foward

[Knoxxx]

Edey is our guy. If we could land he & Castle we’d take a huuuuge step foward

Edey is a monster, he'd be a steal at 33 no doubt. Yes I am aware his stock is on the rise into round 1 most likely.

[Splits]

I agree even if the TOR pick conveys. My hope is that the strategy changes to use quality SRP picks on more mature college players that have a chance to be solid role, specialist, and bench pieces. More Tre Jones types.

But honestly anything after 44 (like the LAL pick) should just be sold and/or rolled over. I suspect the two day draft will bring more scrutiny to the second round such that shenanigans to direct players to certain teams will get snuffed out.

If the TOR pick comes through and we don't move it but actually use it, it absolutely terrifies me adding two 18/19 yo to this roster. These are 2-3 year projects no matter how you slice it looking at this draft. I know the conventional wisdom is that older players have a lower ceiling, but I look at a guy like Dalton Knecht and he is an NBA-ready marksman with a high floor, which is exactly what the Spurs need.

I mean just look at Sochan. Most 2022 redrafts keep him at or around 9th, and look where we're at with him. Give me the 23 year old who you can immediately slide into the rotation, probably even start over Champ, instead of some high-risk teenager with the TOR pick.

[TD 21]

I expect them to target Risacher, but not be in position to select him and fail to move up, so be prepared for another project (probably Williams or Buzelis). The difference will likely be, unlike the abominations that were the '21 and '22 drafts, don't expect them to be handed outsized roles from the jump.

At the same time, they have to know Champagnie can't continue to start and they're clearly done with Johnson (trade candidate) in that role, so expect an addition of some sort. Whether it be a stopgap like Caleb Martin or a possible long term solution like Patrick Williams or Naz Reid.

That, some type of established starting caliber lead guard and shooting, are virtual locks to be addressed this off season.

[jjspur]

Every year, teams expect to draft a game changer. This so so draft doesn't appear to have any. If they look for a good role player, this draft will be full of them. I just think we should try for someone who is somewhat ready to step in as a role player, rather than drafting a really young prospect who might become a just role player two or three years down the road. By then we will have gone through 2 or three drafts allowing us to replace a young player who never really developed. A few previous spurs draft duds come to mind.

Dalton Knecht and Zach Edy could easily replace some of our 2nd teamers as they have equal if not better skill sets. Then trade the lakers pick for a defensive type player or a future pick. Those move should help us get some more wins. I'm counting on the spurs to do their homework in this draft. Another 20 win season just won't cut it with the fans.

[Vienna]

That‘s why I tried to point at McCain some days ago.

[mo7888]

If the TOR pick comes through and we don't move it but actually use it, it absolutely terrifies me adding two 18/19 yo to this roster. These are 2-3 year projects no matter how you slice it looking at this draft. I know the conventional wisdom is that older players have a lower ceiling, but I look at a guy like Dalton Knecht and he is an NBA-ready marksman with a high floor, which is exactly what the Spurs need.

I mean just look at Sochan. Most 2022 redrafts keep him at or around 9th, and look where we're at with him. Give me the 23 year old who you can immediately slide into the rotation, probably even start over Champ, instead of some high-risk teenager with the TOR pick.

Knecht would be a very solid choice if we get the Toronto pick. He'd play Day 1..

[Pauleta14]

I agree even if the TOR pick conveys. My hope is that the strategy changes to use quality SRP picks on more mature college players that have a chance to be solid role, specialist, and bench pieces. More Tre Jones types.

But honestly anything after 44 (like the LAL pick) should just be sold and/or rolled over. I suspect the two day draft will bring more scrutiny to the second round such that shenanigans to direct players to certain teams will get snuffed out.

You want more Tre Jones?!?

Wtt am I ready now…

yes let’s draft more undersized and limited players! What a genius idea … :lol

[The Truth #6]

That‘s why I tried to point at McCain some days ago.

I had forgotten about him until you brought him up. His shooting numbers are fantastic. He seems very motivated and team oriented. For me, the question is how high or low he will go in the draft. But if we could trade some 2nds to move up into the mid to late first to get him, I'd be interested. To me he seems very much like a Brian Wright type player (happy, Cosby kid type of vibe) and so I could see there being some interest there.

[spurraider21]

I’m curious what knechts measurables end up looking like. He’s fine but if he’s just a 2 he’s pretty redundant with Vassell who is the only good starter we have other than wemby. If knecht looks really good there he could make Vassell a more tradeable asset but I’d be more intrigued if Knecht had the size and length to play the 3

[CGD]

You want more Tre Jones?!?

Wtt am I ready now…

yes let’s draft more undersized and limited players! What a genius idea … :lol

You’re right, let’s draft the second comings of LeBron James and Tim Duncan with #33 and #45. Much better plan.

[duncan2150]

That‘s why I tried to point at McCain some days ago.

His tournament is impressive


I’m curious what knechts measurables end up looking like. He’s fine but if he’s just a 2 he’s pretty redundant with Vassell who is the only good starter we have other than wemby. If knecht looks really good there he could make Vassell a more tradeable asset but I’d be more intrigued if Knecht had the size and length to play the 3

He can definitely play the three imo and he's a 3 btw

6'6 with a long winspan ( rumoured to be like 6'10) , strong and athletic enough

[Pauleta14]

You’re right, let’s draft the second comings of LeBron James and Tim Duncan with #33 and #45. Much better plan.

Interesting, your only 2 options …

Not sure what make ppl want to keep seing Tre Jones handling the ball lmao

Some of u are brainwashed:lol

[sfernald]

I had forgotten about him until you brought him up. His shooting numbers are fantastic. He seems very motivated and team oriented. For me, the question is how high or low he will go in the draft. But if we could trade some 2nds to move up into the mid to late first to get him, I'd be interested. To me he seems very much like a Brian Wright type player (happy, Cosby kid type of vibe) and so I could see there being some interest there.

omg you just pinpointed Keldon to a tee, a Cosby kid huh?

[sfernald]

So I’m thinking have defense be the identity of this team next year; what do you think of this lineup?

Wemby - c
Sarr (#3) - pf
Dunn (#33) - sf
Castle (#7) - sg
Sochan - pg

i think we would have a great chance in leading the league in threes (missed).

[spurraider21]

So I’m thinking have defense be the identity of this team next year; what do you think of this lineup?

Wemby - c
Sarr (#3) - pf
Dunn (#33) - sf
Castle (#7) - sg
Sochan - pg

i think we would have a great chance in leading the league in threes (missed).
Sarr can’t play PF

Wemby is closer to pf than Sarr is and as we saw early this season he’s not close to being there yet

[scott]

So I’m thinking have defense be the identity of this team next year; what do you think of this lineup?

Wemby - c
Sarr (#3) - pf
Dunn (#33) - sf
Castle (#7) - sg
Sochan - pg

i think we would have a great chance in leading the league in threes (missed).

Just think, we could set basketball back 50 years with this lineup!

[exstatic]

So I’m thinking have defense be the identity of this team next year; what do you think of this lineup?

Wemby - c
Sarr (#3) - pf
Dunn (#33) - sf
Castle (#7) - sg
Sochan - pg

i think we would have a great chance in leading the league in threes (missed).

There’s no way in hell that Dun lasts to #33. He’s late lottery in many mocks.

[baseline bum]

I’m curious what knechts measurables end up looking like. He’s fine but if he’s just a 2 he’s pretty redundant with Vassell who is the only good starter we have other than wemby. If knecht looks really good there he could make Vassell a more tradeable asset but I’d be more intrigued if Knecht had the size and length to play the 3

I think you're confusing good with least shitty there on Vassell

[rascal]

Sarr can’t play PF

Wemby is closer to pf than Sarr is and as we saw early this season he’s not close to being there yet

Sarr can play PF.

[rascal]

So I’m thinking have defense be the identity of this team next year; what do you think of this lineup?

Wemby - c
Sarr (#3) - pf
Dunn (#33) - sf
Castle (#7) - sg
Sochan - pg

i think we would have a great chance in leading the league in threes (missed).

Sochan should never play pg again. He shouldn't even be starting.

[Dejounte]

Sarr can play PF.

Sarr can’t play PF. He’s not athletic enough and can’t shoot. He’s like Sochan. Team needs athletic players.

[rascal]

Sarr can’t play PF. He’s not athletic enough and can’t shoot. He’s like Sochan. Team needs athletic players.

Sarr is athletic, Sarr is 7'1 and Sochan is only 6'8 and doesn't jump well. Sarr shoots better inside the 3 point line than Sochan, shoot about the same from 3. Sarr is a huge upgrade to Sochan at pf.

[Dejounte]

Sarr is athletic, Sarr is 7'1 and Sochan is only 6'8 and doesn't jump well. Sarr shoots better inside the 3 point line than Sochan, shoot about the same from 3. Sarr is a huge upgrade to Sochan at pf.

Sarr is not athletic. He cannot jump or move laterally. Sarr is a low volume shooter. He cannot play pf.

[DAF86]

So I’m thinking have defense be the identity of this team next year; what do you think of this lineup?

Wemby - c
Sarr (#3) - pf
Dunn (#33) - sf
Castle (#7) - sg
Sochan - pg

i think we would have a great chance in leading the league in threes (missed).

This guy gotta be trolling at this point. :lol

[baseline bum]

This guy gotta be trolling at this point. :lol

Was kind of obvious when he was saying to trade the Atlanta picks for Giddey

[sfernald]

Was kind of obvious when he was saying to trade the Atlanta picks for Giddey

lol you making that shit up. I never said that. I said trade Toronto pick for Giddey + Okc pick (about #12 right now). By the way, here’s some thoughts on who would be great gets for the spurs this offseason ( spoiler: giddy included in list!):


https://youtu.be/ytv9Y21fvfg?si=K72FoAMEdX_ezz_V

[sfernald]

Sarr is not athletic. He cannot jump or move laterally. Sarr is a low volume shooter. He cannot play pf.

We should just trade for his older brother Oliver Sarr. Played in gleague the other night and got 30/13 with 3 steals and 4 blocks.

[SpursBills]

I've been thinking about comps for Castle lately, and I wonder if he might not have a similar early career to a guy like Jalen Suggs. Fairly similar situations as large defense-first combo guards with questionable outside shots whose creation potential might have been masked by playing in a 3 guard lineup in college. Suggs was playing with Nembhard and Ayayi at Gonzaga while Castle is getting used as a utility wing with Spencer and Newton. He also played as a lead guard in HS and seems to have decent vision that's better than what his numbers show. I also worry a little about his anemic steal rate but just based on eye test his defense has been excellent all year so I'm not going to stress too much about it as he seems to be a solid B athlete by NBA standards. Suggs was a great defender in college both from eye test and numbers standpoint and had a way higher motor, but Castle is bigger so he may have the potential to get close in that regard.

If the spurs do draft him, I'd be prepared for a lot of pain in his early career especially on offense. Suggs' first 2 years were truly awful on offense and his shooting signal was actually better than Castle's. The guy's not completely hopeless as he as a decent FT% and his shot mechanics look sound but you might be looking at 30% or lower for 2-3 years from 3 and being basically unguarded for a couple years. I don't know that he can play together with Sochan until at least one of their jumpers improves significantly. You might even be able to play him at backup wing if you have enough spacing around him. However, if he pans out he does represent the kind of positional size that you're looking for if you're building a defense with no weak links.

[Atl Spur]

Sarr can’t play PF. He’s not athletic enough and can’t shoot. He’s like Sochan. Team needs athletic players.

Team needs skilled players with better bbiq’s

[Limguogolo]

Sarr is not athletic. He cannot jump or move laterally. Sarr is a low volume shooter. He cannot play pf.

Dejounte was selected in the third round with the 291st overall pick in the 2020 scout draft.

[JPB]

Sarr can play PF.

Yes he can, and will. His mobility for a big being actually one of his main qualities.

[CorrectCrusader]

Interesting, your only 2 options …

Not sure what make ppl want to keep seing Tre Jones handling the ball lmao

Some of u are brainwashed:lol

Tre Jones level players are great value in the second round. Most second rounders never see the floor.

[CorrectCrusader]

I've been thinking about comps for Castle lately, and I wonder if he might not have a similar early career to a guy like Jalen Suggs. Fairly similar situations as large defense-first combo guards with questionable outside shots whose creation potential might have been masked by playing in a 3 guard lineup in college. Suggs was playing with Nembhard and Ayayi at Gonzaga while Castle is getting used as a utility wing with Spencer and Newton. He also played as a lead guard in HS and seems to have decent vision that's better than what his numbers show. I also worry a little about his anemic steal rate but just based on eye test his defense has been excellent all year so I'm not going to stress too much about it as he seems to be a solid B athlete by NBA standards. Suggs was a great defender in college both from eye test and numbers standpoint and had a way higher motor, but Castle is bigger so he may have the potential to get close in that regard.

If the spurs do draft him, I'd be prepared for a lot of pain in his early career especially on offense. Suggs' first 2 years were truly awful on offense and his shooting signal was actually better than Castle's. The guy's not completely hopeless as he as a decent FT% and his shot mechanics look sound but you might be looking at 30% or lower for 2-3 years from 3 and being basically unguarded for a couple years. I don't know that he can play together with Sochan until at least one of their jumpers improves significantly. You might even be able to play him at backup wing if you have enough spacing around him. However, if he pans out he does represent the kind of positional size that you're looking for if you're building a defense with no weak links.

Castle seems like the pick with the highest upside.

[The Truth #6]

Buzelis may have higher upside in my opinion as he seems more skilled. But maybe a higher bust potential, as Castle seems to play harder.

[JPB]

Sarr is not athletic. He cannot jump or move laterally. Sarr is a low volume shooter. He cannot play pf.

At this point, I believe you're confusing him with someone else.

As detailed in any scouting report, for those who just never simply watched him... Sarr is an athletic big whose vertical and lateral mobility, that allows him to defend the rim and the perimeter, are what makes him a top prospect in this draft. He can and will play PF in the NBA, the comparison doesn't stand overall, but he's comparable to Kevin Garnett in terms of mobilty.

He wouldn't be there otherwise.

(You can start at 1:45 and skip the dude talk, then notably and more attentively check at the 3:00 mark, to have a clearer idea of his lateral mobility).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=191&v=G_A8aYIeNYs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com %2Fsearch%3Fsca_esv%3D6046820b85816b8d%26rlz%3D1C1 ONGR_enFR1030FR1030%26sxsrf%3DACQVn08s4_rp50UDv0jj WvOEexhQFcMW4g%3A17113&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjMsMTM3NzIxLDI4NjYzLDEzNzcyMSw yODY2Ng&feature=emb_logo

[SpursBills]

Castle seems like the pick with the highest upside.

Possibly. I mean, Suggs crushes him in most advanced stats but castle eye tests well and his role this year is so different from how he was used in hs so you’re really betting on his positional size and hidden creation upside if he can play as a guard. If you play him as a wing connector he’s probably decent but nothing special.

[BacktoBasics]

Ive never seen so much confusion as to what a players skill set is more than Sarr. Half say he's athletic and shoot 3's the other half says he's not athletic and cant shoot. I have no idea what this kid can do and that's pretty scary if he's talked about as a top 3.

You gotta have at least an outline of what he can do.

[BacktoBasics]

Possibly. I mean, Suggs crushes him in most advanced stats but castle eye tests well and his role this year is so different from how he was used in hs so you’re really betting on his positional size and hidden creation upside if he can play as a guard. If you play him as a wing connector he’s probably decent but nothing special.
I remember when this was a frequent take for Primo

[LeBowen]

Ive never seen so much confusion as to what a players skill set is more than Sarr. Half say he's athletic and shoot 3's the other half says he's not athletic and cant shoot. I have no idea what this kid can do and that's pretty scary if he's talked about as a top 3.

You gotta have at least an outline of what he can do.

He'll definitely be an elite defender. And he's athletic. No question about that.

Shooting is a big question mark and will decide if he's just a good role player or a potential all-star.
Defensively, he'd be a perfect fit with Wemby. But if he can't shoot, it wouldn't work on offense.

As I said a while back, I'd still take him if we get the first pick. He's easily the best prospect in this draft and our roster is horrible, we need good players.
He'd guarantee 48 minutes of elite defense at C and he'd be under no immediate pressure to develop his shot.

Then a few years down the line, we could easily trade him for a better fit with Wemby if he doesn't develop his shot.
Kind of what Kings and Pacers did with Sabonis and Haliburton.

BPA as long as you're not a good team, then look for a fit around your best player when it's time to become a legit playoff threat.

If PATFO doesn't want him, they still have to trade down. Passing on him shouldn't be an option if there's a chance to make the pick.

[CGD]

At this point, I believe you're confusing him with someone else.

As detailed in any scouting report, for those who just never simply watched him... Sarr is an athletic big whose vertical and lateral mobility, that allows him to defend the rim and the perimeter, are what makes him a top prospect in this draft. He can and will play PF in the NBA, the comparison doesn't stand overall, but he's comparable to Kevin Garnett in terms of mobilty.

He wouldn't be there otherwise.

(You can start at 1:45 and skip the dude talk, then notably and more attentively check at the 3:00 mark, to have a clearer idea of his lateral mobility).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=191&v=G_A8aYIeNYs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com %2Fsearch%3Fsca_esv%3D6046820b85816b8d%26rlz%3D1C1 ONGR_enFR1030FR1030%26sxsrf%3DACQVn08s4_rp50UDv0jj WvOEexhQFcMW4g%3A17113&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjMsMTM3NzIxLDI4NjYzLDEzNzcyMSw yODY2Ng&feature=emb_logo

Just watch, DET is gonna land the first pick and select this guy.

Why not select another C who can’t play along with the one we have? It’s works out so well for us with the PG position! While we’re at it let’s extend Wiseman too!

Classic Detroit move

[BacktoBasics]

He'll definitely be an elite defender. And he's athletic. No question about that.

Shooting is a big question mark and will decide if he's just a good role player or a potential all-star.
Defensively, he'd be a perfect fit with Wemby. But if he can't shoot, it wouldn't work on offense.

As I said a while back, I'd still take him if we get the first pick. He's easily the best prospect in this draft and our roster is horrible, we need good players.
He'd guarantee 48 minutes of elite defense at C and he'd be under no immediate pressure to develop his shot.

Then a few years down the line, we could easily trade him for a better fit with Wemby if he doesn't develop his shot.
Kind of what Kings and Pacers did with Sabonis and Haliburton.

BPA as long as you're not a good team, then look for a fit around your best player when it's time to become a legit playoff threat.

If PATFO doesn't want him, they still have to trade down. Passing on him shouldn't be an option if there's a chance to make the pick.

As a top 3 pick if he doesn’t pan out you’re in a wiseman situation where it takes Detroit level stupidity to move him. Makes me nervous.

[The Truth #6]

This draft seems better for point guards so they probably should focus there. If Sarr was the obvious BPA then that's one thing. But I don't think he is universally considered that.

[LeBowen]

As a top 3 pick if he doesn’t pan out you’re in a wiseman situation where it takes Detroit level stupidity to move him. Makes me nervous.

The problem is that he's the most likely player to pan out.
Worst case scenario he's a switchable defensive big with no offensive game and a parennial backup for Wemby.

Meanwhile, noone else that's projected in top10 mocks is guaranteed to even be an NBA player after their rookie deal.
All of them have fundamental flaws and legitimate concerns.
Wings are either unathletic or can't shoot. Guards either lack size or basketball IQ. Athletic ones can't shoot.
Prime example of why domestic basketball development system needs a complete overhaul.
Instead of forcing athletic kids to work on their feel for the game and shooting ability, they just let them shit on less gifted peers and then NBA teams are stuck with fundamentally flawed players.


I'm sure at least a couple of top10 picks will turn out to be great, but with our recent drafting record, I have zero trust in Brian Wright to make the right choice.

[JPB]

The problem is that he's the most likely player to pan out.
Worst case scenario he's a switchable defensive big with no offensive game and a parennial backup for Wemby.

Meanwhile, noone else that's projected in top10 mocks is guaranteed to even be an NBA player after their rookie deal.
All of them have fundamental flaws and legitimate concerns.
Wings are either unathletic or can't shoot. Guards either lack size or basketball IQ. Athletic ones can't shoot.
Prime example of why domestic basketball development system needs a complete overhaul.
Instead of forcing athletic kids to work on their feel for the game and shooting ability, they just let them shit on less gifted peers and then NBA teams are stuck with fundamentally flawed players.


I'm sure at least a couple of top10 picks will turn out to be great, but with our recent drafting record, I have zero trust in Brian Wright to make the right choice.

With Sarr backing up Vic, you're guaranteed rim protection and a lob threat throughout the whole game. Can they play together for the Twin Towers 2.0? If a Tim/DRob version probably wouldn't work today, Vic and Sarr are both mobile enough to share the court as a dynamic big duo, I believe with Vic as your 4, playing more on the perimeter on offense..

Sarr will have to bulk up, but I take him over Zollins, Barlow or Bassey anyday to pair with Wemby.... Would be fun to watch a 7 footers pnr with Vic throwing lobs at Sarr :D

[spurraider21]

1772283049494945979

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Cody Williams is such a tough eval.

He's been hurt a bunch and his playing time is sporadic, so there's limited sample size and you have to wonder if he's been anywhere close to 100% while he has been playing. When he's out there, he's invisible for long stretches. By the same token, he's playing on a team where he's not the featured playmaker and it's good that he doesn't force things. His 3 point shooting percentage is good on not very many attempts and his free throw shooting doesn't project as well to his being a three point threat at the next level. Is this guy even a draft pick if not for his brother? Then again, if that's the comparison he's got better numbers than his brother at the same age in a better conference on a better team and he's 2-3 inches taller.

What the hell do you do with all of that?

[sfernald]

Cody Williams is such a tough eval.

He's been hurt a bunch and his playing time is sporadic, so there's limited sample size and you have to wonder if he's been anywhere close to 100% while he has been playing. When he's out there, he's invisible for long stretches. By the same token, he's playing on a team where he's not the featured playmaker and it's good that he doesn't force things. His 3 point shooting percentage is good on not very many attempts and his free throw shooting doesn't project as well to his being a three point threat at the next level. Is this guy even a draft pick if not for his brother? Then again, if that's the comparison he's got better numbers than his brother at the same age in a better conference on a better team and he's 2-3 inches taller.

What the hell do you do with all of that?

Jalen said he was a late bloomer and scrawny at Cody’s age (I haven’t seen any pics of Jalen at 18 to confirm), but if he physically turns into a 6’9” JDub body player and has half of JDub’s gifts that will be an incredible player. I am on the side of genetics. Look at Pau and Marc Gasol for example. Different but both great.

[exstatic]

At this point, I believe you're confusing him with someone else.

As detailed in any scouting report, for those who just never simply watched him... Sarr is an athletic big whose vertical and lateral mobility, that allows him to defend the rim and the perimeter, are what makes him a top prospect in this draft. He can and will play PF in the NBA, the comparison doesn't stand overall, but he's comparable to Kevin Garnett in terms of mobilty.

He wouldn't be there otherwise.

(You can start at 1:45 and skip the dude talk, then notably and more attentively check at the 3:00 mark, to have a clearer idea of his lateral mobility).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=191&v=G_A8aYIeNYs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com %2Fsearch%3Fsca_esv%3D6046820b85816b8d%26rlz%3D1C1 ONGR_enFR1030FR1030%26sxsrf%3DACQVn08s4_rp50UDv0jj WvOEexhQFcMW4g%3A17113&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjMsMTM3NzIxLDI4NjYzLDEzNzcyMSw yODY2Ng&feature=emb_logo

OMG. Mobility doesn’t make you an NBA player. Skills and fundamentals do. Luka Doncic is fat, and nearly immobile. Jokic, too. They pretty much rule the NBA.

[LeBowen]

OMG. Mobility doesn’t make you an NBA player.

True.


Skills and fundamentals do.

Does Sarr look like a big with no fundamentals to you? He's go no jumpshot, but his big man fundamentals are fine.


Luka Doncic is fat, and nearly immobile. Jokic, too. They pretty much rule the NBA.

They don't have vertical athleticism, but thinking that they'rre not athletic is hillarious.

[exstatic]

True.



Does Sarr look like a big with no fundamentals to you? He's go no jumpshot, but his big man fundamentals are fine.



They don't have vertical athleticism, but thinking that they'rre not athletic is hillarious.

On the human scale, yes they are athletic, but by NBA standards, they’d be placed FAR on the left side of the bell curve. Matt Bonner,in retirement, could probably out jump and out sprint both.

Oh, and Sarr does look like he lacks fundamentals. Not surprising from a youngster. He may develop, he may not.

[DAF86]

At this point, I believe you're confusing him with someone else.

As detailed in any scouting report, for those who just never simply watched him... Sarr is an athletic big whose vertical and lateral mobility, that allows him to defend the rim and the perimeter, are what makes him a top prospect in this draft. He can and will play PF in the NBA, the comparison doesn't stand overall, but he's comparable to Kevin Garnett in terms of mobilty.

He wouldn't be there otherwise.

(You can start at 1:45 and skip the dude talk, then notably and more attentively check at the 3:00 mark, to have a clearer idea of his lateral mobility).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=191&v=G_A8aYIeNYs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com %2Fsearch%3Fsca_esv%3D6046820b85816b8d%26rlz%3D1C1 ONGR_enFR1030FR1030%26sxsrf%3DACQVn08s4_rp50UDv0jj WvOEexhQFcMW4g%3A17113&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjMsMTM3NzIxLDI4NjYzLDEzNzcyMSw yODY2Ng&feature=emb_logo

It only took about 20 games for people to realize Wemby was a waste at PF. If Wemby can't play PF, Sarr won't either. People need to stop living in the past and realize that these type of players are centers only in today's NBA. At least, if you want to maximize their potential.

[Maddog]

It's a crap shoot
Probably even more difficult than ever before given the young age

I love going back and looking at Draft Grades form the past

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2013/06/27/grades-pick-by-pick-cleveland-cavaliers/2465505/

[Splits]

I remember when this was a frequent take for Primo


It's a crap shoot
Probably even more difficult than ever before given the young age

I love going back and looking at Draft Grades form the past

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/draft/2013/06/27/grades-pick-by-pick-cleveland-cavaliers/2465505/

I love going back and looking at the final mock drafts: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-mock-draft-2021-complete-two-round-projections-for-all-60-picks-starting-with-cade-cunningham-at-no-1/

https://i.ibb.co/4mXT8Vx/image.png

[BacktoBasics]

They got the stroke it part right.

[JPB]

It only took about 20 games for people to realize Wemby was a waste at PF. If Wemby can't play PF, Sarr won't either. People need to stop living in the past and realize that these type of players are centers only in today's NBA. At least, if you want to maximize their potential.

He's been better at center (in defense mainly but Wemby can play PF, and wasn't a "waste" at that position. He was still doing well, the most dramatic change was to give him a real PG. And C is just his position on the stat sheet. Anyone watching him play can say he's not playing like a traditional C on offense, but more like a C/wingman combo, which what 4s are about. No traditional center is driving or taking 3s off the dribble like Victor does (he created his own position actually, he plays Wemby).

And yes, Sarr can play PF, and will in the NBA, specially if he can develop his offensive game. Having two shot blockers who can defend the perimeter (specially Alex), can be usefull in certain situations, to defend guys like Embiid or Jokic for example, the spurs badly struggled against this year (I know, they struggled agasint everyone :D). You can put one of Vic or Alex on them, with the other as the second blade protecting the rim against the bigs or drivers the'yre passing to...

Not saying it's a full time solution but if you ask me if I prefer Sarr or Sochan next to Wemby? Dude. Anybody can score on sochan in the paint. And again, as a back up, give me Sarr any day, anyway.

[Pauleta14]

Tre Jones level players are great value in the second round. Most second rounders never see the floor.

I agree on the principle regarding 2RPs but not in Tre Jones’s case.

ive been waiting to have an opinion about him, had a lot of doubts and what imo happened to be correlations rather than causation lead to think Tre was a real +

Hes just not and he’s becoming a handicap in the perspective of Wemby’s development. How coul it not be a massive issue when he’s incapable of passing the ball to the most important player…?

go check the numbers guys, Devin has passed him as Victor’s primary assist partner all while having less games, not being a PG or a known playmaker…

I get it there are so many issues with the roster Tre looks like the least of it, but in reality he’s one of the main bc he has the ball in his hands a lot.

The idea of keeping Tre Jones (I know, very realistic considering how Pop loves him) is depressing to me :lol

[spurraider21]

They got the stroke it part right.
and handling the ball

[DAF86]

He's been better at center (in defense mainly but Wemby can play PF, and wasn't a "waste" at that position. He was still doing well, the most dramatic change was to give him a real PG. And C is just his position on the stat sheet. Anyone watching him play can say he's not playing like a traditional C on offense, but more like a C/wingman combo, which what 4s are about. No traditional center is driving or taking 3s off the dribble like Victor does (he created his own position actually, he plays Wemby).

And yes, Sarr can play PF, and will in the NBA, specially if he can develop his offensive game. Having two shot blockers who can defend the perimeter (specially Alex), can be usefull in certain situations, to defend guys like Embiid or Jokic for example, the spurs badly struggled against this year (I know, they struggled agasint everyone :D). You can put one of Vic or Alex on them, with the other as the second blade protecting the rim against the bigs or drivers the'yre passing to...

Not saying it's a full time solution but if you ask me if I prefer Sarr or Sochan next to Wemby? Dude. Anybody can score on sochan in the paint. And again, as a back up, give me Sarr any day, anyway.

Jokic and Embiid don't play like traditional centers either but nobody would say they are anything other than centers. Playing the center position for these guys isn't about how they play the position, but rather about how the guys around them operate. Sure, Wemby might be driving it to the hoop like a wing, but there's a difference between driving it to an open lane vs driving it to a contested one because you have a stiff clogging up the space.

I really thought this discussion was over after those first awful 20 games, but I guess some people are slow learners. Can Wemby do well at PF? Sure, he is too talented not to. Would he do as well as he can at that position? Definitely not. The only way to maximize Wemby's full potential is to play him at center, with no other bigman getting in his way. This shouldn't even be a topic of discussion anymore.

[JPB]

OMG. Mobility doesn’t make you an NBA player. Skills and fundamentals do. Luka Doncic is fat, and nearly immobile. Jokic, too. They pretty much rule the NBA.

Who said Sarr hadn't fundamentals or skills? He's not projected top 3 just out of mobility... And not sure using two of the most skilled, talented players in history is proving any point as far as needing atleticsim and mobility in the NBA is concerned. These players are rare for a reason and get away with things most NBA players can't.

[Dejounte]

Who said Sarr hadn't fundamentals or skills? He's not projected top 3 just out of mobility... And not sure using two of the most skilled, talented players in history is proving any point as far as needing atleticsim and mobility in the NBA is concerned. These players are rare for a reason and get away with things most NBA players can't.

They’re projected top three because no one else is inspiring enough to take that title over them. You’re acting like being projected top 3 sets their future in stone. There are plenty of busts in that range historically, and it’s not abnormal to call uninspiring players what they are. I’ve watched Sarr and the guy has low basketball IQ. A few highlights where he’s keeping up with smaller players doesn’t mean he’s a full-time PF. It means he was switched on those guys and he was successful enough to be on a few highlights. I don’t know how you can call this roster out for its low basketball IQ and then praise Sarr in the next post.

[ginobilized]

Is there a way to morph Tyler Kolek's smarts and skills into Sarr's body? That's what we need.

Short of that, my highest aspiration is to be pleasantly surprised by one of our picks in this draft. Might be a year to trade some/all picks.

[Pauleta14]

After his game against Marquette I'm higher than ever on Cody Williams

He has EVERTHING you can wish from an NBA prospect, the size, wingspan, mobility, he can shoot and can defend multiple positions.

He's the exact profile Spurs need long term

Stats don't tell the whole story, he's been injured and bc of his age has a lot of ups and downs.

I know it's subjective but having a brother not only in NBA but known for his maturity and BBIQ can't not benefit him as well.

In a draft with no sure prospect, I'd bet on what can't be tought (size, wingpan, IQ, character...)

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1772283049494945979?s=20

[duncan2150]

He's been better at center (in defense mainly but Wemby can play PF, and wasn't a "waste" at that position. He was still doing well, the most dramatic change was to give him a real PG. And C is just his position on the stat sheet. Anyone watching him play can say he's not playing like a traditional C on offense, but more like a C/wingman combo, which what 4s are about. No traditional center is driving or taking 3s off the dribble like Victor does (he created his own position actually, he plays Wemby).

And yes, Sarr can play PF, and will in the NBA, specially if he can develop his offensive game. Having two shot blockers who can defend the perimeter (specially Alex), can be usefull in certain situations, to defend guys like Embiid or Jokic for example, the spurs badly struggled against this year (I know, they struggled agasint everyone :D). You can put one of Vic or Alex on them, with the other as the second blade protecting the rim against the bigs or drivers the'yre passing to...

Not saying it's a full time solution but if you ask me if I prefer Sarr or Sochan next to Wemby? Dude. Anybody can score on sochan in the paint. And again, as a back up, give me Sarr any day, anyway.

There's a difference between "can" and "is", imo and after watching with the french youth nt he's a center. Offcourse he can play pf but that's not his natural position, having him and wemby will work in some contexts, both can shoot, switch and protect the paint but it's not ideal imo.

It would be interesting to see the pairing of wemby and gobert this summer, fiba is different but we'll see if they play some small ball lineups for examples, how they handle it.

[The Truth #6]

Jalen said he was a late bloomer and scrawny at Cody’s age (I haven’t seen any pics of Jalen at 18 to confirm), but if he physically turns into a 6’9” JDub body player and has half of JDub’s gifts that will be an incredible player. I am on the side of genetics. Look at Pau and Marc Gasol for example. Different but both great.

The sibling thing often doesn't work out. I doubt anyone remembers Derrick Gervin but he played at UTSA if I remember correctly and he was not anywhere near the level of his brother, who goes by George or something like that.

[duncan2150]

The sibling thing often doesn't work out. I doubt anyone remembers Derrick Gervin but he played at UTSA if I remember correctly and he was not anywhere near the level of his brother, who goes by George or something like that.

I think it's a plus for cody williams, he earned his stock by having a correct first ncaa season and having some good tools.

[DAF86]

After his game against Marquette I'm higher than ever on Cody Williams

He has EVERTHING you can wish from an NBA prospect, the size, wingspan, mobility, he can shoot and can defend multiple positions.

He's the exact profile Spurs need long term

Stats don't tell the whole story, he's been injured and bc of his age has a lot of ups and downs.

I know it's subjective but having a brother not only in NBA but known for his maturity and BBIQ can't not benefit him as well.

In a draft with no sure prospect, I'd bet on what can't be tought (size, wingpan, IQ, character...)

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1772283049494945979?s=20

He can't shoot, though.

[baseline bum]

After his game against Marquette I'm higher than ever on Cody Williams

He has EVERTHING you can wish from an NBA prospect, the size, wingspan, mobility, he can shoot and can defend multiple positions.

He's the exact profile Spurs need long term

Stats don't tell the whole story, he's been injured and bc of his age has a lot of ups and downs.

I know it's subjective but having a brother not only in NBA but known for his maturity and BBIQ can't not benefit him as well.

In a draft with no sure prospect, I'd bet on what can't be tought (size, wingpan, IQ, character...)

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1772283049494945979?s=20

I wouldn't be pissed taking a swing with the Toronto pick if it conveys since everything is high risk in this draft. Don't want him with the Spurs own pick unless it falls to #5 to #7 and Risacher, Sarr, Dillingham, and Buzelis are all off the board.

[JPB]

He can't shoot, though.

He can't. And he's very raw, doesn't really have a nice touch.

We should never forget these prospects are mostly playing against scrubs.

[spurraider21]

williams has the outlines of a good two-way player that isnt just a passive corner camper on offense. its just that so much of it is either unrealized or was concealed by colorado's usage

[scott]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Sarr won't match Bassey's BLK% or DREB% numbers. Unless he develops a serious offensive game, I'd rather just have Bassey and his cheap deal than trying to force Sarr's Top Pick salary into a twin tower lineup with Wemby.

[pad300]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Sarr won't match Bassey's BLK% or DREB% numbers. Unless he develops a serious offensive game, I'd rather just have Bassey and his cheap deal than trying to force Sarr's Top Pick salary into a twin tower lineup with Wemby.

I know you like Bassey, but can we be real. He's 23, and had has 3 season ending knee injuries so far in his career (Tibial plateau fracture at Kentucky, left knee patellar tendon (22-23 season with SAS) and then left knee ACL(23-24 season with SAS)). He's made of glass, and I expect the Spurs to let him go this offseason.

[TD 21]

I had forgotten about him until you brought him up. His shooting numbers are fantastic. He seems very motivated and team oriented. For me, the question is how high or low he will go in the draft. But if we could trade some 2nds to move up into the mid to late first to get him, I'd be interested. To me he seems very much like a Brian Wright type player (happy, Cosby kid type of vibe) and so I could see there being some interest there.

For the umpteenth time, Wright is the GM, who is second (third, if the owner is meddlesome) in command in basketball executive hierarchy in terms of decision making, behind the President of Basketball Operations.

Beyond that, he's a relative neophyte and the two geezers have about as much equity built up here as any executives do in any organization, so thinking he's unilaterally making decisions is absurd.

As for McCain, he won't be in range for them and would fit better on a team with a big guard or wing sized primary initiator, so that he can play off ball on offense, but primarily defend PG's.



Cody Williams is such a tough eval.

He's been hurt a bunch and his playing time is sporadic, so there's limited sample size and you have to wonder if he's been anywhere close to 100% while he has been playing. When he's out there, he's invisible for long stretches. By the same token, he's playing on a team where he's not the featured playmaker and it's good that he doesn't force things. His 3 point shooting percentage is good on not very many attempts and his free throw shooting doesn't project as well to his being a three point threat at the next level. Is this guy even a draft pick if not for his brother? Then again, if that's the comparison he's got better numbers than his brother at the same age in a better conference on a better team and he's 2-3 inches taller.

What the hell do you do with all of that?

You pass and let someone else deal with the headache of taking such a raw, flawed player and hoping he can become worthwhile in probably 3ish years.

They don't have time for projects (what's the absolute best case anyway, Jaden McDaniels?) with Wembanyama.

Having said that, I've long said he's probably the favorite.

[scott]

I know you like Bassey, but can we be real. He's 23, and had has 3 season ending knee injuries so far in his career (Tibial plateau fracture at Kentucky, left knee patellar tendon (22-23 season with SAS) and then left knee ACL(23-24 season with SAS)). He's made of glass, and I expect the Spurs to let him go this offseason.

I agree with everything you are saying... my point was more that I don't think Sarr will even match up with Bassey's (a borderline NBA player) DREB% and BLK% numbers (which, for Bassey... are elite, as I've covered in other threads). My post is less about Bassey, and more about Sarr. I just don't see it with this kid.

[Pauleta14]

He can't shoot, though.

Way too early to tell tho, countless examples

His form isn’t bad and it’s a skill you can work on, especially when you have a good work ethic. One thing his family connexion can provide.

He has everything that can’t be tought

[Chinook]

I think Wemby will ultimately be a swing big who has to develop in order to play PF. People are confusing Collins being a uniquely bad fit with Wemby with Victor needing to be a single big. It's why trying to prioritize spacing is a questionable strategy. Wemby needs to be around guys who actually put pressure on a defense, not folks to stand around and watch him struggle to iso with his loose handle and inexperience. Try making his life easier for a change.

[scott]

I think Wemby will ultimately be a swing big who has to develop in order to play PF. People are confusing Collins being a uniquely bad fit with Wemby with Victor needing to be a single big. It's why trying to prioritize spacing is a questionable strategy. Wemby needs to be around guys who actually put pressure on a defense, not folks to stand around and watch him struggle to iso with his loose handle and inexperience. Try making his life easier for a change.

This probably isn't the right thread for it, but it does raise the (all important) question of what the IDEAL lineup construction around Wemby is. I can easily be convinced otherwise, because I acknowledge there are lots of posters here who know basketball better than I do... but my opinion is that it looks like this (offensively):

PG - Need a skilled penetrator who can finish or dish, and be capable (call it 35%-ish) from 3. I'd point to 2012-13 Tony Parker, but I think it's kind of lazy to point to a HOF in a season where he finished 6th in MVP voting. I think someone like Dillingham could potentially be this type of player (ignoring the defensive concerns), but will take some seasoning. Topic... maybe if he could develop his shot but I'm less confident that he'll be a capable finisher in the NBA as he seems to play below the rim. As for current NBA players... I'm not sure.

SG - Need a three level scorer with the ability to beat his man in ISO. The last element is where I think Devin fails and I'm not sure if he'll ever be good enough because he isn't quick/fast enough. Not to mention my "fool's gold" comments previously about him and the lack of evidence thus far of being able to deliver in the clutch. This is the position where I want my second star. Ant Man or even someone with the skill set (but with a brain and more consistency) of a Jalen Green. Devin Booker or Donovan Mitchell would be great if you can have a bigger PG next to them. These are obviously not easy players to find, the three I mentioned outside of Green are the Top 3 SGs in the league in PER :lol - obviously we want one of the leagues best players. But I'm just trying to communicate that SG is really what would work best as for where we want that second star next to Wemby, IMO (not PG).

SF and PF I kind of view as interchangeable as to the proper archetype. Give me an MPJ type. Tall, solid rebounder, can hit the 3. I want two of those guys. In that respect, I wouldn't mind drafting Risacher and Buzelis in the hopes they become your starting SF/PF combo. I don't need them to be All-Stars. Lauri Markkenen would be the highest evolution of this archetype.

[Dejounte]

PG: two way player. Cannot be a liability on defense in this day and age. Examples: Jrue, Dejounte, Fox
SG: dynamic scorer. Defense can be less of a focus as this guy is counted on in the clutch and cannot be in foul trouble. Examples: Booker… not many good examples out there.
SF: 3 and D specialist. Examples: Royce O Neal, Dillon Brooks
PF: Most versatile defender in the line-up. Examples: Scottie Barnes, Prime Draymond, Aaron Gordon
scott I guess similar to yours

[DAF86]

Way too early to tell tho, countless examples

His form isn’t bad and it’s a skill you can work on, especially when you have a good work ethic. One thing his family connexion can provide.

He has everything that can’t be tought

That's different than your assesment that "he can shoot". Currently, he can't, tbh.

I'm tired of gettig all these projects that need working on their shooting. How many of those have we actually developed into good shooters? Sochan, Keldon, Tre, Wesley, Siddy. Not a single one has become a reliable shooter and chances are they won't ever. This Williams kid will probably end up being the same. For every Kawhi, there are tens of players that never develop their shot. I think it is time for the Spurs to draft some actually good shooters, we have no more room for more projects, tbh.

[DAF86]

I think Wemby will ultimately be a swing big who has to develop in order to play PF. People are confusing Collins being a uniquely bad fit with Wemby with Victor needing to be a single big. It's why trying to prioritize spacing is a questionable strategy. Wemby needs to be around guys who actually put pressure on a defense, not folks to stand around and watch him struggle to iso with his loose handle and inexperience. Try making his life easier for a change.

You think wrong. The more Wemby plays, the more evident it will become that he needs to play center and only center.

[CGD]

Cody Williams is such a tough eval.

He's been hurt a bunch and his playing time is sporadic, so there's limited sample size and you have to wonder if he's been anywhere close to 100% while he has been playing. When he's out there, he's invisible for long stretches. By the same token, he's playing on a team where he's not the featured playmaker and it's good that he doesn't force things. His 3 point shooting percentage is good on not very many attempts and his free throw shooting doesn't project as well to his being a three point threat at the next level. Is this guy even a draft pick if not for his brother? Then again, if that's the comparison he's got better numbers than his brother at the same age in a better conference on a better team and he's 2-3 inches taller.

What the hell do you do with all of that?

I agree with you, but even then I can’t quit this guy. Can’t put my finger on it, but I still give him the nod over Risacher. Gotta admit he’s been my top guy for some time now.

[CGD]

That's different than your assesment that "he can shoot". Currently, he can't, tbh.

I'm tired of gettig all these projects that need working on their shooting. How many of those have we actually developed into good shooters? Sochan, Keldon, Tre, Wesley, Siddy. Not a single one has become a reliable shooter and chances are they won't ever. This Williams kid will probably end up being the same. For every Kawhi, there are tens of players that never develop their shot. I think it is time for the Spurs to draft some actually good shooters, we have no more room for more projects, tbh.

That’s what happens when the group think says draft 18-19 year olds and only 18-19 year olds. They’re raw and need a lot of work. Even generational Vic needs work on his shooting.

Anyway not sure who the sniper is out there that you’d want to spend a Top 5 pick on. You find shooting via trades and the free agency anyway.

[DAF86]

That’s what happens when the group think says draft 18-19 year olds and only 18-19 year olds. They’re raw and need a lot of work. Even generational Vic needs work on his shooting.

Anyway not sure who the sniper is out there that you’d want to spend a Top 5 pick on. You find shooting via trades and the free agency anyway.

Easy, the 6'10" guy that is ahooting 40% from 3 playing against professionals and many are projecting as a #1 overall. Don't overthink it.

Heck, I would take Sheppard and Dillingham over Williams.

[Dejounte]

Easy, the 6'10" guy that is ahooting 40% from 3 playing against professionals and many are projecting as a #1 overall. Don't overthink it.

Heck, I would take Sheppard and Dillingham over Williams.

Zaccharie’s last 12 games: 8.5ppg and 10-41 (24%) from three.

[spurraider21]

Zaccharie’s last 12 games: 8.5ppg and 10-41 (24%) from three.
Good thing they play more than 12 games

[Chinook]

You think wrong. The more Wemby plays, the more evident it will become that he needs to play center and only center.

He's not playing like a center. He's playing like a guy who could easily play with a center. The more he improves those parts of his game, the more easily he can play PF. If he's going to play center, he has some steps to take there offensively, and I don't know if that's where he's going to put his dev points. The Spurs should try a variety of legit archetypes next to him and not get complacent at the position

[Dejounte]

Good thing they play more than 12 games

The point is to show a downward trend (is he really a good shooter if it continues to drop?) and that he provides nothing else when his shot is off.

[Dejounte]

He's not playing like a center. He's playing like a guy who could easily play with a center. The more he improves those parts of his game, the more easily he can play PF. If he's going to play center, he has some steps to take there offensively, and I don't know if that's where he's going to put his dev points. The Spurs should try a variety of legit archetypes next to him and not get complacent at the position

He’s definitely playing like a center if you look at the defensive side. I know we all have a tendency to look at only the offensive side of the game…

[TD 21]

He's not playing like a center. He's playing like a guy who could easily play with a center. The more he improves those parts of his game, the more easily he can play PF. If he's going to play center, he has some steps to take there offensively, and I don't know if that's where he's going to put his dev points. The Spurs should try a variety of legit archetypes next to him and not get complacent at the position

Sure he is. He's probably the best shot blocker and vertical spacer ever and one of the best rebounders in the league, too. Those are all center traits. His skill and mobility advantages are also more pronounced at the position.

There's a long history of data that shows 2 big lineups lag offensively and that these hybrid types individually and team wide offense soar when they play solo big, so let's not overthink this.

Reid is the one realistic exception I'd make because he's like a big wing in the body of a big.


The point is to show a downward trend (is he really a good shooter if it continues to drop?) and that he provides nothing else when his shot is off.

It's called spacing and defense.

The goal isn't to pick the most spectacular or electrifying individual talent, it's to pick the player most likely to positively impact winning.

[Chinook]

He’s definitely playing like a center if you look at the defensive side. I know we all have a tendency to look at only the offensive side of the game…

How much different is he playing than a rich man's Ibaka, though? He's often not even playing center on defense nowadays. The Spurs are cross-guarding with Sochan against elite centers and letting Jeremy get cooked while Victor roams the weakside. I don't see why doing that more permanently but with a player who can actually guard the position playing there instead. So far we're talking about undersized folks and Collins (who basically inspires every opponent to go at him as hard as they can) as options.


Sure he is. He's probably the best shot blocker and vertical spacer ever and one of the best rebounders in the league, too. Those are all center traits. .

I don't know that Wemby's a very good vertical spacer, let alone the best ever. He has some big natural advantages there, but his inexperience is glaring. It's getting written on as his teammates' fault, but if one actually looks at the great vertical spacers in league history, there's a lot they do that Victor is maybe just starting to incorporate. He should be the best shot-blocker very soon if he hasn't gotten there, but not every elite shot-blocker played center. He's a very good rebounder, but it's not like him rebounding less as a PF is a bad thing. It's only bad when the center isn't rebounding to make up for it.


There's a long history of data that shows 2 big lineups lag offensively and that these hybrid types individually and team wide offense soar when they play solo big, so let's not overthink this.

Wemby's future deserves an actual consideration though, and not just a flippant glance. Is he a big, or is he just big? There's a continuum between wings tall enough to play the five and true centers, and not everyone on the list would count as part of a "two-big lineup". That's why Wemby's development has a large effect here. If he's going to continue to trend toward a floor game and perimeter shooting, he's going to be more of a oversized wing like Durant or Giannis rather than a stretch-five like Porzingas. It seems pretty clear Wemby at least wants a chance to explore becoming the former before settling into the later, and part of the environment the Spurs are creating is to allow him to have that chance. That means they shouldn't write off playing centers next to him during this transition time to see if it can work. But if they play stretch-fives, it basically defeats the purpose of the versatility. If he's there at 33, I would be a big fan of drafting Edey to see what happens. It doesn't have to work, but that would be far preferable than committing to another year of Collins, Bassey and Barlow as the only options.


Reid is the one realistic exception I'd make because he's like a big wing in the body of a big.

Reid's a good player, but he's not the only archetype that should be tried.

[CGD]

The point is to show a downward trend (is he really a good shooter if it continues to drop?) and that he provides nothing else when his shot is off.

That and the fact that draft observers consistently seemed to be dubious that he could keep the good shooting up, as if THAT was the exception not the other way around.

To be clear I also like Risacher and would be happy with the selection. I just think Williams has the potential to possibly offer other things over time, like play making, size for the position (RZ is + 0 wingspan), and potentially better defense.

[DAF86]

He's not playing like a center. He's playing like a guy who could easily play with a center. The more he improves those parts of his game, the more easily he can play PF. If he's going to play center, he has some steps to take there offensively, and I don't know if that's where he's going to put his dev points. The Spurs should try a variety of legit archetypes next to him and not get complacent at the position

Trust the rest of us on this, you are wrong. Even Pop, who apparently thought like you at the start of the season, quickly realized his mistake. There isn't a single scenario where Wemby's best version of himself comes at any other position that isn't center, so please let's stop with this argument because it is a monumental waste of time. The only sure thing the Spurs have going for the next decade is Wembanyama at the center position, let's not overthink that.

[jesterbobman]

Wemby's movement and length means he can play a bunch of roles on D, from the Rudy / Brook Lopez dominating around the rim role, to the Celtics use of Rob Williams as a roamer / helper. Both are playing Center, but he can do both. Think he's most valuable as a rim deterrent for now, though he could become a pterodactyl off ball roamer on D.

I'd be interested in the Spurs getting Isaac as a 4 who can cover centres better than Sochan can (for now, muscle development would help), but I don't think a 3 - 5 like that exists in the draft (hard archetype to fill).

[rascal]

Trust the rest of us on this, you are wrong. Even Pop, who apparently thought like you at the start of the season, quickly realized his mistake. There isn't a single scenario where Wemby's best version of himself comes at any other position that isn't center, so please let's stop with this argument because it is a monumental waste of time. The only sure thing the Spurs have going for the next decade is Wembanyama at the center position, let's not overthink that.

He doesn't want to be stuck at center. He has made it clear he wants to not only be a center.

He wants the ability to shoot on the perimeter at times and another low post player allows him some flexibilty do move away from center at times. Need to make him happy or he is gone.

[DAF86]

He doesn't want to be stuck at center. He has made it clear he wants to not only be a center.

He wants the ability to shoot on the perimeter at times and another low post player allows him some flexibilty do move away from center at times. Need to make him happy or he is gone.

Does it seem like he's being stuck out there? The kid is shooting threes, running pick and rolls as the ball handler and bringing the ball up the court. The difference is that he's way more efficient doing all of that when he doesn't have another bigman with him getting in his way.

[sfernald]

Is there a way to morph Tyler Kolek's smarts and skills into Sarr's body? That's what we need.

Short of that, my highest aspiration is to be pleasantly surprised by one of our picks in this draft. Might be a year to trade some/all picks.

speaking of Tyler Kolek, here’s an interesting scouting report on his last game. Me wants!


https://youtu.be/bS2qm2WEKtU?si=kR2lEtcwoUVbA0bI

[Chinook]

Trust the rest of us on this, you are wrong. Even Pop, who apparently thought like you at the start of the season, quickly realized his mistake. There isn't a single scenario where Wemby's best version of himself comes at any other position that isn't center, so please let's stop with this argument because it is a monumental waste of time. The only sure thing the Spurs have going for the next decade is Wembanyama at the center position, let's not overthink that.

Pop didn't "Think like me" because I think Wemby should be playing center right now. That's the position his current combination of skill and physical traits lends itself to. A lot of people thought he'd have to play PF because he wouldn't have the girth to play the five. The reality is that he doesn't have the refinement to play the four yet. It seems clear that he wants to be a forward, but he can't hang there consistently in the NBA until he develops his handles and overall floor game more.

To a few of us, it's very apparent that Victor is going to need to take some time to improve his own play if the Spurs are going to eventually become a real contender. The question is what shape that improvement will take. If it's becoming a center, he'll need to work on offensive timing, screen setting and post-moves (because that's still where centers iso) and in general build strength to limit how often the Spurs cross-match against opposing centers. If Victor gets his wish and he moves more into a perimeter style, he'll be tightening up his handles, working on his PnR ball-handling game and eventually develop consistent go-to moves in the high post.

The skills he develops will determine what sorts of players will fit with him and thus what "position" he'll play. There's no reason to pigeonhole the best prospect ever, especially when it's against his wishes.

[Slippy]

At this point, I believe you're confusing him with someone else.

As detailed in any scouting report, for those who just never simply watched him... Sarr is an athletic big whose vertical and lateral mobility, that allows him to defend the rim and the perimeter, are what makes him a top prospect in this draft. He can and will play PF in the NBA, the comparison doesn't stand overall, but he's comparable to Kevin Garnett in terms of mobilty.

He wouldn't be there otherwise.

(You can start at 1:45 and skip the dude talk, then notably and more attentively check at the 3:00 mark, to have a clearer idea of his lateral mobility).


https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=191&v=G_A8aYIeNYs&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com %2Fsearch%3Fsca_esv%3D6046820b85816b8d%26rlz%3D1C1 ONGR_enFR1030FR1030%26sxsrf%3DACQVn08s4_rp50UDv0jj WvOEexhQFcMW4g%3A17113&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjMsMTM3NzIxLDI4NjYzLDEzNzcyMSw yODY2Ng&feature=emb_logo

Seeing Sarr first hand at wildcats games to know this scouting report pretty much echo's what I've said and watched of him .

[DAF86]

Pop didn't "Think like me" because I think Wemby should be playing center right now. That's the position his current combination of skill and physical traits lends itself to. A lot of people thought he'd have to play PF because he wouldn't have the girth to play the five. The reality is that he doesn't have the refinement to play the four yet. It seems clear that he wants to be a forward, but he can't hang there consistently in the NBA until he develops his handles and overall floor game more.

To a few of us, it's very apparent that Victor is going to need to take some time to improve his own play if the Spurs are going to eventually become a real contender. The question is what shape that improvement will take. If it's becoming a center, he'll need to work on offensive timing, screen setting and post-moves (because that's still where centers iso) and in general build strength to limit how often the Spurs cross-match against opposing centers. If Victor gets his wish and he moves more into a perimeter style, he'll be tightening up his handles, working on his PnR ball-handling game and eventually develop consistent go-to moves in the high post.

The skills he develops will determine what sorts of players will fit with him and thus what "position" he'll play. There's no reason to pigeonhole the best prospect ever, especially when it's against his wishes.

When will Spurs fans that want to see Wemby as a forward stop spreading this fake news? :lol

Wemby never said anything about not wanting to play center (at least publicly, and I supose internally either since that's the position the Spurs have him playing), he has played center his entire life. He just wants "not to be put on a box". Just like centers like Jokic and Embiid aren't. Do yall feel like Wemby is being put in a box despite playing center? Of course not.

Wemby will never be at his best at the forward position. He will never have tight handles because his center of gravity is just way too high. He can work on his handles as much as he wants, he will still get stripped countless times if he's trying to attack from the perimeter like a traditional wing. It works as a center as a change of pace, not the other way around.

It is also a disservice not to have him around the rim as much as possible. Again, he can shoot a three here or run a pick and roll as the ball hander there, but that can't be his bread and butter. There's no scenario where the Spurs get the most out of Wemby while he's staying out on the perimeter while a less skilled, less physically imposing bigman gets the touches closer to the basket.

I know you always had a hard time adapting to this "only one bigman" NBA era, but it is time for you to let it go. I really didn't think we would still be arguing about this matter at this point of the season, tbh.

[Slippy]

That perimeter defense of quicker players on the switch really stood for me in the playoffs. Altho Sarrs usage on offense went down.

[Pauleta14]

That's different than your assesment that "he can shoot". Currently, he can't, tbh.

I'm tired of gettig all these projects that need working on their shooting. How many of those have we actually developed into good shooters? Sochan, Keldon, Tre, Wesley, Siddy. Not a single one has become a reliable shooter and chances are they won't ever. This Williams kid will probably end up being the same. For every Kawhi, there are tens of players that never develop their shot. I think it is time for the Spurs to draft some actually good shooters, we have no more room for more projects, tbh.


I get ur point and agree but that’s the era we live in with the one and dones…

Im not saying he’s a sure thing but that his main weakness is the easiest thing to work and improve on.

Whoever we pick will have « ? » and I’d rather bet on a perfect NBA prototype to develop than an undersized player or one that has injury risks.

again only because nobody in this draft class seems a sure thing.

[Dejounte]

How much different is he playing than a rich man's Ibaka, though? He's often not even playing center on defense nowadays. The Spurs are cross-guarding with Sochan against elite centers and letting Jeremy get cooked while Victor roams the weakside. I don't see why doing that more permanently but with a player who can actually guard the position playing there instead. So far we're talking about undersized folks and Collins (who basically inspires every opponent to go at him as hard as they can) as options.



I don't know that Wemby's a very good vertical spacer, let alone the best ever. He has some big natural advantages there, but his inexperience is glaring. It's getting written on as his teammates' fault, but if one actually looks at the great vertical spacers in league history, there's a lot they do that Victor is maybe just starting to incorporate. He should be the best shot-blocker very soon if he hasn't gotten there, but not every elite shot-blocker played center. He's a very good rebounder, but it's not like him rebounding less as a PF is a bad thing. It's only bad when the center isn't rebounding to make up for it.



Wemby's future deserves an actual consideration though, and not just a flippant glance. Is he a big, or is he just big? There's a continuum between wings tall enough to play the five and true centers, and not everyone on the list would count as part of a "two-big lineup". That's why Wemby's development has a large effect here. If he's going to continue to trend toward a floor game and perimeter shooting, he's going to be more of a oversized wing like Durant or Giannis rather than a stretch-five like Porzingas. It seems pretty clear Wemby at least wants a chance to explore becoming the former before settling into the later, and part of the environment the Spurs are creating is to allow him to have that chance. That means they shouldn't write off playing centers next to him during this transition time to see if it can work. But if they play stretch-fives, it basically defeats the purpose of the versatility. If he's there at 33, I would be a big fan of drafting Edey to see what happens. It doesn't have to work, but that would be far preferable than committing to another year of Collins, Bassey and Barlow as the only options.



Reid's a good player, but he's not the only archetype that should be tried.

Yeah, no. Wemby is a lot different than Ibaka. This is diminishing a hell lot of what Wemby does on defense. Wemby “controls” the paint and intimidates other players from scoring inside. He’s an actual presence like you know… most centers. Ibaka is nowhere close to that level.

This seems like one of those things we’ll look back to and see how very wrong the other person was, and I’m confident I won’t be the guy that’s wrong. It’s clear as day they’re sticking with Wemby at center. The majority who thought previously he would be a PF (and even a SF) have become a minority now and that minority will soon be nobody when next season is done.

[JPB]

Yeah, no. Wemby is a lot different than Ibaka. This is diminishing a hell lot of what Wemby does on defense. Wemby “controls” the paint and intimidates other players from scoring inside. He’s an actual presence like you know… most centers. Ibaka is nowhere close to that level.

This seems like one of those things we’ll look back to and see how very wrong the other person was, and I’m confident I won’t be the guy that’s wrong. It’s clear as day they’re sticking with Wemby at center. The majority who thought previously he would be a PF (and even a SF) have become a minority now and that minority will soon be nobody when next season is done.

Wemby's playing like a center on defense but it's "clear as water" he doesn't on offense. Spurs don't ask him to just stay in the paint, low post and rebound. He's playing like a tall (very tall) wing on offense, starting the sets a lot of time on the perimeter, driving, shooting 3s off the driblle and making plays.

Adding another dynamic big who can screen, rebound, catches lob and mobile enough to defend opposing bigs or wings can be intriguing and interesting depending on match ups. That'll always be better than Sochan or whatever spurs have now.

[The Truth #6]

Saying Wemby is a center seems basically correct in that he's the only big man out there when he plays, but he's sort of redefining that role, so I think it's fair to question if what he's doing is really a center as we have come to know it. He's playing all over the floor so I guess you could call him a stretch center. But the more he stretches, the more wiggle room there is to play alongside another big man, in theory. To me, overall, it's sort of a gray area. Personally I just leave it at that.

On a tangent, when Victor plays everywhere and he's allowed to do that, obviously as he should being his first year and being a generational talent, the flip side is that when the whole court is his, it is going to be hard for the other players to figure out their geographic space as well as their role. That's going to be hard for 19 and 20-year-old young players to figure out right away.

Anyway. Back to the draft.

[Chinook]

Yeah, no. Wemby is a lot different than Ibaka. This is diminishing a hell lot of what Wemby does on defense. Wemby “controls” the paint and intimidates other players from scoring inside. He’s an actual presence like you know… most centers. Ibaka is nowhere close to that level.

How he plays and the effect he has on other players aren't the same thing. He had that intimidation factor when he played PF too. It's just Collins is the anti-Wemby. Again, taking Wemby/Collins not working as proof Wemby has to play center is the thing I take issue with Wemby plays weakside shot-blocker more than anything else defensively, and that's not the traditional task of a center, especially not exclusively.


This seems like one of those things we’ll look back to and see how very wrong the other person was, and I’m confident I won’t be the guy that’s wrong. It’s clear as day they’re sticking with Wemby at center. The majority who thought previously he would be a PF (and even a SF) have become a minority now and that minority will soon be nobody when next season is done.

Who cares? Who cares if we're right or wrong on a message board? We're not having these discussions to predict the future or to manifest change. It certainly doesn't matter how many fans think Wemby will play as a forward versus at center, just like the inverse didn't matter last year. What'll be will be.

[Chinook]

When will Spurs fans that want to see Wemby as a forward stop spreading this fake news? :lol

Wemby never said anything about not wanting to play center (at least publicly, and I supose internally either since that's the position the Spurs have him playing), he has played center his entire life. He just wants "not to be put on a box". Just like centers like Jokic and Embiid aren't. Do yall feel like Wemby is being put in a box despite playing center? Of course not.

Jokic and Embiid are not atypical centers just because they have additional skills. They're primarily post centers and great rebounders who need to be the biggest/slowest players on the floor. Considering guys like Bam also play the position, the center "box" doesn't really exist and wouldn't be worth fighting about. Maybe that's what Victor meant, but that interpretation needs more support than emojis.


Wemby will never be at his best at the forward position. He will never have tight handles because his center of gravity is just way too high. He can work on his handles as much as he wants, he will still get stripped countless times if he's trying to attack from the perimeter like a traditional wing. It works as a center as a change of pace, not the other way around.

It doesn't work right now. The only reason why Victor's perimeter game doesn't get more criticism is because the Spurs are awful. People constantly shit on the team for failing Wemby while overlooking how much that lack of meaningful games allow him to freelance. Teams are guarding him with PFs now because the Spurs don't have a front-court mate that will stop them from doing it.


It is also a disservice not to have him around the rim as much as possible. Again, he can shoot a three here or run a pick and roll as the ball hander there, but that can't be his bread and butter. There's no scenario where the Spurs get the most out of Wemby while he's staying out on the perimeter while a less skilled, less physically imposing bigman gets the touches closer to the basket.

See this sounds exactly like putting him in a box by your definition. If Wemby specs into more perimeter skills and doesn't spec into skills in the paint, he's going to be more like the latter scenario you mentioned. Again a guy like Giannis is amazing despite not being the shooter Wemby is, so I'm not sure the only option is that he stands around the perimeter rather than being a more traditional wing slasher.


I know you always had a hard time adapting to this "only one bigman" NBA era, but it is time for you to let it go. I really didn't think we would still be arguing about this matter at this point of the season, tbh.

What a random shot. I think you'll find plenty of evidence for me talking about single-big offenses over the years. I'm the same guy who talks about Keldon playing PF and Gay playing center. Just because I have a mind open to things you don't agree with doesn't mean I can only think in those ways.

[TD 21]

I don't know that Wemby's a very good vertical spacer, let alone the best ever. He has some big natural advantages there, but his inexperience is glaring. It's getting written on as his teammates' fault, but if one actually looks at the great vertical spacers in league history, there's a lot they do that Victor is maybe just starting to incorporate. He should be the best shot-blocker very soon if he hasn't gotten there, but not every elite shot-blocker played center. He's a very good rebounder, but it's not like him rebounding less as a PF is a bad thing. It's only bad when the center isn't rebounding to make up for it.



Wemby's future deserves an actual consideration though, and not just a flippant glance. Is he a big, or is he just big? There's a continuum between wings tall enough to play the five and true centers, and not everyone on the list would count as part of a "two-big lineup". That's why Wemby's development has a large effect here. If he's going to continue to trend toward a floor game and perimeter shooting, he's going to be more of a oversized wing like Durant or Giannis rather than a stretch-five like Porzingas. It seems pretty clear Wemby at least wants a chance to explore becoming the former before settling into the later, and part of the environment the Spurs are creating is to allow him to have that chance. That means they shouldn't write off playing centers next to him during this transition time to see if it can work. But if they play stretch-fives, it basically defeats the purpose of the versatility. If he's there at 33, I would be a big fan of drafting Edey to see what happens. It doesn't have to work, but that would be far preferable than committing to another year of Collins, Bassey and Barlow as the only options.



Reid's a good player, but he's not the only archetype that should be tried.

Well, he has the widest catch radius, so he certainly has the highest potential. Sure, certain technical things could use refinement, but that's to be expected at 20.

The point is, if someone can do center like things at an elite level and their skillset/physical advantages are more pronounced at it, then they're a center. It doesn't matter what style they play it in. Of course he's not a "true" one in the mold of Jokic, Embiid, etc. Davis, Sabonis, Adebayo, Porzingis, etc. aren't either, they're still centers.

Playing him next to a rim runner or post up player would be Collins and Bassey redux.

[Atl Spur]

Wemby at is best will be a stretch 4 / help defender and a small ball 5 against certain lineups. He has the mobility / agility to wreak havoc. Get him a big body to pair next to him…

[Chinook]

Well, he has the widest catch radius, so he certainly has the highest potential. Sure, certain technical things could use refinement, but that's to be expected at 20.

I would say he's behind the curve there, though. Guys with less physical gifts than Victor but who grew up playing center have a lot of experience with these types of actions. That Wemby struggles to set good screens despite being a center at the professional level for years is all the evidence one needs for his inexperience.


The point is, if someone can do center like things at an elite level and their skillset/physical advantages are more pronounced at it, then they're a center. It doesn't matter what style they play it in. Of course he's not a "true" one in the mold of Jokic, Embiid, etc. Davis, Sabonis, Adebayo, Porzingis, etc. aren't either, they're still centers.

None of those guys can play with other centers, which is something Wemby might develop to being able to do. I would definitely put Victor further along in that curve toward being a wing than the examples you listed, though how far remains to be seen. I have no doubt that Wemby can be a center long term. I just think he might develop into a combo-big where playing with a center for long stretches is what he does.


Playing him next to a rim runner or post up player would be Collins and Bassey redux.

Collins shouldn't be evidence of much, because he's been awful most of the time. Even before we knew that, I suggested he looked more like a single-big player anyway. Bassey and Wemby played well together, so I don't think they have a reason to scratch that archetype off the list yet. Getting a better Bassey would be one of my goals, as well as swapping Charles and Dom out for other centers to keep the experiment going.

[LeBowen]

Saying that Wemby should play alongside another big is being ridiculous.
Every team in the league is trying to be as mobile as possible and you'd want to take away Wemby's advantage over traditional bigs?

In a year or two, noone will be able to stay in front of him. And you want to take that away?
The entire point of small lineups is to run the traditional bigs off the floor and we'll be able to do it with a 7'4 GOAT defender.

Positions on offense don't matter anymore. On defense he's a center for all intents and purposes.
The only reason to play him together with another big would be if he couldn't handle someone in the post.
But he's already proven that he's as good as anyone at matching up with MVP level bigs.
Get a big, two-way wing that can shoot as his front court partner and we're good to go.

While Victor's perimeter game right now is erratic and unpolished, most of those bad plays are a product of noone else being able to create and then Victor is forced to do it.
And I actually like that he's doing it. We're not competing, it's better for him to figure out what he can and can't do.

[scott]

I have a slightly different approach angle to the discussion of whether Wemby is a center, or a power forward, or a small forward, etc...

Rather than debating if Wemby is a center in the traditionalway we think about centers... or a PF in the traditional way we think about PFs... I think the reality is that Wemby is the "Center (of the team)" and will redefine the way lineups are built around him. Whatever historical constructs of lineups have existed in the past need not apply. All that matters is what optimizes what you get from a lineup that features Wemby (which is different than optimizing the output you get from Wemby). In an era of position-less basketball, Wemby is the cheat code: the position-less player.

Positions are irrelevant, archetypes are what matter when dreaming up optimal lineup constructions around Wemby. Most of the time, Wemby will likely most closely resemble what we think of as a center, but we'll continue to see what we have all year - glimpses of him playing other roles. That versatility can create a degree of unpredictability that can cripple other teams.

The above is a reason I'm not interested in Saar. I think Saar lacks that versatility and freezes Wemby out of certain opportunities while they share the floor with one another, because those roles are the only ones Saar can thrive in. We need players surrounding Wemby that don't crowd Wemby out, instead we need players who fill up the space that Wemby is incapable of occupying (lead ball handler, sniper, etc).

[spurraider21]

Sarr and Wemby could end up being just fine on the defensive end. i just have some questions about offense. as chinook has pointed out, the wemby/bassey pairing was actually fine in their limited time together, and sarr profiles as a pure upgrade to bassey.

but if the spurs are in a position to take sarr, they better do all kinds of due diligence and have a pretty fucking good idea beforehand whether the two can coexist. cant go with another "well lets just see how it goes" season. i know its hard to do, but its also their fuckin job, and theres a reason we dolts are just here on a messageboard and elsewhere people do this as their full time job

[Mugen]

Sarr and Wemby could end up being just fine on the defensive end. i just have some questions about offense. as chinook has pointed out, the wemby/bassey pairing was actually fine in their limited time together, and sarr profiles as a pure upgrade to bassey.

but if the spurs are in a position to take sarr, they better do all kinds of due diligence and have a pretty fucking good idea beforehand whether the two can coexist. cant go with another "well lets just see how it goes" season. i know its hard to do, but its also their fuckin job, and theres a reason we dolts are just here on a messageboard and elsewhere people do this as their full time job

In PATFO we trust

https://cdn.nba.com/headshots/nba/latest/1040x760/1630563.png

[JPB]

Sarr and Wemby could end up being just fine on the defensive end. i just have some questions about offense. as chinook has pointed out, the wemby/bassey pairing was actually fine in their limited time together, and sarr profiles as a pure upgrade to bassey.

but if the spurs are in a position to take sarr, they better do all kinds of due diligence and have a pretty fucking good idea beforehand whether the two can coexist. cant go with another "well lets just see how it goes" season. i know its hard to do, but its also their fuckin job, and theres a reason we dolts are just here on a messageboard and elsewhere people do this as their full time job

One thing is sure to me, Sarr could be fine as a back up. So that's a dozen to 15 minutes/game for him. could they coexist like 8-10 min a game if you need more rebounds and rim protection on defense and have two mobile bigs playing the two man game with Wemby as a shooter and playmaker on offense? that's intriguing, I should say... Jokic size allows him to play above the game and defense to find passes PGs can't. A Wemby/Sarr lob or entry pass to the other is unguardable, both playing above the defense, then eventually finding shooters or cutters around. (Now, you have to find those shooters).

Vic/Sarr/3 shooters could work for short stints.
Like Vic/Sarr/Trae or Brogdon/SG (Vassell)/3&D wing

[spurraider21]

One thing is sure to me, Sarr could be fine as a back up. So that's a dozen to 15 minutes/game for him. could they coexist like 8-10 min a game if you need more rebounds and rim protection on defense and have two mobile bigs playing the two man game with Wemby as a shooter and playmaker on offense? that's intriguing, I should say... Jokic size allows him to play above the game and defense to find passes PGs can't. A Wemby/Sarr lob or entry pass to the other is unguardable, both playing above the defense, then eventually finding shooters or cutters around. (Now, you have to find those shooters).

Vic/Sarr/3 shooters could work for short stints.
i know its not a great draft, but i'd be hard-pressed to use a top 3 pick on a guy im earmarking to be a full time backup. if im taking him there, its because i believe he can play alongside vic as well as serve as a backup.

so, if Vic starts playing 32-33 mpg, Sarr plays about 15-16 minutes as the backup and also another 10 alongside Vic, at least as a rookie

[JPB]

i know its not a great draft, but i'd be hard-pressed to use a top 3 pick on a guy im earmarking to be a full time backup. if im taking him there, its because i believe he can play alongside vic as well as serve as a backup.

so, if Vic starts playing 32-33 mpg, Sarr plays about 15-16 minutes as the backup and also another 10 alongside Vic, at least as a rookie

That was the idea, yeah.

And I might be wrong, but I'm not sure you'll find more than a role player in this year's draft. And that's what teams should focus on. Anyone looking for det future star might end up with a bust.

[TD 21]

Buzelis on Risacher: "I want to see him one-on-one. He just doesn't want to do that with me. His agent will not do that with me, and I know he won't. It's a business decision. My advantage is that I have everything over him."

In Spurs logic, maybe the Lithuanian name absolves him the same way Samanic's Croatian name and background did his attitude and behavior, but this could hurt his standing with them.



I would say he's behind the curve there, though. Guys with less physical gifts than Victor but who grew up playing center have a lot of experience with these types of actions. That Wemby struggles to set good screens despite being a center at the professional level for years is all the evidence one needs for his inexperience.




None of those guys can play with other centers, which is something Wemby might develop to being able to do. I would definitely put Victor further along in that curve toward being a wing than the examples you listed, though how far remains to be seen. I have no doubt that Wemby can be a center long term. I just think he might develop into a combo-big where playing with a center for long stretches is what he does.



Collins shouldn't be evidence of much, because he's been awful most of the time. Even before we knew that, I suggested he looked more like a single-big player anyway. Bassey and Wemby played well together, so I don't think they have a reason to scratch that archetype off the list yet. Getting a better Bassey would be one of my goals, as well as swapping Charles and Dom out for other centers to keep the experiment going.

Maybe so, but not being adept at some of these things (which can all be learned and in the case of screen setting, some of it comes down to willingness to repeatedly get hit) at 20 doesn't make him less of a center.

Some of them can, but their teams know they're better off individually and collectively not doing so (with the exception of Porzingis, who plays some with Horford, the rare true combo big). Wembanyama could definitely become a combo big too, it'd just be pointless unless it's with a fellow one like Reid or if it is a rim runner, then they better be surrounded by 3 shooters.

Bassey is (was?) better than you give him credit for and Barlow potentially is too. I wouldn't bother with a rim runner, unless it's something like dumping Collins for Capela as part of a Young trade.

[BatManu20]

Matas got that dawg in him tbh.

1772725548193579021

[mo7888]

I have a slightly different approach angle to the discussion of whether Wemby is a center, or a power forward, or a small forward, etc...

Rather than debating if Wemby is a center in the traditionalway we think about centers... or a PF in the traditional way we think about PFs... I think the reality is that Wemby is the "Center (of the team)" and will redefine the way lineups are built around him. Whatever historical constructs of lineups have existed in the past need not apply. All that matters is what optimizes what you get from a lineup that features Wemby (which is different than optimizing the output you get from Wemby). In an era of position-less basketball, Wemby is the cheat code: the position-less player.

Positions are irrelevant, archetypes are what matter when dreaming up optimal lineup constructions around Wemby. Most of the time, Wemby will likely most closely resemble what we think of as a center, but we'll continue to see what we have all year - glimpses of him playing other roles. That versatility can create a degree of unpredictability that can cripple other teams.

The above is a reason I'm not interested in Saar. I think Saar lacks that versatility and freezes Wemby out of certain opportunities while they share the floor with one another, because those roles are the only ones Saar can thrive in. We need players surrounding Wemby that don't crowd Wemby out, instead we need players who fill up the space that Wemby is incapable of occupying (lead ball handler, sniper, etc).

Well done....

[mo7888]

Buzelis on Risacher: "I want to see him one-on-one. He just doesn't want to do that with me. His agent will not do that with me, and I know he won't. It's a business decision. My advantage is that I have everything over him."

In Spurs logic, maybe the Lithuanian name absolves him the same way Samanic's Croatian name and background did his attitude and behavior, but this could hurt his standing with them.




Maybe so, but not being adept at some of these things (which can all be learned and in the case of screen setting, some of it comes down to willingness to repeatedly get hit) at 20 doesn't make him less of a center.

Some of them can, but their teams know they're better off individually and collectively not doing so (with the exception of Porzingis, who plays some with Horford, the rare true combo big). Wembanyama could definitely become a combo big too, it'd just be pointless unless it's with a fellow one like Reid or if it is a rim runner, then they better be surrounded by 3 shooters.

Bassey is (was?) better than you give him credit for and Barlow potentially is too. I wouldn't bother with a rim runner, unless it's something like dumping Collins for Capela as part of a Young trade.

Absolutely love the Buzelis quote... now if he follows that up against whoever challenges him, I'll be even more impressed..

[scott]

Matas got that dawg in him tbh.

1772725548193579021

I love the cold, dark, sociopathic eyes that Matas has. Like a tiger shark, or an assassin. Risecher looks like a deer in the headlights.

This is my basketball analysis for the day :lol

[Chinook]

Maybe so, but not being adept at some of these things (which can all be learned and in the case of screen setting, some of it comes down to willingness to repeatedly get hit) at 20 doesn't make him less of a center.

I don't care about whether a player "is a center" or "is a real center" or anything related to that. The question is what kinds of players fix next to Wemby, and the label assigned to him doesn't affect that. Right now, the team struggles with having good screens set from them and has very little rim pressure. That's why adding those skills would be beneficial. Whether Wemby has the "C" designation on the lineups when that occurs doesn't matter to me at all, especially during a transitional period where things don't have to be optimized for a contender.


Some of them can, but their teams know they're better off individually and collectively not doing so (with the exception of Porzingis, who plays some with Horford, the rare true combo big). Wembanyama could definitely become a combo big too, it'd just be pointless unless it's with a fellow one like Reid or if it is a rim runner, then they better be surrounded by 3 shooters.

This is missing the point though. Those aren't a static collection of players in which Wemby definitely fits. They're points on a continuum and might well be all to one side of it while Wemby is further to the other side. Giannis 100 percent could play center physically -- which is why he often plays the position in certain lineups throughout the years -- but has played with Lopez or Portis almost exclusively this season. So is Milwaukee running a two-big lineup? If that answer is no, then it makes you start to question where the line is. Wemby's still developing, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine Victor having a more accomplished floor game than Giannis does when all is said and done.

[TD 21]

I don't care about whether a player "is a center" or "is a real center" or anything related to that. The question is what kinds of players fix next to Wemby, and the label assigned to him doesn't affect that. Right now, the team struggles with having good screens set from them and has very little rim pressure. That's why adding those skills would be beneficial. Whether Wemby has the "C" designation on the lineups when that occurs doesn't matter to me at all, especially during a transitional period where things don't have to be optimized for a contender.



This is missing the point though. Those aren't a static collection of players in which Wemby definitely fits. They're points on a continuum and might well be all to one side of it while Wemby is further to the other side. Giannis 100 percent could play center physically -- which is why he often plays the position in certain lineups throughout the years -- but has played with Lopez or Portis almost exclusively this season. So is Milwaukee running a two-big lineup? If that answer is no, then it makes you start to question where the line is. Wemby's still developing, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine Victor having a more accomplished floor game than Giannis does when all is said and done.

This isn't about some label or designation, it's about the fact that most of the players who fit next to him aren't centers, which is why he should be playing center.

Spacing is more important than rim pressure (most good offenses, especially those that are playoffs proof, have the former but not necessarily the latter, unlike the inverse) and has the added benefit of making it easier to get to the rim.

Antetokounmpo is the hardest player to define positionally, as a non shooting big wing in the body of a center. He's a nominal power forward by default though, since he can't credibly play center (he's more roving helper than anchor), which is why the Bucks defense traditionally falls off a cliff without Lopez.

[spurraider21]

Matas got that dawg in him tbh.

1772725548193579021
sounds cool at first, but knowing this will never happen, he could get away with saying something like this

like the "hold me back" guy who doesnt really have any intention of fighting

[baseline bum]

sounds cool at first, but knowing this will never happen, he could get away with saying something like this

like the "hold me back" guy who doesnt really have any intention of fighting


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kn-mSHceYYQ

[BatManu20]

sounds cool at first, but knowing this will never happen, he could get away with saying something like this

like the "hold me back" guy who doesnt really have any intention of fighting

Maybe. He was pretty competitive vs Cooper Flagg in their 1-on-1’s though. He’s 2 years older than Flagg of course, which definitely matters at that age. But he held his own against Flagg, who’s the better player. Think he’s just a competitive kid tbh.

1KNf7xt7Z5Q

[Bruno]

Buzelis is 30/115 (26.1%) from 3 this season. When you look at his boxscores, he has been bad at shooting 3 the whole season. These low numbers aren't the result of a slow start or a shooting slump at some point of the season. That's worrisome and he will have to convince teams he is a good shooter during workouts if he wants to be a top5 pick.

[objective]

Anyone else holding off watching too much before the lottery?

Or is everyone all in and researching heavy already?

Me, I can't bring myself to do that much without knowing if they have the Toronto pick and what the order is

[CGD]

^ I think many of us have processed the initial wave of talking head draft takes available on the key prospects/names, and are basically going round and round until the combine. Maybe some have watched tape (I haven’t).

For example, many here are passionate about Dillingham but there really isn’t any serious new info out there to tell us whether he’ll be the second coming of Christ or TyTy Washington 2.0. The combine will help give a better picture. Until then it feels like we all have our pets

[Dejounte]

sounds cool at first, but knowing this will never happen, he could get away with saying something like this

like the "hold me back" guy who doesnt really have any intention of fighting

Him going against Cooper Flagg dispels this immediately. He had real intentions.

[CGD]

Matas got that dawg in him tbh.

1772725548193579021

I’m here for it!

But seriously, can he shoot? And/or is Risacher’s shooting fact or fiction?

[Dejounte]

Mindset is everything tbh.

I argue players with that edge have a nonzero chance of being a star versus players with all the talent in the world but have no competitive fire.

For all the flak Sochan gets for lacking talent, the Spurs probably banked on his correct approach to the game and prayed it would carry over to realized potential. Unfortunately, it’s not anywhere close yet because the talent gap might be too strong.

but the Spurs need to continue ensuring any player they put in consideration checks that box. No more timid, no heart players like Lonnie. Future Spurs players need to have that edge, at least when the goal is to find another star in the draft.

[Dejounte]

I’ve been to a few games in person and it’s so much more apparent that there are players on this team who play hot potato on offense because they don’t want to take the lead in scoring. We end up with a lot of games where Sochan is the leading scorer because of his mentality. In order for the Spurs to advance forward, they need players who want “it”. Buzelis wanting to take the last shot in the Rising Stars game shows his drive, aside from the quote today. It’s a good sign.

[mo7888]

Mindset is everything tbh.

I argue players with that edge have a nonzero chance of being a star versus players with all the talent in the world but have no competitive fire.

For all the flak Sochan gets for lacking talent, the Spurs probably banked on his correct approach to the game and prayed it would carry over to realized potential. Unfortunately, it’s not anywhere close yet because the talent gap might be too strong.

but the Spurs need to continue ensuring any player they put in consideration checks that box. No more timid, no heart players like Lonnie. Future Spurs players need to have that edge, at least when the goal is to find another star in the draft.

Agreed 100%... I also think, in a poor draft like this one, it makes even more sense to put an emphasis on drafting a player with that edge.

[scott]

Mindset is everything tbh.

I argue players with that edge have a nonzero chance of being a star versus players with all the talent in the world but have no competitive fire.

For all the flak Sochan gets for lacking talent, the Spurs probably banked on his correct approach to the game and prayed it would carry over to realized potential. Unfortunately, it’s not anywhere close yet because the talent gap might be too strong.

but the Spurs need to continue ensuring any player they put in consideration checks that box. No more timid, no heart players like Lonnie. Future Spurs players need to have that edge, at least when the goal is to find another star in the draft.

Man, I might be completely misreading Sochan because I see less of a guy who "wants it" and more of a guy who says "fuck it, I'll take the shot, IDGAF". You guys are way smarter about basketball than I am, so I'll give it an 85% chance you are right and I am wrong.

Devin, on the other hand, seems to me a guy who does "want it" in big moments, he's just been completely unable to deliver in the moment.

[Dejounte]

Man, I might be completely misreading Sochan because I see less of a guy who "wants it" and more of a guy who says "fuck it, I'll take the shot, IDGAF". You guys are way smarter about basketball than I am, so I'll give it an 85% chance you are right and I am wrong.

Devin, on the other hand, seems to me a guy who does "want it" in big moments, he's just been completely unable to deliver in the moment.

Hmm define the difference between those two (wants it vs fuck it) because right now I can’t tell the difference.

I agree to some degree that Devin is the same way, but to me the way he acts is someone who’s been voted to the top position and because the expectations now are that he has that responsibility, it’s not as natural or organic as someone who has that silent, keyed in stare that Sochan has from time to time showing his intensity. It’s hard to explain. Primo had that, too. It’s just unfortunate that these guys need more talent… or no one wants to say it… so i’ll whisper it… (they probably need/ needed more time).

speaking of the model prospect, add this “edge” attribute to your “what kind of player are the Spurs likely to draft” list The Truth #6 because I do think there’s a trend there.

[scott]

Dejounte to me the difference between the two is subtle, but significant. The "wants it" guy is the guy driven by winning above all else, and he believes he is the one to deliver the win. When he doesn't, he beats himself up and obsesses over it until he next opportunity. The "fuck it" guy, on the other hand is more of the sense of "someone has to try to get this win, I guess it might as well be me", but if he falls short, no big deal... I did my best. To the "fuck it" guy, it's a very laissez-faire approach ("it will be what it will be").

I'll once again disclaim that this is just my reading of the situation, and I am likely very wrong.

[exstatic]

I’m here for it!

But seriously, can he shoot? And/or is Risacher’s shooting fact or fiction?

Risacher’s shooting is way more of a fact than Buzelis’s, who allegedly made a 3 pointer early in his HS career, or something.

[Dejounte]

Dejounte (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=51342) to me the difference between the two is subtle, but significant. The "wants it" guy is the guy driven by winning above all else, and he believes he is the one to deliver the win. When he doesn't, he beats himself up and obsesses over it until he next opportunity. The "fuck it" guy, on the other hand is more of the sense of "someone has to try to get this win, I guess it might as well be me", but if he falls short, no big deal... I did my best. To the "fuck it" guy, it's a very laissez-faire approach ("it will be what it will be").

I'll once again disclaim that this is just my reading of the situation, and I am likely very wrong.

Ah I see. I don’t claim I have the correct reading either, just my own personal observation. But yeah, my view is that Vassell’s been tasked with taking the last shot so he feels like in the back of his mind when the clock is going down he’s gonna take it because it’s his responsibility, and another part of it is he thinks he’s the most capable person to do it too… these are two things that, IMO, hinder him because basketball IQ or basketball sense then becomes third place behind these egocentric ideas in his head and causes him to make losing plays like finding the hardest shot possible in a DeMar fashion vs making the smart play.

With Sochan I actually think basketball IQ comes first with his “wants it” mentality because he recognizes his shortcomings and tries to feed guys who are currently more talented than him on offense before he thinks about taking over.

Again, all of these things I say may be controversial (especially me mentioning Primo, the Forbidden one… why did I open myself up to scrutiny by mentioning THAT guy) but these are all my personal opinions.

[mo7888]

Risacher’s shooting is way more of a fact than Buzelis’s, who allegedly made a 3 pointer early in his HS career, or something.

It was layer in his HS career and it was 40% for tbe season if i remember correctly. That said, Risacher is the better shooter from deep.

[DAF86]

I don't care about whether a player "is a center" or "is a real center" or anything related to that. The question is what kinds of players fix next to Wemby, and the label assigned to him doesn't affect that. Right now, the team struggles with having good screens set from them and has very little rim pressure. That's why adding those skills would be beneficial. Whether Wemby has the "C" designation on the lineups when that occurs doesn't matter to me at all, especially during a transitional period where things don't have to be optimized for a contender.



This is missing the point though. Those aren't a static collection of players in which Wemby definitely fits. They're points on a continuum and might well be all to one side of it while Wemby is further to the other side. Giannis 100 percent could play center physically -- which is why he often plays the position in certain lineups throughout the years -- but has played with Lopez or Portis almost exclusively this season. So is Milwaukee running a two-big lineup? If that answer is no, then it makes you start to question where the line is. Wemby's still developing, but it wouldn't be hard to imagine Victor having a more accomplished floor game than Giannis does when all is said and done.

No, the Bucks aren't running a 2 bigs lineup. Giannis came to the league as a SF. He played all his career as a perimeter player (PFs are perimeter players nowadays). He has perimeter player handles. In the 90's he would still be a 3. Only in this era he can become a full time PF and even a C at times. But this is only more evidence of why Wemby should play Center and only center.

Wemby, unlike Giannis, was always a center. He played center his entire formative years. He has good handles, FOR A CENTER. He will never be the ball handler that Giannis is, that's why he will never have a better floor game, and that's he will never be a PF.

[Pauleta14]

Matas got that dawg in him tbh.

1772725548193579021


That’s a fake PR dawg :lol

he’s desperate and sounds pathetic

[Pauleta14]

sounds cool at first, but knowing this will never happen, he could get away with saying something like this

like the "hold me back" guy who doesnt really have any intention of fighting

This.

One more reason not to want Buzelis now

[scott]

This.

One more reason not to want Buzelis now

I think you're just overly sensitive about Frenchies... like they wouldn't surrender the first opportunity they got :)

[DAF86]

Matas got that dawg in him tbh.

1772725548193579021

Welp, so much for drafting Risacher with our pick and Buzelis with the Raptors one, tbh. :lol

[scott]

Welp, so much for drafting Risacher with our pick and Buzelis with the Raptors one, tbh. :lol

LET THEM FIGHT IN PRACTICE. Next day they'll be BFF. Like the scene in Swingers where they almost get in a fight in the parking lot and the next day come over to play NHL

[Dejounte]

For the record, I do think there’s a chance that Risacher is drafted by the Spurs. I think the Spurs put a lot of value in how players conduct themselves, and if there is a prospect who comes from a professional league where professionalism is expected then it’s likely that Risacher is familiar with showing up to work on time. We sometimes forget these guys are kids and kids take years to take work seriously (or know what they want in life). There is less risk there if the player comes from a professional league, and the Spurs can do homework there to see if he acts like an adult already. We’ve seen how Wemby acts on and off the court and maybe the Spurs want more of that.

All that to still say that Zaccharie still doesn’t look the part of someone who should be drafted in the top 10 in any regular year… but that I hope I’m wrong because I want my team to succeed.

[spurraider21]

risacher still #1 on my board, think it will be hard to move off that. i dont see Sarr/Wemby coexisting, but modern day hyper-agile twin towers is kind of appealing in theory

[Pauleta14]

I
I think you're just overly sensitive about Frenchies... like they wouldn't surrender the first opportunity they got :)

I think you’re confusing correlation and causation :)

Its just a ridiculous attempt at using a better projected player to regain some hype. It’s quite low

Don’t care about nationalities and don’t know much about Risacher who isn’t even my draft choice.

As for the surrendering part, education matters mate. Hilarious tho

[mo7888]

I like the aggression from Buzelis here, but it doesn't change my board. As of now this is where I'm at waiting on measurables and workout leaks...(not a Spurs bb... just overall)

2024 NBA Draft Board
Tier 1:
1. Zaccharie Risacher
2. Alex Sarr
3. Nikola Topic
4. Matas Buzelis
Tier 2:
5. Reed Shephard
6. Robert Dillingham
7. Cody Williams
8. Tidjane Salaun
Tier 3:
9. Dalton Knecht
10. Isaiah Collier
11. Johnny Furphy
12. Stephen Castle
13. JaKobe Walter
14. Kyle Filipowski
15. Donovan Clingan
16. Ron Holland
Tier 4:
17. Ryan Dunn
18. Tyler Smith
19. Ke'lel Ware
20. Yves Missi
21. Zach Edey
22. Bobi Klintman
23. Kyshawn George
24. Tyrese Proctor
Tier 5:
25. Pacome Dadiet
26. Trevon Brazile
27. Kevin McCullar
28. Juan Nunez
29. Tyler Kolek
30. Tristan Da Silva

[The Truth #6]

Agreed 100%... I also think, in a poor draft like this one, it makes even more sense to put an emphasis on drafting a player with that edge.

I agree. But then there's Ron Holland who feels like all edge but little skills yet and I get flummoxed. Isiah Collier is another. Star attitude. Intense on offense at least. But lots to work on.

I don't know what to make of the Buzelis. Is it sincere? Was it his agent"s idea to throw that out there for critics who think he lacks drive?

If Buzelis really has that attitude, plus his feel for the game and fundamental skills, then he's a player that needs a very hard look. My gut feeling is he isn't a Brian Wright archetype , despite TD21's protestations that Wright is not acting as the general manager.

Anyway. Your quote just got me going in a tangent.

[mo7888]

I agree. But then there's Ron Holland who feels like all edge but little skills yet and I get flummoxed. Isiah Collier is another. Star attitude. Intense on offense at least. But lots to work on.

I don't know what to make of the Buzelis. Is it sincere? Was it his agent"s idea to throw that out there for critics who think he lacks drive?

If Buzelis really has that attitude, plus his feel for the game and fundamental skills, then he's a player that needs a very hard look. My gut feeling is he isn't a Brian Wright archetype , despite TD21's protestations that Wright is not acting as the general manager.

Anyway. Your quote just got me going in a tangent.

Glad i could assist on your 'tangent'....

I don't know if Buzelis is sincere or if its PR. The Cooper Flagg 1 on 1 makes me think it could be sincere. It'll be interesting when someone challenges him like this (Williams, Holland, etc). Will he step up then? I hope it happens ..

[TD 21]

The only reasons Buzelis has the reputation of a shooter is because he's white and has a European (Lithuanian) name.


despite TD21's protestations that Wright is not acting as the general manager.

:lmao At the lack of reading comprehension.

Here, try again: For The Bigots And The Uninitiated (spurstalk.com) (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303507)

[Arcadian]

10 games left to go in the season.

[The Truth #6]

The only reasons Buzelis has the reputation of a shooter is because he's white and has a European (Lithuanian) name.



:lmao At the lack of reading comprehension.

Here, try again: For The Bigots And The Uninitiated (spurstalk.com) (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303507)

Honestly, I don't understand your insistence on qualifying Wright's role with the team. It's not reading comprehension in some simple sense. It's reading between the lines and recognizing that you use "umpteenth", suggesting that others don't understand some knowledge that you think you need to teach us. You're very insistent on something peculiar about Wright that even in your definition of his role doesn't amount to much. So he consults with others? That's shocking? He's not the owner of the team. Also, "bigots"? You're the one trying to undersell the agency of a black general manager.

[TD 21]

Honestly, I don't understand your insistence on qualifying Wright's role with the team. It's not reading comprehension in some simple sense. It's reading between the lines and recognizing that you use "umpteenth", suggesting that others don't understand some knowledge that you think you need to teach us. You're very insistent on something peculiar about Wright that even in your definition of his role doesn't amount to much. So he consults with others? That's shocking? He's not the owner of the team. Also, "bigots"? You're the one trying to undersell the agency of a black general manager.

My insistence is to correct ignorance. Again: POBO > GM. That's not opinion, it's fact and I'm not underselling (or absolving), I'm contextualizing.

Certain people have been told this on multiple occasions and they've ignored it, so what other conclusion is there to draw than bigot? Others have flat out made racist remarks.

[Splits]

Buzelis is 30/115 (26.1%) from 3 this season. When you look at his boxscores, he has been bad at shooting 3 the whole season. These low numbers aren't the result of a slow start or a shooting slump at some point of the season. That's worrisome and he will have to convince teams he is a good shooter during workouts if he wants to be a top5 pick.

Bustzelis tbh. He's a bust. If we draft this clown, or rather "when" we draft this clown, he will Primo us. Stay away.

[playbonner15]

Since I don't have any control whoever FO picks, I'm not fussing about it

[The Truth #6]

My insistence is to correct ignorance. Again: POBO > GM. That's not opinion, it's fact and I'm not underselling (or absolving), I'm contextualizing.

Certain people have been told this on multiple occasions and they've ignored it, so what other conclusion is there to draw than bigot? Others have flat out made racist remarks.

I see. Well, back to the draft.

[mudyez]

Since there is a pretty good chance the 3/6 finishes for us and Toronto will be the final ones, who wants to do another round of "Tankathon sim draft"? Again only one click on "Sim draft" and tell us, who you pick (reasonable picks)!

I got...

#2 and #7...and take Topic and Knecht with those picks.
Charlotte hat the #1 and would not take Topic. I think, he can be special. A lot of his moves remind me of Manu, even though he needs to become a better shooter. Knecht is a guy who can help with just that spacing.

[itzsoweezee]

Matas got that dawg in him tbh.

1772725548193579021

Typical of a GLeague Ignite guy. An AAU mentality playing for an AAU team in the g league. These guys take years to learn how to play basketball when they enter the NBA. I’d take an international or college player over any of these g league guys.

[buttsR4rebounding]

My insistence is to correct ignorance. Again: POBO > GM. That's not opinion, it's fact and I'm not underselling (or absolving), I'm contextualizing.

Certain people have been told this on multiple occasions and they've ignored it, so what other conclusion is there to draw than bigot? Others have flat out made racist remarks.

Please inform the ignorant. What does POBO>GM mean?

[mo7888]

Since there is a pretty good chance the 3/6 finishes for us and Toronto will be the final ones, who wants to do another round of "Tankathon sim draft"? Again only one click on "Sim draft" and tell us, who you pick (reasonable picks)!

I got...

#2 and #7...and take Topic and Knecht with those picks.
Charlotte hat the #1 and would not take Topic. I think, he can be special. A lot of his moves remind me of Manu, even though he needs to become a better shooter. Knecht is a guy who can help with just that spacing.

I got #2 and #7... Tankathon gave me Topic and Buzelis. I'd be good with that..

[duncan2150]

Since there is a pretty good chance the 3/6 finishes for us and Toronto will be the final ones, who wants to do another round of "Tankathon sim draft"? Again only one click on "Sim draft" and tell us, who you pick (reasonable picks)!

I got...

#2 and #7...and take Topic and Knecht with those picks.
Charlotte hat the #1 and would not take Topic. I think, he can be special. A lot of his moves remind me of Manu, even though he needs to become a better shooter. Knecht is a guy who can help with just that spacing.

toronto get the third and us the six in my first sim but not on the mock draft page :)

so i did a second sim and we got the first and seventh pick : topic and holland.

[TD 21]

Please inform the ignorant. What does POBO>GM mean?

For The Bigots And The Uninitiated (spurstalk.com) (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303507)

[JPB]

If anything, Buzelis (or his agent) is hurting his value by going full keyboard warrior. that's an orange flag to me. Social media drama is definitely the kind of things GMs are attentive to with these young prospects.

And claiming you're better than another top prospect, when you proved nothing, is just not very smart and shows more insecurity and attention seeking than anything. Like Scoot claiming he should be the #1 pick in his draft. Some guys liked his confidence and that "dawg" back then... You can be humbled quickly.

Not to mention BB is a 5x5 game, not 1x1. Even being better on 1x1 (which remains to be proved) wouldn't necesseraliy make you a better prospect. Some guys kills it on the playground on 1x1, but can't play organised, team ball.

So yeah, badly inspired, counter-productive move by Buzelis.

[rascal]

I got #2 and #7... Tankathon gave me Topic and Buzelis. I'd be good with that..

Horrible

Two white players that can't shoot.

[heyheymymy]

Please inform the ignorant. What does POBO>GM mean?

I wasn't in that conversation so maybe I'm wrong but I'm guessing:

President of Business Operations has more control over the team than General Manager

[jjspur]

As of now I think we get the 3rd or 4th pick. With that pick I would take Dalton Knecht. He's a proven shooter, much better than Branham who he could easily replace whether as a starter or as an off the bench type guy.

If we get a second first rounder, go with a big - just not Buzelis. His skillsets are nothing to scream about and he's a meh player on a pretty bad Ignite team. He probably just joined the ignite team for the money. Put it this way, if he was on a talented but flawed Kentucky or well coached Uconn team, would he even have the meh stats he has on Ignite? Probably not.

After the mandatory combine, we'll get a better idea. Some players will rise, some players will unfortunately drop. I think he drops after being showcased against real competition. Whomever we draft, hopefully they are a bit more NBA ready than some of our previous reaches - we really need the talent.

[mo7888]

Horrible

Two white players that can't shoot.

Yup...it's better to have athletic players who can't play....

[The Truth #6]

Off the top of my head, I'm trying to think who are the uber athletic players...Ron Holland, Ryan Dunn...? It doesn't feel like a long list. Many top prospects seem to have questions about stereotypical athleticism.

[LeBowen]

Yup...it's better to have athletic players who can't play....

That's why PATFO takes a bit of both and drafts unathletic players that can't shoot.

[scott]

Since there is a pretty good chance the 3/6 finishes for us and Toronto will be the final ones, who wants to do another round of "Tankathon sim draft"? Again only one click on "Sim draft" and tell us, who you pick (reasonable picks)!

I got...

#2 and #7...and take Topic and Knecht with those picks.
Charlotte hat the #1 and would not take Topic. I think, he can be special. A lot of his moves remind me of Manu, even though he needs to become a better shooter. Knecht is a guy who can help with just that spacing.

I landed at #6 and #8 and TaT had us taking Dilly and Matas which is actually what a I prefer... so this is an idea situation.

[mo7888]

That's why PATFO takes a bit of both and drafts unathletic players that can't shoot.

It's brilliant when you think about it...zig when everyone else is zagging...

[manufan10]

Tankathon

#3 pick: Nikola Topic
#7 pick: Ron Holland

[mo7888]

Off the top of my head, I'm trying to think who are the uber athletic players...Ron Holland, Ryan Dunn...? It doesn't feel like a long list. Many top prospects seem to have questions about stereotypical athleticism.

Yup... There are no sure things in this draft as everyone has flaws they'll need to address. TaT had Topic and Buzelis in my 'spin' and I'm good with it for the following reasons. Topic has a long wingspan and i expect he will do better here with more space to work with. I expect his shooting to improve also because of spacing and because I think his shot is natural and doesn't need re-working. Buzelis does have some athleticism (I know it's hard for rascal to accept because of his ethnicity), but his overall game has alot to like about it from court vision, to handle, to creativity. His outside shooting is more of a concern to me than Topic's and his shot will need some mechanical re-working. He did shoot 40% from 3 in his hs year, so I think there's something there to mine, and IF his shooting can be improved, he's the top player in the draft. That's the kind of gamble i want to make in a year like this.

That said, there are several guys I like for those top 2 picks. Topic, Buzelis, Knecht, Salaun, Risacher, Shephard, Filipowski and even Dilly, Castle, and Collier to varying degrees. If we traded back i see value in Kyshawn George, Kolek, Nunez, Proctor, Tristan da Silva, McCullar, Brazile, and Dadiet.

It's more about options and fitting whoever we get around Wemby first and the couple vets we hopefully bring in 2nd. I'm not married to anyone at this point.

[JPB]

Topic still hasn't come back from his early January knee injury. that's gonna make 3 months. What kind of knee injury takes (at least) 3 months to recover from?

Besides the fact scouts so far only have 2 Euroleagues games (where he poorly played) to judge him against solid opposition, what kind of shape will he be if actually comes back before the draft for the combine and workouts? What if he has to skip them?

Maybe they hold him for precautionary reasons but the more time passes the more worrying it becomes, specially that there's no time table for his return yet. I wouldn't be surprised if his stock seriously drops these next few weeks before the draft.

[scott]

Does Nikola Topic even really exist?

[Notorious H.O.P.]

Please inform the ignorant. What does POBO>GM mean?

President Of Basketball Operations

[JPB]

First try at TaT this year... Spurs get #1 pick.

[spurraider21]

First try at TaT this year... Spurs get #1 pick.
STOP THE COUNT. STOP THE COUNT.

[JPB]

Does Nikola Topic even really exist?

That's another topic.

[spurraider21]

That's another topic.
what is that, some kind of jokic?

[scott]

what is that, some kind of jokic?

We all keep waiting for Topic to reappear and play a game, like is someone is just going to pull him out of a hat like a Micic trick.

[rascal]

Topic still hasn't come back from his early January knee injury. that's gonna make 3 months. What kind of knee injury takes (at least) 3 months to recover from?

Besides the fact scouts so far only have 2 Euroleagues games (where he poorly played) to judge him against solid opposition, what kind of shape will he be if actually comes back before the draft for the combine and workouts? What if he has to skip them?

Maybe they hold him for precautionary reasons but the more time passes the more worrying it becomes, specially that there's no time table for his return yet. I wouldn't be surprised if his stock seriously drops these next few weeks before the draft.

Why would he want to. He's still projected in the top five and coming back from injury may struggle down the stretch and hurt his draft stock.

[exstatic]

Why would he want to. He's still projected in the top five and coming back from injury may struggle down the stretch and hurt his draft stock.

I can’t argue with this, because multiple teams told Wemby to sit out and not play for Mets92 last year. If he has a team in mind, he could be keeping them in the loop, and everyone else in the dark.

[JPB]

Why would he want to. He's still projected in the top five and coming back from injury may struggle down the stretch and hurt his draft stock.

Yeah, like Ex mentioned he may also already have a commitment from a team, but mock drafts are still standing pat out of inertia right now and might start to move more dramatically these next few weeks. It will be interesting to see where Topic stands in late April.

there's also the possibility his injury is more serious than first imagined..

[baseline bum]

Tankathon

#3 pick: Nikola Topic
#7 pick: Ron Holland

Gross, that would be a worst case scenario for me with #3 and #7

[JPB]

But the combine and workouts should be determinant this year and if Topic does'nt have an arrangement with an NBA team, that could be a real problem for him.

[Dejounte]

Nikola Toe-pitch

Ree-sa-shay


man, I’ve been pronouncing these draft prospects’ names wrong