2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Vienna]

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


great hight, short arms though. I'm still not sure, what kind player Furphy will become.
his numbers look similar to those of Buzelis and he also looks similar regarding body type.
Furphy is smaller, but not that much. (Buzelis height: 6'8.75"/ wingspan: 6'10"/ 197 lbs). standing reach is even closer (Furphy's 8'8.5" to 8'9.5")

[exstatic]

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

It’s Givony, and he’s ESPN affiliated. They’re not going to let him shitpost.

[LeBowen]

It’s Givony, and he’s ESPN affiliated. They’re not going to let him shitpost.

I know, he even tours around Europe scouting players.
It could just be a case of conflicting reports.

MCL injury happened and now they're going to see if a surgery is needed.

[mo7888]

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.

My only question is shooting, but I don't think his form is broken. I have no concerns about motor, effort, or court vision. Franz is the obvious comparison, but I think he can exceed that. I'm not saying he will, but i think he can if his shooting develops.

[CorrectCrusader]

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.

High IQ player, feels the game. He's a do it all wing who has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. Has everything you want, size, skill, motor.

[Dverde]

The tweet says he’ll participate in pre-draft workouts. Teams will be able to see him move around on the injury. Still think the injury scare bumps him down unless he puts out a phenomenal performance in camps. I wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs get him at #8.

[RC_Drunkford]

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.

I think it's close between him and Risacher. The main issue with both is that they are not strong enough. Which is probably a flaw that is the easiest to fix when it comes to rookies, by just hitting the weight room. His 3-point percentage wasn't that good, but he has good form, has great athleticism, decent handles, a couple of post moves and counters. Pair that with competitiveness and defensive ability and I really can't see how he can be a bust. He's ahead of Risacher when it comes to self creation ability, while Risacher is the better defender and shooter.

[CorrectCrusader]

Take all his stats on TankAThon with a grain of salt, the Ignite team was absolutely horrid this season.

[couchman]

It’s wild to me that Ignite had 3 NBA prospects including two lotto guys and looked this bad.
That stink won’t wear off immediately, it took a few years for Jalen Green to stop being a selfish chucker

[KobesAchilles]

It’s wild to me that Ignite had 3 NBA prospects including two lotto guys and looked this bad.
That stink won’t wear off immediately, it took a few years for Jalen Green to stop being a selfish chucker
Once he got a real coach he improved overall. The next few years might be the most important coaching years in Pops career in order to set us up properly. No more grandpa loves everyone bullshit. I want some nasty. I want them benched and cussed out (and then put back in).

[Knoxxx]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-ZN5b6xCAw

[Mugen]

Once he got a real coach he improved overall. The next few years might be the most important coaching years in Pops career in order to set us up properly. No more grandpa loves everyone bullshit. I want some nasty. I want them benched and cussed out (and then put back in).

:lol Oh you'll get that alright, except it's gonna be directed at the home crowd again

[CorrectCrusader]

:lol Oh you'll get that alright, except it's gonna be directed at the home crowd again

:pop: benching players isn't who we are. :pop:

[JPB]

"[B]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.Evan Fournier and Nic Batum, who both had much more impressive numbers in their pre-draft seasons."

Is hollinger paid to post so many wrong assertions, approximations and omissions, re-writting history and... not checking the stats he's talking about?

- His pre-draft season Batum had a pretty difficult start before finshing better with his Le Mans team who went 2-12 in Euroleague.

- Batum there posted 8.5pt, 3.7rb, 2.7ass, 29% on 3.

- Risacher's stats in Eurocup this season: 13.1pt, 3.7rbd, 1.1 ass, 56% shooting on 3 . on a team who went to the finals.

-French league Batum pre-draft season: 12pt, 5rb, 3ass, 35% on 3 in 28mn) on a 23/7 team... (That's not exactly "dominating" the league as Hollinger suggests.)

- Risacher french league pre-draft season: 10pt, 3.8rb, 1 ass, 35% shooting on 3 in 24min on a 25-9 top 3 team.

Evan Fournier never played euro club competitions. his pre-draft stats in the french league: 14pt, 3.2rbd, 2.2ass ,45%total shooting, 27% on 3 (he was stat padding to death) on 9-21 record, non playoff team (not exactly "dominating" either).

Numbers actually show fournier, and specially Batum and Risacher had very similar numbers. and I like how he "let Bilal on the side" (who had lesser numbers than Zach) while WAS is thrilled with Bilal's first season.



----


Another thing Hollinger is omitting is that back in the 2007-2008 season, there was only one american player in Batum's team. There's 4 (+ one canadian) in Risacher's one. Just like the NBA, the french league has changed a lot in 17 years, and making raw comparisons between two player from these two generations without taking this in consideration is honestly very basic reasoning.

Hollinger also didn't check Batum or Fournier scouting report from their pre-draft season. They weren't entirely touted as the players they became, but had similar quesiton marks and similar reamarks than Risacher's... Yeah, all in al, that's exactly the opposite of what Hollinger suggests.

[Twisted_Dawg]

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

The Spurs sell that pick like they did last years high #2. They have a history of doing that.

[DrSteffo]

Buzelis to me is a shooter who is not good at shooting. He shoots 27% from 3 which is worse than Sochan and he is much weaker, has worse handle and worse D. Only plus is that he is taller. He could improve of course and really needs to.

[mo7888]

Buzelis to me is a shooter who is not good at shooting. He shoots 27% from 3 which is worse than Sochan and he is much weaker, has worse handle and worse D. Only plus is that he is taller. He could improve of course and really needs to.

He was over 40% from 3 in HS. His shot doesnt have to be re-worked as much as Sochan. Completely different players..

[Bruno]

It's quite obvious what is the deal behind conflicting reports about Topic's injury:
- Givony's source is Topic's agent.
- Serbian journalist sources are people from the red star team.

Red star medical staff think that Topic will need a surgery. Topic will go to Croatia to consult the specialist with who he worked for his previous knee injury. As long as this specialist doesn't say surgery is needed, his agent is saying everything is fine to not hurt Topic's draft stock.

[Knoxxx]

It’s sounding more and more like we need to take Edey at 8, he’s killing it the combine and capable of chewing up and spitting out Clingan as he already just proved head to head.

That just leaves what to do with pick 4.

As far as pick 35, why would we assume that because the Spurs traded/sold that pick in prior years that is automatically what they will do?

[baseline bum]

As far as pick 35, why would we assume that because the Spurs traded/sold that pick in prior years that is automatically what they will do?

Because it'll be a pain to develop a third rookie while they're also still trying to develop Sochan, Branham, Wesley, and Cissoko. Especially when that third rookie is likely to have a way lower ceiling than the first two they take.

[Knoxxx]

Because it'll be a pain to develop a third rookie while they're also still trying to develop Sochan, Branham, Wesley, and Cissoko.

It’s going to be a pain no matter what with a roster this young. But, Branham/Wesley may both be gone after next season or during. Wesley fell off a cliff as this past season ended. Branham is 50/50 at best to get a QO.

[exstatic]

It’s sounding more and more like we need to take Edey at 8, he’s killing it the combine and capable of chewing up and spitting out Clingan as he already just proved head to head.

That just leaves what to do with pick 4.

As far as pick 35, why would we assume that because the Spurs traded/sold that pick in prior years that is automatically what they will do?

Because they have over a dozen second rounders and nearly that many firsts, can’t onboard that many players, and the higher second has more value. I’ll go out on a limb, and say this will be a sort of policy going forward.

[DPG21920]

It’s going to be a pain no matter what with a roster this young. But, Branham/Wesley may both be gone after next season or during. Wesley fell off a cliff as this past season ended. Branham is 50/50 at best to get a QO.

Agree. I see BB point and do think its likely Spurs trade/consolidate eventually but theres so much up in the air Spurs can keep these picks and have everyone fight for spots.

Graham + Cedi are gone most likely. Mamu may be too.

But beyond them at a minimum these guys should all be on the block or in danger of being outright cut if they get out played in camp: Bassey, Branham, Blake, Champagnie and Sidy.


Then guys like Collins are 100% on trade block. Not including Collins because his salary is more prohibitive to just eat, that’s 8 players who are already gone (Cedi + Graham + Mamu) or that could be easily cut (Bassey, Branham, Blake, Champagnie and Sidy).


Theres plenty of room to bring in several new players even before considering possible trades (Collins? Keldon?). But of course trading picks that have value for future picks or players to help win now is obviously a viable path as well and likely happens to some degree next few years.

[Pauleta14]

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.

We don't know that, it's 100% bs runours

I have doubts as well but if Wemby was actually lobbying, considering his IQ and knowledge of ZR's potential that would actually be a green light for me to take him

[Mr. Body]

great hight, short arms though. I'm still not sure, what kind player Furphy will become.
his numbers look similar to those of Buzelis and he also looks similar regarding body type.
Furphy is smaller, but not that much. (Buzelis height: 6'8.75"/ wingspan: 6'10"/ 197 lbs). standing reach is even closer (Furphy's 8'8.5" to 8'9.5")

Furphy's game is pretty dissimilar to Buzelis.

Buzelis is definitely in the Franz Wagner mold -- although he's nowhere the playmaker. You're looking at more of a 4 who can hopefully bang and get rebounds, block shots on the weak side, etc.

Furphy is sort of more of a perimeter, 3-and-D hopeful. He showed little self-creation at Kansas, nor was he asked to. He was a pretty decent perimeter defender (better than some say), hit well from deep but cooled off. He is very active as a cutter, very similar in that regard to Dougie Buckets, and crashes the boards and hustles really well.

[benefactor]

It’s sounding more and more like we need to take Edey at 8
No....no

[Mr. Body]

I truly hope Wemby only provides character advice about Risacher - or any other French prospect. The last thing we need is a Kevin Durant completely undermining any good judgment about team-building and talent.

[sfernald]

I agree with what you guys are saying about the uncertainty in this draft. However having said that I am falling in love with a prospect I think we should aim for at #4: Castle.

He just seems like a Spur and the perfect mate for Wemby. He is like Marcus Smart on D, he’s the winner you need to do all the little things, he can lock down the opposing teams best perimeter player. He has positional height and versatility. He can play 1, 2 and 3. He was a wing in college but a point guard in high school and showed a limited amount of what he can really do. The shooting I feel like it will come around. We just need Pop and the shooting coaches to get his confidence up. But he does everything else at a high level.

And check out what a dog he is on defense. He would be the tone setter for the defense along with Wemby:


https://youtu.be/Ft8ohWgyQGo?si=ZKwNa7eCiDF0vtBB


https://youtu.be/Ft8ohWgyQGo?si=ZKwNa7eCiDF0vtBB

[Cardinal]

Did Dillingham participate in any of the shooting or athletic testing yesterday?? Haven’t seen anything from him

[DPG21920]

I like Castle; like every player theres some flaws that are scary. His lack of offense and how he had no offensive dawg in him worries me a decent amount. I like him, and hes shooting well at combine, but he reminds me of Exum which isn’t great.

[vy65]

I agree with what you guys are saying about the uncertainty in this draft. However having said that I am falling in love with a prospect I think we should aim for at #4: Castle.

He just seems like a Spur and the perfect mate for Wemby. He is like Marcus Smart on D, he’s the winner you need to do all the little things, he can lock down the opposing teams best perimeter player. He has positional height and versatility. He can play 1, 2 and 3. He was a wing in college but a point guard in high school and showed a limited amount of what he can really do. The shooting I feel like it will come around. We just need Pop and the shooting coaches to get his confidence up. But he does everything else at a high level.

And check out what a dog he is on defense. He would be the tone setter for the defense along with Wemby:

https://youtu.be/Ft8ohWgyQGo?si=ZKwNa7eCiDF0vtBB

https://youtu.be/Ft8ohWgyQGo?si=ZKwNa7eCiDF0vtBB

The more I think about it, the less I hate the idea of Castle. This team needs an identity - and having a perennial DPOY candidate in Wemby augmented by a great perimeter defender in Castle goes a long ways toward addressing that identity. He's got great size and length out on the perimeter, which also will go a ways towards making the team long and athletic at most positions. The shooting is a glaring problem, but the FO might think that they can't solve all of their needs in a single draft class, even with two picks, so better to shore up one position of need. Regarding shooting, there's a good chance that Reed will be available at 8, so a Castle/Reed pair, while not billboard material, does go a ways towards addressing some needs.

[rascal]

I like Castle; like every player theres some flaws that are scary. His lack of offense and how he had no offensive dawg in him worries me a decent amount. I like him, and hes shooting well at combine, but he reminds me of Exum which isn’t great.

He doesn't have a lack of offense. He is solid offensively outside of the perimeter 3 point shot which still needs work.

His number wasn't called for on UCONN as they played a team approach and didn't rely on any one player like Kentucky did. UCONN didn't play give the ball to one or two guys to jack up a ton of shots.

[CorrectCrusader]

Worth noting (not really) Buzelis thinks Castle is the best player in the class from his JJ podcast episode

[Cardinal]

Agreed on Castle and it's also why I like Holland. One of Castle/Holland for their defensive upside paired with a better shooter (e.g., Reed) would be a nice combination.

[mo7888]

The more I think about it, the less I hate the idea of Castle. This team needs an identity - and having a perennial DPOY candidate in Wemby augmented by a great perimeter defender in Castle goes a long ways toward addressing that identity. He's got great size and length out on the perimeter, which also will go a ways towards making the team long and athletic at most positions. The shooting is a glaring problem, but the FO might think that they can't solve all of their needs in a single draft class, even with two picks, so better to shore up one position of need. Regarding shooting, there's a good chance that Reed will be available at 8, so a Castle/Reed pair, while not billboard material, does go a ways towards addressing some needs.

Here's the thing about Castle, it just comes down to his outside shot (willingness to take and accuracy). I've got him 8th on both my boards, and that's with a determination that he won't be a plus shooter from deep. If the team determines that they believe he can be an accurate shooter, with some development, and won't hesitate when he's open, then he moves way up the board. He shot well yesterday. That doesn't mean alot, but it's not nothing, so we'll see how individuals and interviews go. The team needs to dig deep on him, but he's talented enough to warrant it.

[DPG21920]

He doesn't have a lack of offense. He is solid offensively outside of the perimeter 3 point shot which still needs work.

His number wasn't called for on UCONN as they played a team approach and didn't rely on any one player like Kentucky did. UCONN didn't play give the ball to one or two guys to jack up a ton of shots.

I keep hearing this excuse but Im not sure it’s just that. Hopefully that’s the case because it would mean he’s got a lot more upside than it would appear, but from what I saw/read it goes beyond team stuff. He legit doesnt look for offense. Not sure if it’s a confidence thing, fully a system thing or what, but Im not so certain it was just “system” related.

[Bruno]

If Spurs want to add a player just to please Wembanyama, there is an obvious candidate in this draft: Armel Traoré.

Traoré is an athletic PF ranked #68 on espn big board and he is a very good friend with Wembanyama. Spurs could draft and stash him at #48 or sign him to a two way contract as an undrafted rookie.

Saying that, I don't think Spurs will or should do that. I don't think it is healthy for a team to add a player just to please its star. The best example of that is Giannis and his brothers in Milwaukee.

[Mr. Body]

I agree with what you guys are saying about the uncertainty in this draft. However having said that I am falling in love with a prospect I think we should aim for at #4: Castle.

He just seems like a Spur and the perfect mate for Wemby. He is like Marcus Smart on D, he’s the winner you need to do all the little things, he can lock down the opposing teams best perimeter player. He has positional height and versatility. He can play 1, 2 and 3. He was a wing in college but a point guard in high school and showed a limited amount of what he can really do. The shooting I feel like it will come around. We just need Pop and the shooting coaches to get his confidence up. But he does everything else at a high level.

And check out what a dog he is on defense. He would be the tone setter for the defense along with Wemby:


https://youtu.be/Ft8ohWgyQGo?si=ZKwNa7eCiDF0vtBB


https://youtu.be/Ft8ohWgyQGo?si=ZKwNa7eCiDF0vtBB

Around the time Jalen Brunson dropped 60 points on our heads, I was pitching Castle a bit and posted that vid at some point. The entire possession at :47 would give the coaching staff massive boners. The seamless double team, turning to instantly recognize who's not covered, and then smothering the guy in the lane. The smothering a player -- like double teaming him yourself -- reminds me of Gary Payton.

[vy65]

Here's the thing about Castle, it just comes down to his outside shot (willingness to take and accuracy). I've got him 8th on both my boards, and that's with a determination that he won't be a plus shooter from deep. If the team determines that they believe he can be an accurate shooter, with some development, and won't hesitate when he's open, then he moves way up the board. He shot well yesterday. That doesn't mean alot, but it's not nothing, so we'll see how individuals and interviews go. The team needs to dig deep on him, but he's talented enough to warrant it.

I'm low on Spurs Culture (lol Primo), but it's also not nothing that he won a ship at UCONN. Outside of Wemby, I don't know that many on the team know what winning at a high level looks like. Given the dearth of vet leadership, much less vet championship leadership, having that intangible is not a nothing either.

[mo7888]

I'm low on Spurs Culture (lol Primo), but it's also not nothing that he won a ship at UCONN. Outside of Wemby, I don't know that many on the team know what winning at a high level looks like. Given the dearth of vet leadership, much less vet championship leadership, having that intangible is not a nothing either.

I'm not even talking about Spurs culture with him. When I mentioned 'interviews', I'm talking about mentality when it comes to heing aggressive in taking shots on Offense. He's been passive, can he become aggressive? It doesn't happen often, but if he has that he could be one of about 3 or 4 guys that has the ability to be the best player in this draft.

[vy65]

If you think one of Buz or Castle can develop their shot, I'm almost inclined to take those two over the Buz/Dilly tandem. Big if though.

[CorrectCrusader]

I'm really down on Dilly after those measurables tbh. In a weak draft like this I think Castle is the better choice

[exstatic]

I keep hearing this excuse but Im not sure it’s just that. Hopefully that’s the case because it would mean he’s got a lot more upside than it would appear, but from what I saw/read it goes beyond team stuff. He legit doesnt look for offense. Not sure if it’s a confidence thing, fully a system thing or what, but Im not so certain it was just “system” related.

Have you watched ANY UConn film breakdowns? If not, you should probably sit this one out. Their offense is complicated, off ball screens, pin down screens, flare screens, staggered screens, and never less than 2-3 ON EACH POSSESSION. You’ll notice that the player taking the shot rarely has to dribble. Most of the minimal dribbling is into a dribble hand off.


55WVapTINRQ

[Ariel]

1790244472921678283

Zhang bang alert.
https://i.postimg.cc/yd9HLJb1/zhang.png
https://i.postimg.cc/qvb4qHKT/1.png
https://i.postimg.cc/SKnqz1Lz/2.png
https://i.postimg.cc/XvtWKKx1/3.png
:lol

[DPG21920]

Have you watched ANY UConn film breakdowns? If not, you should probably sit this one out. Their offense is complicated, off ball screens, pin down screens, flare screens, staggered screens, and never less than 2-3 ON EACH POSSESSION. You’ll notice that the player taking the shot rarely has to dribble. Most of the minimal dribbling is into a dribble hand off.


ygUSVWNvbm4gbWVucyBvZmZlbnNl

I have. So no need to “sit this one out”. Theres plenty of people with similar concerns to me so acting like your YouTube video is the end all be all in these types of discussions is quite frankly silly.

[CorrectCrusader]

Have you watched ANY UConn film breakdowns? If not, you should probably sit this one out. Their offense is complicated, off ball screens, pin down screens, flare screens, staggered screens, and never less than 2-3 ON EACH POSSESSION. You’ll notice that the player taking the shot rarely has to dribble. Most of the minimal dribbling is into a dribble hand off.


ygUSVWNvbm4gbWVucyBvZmZlbnNl

Well oiled machine. People shouldn't use this situation as a negative, but a positive.

[The Truth #6]

I'm interested in Castle vs Holland. Castle is a more proven defender but Holland seems very motivated, high motor etc and his motor translates to offense better. Not knowing enough details otherwise, Holland might have the edge as far as ceiling.

[exstatic]

I have. So no need to “sit this one out”. Theres plenty of people with similar concerns to me so acting like your YouTube video is the end all be all in these types of discussions is quite frankly silly.

You’re not understanding what you’re seeing then. NO ONE dribble attacks in this offense. That’s likely what you’re interpreting as passive, but it isn’t.

[Ariel]

His MCL seems a bit wobbly. Second time it’s put him on the shelf.
It probably comes down to mismanagement of the first injury. Probably tried to avoid surgery and appear healthy, when isn't. We'll see.

[DesignatedT]

I'm leaning towards Castle right now at 4. Good size, elite defender, and I think he has more offensively in his arsenal then he was able to showcase at UConn. I recognize it's an open gym but his combine shooting numbers are encouraging. Wouldn't mind Knecht at 8 in this scenario.

Risacher is just an unknown to me and the size of Sheppard and Dilly worry me to spend a top 4 pick on them.

[Knoxxx]

No....no

Castle/Edey at least attempts to solve all of our problems. We can still target a big wing/SF in free agency, trade of future picks, or 25 draft.

Give Castle a try at PG. Edey solves our weakness at PF by providing twin towers capability. Sochan can slide between SF/PF depending on matchups. Now I know you are sold.

[DPG21920]

You’re not understanding what you’re seeing then. NO ONE dribble attacks in this offense. That’s likely what you’re interpreting as passive, but it isn’t.

There’s plenty of times I saw from what I watched where system broke down at times or where it needed to be 1v1 and he always seemingly shied away. Or even within system he passed on decent looks that others would have fired


The system stuff may explain a lot but not all of what I saw. I understand I may be wrong and it’s non issue; do you give any credence the possibility you’re wrong and it’s not all system but a real lack of confidence and/or ability?

[CGD]

Sorry if posted already (not see it), but did the update the Castle measurements yet?

[spurraider21]

castle attempts 30 three pointers in an empty gym setting and is shooting up draft boards lol

[spurraider21]

Sorry if posted already (not see it), but did the update the Castle measurements yet?
no, not officially. people on the twitters are referencing his past measurements from the Hoops Summit but nothing new from the combine yet

[DesignatedT]

I don't believe they have officially updated his measurements but in the past he was measured at around 6'5 without shoes with a 6'9 wingspan. Hopefully they update his measurements today.

[spurraider21]

also, re: all the "max vert" numbers... just a reminder that the NFL is a completely different ballgame from a pure athletic perspective (though i would def say relative skill of typical NBA players is much higher than typical NFL players)

1790405003485626473

[Mr. Body]

Tbh I don't know that Castle has a huge bag on offense, and that's even as a range threat. He can finish lobs and cuts pretty well, but the thing that makes him a great defender, his methodical, careful movement and positioning, is kinda the same on offense. He's not that quick, little blow-by, has to bump and spin to get around defenders to get to the bucket. He's decently athletic on the run but doesn't have a ton of pop otherwise.

That said, Pop's offense is predicated on quick moves, reads, and so on, and he's certainly capable of that.

[spurraider21]

Tbh I don't know that Castle has a huge bag on offense, and that's even as a range threat. He can finish lobs and cuts pretty well, but the thing that makes him a great defender, his methodical, careful movement and positioning, is kinda the same on offense. He's not that quick, little blow-by, has to bump and spin to get around defenders to get to the bucket. He's decently athletic on the run but doesn't have a ton of pop otherwise.

That said, Pop's offense is predicated on quick moves, reads, and so on, and he's certainly capable of that.
to me, Castle feels like a less athletic Tony Allen. that doesnt mean he's going to be a bad player by any stretch (think some people forget how much spring allen had with the celtics and just remember his old man days)

[R. DeMurre]

It's always fun to look at pre-combine scouting stuff, and then at combine results. My favorite one at the moment is from Kevin O'Connor at The Ringer, talking about Reed Sheppard: "He’s a below-the-rim athlete, but he has soft touch using either hand and good footwork. "

A guy with a 42" vertical is a below-the-rim athlete.


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

[spurraider21]

its questionable how helpful your volleyball vert is in most situations. sheppard definitely plays below the rim. you dont exactly see clips of him flying through the lane for a dunk over an outstretched defender.

[NASpurs]

I'm on team Sheppard/Castle. Do it RC

[Mr. Body]

It's always fun to look at pre-combine scouting stuff, and then at combine results. My favorite one at the moment is from Kevin O'Connor at The Ringer, talking about Reed Sheppard: "He’s a below-the-rim athlete, but he has soft touch using either hand and good footwork. "

A guy with a 42" vertical is a below-the-rim athlete.


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

He is pretty below the rim though. He's not going to dunk on anybody. It's also widely thought he gamed the jump by not extending on his standing reach.

[JPB]

I can only second the growing love for Castle. That's a pick I wouldn't detest either. Not a short term prospect, and not as sexy as others, but you can imagine the player he could ideally become, and that player would have a place on that team.

[Mr. Body]

to me, Castle feels like a less athletic Tony Allen. that doesnt mean he's going to be a bad player by any stretch (think some people forget how much spring allen had with the celtics and just remember his old man days)

'Athleticism' is such a cloudy topic. Most people wouldn't say Tony Parker was that athletic, because he didn't jump that high, but he was the fastest player in the league. How is that not athletic? Castle isn't athletic even by that measure - he doesn't have burst or speed - but he has this ability to stick with players, wall up very well without fouling, and this controlled shiftiness in close spaces that keeps him attached to people.

[Mr. Body]

I can only second the growing love for Castle. That's a pick I wouldn't detest either. Not a short term prospect, and not as sexy as others, but you can imagine the player he could ideally become, and that player would have a place on that team.

With Castle I think you have to live with a lack of offensive threat throughout his career. That's fine -- we badly need a strong perimeter defender. The big issue is how he plays with Sochan and whether he and Cissoko are kind of the same player. But worry about that later.

[Knoxxx]

I'm interested in Castle vs Holland. Castle is a more proven defender but Holland seems very motivated, high motor etc and his motor translates to offense better. Not knowing enough details otherwise, Holland might have the edge as far as ceiling.

I think the main difference is Holland is a bit taller but Castle can be tried at PG which is our bigger need. Similar length, Holland relies more on athleticism. Castle is the safer pick, classic utility guard with length aka Derrick White perhaps.

[spurraider21]

'Athleticism' is such a cloudy topic. Most people wouldn't say Tony Parker was that athletic, because he didn't jump that high, but he was the fastest player in the league. How is that not athletic? Castle isn't athletic even by that measure - he doesn't have burst or speed - but he has this ability to stick with players, wall up very well without fouling, and this controlled shiftiness in close spaces that keeps him attached to people.
derrick white has that same attribute on defense. so did Tony Allen, but he had the other things too

[R. DeMurre]

He is pretty below the rim though. He's not going to dunk on anybody. It's also widely thought he gamed the jump by not extending on his standing reach.

O'Connor was talking about his athleticism, which is clearly not "below-the-rim," as he's also a very good shot blocker and defensive rebounder for a guard.

And I think the "gaming the system" thought was immediately brought about by people who were shocked that their eye test was so obviously wrong. Even if he did fudge the standing reach, what is the knock on him-- that he really only has a 40" vertical? That's still a great vertical.

[CorrectCrusader]

also, re: all the "max vert" numbers... just a reminder that the NFL is a completely different ballgame from a pure athletic perspective (though i would def say relative skill of typical NBA players is much higher than typical NFL players)

1790405003485626473

Gotta remember these players are all much taller than the average NFL combine goer

[benefactor]

Edey solves our weakness at PF by providing twin towers capability
2007 called. It wants its team building ideology back.

[Mr. Body]

Kinda funny -- other Spurs boards are 100% in on Risacher and will shout down dissent. This board is so-so on him.

[baseline bum]

It’s going to be a pain no matter what with a roster this young. But, Branham/Wesley may both be gone after next season or during. Wesley fell off a cliff as this past season ended. Branham is 50/50 at best to get a QO.

And then the Spurs will have 2-3 more rookies coming in next year from their own pick, the Atlanta pick, and probably the Chicago pick if there are no trades. Just makes sense to keep pushing those seconds down the road as well as using them in trades like how they got the unprotected Dallas pick swap in 2030.

[baseline bum]

Did Dillingham participate in any of the shooting or athletic testing yesterday?? Haven’t seen anything from him

If he skipped them it really takes my estimation of Rob down a lot.

[JPB]

Can't help seeing that pic thinking these shy, skinny kids are the ones we're putting so much hope on :lol

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNZqZfkW0AA5fjq?format=jpg&name=900x900

[CorrectCrusader]

Kinda funny -- other Spurs boards are 100% in on Risacher and will shout down dissent. This board is so-so on him.

Other boards are moderated so that every user is basically the same mentally

[Knoxxx]

2007 called. It wants its team building ideology back.

This is our chance (Edey) to make other teams adjust to us, not vice versa.

[CorrectCrusader]

This is our chance (Edey) to make other teams adjust to us, not vice versa.

They will adjust to us in that they will let Edey do whatever he wants because they will obliterate him on offense

[baseline bum]

If you think one of Buz or Castle can develop their shot, I'm almost inclined to take those two over the Buz/Dilly tandem. Big if though.

If I thought Castle could develop a three point shot I'd take him #1 in a second; he'd easily project as an allstar. If the Spurs think they can they have to take him at #4. But it looks like a daunting task. As it stands now there's no way you could play Castle and Sochan together.

[CorrectCrusader]

If I thought Castle could develop a three point shot I'd take him #1 in a second; he'd easily project as an allstar. If the Spurs think they can they have to take him at #4. But it looks like a daunting task. As it stands now there's no way you could play Castle and Sochan together.

Sochan is going to have to fix his shot otherwise he's probably not gonna be on the team in a few years anyway, which solves the problem by itself

[CGD]

I'm on team Sheppard/Castle. Do it RC

Unlike the UK guards and Topic who are seen as potential PGs prospects, Castle is a little different and I think they would have to select Castle with #4 if they really want him. I can see CHA and POR taking a swing on him before the Spurs pick again at #8.

And in that world, it makes the #8 selection very interesting. If the Spurs want their wing there, we're probably looking at the next tranche of players (Williams, Saluan). I have a hard time seeing Matas getting past DET and Holland past POR.

[JPB]

If I thought Castle could develop a three point shot I'd take him #1 in a second; he'd easily project as an allstar. If the Spurs think they can they have to take him at #4. But it looks like a daunting task. As it stands now there's no way you could play Castle and Sochan together.

I don't believe that's a problem, and I'm really not sure any rookie spurs will draft this year will start from day 1 (or year one).

[CorrectCrusader]

Update on Topic, the team (redstar) announced Topic will be able to avoid Surgery, so Givony was correct

[spurraider21]

If he skipped them, my estimation of Robert Dillingham as a man just fuckin plummeted
fify

[baseline bum]

Can't help seeing that pic thinking these shy, skinny kids are the ones we're putting so much hope on :lol

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNZqZfkW0AA5fjq?format=jpg&name=900x900

Really does look like Clingan is Sheppard's dad and Castle is Dilly's.

[scott]

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.

I think it's a very valid question. If you don't like Trae Young because of the cost... then Dilly might make a lot of sense. But if you don't like Trae Young because of the player he is... it's hard to see why you would want Dilly. I think you are exactly correct that Trae Young's absolutely best case scenario is a better shooting Trae Young. The counter to that would be that Dilly might be better off ball, but will he?

[baseline bum]

Unlike the UK guards and Topic who are seen as potential PGs prospects, Castle is a little different and I think they would have to select Castle with #4 if they really want him. I can see CHA and POR taking a swing on him before the Spurs pick again at #8.

And in that world, it makes the #8 selection very interesting. If the Spurs want their wing there, we're probably looking at the next tranche of players (Williams, Saluan). I have a hard time seeing Matas getting past DET and Holland past POR.

Yeah I see no way Castle ever slips to 8. He makes way too much sense for Charlotte, especially if Clingan is off the board.

[DesignatedT]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sludJ4b7W3k

[JPB]

Really does look like Clingan is Sheppard's dad and Castle is Dilly's.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNZqZfkW0AA5fjq?format=jpg&name=900x900

3 of them are hiding their balls from the girl (Primo rule), Sheppard isn't. Bad defense here. Every detail matters.

[Mr. Body]

Really does look like Clingan is Sheppard's dad and Castle is Dilly's.

Clingan - megachurch pastor. Castle - youth pastor. Kentucky kids - kids.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

Gotta remember these players are all much taller than the average NFL combine goer

You also have to remember there are like 300 guys who participate in the NFL combine vs what, 60 or 70, that participate in the NBA combine.

News at 11: cream of the crop athletes in this country who happen to play running back, defensive back and wide receiver in college can jump high.

[CorrectCrusader]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNZqZfkW0AA5fjq?format=jpg&name=900x900

3 of them are protecting their ball from the girl (Primo rule), Sheppard isn't. Bad defense here. Every detail matters.


https://i.imgur.com/YphMS6p.mp4
https://i.imgur.com/YphMS6p.mp4
https://imgur.com/YphMS6p
https://imgur.com/YphMS6p

[Mr. Body]

If number 4 is Buzelis or Castle.

And the Spurs pass on Dillingham.

I'm seeing what the market is for number 8. Like, if Clingan falls. See what the appetite is. (Although I think 5-7 might have the same idea.)

Trading out from that pick and trading up from the 35 may have more ultimate value than taking the 8 outright.

[DAF86]

Castle/Edey at least attempts to solve all of our problems. We can still target a big wing/SF in free agency, trade of future picks, or 25 draft.

Give Castle a try at PG. Edey solves our weakness at PF by providing twin towers capability. Sochan can slide between SF/PF depending on matchups. Now I know you are sold.

Our problems are PG, forward and shooting. You are propossing to add a SG and center that can't shoot. How in the F does any of these guys solve ANY of our all problems, let alone ALL of them? :lol

Imagine a lineup of Castle, Vassell, Sochan, Wemby and Clingan. Easily the worst lineup in the entire league. The Pistons would beat us by 40. That shit wouldn't even work in the pre-three point line invention era. :lol

[baseline bum]

fify

When it comes to draft stock all bets are off. I seen tougher guys than Rob duck the combine.

[scott]

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.”

Quite a sobering assessment. I've had Matas and Holland both over him for awhile now, and stand true to that.

One thing about Hollinger's tiers you posted a few posts later... when I look at tiers I generally think "I would draft anyone in this tier, regardless of my needs, before I'd draft anyone in the next tier". With that in mind, my Tier I and II right now is below (this may not be my exact order, but close). Keep in mind, this is with a Spurs-centric lens, so guys like Sarr and Clingan get dinged because we don't need them (though I don't particularly like Sarr anyway).

Tier I:

Matas
Holland
Dillinger
Sheppard
Castle

Tier II:

Risacher
Williams
Sarr
Klingan
Knecth
Carter

I think we have a real opportunity here to end up with two guys from Tier I, which is exciting (and frankly, I believe we have an opportunity to end up with the top two on my board, but I suspect Holland will rise).

[scott]

So, you expect us to trade the two 2nds and not use them to move up Dejounte (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=51342) ?

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

I'm hoping that we take a prospect we like at #35 (Nunez? Ajay Mitchell?) and let them fight it out in camp with guys like Blake/Champ/Bassey/Barlow. If they're clearly better, those guys are all easy to move on from. If the pick doesn't beat them out, offer them a two way or let them catch on somewhere else. It's a free roll of the dice.

[rascal]

Our problems are PG, forward and shooting. You are propossing to add a SG and center that can't shoot. How in the F does any of these guys solve ANY of our all problems, let alone ALL of them? :lol

Imagine a lineup of Castle, Vassell, Sochan, Wemby and Clingan. Easily the worst lineup in the entire league. The Pistons would beat us by 40. That shit wouldn't even work in the pre-three point line invention era. :lol

You're putting too much value solely on Dillingham's shooting. I'm not even sure he will be able to maintain his college shooting %s in the NBA. He's small and not very good going to the basket.

He doesn't bring much else in his game and is not a good pick. Castle is better in every other area except 3 pt. shooting

[Bruno]

Update on Topic, the team (redstar) announced Topic will be able to avoid Surgery, so Givony was correct

It isn't exactly what they are saying. They are saying he doesn't currently require surgery. What a weird way to say it.....


Putting pieces together, I'm almost sure Topic's knee is fucked and will need surgery to be fixed. The question is do you pick him at #8 if he needs a surgery followed by, let's say, 3 to 6 months of rehab ?

[mo7888]

I'm hoping that we take a prospect we like at #35 (Nunez? Ajay Mitchell?) and let them fight it out in camp with guys like Blake/Champ/Bassey/Barlow. If they're clearly better, those guys are all easy to move on from. If the pick doesn't beat them out, offer them a two way or let them catch on somewhere else. It's a free roll of the dice.

I think I'd like to package both 2nd's and a young player (Wesley? ) to move up to #25. I think there will be a few intriguing guys available there.

It may be to many rookie though..

[rascal]

It isn't exactly what they are saying. They are saying he doesn't currently require surgery. What a weird way to say it.....


Putting pieces together, I'm almost sure Topic's knee is fucked and will need surgery to be fixed. The question is do you pick him at #8 if he needs a surgery followed by, let's say, 3 to 6 months of rehab ?

Afraid to hurt his draft stock so has to say he doesn't need surgury.

[LeBowen]

I think I'd like to package both 2nd's and a young player (Wesley? ) to move up to #25. I think there will be a few intriguing guys available there.

It may be to many rookie though..

Does Wesley even have any value? Or Branham? I don't think so.

Anyhow, if Castle is the #4 pick, then #8 needs to be a wing that can shoot.
I don't care about Knecht's age. If he's good enough, just get him. Look at Jaquez this season.
It also helps with Spurs already having too many players to develop.

Castle-Devin-Knecht-PF-Wemby would theoretically be a great fit if that PF is a capable 3-D player.

If it's about Buzelis/Holland/Risacher, then we can't really go for Castle.
Just go for two wings and get D'Lo in free agency in that case, tbh.

[mo7888]

Does Wesley even have any value? Or Branham? I don't think so.

Anyhow, if Castle is the #4 pick, then #8 needs to be a wing that can shoot.
I don't care about Knecht's age. If he's good enough, just get him. Look at Jaquez this season.
It also helps with Spurs already having too many players to develop.

Castle-Devin-Knecht-PF-Wemby would theoretically be a great fit if that PF is a capable 3-D player.

If it's about Buzelis/Holland/Risacher, then we can't really go for Castle.
Just go for two wings and get D'Lo in free agency in that case, tbh.

They both have value, just not 1st rd value. Their value is 2nd rd or sweetners in trades.

[Ariel]

It isn't exactly what they are saying. They are saying he doesn't currently require surgery. What a weird way to say it.....


Putting pieces together, I'm almost sure Topic's knee is fucked and will need surgery to be fixed. The question is do you pick him at #8 if he needs a surgery followed by, let's say, 3 to 6 months of rehab ?
If you were planning on taking him at 4 because you think he's the best PG available AND you're confident surgery will get him back at 100%, yes, you let him slide a bit and then you take him at 8. Other players that slid because of injuries include Embiid and OG Anunoby. Talent comes first. Whether the Spurs see him that highly I don't know.

[Atl Spur]

Our problems are PG, forward and shooting. You are propossing to add a SG and center that can't shoot. How in the F does any of these guys solve ANY of our all problems, let alone ALL of them? :lol

Imagine a lineup of Castle, Vassell, Sochan, Wemby and Clingan. Easily the worst lineup in the entire league. The Pistons would beat us by 40. That shit wouldn't even work in the pre-three point line invention era. :lol

Castle , Vassell, Sochan , Wemby , Edey lineup would be good in my opinion. I keep telling you guys Edey is more than a big slug! Let’s give it a wait and see.

[scott]

*IF* you believe in your ability to develop shooters... Castle/Holland would be a combo that would immediately change the defensive tone around here. Something to think about.

[mo7888]

Castle , Vassell, Sochan , Wemby , Edey lineup would be good in my opinion. I keep telling you guys Edey is more than a big slug! Let’s give it a wait and see.

I don't see how 3 non-shooters can work.

[Ariel]

Castle , Vassell, Sochan , Wemby , Edey lineup would be good in my opinion. I keep telling you guys Edey is more than a big slug! Let’s give it a wait and see.
That lineup is UNPLAYABLE in today's NBA, Wemby would be absolutely miserable.

[LeBowen]

Castle , Vassell, Sochan , Wemby , Edey lineup would be good in my opinion. I keep telling you guys Edey is more than a big slug! Let’s give it a wait and see.

They removing the 3pt line? Might be a good lineup then.


If you were planning on taking him at 4 because you think he's the best PG available AND you're confident surgery will get him back at 100%, yes, you let him slide a bit and then you take him at 8. Other players that slid because of injuries include Embiid and OG Anunoby. Talent comes first. Whether the Spurs see him that highly I don't know.

I don't think there's a chance Pistons, Hornets or Blazers pick an injured point guard with their only pick and Cade, Lamelo, Scoot on their respective rosters.
That's how you lose your job, even if it's worth the risk.

MPJ was supposed to be the best domestic prospect before all the injuries., dropped all the way to #14 and turned out to be worth it.
If Spurs are sure of Topic's potential, just take him with #8, but not with #4.

[Ariel]

I don't see how 3 non-shooters can work.
Plus you're pushing Wemby away from his comfort zone and turning him into his early season self. You don't adjust Wemby's role to fit anybody, you fit everyone else around Wemby.

[Ariel]

I don't think there's a chance Pistons, Hornets or Blazers pick an injured point guard with their only pick and Cade, Lamelo, Scoot on their respective rosters.
That's how you lose your job, even if it's worth the risk.

MPJ was supposed to be the best domestic prospect before all the injuries., dropped all the way to #14 and turned out to be worth it.
If Spurs are sure of Topic's potential, just take him with #8, but not with #4.
That's exactly what I said...

[Knoxxx]

Our problems are PG, forward and shooting. You are propossing to add a SG and center that can't shoot. How in the F does any of these guys solve ANY of our all problems, let alone ALL of them? :lol

Imagine a lineup of Castle, Vassell, Sochan, Wemby and Clingan. Easily the worst lineup in the entire league. The Pistons would beat us by 40. That shit wouldn't even work in the pre-three point line invention era. :lol


First off, in general people are saying we need to pick non shooters and hope they develop a shot, or holding their nose about taking undersized/unathletic shooters or who can't also play D, etc. There are not wart free choices, sorry.

Second, I'll chalk this up to an honest mistake but I said nothing of the sort about Klingon. I don't like his game at all. Edey owns Klingon, and is a highly underrated, can't miss prospect that some high 90% of posters apparently are not smart enough to see sitting right under their noses.

As far as lineups, to indicate one single lineup is foolish. Depending on who we play, we will modify the lineup to take best advantage. That is why you have a ROSTER, not just a team of 5 guys only.

[baseline bum]

*IF* you believe in your ability to develop shooters... Castle/Holland would be a combo that would immediately change the defensive tone around here. Something to think about.

Seems like they had a reverse Midas touch with Branham's jumpshot tbh

[John B]

Have you watched ANY UConn film breakdowns? If not, you should probably sit this one out. Their offense is complicated, off ball screens, pin down screens, flare screens, staggered screens, and never less than 2-3 ON EACH POSSESSION. You’ll notice that the player taking the shot rarely has to dribble. Most of the minimal dribbling is into a dribble hand off.


55WVapTINRQ

In other words, Pop’s kinda egalitarian offense.

Anyways, the more I read on Castle and his smothering defense, the more I see him as Spurs’ pick, where Spurs have glaring need at point-of-attack defender. But then again, Pop is infatuated with shooters like Reed. I’m not crazy about Spurs drafting two guards because they are too small at PF position. I would’ve like a Risacher, Matas, Cody Williams, Holland…

[rjv]

It isn't exactly what they are saying. They are saying he doesn't currently require surgery. What a weird way to say it.....


Putting pieces together, I'm almost sure Topic's knee is fucked and will need surgery to be fixed. The question is do you pick him at #8 if he needs a surgery followed by, let's say, 3 to 6 months of rehab ?

that's a tough one but there's a strong possibility that topic will be there at 8 now, this is reminiscent of what happened with the nuggets when they decided to take michael porter jr. when he fell to the 14th spot because of his back surgery. (of course, porter was a much more heralded player than topic has ever been).

[vy65]

Castle-Devin-Knecht-PF-Wemby would theoretically be a great fit if that PF is a capable 3-D player.

That perimeter is getting torched by any wing 6'6" or taller.

[manufan10]

1790452735352914261

[Knoxxx]

1790452735352914261

And that settles it, Castle at #4!

[vy65]

That seems like an underwhelming wingspan for someone 6'5"?

[Knoxxx]

In other words, Pop’s kinda egalitarian offense.

Anyways, the more I read on Castle and his smothering defense, the more I see him as Spurs’ pick, where Spurs have glaring need at point-of-attack defender. But then again, Pop is infatuated with shooters like Reed. I’m not crazy about Spurs drafting two guards because they are too small at PF position. I would’ve like a Risacher, Matas, Cody Williams, Holland…

Excellent post except for when you leave off saying the Spurs need a PF, then list 4 SFs.

[Knoxxx]

That seems like an underwhelming wingspan for someone 6'5"?

It's fine, anything much above your height is decent.

[buttsR4rebounding]

If number 4 is Buzelis or Castle.

And the Spurs pass on Dillingham.

I'm seeing what the market is for number 8. Like, if Clingan falls. See what the appetite is. (Although I think 5-7 might have the same idea.)

Trading out from that pick and trading up from the 35 may have more ultimate value than taking the 8 outright.

I would take Edey over Clingan if it came down to it. Heck, at the combine Edey was bigger, jumped higher, was faster in the 3/4 sprint, was faster in the cone shuffle and shot better jump shots. Plus he was the better player head-to-head in the NCAA championship game. UConn was the better team, but Edey was the better center.

[exstatic]

There’s plenty of times I saw from what I watched where system broke down at times or where it needed to be 1v1 and he always seemingly shied away. Or even within system he passed on decent looks that others would have fired


The system stuff may explain a lot but not all of what I saw. I understand I may be wrong and it’s non issue; do you give any credence the possibility you’re wrong and it’s not all system but a real lack of confidence and/or ability?

I don’t think it’s lack of ability, but as a freshman, even as the#12 national recruit, he probably wanted to fit into the team, which had just won the title. Successful winning programs don’t necessarily cater to their one and dones. Just looking a the team stats,I get the feeling that Hurley doesn’t play Freshman a lot. Castle played 27 minutes, but after that it was two guys at 11,9,and two guys who barely saw the floor.

I think the UConn experience is really going to help his NBA development. So many guys come into the league not even knowing how to set a basic pick, or use one as a ball handler. He already has massive experience doing both. I think it also says a lot about him that he picked a winning program with a tough coach over someplace like UK, where coaches kind of let guys do what they want to a certain degree.

[exstatic]

That seems like an underwhelming wingspan for someone 6'5"?

It’s a plus 4.5, which is not elite, but it’s above average in the ‘length’ department.

[JPB]

Quite a sobering assessment. I've had Matas and Holland both over him for awhile now, and stand true to that.

One thing about Hollinger's tiers you posted a few posts later... when I look at tiers I generally think "I would draft anyone in this tier, regardless of my needs, before I'd draft anyone in the next tier". With that in mind, my Tier I and II right now is below (this may not be my exact order, but close). Keep in mind, this is with a Spurs-centric lens, so guys like Sarr and Clingan get dinged because we don't need them (though I don't particularly like Sarr anyway).

Tier I:

Matas
Holland
Dillinger
Sheppard
Castle

Tier II:

Risacher
Williams
Sarr
Klingan
Knecth
Carter

I think we have a real opportunity here to end up with two guys from Tier I, which is exciting (and frankly, I believe we have an opportunity to end up with the top two on my board, but I suspect Holland will rise).

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302519&p=11063634&viewfull=1#post11063634

Except, as I detailed a few pages ago (as you can see above with actual stats) Hollinger supposed references and stats, his whole argumentation lie on to explain Risacher isn't in the Fournier/Batum's tier, because the last two they dominated more in their pre-draft season, are just plain wrong. That's not the reality. He has no idea what he' talking about and didn't check the stats himself, probably asking some (bad) assistant to make the job for him.

Risacher was statiscally and overall arguably better than Batum in euro competition he reached the finals (harder Euroleague for Batum tho) shooting notably 56% on 3 vs 29% on 3 for Batum (whose team went 2-12). And they have somehow similar stats in the french league (where nor Batum or Fournier were really "dominating" (which is honestly something weird to say for kids posting a dozen points with a few rbs and passes like they all did).

Fournier never even played euro competitions or made the french league
POs, stat padding for his 14pt/game on a crappy team (9-21), shooting terrible percentage on 3 (27%) and overall (45%).

Weird take by Hollinger. NBA teams still trust this guy?

[rjv]

That seems like an underwhelming wingspan for someone 6'5"?

yeah, i was hoping for a little more than that. it might have been what sold me on rooting for the spurs to grab castle at # 4 if he's there. i'm still leaning towards him though.

[DPG21920]

It isn't exactly what they are saying. They are saying he doesn't currently require surgery. What a weird way to say it.....


Putting pieces together, I'm almost sure Topic's knee is fucked and will need surgery to be fixed. The question is do you pick him at #8 if he needs a surgery followed by, let's say, 3 to 6 months of rehab ?

I dont even want him if he were healthy so no from me lol

[rjv]

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302519&p=11063634&viewfull=1#post11063634

Except, as I detailed a few pages ago (as you can see above with actual stats) Hollinger supposed references and stats, his whole argumentation lie on to explain Risacher isn't in the Fournier/Batum's tier, because the last two they dominated more in their pre-draft season, are just plain wrong. That's not the reality. He has no idea what he' talking about and didn't check the stats himself, probably asking some (bad) assistant to make the job for him.

Risacher was statiscally and overall arguably better than Batum in euro competition he reached the finals (harder Euroleague for Batum tho) shooting notably 56% on 3 vs 29% on 3 for Batum (whose team went 2-12). And they have somehow similar stats in the french league (where nor Batum or Fournier were really "dominating" (which is honestly something weird to say for kids posting a dozen points with a few rbs and passes like they all did).

Fournier never even played euro competitions or made the french league
POs, stat padding for his 14pt/game on a crappy team (9-21), shooting terrible percentage on 3 (27%) and overall (45%).

Weird take by Hollinger. NBA teams still trust this guy?


i always hated hollinger's PER. it was the same metric that made bruce bowen out to be worthless.

[CorrectCrusader]

And that settles it, Castle at #4!

6'7 in shoes with a 6'9 wingspan is niceee

[DPG21920]

I don’t think it’s lack of ability, but as a freshman, even as the#12 national recruit, he probably wanted to fit into the team, which had just won the title. Successful winning programs don’t necessarily cater to their one and dones. Just looking a the team stats,I get the feeling that Hurley doesn’t play Freshman a lot. Castle played 27 minutes, but after that it was two guys at 11,9,and two guys who barely saw the floor.

I think the UConn experience is really going to help his NBA development. So many guys come into the league not even knowing how to set a basic pick, or use one as a ball handler. He already has massive experience doing both. I think it also says a lot about him that he picked a winning program with a tough coach over someplace like UK, where coaches kind of let guys do what they want to a certain degree.

Like I said; I like Castle. My observation was just my biggest question on him. Answering that question I think is key to where you draft him or if you want to.

[scott]

https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302519&p=11063634&viewfull=1#post11063634

Except, as I detailed a few pages ago (as you can see above with actual stats) Hollinger supposed references and stats, his whole argumentation lie on to explain Risacher isn't in the Fournier/Batum's tier, because the last two they dominated more in their pre-draft season, are just plain wrong. That's not the reality. He has no idea what he' talking about and didn't check the stats himself, probably asking some (bad) assistant to make the job for him.

Risacher was statiscally and overall arguably better than Batum in euro competition he reached the finals (harder Euroleague for Batum tho) shooting notably 56% on 3 vs 29% on 3 for Batum (whose team went 2-12). And they have somehow similar stats in the french league (where nor Batum or Fournier were really "dominating" (which is honestly something weird to say for kids posting a dozen points with a few rbs and passes like they all did).

Fournier never even played euro competitions or made the french league
POs, stat padding for his 14pt/game on a crappy team (9-21), shooting terrible percentage on 3 (27%) and overall (45%).

Weird take by Hollinger. NBA teams still trust this guy?

Hollinger's take doesn't have any impact on my personal rankings though. Still have Risacher at the top of Tier II.

[vy65]

It’s a plus 4.5, which is not elite, but it’s above average in the ‘length’ department.

Eh. It's 3.5.

[exstatic]

Eh. It's 3.5.

You are correct. My calculator broke for a minute.

[LeBowen]

Shooting issues aside, can Castle even be a full-time point guard in the NBA?
We need someone to run the team, no more experimenting with players who aren't actually point guards.

[scott]

Shooting issues aside, can Castle even be a full-time point guard in the NBA?
We need someone to run the team, no more experimenting with players who aren't actually point guards.

I'm gearing up for Point Barlow to start the season, personally.

[BatManu20]

1790099019584110994

[BatManu20]

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[Truckules]

The data is back on the NBA's official combine website after pulling it due to the Castle mix-up: https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro?SeasonYear=2024-25. Two players that jumped out are Knecht with some really good athletic measurements (2nd in lane agility, 12th in max vert, 12th in 3/4 sprint) and Karaban shooting absolutely lights out on movement 3s (90% off the dribble, 84% on the move). Knecht at 8 wouldn't upset me depending on who's left, and Karaban could be a potential replacement for Cedi with a second round pick.

[NASpurs]

1790099019584110994

Sign him to the super max already, my mind is made up.

[The Truth #6]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sludJ4b7W3k

I like Knecht but that's a real fluff video. Feels like his agent produced it.

[John B]

Sign him to the super max already, my mind is made up.

Castle (4th), Vassell, Holland (8th), Sochan and Wemby should be smothering defense.

[Mr. Body]

Shooting issues aside, can Castle even be a full-time point guard in the NBA?
We need someone to run the team, no more experimenting with players who aren't actually point guards.

Sure. This team doesn't need a ball dominant point. The issue has always been defense.

[John B]

1790428108580954136

1790414416166429075

Castle sounds like he’s auditioning as the starting PG for Wemby… hope to be a All-Defensive?. Pop would love this kid.

[Raven]

I like the buzelis, knecht current draft stock, i don't think there's any chance we pick them and to me they have the highest bust potential. In fact i wouldn't be surprised buzelis falls out of the top 20 if he doesn't convince teams. He has, to me, the most mercurial stock of anybody as his measurables are deceptive dogshit. Given that, and given the drafting style of the three teams above us, I sense there is a chance one of sarr and risachet falls to us at number 4. Not sold on either but if it happens, we better pounce. Castle seems a bit of a mistery to me, not sure he'd be any better than Wesley as a prospect and I don't like picking a pg in this draft anyway. Also wtf is up with those Edey numbers, they are impossible to pass outside the lottery.

[LeBowen]

Sure. This team doesn't need a ball dominant point. The issue has always been defense.

True, but we need someone to steady the ship when needed and reset everything when sets fail.


Castle sounds like he’s auditioning as the starting PG for Wemby… hope to be a All-Defensive?. Pop would love this kid.

Tbh, if you ask 20 of these prospects about their preferred destination, I bet that at least 15 would say they'd want to play with Wemby, who wouldn't?

[BatManu20]

Castle (4th), Vassell, Holland (8th), Sochan and Wemby should be smothering defense.

With almost zero shooting :lol. This lineup would be horrendous offensively. Don't think we take both Castle and Holland. Just guessing here, but unless a second wing is clearly BPA, I think PATFO take one wing and one guard (assuming we keep both picks).

[Raven]

True, but we need someone to steady the ship when needed and reset everything when sets fail.



Tbh, if you ask 20 of these prospects about their preferred destionation, I bet that at least 15 would say they'd want to play with Wemby, who wouldn't?

Anyone who wants a max contract after his rookie one?

[LeBowen]

Anyone who wants a max contract after his rookie one?

As I said before, it feels like this new CBA is built for two max contracts per roster.
Supermax for Wemby and then a regular max for his running mate. With a few more elite players on great deals. Then we fill out the rest.

[JPB]

ESPN injury update (sorry if already posted).

Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky: Dillingham, a projected top-five pick who ranks No. 4 in our Top 100, wasn't able to fully participate in the draft combine Monday. He sprained his ankle in a workout two weeks ago, Klutch Sports agent Lucas Newton told ESPN, and is expected to be out for another two to four weeks. Even with a more conservative timetable, Dillingham should have enough days available before the June 26 draft to conduct workouts with teams as needed, though he may not need to do more than a handful given his draft projections. -- Givony

Nikola Topic, PG, Serbia: While players in Chicago were going through shooting drills, NBA executives could be seen nearly simultaneously pulling up their phones and witnessing a scary sight via social media as Topic went down with what appeared to be a serious injury in Game 1 of the Adriatic League finals in Belgrade, Serbia. In early January, Topic suffered a sprained left knee ligament, which cost him nearly 3½ months of action. Monday, he appeared to reinjure the same knee, looking unable to put any weight as he limped off the court in obvious distress. A postgame examination revealed Topic avoided serious injury, sources told ESPN, and will not require surgery. His injury is being described as a left knee sprain. A source told ESPN that Topic "froze up" after feeling pain in his previously injured knee, but recovered quickly in the locker room.

While this injury will keep Topic, who is ranked No. 5 in our Top 100, out of the remainder of the Adriatic League finals, he is still expected to be a full participant in a Global NBA pre-draft camp that the league is organizing in Treviso, Italy, from June 4-6. NBA teams will be taking a close look at the medical examination that will be conducted at this NBA combine equivalent in Treviso, which will be dispersed to teams picking in the top-15 portion of the draft according to new rules that were put in place in the CBA signed in 2023. -- Givony

[BatManu20]

Based on interviews, Ron Holland doesn't seem like Spurs personality to me tbh. I'd bet the Spurs are much more intrigued by Risacher and Buzelis in terms wing players.

[The Truth #6]

Devin Carter with some great numbers in the combine. Some of the best. I can see those numbers helping people believe in him more. Just saying.

[NASpurs]

Dillingham was asked about the Spurs. (3:11)

Nothing much I guess. Seems like a good kid, I could see why the Spurs would draft him just by his personality I guess.


https://youtu.be/51SOz3uBaE0?si=Hst7zOYXXOfecGLP&t=191

[RC_Drunkford]

1790443208142647399

1790426286780776544

1790438397279965354

1790448062403395994

[thOOdee]

How hard is it to get Wemby the ball!!! Yes, Dillingham may turn out to be our future Trae Young, but do we really want a Trae Young molded player. Is the offense worth the sacrifice of the defense?

CASTLE AT #4

Risacher, Dillingham(or Sheppard), Holland, Buzelis, Knecht, Williams at #8 in that order. GSG!

[Dejounte]

If Castle thinks he’s a 1, then this is a no brainer. Either Reed or Castle with the 4th pick and I’m a happy camper.

[CorrectCrusader]

Castle (4th), Vassell, Holland (8th), Sochan and Wemby should be smothering defense.

75 points per 100 possessions

[Chinook]

With almost zero shooting :lol. This lineup would be horrendous offensively. Don't think we take both Castle and Holland. Just guessing here, but unless a second wing is clearly BPA, I think PATFO take one wing and one guard (assuming we keep both picks).

Those might still be very good picks, even though I don't think folks should project either as a starter next season. It would be hard for Castle to start next season given his rawness and limitations. Jones may be better as a backup, but he's still a real barrier. He should have every opportunity to defend his starting spot from any rookie and almost all free agents. I've talked about why I want the Spurs to have a veteran wing, but even if they don't get one, I don't think Holland would start over Champ. He has a lot to learn, and the freedom of the bench seems like the better unit to explore that. Later in the year, he might get that nod, just as Kawhi got his after the deadline in 2012.

There are players in this draft that I could see being starters from day one, but the Spurs need to avoid behaving like temporarily embarrassed contenders.They need to draft like the rebuilding team they are and not worry about fit or filling needs. That's stuff they can handle in free agency and trade. But they still lack talent in their pipeline. Guys like Branham, Wesley and the rest should be at risk of getting flushed.

[Truckules]

Devin Carter with some great numbers in the combine. Some of the best. I can see those numbers helping people believe in him more. Just saying.

Based on combine numbers, he's the best athlete in the draft and shot the ball well too. The problem is he's an undersized SG since he's just an okay passer and can't self create. The combine performance is great to see and definitely helped solidify him in the first, but I don't think it changed how teams see him fitting in the league.

[PhantomDashCam]

I think Washington takes Castle at #2. I don’t think they move off of Gafford to grab another big so soon.
Clingan is not the same player obviously, but the money he would earn across his rookie deal is not to dissimilar to what Gafford
was locked in for.

[Dejounte]

I think Washington takes Castle at #2. I don’t think they move off of Gafford to grab another big so soon.
Clingan is not the same player obviously, but the money he would earn across his rookie deal is not to dissimilar to what Gafford
was locked in for.

What an awful scenario if Castle goes 2 and Reed goes 3. Lawd help us.

[CorrectCrusader]

What an awful scenario if Castle goes 2 and Reed goes 3. Lawd help us.
Not terrible, it means we can choose any wing we want.

[vy65]

Not terrible, it means we can choose any wing we want.

And a real possibility Dilly falls to 8 considering teams at 5-7.

[RC_Drunkford]

Why do people want Castle at point? Even if he can shoot the 3, he's still not a pull up threat, can't bend the defense and we'd have to settle for outside shots. We need somebody who can get in the lane and get the other guys easy buckets. Our team is as bad on offense as it is on defense.

[mo7888]

What an awful scenario if Castle goes 2 and Reed goes 3. Lawd help us.

I like both guys, but I dont think it's awful... Buzelis would be there at 4 and so would Risacher (who i know you dont like). It would probably push 2 or 3 of Risacher, Dilly, Williams, Knecht and Holland to 8. I'd be very happy with Buzelis and any one of those other guys.

[Leetonidas]

Why do people want Castle at point? Even if he can shoot the 3, he's still not a pull up threat, can't bend the defense and we'd have to settle for outside shots. We need somebody who can get in the lane and get the other guys easy buckets. Our team is as bad on offense as it is on defense.

Because people are enamored with the defensive potential. Problem is they forget how offensively inept our team is :lol

Id much rather take a chance on a high ceiling offensive player. We need scoring desperately on this team

[Raven]

What an awful scenario if Castle goes 2 and Reed goes 3. Lawd help us.

seems more of a dream scenario

[Snaq O'Meal]

Based on combine numbers, he's the best athlete in the draft and shot the ball well too. The problem is he's an undersized SG since he's just an okay passer and can't self create. The combine performance is great to see and definitely helped solidify him in the first, but I don't think it changed how teams see him fitting in the league.

Carter is more like a combo guard than a shooting guard. Despite being undersized, he posted elite rebounding and stock stats, and is also an elite POA defender. For anyone who thinks he can't self-create, just check out his game against UConn against defensive attention from Castle and Kling Kong, where Carter had to shoulder most of the offensive burden.

[BackHome]

Those might still be very good picks, even though I don't think folks should project either as a starter next season. It would be hard for Castle to start next season given his rawness and limitations. Jones may be better as a backup, but he's still a real barrier. He should have every opportunity to defend his starting spot from any rookie and almost all free agents. I've talked about why I want the Spurs to have a veteran wing, but even if they don't get one, I don't think Holland would start over Champ. He has a lot to learn, and the freedom of the bench seems like the better unit to explore that. Later in the year, he might get that nod, just as Kawhi got his after the deadline in 2012.

There are players in this draft that I could see being starters from day one, but the Spurs need to avoid behaving like temporarily embarrassed contender. They need to drat like the rebuilding team they are and not worry about fit or filling needs. That's stuff they can handle in free agency and trade. But they still lack talent in their pipeline. Guys like Branham, Wesley and the rest should be at risk of getting flushed.

Other then Clingan, Knicht, Eddy, I don’t see any player getting starting minutes on a good team. I thinks it’s a fool’s errand to try and get players who can start vs picking the most talented Player on your big board. This team is severely lacking and talent so in first round go for talent and in second round you can go for fit or just select the best international Player for a one or two year stash.

[PhantomDashCam]

What an awful scenario if Castle goes 2 and Reed goes 3. Lawd help us.

Washington would be a terrific trade partner if Spurs are in love with a prospect and felt that they wouldn’t be there at #4.

[CorrectCrusader]

Why do people want Castle at point? Even if he can shoot the 3, he's still not a pull up threat, can't bend the defense and we'd have to settle for outside shots. We need somebody who can get in the lane and get the other guys easy buckets. Our team is as bad on offense as it is on defense.

Yet

[Splits]

1790472861632561461

Take him at 35

[RC_Drunkford]

Here's a more in depth scouting video of Dillingham. I remain high on this kid. Offensively he's all you would want from your PG and he has some potential to not be a complete liability on defense.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B33Ke5hlRLI

[RC_Drunkford]

Yet

so you think he will somehow become faster?

[Snaq O'Meal]

I like the buzelis, knecht current draft stock, i don't think there's any chance we pick them and to me they have the highest bust potential. In fact i wouldn't be surprised buzelis falls out of the top 20 if he doesn't convince teams. He has, to me, the most mercurial stock of anybody as his measurables are deceptive dogshit. Given that, and given the drafting style of the three teams above us, I sense there is a chance one of sarr and risachet falls to us at number 4. Not sold on either but if it happens, we better pounce. Castle seems a bit of a mistery to me, not sure he'd be any better than Wesley as a prospect and I don't like picking a pg in this draft anyway. Also wtf is up with those Edey numbers, they are impossible to pass outside the lottery.

Edey is likely going to be the ROTY. Plays intense with a chip on his shoulder. Problem is, the Rockets may pick him first. They already own Wemby with Sengun's and Brooks' bulk and bully ball. Edey will only improve on their dominance for the next few years.

[Ariel]

What an awful scenario if Castle goes 2 and Reed goes 3. Lawd help us.
Then the Spurs could take their pick from Risacher / Buzelis / Holland at 4, and Dillingham / Topic at 8. Or, if they ABSOLUTELY love Castle, they have more than enough to move up and get him if they feel he'll be gone by 4.

[Raven]

Edey is likely going to be the ROTY. Plays intense with a chip on his shoulder. Problem is, the Rockets may pick him first. They already own Wemby with Sengun's and Brooks' bulk and bully ball. Edey will only improve on their dominance for the next few years.

I thought he was more in conversation outside of the top 20.. i mean it is pretty obvious he'll never be a 15ppg+ player

[spurraider21]

Why do people want Castle at point? Even if he can shoot the 3, he's still not a pull up threat, can't bend the defense and we'd have to settle for outside shots. We need somebody who can get in the lane and get the other guys easy buckets. Our team is as bad on offense as it is on defense.
people suddenly love him more than every because of his 30 attempts with no defense at the combine :lol

[RC_Drunkford]

I'd love for the Rockets to waste their #3 pick on a center, since these are the easiest players to obtain in free agency and Sengun will never be able to play the 4 without a 3-point shot

[scott]

Serious question: just saw that Dillingham is with Klutch - does that impact the Spurs consideration of him at all?

[benefactor]

Because people are enamored with the defensive potential. Problem is they forget how offensively inept our team is :lol

Id much rather take a chance on a high ceiling offensive player. We need scoring desperately on this team
Exactly. I mean nobody wants a traffic cone but the Spurs desperately need scoring and play making. This is the way the league is now. Wemby it's going to be able to help cover some flaws defensively. You have to have guys that can score when it matters. Can't wind up being a one-man show like Minnesota.

[RC_Drunkford]

people suddenly love him more than every because of his 30 attempts with no defense at the combine :lol

with enough practice he can become Steph Curry:drunk


Serious question: just saw that Dillingham is with Klutch - does that impact the Spurs consideration of him at all?

Keldon is also with clutch. I don't think there is a problem with them. They handled the Morris fiasco as professional as they could back in the day.

[Ariel]

people suddenly love him more than every because of his 30 attempts with no defense at the combine :lol
It's an overreact, sure, but him measuring at 6'5.5" without shoes isn't a small detail, that's wing size so if he doesn't pan out as a full time PG at least he has a pretty safe place as a high end role player at the wing. I want Dillingham for PG, but getting Castle alongside him (or another shooter) is more palatable to me now that it was before.

[CorrectCrusader]

Serious question: just saw that Dillingham is with Klutch - does that impact the Spurs consideration of him at all?

Zero impact.

[spurraider21]

It's an overreact, sure, but him measuring at 6'5.5" without shoes isn't a small detail, that's wing size so if he doesn't pan out as a full time PG at least he has a pretty safe place as a high end role player at the wing. I want Dillingham for PG, but getting Castle alongside him (or another shooter) is more palatable to me now that it was before.
ive been warm on castle for a while, so its not like i dislike him as a prospect. i think he'd be a solid outcome at 8. if we would up with him and dillingham, or him and sheppard, i'd be pretty happy.

to be fair, even though i like dillingham more, if they're both there at 4, i think theres a better chance of dillingham falling all the way to 8 than castle.

[TD 21]

What an awful scenario if Castle goes 2 and Reed goes 3. Lawd help us.

By god, that's Risacher's music. :stirpot:



Why do people want Castle at point? Even if he can shoot the 3, he's still not a pull up threat, can't bend the defense and we'd have to settle for outside shots. We need somebody who can get in the lane and get the other guys easy buckets. Our team is as bad on offense as it is on defense.

Because they seem to think they're going to build the next core of a dynasty in one draft, are scared off of small guards and believe the Spurs have magic pixie dust and will sprinkle some and turn non shooters into good enough ones to be respected.

This team is worse offensively than defensively and will always be minimally above average at the latter with Wembanyama on the floor.

[SpursBills]

If I had to pick one draft prospect in the last 3-4 years who would have a the best chance of developing into an SGA-stopper or at least neutralizer while still being able to play big playoff-caliber minutes, it'd probably be one of the Thompson twins. But after those two, your best bet is probably Castle or maybe Dyson Daniels. More size than Cason Wallace and Suggs, stronger than Anthony Black, better at the POA than Devin Vassell, better at defending guards than Eason/Sochan/Jabari Smith.

Just like Sochan may be uniquely valuable on wing creators like Barnes and Luka because of his combination of speed and strength, Castle may be equally valuable on guys like SGA and maybe Ant. It's a small point, but as these are next-gen superstars who will be competing directly with the Spurs for the next 7-10 years, it may be helpful to start looking early. OKC would have no issue spending a high draft pick on a guy who could match up well with Wemby if given the opportunity.

[TD 21]

If I had to pick one draft prospect in the last 3-4 years who would have a the best chance of developing into an SGA-stopper or at least neutralizer while still being able to play big playoff-caliber minutes, it'd probably be one of the Thompson twins. But after those two, your best bet is probably Castle or maybe Dyson Daniels. More size than Cason Wallace and Suggs, stronger than Anthony Black, better at the POA than Devin Vassell, better at defending guards than Eason/Sochan/Jabari Smith.

Just like Sochan may be uniquely valuable on wing creators like Barnes and Luka because of his combination of speed and strength, Castle may be equally valuable on guys like SGA and maybe Ant. It's a small point, but as these are next-gen superstars who will be competing directly with the Spurs for the next 7-10 years, it may be helpful to start looking early. OKC would have no issue spending a high draft pick on a guy who could match up well with Wemby if given the opportunity.

Sochan and Castle can't play together, the former probably is entrenched and Jones might be too.

The playoffs are more so about not having a liability defender (unless they offset it by being a superstar or star offensively) than having so called perimeter stoppers.

Despite the hype, bigs still and will always have by far the biggest impact defensively and the Spurs again lucked into having the best in the business.

I don't want a small guard as much as the next person, but talent is the biggest need and they're not in a position to pass it up.

[CGD]

If I had to pick one draft prospect in the last 3-4 years who would have a the best chance of developing into an SGA-stopper or at least neutralizer while still being able to play big playoff-caliber minutes, it'd probably be one of the Thompson twins. But after those two, your best bet is probably Castle or maybe Dyson Daniels. More size than Cason Wallace and Suggs, stronger than Anthony Black, better at the POA than Devin Vassell, better at defending guards than Eason/Sochan/Jabari Smith.

Just like Sochan may be uniquely valuable on wing creators like Barnes and Luka because of his combination of speed and strength, Castle may be equally valuable on guys like SGA and maybe Ant. It's a small point, but as these are next-gen superstars who will be competing directly with the Spurs for the next 7-10 years, it may be helpful to start looking early. OKC would have no issue spending a high draft pick on a guy who could match up well with Wemby if given the opportunity.

Smart take. The Spurs are building around Wemby, period. That doesn't mean the number 2 has to be a ball dominant PG. Neither BOS or MIN (a potential finals match-up) features a ball dominant PG for example.

Castle offers the defensive upside that you describe, with the potential connective tissue on the offensives side that would all him to fit well with the current engines of the Spurs offense: Wemby and Vassell.

[SpursBills]

It's an overreact, sure, but him measuring at 6'5.5" without shoes isn't a small detail, that's wing size so if he doesn't pan out as a full time PG at least he has a pretty safe place as a high end role player at the wing. I want Dillingham for PG, but getting Castle alongside him (or another shooter) is more palatable to me now that it was before.

Yeah his height wingspan standing reach and weight are basically the exact same size as Isaac Okoro during his draft year (3 point shooting volume and percentages too!). I'm of similar mind to you, except I'd prefer a Sheppard/Castle combination as Castle definitely has outs to be a decent wing as his floor.

[CGD]

Sochan and Castle can't play together, the former probably is entrenched and Jones might be too.

The playoffs are more so about not having a liability defender (unless they offset it by being a superstar or star offensively) than having so called perimeter stoppers.

Despite the hype, bigs still and will always have by far the biggest impact defensively and the Spurs again lucked into having the best in the business.

I don't want a small guard as much as the next person, but talent is the biggest need and they're not in a position to pass it up.

Nah. In the shortrun, it will depend on whether they get shooting from the other forward position (e.g., a vet like Batum).

[Mr. Body]

Serious question: just saw that Dillingham is with Klutch - does that impact the Spurs consideration of him at all?

As far as I know, Klutch and the Spurs are basically good. One thing -- Dillingham is kind of an influencer type who is into fashion and has a pretty good internet following. Not a bad thing, but with Sochan and Wembanyama being big personalities, it would be a new day.

[TD 21]

Smart take. The Spurs are building around Wemby, period. That doesn't mean the number 2 has to be a ball dominant PG. Neither BOS or MIN (a potential finals match-up) features a ball dominant PG for example.

Castle offers the defensive upside that you describe, with the potential connective tissue on the offensives side that would all him to fit well with the current engines of the Spurs offense: Wemby and Vassell.

The same Celtics who annually underwhelm in the playoffs because they lack elite play making (and in an related note, an MVP caliber player)?

The Bucks, who've annually done the same (even when they won, when the path cleared) for the same reason and the Clippers too (Scumbag's unwillingness to play at less than pristine health aside).


Nah. In the shortrun, it will depend on whether they get shooting from the other forward position (e.g., a vet like Batum).

Not enough. It's much easier to get away with a defensive liability in the playoffs (again, provided they offset it offensively) than an offensive one.

Even the likes of Okoro and Giddey, who've improved, still get played off the floor because defenses disregard them, their teams play 4 on 5 and it's too much to overcome.

[Dejounte]

By god, that's Risacher's music. :stirpot:




Because they seem to think they're going to build the next core of a dynasty in one draft, are scared off of small guards and believe the Spurs have magic pixie dust and will sprinkle some and turn non shooters into good enough ones to be respected.

This team is worse offensively than defensively and will always be minimally above average at the latter with Wembanyama on the floor.

Honestly, I think everyone’s going to be happy no matter what the Spurs do because we have two picks in this draft.

[SpursFan86]

At this point, adding guys whose biggest question mark is shooting is dicey IMO. Playmaking and shooting are just so clearly the biggest needs at this point. Someone in here mentioned that it’s lazy analysis to just say “we have Victor so we can hide any bad defenders”, and while I’m not necessarily disagreeing, we saw the Spurs defense look plenty respectable down the stretch with Victor anchoring at center. I just don’t think think adding a “perimeter stopper” is anywhere near as important as adding guys who can shoot 40% from 3 and/or break down opposing defenses and create offense.

That’s not to say someone like a Castle should be off the table…but I’m just a little weary of any pick where the justification is “Well if we can turn him into a solid shooter it’ll be great!”. I’m not trying to add more guys who are going to look clueless out there when asked to create and/or going to shoot 30% from 3 even when defenses are double teaming Wemby over and over.

That being said, that’s the beauty of having two picks in the top 10. As long as we get one guy who will somewhat confidently project to be a solid offensive player, then choosing more of an “offensive project” type guy with the other pick is fine.

[Mr. Peabody]

Holland and Dillingham are the combo I’d like to see. Holland is good on defense and can create his own shot on offense. He has good free throw numbers so maybe his shot will improve. Dillingham is the type of scoring threat we need to have on the perimeter to open things up for Wemby.

[RC_Drunkford]

If I had to pick one draft prospect in the last 3-4 years who would have a the best chance of developing into an SGA-stopper or at least neutralizer while still being able to play big playoff-caliber minutes, it'd probably be one of the Thompson twins. But after those two, your best bet is probably Castle or maybe Dyson Daniels. More size than Cason Wallace and Suggs, stronger than Anthony Black, better at the POA than Devin Vassell, better at defending guards than Eason/Sochan/Jabari Smith.

Just like Sochan may be uniquely valuable on wing creators like Barnes and Luka because of his combination of speed and strength, Castle may be equally valuable on guys like SGA and maybe Ant. It's a small point, but as these are next-gen superstars who will be competing directly with the Spurs for the next 7-10 years, it may be helpful to start looking early. OKC would have no issue spending a high draft pick on a guy who could match up well with Wemby if given the opportunity.

here's what happened when the Thompson twins tried to "stop" Dillingham

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if a coach tells 2 supposedly great defensive prospects "Why the fuck can't we stop Rob Dillingham" that should tell you something

[BatManu20]

people suddenly love him more than every because of his 30 attempts with no defense at the combine :lol

With a slow, elongated release, no less. He's not getting that shot off regularly in the NBA shooting that slowly. There's a reason he shot poorly from 3 this season tbh.

[Vienna]

One of the big winners of the combine might be Pelle Larsson. If teams believe he can also play some point, he might be picked much higher than the mocks see him. He will definitely be in a similar conversation like some other Seniors are, say for example Tyler Kolek.
Larsson is far more athletic than people thought (at least than I thought), he has very good height for a SG at 6-5.25 and a strong built at 210lbs. Very good shooter and can handle the ball. Teams might see an even bigger Austin Reaves in him. Definitely an option at #35.

[mo7888]

One of the big winners of the combine might be Pelle Larsson. If teams believe he can also play some point, he might be picked much higher than the mocks see him. He will definitely be in a similar conversation like some other Seniors are, say for example Tyler Kolek.
Larsson is far more athletic than people thought (at least than I thought), he has very good height for a SG at 6-5.25 and a strong built at 210lbs. Very good shooter and can handle the ball. Teams might see an even bigger Austin Reaves in him. Definitely an option at #35.

Agreed. I've currently got him as a late 1st. He would be an excellent depth piece with some untapped upside.

[Dejounte]

Holland and Dillingham are the combo I’d like to see. Holland is good on defense and can create his own shot on offense. He has good free throw numbers so maybe his shot will improve. Dillingham is the type of scoring threat we need to have on the perimeter to open things up for Wemby.
Mr. Body ‘s alt? Bro try harder. You ain’t fooling anybody with this one.

[TD 21]

Honestly, I think everyone’s going to be happy no matter what the Spurs do because we have two picks in this draft.

As long as they don't select Castle at 4, have Dillingham go before 8 and and are staring down the barrel of a theoretical (Salaun) or non (Holland, Williams) shooter at 8.

If they select Sheppard, Dillingham or even Buzelis at 4, it'd be easier to stomach some non shooter like Castle at 8.

But of all teams, this one can't walk away with zero offensive dynamism despite multiple top 8 picks . . . and the fact that there's proponents of it despite what we've seen for years here (and considering how the modern NBA is) is astonishing.

[FireMicoHalili]

Serious question: just saw that Dillingham is with Klutch - does that impact the Spurs consideration of him at all?
……yikes

[ChumpDumper]

With a slow, elongated release, no less. He's not getting that shot off regularly in the NBA shooting that slowly. There's a reason he shot poorly from 3 this season tbh.

I was just about to post that kind of description. It might work a little better against smaller players if he plays the point and will be OK for camp-out-at-the-arc attempts. It looks like something that could be improved without a complete overhaul anyway. I'd still prefer an already proven shooter.

[baseline bum]

Based on interviews, Ron Holland doesn't seem like Spurs personality to me tbh. I'd bet the Spurs are much more intrigued by Risacher and Buzelis in terms wing players.

Why? Did he have a Scotty Hopson level of retarded interview or something? Still my favorite moment of draft combine history:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiOZUM4oEYU

[Truckules]

Honestly, I think everyone’s going to be happy no matter what the Spurs do because we have two picks in this draft.

I'm sure I'm just saying something that thousands of people have already said, but yeah, the more I've been watching this class, the more I feel like there's a lot of really good players, just not certain all-stars. The draft is "bad" since the top is not great, but the depth is normal. This is a draft where there's a lot of opportunities for arbitrage.

[baseline bum]

1790099019584110994

Impressive. More threes than Cody Williams took all season.

[scott]

Sochan and Castle can't play together, the former probably is entrenched and Jones might be too.

The playoffs are more so about not having a liability defender (unless they offset it by being a superstar or star offensively) than having so called perimeter stoppers.

Despite the hype, bigs still and will always have by far the biggest impact defensively and the Spurs again lucked into having the best in the business.

I don't want a small guard as much as the next person, but talent is the biggest need and they're not in a position to pass it up.

I agree with the assessment of Sochan and Castle's compatibility right now... but I sure hope that *if* Castle is the best prospect available that we don't pass on him because of Jeremy fucking Sochan. Sochan isn't good enough to dictate our drafting decisions.

[scott]

As far as I know, Klutch and the Spurs are basically good. One thing -- Dillingham is kind of an influencer type who is into fashion and has a pretty good internet following. Not a bad thing, but with Sochan and Wembanyama being big personalities, it would be a new day.

Hollywood (Park) Spurs

[Dejounte]

As long as they don't select Castle at 4, have Dillingham go before 8 and and are staring down the barrel of a theoretical (Salaun) or non (Holland, Williams) shooter at 8.

If they select Sheppard, Dillingham or even Buzelis at 4, it'd be easier to stomach some non shooter like Castle at 8.

But of all teams, this one can't walk away with zero offensive dynamism despite multiple top 8 picks . . . and the fact that there's proponents of it despite what we've seen for years here (and considering how the modern NBA is) is astonishing.

Sure, in those scenarios you laid out there will be a few who will be upset at the outcome. I kinda doubt it’s likely they don’t select a sure-thing on offense at 8th if they pick Castle at 4th though.

For the record, I was a massive Castle hater until recently. He moves like a future star on offense without currently producing tangibly. I think many here will come around on him after 40 games or so if he gets drafted. I don’t think we’re talking Sochan-level rawness here.

[Limguogolo]

Is hollinger paid to post so many wrong assertions, approximations and omissions, re-writting history and... not checking the stats he's talking about?

- His pre-draft season Batum had a pretty difficult start before finshing better with his Le Mans team who went 2-12 in Euroleague.

- Batum there posted 8.5pt, 3.7rb, 2.7ass, 29% on 3.

- Risacher's stats in Eurocup this season: 13.1pt, 3.7rbd, 1.1 ass, 56% shooting on 3 . on a team who went to the finals.

-French league Batum pre-draft season: 12pt, 5rb, 3ass, 35% on 3 in 28mn) on a 23/7 team... (That's not exactly "dominating" the league as Hollinger suggests.)

- Risacher french league pre-draft season: 10pt, 3.8rb, 1 ass, 35% shooting on 3 in 24min on a 25-9 top 3 team.

Evan Fournier never played euro club competitions. his pre-draft stats in the french league: 14pt, 3.2rbd, 2.2ass ,45%total shooting, 27% on 3 (he was stat padding to death) on 9-21 record, non playoff team (not exactly "dominating" either).

Numbers actually show fournier, and specially Batum and Risacher had very similar numbers. and I like how he "let Bilal on the side" (who had lesser numbers than Zach) while WAS is thrilled with Bilal's first season.



----


Another thing Hollinger is omitting is that back in the 2007-2008 season, there was only one american player in Batum's team. There's 4 (+ one canadian) in Risacher's one. Just like the NBA, the french league has changed a lot in 17 years, and making raw comparisons between two player from these two generations without taking this in consideration is honestly very basic reasoning.

Hollinger also didn't check Batum or Fournier scouting report from their pre-draft season. They weren't entirely touted as the players they became, but had similar quesiton marks and similar reamarks than Risacher's... Yeah, all in al, that's exactly the opposite of what Hollinger suggests.

I frankly don't understand how we can try to evaluate players, predict their impact in a league, based on these kinds of statistics. The role these players had in their team was not the same. Some people think as if we were talking about college games.

Fournier was a scorer, he was precocious, and he chose to go to a (from memory) professional second division team (in any case, a bad team, in order to be able to express himself at best, a bit like Traoré in end of season this year with Saint Quentin).

Batum was known to be an all-around player like Boris Diaw: he was a winger who touched the ball a lot and who had the same role, with great success in the youth national team. He had a major role in a good team, but he was not a scorer. These numbers mean nothing. His impact was much greater in leadership: it was Victor's former coach last year, and national team coach, who gave him this role.

So, comparing Batum and Fournier numbers doesn't make much sense, they don't have the same roles, and they didn't play in teams of the same level.

Risacher is yet another profile. In a game, he never has the ball, he is the prototype 3 and D player. If the PG does not give him the ball or if he is not successful, he does not score and his major involvement will remain then his defense (Coulibaly bigger). How do you comapre that to... Fournier? He is not at all intended to be a versatile player like Batum-Diaw, let alone a scorer. And if this year his team is competitive, it's a good surprise.

The stats are all the less relevant as in France, coaches are slow to get young people involved. Their playing time is often limited. There's some exception: Parker, Fournier, Batum, yes, and then, Risacher, yes, or last year Hifi in an average team, ending this year with a top European team, being the best scorer of the competition and ending in the league best five players. If you judge player throw numbers, Hifi is your second pick last year after Victor...

Franchises draft on talent and potential, not... on stats. What kind of scouting is that?^^ As much as I understand that we can look at the percentages, since that can be an indication for the future. But the points per game, the minutes, the immediate contribution of a young player compared to another in another team... I'll never understand that. European leagues are not college league ou Dleagues.

[rascal]

As long as they don't select Castle at 4, have Dillingham go before 8 and and are staring down the barrel of a theoretical (Salaun) or non (Holland, Williams) shooter at 8.

If they select Sheppard, Dillingham or even Buzelis at 4, it'd be easier to stomach some non shooter like Castle at 8.

But of all teams, this one can't walk away with zero offensive dynamism despite multiple top 8 picks . . . and the fact that there's proponents of it despite what we've seen for years here (and considering how the modern NBA is) is astonishing.

There are zero offensive dynamic players in this draft. Dillingham/ Risacher and Sheppard won't be high volume scorers.

[CorrectCrusader]

As long as they don't select Castle at 4, have Dillingham go before 8 and and are staring down the barrel of a theoretical (Salaun) or non (Holland, Williams) shooter at 8.

If they select Sheppard, Dillingham or even Buzelis at 4, it'd be easier to stomach some non shooter like Castle at 8.

But of all teams, this one can't walk away with zero offensive dynamism despite multiple top 8 picks . . . and the fact that there's proponents of it despite what we've seen for years here (and considering how the modern NBA is) is astonishing.


I would agree if there were players who project to be elite offensive talents but there isn't any in this draft. Dillingham is the best and he will be possibly the worst defender in the NBA day 1. We should be swinging for upside on players like Topic, Castle, Risacher, Buzelis, etc.

[TD 21]

I agree with the assessment of Sochan and Castle's compatibility right now... but I sure hope that *if* Castle is the best prospect available that we don't pass on him because of Jeremy fucking Sochan. Sochan isn't good enough to dictate our drafting decisions.

Of course, but you know how they operate.


Sure, in those scenarios you laid out there will be a few who will be upset at the outcome. I kinda doubt it’s likely they don’t select a sure-thing on offense at 8th if they pick Castle at 4th though.

For the record, I was a massive Castle hater until recently. He moves like a future star on offense without currently producing tangibly. I think many here will come around on him after 40 games or so if he gets drafted. I don’t think we’re talking Sochan-level rawness here.

Too unnecessarily risky to leave that to chance.

I'm not out on Castle (though I'm always skeptical of the archetype) so much as I am his fit on this roster. It's not just the lack of shooting either, it's the lack of assertiveness.


There are zero offensive dynamic players in this draft. Dillingham/ Risacher and Sheppard won't be high volume scorers.

Dillingham is clearly a dynamic creator/shooter and Sheppard is a dynamic shooter too (even if more stationary). Risacher isn't, but at least projects as someone defenses won't disregard.

[Degoat]

If it’s true that the spurs will bring in a vet PG to mentor which ever guard they draft… what do we think of Isaiah Collier? I know his season was up and down but he’s big and physical, can you imagine teams guarding a pick & roll with him and wemby!

[rascal]

Dillingham is clearly a dynamic creator/shooter and Sheppard is a dynamic shooter too (even if more stationary). Risacher isn't, but at least projects as someone defenses won't disregard.

I don't think Dillingham will be as good as people think. His size will be a problem in the NBA. He doesn't look quick enough to get to the basket on a regular. Sheppard is only going to be a role player off the bench.

[CGD]

If it’s true that the spurs will bring in a vet PG to mentor which ever guard they draft… what do we think of Isaiah Collier? I know his season was up and down but he’s big and physical, can you imagine teams guarding a pick & roll with him and wemby!

He needs to crush this pre-draft process.

[PhantomDashCam]

1790408681735016810

[TD 21]

I don't think Dillingham will be as good as people think. His size will be a problem in the NBA. He doesn't look quick enough to get to the basket on a regular. Sheppard is only going to be a role player off the bench.

I got news for you, but Castle almost certainly will be too unless he does something virtually unheard of among his archetype and become a good enough shooter for defenses to respect.

Dillingham and Sheppard stand good chances of being sixth men. Castle could easily range from fringe rotation to replacement player.

[The Truth #6]

Dillingham gives you shooting, rim pressure, and is begging to be a Spur. Get him at 4 without a doubt. I'm not against Castle but there seems to be an illogical push towards him. Do people think he's a good shooter now? He would have to show that in multiple workouts I would think.

If you get Dillingham at 4, tons of ways to draft at 8 with a wing. Depending on who remains, I'd be cool with Holland (upside project), Cody (same), Knecht (scoring, still some upside), Castle (utility guy, defense).

If we end up Castle at 4, I feel like we have to get Knecht to improve our shooting. No way would I want Castle and Holland due to shooting concerns, possibly Castle and Cody are solid, but the team doesn't improve much in the short term.

To me, Dillingham at 4 just makes the 8 pick more palatable no matter who they get.

[Ariel]

I don't think Dillingham will be as good as people think. His size will be a problem in the NBA. He doesn't look quick enough to get to the basket on a regular. Sheppard is only going to be a role player off the bench.
If you think Dillingham isn't a dynamic scorer or quick enough to get to the basket, I doubt you ever watched him. He's not guaranteed to succeed, but he definitely fits that mold.

[Ariel]

I'm not out on Castle (though I'm always skeptical of the archetype) so much as I am his fit on this roster. It's not just the lack of shooting either, it's the lack of assertiveness.
Recent players with a similar profile (defensively oriented jumbo guards with high IQ but awful shooting) didn't hit thus far: Anthony Black and Dyson Daniels. To be fair Castle seems much more resourceful getting to the basket and finishing, but the offensive issues (especially shooting) have really hurt them badly. No matter how good he is elsewhere, Castle would have to be at least an average (and willing) shooter to be worthy of that top 4 selection.

[benefactor]

I got news for you, but Castle almost certainly will be too unless he does something virtually unheard of among his archetype and become a good enough shooter for defenses to respect.

Dillingham and Sheppard stand good chances of being sixth men. Castle could easily range from fringe rotation to replacement player.
Castle is most definitely intriguing, but I agree that Dilly is closer to a sure thing. Like you said, his floor is probably a sixth man. He has enough scoring and play making ability to at least be moderately successful at the next level. And as many of us have said before, none of these guys are slam dunks. All of them in one way or another are a roll of the dice and I'd rather roll the dice towards someone who can score and make plays.

[mo7888]

Recent players with a similar profile (defensively oriented jumbo guards with high IQ but awful shooting) didn't hit thus far: Anthony Black and Dyson Daniels. To be fair Castle seems much more resourceful getting to the basket and finishing, but the offensive issues (especially shooting) have really hurt them badly. No matter how good he is elsewhere, Castle would have to be at least an average (and willing) shooter to be worthy of that top 4 selection.

I've got him #8 on my Board and I'm comfortable with that based on the shooting limitations.

[sfernald]

Our problems are PG, forward and shooting. You are propossing to add a SG and center that can't shoot. How in the F does any of these guys solve ANY of our all problems, let alone ALL of them? :lol

Imagine a lineup of Castle, Vassell, Sochan, Wemby and Clingan. Easily the worst lineup in the entire league. The Pistons would beat us by 40. That shit wouldn't even work in the pre-three point line invention era. :lol

Dude Pistons wouldn’t even score 40 on that lineup.

[Splits]

He needs to crush this pre-draft process.

hint: he's not

1790527625242542163
1790529157119758566

[Gandalf]

Given that Sarr isn’t really a ‘franchise’ player, is there any chance the Hawks might consider #8 and their 2026 pick swap back (i.e., control over their 2026 pick, we just keep our pick that year) for #1 this year? Then we get Sarr and (likely) a point at #4? Hawks could move forward with blowing it up, get picks for Young and Murray to replace those they’ve lost to us, and at least they get 2026 back.

I’m not sure I’d want to offer more (I want to keep their 2025 pick). I’m also not sure how well Sarr would fit with Wemby - just curious.

[BacktoBasics]

Given that Sarr isn’t really a ‘franchise’ player, is there any chance the Hawks might consider #8 and their 2026 pick swap back (i.e., control over their 2026 pick, we just keep our pick that year) for #1 this year? Then we get Sarr and (likely) a point at #4? Hawks could move forward with blowing it up, get picks for Young and Murray to replace those they’ve lost to us, and at least they get 2026 back.

I’m not sure I’d want to offer more (I want to keep their 2025 pick). I’m also not sure how well Sarr would fit with Wemby - just curious.

I don’t like the money on a 1st that wouldn’t be a franchise player.

[mo7888]

Given that Sarr isn’t really a ‘franchise’ player, is there any chance the Hawks might consider #8 and their 2026 pick swap back (i.e., control over their 2026 pick, we just keep our pick that year) for #1 this year? Then we get Sarr and (likely) a point at #4? Hawks could move forward with blowing it up, get picks for Young and Murray to replace those they’ve lost to us, and at least they get 2026 back.

I’m not sure I’d want to offer more (I want to keep their 2025 pick). I’m also not sure how well Sarr would fit with Wemby - just curious.

Spurs don't do that in this draft..

[kobyz]

Stephon Castle reminds me so much J dub as a prospect, J dub(remember J dub didn't have much of a 3 point shot in his first two seasons in college)

[Gandalf]

I don’t like the money on a 1st that wouldn’t be a franchise player.

True - it would be better if the Hawks would for sure blow it up as a result (Spurs get better picks in 2025 and 2027), but it does add up at some point and may not be worth it. Could always trade Sarr (unless he was a great fit / worth it).

[ginobilized]

I'll admit I really liked Castle from the get go. His quiet confidence, ability to come up big in the moment, being a key piece of a highly disciplined national championship on team as a freshman. There's just something about him that exudes untapped greatness. Castle really plays within the team and doesn't try to do too much. I believe that he will not only stick in the league, he will impact winning. He strikes me as a guy who has much more than he has shown yet. Has some dog in him and his shooting looks workable to my eyes. I don't see him as a point guard, however.

Personality-wise he seems like a Spurs type. In the way that Shane Battier always seemed like a Spur to me, Castle has the IQ and character to be a winner in the league. Other teams might try to get him, but, he should be there at 4, I'd guess. If the Spurs pass on him, I trust their judgement. Of course, this draft will be a roller-coaster ride and anything can happen.

Ron Holland fits a need, but, doesn't seem like a Spurs-type.

In the ways that Castle passes the eye and gut test for me, Risacher doesn't quite. Hard to say what it is. He just doesn't feel right to me.

Topic is the real question mark. If WAS really wanted him, do they still? Did Pop tell him to fake an injury so they could grab someone else at 4? Will he be able to even walk? So much mystery around him.

Looking at last year's team, I think that we are only looking for better versions of JC, Tre, Branham and Wesley. Chances are good that we get 2 of these in the draft and at least one in free agency. That makes for a better team, on paper.

[SpursGenius]

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.
well fck. If Castle comes in at 6'6 I want him as our PG at 8 but doubt he makes it there at that height

[CGD]

well fck. If Castle comes in at 6'6 I want him as our PG at 8 but doubt he makes it there at that height

I agree. If they want him, they’ll have to take him at 4. I’d love for him to be there at 8 tho.

[rascal]

Given that Sarr isn’t really a ‘franchise’ player, is there any chance the Hawks might consider #8 and their 2026 pick swap back (i.e., control over their 2026 pick, we just keep our pick that year) for #1 this year? Then we get Sarr and (likely) a point at #4? Hawks could move forward with blowing it up, get picks for Young and Murray to replace those they’ve lost to us, and at least they get 2026 back.

I’m not sure I’d want to offer more (I want to keep their 2025 pick). I’m also not sure how well Sarr would fit with Wemby - just curious.

Hawks will want 4 and one of their unprotected picks back.

This is the first time the Hawks won the lottery. They aren't trading it away cheaply.

[objective]

Just listened to the May 1st episode of a Locked on Jazz, where Locke ran his shooting numbers stats to name the 3 worst shooters in the top 13 players from big boards and players that he would red flag and not draft:

Worst: Castle
2nd Worst: Buzelis
3rd Worst: Holland

He does talk about the possible need to calibrate the g-league players more because of what a bad situation it was.

He also goes through the last few drafts using his system and I have to admit the numbers on their own do seem to be pretty indicative though not 100%

Castle's shooting numbers compared to Precious Achiuwa and James Bouknight, another uConn lottery guy.

Also ranking about as bad the last few years in shooting was Josh Primo. I posted before about another episode breaking down athleticism using the numbers and Primo was garbage there too.

What were RC and Wright and Pop and the scouts thinking with Primo who some rather simple analytic models had as red flagged for both athleticism and shooting?

[rascal]

Just listened to the May 1st episode of a Locked on Jazz, where Locke ran his shooting numbers stats to name the 3 worst shooters in the top 13 players from big boards and players that he would red flag and not draft:

Worst: Castle
2nd Worst: Buzelis
3rd Worst: Holland

He does talk about the possible need to calibrate the g-league players more because of what a bad situation it was.

He also goes through the last few drafts using his system and I have to admit the numbers on their own do seem to be pretty indicative though not 100%

Castle's shooting numbers compared to Precious Achiuwa and James Bouknight, another uConn lottery guy.

Also ranking about as bad the last few years in shooting was Josh Primo. I posted before about another episode breaking down athleticism using the numbers and Primo was garbage there too.

What were RC and Wright and Pop and the scouts thinking with Primo who some rather simple analytic models had as red flagged for both athleticism and shooting?

Youy aren't drafting Castle for his perimeter shooting. You're drafting him for his overall game.

[CGD]

Listened to one of the better Wizards podcasts, and took note of a nugget in there around minute 16 mark on Spurs FO types, Dillingham smoke, and spurs apparently not worried about size bc they had Wemby.

https://www.youtube.com/live/cP7PKFlztnY?si=Ui0UtbodyCu2rciN

For what it’s worth

[SpursBills]

Youy aren't drafting Castle for his perimeter shooting. You're drafting him for his overall game.

I am warming up to Castle, but I'm curious - as the longest-standing Castle-stan on this board, why do you like him better than Dyson Daniels and Anthony Black for example? To me he looks like he is a better off-ball player, but just wondering if there is anything else that you see since you did not seem to like either Daniels or Black that much in years past.

Also since Sarr is unavailable what would you do with #8 if taking Castle with #4?

[spurraider21]

knecht outperforming castle in basically every category is not something i saw coming. if we think castle can hold up at SF, less of a reason to believe Knecht cant

i thought knecht would wind up just under or at 6'5 with a barely positive wingspan, if that

and even if he held up well on stuff like the max vert, the agility times would be an issue. but his wingspan is fine and he's been one of the best overall in the agility drills

[BacktoBasics]

knecht outperforming castle in basically every category is not something i saw coming. if we think castle can hold up at SF, less of a reason to believe Knecht cant

i thought knecht would wind up just under or at 6'5 with a barely positive wingspan, if that

and even if he held up well on stuff like the max vert, the agility times would be an issue. but his wingspan is fine and he's been one of the best overall in the agility drills

At his age I wonder if he isn’t gonna be another Chris Duarte. Kinda peaked before he could pop off.

[The Truth #6]

Castle. Trigger warning: how is he not a shorter Sochan?

Defense. Some passing. Connective player. Intense. Can't shoot. Whispers about athleticism.

Sell me on him.

[Knoxxx]

I am warming up to Castle, but I'm curious - as the longest-standing Castle-stan on this board, why do you like him better than Dyson Daniels and Anthony Black for example? To me he looks like he is a better off-ball player, but just wondering if there is anything else that you see since you did not seem to like either Daniels or Black that much in years past.

Also since Sarr is unavailable what would you do with #8 if taking Castle with #4?

If taking Castle at 4, any of Buzelis, Sheppard, Dilly, Topic, or Holland will be there at 8. Two of those five will be there, unless Clingan falls out of the top 7.

[The Truth #6]

At his age I wonder if he isn’t gonna be another Chris Duarte. Kinda peaked before he could pop off.

Feels like Knecht hit a much higher ceiling than Duarte, and did it in his only year at a legit D1 school. I think Knecht can continue to develop. He's barely been around a real training development program. I see him as exception to the rule. I mean, he wasn't at Tennessee for 4 years like other 4 year seniors. So I'm a believer. As much as one can be for this draft.

[CGD]

Also since Sarr is unavailable what would you do with #8 if taking Castle with #4?

To be fair, the same question about 8 should be posed to the Dilly-stans if he goes 4.

[mudyez]

For me it's pretty simple:

For #4 just go:
1) Risacher
2) Sarr
3) Matas
4) Sheppard

Then with #8 just go best PG available:
1) Sheppard
2) Topic
3) Dillingham
4) Castle

...and if really all are gone at #8, take Clingan with that pick

[mo7888]

For me it's pretty simple:

For #4 just go:
1) Risacher
2) Sarr
3) Matas
4) Sheppard

Then with #8 just go best PG available:
1) Sheppard
2) Topic
3) Dillingham
4) Castle

...and if really all are gone at #8, take Clingan with that pick

For me, using my Spurs Board, take the highest still on the board at each pick..

My Spurs Board Top 10

1. Matas Buzelis
2. Zaccharie Risacher
3. Alexander Sarr
4. Reed Shephard
5. Robert Dillingham
6. Cody Williams
7. Dalton Knecht
8. Stephen Castle
9. Isaiah Collier
10. Tidjane Salaun

[Mr. Body]

We shouldn't be surprised to see a lot of change and movement as teams actually get the time to check out these players. Teams always have their own ways. What seems like going with fit turns into going for what they seem to think is BPA. Portland taking Clingan even though they have Ayton, that sort of thing.

Doesn't really need to be said. But we're already hearing some chatter about Knecht maybe going higher than expected and a lot of execs really liking Edey. We underplay Holland here, but he may really rise. Buzelis could go top 3.

[CGD]

If taking Castle at 4, any of Buzelis, Sheppard, Dilly, Topic, or Holland will be there at 8. Two of those five will be there, unless Clingan falls out of the top 7.

Matas and Holland will be gone by 8, which leaves the PGs. Unless the Spurs want to take a second PG (barf), they’re likely looking at a swing on Cody for Saluan at 8.

[Knoxxx]

I was not into Castle all, until I saw that he was only an inch shorter than the supposed 6 foot 8 wings, Holland and Williams. Then you throw in that he could play PG, SG, or SF. He’s 6 foot 6. Outside shooting looks good at combine. The clincher is take a look at his highlights, he’s a can’t miss prospect.


https://youtu.be/7a8I8dxdL_M?si=D0Glft9a5dnERPkN

He checks every box for us, he’s a chameleon. Then if we still take Dilly, Topic, or Sheppard at 8 that’s fine also.

[objective]

Listened to one of the better Wizards podcasts, and took note of a nugget in there around minute 16 mark on Spurs FO types, Dillingham smoke, and spurs apparently not worried about size bc they had Wemby.

https://www.youtube.com/live/cP7PKFlztnY?si=Ui0UtbodyCu2rciN

For what it’s worth

Thanks for the share

That one guy wanting #4, Vassell, and a 2nd to move back from #2 while thinking the Spurs might not go for it ... Wow.