2024 NBA Draft Thread

[JPB]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1701340203216932936

As always, they totally ignore foreign players in their early mock drafts... Risacher is top 5, if not higher.

Stumbled about this own sept. 2023 post when Givony posted an early mock draft with Risacher (and Topic) out of his top 10 and the season hadn't really started.

If any NBA franchise is reading this, you can PM me. I'm listening to offers. I know I missed Sarr, but who cares? I'm a genius.

PM: I'm close with Kevin Tran agent.

[MultiTroll]

Anhyone got an autograph they must have?

I'll be in Chitown on Draft order day.

[spurraider21]

You are in the minority in the statements you make in your second paragraph and you know it. There are mountains of posts on here of guys saying they have very low to no expectations from players selected outside the lottery. Even the ones drafted in late lottery people think there’s no hope for them. Half of the all stars this year were selected after the 10th pick, which tells you again that writers are often wrong about how they evaluate prospects. You may say, “mock drafts are meant to give a preview…” and that fans don’t use it as a means to rank talent but that’s again off base because you have people wanting to trade up in the draft year after year which tells you they think those players mocked at the top are of greater talent then talent picked later.
its about degrees of certainty. obviously, we expect the player taken at 10 to be a better player than the player taken at 20. otherwise, teams would go take the player at 20 instead of the guy at #10. you take the guy you believe will be better. the draft pundits do their part to approximate how the NBA will view these guys to give us a preview of what to expect at the draft.

but nobody pretends there are strong degrees of certainty. everyone knows that the drafts arent exact sciences. we see busts all the time, even in top 2-3 selections. and we'll see second round megastars like jokic. it happens. tom brady was very famously a 6th round pick. whereas something like half the qb's in the first round wind up busts.

if your favorite player in this draft is Castle, you probably believe he will be an NBA player than Johnny Furphy. if 6 years later Castle is on the bottom of some roster while Furphy has a legit 6th man role somewhere, it wouldnt be some earth shattering upset. it could happen. i dont think its particularly likely, but its within the realm of possibility. we all acknowledge that.

but if im a mock drafter, im trying to accurately project when a player will be drafted, im not necessarily out there mapping out player's future successes. if im a GM actually making the pick, then im obviously making the pick based on their anticipated success

tl;dr

GM's make selections based on who they think will be better. mock drafters make their picks based on where they think the players will be drafted. those two do correlate

some mock drafters will outright say "this draft is what I would do if I was GM"... but mostly they're trying to predict how the draft will go

[Ef-man]

I hear this guy is available, come to terms.



https://youtu.be/DY7oCmfkfH0?si=5fmdVRQpiki-Yu_X

[scott]

Again, I acknowledged that extensive effort in any of those activities hasn’t prevented a team from drafting the wrong player and pointed to that being a personnel problem. One team or several having no success with drafting compared to mock draft writers repeatedly doesn’t mean the process is pointless and that all teams should throw their hands up in the air and surrender their pay to mock draft writers.

If a scout/GM are constantly, repeatedly and predictably outperformed by mock draft writers, you are right... it doesn't mean the process is pointless. It just means something in the process is not working correctly or the scout/GM sucks at their job. In which case, yeah... they should surrender their paycheck. Not to mock draft writers, but someone who can perform better in that role. This seems pretty obvious and straight forward, and my guess is that this is the point Ariel is trying to make.

[scott]

I see no reason why the Spurs wouldn't draft a guard. If that's the player who they think is good, why on earth not? This team needs talent. Reaching for a SF just because they need one isn't a good practice.

I don't dislike Risacher. I'd be happy with him with the Toronto pick. If he's all they get out of this draft, I'll gag. Or, at least, if they take him top 4. I suppose if they drop and only have their pick, maybe he's the best available.

Reaching for a G just because they need one isn't any better of a practice. If the Spurs think a guard is the best, right player when they pick... yeah they should take that one. If the Spurs think a SF is the best, right player when they pick... yeah they should take that one. Like... duh?

You stated you see no reason why the Spurs wouldn't draft a guard... I think think of a good reason: they don't think the guard choices are the best, right players when they are picking. In that regard, I agree with Vienna, the Spurs are not bound to draft a guard in this draft. This should seem obvious to all of us, and if the Spurs do draft a guard (or SF, or any other position) solely because they think they need one (which we'll never know) - then we should all hope that whomever is making that decision is swiftly replaced in the FO.

[Dejounte]

If a scout/GM are constantly, repeatedly and predictably outperformed by mock draft writers, you are right... it doesn't mean the process is pointless. It just means something in the process is not working correctly or the scout/GM sucks at their job. In which case, yeah... they should surrender their paycheck. Not to mock draft writers, but someone who can perform better in that role. This seems pretty obvious and straight forward, and my guess is that this is the point Ariel (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=3526) is trying to make.

Ariel’s point was for teams to use mock drafts by writers (or the consensus of them) as a point of reference for success/ failure for teams and I’m disagreeing with that and believe the success/ failure of a team’s scouting should be placed in the actual outcomes of players that come out of the draft (a much different list than the consensus).

[scott]

Ariel’s point was for teams to use mock drafts by writers (or the consensus of them) as a point of reference for success/ failure for teams and I’m disagreeing with that and believe the success/ failure of a team’s scouting should be placed in the actual outcomes of players that come out of the draft (a much different list than the consensus).

Certainly Ariel can fight their own battles, but when they said:


My point is that's the bare minimum standard any should measure themselves against. If you get consistently outperformed by consensus mock drafts, then you might as well be replaced by a 5 liner bot.

I very much interpreted this to mean that if a scout/GM is consistently being outperformed by consensus mock drafts in terms of the outcomes of the players (because I don't know how else you would evaluate the picks over time), then there is no point in paying that scout/GM because you can just listen to a mock draft instead (as in, you should fire that Scout/GM and hire one who isn't outperformed by a bot). Basically, if every single year your GM is picking Primo when the obvious pick is Sengun... you should probably fire that GM. However, if every single year, your GM is picking Jokic when the consensus sas to take Nik Stauskas. On Draft Day, your GM will score some Ds and Fs on the media's grades, but in reality you'd have the best drafting GM by an objective methodology (such as my favorite that I frequently post: https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702)

[Ariel]

Ariel’s point was for teams to use mock drafts by writers (or the consensus of them) as a point of reference for success/ failure for teams and I’m disagreeing with that and believe the success/ failure of a team’s scouting should be placed in the actual outcomes of players that come out of the draft (a much different list than the consensus).
Obviously I failed at making my point accross. I don't think outperforming a random mock draft signals success, but rather underperforming them (systematically, not ocassionally) should signal failure for a team (time to change scouts) / professional scout (time to change jobs). To put it more bluntly: if your job is to predict something (anything) and you're no better than a blindfolded monkey shooting darts at the available options (hyperbole, obviously), you should change careers / staff.

[Dejounte]

Certainly Ariel can fight their own battles, but when they said:



I very much interpreted this to mean that if a scout/GM is consistently being outperformed by consensus mock drafts in terms of the outcomes of the players (because I don't know how else you would evaluate the picks over time), then there is no point in paying that scout/GM because you can just listen to a mock draft instead (as in, you should fire that Scout/GM and hire one who isn't outperformed by a bot). Basically, if every single year your GM is picking Primo when the obvious pick is Sengun... you should probably fire that GM. However, if every single year, your GM is picking Jokic when the consensus sas to take Nik Stauskas. On Draft Day, your GM will score some Ds and Fs on the media's grades, but in reality you'd have the best drafting GM by an objective methodology (such as my favorite that I frequently post: [/COLOR]https://towardsdatascience.com/which-nba-teams-are-best-at-drafting-20070ccd1702)

These are much different playing fields though. A scout/ GM has one or two chances (in the first round) to get their selection right using their big board. We never get to see their big board. If we did, we’d compare their big board to a writer’s big board (or mock draft, if you wanted). Saying that the mock draft writer has a leg up on the team that drafted Primo over Sengun is plain unfair if you consider that those mock drafts had scrubs like Ziaire Williams before Sengun… so the Spurs should have drafted Ziaire over Primo? It’s not apples to apples at all.

[scott]

These are much different playing fields though. A scout/ GM has one or two chances (in the first round) to get their selection right using their big board. We never get to see their big board. If we did, we’d compare their big board to a writer’s big board (or mock draft, if you wanted). Saying that the mock draft writer has a leg up on the team that drafted Primo over Sengun is plain unfair if you consider that those mock drafts had scrubs like Ziaire Williams before Sengun… so the Spurs should have drafted Ziaire over Primo? It’s not apples to apples at all.

At the end of the day, the results are what matter - right? We aren't talking about a GM picking Primo over Sengun one time... we're talking about it happening repeatedly and predictably. If a GM is going to consistently go off-reservation and make perceived reaches, then he/she better be hitting some Jokic and Manu picks, and not just consistently coming up Primo. If doesn't matter how else the GM had his big board laid out, the fact is he/she repeatedly fails in their picks and would have been better off at just making the obvious "consensus" pick. Fire that GM as soon as you figure this out.

EDIT: And I'd propose the methodology I previously linked would be the proper one to evaluate this by, and continued bad reaches will make themselves apparent in the data and a GM who does that will shoot straight to the bottom of such rankings. For all the reasons you mentioned, an NBA scouting department SHOULD be better than the media at evaluating players. If they aren't fire them and move on.

[Mr. Body]

Reaching for a G just because they need one isn't any better of a practice. If the Spurs think a guard is the best, right player when they pick... yeah they should take that one. If the Spurs think a SF is the best, right player when they pick... yeah they should take that one. Like... duh?

You stated you see no reason why the Spurs wouldn't draft a guard... I think think of a good reason: they don't think the guard choices are the best, right players when they are picking. In that regard, I agree with Vienna, the Spurs are not bound to draft a guard in this draft. This should seem obvious to all of us, and if the Spurs do draft a guard (or SF, or any other position) solely because they think they need one (which we'll never know) - then we should all hope that whomever is making that decision is swiftly replaced in the FO.

Yes, obviously if they prefer a player who is a guard they will take a guard. If they prefer a player who is a sf, they will take a sf. The poster I was responding to said there's no way the Spurs are going to take a guard. I don't see any case where that's a truism. But I guess you agree and think they would draft a worse player just for positional fit. If this draft had an A- guard or two and only B- small forwards, they would take the small forwards. I don't see any way that's the right way to go.

[scott]

Yes, obviously if they prefer a player who is a guard they will take a guard. If they prefer a player who is a sf, they will take a sf. The poster I was responding to said there's no way the Spurs are going to take a guard. I don't see any case where that's a truism. But I guess you agree and think they would draft a worse player just for positional fit. If this draft had an A- guard or two and only B- small forwards, they would take the small forwards. I don't see any way that's the right way to go.

Maybe Vienna said that somewhere else, but the post you responded to only said "The Spurs aren't bound to take a guard". That does not mean "there's no way the Spurs are going to take a guard" - it means the Spurs aren't married/obligated to taking a guard, which is obvious. It's not "riveting stuff", it's obvious stuff that unfortunately needs to be said out loud because your reading comprehension sucks.

[Mr. Body]

Maybe Vienna said that somewhere else, but the post you responded to only said "The Spurs aren't bound to take a guard". That does not mean "there's no way the Spurs are going to take a guard" - it means the Spurs aren't married/obligated to taking a guard, which is obvious. It's not "riveting stuff", it's obvious stuff that unfortunately needs to be said out loud because your reading comprehension sucks.

It's still a high level of certainty that the Spurs aren't going to take a guard. Why wouldn't they?

Gets back to the BPA vs positional need/fit sorts of discussions. Only way I can see them not take who they think is BPA is if they're convinced that player cannot share the floor with Wembanyama. If their BPA is a guard, they'll take a guard.

[scott]

It's still a high level of certainty that the Spurs aren't going to take a guard. Why wouldn't they?

Is it? Says who?


Gets back to the BPA vs positional need/fit sorts of discussions. Only way I can see them not take who they think is BPA is if they're convinced that player cannot share the floor with Wembanyama. If their BPA is a guard, they'll take a guard.

In case you haven't noticed, the Spurs need a guard and they need a SF. They also need other things. They'll take what they (not anyone else) perceive as the BPA that fits the team. Seems like we all agree here.

This doesn't take away from the fact that Vienna never said that the Spurs wouldn't take a guard. They only said the Spurs aren't bound (obliged/determined/required/resolved/married to) taking a guard. Which is true. And obvious. But, here we are.

[Ariel]

These are much different playing fields though. A scout/ GM has one or two chances (in the first round) to get their selection right using their big board. We never get to see their big board. If we did, we’d compare their big board to a writer’s big board (or mock draft, if you wanted). Saying that the mock draft writer has a leg up on the team that drafted Primo over Sengun is plain unfair if you consider that those mock drafts had scrubs like Ziaire Williams before Sengun… so the Spurs should have drafted Ziaire over Primo? It’s not apples to apples at all.
It's true that we (as outsiders) don't have the whole picture. Mark Cuban recently said in an interview with Draymond Green that his own scouting team had Luka BEHIND Ayton (not their analytics departments, though) and they look like geniuses rather than morons because events unfolded in a way that the available pick had Ayton already taken. But teams do know.

Also, just because you don't have ALL the data, doesn't mean you can't use the sample you have to draw conclusions. We're all judged in the same way, by concrete results in the particular situations that fate tasked us with, and scouts are no different. But yes, teams are in a better position to do that evaluation than we are, I'll give you that. But maybe that's also why they're hiring random media scouts, though :lol

[BatManu20]

We need shooters. Why not bring Jimmer back tbh.

[Bruno]

I've looked at Nikola Topic's last couple of games and the main issue is that he doesn't look 100% healthy. He hasn't the same explosive first step he had before his injury and it's problematic with his game being based a lot on drives. We'll see if he gets better in the remaining games of his season but, right now, it's a red flag to me.

[CGD]

This is an excellent piece on how to think about point guard archetypes:

https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/4/30/24145054/point-guard-field-guide-2024-nba-playoffs

What PG archetype do we need?

[NASpurs]

What PG...

Yes

[spurraider21]

I've looked at Nikola Topic's last couple of games and the main issue is that he doesn't look 100% healthy. He hasn't the same explosive first step he had before his injury and it's problematic with his game being based a lot on drives. We'll see if he gets better in the remaining games of his season but, right now, it's a red flag to me.
guy coming back from injury doesnt look like his old self right away isnt really a red flag to me. he'd have an offseason to get rest and back up to 100%

[Ef-man]

We need shooters. Why not bring Jimmer back tbh.


Praise the prophets!

The Blue Santa of Alternate Lifestyles need to listen to you.

[rjv]

I've looked at Nikola Topic's last couple of games and the main issue is that he doesn't look 100% healthy. He hasn't the same explosive first step he had before his injury and it's problematic with his game being based a lot on drives. We'll see if he gets better in the remaining games of his season but, right now, it's a red flag to me.

if that's the case, he'll almost certainly be available by mid to late lottery.

[Bruno]

guy coming back from injury doesnt look like his old self right away isnt really a red flag to me. he'd have an offseason to get rest and back up to 100%

In most cases, I would agree with you but there are some strange circumstances here:
- He should have been out 4 to 6 weeks and he missed 15 weeks.
- They never communicated on what specific knee injury he had.
- The owner of his team said there were torn ligaments and that he was surprised he could be healed without surgery.

That's worrying to me, careers can be wasted because of knee issues.

[Mugen]

In most cases, I would agree with you but there are some strange circumstances here:
- He should have been out 4 to 6 weeks and he missed 15 weeks.
- They never communicated on what specific knee injury he had.
- The owner of his team said there were torn ligaments and that he was surprised he could be healed without surgery.

That's worrying to me, careers can be wasted because of knee issues.

They'll get his medical report pre draft though, no?

[scott]

If a player is exempted from the Combine because of overseas commitments, how does that impact the medical reports? It Topic's going to be from some Bratislavan doctor/local veterinarian?

[TD 21]

If Givony says Dillingham and timvp says Dillingham, then Dillingham must be our man.

The latter was a big board, not mock draft and in both cases the crux was basically he'd fill the obvious need for shot creation/shooting.

Neither seemed to consider the obvious though, which is the Spurs rigidity and longstanding preference for a bigger lead guard.

[BatManu20]

Topic looks a legit 6’7 tbh.

1788205077057995251

[scott]

This is just some college kid/aspiring NBA scout or writer... but I generally like his takes. Here is his big board. Definitely counter to popular opinion.

1788354526044373493

[scott]

Interesting.

1788057541215240373

[BackHome]

In most cases, I would agree with you but there are some strange circumstances here:
- He should have been out 4 to 6 weeks and he missed 15 weeks.
- They never communicated on what specific knee injury he had.
- The owner of his team said there were torn ligaments and that he was surprised he could be healed without surgery.

That's worrying to me, careers can be wasted because of knee issues.


I kind of thought this could happen as they are some injuries' that do not need immediate surgery they can kind of heal on there own if given enough time. I am thinking this is where they said "It will hurt but it won't do anymore damage and it might heal if you give it a few months of rehab" If that doesn't work then your going to need surgery to fix the knee

[R. DeMurre]

Today's MVP voting sure makes all of those upcoming draft picks look promising.

1. Jokic: #41 pick in draft
2. SGA: #11
3. Doncic: #3
4. Giannis: #15
5. Brunson: #33

[baseline bum]

Topic looks a legit 6’7 tbh.

1788205077057995251

Looks like would be 6'2" without the freakish neck tbh

[R. DeMurre]

Looks like would be 6'2" without the freakish neck tbh

I don't think so... here's a pic of him standing next to Branko Lazic (who's listed at 6'5") in September of 2022: https://www.gettyimages.co.nz/detail/news-photo/nikola-topic-44-and-branko-lazic-10-poses-during-the-news-photo/1243598837

[spurraider21]

I don't think so... here's a pic of him standing next to Branko Lazic (who's listed at 6'5") in September of 2022: https://www.gettyimages.co.nz/detail/news-photo/nikola-topic-44-and-branko-lazic-10-poses-during-the-news-photo/1243598837
thats actually a pretty useful picture tbh. the shoulder height there is virtually identical. standing reach is going to matter more than height tbh. the height helps a little bit when it comes to vision, but its not functional height as far as where the ball is

[scott]

At the risk of sounding extremely insensitive... Topic looks like a Make-a-Wish winner

[objective]

Here's a pic from January with 6-3 Nemanja Nedovic, shoulders slightly higher but that neck be craning

https://www.gettyimages.co.nz/detail/news-photo/nemanja-nedovic-26-of-crvena-zvezda-meridianbet-belgrade-news-photo/1900663197

[Ariel]

Topic vs Jovic (6'9.5" barefoot / 207 cm - source (http://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro?SeasonYear=2022-23))

https://i.postimg.cc/85sqPXcB/topic-jovic.jpg

Topic vs Branko Lazic (6'4.5" barefoot / 194 cm - source (https://www.eurosport.com/basketball/branko-lazic_prs375410/person.shtml))

https://i.postimg.cc/Y9VT4Nmc/topic-lazic-1.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/xTLBCzf7/topic-lazic-2.jpg

Topic vs Ivanovic (6'1.75" barefoot / 189 cm - source (https://www.nbadraft.net/2012-adidas-eurocamp-anthros-and-veriticals/))

https://i.postimg.cc/YSCPbD6K/topic-ivanovic.jpg

He's probably a legit 6'4" / 6'5" barefoot, but funcionally probably closer to the former (long neck, narrow shoulders but long arms)

[Vienna]

Topic looks a legit 6’7 tbh.

1788205077057995251

thankfully Mega put Nikola Durisic next to Topic in this team picture. Durisic was at last years draft combine and was measured
6' 7.00'' without shoes. So Topic should likely be
6' 5''. and yes, his shoulder height looks like a6' 3'' guy.

https://www.eurobasket.com/TeamPhoto/2023-2024avala.jpg

[duncan2150]

thankfully Mega put Nikola Durisic next to Topic in this team picture. Durisic was at last years draft combine and was measured
6' 7.00'' without shoes. So Topic should likely be
6' 5''. and yes, his shoulder height looks like a6' 3'' guy. https://www.eurobasket.com/TeamPhoto/2023-2024avala.jpg They look really close, so maybe more 6'6 without shoes and 6'7 with ? at least he's 6'6 imo

[NASpurs]

Looks like would be 6'2" without the freakish neck tbh

:lol now I can't unsee that giraffe neck

[Uriel]

Topic looks a legit 6’7 tbh.

1788205077057995251
I remember it wasn’t too long ago that Brian Wright was enamored with a 6”7 PG who was the youngest player in the draft…… :stirpot:

[Vienna]

Considering Spurs do have a very good chance to pick at either 6, 7, or 8, with their own pick or the Raptors pick (or Even two picks in that range) I already expressed my sympathy to reach for McCain with this pick. the last days I was starting to think more and more about Cody Williams, who went from overrated to probably underrated in most mocks.
and I looked closer to his season, that was kind of a series of mishaps. Three injuries, each at a bad time, (Not that there was a good time for it), once missing five weeks, then playing with a broken face bone, then three weeks out with an ankle injury, coming back for the Conference Tournament (maybe to soon?) having lost his spot in the starting line up, playing poor in a new role, on low unsage and likely not healthy.
and when he finally found his form again and delivered two okayish games in the the tour, the season was over.
of course, it‘s pure speculation on my side, but what if he had had a less damaged season? he might look like a pretty reasonable pick for 6 to 8. if we focus on his better games, he looks like a very nice fit as a quality role player. considering his late groth and that his brother was also late bloomer, he might be at a similar trajectory.

[KobesAchilles]

I'm glad our future PG is legitimately tall. That is nice. If he ever learns to shoot (which I doubt) his height will help him against tiny close out defenders

[buttsR4rebounding]

I really, really, really hope the Raptors pick does not convey. Next year's draft looks to be the strongest draft in a decade and I'd much rather have an extra pick there. Even if the Raptors are in the 12-15 range the talent is better than the 7-9 range this year.

[couchman]

Interesting.

1788057541215240373

Clingan has moved up significantly in my eyes.
He looks like a Poeltl level player to me AT A MINIMUM.
In a draft this shitty that kind of floor is gold.
Spurs would be foolish to pass on him if he is BPA, regardless of perceived fit.
This team is too devoid of talent to ignore BPA.
If all else is equal on the big board then by all means take a PG or SF over other positions

[Mugen]

:lol now I can't unsee that giraffe neck

Yeah wtf. Dude should donate a few of those inches to Keldon's neck stump tbh.

[The Truth #6]

This is just some college kid/aspiring NBA scout or writer... but I generally like his takes. Here is his big board. Definitely counter to popular opinion.

1788354526044373493

His description of Isaiah Collier is why I can't totally rule him out.

[heyheymymy]

:lol now I can't unsee that giraffe neck

lol thumb head

it's so noticeable once ppl started pointing it out lol

[Ariel]

Clingan has moved up significantly in my eyes.
He looks like a Poeltl level player to me AT A MINIMUM.
In a draft this shitty that kind of floor is gold.
Spurs would be foolish to pass on him if he is BPA, regardless of perceived fit.This team is too devoid of talent to ignore BPA.
If all else is equal on the big board then by all means take a PG or SF over other positions
Albeit a good player, Clingan's archetype caps his ceiling at role player that may be played off the floor in big moments, he's a bad fit alongside Wemby and a massive injury risk given his weight and history. The only waty I'd draft him is if the Toronto pick conveys, the FO absolutely HATES everyone else on the board, and the pick's trade value is low. Then you may draft Clingan as a store of value if nothing else, being highly likely that he'll be a good NBA player and once he proves that he'll be worth more. He's good but not a long term piece or worthy of a high lottery pick, and I'd rather gamble on someone else.

[Ariel]

Stumbled about this own sept. 2023 post when Givony posted an early mock draft with Risacher (and Topic) out of his top 10 and the season hadn't really started.

If any NBA franchise is reading this, you can PM me. I'm listening to offers. I know I missed Sarr, but who cares? I'm a genius.

PM: I'm close with Kevin Tran agent.
Then tell him I wish him a slow and painful death for spamming the boards with his client's garbage :lol

[The Truth #6]

It would feel very on brand for Brian Wright to draft Cody Williams and then reach for Kyshawn George. Both young with the ability to play in various roles. (Apologies to triggering those who think the GM doesn't have a say in whom the team drafts.)

[SouthernFryd]

...and longstanding preference for a bigger lead guard.

Uh, when did that happen?

I remember Johnny Moore, Rod Strickland, Johnny Dawkins, Avery Johnson, Claxton, Tony, etc...etc...

All of them pretty small. Hell, I'm 5'11" and blocked a Johnny Dawkins shot from the front in a pickup game. Not tall..none of them were tall.

Trae and Dillinger both fit the Spurs mold for SMALL guards. Tho, Personally, I like Sheppard. 6'3" would be tall for a Spurs point guard.

[JPB]

So Topic went from 6'8, talented, potential #1 pick PG to... some unplayable in Euroleague, 6'3 euro dude, with a long neck and a bad knee who might not crack the lottery...

AND I CALLED IT, MOFOS!

(maybe exaggerating a bit).

[spurraider21]

i dont dislike topic as a prospect as much as i've let on, but its just hard to get excited about a guy with that big a question mark with his shooting. seeing the spurs be among the leagues worst outside shooting teams year after year has just gotten exhausting. there are things he does very well, but i think he's going to be a legitimate project who probably wont get consistent minutes in year 1. whereas dilly/sheppard could immediately come in and be legit backup PGs for Tre

especially if we only get 1 pick, id rather it be a guy who can give the team a bit of a kick in year 1

[Mr. Body]

i dont dislike topic as a prospect as much as i've let on, but its just hard to get excited about a guy with that big a question mark with his shooting. seeing the spurs be among the leagues worst outside shooting teams year after year has just gotten exhausting. there are things he does very well, but i think he's going to be a legitimate project who probably wont get consistent minutes in year 1. whereas dilly/sheppard could immediately come in and be legit backup PGs for Tre

especially if we only get 1 pick, id rather it be a guy who can give the team a bit of a kick in year 1

Topic seems like a smart player, but he seems pretty PnR heavy in a way that depends on him being a drive threat. If teams sag off him, that nullifies the threat. He doesn't seem a big off-ball threat because he can't shoot, so you need the ball in his hands. Is that the player who works next to Wembanyama? Kick in questionable defense and I'm not sure you're solving any problems here.

[scott]

I really, really, really hope the Raptors pick does not convey. Next year's draft looks to be the strongest draft in a decade and I'd much rather have an extra pick there. Even if the Raptors are in the 12-15 range the talent is better than the 7-9 range this year.

I can understand this thinking, however you're already going to have our own pick, the ATL pick and probably the CHI pick conveying next year. Best case scenario (unless you are trading away picks) would be for TOR to convey this year and CHI to not convey to 2026. I honestly don't want more than 2 FRPs in one year going forward (and honestly I probably don't even want that).

[baseline bum]

Uh, when did that happen?

I remember Johnny Moore, Rod Strickland, Johnny Dawkins, Avery Johnson, Claxton, Tony, etc...etc...

All of them pretty small. Hell, I'm 5'11" and blocked a Johnny Dawkins shot from the front in a pickup game. Not tall..none of them were tall.

Trae and Dillinger both fit the Spurs mold for SMALL guards. Tho, Personally, I like Sheppard. 6'3" would be tall for a Spurs point guard.

Their PG picks in the first round for the last 15 years have been George Hill, Corey Joseph, Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Josh Primo, and Blake Wesley. Joseph is the smallest one at 6'2" 200 lbs, everyone else 6'4" and up. I want Dilly or Sheppard too but am scared they'll go Topic just for his size.

[Mr. Body]

It would feel very on brand for Brian Wright to draft Cody Williams and then reach for Kyshawn George. Both young with the ability to play in various roles. (Apologies to triggering those who think the GM doesn't have a say in whom the team drafts.)

That's not a horrible result to me. I'm not a huge Williams fan but see the idea of going for him in this draft and I've marked George as a guy who is slotted later than he should be. (I think he'll rise.)

[baseline bum]

I can understand this thinking, however you're already going to have our own pick, the ATL pick and probably the CHI pick conveying next year. Best case scenario (unless you are trading away picks) would be for TOR to convey this year and CHI to not convey to 2026. I honestly don't want more than 2 FRPs in one year going forward (and honestly I probably don't even want that).

As much shit as I have talked about Holland I think you guys have convinced me and I'm kind of warming up to the idea of swinging for the fences with him and hope the coaching staff can work the same magic they did with Kawhi when he came here raw as hell. Though the Spurs really need to get that Toronto pick to be able to be so reckless that way they can pick up a Dillingham, Sheppard, or Risacher and have someone who can produce from Day 1 also.

[Mr. Body]

As much shit as I have talked about Holland I think you guys have convinced me and I'm kind of warming up to the idea of swinging for the fences with him and hope the coaching staff can work the same magic they did with Kawhi when he came here raw as hell. Though the Spurs really need to get that Toronto pick to be able to be so reckless that way they can pick up a Dillingham, Sheppard, or Risacher and have someone who can produce from Day 1 also.

Ron Holland vs. Jonathan Kuminga coming out of Ignite are statistically the same player other than more scoring and more than twice as many steals.

https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=ron-holland--jonathan-kuminga

A little nuts since people were going wild over Kuminga during his draft.

[LeBowen]

As much shit as I have talked about Holland I think you guys have convinced me and I'm kind of warming up to the idea of swinging for the fences with him and hope the coaching staff can work the same magic they did with Kawhi when he came here raw as hell. Though the Spurs really need to get that Toronto pick to be able to be so reckless that way they can pick up a Dillingham, Sheppard, or Risacher and have someone who can produce from Day 1 also.

I think PATFO's first choice would be Risacher, but we're not getting him if we don't move into top3.
As for immediate contribution, none of these players except Sarr look NBA ready.
Maybe Knecht, but he's 23.

[Mr. Body]

Why do people keep saying Sarr is NBA ready? He doesn't even start for his NBL team.

[Kevin]

I think the top two will go Dilly and Sarr in some order. Dilly's the best bet on offense and Sarr is the best bet on defense. Warming up on Sarr a lot. His defense really raises his floor as a prospect. Still not a fit with Wemby tho.

[heyheymymy]

https://i.imgur.com/8Bq3TkY.jpeg

[heyheymymy]

https://i.imgur.com/tbT07fS.jpeg

[heyheymymy]

https://i.imgur.com/l4XxUKT.jpeg

[LeBowen]

Why do people keep saying Sarr is NBA ready? He doesn't even start for his NBL team.

Because he's got a great combination of size and agility. Rim protection and switchability are invaluable in today's NBA.
He's a better prospect than afor example Lively who turned out to be an important piece for a serious playoff team.

Maybe not on the level of usual #1 prospects, but better than anyone else in this class.

[heyheymymy]

Too bad Baylor Scheierman is already 23 years old

Would otherwise be a good target around #35

[heyheymymy]

Ron Holland on an ISLAND oof

[Mr. Body]

Because he's got a great combination of size and agility. Rim protection and switchability are invaluable in today's NBA.
He's a better prospect than afor example Lively who turned out to be an important piece for a serious playoff team.

Maybe not on the level of usual #1 prospects, but better than anyone else in this class.

I just don't know if Sarr is ready to contribute much. In fact, most prognosticators say he's some years from really contributing. I would personally be happy to take Lively over him and feel Sarr should be closer to #10 than #1. Maybe in a real draft year, like last year, Sarr would go where Lively did... and he's not as ready as Lively was.

[JPB]

Risacher is a lock at #1 now imo after his solid performances these last 3 weeks in front of NBA scouts.

I dont see a world where spurs pick Topic and my bold prediction is Topic will be back to Europe after his rookie contract.

I'll delete this post ofc, it none of that happens.

[scott]

I feel like Sarr is about the same level of prospect as Lively (picked 10th) and Duren (picked 13th). That says a lot about the rest of this year's draft.

[rascal]

Why do people keep saying Sarr is NBA ready? He doesn't even start for his NBL team.

Sochan didn't start for his college team. He was starting for the spurs.

[Mr. Body]

Sochan didn't start for his college team. He was starting for the spurs.

We've established why. Now explain why Sarr ain't start and only gets fourteen minutes a game and every observer says he won't be ready for a long time.

[rascal]

We've established why. Now explain why Sarr ain't start and only gets fourteen minutes a game and every observer says he won't be ready for a long time.

Who says he won't be ready for a long time. That's your belief.

Sarr will be the first pick in the 2024 NBA draft. That doesn't look like he's not expected to be ready for a long time.

[Mr. Body]

Who says he won't be ready for a long time. That's your belief.

Sarr will be the first pick in the 2024 NBA draft. That doesn't look like he's not expected to be ready for a long time.

Read almost any professional mock drafter/observer. They all say he's a project.

He's the first pick out of inertia.

[LeBowen]

Read almost any professional mock drafter/observer. They all say he's a project.

He's the first pick out of inertia.

He's a project because he has no offensive game.
His defensive impact will be a positive right away.

[The Truth #6]

That's not a horrible result to me. I'm not a huge Williams fan but see the idea of going for him in this draft and I've marked George as a guy who is slotted later than he should be. (I think he'll rise.)

For sure. In such an unpredictable draft, this would give us two players seemingly with good bbiq, possible positive shooting, and a chance at someone to vaguely resemble a point guard, which may be what the team is looking for.

[rascal]

NBA 2024 draft

1. Portland - Sarr
2. Detroit - Risacher
3. San Antonio - Topic

Nice core Sarr, Scoot and Sharpe

[TD 21]

Their PG picks in the first round for the last 15 years have been George Hill, Corey Joseph, Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Josh Primo, and Blake Wesley. Joseph is the smallest one at 6'2" 200 lbs, everyone else 6'4" and up. I want Dilly or Sheppard too but am scared they'll go Topic just for his size.

All combo guards or players they were attempting to convert into that, unlike Topic (at least offensively).

My sense is Sheppard, McCain and Carrington are the guards they're most focused on, though obviously they don't have a pick in the projected range of the latter two.

[heyheymymy]

Reed Sheppard so firmly in the quadrant of wow they had to expand the chart for guards that ends with 40% elsewhere to not 50% but 55%. Plus the defense and play connectivity he brings even if his shot isn't falling? Got to figure Sheppard is a key target.

Someone was saying Dillon Jones a few pages back and that could be a strong call. And Mogbo crew was calling him the other day and I see he makes an appearance in the far corner of the forwards chart

[heyheymymy]

NBA 2024 draft

1. Portland - Sarr
2. Detroit - Risacher
3. San Antonio - Topic

Nice core Sarr, Scoot and Sharpe

Ayton/Wiliams both with two more years but I do see POR mocked with Cs how does that shake out for them although I bet Ayton/Williams is firmly not in POR future plans tbh.

Lot of mocks with Sarr/Clingan/Flip to POR and not sure how they reconcile other than just going ahead and starting the new front court of the future right now regardless. POR can't really fit any guards and they have the two first rounders to make it worse. Not sure who they target or maybe POR bundles some picks/Ayton/Williams for a better roster fit in a trade.

[SpursBills]

Anyone have any decent second round candidates or late 20s possible trade up candidates? I like the idea of drafting either toolsy wings that can defend well and do a little bit of everything on offense (Vince Williams Jr, Christian Braun, Josh Hart) or tall shooters with decent skills but limited athleticism (Sam Hauser, Duncan Robinson). Mostly because while you can only have so many ball handling guards or rim protecting centers, there's really no limit to the above types that you can play on a playoff roster.

With that said, from category 1, I'm looking at Jaylen Tyson (#32 on Tankathon) and Nique Clifford (not in top 60). Ryan Dunn scares the shit out of me, but he may be worth a second round flyer (currently #31 on Talkathon)
From category 2, looking at Alex Karaban (#45), Payton Sandfort (#56 although I'm pretty concerned about his defense). I don't think Furphy drops to the late 20s but if he does he's definitely worth a look.

[BackHome]

I believe Bleacher report just came out with a 2 round mock that has Jaylon Tyson going #21 to Philly- and they have Castle at 22

[Big Empty]

Spurs fall to 7-9 range they are taking Clingan

[Truckules]

Spurs fall to 7-9 range they are taking Clingan

If the Spurs fall to 8 or 9, one of the teams that jumped them would draft Clingan before then.

[thOOdee]

any dalton knecht advocates or haters? man, the more video i see of him, the more dog I see in that dude.

[LeBowen]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com

Updated.

[NASpurs]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com

Updated.

Rob Dillingham: Shades of Lou Williams, Bones Hyland :vomit:

[CGD]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com

Updated.

Kinda think this is how it will go, tbh

[CGD]

Rob Dillingham: Shades of Lou Williams, Bones Hyland :vomit:

Those are proper comps tbh. Sexton is another. He’ll top out at a very good 6th man, which isn’t a bad thing.

[LeBowen]

Those are proper comps tbh. Sexton is another. He’ll top out at a very good 6th man, which isn’t a bad thing.

Agreed.
But then again, every one in a while, one of these undersized scorers explodes and becomes a legit all-star.

I don't like some of these player comps.

Sarr has no outside shot, JJJ is one of the better shooting bigs in the league.
There are plenty of non-shooting bigs that could've been the comparison.

Comparing Topic to Dragic just because they're from the same region.
Dragic was a very good shooter right away, but was never an elite passer and playmaker.

I don't think Castle will make it, but comparing him to Fultz is a bad look.
Draft prospects should never be compared with busts unless you're actually willing to say they're not going to make it in the analysis.

And so on.

[rascal]

Risacher is a lock at #1 now imo after his solid performances these last 3 weeks in front of NBA scouts.

I dont see a world where spurs pick Topic and my bold prediction is Topic will be back to Europe after his rookie contract.

I'll delete this post ofc, it none of that happens.

Be ready to delete this.

Sarr will be the first pick and the Spurs will draft Topic.

[heyheymymy]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com

Updated.

wow Pacome pulls up to 18

Flip falls to 26

crazy to see Kolek and Furphy slip to the 2nd round

[Maddog]

Rob Dillingham: Shades of Lou Williams, Bones Hyland :vomit:

I think that sums up this draft- while all drafts are a crap shoot this one is really up htere

be interesting how this group looks in 5 years.

[The Truth #6]

If we somehow get the Toronto pick, I'm looking at various two-player combos to draft, with one player being more of a high upside reach and another as a safer pick.

Isaiah Collier/Dalton Knecht
Jared McCain/Ron Holland
Reed Sheppard/Cody Williams

Just spitballing.

[The Truth #6]

any dalton knecht advocates or haters? man, the more video i see of him, the more dog I see in that dude.

Poor defender but seems like a gamer. I've been pumping the accelerator on him, so to speak.

[Vienna]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com

Updated.

some surprising estimations.

what I notice: O‘Connor ist the second to now put McCain in the top ten. (Wasserman has him at pick 7 in his Mock update from yesterday)

[CGD]

some surprising estimations.

what I notice: O‘Connor ist the second to now put McCain in the top ten. (Wasserman has him at pick 7 in his Mock update from yesterday)

I’ve become a McCain convert of late. Liking him at 7 if we get the TOR pick.

[Vienna]

I’ve become a McCain convert of late. Liking him at 7 if we get the TOR pick.

he is not very tall, but big. And it seems as if he is even becoming bigger, as the latest pictures suggest.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C6uNor9S3Nz/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=9c9e9444-e330-4e83-9091-cc4d5243f8b2&img_index=1

[PhantomDashCam]

If we somehow get the Toronto pick, I'm looking at various two-player combos to draft, with one player being more of a high upside reach and another as a safer pick.

Isaiah Collier/Dalton Knecht
Jared McCain/Ron Holland
Reed Sheppard/Cody Williams

Just spitballing.

Been thinking about this as well.
Vassell and Tre Jones. Sochan and Branham (and also Blake Wesley). Primo and Weiskamp appears to be the aberration (which obviously didn’t work out).
Different development timelines for prospects based on projected (initial) roles.
Who is the most NBA ready who could step into a role immediately? Based on Spurs needs (which obviously are many), I would think it would have to be Knecht.

The Q I have then would be why would they grab a Corey Kispert-esque player now (who is a year older when drafted) when they could have grabbed one back in 2021? The obvious answer it would seem as the Spurs were hunting for Star/Youth upside then while they have a certified one now.

I think they’ll look to trade one (or possibly both) of the picks.

[BackHome]

I don't know if they could get any value from trying to trade back as no one is really liking this draft. Still have no idea how this draft class goes I am pretty sure that the Draft Combine is where your going to see big movements on mock boards depending on measurements/interviews/shooting.

On a side note the NBA changed in that all invited players to combine will be Required to attend and Participate in the event or will be ineligible to be drafted.

[SpursBills]

any dalton knecht advocates or haters? man, the more video i see of him, the more dog I see in that dude.

Way lower on Knecht than consensus. In general I'm a hater of guys whose main/exclusive appeal consists of "is a bucket", i.e. non-creating non-defending shooting guards, especially older ones who rack up scoring numbers against guys younger and/or physically less developed than they are. Knecht is only 6 months younger than Devin Vassell. He can't create, is a poor defender, has average athleticism by NBA standards, and his impact metrics and advanced stats are terrible for his age and perceived value. What's his role at the next level if he pans out? People constantly complain about Vassell's play this year (for good reason) as a poor-defending poor-creating bucket getter; what are the odds that Knecht gets close to even current Vassell before he reaches his ceiling since he'll turn 24 his rookie year?

If you want an upperclassman and an immediate contributor, give me Devin Carter all day long. A year younger, great defender, great rebounder, plays way bigger than his size, stock generator, better creator, better functional athleticism, better at the rim. Also shot a high volume of 3s at good percentage this year and improved his FT% this year so his shooting is probably not a complete fluke. There's no argument to me to take Knecht higher than Carter.

[Gandalf]

I’ve become a McCain convert of late. Liking him at 7 if we get the TOR pick.

I don’t know anything about him, so I decided to see what player some compared him to. First result: Bryn Forbes. :lmao

https://www.nbadraft.net/players/jared-mccain/

I hope that one’s not accurate - or that we look anywhere else. :lol

[SpursBills]

For anyone who uses advanced metrics to influence draft evaluations, I've been recently using EvanMiya's BPR more and more in favor of traditional BPM as it not only incorporates box score stats but also play-by-play data. I find that it is a far better metric especially in gauging a prospect's defense which is often skewed in BPM in favor of guys with high stocks and box-score stats in general.

A few observations just by cross-referencing BPR with BPM for this year's prospects:

1. Reed Sheppard is still the real deal. His defensive impact is not as good as his box scores indicate (only 5th among freshmen this year) but his offensive impact is higher than I expected, comparable to Dillingham. 2nd highest overall freshman BPR in the last 10 years after Zion and Chet Holmgren. I don't know if it will translate at the next level, but the guy definitely knows how to impact winning.

The main worries about his size and how it relates to his defense, however, are legitimate. Look at TJ McConnell, who is likely only slightly smaller and an actual elite defender at Arizona but has barely been a neutral defender in the NBA for his entire career. Alternatively, we can also look at the career of Jared Butler, a small guard with excellent advanced metrics, average athleticism, and was the best player for Baylor's national championship team when he was 9 months older than Sheppard who has thus far failed to make any sort of impact in the NBA.

2. Dillingham is still bad at defense, but maybe not as hopeless as his BPM would suggest. He outperforms poor defenders in defensive BPR like Trae Young, Malaki Branham, Collin Sexton, and Cam Thomas, and is not that far behind IQ. He's still bad at defense, is light in the ass, and has poor physical tools, but he may have outs to become just below average as opposed to all-time bad.

3. Stephon Castle was the best freshman perimeter defender this year and one of the best in the country. His offensive numbers may be buoyed by being on a dominant UConn team, but the metrics support what the eye test shows - he was easily UConn's second best defender. Of note, Dan Hurley's teams have been anywhere from terrible to below average at steal generation almost every year despite overall defense being excellent every year, so we can assume that Castle's steal rate is being artificially deflated and concerns about this are overblown. For reference, compare Cam Spencer's steal rates last year at Rutgers (4.0) to this year at UConn (2.7).

[Mr. Body]

Good stuff Bill. Comments on latest posts:

- Same on Knecht. For a guy touted to have a point guard background, he shows none of it. Some fringe playoff team is going to get a pretty good scorer if he hits, but that's it.

- I keep coming around to Dilly's relative defensive improvement. Like, I saw him do this at least twice: Inbounds play, his guy upscreens on a big. Instead of staying home under the basket, he pauses and then races to keep up with his man, who curls out to the perimeter after the screen. Instant dunk because no one covered the big. That's, like, 'what the fuck' kind of defense. But in time those absurd mistakes went away. I just think he's completely uncoached on defense. The question is what he can actually do once he learns what to do.

- I like the points about Castle's lack of steals. Hurley's defenses are like Pop's, valuing structure and shape rather than gambling. I just don't know if taking him makes sense with Sochan but especially Cissoko, who is like a more chaotic Castle.

[objective]

I suppose that no matter who they draft, I will be on here posting, "They scared now!"

Just sayin

[heyheymymy]

Yikes Shannon Jr with the active rape trial

Not doing the old draft value any favors, prob isn't Spurs material

[Snaq O'Meal]

Way lower on Knecht than consensus. In general I'm a hater of guys whose main/exclusive appeal consists of "is a bucket", i.e. non-creating non-defending shooting guards, especially older ones who rack up scoring numbers against guys younger and/or physically less developed than they are. Knecht is only 6 months younger than Devin Vassell. He can't create, is a poor defender, has average athleticism by NBA standards, and his impact metrics and advanced stats are terrible for his age and perceived value. What's his role at the next level if he pans out? People constantly complain about Vassell's play this year (for good reason) as a poor-defending poor-creating bucket getter; what are the odds that Knecht gets close to even current Vassell before he reaches his ceiling since he'll turn 24 his rookie year?

If you want an upperclassman and an immediate contributor, give me Devin Carter all day long. A year younger, great defender, great rebounder, plays way bigger than his size, stock generator, better creator, better functional athleticism, better at the rim. Also shot a high volume of 3s at good percentage this year and improved his FT% this year so his shooting is probably not a complete fluke. There's no argument to me to take Knecht higher than Carter.

Great points about Carter. He also put up elite numbers against the college team that is closest to an NBA-level team (UConn).

[tbdog]

How come there is no talk about Buzelis? I don't follow prospects, international, or college ball. I just go with scouting reports. I am intrigued what his game has to offer down the line.

[CGD]

How come there is no talk about Buzelis? I don't follow prospects, international, or college ball. I just go with scouting reports. I am intrigued what his game has to offer down the line.

Some of us like him (I have him 2 behind Risacher), but there are legit concerns about his shot and slotting next to Sochan who is also a weak shooter. I suspect that he’ll be one of the guys that benefits most from the combine/personal workouts tho, and end up Top 5.

[rascal]

Good stuff Bill. Comments on latest posts:

- Same on Knecht. For a guy touted to have a point guard background, he shows none of it. Some fringe playoff team is going to get a pretty good scorer if he hits, but that's it.

- I keep coming around to Dilly's relative defensive improvement. Like, I saw him do this at least twice: Inbounds play, his guy upscreens on a big. Instead of staying home under the basket, he pauses and then races to keep up with his man, who curls out to the perimeter after the screen. Instant dunk because no one covered the big. That's, like, 'what the fuck' kind of defense. But in time those absurd mistakes went away. I just think he's completely uncoached on defense. The question is what he can actually do once he learns what to do.

- I like the points about Castle's lack of steals. Hurley's defenses are like Pop's, valuing structure and shape rather than gambling. I just don't know if taking him makes sense with Sochan but especially Cissoko, who is like a more chaotic Castle.

Sochan isn't good enough to prevent from drafting anyone. Sochan should not be considered a lock to be the future PF for the Spurs with no chance for anyone else to knock him off as a starter.

[onechance87]

Sochan isn't good enough to prevent from drafting anyone. Sochan should not be considered a lock to be the future PF for the Spurs with no chance for anyone else to knock him off as a starter.

yup....jury still out on sochan...Hope this the year he improves to show us something.

[Mr. Body]

How come there is no talk about Buzelis? I don't follow prospects, international, or college ball. I just go with scouting reports. I am intrigued what his game has to offer down the line.

There's been some talk about him and I have him in my clutch of five or so players I like. But he had a bad year at Ignite. His shooting was awful and there are questions of what else he can do. Defense is fairly stiff, if he's a good weak-side shotblocker. He moves well for his size. Doesn't seem to have much playmaking for others. In this draft, he's a pretty good bet.

Him challenging Risacher one-on-one, however, was one of the stupidest things.

[SOMA Spur]

For Buzelis one stat that stood out this year from Ignite was his 39% from right side corner 3 (granted small sample size 12/31). For all the general terrible shooting stats he had this year, I think his form and confidence looked good. It might just be a case of a high schooler getting use to the extended NBA three point line and wonky G League free throw rules (plus Ignite was a dumpster fire in general). If this kid can be a good corner three shooter (and the Spurs can make him a great corner 3 shooter), I'm on board. Plus his vision, handles and improved defense (weak-side shot blacking) for a 6-10 SF seem pretty exciting and an awesome addition to a Wemby centric starting lineup. He's just got to make that friggin' three point shot.

[JPB]

Sochan isn't good enough to prevent from drafting anyone. Sochan should not be considered a lock to be the future PF for the Spurs with no chance for anyone else to knock him off as a starter.

Correct. And tbh, no one is good enough on this team to prevent to do anything.

[JPB]

I do'nt see Buzelis at all as a starter in a winning team either, any team actually. Probably will never be good enough of a shooter and none of his defense or offensive skills are solid enough to compensate. He's aggressive and could dunk on G League defenses, OK.

Sidy is the same age and posted almost the exact same stats as Buzelis in the G league this year. And Sidy is more athletic. So I'm not sure why would the spurs pick Buzelis, specially that high. Huge risk, like most in this draft, he's here because someone has to and his game somehow looks sexy... I can see him ending up as a deception drafted that high. Would Sidy be a top 5 pick this year?

[Knoxxx]

How about COL PG KJ Simpson at 35? 43% 3 PT FG, 19.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.9 APG

Looks like a baller to me.

[BackHome]

There's been some talk about him and I have him in my clutch of five or so players I like. But he had a bad year at Ignite. His shooting was awful and there are questions of what else he can do. Defense is fairly stiff, if he's a good weak-side shotblocker. He moves well for his size. Doesn't seem to have much playmaking for others. In this draft, he's a pretty good bet.

Him challenging Risacher one-on-one, however, was one of the stupidest things.

I have doubts Matas will be able to play the SF slot as his handles are not good and he is much better going in a straight line. I think he will be moved to play PF for what ever teams draft him and that adds issues as he is going to have to gain muscle and one thing I don't like about him is he avoids contact

[scott]

How about COL PG KJ Simpson at 35? 43% 3 PT FG, 19.7 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.9 APG

Looks like a baller to me.

Along those lines, I like Ajay Mitchell, Junior from UC Santa Barbara. 6'5 guard, put up 20pts, 4 ast, 4 reb, 1.2 steals on 39.3% from 3. Bonus: he's Belgian

[tbdog]

Cheers for the Buzelis responses.

[Knoxxx]

Along those lines, I like Ajay Mitchell, Junior from UC Santa Barbara. 6'5 guard, put up 20pts, 4 ast, 4 reb, 1.2 steals on 39.3% from 3. Bonus: he's Belgian

He’s been mocking to us at the 48 pick. The tankathon folks are leaving no stone unturned their solution is for us to draft 3 PGs, LOL.

[Bruno]

Along those lines, I like Ajay Mitchell, Junior from UC Santa Barbara. 6'5 guard, put up 20pts, 4 ast, 4 reb, 1.2 steals on 39.3% from 3. Bonus: he's Belgian

Ajay Mitchell was also Wembanyama's teammate for a few months in 2019/2020 with Nanterre U21 team

[Ariel]

Ajay Mitchell was also Wembanyama's teammate for a few months in 2019/2020 with Nanterre U21 team
Dang, really interesting. He's projected to be available where we pick in the 2nd round, really looks like a smart, crafty, well rounded offensive player. Someone who plays at his own pace, can hit the 3, pass, score inside. One of the more interesting 2nd round prospects for the Spurs.

[scott]

Ajay Mitchell was also Wembanyama's teammate for a few months in 2019/2020 with Nanterre U21 team

Great intel!

[skin27]

The only scary thing about picking dillingham is he might turn out to be a scoot henderson:lol

[Ariel]

The only scary thing about picking dillingham is he might turn out to be a scoot henderson:lol
Don't think so, much better shot creator and shooter.

[JPB]

Don't think so, much better shot creator and shooter.

Scoot was 5 times more hyped then Dilly last year, and despite having an honestly decent year didn't live up to the hype yet... Let's not overestimate this year's kids, Scoot will certainly end up as a much better player than Dillingham.

[rascal]

Scoot was 5 times more hyped then Dilly last year, and despite having an honestly decent year didn't live up to the hype yet... Let's not overestimate this year's kids, Scoot will certainly end up as a much better player than Dillingham.

Scoot is far more talented than Dillingham.

[baseline bum]

baseline bum get in here

ROFL for some reason the forum gave me this notification three weeks later :lmao

[LeBowen]

Scoot is far more talented than Dillingham.

Maybe, but his struggles proved that drafting a guard who can't shoot shouldn't ever be an option in modern NBA.

[TrainOfThought5]

Scoot is far more talented than Dillingham.

more talented? Probably. FAR more talented? I’m not so sure. I think Dillingham has the Nuke button in him. We’ll see if he can turn into a mini Kyrie.

[Mugen]

ROFL for some reason the forum gave me this notification three weeks later :lmao

The Hamster knows that Top Pick Topic is comin' tbh.

[skin27]

Scoot was 5 times more hyped then Dilly last year, and despite having an honestly decent year didn't live up to the hype yet... Let's not overestimate this year's kids, Scoot will certainly end up as a much better player than Dillingham.

Agree, but i think dilly is a much better shooter than scoot.

[Knoxxx]

Agree, but i think dilly is a much better shooter than scoot.

WTF is this nonsense comparing Dilly to Scoot and acting like Scoot is much better? Scoot’s game didn’t translate so far, jury is still at least out on Dilly. Who shot 44% from 3 PT I like those odds!

[skin27]

WTF is this nonsense comparing Dilly to Scoot and acting like Scoot is much better? Scoot’s game didn’t translate so far, jury is still at least out on Dilly. Who shot 44% from 3 PT I like those odds!

We're talking about pre nba draft.. scoot was a much better prospect than dilly leading to the draft..the only aspect of the game that i think dilly is better than scoot is shooting.

[NickiRasgo]

4th and 8th for DJM. :fro

[rascal]

Topic and Salaun will be the picks

[ginobilized]

My best guess is that teams will rely more heavily on the combine and individual workouts than on current scouting.
I bet a few teams fall in love with a player that is way out of mock draft alignment.

Spurs are in a great position to trade up, down or out of the draft this season if they don't find their preferred matches or see a more beneficial move. If they hold steady with picks 4 & 8 they should net 2 of: Dillingham, Sheppard, Buzellis, Topic, Holland, Risacher(?), Castle, Williams or some off the radar prospect. That looks like a phenomenal outcome to me!

[Death In June]

I’m wondering if this means the Atlanta picks become less valuable. Does this steer them away from blowing it up? It might be worth considering offering two of the three picks and one of your own for a star now before they cement themselves as mid level picks.

[scott]

Posted this in the Lotto thread, but is more fitting here:



Atlanta getting #1 is fascinating and really alters the complexion of this offseason. Do they stick with Trae and DJM, or do they still look to move one? For us, it might be best if they take Sarr and decide to run it back. I don't think Sarr will have a huge immediate impact in the W/L column so it should put ATL back in the lottery. On the flip side, this might be the opportunity that Atlanta needs to really retool. They could move one of Trae or DJM and build a more coherent roster around the player that is left and their new #1 pick. Trading DJM probably gives them more options to bring back useful players. But does Atlanta even take Sarr? He seems like the best fit here, but do they perhaps like Clingan more? Or do the try to move on from Hunter and Bey and look at Risacher as an ideal fit next to Jalen Johnson?
What will Washington do?!? Yeah, they "need everything" but they have quite the glut of wings. Deni, Kispert, Bilal, Kuzma. If they like those guys, Risacher might not be the direction they want to go. Their favorite PG *or* Clingan (or Sarr if Atlanta goes another direction) seem to make the most sense. From my personal agenda, I hope they fall in love with and take Topic.
Houston... wow. A lot here might depend on if they view Amen as a PG or a wing. Would they take a guy like Clingan and move Sengun to PF? They are loaded with wing depth already. Brooks, Jabari, Whitmore, Eason, Amen if they view him as a wing... My guess is they probably feel like they want to commit to Green (and I think he has shown enough up to now to do so)... so backup off-guard seems like a bad play. PG? Definitely makes sense with FVV entering the last year of his deal. Houston may look at an opportunity to consolidate some of their young talent and this pick and get a win-now veteran. Back to looking at Bridges? Khris Middleton? Maybe big S&T for Paul George? This might be the kind of scenario that Ainge would love to exploit in a deal for Lauri... this is really fascinating to me.

[objective]

Yeah Shepperd to Houston seems obvious. Great shooter to orbit Sengun and share point duties with Amen eventually as they supposedly see Amen as a future on ball guy

[scott]

Sheppard seems to make sense... but does it really? Do we think Houston is jazzed to use a #3 pick on a guy who projects to be a backup combo guard? Sheppard isn't going to displace Green, and I don't think Sheppard fits as a lead guard, and if Amen is going to be their PG of the future then there just isn't much room for him.

[BackHome]

Topic and Salaun will be the picks

Yeah, I was thinking that or maybe Topic and Howard could be the pick

[SpursGenius]

4th and 8th for DJM. :fro
Dumb

[SpursGenius]

Yeah, I was thinking that or maybe Topic and Howard could be the pick
Topic is a sub athlete. Game won’t translate in nba. Dude can’t even shoot.

[TD 21]

I’m wondering if this means the Atlanta picks become less valuable. Does this steer them away from blowing it up? It might be worth considering offering two of the three picks and one of your own for a star now before they cement themselves as mid level picks.

I don't think they were ever going to blow it up, in part because the Spurs control their draft for the next 3 years.

I also don't think it changes their plans. They were always likely to move one of Young or Murray and probably one of Capela or Okongwu.

I don't expect pre prime Sarr/Risacher to be such impact players as to dilute the value of the Spurs picks.

[R. DeMurre]

So funny to see how many comps for Reed Sheppard are predictably white guys: Donte DiVincenzo, Kirk Hinrich, John Stockton, Brandon Podziemski.. For the record, Sheppard's freshman raw & impact stats are much more impressive DiVincenzo's 3rd year numbers. I've seen a few others-- less lazy-- that say Mike Conley and Chauncey Billups. Can't wait for the Draft Combine!

[BackHome]

Scott you make a lot of valid points in your lotto thread - Just looking at Tankathon they have the following for the top 4:

1. Risacher - Atlanta
2. Sarr - Washington
3. Clingan - Houston
4. Topic - Spurs

I think Hawks could go either Risacher or Sarr and Washington will take either one and the Spurs will pick Topic

[skin27]

Topic and Salaun will be the picks
Im not surprised at all if they go with these 2..spurs way drafting international players

[Dverde]

Yeah Shepperd to Houston seems obvious. Great shooter to orbit Sengun and share point duties with Amen eventually as they supposedly see Amen as a future on ball guy

They have VanFleet to do all that. I don’t see any obvious need so they should be in the best player available mindset.

[ginobilized]

Spurs were rumored to be high on Amen Thompson. Might be a trade possibility there if Detroit wants a player at 4.
Spurs options are off the charts this draft.

If the Spurs keep both picks, they will get 2 of the top 8 players. That's the best outcome in this draft that I could foresee.

Houston will likely look for potential Wemby kryptonite and grab Clingan. If not, I wonder if the Spurs look at him? Seems tougher and bigger than Collins.

[rascal]

Topic is a sub athlete. Game won’t translate in nba. Dude can’t even shoot.

Spurs shy away from athleticism

[Bruno]

I think Spurs will promise #4 to Risacher. He and his agent will do their part to make it happen by not working out with teams.

Hawks should pick Sarr at #1. Wizards should go with a PG or Clingan at #2. The issue is Rockets at #3...

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1789763503537930375

[djohn2oo8]

They have VanFleet to do all that. I don’t see any obvious need so they should be in the best player available mindset.
Yep. I like Sheppard a lot. But it feels good to be able to go BPA.

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/DraftExpress/status/1789763503537930375

Where Buzelis lands is gonna be interesting. Those workouts could really show something. He could go 2. I don't think he goes Houston with JBS there. Detroit seems like a possibility. He may still be there at 8. It's a big swing.

I'd really think about him before Risacher.

[TD 21]

I think Spurs will promise #4 to Risacher. He and his agent will do their part to make it happen by not working out with teams.

Hawks should pick Sarr at #1. Wizards should go with a PG or Clingan at #2. The issue is Rockets at #3...

Presuming the Hawks go Sarr at 1 and the Spurs are interested in Risacher, why would the Wizards, early in their re-build, not go with him, shop him to them for 4 + and still have their pick of Topic, Dillingham or possibly Clingan?

[T Park]

I think Spurs will promise #4 to Risacher. He and his agent will do their part to make it happen by not working out with teams.

Hawks should pick Sarr at #1. Wizards should go with a PG or Clingan at #2. The issue is Rockets at #3...



Wemby gets what he wants I suppose.

[Silverheart80]

Assuming the Hawks select Sarr with the #1 pick -- what would be necessary for the Spurs to trade for him?

I'm not asking for opinions whether the Spurs should trade for him, or what anyone thinks of him as a Spur. I'm asking opinions on what would be the necessary package to acquire him, assuming the Hawks draft him.

Does #4 + #8 get it done?
#4 + Keldon?
#4 + Vassell?
Other?

[RC_Drunkford]

If the Spurs pick Topic over Dillingham I‘ma throw my TV off the balcony

[skin27]

If the Spurs pick Topic over Dillingham I‘ma throw my TV off the balcony

Dont be surprise if they do, spurs like to pick international players

[skin27]

Just watched knecht highlights, i think he's par with risacher as a prospect.

[DAF86]

Yep. I like Sheppard a lot. But it feels good to be able to go BPA.

Who do you see the Rockets' picking? What does the fanbase want?

[DAF86]

Guards: Dillingham, Sheppard, Topic.

Wings: Risacher, Buzelis, Knecht.

Our draft should stay among those 6 names, imho.

[DAF86]

Assuming the Hawks select Sarr with the #1 pick -- what would be necessary for the Spurs to trade for him?

I'm not asking for opinions whether the Spurs should trade for him, or what anyone thinks of him as a Spur. I'm asking opinions on what would be the necessary package to acquire him, assuming the Hawks draft him.

Does #4 + #8 get it done?
#4 + Keldon?
#4 + Vassell?
Other?

Unless the Hawks are super high on him, #4 and #8 should definitely get it done. That might be an overpay, though.

[Mr. Body]

Presuming the Hawks go Sarr at 1 and the Spurs are interested in Risacher, why would the Wizards, early in their re-build, not go with him, shop him to them for 4 + and still have their pick of Topic, Dillingham or possibly Clingan?

Why is Risacher worth trading up for?

[TD 21]

Why is Risacher worth trading up for?

Debatable, I'm just saying it's easy to envision the Spurs having interest.

At the very least, Dillingham and Topic have clearly not been their preferred archetype of lead guard.

[TimmehC]

Just to play devil's advocate, what about trading #4 to Portland for 7 and 15? In a supposedly "flat" draft I would think that makes a lot of sense. But it probably depends on who SA and POR are high on.

[kht]

In this league you need shooting. Size is secondary based on the success of smaller dynamic guards in this league. Anyhow, I'm excited.

[objective]

They have VanFleet to do all that. I don’t see any obvious need so they should be in the best player available mindset.

VanVleet I thought was only under contract for one more season unless I'm remembering things wrong

Being able to dump him and move on with a cheaper option makes sense.

[DAF86]

Would you trade #4 and #8 for role players such as Herb Jones and/or Naz Reid? I would, tbh.

The question is do Pelicans/Wolves accept such trades? If not, would they accept both lottery picks in exchange for their elite role players? Would that be an overpay for the Spurs?

[djohn2oo8]

Who do you see the Rockets' picking? What does the fanbase want?
Sheppard, Topic, maybe Clingan. Really like those 3.

[LeBowen]

Would you trade #4 and #8 for role players such as Herb Jones and/or Naz Reid? I would, tbh.

The question is do Pelicans/Wolves accept such trades? If not, would they accept both lottery picks in exchange for their elite role players? Would that be an overpay for the Spurs?

Unfortunately, not going to happen. Naz Reid will stay for one more year he's got left on his cheap deal.
Just before the lottery, there was a report saying that NOLA wants to move Ingram who's on an expiring deal.

[Gandalf]

Hope the Cavs flame out, Donovan realizes he’ll never win there as a one-man show and asks for a trade (ideally, to pair with Wemby), then Spurs trade #4, #8, Keldon and filler for him. :lol

[DAF86]

Unfortunately, not going to happen. Naz Reid will stay for one more year he's got left on his cheap deal.
Just before the lottery, there was a report saying that NOLA wants to move Ingram who's on an expiring deal.

Yeah, I know both, Pelicans and Wolves, are high on Jones and Reid respectively, but getting a top 10 pick for a role player is always worth considering. If you get offered, both, #4 and #8 , for said role player, the chance is almost too good to pass up. I think the Spurs could get those players if they really wanted to.

[Duncan2177]

Trade 4 and 8 for Cade Cunningham or LaMello Ball?

[RC_Drunkford]

1789746185852363108

1789745289387028962

[DAF86]

Trade 4 and 8 for Cade Cunningham or LaMello Ball?

Would do for Cade, but no way the Pistons do it. I might even add another unprotected first, tbh.

[Ignazzz]

Would do for Cade, but no way the Pistons do it. I might even add another unprotected first, tbh.
Or 2 or 3

[Dejounte]

I think Atlanta’s FO will try to sell to Trae that Sarr is the next Wemby. He’ll go #1.

Feels like Wizards would/ should go for Topic. Someone who complements Bilal well. Maybe they want to have a French connection with him and Risacher.

Rockets need a shooter so they’ll probably look at Rob, Reed, and Risacher.

Spurs with their 4th need an immediate contributor. I actually don’t mind Risacher at this spot. Rob and Reed would be good choices here. Castle too.

[Mr. Body]

I think Atlanta’s FO will try to sell to Trae that Sarr is the next Wemby. He’ll go #1.

Feels like Wizards would/ should go for Topic. Someone who complements Bilal well. Maybe they want to have a French connection with him and Risacher.

Rockets need a shooter so they’ll probably look at Rob, Reed, and Risacher.

Spurs with their 4th need an immediate contributor. I actually don’t mind Risacher at this spot. Rob and Reed would be good choices here. Castle too.

Yeah, I think we have

Sarr - Atlanta
Topic/Clingan - Washington
Sheppard - Houston

As for Risacher, I need someone to explain to me why they think he's going to be better than Julian Champagnie. Even his best outcome isn't vastly better than what we already have.

[mudyez]

With our first pick, I just hope for one of Topic, Risacher, Sarr falling to us (probably in that order and with Sarr beeing pretty surely gone).
If these are gone, let's roll with Buzelis.

As for #8, I hope one of Sheppard, Knecht and Holland is still on the board (also in that order).

I'm a sucker dor internationals and white players...but I trust our FO and if they believe in Dillingham, that could be a nice thing.

[vy65]

Would Cleveland do 4, 8, Keldon/Zollins, and Branham for Garland?

[Spurs Brazil]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/mock-draft

4 San Antonio Spurs
Rob Dillingham


Dillingham’s shiftiness in the backcourt would provide a stark contrast alongside Victor Wembanyama, giving the Spurs a potentially fascinating two-man combination that defenses can’t switch against. But after also landing the eighth pick courtesy of the Raptors, perhaps the Spurs could attempt to move up for their dream target or swing a trade for a proven player.

8 San Antonio Spurs
Cody Williams


Williams didn’t pop the way many hoped as a freshman at Colorado, but he still provides a rare blend of size, fluidity, and scoring upside. He could fit perfectly next to Wembanyama and Dillingham, giving the Spurs a tremendous young trio. And you can’t forget Jeremy Sochan or Devin Vassell, either. San Antonio would have a potentially deadly five-man lineup.

[Dejounte]

Yeah, I think we have

Sarr - Atlanta
Topic/Clingan - Washington
Sheppard - Houston

As for Risacher, I need someone to explain to me why they think he's going to be better than Julian Champagnie. Even his best outcome isn't vastly better than what we already have.

For the record, I don’t think he’ll be that much better. Just for me, it’ll be an easier pill to swallow to pick him with the 4th than 1st or 2nd like some crazies on here.


https://youtu.be/LbqnV7e4Szg?feature=shared

Rockets GM was in France to scout Risacher. I hope they take him tbh

[cutewizard]

two first round guys

[Dejounte]

At 5th, I think Detroit tries to inject winners or consummate professionals into their roster. I think options for them are Clingan, Castle, Sheppard, Risacher.

I think Ron Holland, Jakobe Walter, Dalton Knecht are guys the Hornets will be interested in.

Blazers will try to go for anything but guard probably. Anybody with length. Maybe Cody Williams, Buzelis since they don’t mind gleague players, Salaun.

[SpursGenius]

If the Spurs pick Topic over Dillingham I‘ma throw my TV off the balcony

would be a very spur and pop thing to do go for serbian who is a nonathlete and cant shoot.

I want Dilly, Bezelis, and Salaun. Make it happen BW

[PhantomDashCam]

Pretty cool result today.
I’m all in on Buzelis at #4 tbh. I think you then roll the dice that one of the Kentucky kids are available at #8.

[PhantomDashCam]

Delete

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1789804785891205452

[Dejounte]

My early mock draft:

1 - Hawks - Sarr
2 - Wizards - Topic
3 - Rockets - Risacher
4 - Spurs - Dillingham
5 - Detroit - Castle
6 - Hornets - Holland
7 - Blazers - Buzelis
8 - Spurs - Sheppard

[cutewizard]

lets see some choices

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcy23j4qwzM

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zHpMXG2448

[cutewizard]

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

[cutewizard]

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

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvHFBGs6fLo

[cutewizard]

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

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVg9sUkg41g

[cutewizard]

Salaun is worth a look by the Spurs hmmmmmm

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h42nyVPnfpA

[cutewizard]

everything is perspective

this is NOT a bad draft....there might be unsung heroes here

hmmmmmmm

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cm1SScEZOw

--------------------------------

poor man's poor man's Bird hehehehehe

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82Gjbisx4gA

--------------------------------------------

The Kryptonian name is nice, too

hahahahahahahahaha

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4YNtOzwD_M

[cutewizard]

also worth a look is Ryan Dunn

hmmmmmmmm

[cutewizard]

Spurs should have a look at Kai Sotto also
-------------------------------------------------


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV3Ned0QFL8

[Bruno]

Something to wonder for Spurs is what players will be picked between #4 and #8. The three teams between these picks are Pistons at #5, Hornets at #6 and Blazers at #7.

While there could be trades and/or teams go with the BPA regardless of his fit, I think:
- Pistons will go with a player able to shoot. Their young core really lack of shooting.
- I'm not sure what Hornets will do but their pick will have to fit with Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
- Blazers have a crowded backcourt. I doubt they draft a guard.

For example, if Topic is available at #4, there is a good chance he will still be there at #8.
Going with a SF at #4 and a PG at #8 seems to be the most promising for Spurs.

[Jordan Jackson]

Sarr did not look all that amused with the Hawks winning that pick.

Every top 10 prospect will be fighting for a shot at a spot on that Spurs roster.

[cutewizard]

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

[CGD]

Yeah Shepperd to Houston seems obvious. Great shooter to orbit Sengun and share point duties with Amen eventually as they supposedly see Amen as a future on ball guy

Houston feels most like the team that will trade out of the Top 5 given their mandate to win now. If they keep it Sheppard makes sense, though, the argument I’ve seen out there for Clingan also seems persuasive given Adams is expiring.

[DPG21920]

Something to wonder for Spurs is what players will be picked between #4 and #8. The three teams between these picks are Pistons at #5, Hornets at #6 and Blazers at #7.

While there could be trades and/or teams go with the BPA regardless of his fit, I think:
- Pistons will go with a player able to shoot. Their young core really lack of shooting.
- I'm not sure what Hornets will do but their pick will have to fit with Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
- Blazers have a crowded backcourt. I doubt they draft a guard.

For example, if Topic is available at #4, there is a good chance he will still be there at #8.
Going with a SF at #4 and a PG at #8 seems to be the most promising for Spurs.

I agree. All the ingredients are there for Spurs to take that route/risk. Not just because of what you said, but if Spurs start to get antsy, I don’t think trading up to 6 with CHA would be that difficult (pick 8 + CHA pick they owe us back for their pick 6).

Wanted to ask: how high are you on Risacher?

[Dejounte]

Houston feels most like the team that will trade out of the Top 5 given their mandate to win now. If they keep it Sheppard makes sense, though, the argument I’ve seen out there for Clingan also seems persuasive given Adams is expiring.

https://x.com/clutchfans/status/1789784219645829307?s=46

[CGD]

Something to wonder for Spurs is what players will be picked between #4 and #8. The three teams between these picks are Pistons at #5, Hornets at #6 and Blazers at #7.

While there could be trades and/or teams go with the BPA regardless of his fit, I think:
- Pistons will go with a player able to shoot. Their young core really lack of shooting.
- I'm not sure what Hornets will do but their pick will have to fit with Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
- Blazers have a crowded backcourt. I doubt they draft a guard.

For example, if Topic is available at #4, there is a good chance he will still be there at #8.
Going with a SF at #4 and a PG at #8 seems to be the most promising for Spurs.

Absolutely.

What’s more is that Memphis at 9 also doesn’t need a PG, and if they fall in love with someone that falls to 8, there may be an opportunity to do a small trade to net another asset.

Bottom line: take the best wing available at #4

[Dejounte]

If people are focused on wings, then maybe…

1 - Hawks - Sarr
2 - Wizards - Topic
3 - Rockets - Risacher
4 - Spurs - Buzelis
5 - Detroit - Castle
6 - Hornets - Holland
7 - Blazers - Sheppard
8 - Spurs - Knecht

[CGD]

https://x.com/clutchfans/status/1789784219645829307?s=46

Way to say nothing at all Rafael Stone.

[CGD]

Spurs should have a look at Kai Sotto also
-------------------------------------------------


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TV3Ned0QFL8

Here we go again…

[scott]

My early mock draft:

1 - Hawks - Sarr
2 - Wizards - Topic
3 - Rockets - Risacher
4 - Spurs - Dillingham
5 - Detroit - Castle
6 - Hornets - Holland
7 - Blazers - Buzelis
8 - Spurs - Sheppard

This is just my opinion of course, but I think this result is why you kind of have to take your choice of wing at 4, and be happy with what's left of Dilly/Sheppard/Castle at 8. I would personally view Dilly/Sheppard as a suboptimal outcome in this draft... but I also admit I'm not as knowledgeable on these players as you and others.

[Gibbz]

How much more than #8 + Keldon would it take to get Coby White from the Bulls?

[Gandalf]

I assume you mean Dillingham at 8, not Knecht? Why would we not draft any point at all?

Aside from it being the last thing anyone would expect. Dang it, answered my own question.

[scott]

If people are focused on wings, then maybe…

1 - Hawks - Sarr
2 - Wizards - Topic
3 - Rockets - Risacher
4 - Spurs - Buzelis
5 - Detroit - Castle
6 - Hornets - Holland
7 - Blazers - Sheppard
8 - Spurs - Knecht

I like this better... but if Holland is gone and Dilly is still there at 8 I think then you grab him

[DPG21920]

How much more than #8 + Keldon would it take to get Coby White from the Bulls?

Bulls aren’t trading Coby

[Dejounte]

Dilly is there at 8 but the presumption is that the Spurs want to get their PG of the future in 2025.

[jesterbobman]

Something to wonder for Spurs is what players will be picked between #4 and #8. The three teams between these picks are Pistons at #5, Hornets at #6 and Blazers at #7.

While there could be trades and/or teams go with the BPA regardless of his fit, I think:
- Pistons will go with a player able to shoot. Their young core really lack of shooting.
- I'm not sure what Hornets will do but their pick will have to fit with Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
- Blazers have a crowded backcourt. I doubt they draft a guard.

For example, if Topic is available at #4, there is a good chance he will still be there at #8.
Going with a SF at #4 and a PG at #8 seems to be the most promising for Spurs.

Mostly agree. I think some of the guards are open to being taken at some of the spots, but it seems sort of unlikely. I can only see one of those teams wanting a Kentucky guard, and no-one seems in play for Topic.

I think Detroit may be an option to take one of the Kentucky guards, given the need for shooting and the fact that Cade is big enough to cover wings, but Topic doesn't seem like an option for them at that point (they could trade the pick, other teams could move in with assets that help Detroit build a team that is more coherent). I think both Ivey and Ausar were defendable as BPA, but their bigs are such a mess and they made such weird rotation decisions that it's not clear how good Ivey is (empty calories low efficiency 2 guard, or awesome athlete that can beat anyone 1:1 and would be much better in a more spaced offence).

Castle could be an option at 6 as a defensive wing / guard that can cover between Ball and Miller, though Topic and the Kentucky guys don't make sense, as I think you want some defensive ability on the perimeter. Not a true PG but I could see him being valued if the Spurs want a big guard who they think can develop as a shooter.

Portland seems locked into wanting big wings, as Scoot / Simons (could be traded, Magic?) are good enough bets as primary ball handlers, and Sharpe should make Castle a lower option.

[Mr. Body]

Dilly is there at 8 but the presumption is that the Spurs want to get their PG of the future in 2025.

I don't think they're going to get their future anything in this draft and suspect they know this. They'll take swings, but the PGs are basically Topic or Dillingham and that's a huge stretch and unfair to them to expect a long-term starter there.

[onechance87]

Dilly is there at 8 but the presumption is that the Spurs want to get their PG of the future in 2025.

i mean thats not a for sure thing....Alot of scouts thought collier,protocter and others where top 10 lottery pg and
they didnt really show nothing.Can happen again next year.

[Mr. Body]

Mostly agree. I think some of the guards are open to being taken at some of the spots, but it seems sort of unlikely. I can only see one of those teams wanting a Kentucky guard, and no-one seems in play for Topic.

I think Detroit may be an option to take one of the Kentucky guards, given the need for shooting and the fact that Cade is big enough to cover wings, but Topic doesn't seem like an option for them at that point (they could trade the pick, other teams could move in with assets that help Detroit build a team that is more coherent). I think both Ivey and Ausar were defendable as BPA, but their bigs are such a mess and they made such weird rotation decisions that it's not clear how good Ivey is (empty calories low efficiency 2 guard, or awesome athlete that can beat anyone 1:1 and would be much better in a more spaced offence).

Castle could be an option at 6 as a defensive wing / guard that can cover between Ball and Miller, though Topic and the Kentucky guys don't make sense, as I think you want some defensive ability on the perimeter. Not a true PG but I could see him being valued if the Spurs want a big guard who they think can develop as a shooter.

Portland seems locked into wanting big wings, as Scoot / Simons (could be traded, Magic?) are good enough bets as primary ball handlers, and Sharpe should make Castle a lower option.

Castle could definitely go Hornets or Blazers. Hornets could use a stabilizing player who is a great defender. Blazers could use the same, although I do think they'll look at Holland or someone else on the wing. Scoot and Sharpe are so shaky on defense Castle could help... but Sharpe seems like an aimless player who won't bother playing much anyway.

[Dejounte]

i mean thats not a for sure thing....Alot of scouts thought collier,protocter and others where top 10 lottery pg and
they didnt really show nothing.Can happen again next year.

I don’t believe that’s their concrete plan or whatever. I was throwing a hypothetical and provided a reason why they could possibly go PG-less in this draft. I actually think they do get a PG in this draft like most people think they would. The Spurs are likely to get the player they want, IMO.

[DPG21920]

Would you do Keldon + pick 8 for Jaden Ivey + pick 5?

Clears 10M from SA, gets SA a guard with some upside but some risk too (not any more risky than other guards in this draft) and puts SA with picks 4 & 5 now.

[tbdog]

With so many lottery prospects with similar skill level and upside, surely the tryouts is going to be a bigger deal than ever.

[tbdog]

Would you do Keldon + pick 8 for Jaden Ivey + pick 5?

Clears 10M from SA, gets SA a guard with some upside but some risk too (not any more risky than other guards in this draft) and puts SA with picks 4 & 5 now.

Ivey has better value imo.

[DPG21920]

Ivey has better value imo.

Meaning you dont think DET would do it? I think Keldon is definitely the better player right now and is locked in a better deal overall than Ivey will be if you have to pay him in 2 seasons.

If you dont think Cade/Ivey are optimal, can you do better than Keldon?

[Dejounte]

Browsing the Hornets subreddit, consensus seems to be Castle, then Holland, then Williams.

Hawks board want Sarr.

Rockets board want Sheppard or to trade the pick.

Blazers subreddit seems to like Cody Williams, Salaun, Buzelis.
Wizards subreddit wants Topic.

Pistons subreddit is in shambles. Can’t get a good read because they’re all on suicide watch.

[djohn2oo8]

Browsing the Hornets subreddit, consensus seems to be Castle, then Holland, then Williams.

Hawks board want Sarr.

Rockets board want Sheppard or to trade the pick.

Blazers subreddit seems to like Cody Williams, Salaun, Buzelis.
Wizards subreddit wants Topic.

Pistons subreddit is in shambles. Can’t get a good read because they’re all on suicide watch.
Rockets board is nothing but idiots. They can pick any player at that point and not really go wrong. No use in trading for more picks.

[djohn2oo8]

I think Topic might be a good fit for the Spurs.

[benefactor]

Browsing the Hornets subreddit, consensus seems to be Castle, then Holland, then Williams.

Hawks board want Sarr.

Rockets board want Sheppard or to trade the pick.

Blazers subreddit seems to like Cody Williams, Salaun, Buzelis.
Wizards subreddit wants Topic.

Pistons subreddit is in shambles. Can’t get a good read because they’re all on suicide watch.
:lol

[Seventyniner]

Pistons subreddit is in shambles. Can’t get a good read because they’re all on suicide watch.

Wait until they find out that the suicide hotline phone number starts with 555.

[benefactor]

I think Topic might be a good fit for the Spurs.
I go back and forth in my mind on topic. I'm just not sure if his game will translate at this level. I feel like Dilly is the safer pick

[benefactor]

But that said, I would take topic at 8 for sure

[Russ]

But that said, I would take topic at 8 for sure

He probably won't even be there at 4.

[skin27]

I dont see anything special on Risacher. Why people here wants him so bad? It looks like knecht and Risacher have the same stuff of what they can bring on to a basketball court.

[benefactor]

He probably won't even be there at 4.
I'll be bumping this take for sure

[benefactor]

I dont see anything special on Risacher. Why people here wants him so bad? It looks like knecht and Risacher have the same stuff of what they can bring on to a basketball court.
No one is super far ahead of anyone in this top 10. It's the Wemby factor.

[exstatic]

Something to wonder for Spurs is what players will be picked between #4 and #8. The three teams between these picks are Pistons at #5, Hornets at #6 and Blazers at #7.

While there could be trades and/or teams go with the BPA regardless of his fit, I think:
- Pistons will go with a player able to shoot. Their young core really lack of shooting.
- I'm not sure what Hornets will do but their pick will have to fit with Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
- Blazers have a crowded backcourt. I doubt they draft a guard.

For example, if Topic is available at #4, there is a good chance he will still be there at #8.
Going with a SF at #4 and a PG at #8 seems to be the most promising for Spurs.

Spurs don’t draft like that. They set up a complete board, which this year will be 59 players, and when they’re on the clock, they pick the highest remaining player on their board. You can really outsmart yourself trying shit like that when it may not even be those teams picking in those positions.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/DpDo-lTZlqo?feature=shared

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/DpDo-lTZlqo?feature=shared

Says he’s been watching Jaden McDaniels the most because he’s one of the best defenders in the league. ^
Loves Tracy McGrady and is one of his favorite players ever.


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

[Knoxxx]

Maybe we should draft another couple 6 foot 5 shooting guards that might be able to play point?