2024 NBA Draft Thread

[CorrectCrusader]

https://i.imgur.com/isarZoY.png

[BatManu20]

Wonder if a ligament snapped on his jump? Didn't look like a particularly weird landing or anything.


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

Yea as soon as he planted that left leg it buckled on him. Usually signals an ACL injury. Hopefully that's not the case obv. Still sucks either way.

[mystargtr34]

Looks like a left knee ACL to me.

[Russ]

Looks like a left knee ACL to me.

Was his prior injury to the left knee?

[scott]

Sucks for Topic, don't want to see anyone injured... but I am relieved that we won't be drafting him.

[Knoxxx]

Topic should stay in and we choose him at 35.

[JPB]

Topic got injured on a play that was nothing special. To me, they made the gamble not to have a surgery on his knee after his January injury and it wasn't the right choice.

It really sucks for Topic. He can still withdraw from the draft and come back next year.

Yeah but problem is a knee injury can take as long as one year to recover, and another one to get back to your 100%. He's young, and someitmes you're back in 6 months but if it's really serious he shouldn't be back on the court before 2025 with NBA teams maybe reluctant to draft him before seeing his knee can stand one full season... He could as well enter the 2026 class.

[mystargtr34]

I wonder if, as Bruno mentioned, Risacher and his camp will be difficult and refuse workouts with the top 3 teams to try and get to the Spurs if the Spurs promise him at 4.

I don’t see the Hawks taking him at 1, but I can see both the Wiz and Rockets taking him at 2/3. Would they risk it though if he doesn’t work out for them.

[BatManu20]

Topic should stay in and we choose him at 35.

:lol He still wouldn't make it that far. Teams in the late 1st would take a chance on him, especially in such a shitty draft.

[BatManu20]

I wonder if, as Bruno mentioned, Risacher and his camp will be difficult and refuse workouts with the top 3 teams to try and get to the Spurs if the Spurs promise him at 4.

I don’t see the Hawks taking him at 1, but I can see both the Wiz and Rockets taking him at 2/3. Would they risk is though if he doesn’t work out for them.


Think Risacher is a lock to go 2 or 3 tbh. I personally think he goes 2 now with Topic's injury.

[couchman]

Oof that looked like ACL

[Robz4000]

Now the Spurs will have to draft Topic tbh. It's the classy thing to do.

[The Truth #6]

Castle with a better vert than expected I think.

[BatManu20]

Yea as soon as he planted that left leg it buckled on him. Usually signals an ACL injury. Hopefully that's not the case obv. Tough break for the kid.

Matas Buzelis you ARE a Spur.

[RC_Drunkford]

here I thought we can get Risacher and Dilly and now this. Hopefully the Rockets are stupid enough to take Clingan and the Wizards draft somebody else

[The Truth #6]

ROFL Walter the shooter who can't shoot

These drills are weird. I don't see Reed Sheppard. Bad shooting day? They should shoot like 100 shots to get a better sample.

[CorrectCrusader]

here I thought we can get Risacher and Dilly and now this. Hopefully the Rockets are stupid enough to take Clingan and the Wizards draft somebody else
Sheppard is a rocket

[CGD]

https://twitter.com/b92sport/status/1790109355448099237

Poor guy! That’s awful

[baseline bum]

Sucks for Topic, don't want to see anyone injured... but I am relieved that we won't be drafting him.

This injury looks like it makes it much more unlikely we can get Risacher at 4 :pctoss

[Mr. Body]

Christ on Topic. No idea what happens with him now. He probably stays in, but two bad knee injuries and he's going to drop. He was way too uncertain even before.

So... Washington does what? I could maybe see the Clingan scenario. Dillingham? Wild.

[Dejounte]

This injury looks like it makes it much more unlikely we can get Risacher at 4 :pctoss

Praise the Almighty!

[baseline bum]

These drills are weird. I don't see Reed Sheppard. Bad shooting day? They should shoot like 100 shots to get a better sample.

Sheppard looked pretty strong in the video someone posted an hour or two ago of his three point drill.

[JPB]

Castle with a better vert than expected I think.

Topic's one dropped a bit, suddenly.

[CGD]

This injury looks like it makes it much more unlikely we can get Risacher at 4 :pctoss

I don’t think it changes the equation at 4. Both Centers will be in the top 3, and the Spurs should have a choice between Risaxher and Matas.

[Mr. Body]

I guess it's now like...

Sarr
Clingan
Risacher

...

[Mr. Body]

Rox fans seem to prefer Sheppard at this point.

[benefactor]

So Matas at 4 and Dilly or Sheppard at 8?

[scott]

This injury looks like it makes it much more unlikely we can get Risacher at 4 :pctoss

Promise? Bonus!
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[benefactor]

Rox fans seem to prefer Sheppard at this point.
I'm hoping they do

[benefactor]

It's still not the end of the world. Might not get exactly what they want but they will still wind up with two very good players.

[Mr. Body]

IF it's Sarr - Clingan - Sheppard, we're fukkin going to take Risacher and that's going to suck.

[DPG21920]

I bet Spurs like Buzelis. I could absolutely see a Buzelis and Reed/Dillingham type draft for SA.

Size and competitiveness alongside shooting/shot creating.

My order is something fun like:

Buzelis + Risacher

Or

Buzelis + Reed/Dillingham/Holland

[scott]

Dream scenario 1: Matas + Holland
Dream scenario 2: Matas + Dilly

All should still be in play, though I could see Matas overtaking Risacher as the top wing prospect and climbing up to 2 if WAS doesn't like Clingan

[JPB]

I believe Zach goes to WAS.

[Mr. Body]

I believe he goes to WAS.

Washington has scads of forwards and Risacher just gets drowned out by their chuckers, although it could happen. Chatter on their boards is starting to suggest Castle.

[JPB]

Washington has scads of forwards and Risacher just gets drowned out by their chuckers, although it could happen. Chatter on their boards is starting to suggest Castle.

Castle is gonna get lot of love these next few days. One of the winner of this combine so far.

[Darkwaters]

Rox fans seem to prefer Sheppard at this point.

I don't watch much college basketball. But from what I've seen and read I think I prefer him also.

[Darkwaters]

Topic just suffered a potentially significant knee injury today

So you're saying the #35 pick might be in play?

[benefactor]

Topic just suffered a potentially significant knee injury today
ST is already all over it bro:lol

[Mugen]

That looks bad. Him going down changes up the Top 10 significantly tbh.

[Mugen]

ST is already all over it bro:lol

Damn must have missed it tbh

[baseline bum]

Wonder if Topic will stay in the draft and get some guaranteed money to rehab. I think he'd still go in the first round and wouldn't mind the Spurs cashing some of their second round picks in to try to get something in the 20s to pick him. Always thought he was high risk high reward but with a late first you're taking that risk level way down.

[djohn2oo8]

Sheppard is a rocket
Yep

[JPB]

Wonder if Topic will stay in the draft and get some guaranteed money to rehab. I think he'd still go in the first round and wouldn't mind the Spurs cashing some of their second round picks in to try to get something in the 20s to pick him. Always thought he was high risk high reward but with a late first you're taking that risk level way down.

I don't know, two knee injuries in 6 months obv add to the risk. But the reward is there if he can recover. Remains to be seen how many teams would take the risk and how high.

They took their chances with Zollins and it first looked like a succesful bet, not so much today with that contract.

[CGD]

Well, this probably makes Risacher + Topic more likely now.

[SpurSpike]

Does this mean Washington takes Dillingham? I feel like we have to take him at 4 now if he is available.

[vy65]

I still think Clingan makes a ton of sense for Washington. They literally do not have a center, so he fits a position of absolute need. They could easily view him as a defensive anchor behind Bilal and Deni, which would make for an imposing back line defense.

Who are they going to take instead? Dilly? When they have an enormous amount of money stuck in Poole? They have Tyus and played a second rounder a fair bit at the end of last year. They want to add a fourth pg to that mix?

Reed as an undersized 1/2 tweener makes more sense since their depth at that position is Landry fucking Shamet.

Maybe body is right and they go with Castle as a larger 1/2 tweener. But if they like what they see from Clingan, you have to think he goes there.

[baseline bum]

I don't know, two knee injuries in 6 months obv add to the risk. But the reward is there if he can recover. Remains to be seen how many teams would take the risk and how high.

They took their chances with Zollins and it first looked like a succesful bet, not so much today with that contract.

I would 100% cash out some of our seconds to take him say 28 from a team that doesn't want to pay a guaranteed contract to a rookie. That's a really low opportunity cost to add his talent and would only cost them maybe $7 million over three years.

[baseline bum]

I still think Clingan makes a ton of sense for Washington. They literally do not have a center, so he fits a position of absolute need. They could easily view him as a defensive anchor behind Bilal and Deni, which would make for an imposing back line defense.

Who are they going to take instead? Dilly? When they have an enormous amount of money stuck in Poole? They have Tyus and played a second rounder a fair bit at the end of last year. They want to add a fourth pg to that mix?

Reed as an undersized 1/2 tweener makes more sense since their depth at that position is Landry fucking Shamet.

Maybe body is right and they go with Castle as a larger 1/2 tweener. But if they like what they see from Clingan, you have to think he goes there.

Hope so since I don't want Clingan but they went high risk high reward last year and with such a trash roster not sure they'd be so conservative this year.

[John B]

What no hand measurements yet??

[CGD]

IF it's Sarr - Clingan - Sheppard, we're fukkin going to take Risacher and that's going to suck.

I think that’s how it will breakdown. I hope they give Matas a fair look at 4, but personally would be good with ZR there.

I would go apeshit if they take the PG at 4 tho. I’m praying WAS reverts to there old ways and take the question pick at 2, in this case Dillingham.

[vy65]

Hope so since I don't want Clingan but they went high risk high reward last year and with such a trash roster not sure they'd be so conservative this year.

I'm not a fan of Clingan, but is he really that conservative a pick? He figures to be a defensive presence with a three-point shot. Is his upside Sengun? Lower or higher? I don't know.

[ChumpDumper]

So Matas at 4 and Dilly or Sheppard at 8?That's pretty good if it happens. Matas' combine numbers are making me a little less anxious about the swing.

Holland's numbers aren't extraordinary but no bad surprises.

[John B]

So you're saying the #35 pick might be in play?

Man I’d give our SRP’s plus CHI FRP if he goes down to mid-teens.

[RC_Drunkford]

there's definitely a chance that Buzelis becomes the better player between him and Risacher. Risacher is more plug and play where Buzelis looks like a player you could develop into an iso scorer and he has that competitive edge. I still gotta watch more tape.

[baseline bum]

Well, this probably makes Risacher + Topic more likely now.

No way you're burning a #8 pick on Topic now when he's probably out next season and playing at maybe 60% the season after.

[Russ]

No way you're burning a #8 pick on Topic now when he's probably out next season and playing at maybe 60% the season after.

Might work out. Might even allow you to use some of those second round picks.

[vy65]

As long as we get Matas and avoid Knecht ...

[baseline bum]

I'm not a fan of Clingan, but is he really that conservative a pick? He figures to be a defensive presence with a three-point shot. Is his upside Sengun? Lower or higher? I don't know.

Can't say I expect Clingan to be much of a shooter, only hit threes at a 25% clip this season.

[duncan2150]

A Serbian journalist said it's not the knee but the back for topic. Strange https://twitter.com/LjubomirovicM/status/1790129776532885667

[CGD]

No way you're burning a #8 pick on Topic now when he's probably out next season and playing at maybe 60% the season after.

Oh wow, was it that bad? Didn’t realize they’ve announced he’d be out next season. Yeah that changes the equation.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

I still think Clingan makes a ton of sense for Washington. They literally do not have a center, so he fits a position of absolute need. They could easily view him as a defensive anchor behind Bilal and Deni, which would make for an imposing back line defense.

Who are they going to take instead? Dilly? When they have an enormous amount of money stuck in Poole? They have Tyus and played a second rounder a fair bit at the end of last year. They want to add a fourth pg to that mix?

Reed as an undersized 1/2 tweener makes more sense since their depth at that position is Landry fucking Shamet.

Maybe body is right and they go with Castle as a larger 1/2 tweener. But if they like what they see from Clingan, you have to think he goes there.

Washington has to take BPA. That roster is the biggest blank slate in the league. They are tearing it down to the studs. If they give the slightest consideration for anybody on their current roster, then they are the dumbest front office in the league. The only thing with any value on that team is Coulibaly and to a lesser extent, Avdija. Jordan Poole is hot garbage on the worst contract in the league. Kyle Kuzma is trade bait, and nothing more. Kispert is something worth monitoring. That team needs literally everything.

If Sarr is gone, I think they take Risacher. He's a swing for the fences. They have to take a swing for the fences. They just do.

[baseline bum]

Might work out. Might even allow you to use some of those second round picks.

Would you take him #8? I'd love to move into the late first and take him but definitely not at 8 nor anywhere above the 20s.

[rascal]

Might work out. Might even allow you to use some of those second round picks.

Why wouldn't Topic pull out of the draft if he isn't going to be a lottery pick anymore.

[Mugen]

Topic was very much a Wizards-esque pick tbh. I think this boost the possibility of them going Dillingham/Clingan/Risacher.

I really hope it's Clingan. They might be an interesting trade up partner now as well if they're sending out signals to the Spurs that they're going after their target.

One of Dillingham and Risacher should be available at #4 but now I think you have to take Dilly if he's there. He's not making it to #8 with Topic's injury.

[CGD]

Does this mean Washington takes Dillingham? I feel like we have to take him at 4 now if he is available.

One can only pray.

[Darkwaters]

Washington has to take BPA. That roster is the biggest blank slate in the league. They are tearing it down to the studs. If they give the slightest consideration for anybody on their current roster, then they are the dumbest front office in the league. The only thing with any value on that team is Coulibaly and to a lesser extent, Avdija. Jordan Poole is hot garbage on the worst contract in the league. Kyle Kuzma is trade bait, and nothing more. Kispert is something worth monitoring. That team needs literally everything.

If Sarr is gone, I think they take Risacher. He's a swing for the fences. They have to take a swing for the fences. They just do.

But that's the million dollar question. Who is the best player available at pick 2?

There is no shortage of answers.

[Pauleta14]

He didn't showcase himself because he's not that good. That's it. That's the reason.

I know I'm in the minority, we'll just have to wait and see who's right. However...

He's had a hand injury in the middle of the season and came bck with a Colorado team rolling, not easy to find his spot for a freshman.

He's shown great feel for the game especially on the defensive end, his wingspan allows him to cut lanes and great versatility and mobility on offense

I'm not worried about his shot, it's not awful to start with and it's a skill you can work on

He has too many things you can't teach

[Russ]

Why wouldn't Topic pull out of the draft if he isn't going to be a lottery pick anymore.

Because, in this draft, he may still be a lottery pick. (And even that's assuming it's an ACL which hasn't been confirmed yet.)

[baseline bum]

Oh wow, was it that bad? Didn’t realize they’ve announced he’d be out next season. Yeah that changes the equation.

Looked like ACL at first and was a non-contact injury where he had to be helped off the floor by two other people. But a tweet posted above said it was his back not his knee. No idea the credibility of the tweet. So a big ???? right now, which I guess is better than an ACL tear which costs you a season.

[TD 21]

Possible trade-up candidate: Risacher (at 2)
Most likely pick at 4: Buzelis, Sheppard
Possible pick at 4: Dillingham, Topic (pending diagnosis)
Most likely pick at 8: Dillingham, Topic (pending diagnosis), Salaun
Possible pick at 8: Castle, Holland, Williams, Carrington

[Raven]

No way you're burning a #8 pick on Topic now when he's probably out next season and playing at maybe 60% the season after.
you mean like denver did?

[Biggems]

I would be very happy if we were able to get Holland and Castle, no matter who comes first. In the 2nd, I would really like Dillon Jones and Tristen Newton.

Castle and Newton can both play PG and know how to win Championships. Holland is an athletic freak. Jones is a Swiss Army knife. Now, this would mean we didn't draft any bigs, but we still have 4-5 bags under contract already.

[Vienna]

Height w/o shoes 6'1.75" Standing Reach 7'9.50" Weight 181.6 Wingspan 6'3.25"

the closest comparison to Sheppards measurements I found are those from Kyrie Irving. Height w/o shoes 6‘1.75“, wingspan 6‘4.0“, weight 191. (Ky was not in top shape though. 10.2% body fat)

[Mr. Body]

Bizarre if it's his back, because the images suggested his knee buckled. Maybe he strained to keep weight off the knee and hurt his back? If so, that's probably good news.

[Dverde]

I could see Utah trading up to get Dilly if Spurs pass on him at #4.

[Bruno]

https://mozzartsport.com/kosarka/vesti/nikoli-topicu-stradalo-isto-koleno-ide-na-magnetnu-rezonancu/482176

Google translation:
"Nikola had a problem with the same knee. "He will go for an MRI, he will have an examination during the evening and on Tuesday morning his condition will be clearer," Sferopoulos said.

Sferopoulos is Topic's coach.

IIRC, Topic has quite a hefty buyout. It might be a factor in his decision to stay in the draft.

[baseline bum]

you mean like denver did?

It's like you're forgetting how hyped MPJ was and the expectations for him, and he was picked 14.

[Vienna]

I really hate to say it, but one of the big losers from day 1 is Jared McCain. I didn‘t expect much, but was hoping for a bit more height and a significantly better wingspan. The real damper are his test numbers. he is really slow and can‘t jump much. He didn‘t shoot that well either. (this one I would ignore, a few shots in a drill are not proving much)

[Mr. Body]

With Topic possibly sliding, this creates problems for our 8 pick.

Sarr, Risacher, Clingan, Buzelis, Castle, Sheppard, Holland, Dillingham, Cody Williams

Those are sort of a similar tier to me of nine players. After, there's Knecht, Filipowski, Walter, etc.

If Topic is out, the calculus has changed, as there's really only one other point guard at that level, Dillingham. (Not considering Sheppard a point, and Castle also more of an off-guard.) If the Spurs take a Risacher or Buzelis at 4, then the likely options at that tier could be slim at 8. Like, it could wind up being Clingan or Cody Williams, and a Risacher/Williams or Buzelis/Williams haul is pretty awkward imo.

[baseline bum]

With Topic possibly sliding, this creates problems for our 8 pick.

Sarr, Risacher, Clingan, Buzelis, Castle, Sheppard, Holland, Dillingham, Cody Williams

Those are sort of a similar tier to me of nine players. After, there's Knecht, Filipowski, Walter, etc.

If Topic is out, the calculus has changed, as there's really only one other point guard at that level, Dillingham. (Not considering Sheppard a point, and Castle also more of an off-guard.) If the Spurs take a Risacher or Buzelis at 4, then the likely options at that tier could be slim at 8. Like, it could wind up being Clingan or Cody Williams, and a Risacher/Williams or Buzelis/Williams haul is pretty awkward imo.

Yeah Topic was one of my better cases at 8 if they took a wing at 4.

[The Truth #6]

I don't see Dillingham lasting until 8. No way. Just my random opinion. I think they have to grab him at 4. Very few point guards available in that tier. Lots of wings available.

[Mugen]

Thank god the Spurs ended up in the top 4 tbh.

[The Truth #6]

Before the lottery I was looking for mid FRP value picks like McCain or Collier, but now, nope, not interested. For me, it's Dillingham at 4, and at 8 see who is left, possibly Buzelis, Holland, Williams, even Knecht, but that would be out of character for Brian Wright to draft a 24 year old, unless he has changed his approach.

[LeBowen]

Topic always looked like he could use another year in Europe, I guess he'll gamble in this draft. Feel bad for the kid, but I never wanted him.

I guess it's down to PATFO's estimation if Dillingham's scoring can translate to NBA level.
If not, just get two wings and get a veteran point guard.

[The Truth #6]

I'm not convinced teams will take Donovan Clingman in the top 4. He can't self create from what little I know so far about him. Maybe 5-10 range. Seems like he would have to go to a team that already has scorers and ball handlers. Just rambling...

[vy65]

Posted this in the wrong thread:

Updated back of the envelope projection, assuming Topic is out of the top 8

ATL: Sarr
WAS: ZR
HOU: Reed
SAS: Matas
DET: Knecht (they might get fucked the most with Topic gone; they need shooting and Dilly is too redundant)
CHA: Castle
POR: Holland
SAS: Dilly

That's sort of a best case scenario. Another one where WAS opts for a pg is less favorable

ATL: Sarr
WAS: Dilly
HOU: Reed
SAS: ZR
DET: Matas
CHA: Castle
POR: Holland
SAS: Knecht? C. Williams?

Things get pretty dire for #8 in a world where Washington opts for Dilly. In that scenario, ZR is in play at 4 and I worry that we opt for that over Matas. With Topic gone, and WAS takes a pg, then that likely blocks the scenario where there is an ill-fitting guard falling past non-PG needing teams like POR/CHA. I would absolutely hate to waste a top 10 pick on Dalton fucking Connect. We really need at least one, if not two, things to happen: Clingan goes top 8 and/or there is a non top-8 riser like Connect, Collier, Williams, etc.

[CorrectCrusader]

Take the wing at 4 and the guard that's available at 8. Matas/Castle or Zacc/Dilly

[ginobilized]

The drama around this draft seems to be escalating daily. It's crazy how much the landscape has shifted in 24 hrs.
Only 6.5 weeks until the draft.

If Topic was the Spurs top guy, this could call for a radical Plan B. Trading up, back or out could all be at play. Topic's buyout might make grabbing him later less likely, depending on the amount.

Are Trae Young or DJM options now? Is #4 too high for Dillingham? Has Buzelis' stock risen to get him at 4 or 8? Will Sheppard go top 3?

All I can say is this "crappy" draft looks incredibly interesting to see how it plays out.

[FireMicoHalili]

anyone here who actually watched the top picks’ games? Or at least the NCAA tourney? How’s Dillingham’s defense?

[BatManu20]

I'm not convinced teams will take Donovan Clingman in the top 4. He can't self create from what little I know so far about him. Maybe 5-10 range. Seems like he would have to go to a team that already has scorers and ball handlers. Just rambling...

If he doesn't go 3 to HOU, I could see him falling a bit. He's not making is past MEM at 9 imo. They need a defensive C to replace Steven Adams badly.

[baseline bum]

Posted this in the wrong thread:

Updated back of the envelope projection, assuming Topic is out of the top 8

ATL: Sarr
WAS: ZR
HOU: Reed
SAS: Matas
DET: Knecht (they might get fucked the most with Topic gone; they need shooting and Dilly is too redundant)
CHA: Castle
POR: Holland
SAS: Dilly

That's sort of a best case scenario. Another one where WAS opts for a pg is less favorable

ATL: Sarr
WAS: Dilly
HOU: Reed
SAS: ZR
DET: Matas
CHA: Castle
POR: Holland
SAS: Knecht? C. Williams?

Things get pretty dire for #8 in a world where Washington opts for Dilly. In that scenario, ZR is in play at 4 and I worry that we opt for that over Matas. With Topic gone, and WAS takes a pg, then that likely blocks the scenario where there is an ill-fitting guard falling past non-PG needing teams like POR/CHA. I would absolutely hate to waste a top 10 pick on Dalton fucking Connect. We really need at least one, if not two, things to happen: Clingan goes top 8 and/or there is a non top-8 riser like Connect, Collier, Williams, etc.

Damn I really don't want to see Clingan at 9 to Memphis or OKC trading up from 12 to say Portland at 7 to get him.

[CorrectCrusader]

If the Raptors are smart they're calling Memphis for #9

[vy65]

Damn I really don't want to see Clingan at 9 to Memphis or OKC trading up from 12 to get him.

OKC with him would be brutal. Hopefully, WAS takes him at 2, or trades down. Problem is that OKC has more than enough assets going forward that it makes a lot of sense for them to spend some and go from 12 to 2.

[rascal]

Damn I really don't want to see Clingan at 9 to Memphis or OKC trading up from 12 to say Portland at 7 to get him.

How about Edey to OKC

[rjv]

Well the Spurs aren't picking him now, so there's that

unless he stays in the draft and is available in the 2nd round, as a draft and stash. but i seriously doubt that topic would go that route.

[scott]

Felt good about the strategy to grab Matas at 4 and wait until 8 to grab Dilly... but Topic's injury really throws a monkey wrench into that plan. I still probably rate Buzelis above Dilly... but if we could go Dilly at 4 and Holland at 8 I'd still be happy, but I have doubt Holland lasts until then. Don't really want Cody Williams and he might be what you end up with at 8 if you take Dilly at 4.

I didn't want Topic, but his injury definitely is mucking things up.

[Mr. Body]

If the Raptors are smart they're calling Memphis for #9

Why?

[heyheymymy]

"that was not difficult"

::sips cappuccino::

:bobo

[mo7888]

Zach Edey beat Sarr on the lane agility time with 11.19 secs to 11.43 secs

Most surprising number I've seen so far...

[vy65]

Felt good about the strategy to grab Matas at 4 and wait until 8 to grab Dilly... but Topic's injury really throws a monkey wrench into that plan. I still probably rate Buzelis above Dilly... but if we could go Dilly at 4 and Holland at 8 I'd still be happy, but I have doubt Holland lasts until then. Don't really want Cody Williams and he might be what you end up with at 8 if you take Dilly at 4.

I didn't want Topic, but his injury definitely is mucking things up.

Without Topic, you'd think they'd go for their #1 priority - whether it be a wing (ZR/Matas) or lead guard (Dilly/Shepherd). And then see what detritus falls to #8. Which probably means we're getting Connect, unless by some miracle he goes higher.

[CorrectCrusader]

Why?

Poeltl for 9

[John B]

unless he stays in the draft and is available in the 2nd round, as a draft and stash. but i seriously doubt that topic would go that route.

:pop: Topic I’m drafting you at 8th so go fake an injury

[SpursGenius]

combine numbers coming in Shep at 42 inch vertical

[baseline bum]

OKC with him would be brutal. Hopefully, WAS takes him at 2, or trades down. Problem is that OKC has more than enough assets going forward that it makes a lot of sense for them to spend some and go from 12 to 2.

Trading with Washington would be expensive but gotta think they'd pounce on that Portland pick if he gets past Charlotte. Blazers probably don't want Clingan when they just traded for Ayton and OKC can easily offer them better value than whatever they would pick there with 12 and a future first.

[John B]

combine numbers coming in Shep at 42 inch vertical

I’m waiting for the hands size and I’m sold

[baseline bum]

Felt good about the strategy to grab Matas at 4 and wait until 8 to grab Dilly... but Topic's injury really throws a monkey wrench into that plan. I still probably rate Buzelis above Dilly... but if we could go Dilly at 4 and Holland at 8 I'd still be happy, but I have doubt Holland lasts until then. Don't really want Cody Williams and he might be what you end up with at 8 if you take Dilly at 4.

I didn't want Topic, but his injury definitely is mucking things up.

Topic's knee injury is like hearing Texas Tech burned down after you sent all your college applications off and now you're stuck making Southwest Texas your safety school.

[heyheymymy]

Was really counting on Topic to inject some fluidity to the top 8 and push down some goods to SAs TOR pick

Hopefully the combine spotlights some other names to pull up

[ginobilized]

I just hope OKC doesn't get Clingan or his faster counterpart Edey. They'd be so tough with a physical 7'3" player.
Finger crossed that both behemoths go east.

[LeBowen]

What exactly does Buzelis excels at to warrant a #4 pick?
Bad shooter, qeustionable handles, average wingspan, subpar defender.

Yeah, theoretically he can put it together, but when a player has so many question marks around him, it rarely works out.

That's why I'd rather have Risacher or Holland.
Worst case scenario they can be good defenders and develop a servicable shot.

[z0sa]

Damn, just heard about Topic's injury. Disappointing.

[Dejounte]

What exactly does Buzelis excels at to warrant a #4 pick?
Bad shooter, qeustionable handles, average wingspan, subpar defender.

Yeah, theoretically he can put it together, but when a player has so many question marks around him, it rarely works out.

That's why I'd rather have Risacher or Holland.
Worst case scenario they can be good defenders and develop a servicable shot.

Buzelis has the versatility people think Zaccharie has tbh. He moves way better with the ball for a player his height.

[LeBowen]

Buzelis has the versatility people think Zaccharie has tbh. He moves way better with the ball for a player his height.

But we don't really need a forward to move with the ball. We need a forward who's going to defend, be a threat from deep and make timely cuts.
We're looking for a point guard, Devin can be the secondary creator and Victor will also have the ball. We don't need five players capable of initiating the offense.

To put things into perspective, I'd rather have MPJ than Franz Wagner.

[Dejounte]

But we don't really need a forward to move with the ball. We need a forward who's going to defend, be a threat from deep and make timely cuts.We're looking for a point guard, Devin can be the secondary creator and Victor will also have the ball. We don't need five players capable of initiating the offense.To put things into perspective, I'd rather have MPJ than Franz Wagner.Hmm, to each his own then. When Wemby sits, I don’t want this team’s offense and defense to go to shit. I like the old Spurs’ way of all 48 minutes being dominant and that doesn’t really happen on a team full of one dimensional players. I get that Vassell is a guy who can shoulder the team when Wemby sits, but that’s not enough.

[heyheymymy]

COMBINE SURPRISES:

- Reed Sheppard leads all in max vert at 42"

- Edey posting faster lane agility time than IQ, Bufkin, or Jaquez Jr.

- Castle leads all at 3 point star drill! 72% (18/25). Holland (9/25) worse than Clingan and Dunn lol

[update: Alex Karaban new 3PT Star drill leader with 82% (21/25); Castle now 3-way tied for #2 with Knecht/Tyson]

- Edey beats Clingan at 3/4 sprint and almost beat Sarr

- Edey with a higher 3PT Star drill score than Carrington, Klintman and McCain!

- Sarr having a great combine, 100% FT drill (10/10); Holland at (9/10) also a good shooting signal sign

- Klintman top 3 spot up shooter drill 68% (17/25); Holland at #4! with 60% (15/25)

feel free to add to this list with any other eye popping or unexpected results. Also welcome all corrections, thanks!

[objective]

Buzelis is Samanic with less quitting and less eastern bloc prison tattoos

Anyway

Mogbo only 6-6.25" barefoot, probably 6-8 in shoes. But with a 7-2 wingspan as related on Reddit. Smaller size then I'd hoped, even with that length and motor it would be hard to play him as he currently has zero shooting in his game

[scott]

Topic's knee injury is like hearing Texas Tech burned down after you sent all your college applications off and now you're stuck making Southwest Texas your safety school.

This one cut deep as an SWT alum, but... yeah I think you nailed it

[LeBowen]

When Wemby sits, I don’t want this team’s offense and defense to go to shit.

That's why I've been saying that getting a good backup rim protector is a must.


I like the old Spurs’ way of all 48 minutes being dominant and that doesn’t really happen on a team full of one dimensional players. I get that Vassell is a guy who can shoulder the team when Wemby sits, but that’s not enough.

But every iteration of those rosters had guys who did nothing with the ball. After Bowen retired, we couldn't get past the hump until we drafted nephew. If not for that tragic choke, Danny would've won the FMVP with nothing but defense, cuts and c&s 3pts.

Assuming that Spurs don't trade anyone away, I kind of want triple threat playmaker, Devin, a couple of 3-D wings and Wemby starting. Obviously it would be better if one of those wings could handle the ball well, but not a must.
Then have Tre-Keldon-Jeremy off the bench with one of those forwards always on the floor for spacing and a solid rim protector.

[Dejounte]

That's why I've been saying that getting a good backup rim protector is a must.



But every iteration of those rosters had guys who did nothing with the ball. After Bowen retired, we couldn't get past the hump until we drafted nephew. If not for that tragic choke, Danny would've won the FMVP with nothing but defense, cuts and c&s 3pts.

Assuming that Spurs don't trade anyone away, I kind of want triple threat playmaker, Devin, a couple of 3-D wings and Wemby starting. Obviously it would be better if one of those wings could handle the ball well, but not a must.
Then have Tre-Keldon-Jeremy off the bench with one of those forwards always on the floor for spacing and a solid rim protector.

Those teams with Nephew had multiple creators. This team only has one and a half (Wemby and Vassell). Please don’t attribute the success of that run to Danny Green ever again, lol.

[SpursBills]

With as flat as the top of this draft is, I wonder if Portland would be willing to do 7 and 14 for 4. Pick up two raw wings with 7 and 8 then pick up Devin Carter At 14 ahead of Miami as an immediate contributing combo guard who can also act as your point of attack defender for quick guards And give you the rebounding support that you need trying to play Sochan at the 4. He’s 6’3.5” in shoes with a 6’9” wingspan so can easily guard up.

[PhantomDashCam]

A decent read.

1788584489184059399

[objective]

That's why I've been saying that getting a good backup rim protector is a must.

Earlier today I was watching notable draft twitter & YouTube Draftnik Ben Pfeiffer's newest video about how he thinks Yves Missi is such a shotblocking stud and defensive potential guy that he should be a top 10 pick, so maybe that could be some outside the box thinking at 8 ....

But Pfeiffer also LOVED Zach Collins in college as a defensive superstar .... So I'm pretty down on Pfeiffer's ability to judge talent for the NBA lol

[LeBowen]

Those teams with Nephew had multiple creators. This team only has one and a half (Wemby and Vassell).

And we're looking for a point guard. Three creators in the starting lineup is enough.
Then we either develop Tre some more or get a backup point guard. Jeremy will never be a primary ballhandler, but he's certainly doing something and creates chaos.


Please don’t attribute the success of that run to Danny Green ever again, lol.

He was just a product of the system. But every contender in the modern NBA needs elite off the ball players to space the floor.
One thing Jokic said always stuck to me. He talked about how KCP is scary good because he requires no attention from coaches or plays called for him, but he's in the right place every single time even if you don't tell him to get to that spot. On both ends of the floor.

This isn't a draft to get superstars, especially not with #8 pick. Taking a swing with Dillingham and hoping he's the next Kyrie seems fair enough, but we must get that defensive wing with the other pick.

[Knoxxx]

Without Topic, you'd think they'd go for their #1 priority - whether it be a wing (ZR/Matas) or lead guard (Dilly/Shepherd). And then see what detritus falls to #8. Which probably means we're getting Connect, unless by some miracle he goes higher.

Knecht just jumped 39” with good size and length he doesn’t sound like any booby prize whatsoever at 8

[vy65]

We already have connect on our team. He’s #24.

[Chinook]

Collier being 6-2.5 without shoes is a huge win for him. I don't think people are completely calibrated to the new NBA height listings yet. But Collier legit has good PG size. He's taller than Dillingham, Sheppard, Castle and McClain. He is less than an inch shorter than Derrick White and is taller than Marcus Smart. He really needed that size to support the idea that he can be a PG who can overpower his man on the way to the rim. You'd want him to have that extra inch to make him more versatile on both ends. But he may start moving back up boards as people try to figure out how much weight they can place on bad situations like USC and the Ignite.

[PhantomDashCam]

One of my guys this draft. Wish he was playing at the combine.

1790090629239668953

1790080581654479026

[vy65]

Champegnie is better suited as an off the bench wing. Connect is an awkward fit with him and, to a lesser extent, Branham. I don’t know one is head and shoulders above the other - but taking Connect creates an unnecessary logjam with middling talent. You also need playmaking in addition to shooting on the wing. Connect is not a playmaker. I’d rather trade out from 8 than take another black hole shooting guard without size.

[The Truth #6]

If Washington drafts Dillingham then pivot and sign Tyus Jones to a two year contract and draft two small forwards. Just throwing out ideas.

[mo7888]

Knecht just jumped 39” with good size and length he doesn’t sound like any booby prize whatsoever at 8

Knecht can play the 2/3 and Matas, Zaccharie, and Tidjane can play the 3/4.

[mo7888]

Collier being 6-2.5 without shoes is a huge win for him. I don't think people are completely calibrated to the new NBA height listings yet. But Collier legit has good PG size. He's taller than Dillingham, Sheppard, Castle and McClain. He is less than an inch shorter than Derrick White and is taller than Marcus Smart. He really needed that size to support the idea that he can be a PG who can overpower his man on the way to the rim. You'd want him to have that extra inch to make him more versatile on both ends. But he may start moving back up boards as people try to figure out how much weight they can place on bad situations like USC and the Ignite.

He's not taller than Castle, but he is on the rest of them.....

[The Truth #6]

Collier being 6-2.5 without shoes is a huge win for him. I don't think people are completely calibrated to the new NBA height listings yet. But Collier legit has good PG size. He's taller than Dillingham, Sheppard, Castle and McClain. He is less than an inch shorter than Derrick White and is taller than Marcus Smart. He really needed that size to support the idea that he can be a PG who can overpower his man on the way to the rim. You'd want him to have that extra inch to make him more versatile on both ends. But he may start moving back up boards as people try to figure out how much weight they can place on bad situations like USC and the Ignite.

Hmm. Measuring 6 2.5" is a win? I feel the combine didn't do him any favors. I think private workouts will need to go well for him. And I'm someone who has wanted to give him a shot. Still do, but maybe only at 8. But that's a stretch.

[Chinook]

Those teams with Nephew had multiple creators. This team only has one and a half (Wemby and Vassell). Please don’t attribute the success of that run to Danny Green ever again, lol.

I don't think it makes sense to pretend that Green wasn't vital to the Spurs' success during the Medium Three years. Danny went on to win two titles after leaving the Spurs. He proved himself as a role-player in a way few get a chance to. It took the Spurs years to find him, and they haven't been able to replace him since. There have been other great role-players, but Danny has a great case for being the defining role-player of his era. If there were a player in this draft that you knew was going to be Danny Green 2.0, he'd easily be worth fourth pick.

[Gandalf]

:pop: Topic I’m drafting you at 8th so go fake an injury

This thought occurred to me; maybe even a Willy Wonka draft moment when the Spurs call his name, he hobbles on crutches a few steps toward the podium, then tosses them down, rolls, and leaps over the stairs onto the stage. :p:

[mystargtr34]

One of the better mock drafts I’ve seen is this one from CBS

https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-mock-draft-70-who-will-the-hawks-take-at-no-1-our-projections-for-every-pick-with-lottery-order-now-set-195807070.html

The only one I’m a strong disagree on is Topic at 4 for the Spurs, especially after the injury.

[Dejounte]

I don't think it makes sense to pretend that Green wasn't vital to the Spurs' success during the Medium Three years. Danny went on to win two titles after leaving the Spurs. He proved himself as a role-player in a way few get a chance to. It took the Spurs years to find him, and they haven't been able to replace him since. There have been other great role-players, but Danny has a great case for being the defining role-player of his era. If there were a player in this draft that you knew was going to be Danny Green 2.0, he'd easily be worth fourth pick.

My point is that super role players like Danny still have to be set up for success. And we don’t have anyone to set up a player like that. Danny had guys like Diaw, Manu, Tony, Nephew, Timmy passing to him. Danny in his prime on next year’s team (if it stayed largely the same) would be half the player he is because of how inept the team is in the playmaking department.

[DPG21920]

I don't see Dillingham lasting until 8. No way. Just my random opinion. I think they have to grab him at 4. Very few point guards available in that tier. Lots of wings available.

Take your wing at 4, trade CHA pick 8 + their pick back to move to 6.

[DPG21920]

Felt good about the strategy to grab Matas at 4 and wait until 8 to grab Dilly... but Topic's injury really throws a monkey wrench into that plan. I still probably rate Buzelis above Dilly... but if we could go Dilly at 4 and Holland at 8 I'd still be happy, but I have doubt Holland lasts until then. Don't really want Cody Williams and he might be what you end up with at 8 if you take Dilly at 4.

I didn't want Topic, but his injury definitely is mucking things up.

Im good with Risacher, Dilly, Reed, Cody or Holland so taking Buzelis at 4 still makes sense to me.

[LeBowen]

My point is that super role players like Danny still have to be set up for success. And we don’t have anyone to set up a player like that.

That's why we have two picks.


Danny in his prime on next year’s team (if it stayed largely the same) would be half the player he is because of how inept the team is in the playmaking department.

Don't forget the other side of the floor. We have zero point of attack defenders. It's all about team defense these days, but we need someone to harass ballhandlers and make them uncomfortable.

[TXstbobcat]

This one cut deep as an SWT alum, but... yeah I think you nailed it

fellow Bobcat here lol

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/blob:https://www.spurstalk.com/990034dd-08db-449a-a7df-f3911b81e304

[Chinook]

My point is that super role players like Danny still have to be set up for success. And we don’t have anyone to set up a player like that. Danny had guys like Diaw, Manu, Tony, Nephew, Timmy passing to him. Danny in his prime on next year’s team (if it stayed largely the same) would be half the player he is because of how inept the team is in the playmaking department.

Danny's best year came in 2014-2015 when the Spurs had to rely on him a lot more. That was the year that Danny and Tim almost beat the Grizzlies with everyone else out -- and Tim fouled out in OT. He had gears that most other role-players don't, including the ability to step into a larger offensive role when key guys were missing. Danny definitely benefitted from playing with others -- just as they benefitted from playing with him. But on this year's Spurs team, he'd be a clear positive. Best perimeter defender and a guy who can get points off Sochan and Vassell just as he did from Parker and Manu. He showed that when he got it down with other teams without the same amazing chemistry and 1-5 play-making.

[Chinook]

He's not taller than Castle, but he is on the rest of them.....

Unless ABC is lying, yes he is? Castle's only 6-2.25 without shoes. EDIT: Ah, I see that was a mistake that a lot of outlets haven't updated. I looked up multiple sources and it was Reddit of all places that mentioned the error.


Hmm. Measuring 6 2.5" is a win? I feel the combine didn't do him any favors. I think private workouts will need to go well for him. And I'm someone who has wanted to give him a shot. Still do, but maybe only at 8. But that's a stretch.

Yes, 6-2.5 is tall for a PG. We're used to shoes measurements for some of the older guys, but many combo and two-guards are smaller than him. If he'd been 6-1 like Bronny, it would've destroyed his value. Unlike everyone else, dude's size wasn't exaggerated in college, which is a big win for him.

[alfahdlan]

One of the better mock drafts I’ve seen is this one from CBS

https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-mock-draft-70-who-will-the-hawks-take-at-no-1-our-projections-for-every-pick-with-lottery-order-now-set-195807070.html

The only one I’m a strong disagree on is Topic at 4 for the Spurs, especially after the injury.

In that draft, hope spurs take Reed vice Topic.

[exstatic]

I'm not a fan of Clingan, but is he really that conservative a pick? He figures to be a defensive presence with a three-point shot. Is his upside Sengun? Lower or higher? I don't know.

He shot 25% on 0.2 attempts per game last year, and shot 58% on FTs. Not going to be a shooter any time soon.

[scott]

I'm keeping an eye on some of these former projected lottery picks now projected in the 2nd. Not because I want them, but because I think it just goes to show how off-base early season mocks can be.

Justin Edwards and Ryan Dunn now mocked in the mid second in that lastest CBS mock.

[exstatic]

Collier being 6-2.5 without shoes is a huge win for him. I don't think people are completely calibrated to the new NBA height listings yet. But Collier legit has good PG size. He's taller than Dillingham, Sheppard, Castle and McClain. He is less than an inch shorter than Derrick White and is taller than Marcus Smart. He really needed that size to support the idea that he can be a PG who can overpower his man on the way to the rim. You'd want him to have that extra inch to make him more versatile on both ends. But he may start moving back up boards as people try to figure out how much weight they can place on bad situations like USC and the Ignite.

For a guy who doesn’t shoot or pass particularly well, his 34” vert was a dick punch to his chances. He was selling athleticism, and face planted on the vert.

[mo7888]

I'm keeping an eye on some of these former projected lottery picks now projected in the 2nd. Not because I want them, but because I think it just goes to show how off-base early season mocks can be.

Justin Edwards and Ryan Dunn now mocked in the mid second in that lastest CBS mock.

Don't forget DJ Wagner..

[Chinook]

For a guy who doesn’t shoot or pass particularly well, his 34” vert was a dick punch to his chances. He was selling athleticism, and face planted on the vert.

He was a below-the-rim scorer at USC, so this isn't really a surprise. He's not really going to blow past his man. He's going to have to overpower him, which is why that size measurement was so huge. On the other hand, Dilly's size measurement doesn't affect how I see him at all.

[The Truth #6]

Collier's advantage is his athleticism and power in my opinion He's still stout. But his vertical wasn't great. Wingspan nothing great. If we think Castle is actually 6'2" then I suppose Collier doesn't stand out negatively in relationship to the others. But this feels like low expectations. And again, I want Collier to be a good prospect because he can get to the rim and isa point guard. But I don't see his stock rising today. He still may be a value like Keyonte George but that remains to be seen.

[Ariel]

I'm not a fan of Clingan, but is he really that conservative a pick? He figures to be a defensive presence with a three-point shot. Is his upside Sengun? Lower or higher? I don't know.
Defensive presence, sure... BUT 3 POINT SHOT???!!! :lol Dude was 2/9 from 3 in his entire college career, and shot 55.8% from the line. He's closer to Poeltl than a floor spacer.

[Chinook]

Collier's advantage is his athleticism and power in my opinion He's still stout. But his vertical wasn't great. Wingspan nothing great. If we think Castle is actually 6'2" then I suppose Collier doesn't stand out negatively in relationship to the others. But this feels like low expectations. And again, I want Collier to be a good prospect because he can get to the rim and isa point guard. But I don't see his stock rising today. He still may be a value like Keyonte George but that remains to be seen.

So it turns out that Castle's height was misreported and it's actually 6-4.5, which means his height is right in line with what was assumed in school. He doesn't quick have SF size, but he has good size for a guard. I think the narrative Collier needs to hit is that he's fundamentally more of the guy coming out of high school than the guy he was at the start of his USC season. Him establishing legit size and showing flashes to end the year is a big step toward encouraging teams to ignore last year. He would've helped himself more if he jumped out of the gym, but he's a guy who's scrimmage performance could be a huge swing factor. How he takes NBA-level coaching and operates with more talented teammates will give a better view on where he actually is and where he can go.

[DPG21920]

I like Castle a decent amount. His defense is consistent, has the size to be one of the biggest legit point guards, but man the lack of confidence or offensive motor bugs me.

[exstatic]

Collier's advantage is his athleticism and power in my opinion He's still stout. But his vertical wasn't great. Wingspan nothing great. If we think Castle is actually 6'2" then I suppose Collier doesn't stand out negatively in relationship to the others. But this feels like low expectations. And again, I want Collier to be a good prospect because he can get to the rim and isa point guard. But I don't see his stock rising today. He still may be a value like Keyonte George but that remains to be seen.

He’s not. That Twitter account that was posting measurements mixed up his with someone else’s measurements. I don’t want to dig back through, but I think he measured 6’4.5” barefoot,which translates to 6’5.5”-6’6” in shoes,his listed height. Don’t recall the wingspan, but it was good.

[exstatic]

I like Castle a decent amount. His defense is consistent, has the size to be one of the biggest legit point guards, but man the lack of confidence or offensive motor bugs me.

It’s not a matter of motor. He played in a ball sharing high level motion offense. It’s not designed for anyone to take over.

[heyheymymy]

Don't forget DJ Wagner..

good call wtf happened there

wasn't he supposed to be the premiere recruit at UK last season, shit top of entire 23 class? He was like 4th down the list of contributors for Wildcats let alone NCAA best

[exstatic]

good call wtf happened there

wasn't he supposed to be the premiere recruit at UK last season, shit top of entire 23 class? He was like 4th down the list of contributors for Wildcats let alone NCAA best

H-Y-P-E.

[heyheymymy]

Defensive presence, sure... BUT 3 POINT SHOT???!!! :lol Dude was 2/9 from 3 in his entire college career, and shot 55.8% from the line. He's closer to Poeltl than a floor spacer.

Agreed Clingan never flashed shooting or range. Was a traditional big with presence around the rim though def a solid one

[MR-Clutch]

If dilly goes in the top 3 I would be willing to trade Keldon and #8 to Detroit for #5 to snag castle ahead of the hornets. Pairing risacher and castle together would improve our defense over night.

[heyheymymy]

The Castle measurements were accidentally reported as Devin Carter's measurements iirc

[Mr. Body]

I don't know how anyone could have believed the 6'2" mistake even for a second.

And this is why the combine should be raked over the coals for this sort of mistake. People are going to be repeating this for the next month.

[heyheymymy]

H-Y-P-E.

Wonder if forcing focus on DJ Wagner within the UK scheme due to his hype and hierarchy formalities affected opportunities/stats for Sheppard, Dilly, perhaps even Reeves. That whole logjam was crowding the flow all season. Too many big dogs all trying to eat and only one basketball.

[heyheymymy]

with Castle's surprisingly impressive 3PT Skills drill performance today wondering if his shooting is better than he let on. UCONN may have under emphasized it when designing his role. Cam and Tristen seemed like the go-to's there for shooting.

[FireMicoHalili]

with Castle's surprisingly impressive 3PT Skills drill performance today wondering if his shooting is better than he let on. UCONN may have under emphasized it when designing his role. Cam and Tristen seemed like the go-to's there for shooting.
could be a fluke lol when do scrimmages start?

[heyheymymy]

I don't know how anyone could have believed the 6'2" mistake even for a second.

And this is why the combine should be raked over the coals for this sort of mistake. People are going to be repeating this for the next month.

Agreed, Castle was was interviewed at the Lottery yesterday standing next to clearly 6'2"-ish Sheppard and Dilly, Castle was towering over them. Even before that Castle was unanimously assumed to be 6'6 ish, so I'd say at least 6'4 without shoes but corrected measurements will be released soon.

[exstatic]

If dilly goes in the top 3 I would be willing to trade Keldon and #8 to Detroit for #5 to snag castle ahead of the hornets. Pairing risacher and castle together would improve our defense over night.

??? Just take Castle at 4.

[heyheymymy]

Damn Devin Carter just set a NBA Combine record for fastest 3/4 sprit time!

Carter also tied Reed Sheppard's 42" vert. Trenton Flowers also with 42"

[rascal]

with Castle's surprisingly impressive 3PT Skills drill performance today wondering if his shooting is better than he let on. UCONN may have under emphasized it when designing his role. Cam and Tristen seemed like the go-to's there for shooting.

Want Castle with that 4th pick

Solid all around game in many areas.

[Russ]

Three approaches:

1. Draft and stash Topic (if he's ACL compromised) at 8.

2. Package 4 and 8 to move up and get Sarr.

3. Set of steak knives (or maybe at least Castle).

[The Truth #6]

So it turns out that Castle's height was misreported and it's actually 6-4.5, which means his height is right in line with what was assumed in school. He doesn't quick have SF size, but he has good size for a guard. I think the narrative Collier needs to hit is that he's fundamentally more of the guy coming out of high school than the guy he was at the start of his USC season. Him establishing legit size and showing flashes to end the year is a big step toward encouraging teams to ignore last year. He would've helped himself more if he jumped out of the gym, but he's a guy who's scrimmage performance could be a huge swing factor. How he takes NBA-level coaching and operates with more talented teammates will give a better view on where he actually is and where he can go.

Post hand injury, it seemed like Collier cleaned up his game some and showed improvement. My question for him in SA might be less about potential but if he would want to be a Spur. But that's hard to say about any player.

[exstatic]

Post hand injury, it seemed like Collier cleaned up his game some and showed improvement. My question for him in SA might be less about potential but if he would want to be a Spur. But that's hard to say about any player.

He went to a share the ball motion offense school. I think he’d be fine in SA.

[The Truth #6]

Back to Donovan Clingman. Still crazy to me that he is being considered top 3 and Zach Edey is in the 20s. Neither one can shoot 3s, but Zach is probably the better shooter. I get that Clingman had great advanced stats in college but bigs don't need to shoot 3s as much in college. Anyway. With Topic dropping, Clingman rising might be a wash.

[Ditty]

I would be fine to draft and stash Topic at 8. Even Salaun if we go Dilly at 4.

I still hope the Spurs reach out to Brooklyn who has no first round pick, and see if they are interested in 8 for one of Phoenix's 2017 or 2019 unprotected picks.

[rankingtear]

Carter and Knecht measured well and they are great fits around Wemby. They are deep playoff guys.

[mystargtr34]

If your Washington you know your going to be picking top 5 for the next 2-3 years, do you take Clingan at 2, get your foundational big man and hope he can turn into a Rudy Gobert type guy that can anchor a top 10 defense, then focus on tanking and getting in on the loaded 2025 draft with Flagg and Bailey and the other forwards.

Clingan
Avdija
Coulibaly
Poole
Jones

Trade Kuzma for picks and win 25 games again.

This is kind of the Homer in me hoping Risacher drops to the Spurs at 4.

I could honestly see the Wiz taking anyone, Clingan, Sarr, wings like Risacher and Holland, or guards like Sheppard or Dilly. They need everything. Coulibaly is the only key building piece for them had he is mostly a 3 but could also slide down to 2. Avdija is a positive asset but not good enough to impact draft decisions.

[DAF86]

Interesting - thank you. Sounds like you don’t want to put eggs in basket of him being a star potential? I’m going to throw a draft combo I’d be happy with: Matas Buzelis + Risacher


Now you can use some assets via trade to land a point guard (Brogdon? Another younger one?) and get two wings for when you possibly trade Keldon?

That combo is never happening. If both are available at 4, the Pistons will select at 5 whoever the Spurs don't pick out of of those two.

[scott]

I will say this much... two picks in the top 8 makes this time of year at ST.com more exciting than just sitting around and waiting for us to draft Wemby

[benefactor]

Taking your eighth pick and picking Topic and stashing him?

Never change, ST.

[Duncan2177]

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

[DAF86]

For those of you who don't want Trae Young on the spurs, you might just get a younger one (dillingham)

Which is perfectly fine since he will not cost 4 unprotected picks nor demand a max contract.

[mystargtr34]

https://www.tankathon.com/power_rankings

According to tankathon draft power rankings Spurs have the strongest draft stash this year (as expected with the 8th pick conveying). And it’s not even close.

Good position to be in.

[TrainOfThought5]

Take your wing at 4, trade CHA pick 8 + their pick back to move to 6.

who are you moving up to 6 for that wouldn’t be there at 8? Another wing?? Would you try and go Ris and Holland? Castle?

[DPG21920]

It’s not a matter of motor. He played in a ball sharing high level motion offense. It’s not designed for anyone to take over.

I mean, I think it’s maybe more than that. I agree he was being a team player in the system but he so often barely looked to score of turn on boosters on offense.

[DPG21920]

That combo is never happening. If both are available at 4, the Pistons will select at 5 whoever the Spurs don't pick out of of those two.

I introduced a scenario where Spurs trade with DET for pick 5.

[TD 21]

If not for that tragic choke, Danny would've won the FMVP with nothing but defense, cuts and c&s 3pts.

J.A. Adande was on the "BS Report" (the then Bill Simmons podcast) immediately after game 6, said the voting was done (the league had to have the entire presentation ready to go since it was so close) and Duncan would have won it.

[RC_Drunkford]

did Dillingham just skip the combine workouts?

[DAF86]

Hmm, to each his own then. When Wemby sits, I don’t want this team’s offense and defense to go to shit. I like the old Spurs’ way of all 48 minutes being dominant and that doesn’t really happen on a team full of one dimensional players. I get that Vassell is a guy who can shoulder the team when Wemby sits, but that’s not enough.

Those Spurs team were full of "one-dimensional" players. Danny Green, Patty Mills, Neal, Belinelli, Bonner. You know what they all had in common? They could shoot, tbh.

The Spurs are gonna have Wemby, Vassell, Tre, Keldon, Sochan, even Branahm, and whoever they draft at PG as guys that can handle the rock and playmake a little. They don't need more, tbh. They desperately need shooting, though.

[DPG21920]

who are you moving up to 6 for that wouldn’t be there at 8? Another wing?? Would you try and go Ris and Holland? Castle?

That was in response to thinking the player SA wanted wouldn’t fall to 8. If you’re worried about that you can move up to 6th pretty easily I would guess.

[Mr. Body]

Those Spurs team were full of "one-dimensional" players. Danny Green, Patty Mills, Neal, Belinelli, Bonner. You know what they all had in common? They could shoot, tbh.

The Spurs are gonna have Wemby, Vassell, Tre, Keldon, Sochan, even Branahm, and whoever they draft at PG as guys that can handle the rock and playmake a little. They don't need more, tbh. They desperately need shooting, though.

Yet when the Spurs went for shooting with Forbes and Doug McDermott, SpursTalk never stopped complaining. In fact, they complain about it to this day.

[DAF86]

Collier being 6-2.5 without shoes is a huge win for him. I don't think people are completely calibrated to the new NBA height listings yet. But Collier legit has good PG size. He's taller than Dillingham, Sheppard, Castle and McClain. He is less than an inch shorter than Derrick White and is taller than Marcus Smart. He really needed that size to support the idea that he can be a PG who can overpower his man on the way to the rim. You'd want him to have that extra inch to make him more versatile on both ends. But he may start moving back up boards as people try to figure out how much weight they can place on bad situations like USC and the Ignite.

I think nobody had questions about Collier's size, tbh. If anything, 6-2.5 seems shorter than he appears. The questions come about his absolute putrid style of play and complete lack of feel for the game, tbh.

[DAF86]

Yet when the Spurs went for shooting with Forbes and Doug McDermott, SpursTalk never stopped complaining. In fact, they complain about it to this day.

Those players would have been fine as 10/11 ish rotation players. Not as starters playing 35 minutes per game, which Forbes was there for a bit.

Anyways, we're talking about Risacher here. Good shooting with above average defense is definitely starter and 35 minutes per game material, as Danny Green was.

[SpursGenius]

Take the wing at 4 and the guard that's available at 8. Matas/Castle or Zacc/Dilly

This. 5.6.7 are really not need of PG. Either Dilly or Castle will be available. Castle coming in way below is UCONN height of 6'6 at combine today virtually assures he is dropping. At 6'6 he would have been top 3 pick.

[DAF86]

I introduced a scenario where Spurs trade with DET for pick 5.

This isn't a draft to trade up, imho.

[heyheymymy]

This. 5.6.7 are really not need of PG. Either Dilly or Castle will be available. Castle coming in way below is UCONN height of 6'6 at combine today virtually assures he is dropping. At 6'6 he would have been top 3 pick.

Just a head's up that Castle's combine measurements were reported in error. The measurements said to belong to Castle were actually Devin Carter's. The correct Castle measurements will be updated soon. There was apparently a Purdue fan working measurements today.

[PhantomDashCam]

This isn't a draft to trade up, imho.

I disagree. With a consensus "flat-ish" draft, you may be able to obtain the player you want at a significantly less cost.

[NASpurs]

I will say this much... two picks in the top 8 makes this time of year at ST.com more exciting than just sitting around and waiting for us to draft Wemby

I can't wait to trade them for some actual talent.

[DAF86]

I disagree. With a consensus "flat-ish" draft, you may be able to obtain the player you want at a significantly less cost.

I mean, if you really believe in a prospect, sure. But if PATFO are like most of us, in absolute uncertainty, staying put is the best option.

For example, I lean towards Dilly a bit more than Sheppard, but I wouldn't trade up for the former if I know that the later will be available at my position. Same with Risacher and Buzelis.

[DPG21920]

This isn't a draft to trade up, imho.

I think with some context it may be…..my scenario the trade up from 8 to 5 is secondary to the reasons to do the trade to a degree.

[PhantomDashCam]

I mean, if you really believe in a prospect, sure. But if PATFO are like most of us, in absolute uncertainty, staying put is the best option.

For example, I lean towards Dilly a bit more than Sheppard, but I wouldn't trade up for the former if I know that the later will be available at my position. Same with Risacher and Buzelis.

I know when we look at these boards, archetypes, skill sets can start to blur together.
The truth is though, every player is unique and what often distinguishes them is the intangible; the unquantifiable by traditional basketball metrics.

If the Spurs fall in love with a prospect from this draft, it shouldn't take Heaven and Earth to acquire provided the other team is:

A) From the Eastern Conference - and B) Has a different prognostication of Outcomes for said asset

[FireMicoHalili]

I will say this much... two picks in the top 8 makes this time of year at ST.com more exciting than just sitting around and waiting for us to draft Wemby
would be nice if we had some insight from people who actually watched a handful of games, especially international prospects. Lots of speculation / opinions here based on feel. Personally just hoping the Spurs draft on the basis of BPA.

[BatManu20]

I'm keeping an eye on some of these former projected lottery picks now projected in the 2nd. Not because I want them, but because I think it just goes to show how off-base early season mocks can be.

Justin Edwards and Ryan Dunn now mocked in the mid second in that lastest CBS mock.

Ryan Dunn didn't do himself any favors today in shooting drills, finishing dead last of all the prospects who partook. He offers absolutely no playmaking whatsoever, so hitting open shots is his only projected role offensively at the next level. He needed to show he's and improved shooter, or at the very least that there's some potential there for improvement, and he somehow looked even worst than anticipated.

Justin Edwards isn't the same defender that Dunn is, but he's still a capable one with good length who also happens to be a much better shooter than Dunn. He had a disappointing season obviously after coming in as a big time recruit and being a projected 2024 lottery pick, but he's still someone to keep an eye on in the 2nd Round as a draft-and-stash candidate.

[DAF86]

The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning Sheppard over Dillingham.

Dilly appears to have the higher ceiling, but Sheppard just seems like an absolute lock to stay in the league for a long time as a high end role player with elite shooting and good team defense and defensive playmaking.

You also have to consider what's Dillingham's best case scenario: Trae Young? A guy many of us think is too flawed to be a piece in a championship contender. Do we really want that? Sure, that won't be a problem during his rookie contract, but 5 years from now, when he's due for a max contract, do you pay him knowing he won't ever be the guy that we need? Do you trade him?

I don't know, I might be overthinking too much. We would all be wetting ourselves if somebody assured us we are drafting Trae Young 2.0 :lol, but I don't know if it's the best outcome looking at the bigger picture.

[baseline bum]

I will say this much... two picks in the top 8 makes this time of year at ST.com more exciting than just sitting around and waiting for us to draft Wemby

IDK I was watching Wemby and Mets92 games on NBA.com every other day the whole lead-up to the draft, which was pretty exciting.

[ChumpDumper]

I don't know, I might be overthinking too much.Pace yourself. It's going to be a long six weeks.

[heyheymymy]

IDK I was watching Wemby and Mets92 games on NBA.com every other day the whole lead-up to the draft, which was pretty exciting.

Was such a special time. There were free streams on NBA.com. That LNB Playoffs and Finals loss was exciting. Too bad Wemby's PGs were all hurt. People were nay saying his Summer League appearances and I was like he's been playing all June we have a big sample size. Will be cool to see Vic this summer in the Olympics.

[John B]

Was such a special time. There were free streams on NBA.com. That LNB Playoffs and Finals loss was exciting. Too bad Wemby's PGs were all hurt. People were nay saying his Summer League appearances and I was like he's been playing all June we have a big sample size. Will be cool to see Vic this summer in the Olympics.

Careful what you wish for. The French national team is becoming to be a powerhouse, with Wemby and Gobert manning the post, along with other French nationals most are playing in the NBA, and including a few of the lottery picks in this year’s draft (Sarr, Risacher, Salaun). Had Embiid decided to play for France, I would say France could be favorite to win the gold, but as of their current roster, I think they can do, but for sure when Wemby started to dominate the basketball world. Watch out.

[Vienna]

regarding the reported numbers up to now, outside of some impressive numbers from Edey and Clingan, the measurements are a bit disappointing. this adds to a likely weak draft class.
(but maybe the players in this draft class were less dominant from the beginning, because they are average, or below average, in size?)

regarding the players who are discussed as possible Spurs picks, I think not one displayed numbers, that would push him up.

maybe Kyshawn George, 6'7" w/o shoes is great height for a guard. (6'10.25" wingspan is ok, but does not add extra value)

Cody Williams numbers look ok, but some might have hoped for a bit more height (I did), and 178 lbs is really very light. yes, his wingspan is good and he should be able to put on some weight and strenghts, like his brother did.

as a possible 2nd round pick, Jalen Bridges measured a bit better than expected. 6'6.75" w/o shoes is nice height for a SF, great frame as well, add this to his good athelticism and we see a player who likely was kind of overlooked at this forum. he is a very good and versatile defender (as you would expect from a Baylor player) and a capable shooter. (41% 3s on 5.1 attempts, 82% FT). I see him as a legitimate canditate for the #35 pick.

I'm curious about the measurements from Furphy, that haven't been reported yet.

[heyheymymy]

I don't mind if France wins the gold.

[Mr. Body]

If Risacher is taken earlier, the Spurs may go for Sheppard. They may like him with either pick.

[DrSteffo]

If we draft Topic at 4 we should not draft Holland, Castle or Buzelis at 8 because of shooting limitations. Topic and Risacher/Williams/Knecht would be fine. Or two good shooters in Dillingham/Sheppard and Risacher/Williams/Knecht, or Dillingham/Sheppard and Holland/Castle. I don't like Buzelis or Clingan that much and Sarr will be gone at 4.

[LeBowen]

The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning Sheppard over Dillingham.

Dilly appears to have the higher ceiling, but Sheppard just seems like an absolute lock to stay in the league for a long time as a high end role player with elite shooting and good team defense and defensive playmaking.

You also have to consider what's Dillingham's best case scenario: Trae Young? A guy many of us think is too flawed to be a piece in a championship contender. Do we really want that? Sure, that won't be a problem during his rookie contract, but 5 years from now, when he's due for a max contract, do you pay him knowing he won't ever be the guy that we need? Do you trade him?

I don't know, I might be overthinking too much. We would all be wetting ourselves if somebody assured us we are drafting Trae Young 2.0 :lol, but I don't know if it's the best outcome looking at the bigger picture.
You said it perfectly, Trae Young would easily go as #1 in this draft and would be a top3 in almost every draft.

PATFO (and everyone else) are facing the usual dilemma when it comes to drafting. Will an undersized prospect be able to translate his skills to the biggest stage?
Yeah, most of them fail, but those failures are the main reason why a lot of undersized guards that actually make it drop down in the draft.
Then you look at freak athletes and think how they can become stars if they develop a jumpshot. But most of them never do it.

All we can do is hope PATFO finally gets their scouting right and that we won't regret missing out on better players like we did over the past years.
There's a long time until the draft, but we need a point guard, one way or another.
If they don't want Dillingham/Sheppard/Castle, just draft two wings and bring DJ back, tbh.

[Dejounte]

You said it perfectly, Trae Young would easily go as #1 in this draft and would be a top3 in almost every draft.

PATFO (and everyone else) are facing the usual dilemma when it comes to drafting. Will an undersized prospect be able to translate his skills to the biggest stage?
Yeah, most of them fail, but those failures are the main reason why a lot of undersized guards that actually make it drop down in the draft.
Then you look at freak athletes and think how they can become stars if they develop a jumpshot. But most of them never do it.

All we can do is hope PATFO finally gets their scouting right and that we won't regret missing out on better players like we did over the past years.
There's a long time until the draft, but we need a point guard, one way or another.
If they don't want Dillingham/Sheppard/Castle, just draft two wings and bring DJ back, tbh.

DAF was with you until your very last line :lmao :lmao

He’s a massive DJ hater.

[Eaglenole2002]

The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning Sheppard over Dillingham.

Dilly appears to have the higher ceiling, but Sheppard just seems like an absolute lock to stay in the league for a long time as a high end role player with elite shooting and good team defense and defensive playmaking.

You also have to consider what's Dillingham's best case scenario: Trae Young? A guy many of us think is too flawed to be a piece in a championship contender. Do we really want that? Sure, that won't be a problem during his rookie contract, but 5 years from now, when he's due for a max contract, do you pay him knowing he won't ever be the guy that we need? Do you trade him?

I don't know, I might be overthinking too much. We would all be wetting ourselves if somebody assured us we are drafting Trae Young 2.0 :lol, but I don't know if it's the best outcome looking at the bigger picture.

Speaking for myself, I tend to dislike offense-only players due to getting hunted on defense in the playoffs. Young is too good to completely dismiss, but there is such a huge difference between taking a guy like Dilly at 4 or 8 and having him on a rookie contract for four years and trading an absolute haul for Young and his contract. Granted, Dilly might be a complete bust but not one that can really sink a franchise. A Young trade would very likely be our one major card to play, and he’s not the perfect player here.

[Dejounte]

Hollinger:

”Risacher:
I’m not sure any player’s stock has yo-yo’d as much as Risacher’s in the last year. After a disappointing performance at the Nike Hoop Summit followed a poor shooting year in France, Risacher was seen by some as a fringe first-rounder. This season, his 3-point percentage rebounded sharply, and Risacher suddenly moved into the discussion for the No. 1 pick. Both pendulum swings now seem like overcorrections, with shooting variance spiking the punch scouts were drinking.

Let’s take a step back. Risacher has obvious pathways to rotation-level usefulness: He’s a tall wing who can move on the perimeter and showed very good lateral quickness in particular. He has a solid feel for the game, and his shot, while a bit hitchy at the top, is reliable enough to demand the opponent guard him.

But once we start raising the bar to lottery-level pick, the questions become louder. One thing in particular that NBA teams have consistently underpriced is that the French League just isn’t that good. Turkey and Spain, to name two, are much, much stronger. It’s one thing if a guy like Clint Capela or Victor Wembanyama destroys the league as a teenager, but Risacher isn’t doing that – he has a modest 14.8 PER in 57 games for JL Bourg. At the French League level (and in EuroCup play as well, one notch below the EuroLeague), he’s fine … but he’s not an elite player.

Historically, drafting players like this from France hasn’t ended well. The two perimeter players in the last two decades who hit as imports from this league were Evan Fournier and Nic Batum, who both had much more impressive numbers in their pre-draft seasons. The ones who didn’t – the Frank Ntilikinas and Sekou Doumbouyas – were overdrafted based on seasons a bit worse than the one Risacher is having, but Risacher’s statistical profile is much closer to those guys than to Batum and Fournier. (I’m leaving Bilal Coulibaly out of this for now, as we don’t know how the story ends.)

History isn’t destiny, and it’s possible Risacher outperforms these comps. But his lack of on-ball juice at this level is a tell that his upside is probably more as a plus role player than a star, especially given that his shooting isn’t a lock and his thin build and lack of toughness raise added questions.

Risacher has shot better this year, hitting 38.9 percent of his 3s, but it hasn’t been on huge volume and his pedestrian shooting marks on 2s (51.6 percent) and from the line (71.9 percent) haven’t budged at all from a year earlier. Overall, big forwards are rare enough that he’s worth drafting, but a team would feel much better about the pick if it isn’t counting on him becoming a starter.”

[LeBowen]

DAF was with you until your very last line :lmao :lmao

He’s a massive DJ hater.

Oh well, what can you do.

Just for the record, I'm not the biggest fan of DJ, but he fits most of our needs and is on a great contract that just started.
Getting DJ would mean that we could draft someone like Knect who could provide the shooting or even Sheppard and have a three man guard rotation with Sheppard as the 6th man.

Draft can't come soon enough.


Btw, you didn't reply when I asked you what do you think would be a fair price for DJ like a week ago.

[Dejounte]

His tier list:

Tier I - Best bets in bad class
1. Ron Holland | F | G LEAGUE IGNITE | Age: 18 | Height: 6-8 | Position: F
2. Stephon Castle | W | CONNECTICUT | Age: 19 | Height: 6-6 | Position: W
3. Donovan Clingan | C | CONNECTICUT | Age: 20 | Height: 7-2 | Position: C
4. Reed Sheppard | G | KENTUCKY | Age: 20 | Height: 6-3 | Position: G

Tier II - Promising teenagers
5. Alex Sarr | C | PERTH WILDCATS | Age: 19 | Height: 7-1 | Position: C
6. Nikola Topić | G | CRVENA ZVEZDA | Age: 18 | Height: 6-6 | Position: G
7. Matas Buzelis | F | G LEAGUE IGNITE | Age: 19 | Height: 6-10 | Position: F
8. Rob Dillingham | G | KENTUCKY | Age: 19 | Height: 6-3 | Position: G

Tier III - No-frills college vets
9. Kyle Filipowski | F, C | DUKE | Age: 20 | Height: 7-0 | Position: F, C
10. Devin Carter | G | PROVIDENCE | Age: 22 | Height: 6-3 | Position: G

Tier IV - Talented but I have questions
11. Johnny Furphy | F | KANSAS | Age: 19 | Height: 6-9 | Position: F
12. Isaiah Collier | G | USC | Age: 19 | Height: 6-5 | Position: G
13. Zaccharie Risacher | F | JL BOURG | Age: 19 | Height: 6-8 | Position: F
14. Dalton Knecht | G | TENNESSEE | Age: 23 | Height: 6-6 | Position: G
15. Cody Williams | F | COLORADO | Age: 19 | Height: 6-8 | Position: F
16. Tidjane Salaun | F | CHOLET | Age: 18 | Height: 6-10 | Position: F
17. Ja’Kobe Walter | G | BAYLOR | Age: 19 | Height: 6-5 | Position: G
18. Jared McCain | G | DUKE | Age: 20 | Height: 6-3 | Position: G

Tier V - Sleepers
19. Oso Ighodaro | C | MARQUETTE | Age: 21 | Height: 6-11 | Position: C
20. Trey Alexander | G | CREIGHTON | Age: 21 | Height: 6-4 | Position: G

[exstatic]

Speaking for myself, I tend to dislike offense-only players due to getting hunted on defense in the playoffs. Young is too good to completely dismiss, but there is such a huge difference between taking a guy like Dilly at 4 or 8 and having him on a rookie contract for four years and trading an absolute haul for Young and his contract. Granted, Dilly might be a complete bust but not one that can really sink a franchise. A Young trade would very likely be our one major card to play, and he’s not the perfect player here.

I’ve been on this train for a while. If you do the Trae trade, and it doesn’t work, you’ve just pissed away Wemby’s entire 20s decade. There’s no recovering from that.

[Dejounte]

If the Spurs take Castle with the 4th (because Reed isn’t there), I wouldn’t mind Furphy with the 8th.

[LeBowen]

If the Spurs take Castle with the 4th (because Reed isn’t there), I wouldn’t mind Furphy with the 8th.

Watched some Castle videos last night, he definitely has all-defense potential.
If only he could develop his shot like DJ did, I'd definitely take him over Dillingham. But that's a big if.

[Dejounte]

Sadly, if the Spurs draft a 3/4 like Risacher or Matas, Mamu probably doesn’t come back. No minutes for him.

[CGD]

Hollinger:

”Risacher:
I’m not sure any player’s stock has yo-yo’d as much as Risacher’s in the last year. After a disappointing performance at the Nike Hoop Summit followed a poor shooting year in France, Risacher was seen by some as a fringe first-rounder. This season, his 3-point percentage rebounded sharply, and Risacher suddenly moved into the discussion for the No. 1 pick. Both pendulum swings now seem like overcorrections, with shooting variance spiking the punch scouts were drinking.

Let’s take a step back. Risacher has obvious pathways to rotation-level usefulness: He’s a tall wing who can move on the perimeter and showed very good lateral quickness in particular. He has a solid feel for the game, and his shot, while a bit hitchy at the top, is reliable enough to demand the opponent guard him.

But once we start raising the bar to lottery-level pick, the questions become louder. One thing in particular that NBA teams have consistently underpriced is that the French League just isn’t that good. Turkey and Spain, to name two, are much, much stronger. It’s one thing if a guy like Clint Capela or Victor Wembanyama destroys the league as a teenager, but Risacher isn’t doing that – he has a modest 14.8 PER in 57 games for JL Bourg. At the French League level (and in EuroCup play as well, one notch below the EuroLeague), he’s fine … but he’s not an elite player.

Historically, drafting players like this from France hasn’t ended well. The two perimeter players in the last two decades who hit as imports from this league were Evan Fournier and Nic Batum, who both had much more impressive numbers in their pre-draft seasons. The ones who didn’t – the Frank Ntilikinas and Sekou Doumbouyas – were overdrafted based on seasons a bit worse than the one Risacher is having, but Risacher’s statistical profile is much closer to those guys than to Batum and Fournier. (I’m leaving Bilal Coulibaly out of this for now, as we don’t know how the story ends.)

History isn’t destiny, and it’s possible Risacher outperforms these comps. But his lack of on-ball juice at this level is a tell that his upside is probably more as a plus role player than a star, especially given that his shooting isn’t a lock and his thin build and lack of toughness raise added questions.

Risacher has shot better this year, hitting 38.9 percent of his 3s, but it hasn’t been on huge volume and his pedestrian shooting marks on 2s (51.6 percent) and from the line (71.9 percent) haven’t budged at all from a year earlier. Overall, big forwards are rare enough that he’s worth drafting, but a team would feel much better about the pick if it isn’t counting on him becoming a starter.”

This is the most cogent take I’ve seen in him. Makes me hope a team ahead of the spurs takes the option away from them bc I feel
If he’s there they’ll draft him. Vic also seems to be lobbying for him.

[CGD]

If the Spurs take Castle with the 4th (because Reed isn’t there), I wouldn’t mind Furphy with the 8th.

I’m warming to Castle at 4 tbh.

[Dejounte]

The sad thing about these scouting reports on Reed is they fail to recognize that Coach Cal played each player to their strengths. Meaning if you watch the games you’ll see that Reed is their primary point guard that the other four players pass to in tough situations. He’d then play off ball when Rob steps on the floor because the strengths of each player were being utilized: Reed’s better at being a catch and shoot player than Rob is and Rob is better with the ball in his hands.

For long stretches when Rob sits (due to being in foul trouble or defensive matchups), Reed is the de facto point guard so it’s not a true statement at all to say, “Reed is an off ball guard who can’t play point guard”. His assist rate was 8.6 per 100 possessions. He ran sets. He definitely is a player who could play point guard and because he has skills in other areas doesn’t take that away from him.

That’s for you Chinook (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=37557) because scouting reports are apparently all you can rely on.

[jeebus]

1790244472921678283

Zhang bang alert.

[Bruno]

I'm curious about the measurements from Furphy, that haven't been reported yet.

https://twitter.com/anthony_le9/status/1790076610000949506

Furphy: 6'7.5" without shoes.
6'8" wingspan
188.8 lbs

NB: Castle measurements are Devin Carter's ones.

[CorrectCrusader]

Was such a special time. There were free streams on NBA.com. That LNB Playoffs and Finals loss was exciting. Too bad Wemby's PGs were all hurt. People were nay saying his Summer League appearances and I was like he's been playing all June we have a big sample size. Will be cool to see Vic this summer in the Olympics.

I remember us all being like "Just wait until he gets good teammates this fall" just for our team to be absolutely trash :lmao

[Mr. Body]

Hollinger:

”Risacher:
I’m not sure any player’s stock has yo-yo’d as much as Risacher’s in the last year. After a disappointing performance at the Nike Hoop Summit followed a poor shooting year in France, Risacher was seen by some as a fringe first-rounder. This season, his 3-point percentage rebounded sharply, and Risacher suddenly moved into the discussion for the No. 1 pick. Both pendulum swings now seem like overcorrections, with shooting variance spiking the punch scouts were drinking.

Let’s take a step back. Risacher has obvious pathways to rotation-level usefulness: He’s a tall wing who can move on the perimeter and showed very good lateral quickness in particular. He has a solid feel for the game, and his shot, while a bit hitchy at the top, is reliable enough to demand the opponent guard him.

But once we start raising the bar to lottery-level pick, the questions become louder. One thing in particular that NBA teams have consistently underpriced is that the French League just isn’t that good. Turkey and Spain, to name two, are much, much stronger. It’s one thing if a guy like Clint Capela or Victor Wembanyama destroys the league as a teenager, but Risacher isn’t doing that – he has a modest 14.8 PER in 57 games for JL Bourg. At the French League level (and in EuroCup play as well, one notch below the EuroLeague), he’s fine … but he’s not an elite player.

Historically, drafting players like this from France hasn’t ended well. The two perimeter players in the last two decades who hit as imports from this league were Evan Fournier and Nic Batum, who both had much more impressive numbers in their pre-draft seasons. The ones who didn’t – the Frank Ntilikinas and Sekou Doumbouyas – were overdrafted based on seasons a bit worse than the one Risacher is having, but Risacher’s statistical profile is much closer to those guys than to Batum and Fournier. (I’m leaving Bilal Coulibaly out of this for now, as we don’t know how the story ends.)

History isn’t destiny, and it’s possible Risacher outperforms these comps. But his lack of on-ball juice at this level is a tell that his upside is probably more as a plus role player than a star, especially given that his shooting isn’t a lock and his thin build and lack of toughness raise added questions.

Risacher has shot better this year, hitting 38.9 percent of his 3s, but it hasn’t been on huge volume and his pedestrian shooting marks on 2s (51.6 percent) and from the line (71.9 percent) haven’t budged at all from a year earlier. Overall, big forwards are rare enough that he’s worth drafting, but a team would feel much better about the pick if it isn’t counting on him becoming a starter.”

Yeeeowch.

As I've been asking, how is he that much better than Champagnie. Is he any better than Champagnie?

[mo7888]

So, do you think we take on 2 or 3 rookies? I'm looking at the #35 pick and a couple trade down scenarios.

[heyheymymy]

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F0yqnybt9090d1. jpeghttps://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2F0yqnybt9090d1. jpeghttps://i.redd.it/0yqnybt9090d1.jpeghttps://preview.redd.it/0yqnybt9090d1.jpeg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&e3ee2d5d

[CorrectCrusader]

Any updates on the Topic injury?

[Mr. Body]

So, do you think we take on 2 or 3 rookies? I'm looking at the #35 pick and a couple trade down scenarios.

Only two, I'd say. I think they're keenly aware of not knowing where they are with Branham, Wesley, and especially Cissoko, and that more rookies are coming in next year.

[Uriel]

How does Risacher compare as a prospect with Brandon Miller?

Or Dillingham with Scoot Henderson?

[Dejounte]

So, do you think we take on 2 or 3 rookies? I'm looking at the #35 pick and a couple trade down scenarios.

In the name of “continuation” and “building upon last year”, it does feel like inserting two rookies to the starting lineup is counterproductive to that. Maybe they draft two and plug one into the starting lineup and have one off the bench.

[LeBowen]

Any updates on the Topic injury?

Apparently he's going to need a surgery, MCL and meniscus injury.
Wouldn't mind wasting 35th pick on him, but he's done with us as far as 4th and 8th are concerned.

[mo7888]

Only two, I'd say. I think they're keenly aware of not knowing where they are with Branham, Wesley, and especially Cissoko, and that more rookies are coming in next year.

So, you expect us to trade the two 2nds and not use them to move up Dejounte ?

I could see doing something with Portland for their picks or trading 2nds with NY to get their 25th pick.

[Mr. Body]

How does Risacher compare as a prospect with Brandon Miller?

Or Dillingham with Scoot Henderson?

Brandon Miller blows Risacher out of the water.

Dillingham and Henderson really have pretty different skill-sets. Henderson is a bulky, strong guard who can get into the lane and isn't knocked around. Has a good midrange, and his threat seems to be more within the 3-point line. Not an excellent comp, but is more Tony Parker-like in getting past a defender and causing defensive problems there. Dillingham's attack is much more perimeter-oriented, where he has great range. Is very shifty and uses spins, hesitations, and so on to break down the defender. I feel like Scoot is more of a threat once he gets into the lane, although his finishing is not great. Also feel like Scoot might be a better passer.

The height difference may not be that great, although Henderson is much more built. Scoot isn't exactly great on defense, but may improve.

[exstatic]

Apparently he's going to need a surgery, MCL and meniscus injury.
Wouldn't mind wasting 35th pick on him, but he's done with us as far as 4th and 8th are concerned.

Someone will pick him in the lottery if he stays in. Wouldn’t be the worst thing to make a pick that won’t help this year, and be bad again for the 2025 draft. His stock won’t be higher next year, and probably will be lower, since he likely won’t play this coming season.

[RC_Drunkford]

good news

1790367586388942987

[CorrectCrusader]

good news

1790367586388942987

GREAT NEWS!!!!

[mystargtr34]

Great news on Topic.

Givony also says Topic will getting measurements taken June 6 and will be a participant in pre draft workouts.

He’s a good chance with the Wizards at 2 imo. Possibly Spurs at 4 or 8. I can’t see any other team in the top 10 taking him tbh. Maybe the Jazz at 10.

[CGD]

Apparently he's going to need a surgery, MCL and meniscus injury.
Wouldn't mind wasting 35th pick on him, but he's done with us as far as 4th and 8th are concerned.

Nah, they’ll still think long and hard about taking him if he’s there at #8.

Also sounds like you’re medical diagnosis is way off per the last tweet.

[Uriel]

• The Spurs were big winners again, jumping one spot to No. 4 and then watching Toronto fall from No. 6 to No. 8 -- meaning the Raptors must send their pick to the Spurs as penance for the Jakob Poeltl (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3134908/jakob-poeltl) trade. (The pick was top-six protected.)Toronto is probably not that broken up about losing the pick now. It extinguishes its obligation to San Antonio, freeing it to trade more picks going forward. Had it retained its pick this time around, it would have owed it next season -- when the draft is projected to be much stronger -- with the same top-six protection. The Raptors hold the No. 19 and 31 picks in this draft after acquiring both in their respective trades of Pascal Siakam (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3149673/pascal-siakam) and OG Anunoby (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934719/og-anunoby).

• After the first four-number combination determines which team gets the No. 1 pick, the league then draws combinations for the No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 picks. The Raptors had three of the four numbers in each of those combinations, too.

• With the phenom Wembanyama, the Spurs could make a big leap next season if they want to. Insiders wondered whether they might package both the No. 4 and No. 8 picks and chase some young-ish veterans who fit around Wembanyama. They could have about $19 million in cap space even with those two picks factored in, meaning the Spurs could trade them for significant incoming salary.
The Spurs will surely look at everything, but flipping both picks for veterans only feels a little rash. San Antonio could trade one, or go the other way, and package them to move up. Rival executives in Chicago pegged Serbian point guard Nikola Topic and French forward Zaccharie Risacher as nice potential fits around Wembanyama. They could also keep both and keep building (mostly) organically.
Wembanayma is so good already, the Spurs are going to win lots more games next season almost no matter what they do this summer.

• I ran into Spurs CEO R.C. Buford after the televised lottery, and he assured me his now-famous leather blue chair -- the one he was sitting in when the Spurs won the Tim Duncan lottery in 1997 -- made no appearance this year in Chicago. A year ago, with Wembanyama in play, Buford's family had secretly arranged for that same chair to be waiting in Buford's Chicago hotel room when he arrived for the lottery and combine.
https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/40134868/lowe-latest-draft-intel-trade-buzz-superstitions-nba-secret-draft-lottery-room

[Cardinal]

I’ve soured on Risacher as a wing prospect at 4 or 8. I’d rate both Buzelis and Holland above him, and would love to get one of them to plus a guard. Buzelis would probably need to be taken at 4 but Holland could potentially be had at 8

[vy65]

Topic news is two sided. If he’s back in play, that means we could still take him. I wasn’t a fan before, but he’s developing a history of injuries right before our eyes that makes me even lower on him

[LeBowen]

good news

1790367586388942987

Interesting, because the most reliable Serbian site says he's going to need a surgery.

[mo7888]

good news

1790367586388942987

It still gives me pause, I have dropped him down my BB, but I could see a team like Washington taking him ahead of us anyway.

[exstatic]

good news

1790367586388942987

His MCL seems a bit wobbly. Second time it’s put him on the shelf.

[mo7888]

I’ve soured on Risacher as a wing prospect at 4 or 8. I’d rate both Buzelis and Holland above him, and would love to get one of them to plus a guard. Buzelis would probably need to be taken at 4 but Holland could potentially be had at 8

I'm not soured on him at all, but I do have Buzelis ahead of him.

[exstatic]

Interesting, because the most reliable Serbian site says he's going to need a surgery.

I did some research, and since it’s an MCL, the athlete recovery time, if there’s surgery, is 3-6 months. Not like an ACL, apparently.

[couchman]

Even if he has MCL surgery that’s a significantly better prognosis than ACL.
Topic to Washington at #2 is alive.
Or perhaps to the Spurs at 8

[LeBowen]

I'm not soured on him at all, but I do have Buzelis ahead of him.

What is Buzelis' realistic projection? He has so many questions around his game.
Defense, shooting, handles, motor, playmaking, nothing is polished.

If he puts it together he can be a star, but he's could also be out of the league in a couple of years.