2024 NBA Draft Thread

[objective]

Topic is special imo, playing at his level with his age is not common. He has a big IQ and a really good offensive game, he's playing in a so-so competition but against grown men.

Not seeing something special in him is strange but i respect the take. As for the D, yes he'll get exposed if does not develop this side of the game.

I think he's smaller than people think. He has a long neck and a big head. Heel to shoulder he might be Bryn Forbes sized.

I think he's slow. He looks faster because everyone else in the Adriatic is not exactly fast. Sure, he might, might be able to get where he wants at the next level, but I'm skeptical.

Not really explosive athletically, not that big ... I hope he proves me wrong, I haven't watched that much anyway

[Russ]

Guys with microscopic assist totals struggle in the league. His USG is 24, he averages 0.3 assists and 1.5 TO. There are regular black holes, created by the death of a star, and then there are the supermassive black holes at the center of every galaxy. He’s a galactic class black hole

Who do you actually like?

[BackHome]

As far as PG I think I still like Castle he has the size can play defense and he gets to the rim and can handle the contact. But as Bruno mentioned the kid from Pittsburgh- Carlton Carrington had another good game against Florida where he scored 14pts, 7assist, and 4 rebounds - he definitely is now on everyone radar.

On a side not Ja'Kobe Walter had another great offensive game where he had 24pts, 4 rebounds, and drum roll..........3 assists. If he can show his court vision is getting better I think he will be a top 5 pick..

[Vince Carter's ankle]

If the goal is to draft a point guard, what's the point of the Sochan experiment? It would be admitting that Sochan at the point was never a long term goal.
why did the Bucks play Giannis as a point guard and then make him a forward again?
are they really admitting that Giannis at the point was never a long term goal?
maybe, I don’t even know, they wanted him to develop perimeter skills

[exstatic]

Who do you actually like?

Stephon Castle, Rob Dillingham.

[onechance87]

Stephon Castle, Rob Dillingham.

we may need to draft two guards....cause braham,wesley and jones are bad and
holding this team back

[mo7888]

It's early, but I like Castle and Proctor..

[Bruno]

What Topic is doing in Europe is impressive. It's not every year a player that young is able to produce at that level.

Saying that, I don't view him as a candidate for a top5 pick, he looks more like a mid first round pick to me, that is to say an option for the Raptors pick. I have some doubts on his ability to translate his game to the NBA. He should be a defensive liability and his pick and roll game should be less efficient than in Europe against NBA athleticism. His poor outside shoot is also an issue. A lot a talented white euro PG have struggled to make the NBA transition, I fear he might be the next one.

[BackHome]

Bleachers Report just came out with a new mock where they have Topic going #2 to Washington Wizards, and they have us taking Isiah Collier at #3, and then have us taking Carlton Carrington at # 10 (Raptors Pick). Interesting picks and I know in the grand scheme this means nothing but always interesting to read new mocks.

I have no idea what the Spurs are going to do and with Pop seemingly loosing touch with reality who knows what is going to happen. But so far I would say the following will be strong considered with first pick;

Collier PG
Castile PG
Carrington PG
Z Risacher SF
Ja'Kobe Walter SG
Sarr C

Raptors Pick;
Topic PG
Proctor PG
Cody Williams SF
Aaron Bradshaw C

[JeffDuncan]

why did the Bucks play Giannis as a point guard and then make him a forward again?
are they really admitting that Giannis at the point was never a long term goal?
maybe, I don’t even know, they wanted him to develop perimeter skills


Your ignorance is showing. Predraft scouting reports on Giannis said that he had point guard skills already.

The Bucks put Giannis at point for a while to benefit from skills he already had.

[Vince Carter's ankle]

Your ignorance is showing. Predraft scouting reports on Giannis said that he had point guard skills already.

The Bucks put Giannis at point for a while to benefit from skills he already had.
"Your ignorance is showing" you should say it out loud in front of the mirror
PrEdRaFt ScOuTiNg RePoRtS and what he showed on the court are two different things
he wasn't even a top 25 starting point guard, just like Sochan is now
Jeremy's PrEdRaFt ScOuTiNg RePoRtS also highlighted his upside and flashes in the skills important to a point guard (ballhandling, driving, midrange, passing ability, playmaking)

[JeffDuncan]

"Your ignorance is showing" you should say it out loud in front of the mirror
…



Yes, you should, but you aren’t honest enough to do so.

[Ditty]

I think Topic will end up being a top 5 pick in a meh draft and him being the Spurs pick. I think he will get a lot of hype going into a draft especially if he is rumored to play for Crvena Zvezda (Hanga's team) in January.

[CGD]

Spurs need to grab the best talent available with their natural pick. Could be that it’s Collier which addresses the PG gap, but may also be Holland, Matas, or Sarr depending on how things shake out. Bottom line there are just too many talent gaps to be worried about one position over the other.

The Raptor pick can allow them the chance to grab a specialist/position of need. Like Proctor from Duke (PG) or Dunn for UVa (defensive wing).

[rankingtear]

We need a wing. KJ at the 3 and Malaki just craters our D. If we are drafting a PG has to either shoot the shit out of the ball or guard 3 positions. No traditional lead guard. Guys like George and Cason are the new age points not poop henderson or amen.

[The Truth #6]

Jared McCain. Sounds like a player Brian would like. Well adjusted. Does yoga and meditation every morning. Played Lacrosse. I know nothing about his actual basketball talent yet. Ha.

[onechance87]

Spurs need to grab the best talent available with their natural pick. Could be that it’s Collier which addresses the PG gap, but may also be Holland, Matas, or Sarr depending on how things shake out. Bottom line there are just too many talent gaps to be worried about one position over the other.

The Raptor pick can allow them the chance to grab a specialist/position of need. Like Proctor from Duke (PG) or Dunn for UVa (defensive wing).

collier is averaging more turnovers then assist....We dont want another pg who turns the ball over almst 7 times a game....and im not
sold on his shooting....Reminds me of another scoot henderson

[BacktoBasics]

collier is averaging more turnovers then assist....We dont want another pg who turns the ball over almst 7 times a game....and im not
sold on his shooting....Reminds me of another scoot henderson

Not to be completely dismissive of your point but a young pg turning the ball over is way less of a concern than one that struggles to facilitate and create offense. Collier does both really well. The turnovers should solve itself with age and experience.

[SpursBills]

Not to be completely dismissive of your point but a young pg turning the ball over is way less of a concern than one that struggles to facilitate and create offense. Collier does both really well. The turnovers should solve itself with age and experience.

Is there a precedent to successful nba point guards with AS:TO < 1? I'm legitimately curious. Westbrook and Curry were both at exactly 1 their freshman year I guess. I worry that it's only going to get worse with better competition he faces later in the year.

[BacktoBasics]

Is there a precedent to successful nba point guards with AS:TO < 1? I'm legitimately curious. Westbrook and Curry were both at exactly 1 their freshman year I guess. I worry that it's only going to get worse with better competition he faces later in the year.

I’d have to look for better examples but right off the top of my head Jason Williams comes to mind. He was a turnover machine with Sacramento but eventually turned it around with the grizzlies and had a pretty good run with the Heat and ringed.

[SpursBills]

I’d have to look for better examples but right off the top of my head Jason Williams comes to mind. He was a turnover machine with Sacramento but eventually turned it around with the grizzlies and had a pretty good run with the Heat and ringed.

Jason Williams was at almost 2:1 in college. Rookie year in Sacramento he was also at 2:1. 2nd year he still was around 2:1 with 7.3 assists to 3.7 turnovers.

[BacktoBasics]

Jason Williams was at almost 2:1 in college. Rookie year in Sacramento he was also at 2:1. 2nd year he still was around 2:1 with 7.3 assists to 3.7 turnovers.
What was it on the Heat championship team? But I do see what you’re saying nonetheless.

[The Truth #6]

Carlton Carrington: Coach's son. 2nd cousin of Rudy Gay. Interesting.

[SpursBills]

What was it on the Heat championship team? But I do see what you’re saying nonetheless.

Almost 3:1 in 2006 I think. I haven't done enough digging yet in players' A:TO during their pro careers, and I get that using a single metric is a pretty bad idea to judge anyone without appropriate tape. Just because someone has a high ratio it doesn't say anything about their future success as a pro. But I do think that a very bad A:TO in college is probably a negative predictor for success in the nba, especially if one of your big strengths is supposedly as a facilitator and you have the ball in your hands all the time.

[BacktoBasics]

Almost 3:1 in 2006 I think. I haven't done enough digging yet in players' A:TO during their pro careers, and I get that using a single metric is a pretty bad idea to judge anyone without appropriate tape. Just because someone has a high ratio it doesn't say anything about their future success as a pro. But I do think that a very bad A:TO in college is probably a negative predictor for success in the nba, especially if one of your big strengths is supposedly as a facilitator and you have the ball in your hands all the time.
Obviously less is better but a slightly high TO rate also becomes more tolerable if you’re a volume scorer with good efficiency.

We lack volume scoring and play making despite our teams high amount of assists.

[CGD]

Not to be completely dismissive of your point but a young pg turning the ball over is way less of a concern than one that struggles to facilitate and create offense. Collier does both really well. The turnovers should solve itself with age and experience.

Agree, not sure if Collier is the guy or not at PG. But my point if that Spurs are picking at 2 or 3, I’d rather they focus on over talent over positional need. Then use the raptors pick for a specialist/fit.

[The Truth #6]

Agree, not sure if Collier is the guy or not at PG. But my point if that Spurs are picking at 2 or 3, I’d rather they focus on over talent over positional need. Then use the raptors pick for a specialist/fit.

I agree. Still need the second banana. Vassell feels like a 3rd option, if for injury concerns if nothing else.

[BacktoBasics]

I agree. Still need the second banana. Vassell feels like a 3rd option, if for injury concerns if nothing else.

I’d say he’s looking like a 2nd option but those injuries are exactly what makes you right about him being a 3rd.

[Splits]

Guys with microscopic assist totals struggle in the league. His USG is 24, he averages 0.3 assists and 1.5 TO. There are regular black holes, created by the death of a star, and then there are the supermassive black holes at the center of every galaxy. He’s a galactic class black hole

Sounds perfect, Pop has his 24-25 PG experiment

[objective]

Brian Wright no doubt is hard at work putting the same evaluation skills behind the picks of Primo, Sochan, Branham, and Wesley to work on finding the best Spurs legend

[scott]

Vassell is showing off an amazing jumper this season, he’d look even better with real PG play. His shot selection has been iffy but he is so good he has been getting away with it.

[exstatic]

Is there a precedent to successful nba point guards with AS:TO < 1? I'm legitimately curious. Westbrook and Curry were both at exactly 1 their freshman year I guess. I worry that it's only going to get worse with better competition he faces later in the year.

It’s a TERRIBLE sign for any player who wants to playin the NBA to have a fractional asst/TO ratio.

[BackHome]

In reality Spurs have not done to bad in the draft - Yes, the Primo pick was the worst pick ever and some scout should have definitely been fired for putting his name out there. But, other then that most of our picks are not top 10 picks - I think we have only had 2 picks in the top 10 since Timmy..and that is Sochan at 9th and Wemby at 1st..both Branham and Wesley are 20+ picks and those are even more of a roll of the dice. As far as Socahn well if you were letting him play his position PF I think he would look a heck of a lot better there then he does as a PG.

[CGD]

In reality Spurs have not done to bad in the draft - Yes, the Primo pick was the worst pick ever and some scout should have definitely been fired for putting his name out there. But, other then that most of our picks are not top 10 picks - I think we have only had 2 picks in the top 10 since Timmy..and that is Sochan at 9th and Wemby at 1st..both Branham and Wesley are 20+ picks and those are even more of a roll of the dice. As far as Socahn well if you were letting him play his position PF I think he would look a heck of a lot better there then he does as a PG.

Exactly. Outside of Wemby, the spurs haven’t had a top 5 pick in decades, which are generally the star grade players. Obviously there are outliers, but those are rare especially now that every team scours for talent all over the world.

[Thomas82]

Spurs need to grab the best talent available with their natural pick. Could be that it’s Collier which addresses the PG gap, but may also be Holland, Matas, or Sarr depending on how things shake out. Bottom line there are just too many talent gaps to be worried about one position over the other.

The Raptor pick can allow them the chance to grab a specialist/position of need. Like Proctor from Duke (PG) or Dunn for UVa (defensive wing).

I agree with every word of this. If it was up to me though, Sarr would be my choice.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Exactly. Outside of Wemby, the spurs haven’t had a top 5 pick in decades, which are generally the star grade players. Obviously there are outliers, but those are rare especially now that every team scours for talent all over the world.

Of course passing on Haliburton and Sengun were opportunities to get those outliers.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It’s a TERRIBLE sign for any player who wants to playin the NBA to have a fractional asst/TO ratio.

Like Wemby, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Cade Cunningham, Jamal Murray....

Players grow and this is one of the easier things to overcome with experience.

[Bruno]

Projecting that Collier will be have a career AS/TO ratio <1 after only his first 6 college games is weird. If he has still more turnover than assists after 20 games, it will be the right time to be worried about that. From everything I've read/seen, he has had a good start of the season in college.


The whole best player available versus best fit thing should be more nuanced. Teams are looking at both sides at the same time and pick the player that is the best compromise. I agree that Spurs have a lot of holes, other than PG, in their roster. They will have other options than going with a PG with their pick but they will look how this player will fit with the team.

It draws the question of what kind of players will be bad fit with Wembanyama and Vassell ?
For example, a player like Sarr should be good fit as big alongside Wembanyama but I have some doubts for a player like Donovan Clingan.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Projecting that Collier will be have a career AS/TO ratio <1 after only his first 6 college games is weird. If he has still more turnover than assists after 20 games, it will be the right time to be worried about that. From everything I've read/seen, he has had a good start of the season in college.


The whole best player available versus best fit thing should be more nuanced. Teams are looking at both sides at the same time and pick the player that is the best compromise. I agree that Spurs have a lot of holes, other than PG, in their roster. They will have other options than going with a PG with their pick but they will look how this player will fit with the team.

It draws the question of what kind of players will be bad fit with Wembanyama and Vassell ?
For example, a player like Sarr should be good fit as big alongside Wembanyama but I have some doubts for a player like Donovan Clingan.

More than bad fits or not.. the Spurs shouldn't lose out on good talent. Missing out on Alperen Sengun for e.g. was criminal, IMO. Everything about Sengun - scouting, performances, etc showed that he will be a capable big to play in the NBA. Even someone like me, who only watches the NBA could gather than Sengun was going to be a good NBA talent based on the videos that I could see on YouTube and the scouting reports by journalists like Sam Vecenie etc.

And the Spurs (others did too, but it is still unforgivable)..went for Joshua Primo.. the worst pick they have made in three decades perhaps. Colossal mistake by Brian Wright.. who is lucky to be still the GM, I think, largely because he has landed Wemby and has a new canvas to paint. The decision making that led to getting Primo should never be repeated now when the Spurs have Wemby.

[exstatic]

More than bad fits or not.. the Spurs shouldn't lose out on good talent. Missing out on Alperen Sengun for e.g. was criminal, IMO. Everything about Sengun - scouting, performances, etc showed that he will be a capable big to play in the NBA. Even someone like me, who only watches the NBA could gather than Sengun was going to be a good NBA talent based on the videos that I could see on YouTube and the scouting reports by journalists like Sam Vecenie etc.

And the Spurs (others did too, but it is still unforgivable)..went for Joshua Primo.. the worst pick they have made in three decades perhaps. Colossal mistake by Brian Wright.. who is lucky to be still the GM, I think, largely because he has landed Wemby and has a new canvas to paint. The decision making that led to getting Primo should never be repeated now when the Spurs have Wemby.

Fourteen other teams passed on Sengün. And, are you really still daydreaming about Sengün when we have Wemby?

[Spursfanfromafar]

Fourteen other teams passed on Sengün. And, are you really still daydreaming about Sengün when we have Wemby?

You should read the whole post. 14 teams passed on Sengun but that doesn't excuse the Spurs because the Spurs took Primo at 12, which was a slot where Sengun should have been taken. And I am not asking for trying to get Sengun now.. but for the Spurs to avoid making such mistakes as drafting Primo for whatever reason (culture?!)

[Bellboy]

In reality Spurs have not done to bad in the draft - Yes, the Primo pick was the worst pick ever and some scout should have definitely been fired for putting his name out there. But, other then that most of our picks are not top 10 picks - I think we have only had 2 picks in the top 10 since Timmy..and that is Sochan at 9th and Wemby at 1st..both Branham and Wesley are 20+ picks and those are even more of a roll of the dice. As far as Socahn well if you were letting him play his position PF I think he would look a heck of a lot better there then he does as a PG.

[Bellboy]

In reality Spurs have not done to bad in the draft - Yes the Primo pick was the worst pick ever and some scout should have definitely been fired for putting his name out there


Alfrederick Hughes and the Missouri Highway Patrol say hi

[J_Paco]

Agree, not sure if Collier is the guy or not at PG. But my point if that Spurs are picking at 2 or 3, I’d rather they focus on over talent over positional need. Then use the raptors pick for a specialist/fit.

Any of Alex Sarr, Collier, Ron Holland (especially if he is a legit 6'6"), Nikola Topic or Matas Buzelis could both fill a positional need and be a quality positional prospect.

Spurs can add older, lower-ceiling prospects to help raise the team's floor later in the draft (and with Toronto's conceivable pick).

[exstatic]

Any of Alex Sarr, Collier, Ron Holland (especially if he is a legit 6'6"), Nikola Topic or Matas Buzelis could both fill a positional need and be a quality positional prospect.

Spurs can add older, lower-ceiling prospects to help raise the team's floor later in the draft (and with Toronto's conceivable pick).

Ron Holland hasn’t played one minute in the gleague yet. Don’t know what the deal is. Do you guys check to see how a player is playing, or even if they’re playing before making your lists, or are you just caught up in the HS/AAU hype machine?

[BackHome]

I believe you might have Holland confused with Buzelis who has been out due to injury? But I agree the hype train for Holland is going strong - I think a lot of people are giving him a pass since he is so young but in my eyes he is definitely going to have to dramatically improve to be the number 1 pick. Also, I wonder if he is a legit 6’8 as I don’t want a 6’6 SF with my first pick.

I like Starr as a Center, but if it’s me I would go with Castle with first pick and then pick up 7’0 C, Aaron Bradshaw with the Raptors pick who I think will turn some heads when he comes back in December

[RC_Drunkford]

More than bad fits or not.. the Spurs shouldn't lose out on good talent. Missing out on Alperen Sengun for e.g. was criminal, IMO. Everything about Sengun - scouting, performances, etc showed that he will be a capable big to play in the NBA. Even someone like me, who only watches the NBA could gather than Sengun was going to be a good NBA talent based on the videos that I could see on YouTube and the scouting reports by journalists like Sam Vecenie etc.

And the Spurs (others did too, but it is still unforgivable)..went for Joshua Primo.. the worst pick they have made in three decades perhaps. Colossal mistake by Brian Wright.. who is lucky to be still the GM, I think, largely because he has landed Wemby and has a new canvas to paint. The decision making that led to getting Primo should never be repeated now when the Spurs have Wemby.

I‘m pretty sure they thought Primo has better character than Sengun

[onechance87]

Any of Alex Sarr, Collier, Ron Holland (especially if he is a legit 6'6"), Nikola Topic or Matas Buzelis could both fill a positional need and be a quality positional prospect.

Spurs can add older, lower-ceiling prospects to help raise the team's floor later in the draft (and with Toronto's conceivable pick).

holland cant shoot ,Hes pretty much another james white.....alot of these small fowards cant shoot it seems....Im ok with sarr going first...Another big to pair up with wemby...Toss up with these pgs so far....none of them stand out so far....but its way to early

[exstatic]

I believe you might have Holland confused with Buzelis who has been out due to injury? But I agree the hype train for Holland is going strong - I think a lot of people are giving him a pass since he is so young but in my eyes he is definitely going to have to dramatically improve to be the number 1 pick. Also, I wonder if he is a legit 6’8 as I don’t want a 6’6 SF with my first pick.

I like Starr as a Center, but if it’s me I would go with Castle with first pick and then pick up 7’0 C, Aaron Bradshaw with the Raptors pick who I think will turn some heads when he comes back in December

You’re right. I did mix up those two. Holland aint killing it,though.

[CGD]

Of course passing on Haliburton and Sengun were opportunities to get those outliers.

Give you Haliburton, but still not fully sold on Sengun until he stops giving all the points back with bad defense.

[CGD]

You’re right. I did mix up those two. Holland aint killing it,though.

I actually think he’s looked quite interesting this season, even though it’s still early. He’s relentless and seems like a great defender already, decent on offense. Could be a nice option at PF depending on his size.

https://youtu.be/UmBKdnX4apQ?feature=shared

[J_Paco]

Ron Holland hasn’t played one minute in the gleague yet. Don’t know what the deal is. Do you guys check to see how a player is playing, or even if they’re playing before making your lists, or are you just caught up in the HS/AAU hype machine?

You are the same type that says the G-League isn't good enough competition and that the Ignite aren't preparing kids for the league (just showcasing them).

I'm not a draft guru or someone that wastes Ungodly amounts of time on college and G-League ball. I'm going off early draft board, hoops YouTubers I respect the opinion of etc.

If Holland doesn't play that'll obviously effect his draft stock, but I'm going off info about him that's available. Sorry that I don't watch or stay 'plugged in' throughout the process and that seems to offend you.

[TD 21]

I can't see the Spurs investing a significant asset at C when they've already got the best prospect at the position in 26 years, but Sarr would be interesting.

It would mean committing heavily to two-big lineups and a big rotation (Sochan), with possibly no + 3-point shooting, going forward though.

Carrington seems like the type of lead guard they've long appeared to covet.

[exstatic]

You are the same type that says the G-League isn't good enough competition and that the Ignite aren't preparing kids for the league (just showcasing them).

I'm not a draft guru or someone that wastes Ungodly amounts of time on college and G-League ball. I'm going off early draft board, hoops YouTubers I respect the opinion of etc.

If Holland doesn't play that'll obviously effect his draft stock, but I'm going off info about him that's available. Sorry that I don't watch or stay 'plugged in' throughout the process and that seems to offend you.

I wasn’t touting the league, just stating it as his current league. The sample sizes are small so far, so we’ll have to see what shakes out.

[buttsR4rebounding]

You are the same type that says the G-League isn't good enough competition and that the Ignite aren't preparing kids for the league (just showcasing them).

I'm not a draft guru or someone that wastes Ungodly amounts of time on college and G-League ball. I'm going off early draft board, hoops YouTubers I respect the opinion of etc.

If Holland doesn't play that'll obviously effect his draft stock, but I'm going off info about him that's available. Sorry that I don't watch or stay 'plugged in' throughout the process and that seems to offend you.

Only 7 games, but Holland’s offensive rating so far is 75 and his defensive rating is 121. That’s not getting him drafted top 5, maybe not lottery. We’ll see how he progresses.

[J_Paco]

I wasn’t touting the league, just stating it as his current league. The sample sizes are small so far, so we’ll have to see what shakes out.

True, I just thought you were being dismissive of him based on 'hype' (or me feeding into said hype) and not on the archetype he could conceivably fit.

All good, Exstatic.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

I really like Rob Dillingham. He's a joy to watch, and he has Parker/AI quicks.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bgL33r6Rk8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvNxmqy7L5Q&t=297s


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqqeeW2x42U&t=94s

[SpursBills]

I really like Rob Dillingham. He's a joy to watch, and he has Parker/AI quicks.

Of the Kentucky guys, my favorite is actually Sheppard to fly under the radar. White, short, looks like an average athlete so will probably be overlooked by front offices due to inherent biases, but with insanely efficient shooting across the board so far and is probably the best defender on the team.

[onechance87]

Of the Kentucky guys, my favorite is actually Sheppard to fly under the radar. White, short, looks like an average athlete so will probably be overlooked by front offices due to inherent biases, but with insanely efficient shooting across the board so far and is probably the best defender on the team.

can he pass tho

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Of the Kentucky guys, my favorite is actually Sheppard to fly under the radar. White, short, looks like an average athlete so will probably be overlooked by front offices due to inherent biases, but with insanely efficient shooting across the board so far and is probably the best defender on the team.

I doubt he's a one and done.

[RobinsontoDuncan]

Guys I really like:

PG: Dillingham, Collier, Topic, Boswell
C: Adem Bona, Clingan, Sarr, Mara (a little unsure of Mara still)
W: Castle, Ryan Dunn, Williams

[Big Empty]

6’10 pg matas buzelus

[KobesAchilles]

Of the Kentucky guys, my favorite is actually Sheppard to fly under the radar. White, short, looks like an average athlete so will probably be overlooked by front offices due to inherent biases, but with insanely efficient shooting across the board so far and is probably the best defender on the team.
He’s going to the Kings or the Jazz. They love drafting white players.

[SpursBills]

He’s going to the Kings or the Jazz. They love drafting white players.

I was thinking Utah as well haha. My prediction for ainge was that he’d trade markannen to okc for Giddey and like 3 first rounders, then tank for cooper Flagg next season. Giddey, sheppard, Flagg, and Kessler is actually a decent lineup that fits together pretty well

[J_Paco]

Only 7 games, but Holland’s offensive rating so far is 75 and his defensive rating is 121. That’s not getting him drafted top 5, maybe not lottery. We’ll see how he progresses.

It's still too small of a sample size to make that big of a leap. He's essentially a college freshman (aged player) going against pro's. People knocked the Thompson twins and OTE all last year on here, but Ausar (and hopefully Amen) has proven a lot of doubters wrong thus far.

If Collier and Holland continue to play poorly then both will fall down draft boards and out of that too 5 positioning. It's too soon for both to think it's happened already, though.

[CGD]

Guys I really like:

PG: Dillingham, Collier, Topic, Boswell
C: Adem Bona, Clingan, Sarr, Mara (a little unsure of Mara still)
W: Castle, Ryan Dunn, Williams

Good lists. As of today, I’m liking Collier with #2, and defensive wing specialist Dunn at #11. This will help fill two urgent weakness the team has, table setter and wing defense.

[onechance87]

Good lists. As of today, I’m liking Collier with #2, and defensive wing specialist Dunn at #11. This will help fill two urgent weakness the team has, table setter and wing defense.

or cody williamns at wing

[R. DeMurre]

It's still too small of a sample size to make that big of a leap. He's essentially a college freshman (aged player) going against pro's. People knocked the Thompson twins and OTE all last year on here, but Ausar (and hopefully Amen) has proven a lot of doubters wrong thus far.

If Collier and Holland continue to play poorly then both will fall down draft boards and out of that too 5 positioning. It's too soon for both to think it's happened already, though.

The Thompsons were hard to scout because of so much unusual context, but they at least accomplished what they were supposed to, going (iirc) 21-1. Holland is 0-7 so far. It's so much harder to scout these days than it used to be when guys played a couple of years in college. One of the red flags for me on Scoot Henderson was him not improving in terms of impact stats between his first and second year in the G League. Historically, great players make a big leap at those ages in terms of impact. Alex Sarr doesn't even start for his 7-5 Perth team, and is #7 in MPG, but some people still have him at #1. Pretty crazy... I can't wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds for all of them.

[rjv]

nice win for the raptors last night; they're currently 10th in the east.

[CGD]

nice win for the raptors last night; they're currently 10th in the east.

Man I didn’t realize the pick was only Top 6 protected this year (thought top 8 and the top 6 next year). So we want them to suck more, but not at our level so we get as close to 7 as possible. Memphis, GSW and Clippers getting right should help with some of that.

[onechance87]

some mock drafts been updated with collier the top pg and going number 1....A pg who is averaging more tos then assist...Tho no other prospects havent really
been doing anything amazing and been average...But still early,But nobody really standing out

[Bruno]

^ That's the latest espn top 5:
1) Isaiah Collier
2) Alex Sarr
3) Zaccharie Risacher
4) JaKobe Walter
5) Ron Holland

They have a nice article talking about these 5 players:
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/insider/story/_/id/39000331/2024-nba-mock-draft-why-isaiah-collier-new-no-1-prospect


It's off topic but a reason given why the Ignite team is struggling so much (they're 0-7 with losing by an average of 25 points per game), is that the G League has improved:

A third two-way contract, increased salaries for Exhibit 10, standard G League contracts, and an improved willingness by NBA teams to send their draft picks on assignment (nearly half of the 2023 draft's first round has already logged time in the G League) all have made the league extremely deep, talented and competitive.The league is brimming with former all-conference college players now in their 20s
Dominick Barlow being the top scorer with 28ppg, while being only 20 years old, is noteworthy. At some point of the season, he should get a real chance to show what he can do with a spot in the rotation during multiple consecutive games.

[CGD]

^ correct, and this is tied to increased chatter about expansion presumably to Seattle and LV or Mexico. There is just much more talent to justify it than before.

[CGD]

Assessment on Collier: https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=586707143&rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1040US1040&q=isaiah+collier&spell=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixooSjw-yCAxVwEFkFHUm8ACYQBSgAegQICRAC&biw=1243&bih=869&dpr=2#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:c0e25b7e,vid:TAN3Oc2qUSo,st:0

[buttsR4rebounding]

Give you Haliburton, but still not fully sold on Sengun until he stops giving all the points back with bad defense.

Adrian Wojnarowski: Historic November for Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, per ESPN Stats and Info/@StatsWilliams •28.6 PPG •11.7 APG •53% FG •47% 3-pt FG Only Michael Jordan (March 1989) and LeBron James (February 2017 and 2018) ever averaged 25 and 10 with 50 and 40 percent shooting in month. – via Twitter wojespn

[SpursBills]

I think Vassell profiles as a tough shot maker, spacer, and movement shooter. Regarding Wemby, I don't actually want him being an offensive engine moving forward. To me, his offensive game should look more similar to a post-Achilles Durant with maybe not quite the same perimeter shot diet, i.e. maximizing his size mismatch, catch the ball in good position, only a few dribbles, and economy of movement. I want him using most of his energy on the defensive end whether that's as a rim protector or a one man zone. Because of that, my priority is to find an offensive engine even if I'm giving up something on the defensive end.

I'm obviously heavily biased toward topic, as I think his vision and half-court playmaking is superior to anyone else in the draft. Prior concerns about his ability to finishing against athleticism is a good one, but I'm more reassured by the fact that he's doing what he's doing while being the youngest player in next year's draft. He's the same age as many high school seniors right now so I have to believe that his finishing will get even better as he gets stronger, with any outside shot that he grows more moving forward. I also prefer guys who can create in the half court over guys who excel in transition as that style is more conducive to a playoff environment. I would be interested to see how Topic plays the rest of the season as especially in the last 1-2 games he seems to have made a more conscious effort to focus on defense. Potentially he is the only guy in the draft who I can see can potentially develop into an offensive engine ala Haliburton, Trae Young, SGA (on offense), etc. Guys like Castle might profile as being more well rounded but I don't think that does as much to maximize Wemby.

[R. DeMurre]

I'm guessing Topic will continue to rise in mocks, and Ryan Dunn will stay near the end of the lottery because he won't have flashy offensive stats-- even if he were to continue in the vein he is now, having historically great defensive showings & advanced stats. It's early of course, but landing those two is looking like a nice combo.

[exstatic]

I'm guessing Topic will continue to rise in mocks, and Ryan Dunn will stay near the end of the lottery because he won't have flashy offensive stats-- even if he were to continue in the vein he is now, having historically great defensive showings & advanced stats. It's early of course, but landing those two is looking like a nice combo.

Dunn has more stocks than Thuybulle did his draft year, is 3 years younger and has a rudimentary offensive game. He’s a guy I’d want with the Toronto pick, assuming he doesn’t suddenly manifest high level shooting and jump into the top 5.

[SpursBills]

I'm guessing Topic will continue to rise in mocks, and Ryan Dunn will stay near the end of the lottery because he won't have flashy offensive stats-- even if he were to continue in the vein he is now, having historically great defensive showings & advanced stats. It's early of course, but landing those two is looking like a nice combo.

I agree with waiting until the raptors pick to try and pick up a forward. Great wing defenders seem to be interspersed throughout the draft and have not usually been taken early. If you take a list of the types of players that would be best for the Spurs at the forward position, none of them were drafted very high I think. Off the top of my head, you have McDaniels (28th), Anunoby (23rd), Dillon Brooks (45th), Jeremi Grant (39th). Spurs are going to be so hot after Risacher in the top 5 (young, french, 6'10", shoots the 3 well, good POA defense) and might think they can get a decent point guard like Proctor with the raptors pick but I think that's the opposite approach of what I'd go with.

[Raven]

I think we need another Centre more than a pg.

[LkrFan]

Pop must got his eyes on a few players:
1731035416541737262
Shameless tanking and Adam Silver won't do shit about it :cry

[BackHome]

We could be worse just look at the Pistons they are on a 16 game loss streak - Which shows when you start picking high draft picks you just don't turn it around in one year.

2021 Number 1 Draft Pick - Cade Cunningham
2022 Number 5 Draft Pick - Jaden Ivey
2023 Number 5 Draft Pick - Ausur Thompson

[Russ]

I'm guessing Topic will continue to rise in mocks, and Ryan Dunn will stay near the end of the lottery because he won't have flashy offensive stats-- even if he were to continue in the vein he is now, having historically great defensive showings & advanced stats. It's early of course, but landing those two is looking like a nice combo.

Topic looks like an unholy cross between Manu Ginobili and Josh Giddey.

[SpursBills]

I'm guessing Topic will continue to rise in mocks, and Ryan Dunn will stay near the end of the lottery because he won't have flashy offensive stats-- even if he were to continue in the vein he is now, having historically great defensive showings & advanced stats. It's early of course, but landing those two is looking like a nice combo.

The more i watch film of Dunn the more I like him. One other consideration for drafting him is that given his size (6'8", 7'1" wingspan), athleticism, and positioning, he might be one of the few guys who can keep up with guys like SGA, Tatum, and Luka moving forward. A lineup of Topic, Vassell, Dunn, Sochan, Wemby gives you 5 guys with 7 foot + wingspans with 3 plus defenders, and rim pressure. This lineup really depends on shooting development but could be monstrous both offensively and defensively.

[CGD]

^ that would we an interesting starting 5, but they’d need one of Sochan or Dunn not to be liabilities on offense from long range. Sochan looks like he’s on the right path though.

[onechance87]

aint nobody trying to be number 1 in this draft it seems...Still early,But nobody standing out

[Biggems]

So far this season, we have yet to solve one of our biggest issues from the previous few years, defensive rebounding. We give up way too many offensive rebounds and second chance points.

I really like Tre Jones at PG, especially with Wemby. Still, we probably need a starting PG with Tre coming off the bench.


So, in this draft, we need to find our franchise PG and a player or two who can crash the boards, especially on the defensive end.


I am not sure who to take at PG. However, in the 2nd round I would like to get SF Dillon Jones - Weber St. and C Zach Edey - Purdue. Both of these players are outstanding rebounders. Also, by getting Edey, we could always have a 7'4 player on the floor. Edey is more of a traditional low post player, whereas Wemby plays more like a G/F. Imagine the possibilities of the two-man game of Wemby and Edey.

[rascal]

So far this season, we have yet to solve one of our biggest issues from the previous few years, defensive rebounding. We give up way too many offensive rebounds and second chance points.

I really like Tre Jones at PG, especially with Wemby. Still, we probably need a starting PG with Tre coming off the bench.


So, in this draft, we need to find our franchise PG and a player or two who can crash the boards, especially on the defensive end.


I am not sure who to take at PG. However, in the 2nd round I would like to get SF Dillon Jones - Weber St. and C Zach Edey - Purdue. Both of these players are outstanding rebounders. Also, by getting Edey, we could always have a 7'4 player on the floor. Edey is more of a traditional low post player, whereas Wemby plays more like a G/F. Imagine the possibilities of the two-man game of Wemby and Edey.

No awkward white centers.

[exstatic]

No awkward white centers.

He actually looks kind of Asian, which wouldn’t be a surprise, him being from Canada. He’s a fucking beast, and goes to the line TWELVE times per game. Harden has never gone to the line 12 times per game.:lol. He’s not a stiff, either. His lane agility time was better than Kobe Bufkin’s.

[TD 21]

^ He's clearly biracial (Asian/white).

I don't get the continued fascination so many have with traditional C's. This team just lucked into the best C prospect in 26 years. The goal should be to get to Wembanyama at C more frequently as time goes by, while limiting Collins' minutes. Bassey and Barlow provide fine depth/upside.


Spurs are going to be so hot after Risacher in the top 5 (young, french, 6'10", shoots the 3 well, good POA defense) and might think they can get a decent point guard like Proctor with the raptors pick but I think that's the opposite approach of what I'd go with.

Yeah. As much as they need a primary creator on the perimeter, if they're not sold on the two that look like they have a chance to be that at the moment, Collier (doesn't seem Spurs "material"), or Topic (at least with their initial pick), they shouldn't force it.

Wing/forward continues to be a significant area of need too and if they go the route you outlined, they can always still make a play for a veteran stopgap lead guard (I've mentioned Quickley ad nauseam).

Whatever they do, 3-point shooting and rim pressure need to be the priority. No more expending assets on players who provide neither.

[rascal]

He actually looks kind of Asian, which wouldn’t be a surprise, him being from Canada. He’s a fucking beast, and goes to the line TWELVE times per game. Harden has never gone to the line 12 times per game.:lol. He’s not a stiff, either. His lane agility time was better than Kobe Bufkin’s.

If he's so great why isn't he projected a lottery pick? I've seen many tall white centers bust in the NBA.

Don't want to see the Spurs waste a pick on one.

He looks awkward to me. Only has a hook shot close to the rim. Can shoot over small college players. Plays stiff

[TD 21]

If he's so great why isn't he projected a lottery pick? I've seen many tall white centers bust in the NBA.

Don't want to see the Spurs waste a pick on one.

Why one should rarely speak in absolutes: The best player in the league wasn't a projected or actual lottery pick and is a white center.

[rascal]

Why one should rarely speak in absolutes: The best player in the league wasn't a projected or actual lottery pick and is a white center.

I wouldn't count on it.

Edey is one of the guys who’s game is great for college but won’t translate well to the NBA. There have been many players like that.

Edey also isn’t that athletic or skilled. The guy is just huge that he can dominate a lot of other college players, that won’t be the case in the NBA.

[exstatic]

I wouldn't count on it.

Edey is one of the guys who’s game is great for college but won’t translate well to the NBA. There have been many players like that.

Edey also isn’t that athletic or skilled. The guy is just huge that he can dominate a lot of other college players, that won’t be the case in the NBA.

He’s huge by NBA standards, 7’4”, no shoes, 7’10” wingspan.

It’s also barely December. Last year at this time, Anthony Black wasn’t in the Lottery, and Taylor Hendricks wasn’t projected in the first round. They were drafted #6 and #9.

[CGD]

What’s the latest on Zaccharie Risacher? He dipped there for a while, but I’m seeing him back in the Top 5 in the most recent mocks. I don’t know much about his game.

The more I think of it, the prototypical player next to Wemby and Sochan in the front court is Jabari Smith. Knock down shooter, size, who doesn’t need to have the ball, and supplies good defense.

[BackHome]

This team is terrible in regards to rebounding, defense, offense - so what does this mean? It means that we are FAR FAR away from being a Championship contender. Only three players will probably be with us three years from now..Wemby, Sochan, and Vassell. Every other player and position will be replaced with hopefully a better version.

The hardest part of this draft is figuring out if the Spurs want Wemby to play Center or do they want to continue to use him as a PF? After that it is figuring out what players will fit it with Wemby play style and work well with him in a team environment.

I think everyone can agree that going forward Socahn is not going to be the PG so for me I want someone who can dish, can play defense, rebound, and shoot the 3 ball:

Castle: He is a two guard, has great handles, can play good defense, rebound has good court vision, and gets to the line a lot. He is not super athletic and needs to work on his 3 ball but he is a 80% FT. I was just thinking that pairing him with a second pick of Reed Sheppard would be pretty nice as Sheppard give you another ball handler who plays tough defense and is a lights out 3 point shooter they can easily switch on defense

Topic: Starting to warm up to him as what he is doing with his team is pretty incredible for his age and I saw one video which said he is 6'6 with a 7'0 wingspan if that is true then that changes things for me. He is easily the best PG of the draft as far as on the offensive side as I think he has the best assist ration right now of any player in college or NBA - It's his defense that is the question but offense wins games in this era. I think if you go with Topic then definitely probably need to go with Ryan Dunn to help on D and Topic would definitely feed him easy baskets with his athleticism

Carrington: Another two guard who is probably the most athletic can do a little bit of everything

Ja'Kobe Walter: A SG who I think can be very good his offense easily translates to NBA his only issue is court vision and passing a little bit more but I think he might go top 5

I don't have a clue on Holland nor Buzelis as one has high potential but is playing terrible the other one just had his first game not to bad stat wise coming back from an injury? The same for Risacher a SF playing in France

Some other players I like would be:

Cody Williams SF
Aaron Bradshaw C
Wooga Poplar SG

Someone I am curious is Trentyn Flowers 6'9 SG anybody follow him in the NBL league?

[onechance87]

This team is terrible in regards to rebounding, defense, offense - so what does this mean? It means that we are FAR FAR away from being a Championship contender. Only three players will probably be with us three years from now..Wemby, Sochan, and Vassell. Every other player and position will be replaced with hopefully a better version.

The hardest part of this draft is figuring out if the Spurs want Wemby to play Center or do they want to continue to use him as a PF? After that it is figuring out what players will fit it with Wemby play style and work well with him in a team environment.

I think everyone can agree that going forward Socahn is not going to be the PG so for me I want someone who can dish, can play defense, rebound, and shoot the 3 ball:

Castle: He is a two guard, has great handles, can play good defense, rebound has good court vision, and gets to the line a lot. He is not super athletic and needs to work on his 3 ball but he is a 80% FT. I was just thinking that pairing him with a second pick of Reed Sheppard would be pretty nice as Sheppard give you another ball handler who plays tough defense and is a lights out 3 point shooter they can easily switch on defense

Topic: Starting to warm up to him as what he is doing with his team is pretty incredible for his age and I saw one video which said he is 6'6 with a 7'0 wingspan if that is true then that changes things for me. He is easily the best PG of the draft as far as on the offensive side as I think he has the best assist ration right now of any player in college or NBA - It's his defense that is the question but offense wins games in this era. I think if you go with Topic then definitely probably need to go with Ryan Dunn to help on D and Topic would definitely feed him easy baskets with his athleticism

Carrington: Another two guard who is probably the most athletic can do a little bit of everything

Ja'Kobe Walter: A SG who I think can be very good his offense easily translates to NBA his only issue is court vision and passing a little bit more but I think he might go top 5

I don't have a clue on Holland nor Buzelis as one has high potential but is playing terrible the other one just had his first game not to bad stat wise coming back from an injury? The same for Risacher a SF playing in France

Some other players I like would be:

Cody Williams SF
Aaron Bradshaw C
Wooga Poplar SG

Someone I am curious is Trentyn Flowers 6'9 SG anybody follow him in the NBL league?

topic with wemby and bradshaw would be a lob fest

[SpursBills]

What’s the latest on Zaccharie Risacher? He dipped there for a while, but I’m seeing him back in the Top 5 in the most recent mocks. I don’t know much about his game.

The more I think of it, the prototypical player next to Wemby and Sochan in the front court is Jabari Smith. Knock down shooter, size, who doesn’t need to have the ball, and supplies good defense.

Risacher is interesting. He sucked hard in FIBA U19 and his draft stock tanked. However, this year in Eurocup he's been knocking down threes and playing good defense. I personally think that drafting him is a trap. He still has a relatively low free throw %, but even more importantly he has thus far shown no evidence of offensive self creation. He'll probably be a decent player down the road as a 3 and D guy, but he's always going to be drafted way higher than he should because of his 3 point percentage, youth, and measurables. I think top 5 picks should be reserved for offensive engines and guys with self creation, as well as true potential game changers and I don't see that for him. Would rather take the bet on Dunn 10-15 spots back who gives you outlier level defense, better rebounding, and a similar free throw percentage this year albeit 2 years older and use your own pick on Topic.

[SpursBills]

This team is terrible in regards to rebounding, defense, offense - so what does this mean? It means that we are FAR FAR away from being a Championship contender. Only three players will probably be with us three years from now..Wemby, Sochan, and Vassell. Every other player and position will be replaced with hopefully a better version.

The hardest part of this draft is figuring out if the Spurs want Wemby to play Center or do they want to continue to use him as a PF? After that it is figuring out what players will fit it with Wemby play style and work well with him in a team environment.

I think everyone can agree that going forward Socahn is not going to be the PG so for me I want someone who can dish, can play defense, rebound, and shoot the 3 ball:

Castle: He is a two guard, has great handles, can play good defense, rebound has good court vision, and gets to the line a lot. He is not super athletic and needs to work on his 3 ball but he is a 80% FT. I was just thinking that pairing him with a second pick of Reed Sheppard would be pretty nice as Sheppard give you another ball handler who plays tough defense and is a lights out 3 point shooter they can easily switch on defense

Topic: Starting to warm up to him as what he is doing with his team is pretty incredible for his age and I saw one video which said he is 6'6 with a 7'0 wingspan if that is true then that changes things for me. He is easily the best PG of the draft as far as on the offensive side as I think he has the best assist ration right now of any player in college or NBA - It's his defense that is the question but offense wins games in this era. I think if you go with Topic then definitely probably need to go with Ryan Dunn to help on D and Topic would definitely feed him easy baskets with his athleticism

Carrington: Another two guard who is probably the most athletic can do a little bit of everything

Ja'Kobe Walter: A SG who I think can be very good his offense easily translates to NBA his only issue is court vision and passing a little bit more but I think he might go top 5

I don't have a clue on Holland nor Buzelis as one has high potential but is playing terrible the other one just had his first game not to bad stat wise coming back from an injury? The same for Risacher a SF playing in France

Some other players I like would be:

Cody Williams SF
Aaron Bradshaw C
Wooga Poplar SG

Someone I am curious is Trentyn Flowers 6'9 SG anybody follow him in the NBL league?

We are definitely on the same page with many of these prospects. I am pretty high on Sheppard, but I view him 6th man who can play on ball or off ball on a great team, someone who offers a more well rounded package ideally next to a big creator compared to a guy like Branham who's giving you no 3 point shooting and no defense. I agree though that if Topic is not an option with your first pick, pairing Castle with Sheppard as your sixth man does make some sense on paper. I don't have a great handle on Castle yet, in the few games he did play, UConn didn't really have him initiate in the half court so I'm not sure yet of his abilities as an advantage creator. If he ends up playing more like a wing with only secondary creator abilities, that's probably making Wemby use more energy on offense than I'd like.

[rascal]

He’s huge by NBA standards, 7’4”, no shoes, 7’10” wingspan.

It’s also barely December. Last year at this time, Anthony Black wasn’t in the Lottery, and Taylor Hendricks wasn’t projected in the first round. They were drafted #6 and #9.

That doesn't mean Edey will be a top ten draft pick. At the moment scouts don't like his game.

Too slow and game not expected to translate to the NBA. Looks awkward and mechanical in movements to me. Spurs need to get more athletic not less athletic.

[TimmyBuckets]

We could be worse just look at the Pistons they are on a 16 game loss streak - Which shows when you start picking high draft picks you just don't turn it around in one year.

2021 Number 1 Draft Pick - Cade Cunningham
2022 Number 5 Draft Pick - Jaden Ivey
2023 Number 5 Draft Pick - Ausur Thompson

Exactly. Even before Pop's mic moment, people were calling for his head like he hasn't delivered for decades straight and adapted with the changing times. It takes time to build a contender, especially if you're doing from the ground up like the Spurs. As a side note, with Pistons' guard-heavy roster, it's unlikely they draft another guard so guys like Collier have a better shot at being on the table for us. Still, even with a potential star from this draft, Spurs are still going to have a hard time next year. They'll be better, but it's a process. These spoiled brats either don't get it or love to yap.

[Biggems]

No awkward white centers.

he would be a mid-late 2nd round pick. He wouldn't be a bust if he didn't pan out, but he would be an absolute steal if he did. I really only care about his rebounding and shot alteration potential. Everything else he gives is gravy.

[ambchang]

Edey is like boban redux. Hope all the best for him but I don’t really see him being all that great. His foot speed is glacial, even by seven footer standards.

Great shot blocker, rebounder and he sets great screens. But ultimately his offensive moves are unlikely to be all that effective in an nba setting. I wish him the best but mid second rounder is about right. Maybe early 2nd rounder if he shows improvement this year

[CGD]

Its funny, Edey now has the possibility of an NBA career thanks to the likes of Wemby and Chet. That wasnt the case even two years ago. His breed of lumbering centers is pretty much extinct, but those two, but mostly VW, are gonna give the Edey types a chance to fight for deep bench positions.

[exstatic]

Edey is like boban redux. Hope all the best for him but I don’t really see him being all that great. His foot speed is glacial, even by seven footer standards.

Great shot blocker, rebounder and he sets great screens. But ultimately his offensive moves are unlikely to be all that effective in an nba setting. I wish him the best but mid second rounder is about right. Maybe early 2nd rounder if he shows improvement this year

I’m wondering about his combine numbers if that were the case. He had better lane agility and 3/4 court sprint numbers than wings like Kobe Bufkin. There is an illusion that big guys are moving slow when they just have really long legs that don’t appear to be moving much. Wemby doesn’t appear to move fast on the break, because it only takes him like 6 strides to go the length of the court. He covers a lot of ground in a hurry, though.

[CGD]

Risacher is interesting. He sucked hard in FIBA U19 and his draft stock tanked. However, this year in Eurocup he's been knocking down threes and playing good defense. I personally think that drafting him is a trap. He still has a relatively low free throw %, but even more importantly he has thus far shown no evidence of offensive self creation. He'll probably be a decent player down the road as a 3 and D guy, but he's always going to be drafted way higher than he should because of his 3 point percentage, youth, and measurables. I think top 5 picks should be reserved for offensive engines and guys with self creation, as well as true potential game changers and I don't see that for him. Would rather take the bet on Dunn 10-15 spots back who gives you outlier level defense, better rebounding, and a similar free throw percentage this year albeit 2 years older and use your own pick on Topic.

Yes, i dont see anything from the scouting videos (limited I know) that merits him being selected in the top 5. Feels like a strong stay away for Spurs with their natural pick. If his projection is 3/D guy with some handles, I too prefer someone like Dunn with a relentless motor.

[exstatic]

Yes, i dont see anything from the scouting videos (limited I know) that merits him being selected in the top 5. Feels like a strong stay away for Spurs with their natural pick. If his projection is 3/D guy with some handles, I too prefer someone like Dunn with a relentless motor.

Players are no longer drafted on what they are, but what they project to be. Teams must project more than 3 and D if he's rated that high. Euros usually have good fundamentals, so that probably factors into it.

[CGD]

Latest SI mock: https://www.si.com/nba/draft/mock-drafts-and-big-boards/2024-nba-mock-draft-projections-roughly-six-months-out

[Bruno]

Risacher might have the highest floor of this draft. He should be at least a high quality role player in the Batum mold. It's unclear what his ceiling is.

I agree that it isn't the kind of player usually drafted in the top 5 but who is in that draft ? Right now there isn't a single player in that draft class who looks like an usual top 5 pick. When I see who is behind Risacher in mock drafts, they aren't players who look better than him right now.

He would be a good fit with Spurs. For example, if Spurs add a player like Quickley next summer, they would have a starting lineup of Quickley/Vassell/Risacher/Sochan/Wembanayama that looks nice on the paper.

[CGD]

Risacher might have the highest floor of this draft. He should be at least a high quality role player in the Batum mold. It's unclear what his ceiling is.

I agree that it isn't the kind of player usually drafted in the top 5 but who is in that draft ? Right now there isn't a single player in that draft class who looks like an usual top 5 pick. When I see who is behind Risacher in mock drafts, they aren't players who look better than him right now.

He would be a good fit with Spurs. For example, if Spurs add a player like Quickley next summer, they would have a starting lineup of Quickley/Vassell/Risacher/Sochan/Wembanayama that looks nice on the paper.

I think if theyre not sold on using picks #1-3 on Collier (or another PG riser), they should go out and get Quickly now to avoid a RFA overpay. Then get a Proctor or Topic at #10. I don't dislike his fit with the Spurs actually.

[spurraider21]

He’s huge by NBA standards, 7’4”, no shoes, 7’10” wingspan.

It’s also barely December. Last year at this time, Anthony Black wasn’t in the Lottery, and Taylor Hendricks wasn’t projected in the first round. They were drafted #6 and #9.
Nobody in the nba needs a less talented boban

[buttsR4rebounding]

I’m wondering about his combine numbers if that were the case. He had better lane agility and 3/4 court sprint numbers than wings like Kobe Bufkin. There is an illusion that big guys are moving slow when they just have really long legs that don’t appear to be moving much. Wemby doesn’t appear to move fast on the break, because it only takes him like 6 strides to go the length of the court. He covers a lot of ground in a hurry, though.

I remember in 1999 during the strike the Spurs players practiced together at Full Life Fitness Center on Callaghan. One day me and another guy filled in to make 10. Will Perdue was playing. He is often thought of in that slow, lumbering mode, but I thought he was extremely quick and agile. The only thing that saved me in that game was that me and the other guy could do anything and there was no foul. Good times.

[Uriel]

New ESPN mock has us taking Collier at #1.

[itzsoweezee]

Edey is like boban redux. Hope all the best for him but I don’t really see him being all that great. His foot speed is glacial, even by seven footer standards.

Great shot blocker, rebounder and he sets great screens. But ultimately his offensive moves are unlikely to be all that effective in an nba setting. I wish him the best but mid second rounder is about right. Maybe early 2nd rounder if he shows improvement this year

My only memories of Edy are of him failing to make an impact in last year’s tournament. Seems very unlikely he’ll do any better against NBA players

[BackHome]

Reed Sheppard just shoot up on Tankathon mock draft that came out yesterday - He is currently at number 11 that is a pretty big jump for the Freshmen.

[scott]

We could be worse just look at the Pistons they are on a 16 game loss streak - Which shows when you start picking high draft picks you just don't turn it around in one year.

2021 Number 1 Draft Pick - Cade Cunningham
2022 Number 5 Draft Pick - Jaden Ivey
2023 Number 5 Draft Pick - Ausur Thompson

This could also be an indicator that it is difficult to escape the basement with draft picks alone. Though I don't like FVV/Dillon Brooks, Houston paired their youth with these veterans and the early indication is that it appears to be paying off.

[scott]

Latest SI mock: https://www.si.com/nba/draft/mock-drafts-and-big-boards/2024-nba-mock-draft-projections-roughly-six-months-out

Love the Juan Nunez pick in the mid second as a potential draft and stash.

[BacktoBasics]

This could also be an indicator that it is difficult to escape the basement with draft picks alone. Though I don't like FVV/Dillon Brooks, Houston paired their youth with these veterans and the early indication is that it appears to be paying off.

I don’t know about the Houston thing. They’re 8-9 and in 10th place. So let’s say they manage to improve a bit and get into the 8th slot or somewhere around there. They’re going to have to really manipulate their bottom of the bench in the off season and hope for some significant development to make any real headway.

It’s an interesting path that I don’t think I would have taken. If they figure out how to squeeze some moves in then it might pay off. The FVV contract would have me concerned long term.

[scott]

I don’t know about the Houston thing. They’re 8-9 and in 10th place. So let’s say they manage to improve a bit and get into the 8th slot or somewhere around there. They’re going to have to really manipulate their bottom of the bench in the off season and hope for some significant development to make any real headway.

It’s an interesting path that I don’t think I would have taken. If they figure out how to squeeze some moves in then it might pay off. The FVV contract would have me concerned long term.

I think it's a smart strategy (pairing the abundance of youth with some strong vets) that we've used (see the "Who's to Blame" thread) but they just botched the execution by going with these two particular players. But at least for now, they appear to no longer be contenders for a bottom 3 record, which is not something Detroit (or us for that matter) can say, though we are earlier in the cycle.

[BacktoBasics]

I think it's a smart strategy (pairing the abundance of youth with some strong vets) that we've used (see the "Who's to Blame" thread) but they just botched the execution by going with these two particular players. But at least for now, they appear to no longer be contenders for a bottom 3 record, which is not something Detroit (or us for that matter) can say, though we are earlier in the cycle.

Yeah I agree with your initial statement here. The concept is fine. Questionable execution.

I’m all for pairing our youth with vets. I just don’t have a sense of urgency to do that this season. Unless the right deal crops up. Unlike Houston’s moves I think we can be patient this year and end up executing that same strategy this offseason better than they did.

I know there’s a lot of criticism about the depth in this years draft but it’s looking like a guard heavy draft and I’d like to see what we can make of that with another high pick.

[onechance87]

Some rebounding and playmaking is needed

[spursparker9]

Is Bronny James declaring for the draft? Might as well get him and King James together. :lol

[R. DeMurre]

It's still early in the process so sample sizes are small, but Collier has some red flags that remind me of Scoot last year... weak impact stats on a 5-3 team, more TOs than assists. If this trend continues there's no way I'd put him ahead of Topic. Considering that USC starts two seniors and a junior and was 22-11 last year, the results so far have not been overly impressive.

[exstatic]

Is Bronny James declaring for the draft? Might as well get him and King James together. :lol

No.

[rjv]

This could also be an indicator that it is difficult to escape the basement with draft picks alone. Though I don't like FVV/Dillon Brooks, Houston paired their youth with these veterans and the early indication is that it appears to be paying off.


i don't think it will though. the rockets are 8-9 and winless on the road. they still don't have a franchise player but they do have some nice younger players although some of their lottery picks may not pan out. i would have hated it if the spurs had dropped so much cap space on the likes of a van vleet and brooks. the rockets are on their way to being the derozan/aldridge spurs of a few years ago-a perennial play in team. no thanks. i'm sure the spurs are not going to rely on draft picks alone but going shopping for free agents in a bad free agent year isn't necessarily the answer.

[SpursBills]

OKC and Orlando are the two teams with probably the best young core in the league. For both these teams, they had 2 seasons with less than 25 wins followed by a mediocre to bad season and this year they’re taking off. Spurs look like they’re following that trajectory with 2 horrible seasons last year and this year. Next year will probably be mediocre to bad with 30-40 wins, and then expect to take off 2025-2026 when Wemby will be *21*, or still younger than either Duncan or Robinson their rookie years.

[exstatic]

This could also be an indicator that it is difficult to escape the basement with draft picks alone. Though I don't like FVV/Dillon Brooks, Houston paired their youth with these veterans and the early indication is that it appears to be paying off.

By paying off, do you mean better record, still in the lottery, but forfeiting their pick since it most likely won't land in the top 4 to save it?

[exstatic]

OKC and Orlando are the two teams with probably the best young core in the league. For both these teams, they had 2 seasons with less than 25 wins followed by a mediocre to bad season and this year they’re taking off. Spurs look like they’re following that trajectory with 2 horrible seasons last year and this year. Next year will probably be mediocre to bad with 30-40 wins, and then expect to take off 2025-2026 when Wemby will be *21*, or still younger than either Duncan or Robinson their rookie years.

Duncan was 21 as a rookie.

[rjv]

for anyone interested, stephon castle will make his season debut tonight against UNC.

[duncan2150]

for anyone interested, stephon castle will make his season debut tonight against UNC.

He played two games but yes it will be interesting to follow him, really good prospect.

[exstatic]

for anyone interested, stephon castle will make his season debut tonight against UNC.

His return from injury. He played two games, VERY well I might add, and impressed a lot of people. His production and two way game places him as my top PG candidate r/n.

[Russ]

His return from injury. He played two games, VERY well I might add, and impressed a lot of people. His production and two way game places him as my top PG candidate r/n.

Can't wait to watch him tonight. He could be the guy for the Spurs.

(His first two games were against high school teams btw.)

[exstatic]

Can't wait to watch him tonight. He could be the guy for the Spurs.

(His first two games were against high school teams btw.)

UConn plays HS teams?

[Russ]

UConn plays HS teams?

Sorry to break it to ya. :)

[TD 21]

Who I could see them selecting, based on current projections . . .

Natural pick, if they're top 3-5: Risacher, Topic, if beyond: Walter

If Raptors 1st conveys and if mid lottery: Walter, Buzelis, if late lottery: Proctor, Carrington, Dunn

Collier seems the virtual antithesis of a Spur and I don't see them investing heavily in a C (Sarr, Clinigan), when they just got the best prospect at it in 26 years or a poor shooter without lead creator potential (Holland, Castle).

[rascal]

His return from injury. He played two games, VERY well I might add, and impressed a lot of people. His production and two way game places him as my top PG candidate r/n.

Not expecting much yet with playing time restricted.

[CGD]

Who I could see them selecting, based on current projections . . .

Natural pick, if they're top 3-5: Risacher, Topic, if beyond: Walter

If Raptors 1st conveys and if mid lottery: Walter, Buzelis, if late lottery: Proctor, Carrington, Dunn

Collier seems the virtual antithesis of a Spur and I don't see them investing heavily in a C (Sarr, Clinigan), when they just got the best prospect at it in 26 years or a poor shooter without lead creator potential (Holland, Castle).

Why is Collier the antithesis of a Spur?

I worry Topic with the natural pick is too high, and think he’ll be there at 9-10 with TOR pick. Agree on Sarr, especially after they extended Zach, but it’ll be tempting if he’s still on the board when they pick.

I’m sticking with Collier/Dunn as my top preference. If Collier goes earlier, I then shift to best SF available (Holland/Matas) and then best PG available (Topic/Proctor) with TOR pick.

[BatManu20]

Why is Collier the antithesis of a Spur?

I worry Topic with the natural pick is too high, and think he’ll be there at 9-10 with TOR pick. Agree on Sarr, especially after they extended Zach, but it’ll be tempting if he’s still on the board when they pick.

I’m sticking with Collier/Dunn as my top preference. If Collier goes earlier, I then shift to best SF available (Holland/Matas) and then best PG available (Topic/Proctor) with TOR pick.

If TOR is anyone near the 10th Pick with 25 games left in the season, they’re gonna tank hard tbh. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that pick conveying this year, though I’d love to be wrong.

[exstatic]

If TOR is anyone near the 10th Pick with 25 games left in the season, they’re gonna tank hard tbh. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that pick conveying this year.

25 games left is too late to catch probably the top 7-8 tankers. You can’t start that late and lose enough games. If they wanted to tank, they needed to trade one or both of OG and Siakam last summer. Your tank needs to start in July.

[SpursBills]

If TOR is anyone near the 10th Pick with 25 games left in the season, they’re gonna tank hard tbh. I wouldn’t hold my breath on that pick conveying this year, though I’d love to be wrong.

This is one of the problems with owning a pick with protections - the team that has to give up the pick is in control of its own destiny and can choose to tank or not to manipulate the pick. I am cautiously optimistic about he Toronto pick, but the one I have lost all hope on is the chicago pick - that team is just a straight up dumpster fire and will be high lottery most likely for the next 5 years at least.

[CGD]

25 games left is too late to catch probably the top 7-8 tankers. You can’t start that late and lose enough games. If they wanted to tank, they needed to trade one or both of OG and Siakam last summer. Your tank needs to start in July.

Spot on. Even if they wanted to give this season a go, they need to pick a path like right now. Pick is only Top 6 protected.

[CGD]

This is one of the problems with owning a pick with protections - the team that has to give up the pick is in control of its own destiny and can choose to tank or not to manipulate the pick. I am cautiously optimistic about he Toronto pick, but the one I have lost all hope on is the chicago pick - that team is just a straight up dumpster fire and will be high lottery most likely for the next 5 years at least.

Yeah, Chicago is trickier by the day. Top 10 next year, and then Top 8 in 2026 and 2027. The silverlining is they’ve been better with Zach out these past few games (addition by subtraction potential?), and they did extend Vuc. Maybe enough to stay middling next year?

[SpursBills]

Yeah, Chicago is trickier by the day. Top 10 next year, and then Top 8 in 2026 and 2027. The silverlining is they’ve been better with Zach out these past few games (addition by subtraction potential?), and they did extend Vuc. Maybe enough to stay middling next year?

Unfortunately, I think they blow it up this offseason. If Lavine goes, there's no reason to keep Caruso. Ball's had multiple knee surgeries and may not ever come back again. Pat williams is the ultimate tease as he's got great size and looks like he could be a great two way wing but he hasn't improved in 3 years. Has derozan actually requested a trade already? I'm not sure who else they have at this point worth building around. It's like a pistons level franchise without the young players. Brian wright might want to cash in and try to trade that pick while he still can, 8th worst record in the league is about 35 wins and I can't see the bulls winning more than that for a long time.

[rascal]

25 games left is too late to catch probably the top 7-8 tankers. You can’t start that late and lose enough games. If they wanted to tank, they needed to trade one or both of OG and Siakam last summer. Your tank needs to start in July.

Not really

Last year many teams decided to tank during the year, Portland for one started sitting their players with about 25 to 30 games left.

[TD 21]

Why is Collier the antithesis of a Spur?

I worry Topic with the natural pick is too high, and think he’ll be there at 9-10 with TOR pick. Agree on Sarr, especially after they extended Zach, but it’ll be tempting if he’s still on the board when they pick.

I’m sticking with Collier/Dunn as my top preference. If Collier goes earlier, I then shift to best SF available (Holland/Matas) and then best PG available (Topic/Proctor) with TOR pick.

He's "too black" for their taste (and before you bring up Murray, he was an exception to the rule as a rare opportunity to get a lottery level talent, at a position of need, at 29).

I doubt they'll be in position to draft him anyway. As the player with the most perceived star power, he'll probably go 1st and they're obviously unlikely to get it again (Wizards need it most).

In a draft with so little star power or lead creator potential near the top, I suspect Topic rises.

[FutureMan]

I think a lot of posters aren’t realizing how bad it would be for Toronto if they decided to tank. Even if they finish the season as the 6th worst team they have a higher percentage of sliding to 7–10 than moving up or MAINTAINING that 6th pick. 56.6% vs 43.4%.

Thats even assuming they could get to the 6th pick at all. One of the main reasons for the Spurs to tank is to ensure that pick converts. One slot taken. WAS - another taken. DET - definitely taken. That’s 3 right there. Them you have CHA - always terrible. CHI - already tragic without trading anyone. POR - likely a lock to be worse even if Toronto traded half their roster.

[rascal]

I think a lot of posters aren’t realizing how bad it would be for Toronto if they decided to tank. Even if they finish the season as the 6th worst team they have a higher percentage of sliding to 7–10 than moving up or MAINTAINING that 6th pick. 56.6% vs 43.4%.

Thats even assuming they could get to the 6th pick at all. One of the main reasons for the Spurs to tank is to ensure that pick converts. One slot taken. WAS - another taken. DET - definitely taken. That’s 3 right there. Them you have CHA - always terrible. CHI - already tragic without trading anyone. POR - likely a lock to be worse even if Toronto traded half their roster.

Anything can happen with the Toronto pick. It can fall between 7 and 10 or Toronto can tank enough and luck out into getting a top four pick.

I just did a draft sim Lottery at Tankathan and Toronto got the number 1 pick. Spurs fell to 6th. It's too early to know if Toronto will decide on a full tank and what the results will turn out with that Toronto pick.

Spurs can only count on their own pick for sure. Important to lose enough to try to get into the top five.

[exstatic]

Anything can happen with the Toronto pick. It can fall between 7 and 10 or Toronto can tank enough and luck out into getting a top four pick.

I just did a draft sim Lottery at Tankathan and Toronto got the number 1 pick. Spurs fell to 6th. It's too early to know if Toronto will decide on a full tank and what the results will turn out with that Toronto pick.

Spurs can only count on their own pick for sure. Important to lose enough to try to get into the top five.

In the history of the current lottery odds, from 2019 to now, the lowest team to jump into the top 4 was New Orleans at #7.

How many times did you run the TaT simulator to get that result? And did you run it more to see if it would occur again? Just pulling that result once doesn't make it likely to happen in the lottery. Run it a hundred times, track it, and get back to us with the results. Then, realize that on drawing day, they don't run it a hundred times.

[stnick2261]

I really want Castle or Topic... but I'd even be happy if we got both of them.

[Pauleta14]

Not a big fan of Collier after these highlights tbh... Not Spurs material imo


https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20


(https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20)PS: How do u insert a tweet guys?

[Obstructed_View]

Not a big fan of Collier after these highlights tbh... Not Spurs material imo


https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20


(https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20)PS: How do u insert a tweet guys?
Go advanced. Little blue bird icon.

[exstatic]

Not a big fan of Collier after these highlights tbh... Not Spurs material imo


https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20


(https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20)PS: How do u insert a tweet guys?

DoD called him a little, worse rebounding Maggette. :lol

[R. DeMurre]

OKC and Orlando are the two teams with probably the best young core in the league. For both these teams, they had 2 seasons with less than 25 wins followed by a mediocre to bad season and this year they’re taking off. Spurs look like they’re following that trajectory with 2 horrible seasons last year and this year. Next year will probably be mediocre to bad with 30-40 wins, and then expect to take off 2025-2026 when Wemby will be *21*, or still younger than either Duncan or Robinson their rookie years.


It's still mindboggling to me to think that Wemby won't be the same age as rookie Robinson until 2028.

[SpursBills]

DoD called him a little, worse rebounding Maggette. :lol

Dean's had some pretty bad misses (Anthony edwards, nurkic, possibly the thompson twins, Giddey) and has some pretty wild takes, but when he does a deep dive like this on a prospect whether hyping them up or trashing them, he's right more often than consensus. The dude called Barnes, Sengun, Suggs, and Wagner early as being better than consensus and had major questions about Cade, Kuminga, and Green, all of which have turned out to be correct. Last year his most focused takes were that he was higher than consensus on Brandon Miller and trashed Scoot big time. It's still early, but at the very least we can say that drafting Miller over Scoot maybe wasn't as crazy as everyone made it seem. If he's doing a deep dive on Collier and calling him a huge bust, it doesn't necessarily mean he's right, but I'd definitely look at Collier with an even more critical eye. I also like the part where Ivey's catching some strays in the article, partially explains why the spurs haven't been too keen to trade for him.

[exstatic]

Dean's had some pretty bad misses (Anthony edwards, nurkic, possibly the thompson twins, Giddey) and has some pretty wild takes, but when he does a deep dive like this on a prospect whether hyping them up or trashing them, he's right more often than consensus. The dude called Barnes, Sengun, Suggs, and Wagner early as being better than consensus and had major questions about Cade, Kuminga, and Green, all of which have turned out to be correct. Last year his most focused takes were that he was higher than consensus on Brandon Miller and trashed Scoot big time. It's still early, but at the very least we can say that drafting Miller over Scoot maybe wasn't as crazy as everyone made it seem. If he's doing a deep dive on Collier and calling him a huge bust, it doesn't necessarily mean he's right, but I'd definitely look at Collier with an even more critical eye. I also like the part where Ivey's catching some strays in the article, partially explains why the spurs haven't been too keen to trade for him.

It may be too early to call that one a miss. He had good progress in year two, but slid back this year across the board, even before pussy-gate.

[scott]

In the history of the current lottery odds, from 2019 to now, the lowest team to jump into the top 4 was New Orleans at #7.

How many times did you run the TaT simulator to get that result? And did you run it more to see if it would occur again? Just pulling that result once doesn't make it likely to happen in the lottery. Run it a hundred times, track it, and get back to us with the results. Then, realize that on drawing day, they don't run it a hundred times.

You realize, running it a hundred times isn't necessary right? You do know how odds work? You also realize that despite the 1-in-292-million odds, someone still eventually wins Powerball, right?

[exstatic]

You realize, running it a hundred times isn't necessary right? You do know how odds work? You also realize that despite the 1-in-292-million odds, someone still eventually wins Powerball, right?

Right, but his position seems to be that it was likely. It isn't. I admit the possibility, but it's a real longshot. It's even longer if you take the odds of them keeping the pick for all 3 years. There's just a mindset here that Toronto is probably going to keep the pick. The odds are 83% that they don't, and that doesn't scream 'probably' to me.

[BackHome]

People need to understand that if the Raptors start to really start to tank at end of season so will all the other teams that are 1 to 10.

[Frenchfred]

Not a big fan of Collier after these highlights tbh... Not Spurs material imo


https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20


(https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1732128120189182094?s=20)PS: How do u insert a tweet guys?

he looks slow and not interested in defending

[exstatic]

People need to understand that if the Raptors start to really start to tank at end of season so will all the other teams that are 1 to 10.

Yup. They'll be so far behind, they likely won't crack the bottom 7-8.

[SpursBills]

People need to understand that if the Raptors start to really start to tank at end of season so will all the other teams that are 1 to 10.

tanking at the end of the season is a dangerous game for sure. Blazers were a game under .500 last year with 25 games left to go and started sitting players. They ended up with the 5th worst odds, which would have given them a 65% chance of a top 6 pick. So it's definitely possible, but it's risky as there was a 35% chance that even if you tank successfully that you end up losing the pick. Also, I think that the Raptors' roster is good enough that they would probably not tank as successfully as the Blazers

[rascal]

In the history of the current lottery odds, from 2019 to now, the lowest team to jump into the top 4 was New Orleans at #7.

How many times did you run the TaT simulator to get that result? And did you run it more to see if it would occur again? Just pulling that result once doesn't make it likely to happen in the lottery. Run it a hundred times, track it, and get back to us with the results. Then, realize that on drawing day, they don't run it a hundred times.

I ran it one time and got that result and my position is not that it is the likely result but it is a possible result.

[rascal]

People need to understand that if the Raptors start to really start to tank at end of season so will all the other teams that are 1 to 10.

The tanking won't be as bad as last year. There is no Wemby prize this year.

Toronto has incentive to get into the bottom five and keep their pick. They will kick the can having to pay the spurs their pick for another year at least.

[rascal]

tanking at the end of the season is a dangerous game for sure. Blazers were a game under .500 last year with 25 games left to go and started sitting players. They ended up with the 5th worst odds, which would have given them a 65% chance of a top 6 pick. So it's definitely possible, but it's risky as there was a 35% chance that even if you tank successfully that you end up losing the pick. Also, I think that the Raptors' roster is good enough that they would probably not tank as successfully as the Blazers

They sure can tank. They can sit their players like Portland did and even trade away for future draft picks like the spurs did last year.

[rascal]

Yup. They'll be so far behind, they likely won't crack the bottom 7-8.

You also thought Charlotte was going to make the playoffs. I remember disagreeing with you on that.

[hoopdreams11]

I was happy Malaki was being subbed out then I saw doug come in

[scott]

Portland was 10th in the west (and only 2.5 back of the #4 seed) at the trade deadline, which translated to the 12th worst record, and turned that into the 5th worst record. So the trade deadline is definitely not too late for Toronto to activate a tank.

[Russ]

A guy named Cody Williams (6'8" 19 yo freshman U. Colo.) has suddenly ascended to to No. 1 in the NBAdraft.net mock draft. Out of the blue.

He looks like a Jabari Smith/Brandon Williams type based on a quick look.

Not exactly the kind of player the Spurs most need imo. Any thoughts?

[exstatic]

nbadraft.net tends towards sensationalism. He's shooting 60% from 3, but on a tiny sample 1.4 per game, and his FTs are at 67%, so you probably can't trust that 3% to hold up, or survive the jump to the nba.

[Seventyniner]

Portland was 10th in the west (and only 2.5 back of the #4 seed) at the trade deadline, which translated to the 12th worst record, and turned that into the 5th worst record. So the trade deadline is definitely not too late for Toronto to activate a tank.

There will likely be less competition for tanking this year too because there is no generational prospect available. All we can do for now is hope the Raptors win enough games to think they are actually in playoff contention past the trade deadline.

[exstatic]

There will likely be less competition for tanking this year too because there is no generational prospect available. All we can do for now is hope the Raptors win enough games to think they are actually in playoff contention past the trade deadline.

The thing is, they need to trade one or both of Siakam and OG, or risk losing them for nothing like they did Van Vleet. Both of them are unrestricted this summer. They have to do some sort of re-tooling, at least.

They do seem to trend towards going for the playoffs, though. They have the last two years. One time, it paid off. One time, it didn't.

[exstatic]

Dean's had some pretty bad misses (Anthony edwards, nurkic, possibly the thompson twins, Giddey) and has some pretty wild takes, but when he does a deep dive like this on a prospect whether hyping them up or trashing them, he's right more often than consensus. The dude called Barnes, Sengun, Suggs, and Wagner early as being better than consensus and had major questions about Cade, Kuminga, and Green, all of which have turned out to be correct. Last year his most focused takes were that he was higher than consensus on Brandon Miller and trashed Scoot big time. It's still early, but at the very least we can say that drafting Miller over Scoot maybe wasn't as crazy as everyone made it seem. If he's doing a deep dive on Collier and calling him a huge bust, it doesn't necessarily mean he's right, but I'd definitely look at Collier with an even more critical eye. I also like the part where Ivey's catching some strays in the article, partially explains why the spurs haven't been too keen to trade for him.

The one thing I like about DoD is that he refuses to validate the HS/AAU hype if the guy doesn't perform one level up in college. If the player has a glaring flaw, or several, why on earth would you think those would be cured by going up a SECOND level to the NBA? Collier is a fantastic finisher, but he's a scattergun passer, and his shooting is sus. That's a bad one/two for a guard.

[BackHome]

Bleacher Report just came out with a new mock where they have us picking Nikola Topic with the 2nd pick and then picking Ryan Dunn with the 10th pick. I am starting to lean more to picking Nikola as he just is such a great PG and is a player that could really bring out Wemby's potential on the offensive side. I go back and forth with Ryan Vs. Cody Williams but I kind of think with the new era of basketball if you can't be an offensive threat your not going to get much floor time.

[Russ]

Bleacher Report just came out with a new mock where they have us picking Nikola Topic with the 2nd pick and then picking Ryan Dunn with the 10th pick. I am starting to lean more to picking Nikola as he just is such a great PG and is a player that could really bring out Wemby's potential on the offensive side. I go back and forth with Ryan Vs. Cody Williams but I kind of think with the new era of basketball if you can't be an offensive threat your not going to get much floor time.

I'd go Alexandre Sarr or Nikola Topic. (Subject to further study of course. :lol)

[exstatic]

Topić or Risacher would seem to be spursy players that they would be interested in.

[FutureMan]

Topić or Risacher would seem to be spursy players that they would be interested in.

Best case scenario is the Raptors fail at tanking and the Spurs wind up with both.

[rascal]

Topić or Risacher would seem to be spursy players that they would be interested in.

The team is full of Spursy players. Time to get some athleticism.

[CGD]

Bleacher Report just came out with a new mock where they have us picking Nikola Topic with the 2nd pick and then picking Ryan Dunn with the 10th pick. I am starting to lean more to picking Nikola as he just is such a great PG and is a player that could really bring out Wemby's potential on the offensive side. I go back and forth with Ryan Vs. Cody Williams but I kind of think with the new era of basketball if you can't be an offensive threat you’re not going to get much floor time.

I’d be pleased with this outcome the more i watch Topic. Loving the SGA comp.

[CGD]

Best case scenario is the Raptors fail at tanking and the Spurs wind up with both.

Don’t think so. Both of these guys are gonna get levered up just like Bilal did last year. I do think someone like Matas or Holland could drop to the 8-10 range, which could be interesting.

[duncan2150]

Don’t think so. Both of these guys are gonna get levered up just like Bilal did last year. I do think someone like Matas or Holland could drop to the 8-10 range, which could be interesting.

Imo Holland is a lock for the top 5 at least

[The Truth #6]

I saw Cody #1 in a mock today. There's going to be a shit ton of volatility. Reed Sheppard way up there, but he could just be another Steve Alford. As always, good scouting and not trying to get too clever will be crucial.

[exstatic]

I saw Cody #1 in a mock today. There's going to be a shit ton of volatility. Reed Sheppard way up there, but he could just be another Steve Alford. As always, good scouting and not trying to get too clever will be crucial.

Sheppard is a shorter McDermott, all shooting, no D.

[CGD]

What do folks think about Matas? Haven’t watched him much.

I think the best fit with Sochan and Wembs up front would be a Jabari Smith type: catch a shoot type with size and decent defense, and doesn’t need the ball. Is Matas in that mold?

[onechance87]

doubt we get raptors pick....They are bad

[SpursBills]

What do folks think about Matas? Haven’t watched him much.

I think the best fit with Sochan and Wembs up front would be a Jabari Smith type: catch a shoot type with size and decent defense, and doesn’t need the ball. Is Matas in that mold?

Depends on who your point guard is. Matas is tall, can playmake some, is sort of a smart off ball guy, but isn't really a point of attack guy or a plus defender in any way. If you draft someone weak on D and strong at playmaking (Topic), then probably no. If you draft someone who's decent at D and less so at playmaking (Castle), then probably yes. But honestly even though they're not that close, the closest guy to Jabari Smith in this draft is probably Risacher. Followed by Dunn if he actually develops a jump shot.

[SpursBills]

I’d be pleased with this outcome the more i watch Topic. Loving the SGA comp.

This guy turning into SGA on offense would be so good with Wemby. The tall initiator - lengthy rim protector combo is going to dominate the league for the next 10 years. You've got Luka-Lively in Dallas, SGA-Chet in OKC. Spurs could be better than both of them with Topic-Wemby.

[BackHome]

Sheppard is a shorter McDermott, all shooting, no D.

Have to disagree right now the kid is a gunslinger on offense with regards to his 3 ball and his free throw percentages- As far as defense he is far from bad he is pretty good for his size and has one of the highest steal rate in this draft.

[The Truth #6]

You hope Reed is a shorter Austin Reeves, I guess. Not my preference. But we'll see. Open to change my mind. Curious about Alex Starr as a top target. Seems unexpected in that point guard is a priority but if they draft hight, they might prioritize size.

[exstatic]

You hope Reed is a shorter Austin Reeves, I guess. Not my preference. But we'll see. Open to change my mind. Curious about Alex Starr as a top target. Seems unexpected in that point guard is a priority but if they draft hight, they might prioritize size.

My question about Sarr is,why leave France,which has a really good league to go play in the NBL which, while popular with the young Americans and Canadians, is about on par with the Adriatic.

[rascal]

I still like Castle. The injury set him back some so let's see how he looks in a couple weeks.

[bluebellmaniac]

It's stupid to think because a player has good athleticism then he has to have poor BBIQ. Castle plays for UCONN and they are one of the best coached teams in college basketball. I don't see a player with poor BBIQ running pg for UCONN.
Castle is already projected in the top 5.

No one said high athleticism= low BBIQ. Stop with the straw man arguments.

[Pauleta14]

Cody Williams is really good apprently

I friend of mine fan off the Buffs raves about him

[The Truth #6]

Rob Dillingham Kentucky highlights:

https://youtu.be/RDIGdheHsFg?si=3EeHqXGK3wHHWa2-

Insane quickness, handles, hesitation moves, passing vision. Shot looks workable. Small stature. But definitely a target to consider.

[BackHome]

If he was 3 inches taller he would be a top 5 pick.

[duncan2150]

You hope Reed is a shorter Austin Reeves, I guess. Not my preference. But we'll see. Open to change my mind. Curious about Alex Starr as a top target. Seems unexpected in that point guard is a priority but if they draft hight, they might prioritize size.

Imo Sarr can be a very good complement to Victor while giving the Spurs something they need with that rim protector, rebounder....maybe too high if we draft top 3 tough.

[CGD]

I’m interested what learnings the line up shift to 1 center + 4 non-PGs (exactly a quarter into the season btw), will yield. If it goes “better” than the two big line up to start the season, then I can see the case for a Risacher or Holland with the natural pick and a PG coming with the TOR pick.

I’m also encouraged by the line up change, and wonder if the “final” line up change at the half way point will be to finally play Tre at PG, Vic at C, with the other 3 we’d expext to start along side them.

[tbdog]

The Pistons, Spurs, and Wizards are a combined 1-48 in their last 49 games

[Ignazzz]

Only Win Wizz with Pistons

[spursince#99]

I can’t believe what I just read..

[spursince#99]

Who I could see them selecting, based on current projections . . .

Natural pick, if they're top 3-5: Risacher, Topic, if beyond: Walter

If Raptors 1st conveys and if mid lottery: Walter, Buzelis, if late lottery: Proctor, Carrington, Dunn

Collier seems the virtual antithesis of a Spur and I don't see them investing heavily in a C (Sarr, Clinigan), when they just got the best prospect at it in 26 years or a poor shooter without lead creator potential (Holland, Castle).

Drafting Wemby has no impact on selecting Sarr at all.

[Russ]

Drafting Wemby has no impact on selecting Sarr at all.

Yeah, the Spurs didn't let Robinson scare them off from drafting Duncan.

[TD 21]

Drafting Wemby has no impact on selecting Sarr at all.

Sarr is not in the same universe as Robinson, Duncan and Wembanyama as a prospect, he's similar to the latter in age (unlike an aging Robinson coming off of significant injury) and it's exceedingly difficult to play two C's together in this era.

If he ends up in his own tier as a prospect at whatever slot they ultimately land in, that's different. But based on current projections, I don't see it.

[baseline bum]

Drafting Wemby has no impact on selecting Sarr at all.


Yeah, the Spurs didn't let Robinson scare them off from drafting Duncan.

That was from drafting Duncan though. Are we talking another genuine superstar talent with Sarr? Is NBL a big enough jump in competition over French league that you wouldn't have pause over Sarr's 10PPG and 5RPG? Sarr wasn't really putting up numbers at Overtime Elite either last year. Nothing like what the Thompson twins did for example. You wouldn't pass on Duncan for fit but you might pass on Jarrett Allen for fit.

[SpursBills]

I’ve seen enough on collier, he’s a hard no for me. USC should not be losing to Long Beach state and UC Irvine with the talent they have. This guy turns the ball over constantly, can’t shoot, horrendous defense. Hoping castle shows something otherwise we’re going to need another #1 draft pick to actually find a difference maker

[onechance87]

I’ve seen enough on collier, he’s a hard no for me. USC should not be losing to Long Beach state and UC Irvine with the talent they have. This guy turns the ball over constantly, can’t shoot, horrendous defense. Hoping castle shows something otherwise we’re going to need another #1 draft pick to actually find a difference maker

collier is another scoot....Dont want him unless its with raptors pick if hes still there

[SpursBills]

collier is another scoot....Dont want him unless its with raptors pick if hes still there

He looks much worse than Scoot; he's 16/30 on free throws in his last 5 games, 3/13 on 3s. His biggest strength is getting to the basket. But when point guards penetrate, they either create offense by creating an advantage and leveraging a rotating defense, or score / draw fouls. Well, he turns the ball over constantly so he's not creating efficient offense. And his free throw shooting is now incredibly suspect so he can't score efficiently even when he draws fouls. So what is he actually good at that helps you on offense? I think I would much rather go after a versatile flawed wing like Dunn or maybe a 6th man with good decision making like Sheppard rather than this guy with the raptors pick. And maybe sign a point guard or trade for one in the offseason.

[BackHome]

The thing with this draft there are no All Stars in it they are some guys who can be good fits for teams which is why I think fit will be judged over talent as there is not a big gap talent wise.

[SpursBills]

It might just small sample size and too early to say, but I think that the Lakers' in-season tournament may illustrate some important lessons about team building. That team is centered around a top 3 offensive initiator and a perennial DPOY big who can both shut down the paint and defend in space. Lebron being who he is with his creation is able to unlock guys like Reddish, Vando, Taurean Prince, all these long defensive wings who are getting paid close to the minimum each. As long as you have a good enough creator, you can get defensive wings on the cheap and navigate the salary cap that way. You will probably see something similar with Dallas, OKC, to a lesser degree Indiana moving forward.

Boston and the Clippers are the opposite of this. They've built around 2 wings and have prioritized defensively switchable lineups with no defensive weak link in the starting lineup (this year's clippers are different, but this was true in the past). Boston's gotten close but they've always stagnated in the past. They are both going to be paying exorbitant tax in the future because you basically have to pay a ton for above average 2 way players at every single position without a go to initiator. Pelicans should be way better than they are right now with their talent even with Zion being obese, but because CJ's not a true initiator their offense just stagnates. All this to say, if the spurs see the opportunity to get an initiator to pair with Wemby, you have to do it. Topic might not pan out, and he might bust, but if he hits (and there's good reason to think he will), his archetype is way more valuable than a 2 way guy like Castle, Walter, or Risacher even if they might be better players. Spurs already have a rich man's Anthony Davis on their hands, if they hit on a true initiator they're set pending injuries for the next 15 years.

[The Truth #6]

They definitely need someone who can self create because we barely have anyone who do that now. I wasn't suggesting they get Starr, just saying they could surprise us.

[Russ]

They definitely need someone who can self create because we barely have anyone who do that now. I wasn't suggesting they get Starr, just saying they could surprise us.

Ringo is available?

:flag:

[TD 21]

Topic might not pan out, and he might bust, but if he hits (and there's good reason to think he will), his archetype is way more valuable than a 2 way guy like Castle, Walter, or Risacher even if they might be better players. Spurs already have a rich man's Anthony Davis on their hands, if they hit on a true initiator they're set pending injuries for the next 15 years.

That's why he'd probably be their 1st pick (reminds me of a bigger Dragic). Unfortunately, I suspect he continues to rise given the dearth of lead creators/star potential in this draft.

The Wizards, Jazz, Bulls and Raptors are all teams who will be or could be in the mix for a high pick that would probably take him top few.

Either way, they still need to prioritize a Quickley or someone of that ilk so that they don't put too much too soon on the plate of whatever creator they'll probably end up with.

[CGD]

^ Yeah, I’m thinking Topic is their top choice right now.

While there is no clear Edwards or Ball at the top, this draft reminds me a lot of 2020. Lots of serviceable to meh players in the top 10. Let’s not be the 2020 Warriors who drafted Wiseman at 2 over Haliburton.

[scott]

Are there any highlights of Topic passing the ball? Everyone I've seen is just him making layups against slower guys who belong in whatever scrub league he plays in.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Sheppard is a shorter McDermott, all shooting, no D.

Couldn't disagree more. Sheppard's defense has been nothing short of amazing, as the numbers suggest. Eye test says the same, he may be short but he's always in the right position. Athleticism is also deceptively good.

[exstatic]

If he was 3 inches taller he would be a top 5 pick.

Even the small UK guards who are drafted in the 1st round tend to be actual NBA players and stick. Quickley and Maxey come to mind. Both were picked in the 20s.

[The Truth #6]

Ringo is available?

:flag:

He always kept things steady, playing with a reassuring rhythm that kept all the other players from getting lost. Ha.

[exstatic]

Are there any highlights of Topic passing the ball? Everyone I've seen is just him making layups against slower guys who belong in whatever scrub league he plays in.

Plays for KK Mega Basket in the Adriatic league. There have been a number of NBA players who cycled through there, chief among them one Nikola Jokic. First round picks were Luwawu-Cabbarot, Bitadze, and Jovic.

[R. DeMurre]

That was from drafting Duncan though. Are we talking another genuine superstar talent with Sarr? Is NBL a big enough jump in competition over French league that you wouldn't have pause over Sarr's 10PPG and 5RPG? Sarr wasn't really putting up numbers at Overtime Elite either last year. Nothing like what the Thompson twins did for example. You wouldn't pass on Duncan for fit but you might pass on Jarrett Allen for fi.


Good point on the Duncan/Allen analogy. I'm not totally sold on Sarr yet, but I'm still interested. He's only 18 now and won't turn 19 until April, so last year at Overtime Elite, he was 17/18. The Thompson twins are 20 now and turn 21 in January, meaning they were 19/20 during their Overtime Elite year-- so, two + years older than Sarr was when he was there.

[exstatic]

^ Yeah, I’m thinking Topic is their top choice right now.

While there is no clear Edwards or Ball at the top, this draft reminds me a lot of 2020. Lots of serviceable to meh players in the top 10. Let’s not be the 2020 Warriors who drafted Wiseman at 2 over Haliburton.

Let's not be anyone from 2020 who drafted 2,4-9.

[exstatic]

That was from drafting Duncan though. Are we talking another genuine superstar talent with Sarr? Is NBL a big enough jump in competition over French league that you wouldn't have pause over Sarr's 10PPG and 5RPG? Sarr wasn't really putting up numbers at Overtime Elite either last year. Nothing like what the Thompson twins did for example. You wouldn't pass on Duncan for fit but you might pass on Jarrett Allen for fit.

The NBL is a downgrade from the French A league, which makes me question why he went there. It's a basketball camp for USA and Canada players who don't want to go to college, and want to make more than a gleague contract.

[baseline bum]

Good point on the Duncan/Allen analogy. I'm not totally sold on Sarr yet, but I'm still interested. He's only 18 now and won't turn 19 until April, so last year at Overtime Elite, he was 17/18. The Thompson twins are 20 now and turn 21 in January, meaning they were 19/20 during their Overtime Elite year-- so, two + years older than Sarr was when he was there.

Ah, I thought he was 19.

[Russ]

He always kept things steady, playing with a reassuring rhythm that kept all the other players from getting lost. Ha.

The ultimate teammate. The other fabs all said bad things about each other, but they never said a bad word about Ringo.

[lebomb]

We need some damned scoring...........JaKobe Walter should be at the top of that list.


Ron Holland if we get the #1 again :claw

[rascal]

Are there any highlights of Topic passing the ball? Everyone I've seen is just him making layups against slower guys who belong in whatever scrub league he plays in.

A bunch of slow footed white players in that league and he's the top Spurs choice for many in here.

[spurraider21]

Even the small UK guards who are drafted in the 1st round tend to be actual NBA players and stick. Quickley and Maxey come to mind. Both were picked in the 20s.
keldon also comes to mind. kentucky can often stunt individual stats and their role players have a good track record in the big leagues

[Russ]

Are there any highlights of Topic passing the ball? Everyone I've seen is just him making layups against slower guys who belong in whatever scrub league he plays in.


A bunch of slow footed white players in that league and he's the top Spurs choice for many in here.

They said the same things about Ginobili before he came over -- he'll never get to the basket that way against NBA players. But he did and he did it the exact way he did before.

[exstatic]

We need some damned scoring...........JaKobe Walter should be at the top of that list.


Ron Holland if we get the #1 again :claw

No handles or passing. Basically Danny Green, a catch and shoot 3 and D wing. If he goes in the lottery, it’ll speak to how weak this draft is.

[exstatic]

A bunch of slow footed white players in that league and he's the top Spurs choice for many in here.

Yeah, guys like Jokic.

One review I read said that his path was blazed by two other guys who dominated their European leagues at 18: Doncic and Sengün. Both of them were drafted below their talent level.

[BatManu20]

1734299433318089161

[BatManu20]

1734215843544780941

[DAF86]

We need to start adding some elite shooting to the team.

[duncan2150]

1734299433318089161

So this time it's against an euroleague team, maybe some will understand that doing this at 18 is not common. Topic is a really good prospect, i will try to see a game to follow his defense.

[CorrectCrusader]

So this time it's against an euroleague team, maybe some will understand that doing this at 18 is not common. Topic is a really good prospect, i will try to see a game to follow his defense.

Him being 6'7 is great because it gives him a much higher ceiling defensively than what we have currently at PG

[rascal]

Spurs like foreign players so they will likely again draft one.

[exstatic]

We need to start adding some elite shooting to the team.

That’s why I’m much more team Risacher than team Sarr.

[DAF86]

Him being 6'7 is great because it gives him a much higher ceiling defensively than what we have currently at PG

Is he really 6'7" though? I have read many scouts sayibg he's more like 6'4".

I never understood how could there be so much discrepancy over players' height.

[exstatic]

Is he really 6'7" though? I have read many scouts sayibg he's more like 6'4".

I never understood how could there be so much discrepancy over players' height.

We should find out at the combine. Or, we could get Dejounte to weigh in on the photographic evidence.

[Ditty]

Topic is my #1 PG. I would take him top 3.

[spurraider21]

a lot to love about Topic. whether he's 6'4 or 6'7, he has good size for a point guard and is reported to also have a 7 foot wingspan. as is the case with so many players though... can he shoot?

[exstatic]

a lot to love about Topic. whether he's 6'4 or 6'7, he has good size for a point guard and is reported to also have a 7 foot wingspan. as is the case with so many players though... can he shoot?

29% from 3, currently, but his FTs are 87%, and that is what is known as a strong shooting signal. His TaT profile has him projected as 36% in the NBA.

[Ditty]

a lot to love about Topic. whether he's 6'4 or 6'7, he has good size for a point guard and is reported to also have a 7 foot wingspan. as is the case with so many players though... can he shoot?

He has a really good free throw percentage which is great for someone like him who is really good around the basket and seems like he is knocking down 3's with a pretty good shooting form from the highlights.

[TD 21]

We need to start adding some elite shooting to the team.

It's crazy how many don't get this despite how basic and obvious it is.

Excluding McDermott, who'll obviously be jettisoned soon, Vassell is the only rotational floor spacer and along with Branham, they're the only credible pull-up shooters (though only from mid-range).

With the possible exception of a lead creator, who provides rim pressure and dynamic play making, no more significant assets expended on players who aren't current or projected + shooters.

[exstatic]

It's crazy how many don't get this despite how basic and obvious it is.

Excluding McDermott, who'll obviously be jettisoned soon, Vassell is the only rotational floor spacer and along with Branham, they're the only credible pull-up shooters (though only from mid-range).

With the possible exception of a lead creator, who provides rim pressure and dynamic play making, no more significant assets expended on players who aren't current or projected + shooters.

Cedi, Champagnie, Keldon, Devin, and Sochan are all shooting between .375 and .391.

[SpursBills]

a lot to love about Topic. whether he's 6'4 or 6'7, he has good size for a point guard and is reported to also have a 7 foot wingspan. as is the case with so many players though... can he shoot?

I am actually hoping he sucks it up for the rest of the season bc there is no way the spurs win the lottery 2 years in a row to be able to draft this guy.

[TD 21]

The Spurs’ offense creates too many bad shots - Pounding The Rock (https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/12/11/23987601/the-spurs-offense-creates-too-many-bad-shots)


Cedi, Champagnie, Keldon, Devin, and Sochan are all shooting between .375 and .391.

:lmao At spouting counting stats without context. Things like sample size, volume and quickness of release all factor into whether defenses actually guard someone close enough to open driving lanes.

As I said, only Vassell (among those you listed) fits the criteria, though Champagnie has the potential.

[exstatic]

The Spurs’ offense creates too many bad shots - Pounding The Rock (https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/12/11/23987601/the-spurs-offense-creates-too-many-bad-shots)



:lmao At spouting counting stats without context. Things like sample size, volume and quickness of release all factor into whether defenses actually guard someone close enough to open driving lanes.

As I said, only Vassell (among those you listed) fits the criteria, though Champagnie has the potential.

Haliburton has a terrible, slow, low release point. A bunch of GMs with ideas like yours passed on him in the draft, 10 to be exact. He's shooting 44% this year, and 41% for his career. It's about results, not form.

[RC_Drunkford]

1734299433318089161

Oh he only did it to Red Star, which is one of the top teams in Europe. He‘s legit

[TD 21]

Haliburton has a terrible, slow, low release point. A bunch of GMs with ideas like yours passed on him in the draft, 10 to be exact. He's shooting 44% this year, and 41% for his career. It's about results, not form.

:lmao I didn't say one had to check every box. Haliburton has an extensive sample size, shoots them in high volume and is an elite pull-up shooter.

[CGD]

Oh he only did it to Red Star, which is one of the top teams in Europe. He‘s legit

Spurs don’t let this guy go past 3. I’m
I’m increasingly convinced.

[CGD]

1734215843544780941

How cool would it be if this guy is there with the TOR pick?!