View Full Version : 2024 NBA Draft Thread
exstatic
12-11-2023, 08:19 PM
How cool would it be if this guy is there with the TOR pick?!
The best the pick could possibly be is #7, and Risacher will be long gone by then.
The best the pick could possibly be is #7, and Risacher will be long gone by then.
Yeah I agree. I think both Topic and Resacher are gonna get levered up to the top 5 by the hype machine, justified or not (just like Bilal last year). Best hope is for the TOR pick to land at 7 like you say, and teams to fall in love with 2-3 other prospects currently ranked lower.
SpursBills
12-11-2023, 09:32 PM
Yeah I agree. I think both Topic and Resacher are gonna get levered up to the top 5 by the hype machine, justified or not (just like Bilal last year). Best hope is for the TOR pick to land at 7 like you say, and teams to fall in love with 2-3 other prospects currently ranked lower.
there’s probably a better chance that spurs aren’t in position for either of these guys than there is of the spurs getting one of the two by the end of the season tbh
exstatic
12-11-2023, 09:41 PM
there’s probably a better chance that spurs aren’t in position for either of these guys than there is of the spurs getting one of the two by the end of the season tbh
You must not be watching the same season I am. Spurs are going to finish in the bottom 3 records, possibly 2 or 1. Can’t see them picking any lower than 5, and NBA GMs love to pick playground athletes like Collier and Walter up high. There’s probably a 90% chance that both will be there at our pick.
BackHome
12-11-2023, 09:50 PM
Yeah, I am pretty confident Spurs will be able to land either Topic or Risacher with our first pick
SpursBills
12-11-2023, 10:01 PM
You must not be watching the same season I am. Spurs are going to finish in the bottom 3 records, possibly 2 or 1. Can’t see them picking any lower than 5, and NBA GMs love to pick playground athletes like Collier and Walter up high. There’s probably a 90% chance that both will be there at our pick.
I guess I'm more pessimistic than you. I agree we're finishing with a bottom 3 record. I think Topic goes 1 by the end of the season and Risacher is probably going to be in the top 3 if he keeps playing like this. Even teams finishing in the bottom 3 have a 60% chance of finishing outside the top 3. I hope I'm wrong, truly. Let's run through the other contenders for a top pick -
Sarr - probably goes 2 at this point although honestly I don't really see it
Holland - can't shoot, turns it over, and is going to take a huge hit at the combine if/when he measures in at 6'6"
Collier - already can't shoot, turnover machine, defensive turnstile, can't see his numbers getting any better as the competition ramps up
Castle - I have high hopes that GMs will be seduced by his size and athleticism, so maybe he goes top 3?
Walter - 6'4-6'5 guard with no creation ability? but he looks better than keyonte george who went 16 in a much better draft so maybe?
I don't know, maybe we have a shot at Risacher although he'd just be a consolation prize. God looking at that list above is depressing already knowing how shitty this team is.
exstatic
12-12-2023, 04:49 AM
I guess I'm more pessimistic than you. I agree we're finishing with a bottom 3 record. I think Topic goes 1 by the end of the season and Risacher is probably going to be in the top 3 if he keeps playing like this. Even teams finishing in the bottom 3 have a 60% chance of finishing outside the top 3. I hope I'm wrong, truly. Let's run through the other contenders for a top pick -
Sarr - probably goes 2 at this point although honestly I don't really see it
Holland - can't shoot, turns it over, and is going to take a huge hit at the combine if/when he measures in at 6'6"
Collier - already can't shoot, turnover machine, defensive turnstile, can't see his numbers getting any better as the competition ramps up
Castle - I have high hopes that GMs will be seduced by his size and athleticism, so maybe he goes top 3?
Walter - 6'4-6'5 guard with no creation ability? but he looks better than keyonte george who went 16 in a much better draft so maybe?
I don't know, maybe we have a shot at Risacher although he'd just be a consolation prize. God looking at that list above is depressing already knowing how shitty this team is.
NBA GMs love guys exactly like this. They think every athlete guard is Derrick Rose, and every athletic Wing is Jordan.
SouthernFryd
12-12-2023, 10:31 AM
Topic is just that good. Shades of Manu...almost :)
https://youtu.be/76svXz_9WFQ?si=ELvSHYb9NdXUQjT2 (https://youtu.be/76svXz_9WFQ?si=ELvSHYb9NdXUQjT2)
ginobilized
12-12-2023, 11:11 AM
Topic is just that good. Shades of Manu...almost :)
https://youtu.be/76svXz_9WFQ?si=ELvSHYb9NdXUQjT2 (https://youtu.be/76svXz_9WFQ?si=ELvSHYb9NdXUQjT2)
I think Pop would love to have a Serbian point guard, too. Hard to tell how good Topic could be. Nando de Colo or Doncic? Probably in the middle of these two.
mo7888
12-12-2023, 04:12 PM
I like Topic alot, but I wouldn't take him where it appears we'll be using our pick. I've got him in a grouping with Castle and maybe Dillingham in that 7-14 pick range right now.
duncan2150
12-12-2023, 04:18 PM
I like Topic alot, but I wouldn't take him where it appears we'll be using our pick. I've got him in a grouping with Castle and maybe Dillingham in that 7-14 pick range right now.
That would be his range imo, maybe more top 10.
The best the pick could possibly be is #7, and Risacher will be long gone by then.
I'm not sure of that, a lot of prospects can be drafted before him imo ( collier, sarr, holland, walter, castle, buzelis, topic..). I was not that high on risacher, watching him here in france, looking thin for a PF but looks like he could play the 3 and really shoot it. His moove to Bourg basket was a really good decision.
mo7888
12-12-2023, 04:36 PM
That would be his range imo, maybe more top 10.
I'm not sure of that, a lot of prospects can be drafted before him imo ( collier, sarr, holland, walter, castle, buzelis, topic..). I was not that high on risacher, watching him here in france, looking thin for a PF but looks like he could play the 3 and really shoot it. His moove to Bourg basket was a really good decision.
I think he means the Toronto pick can be no higher than 7.... not the player..
buttsR4rebounding
12-12-2023, 09:41 PM
Tidjane Salaun will be this year’s Couliby.
DrSteffo
12-13-2023, 03:54 AM
I would be happy with Topic but worried they don't think true point guards are necessary anymore. Of course basketball IQ and leadership will always be crucial regardless of what the Spurs FO believes.
BatManu20
12-13-2023, 12:49 PM
Spurs in Europe checking out our future starting PG tbh.
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rascal
12-13-2023, 12:52 PM
Spurs already have their sights on Topic. He will be their pick.
rascal
12-13-2023, 12:56 PM
I think he means the Toronto pick can be no higher than 7.... not the player..
Forget about that Toronto pick.
They are beginning to sink in the standings and will decide to tank enough down the stretch to get into a top 5 draft pick.
Next year the Spurs will have another shot at that pick but Toronto is not in any hurry to send that pic to San Antonio.
The Truth #6
12-13-2023, 01:11 PM
Topic vs Dillingham. An interesting contrast of styles. I like both of them. If Topic is gone but we could get, say, Risacher with our pick and Dillingham with Toronto 's, then I would happy. Though we're a long way from there. Lot will happen.
pad300
12-13-2023, 01:12 PM
Forget about that Toronto pick.
They are beginning to sink in the standings and will decide to tank enough down the stretch to get into a top 5 draft pick.
Next year the Spurs will have another shot at that pick but Toronto is not in any hurry to send that pic to San Antonio.
Not too likely. They can't (in practical terms) sink low enough at this point to catch SA, DET or WAS. So the best lottery spot they could get is 4th, and there will be other tanking teams as well. If they get to 4th, they have a ~19% chance of giving it to us (as 7 or 8), at 5th ~36% (7, 8 or 9), 6th ~54% (7,8,9, 10), and our chances get better from there...
nope spurs will pick a long shot nobody knows!!!
mo7888
12-13-2023, 05:45 PM
Forget about that Toronto pick.
They are beginning to sink in the standings and will decide to tank enough down the stretch to get into a top 5 draft pick.
Next year the Spurs will have another shot at that pick but Toronto is not in any hurry to send that pic to San Antonio.
They might try, but it's going to tough for them to make top 5... it doesn't matter to me though because I'd probably rather have it convey in 25 or 26 anyway.. and if they're smart they should want it then too..
Frenchfred
12-13-2023, 07:01 PM
They might try, but it's going to tough for them to make top 5... it doesn't matter to me though because I'd probably rather have it convey in 25 or 26 anyway.. and if they're smart they should want it then too..
what would be the benefit of getting a pick in the 25-26 rather than around 10?
Ditty
12-13-2023, 07:30 PM
Forget about that Toronto pick.
They are beginning to sink in the standings and will decide to tank enough down the stretch to get into a top 5 draft pick.
Next year the Spurs will have another shot at that pick but Toronto is not in any hurry to send that pic to San Antonio.
I think the Raptors rather get the pick over with this draft than possibly next year's draft which should be stronger draft.
rascal
12-13-2023, 07:52 PM
I think the Raptors rather get the pick over with this draft than possibly next year's draft which should be stronger draft.
I don't think so. They will kick the can down the road another year and see what happens next year.
If they are inside the top ten like they are now they will tank to get that pick.
rascal
12-13-2023, 07:55 PM
what would be the benefit of getting a pick in the 25-26 rather than around 10?
He'll say a stronger draft next year but that pick could be a lower pick while this year's pick looks to be a lottery pick.
heyheymymy
12-13-2023, 07:56 PM
tank in despair for Risacher
BatManu20
12-13-2023, 09:41 PM
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mo7888
12-13-2023, 10:19 PM
what would be the benefit of getting a pick in the 25-26 rather than around 10?
Just that its a better draft..
BatManu20
12-14-2023, 01:00 AM
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CorrectCrusader
12-14-2023, 01:07 AM
1735055700106019161
Really liked what I saw from Matas
onechance87
12-14-2023, 03:35 AM
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how is his defence...Dont want another davis bertans
BatManu20
12-14-2023, 12:51 PM
how is his defence...Dont want another davis bertans
Well he’s a far better athlete than Bertans for starters. They’re not similar players at all. Holland is an elite athlete who likes to attack the rim while Bertans is the opposite.
BatManu20
12-14-2023, 12:52 PM
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They might try, but it's going to tough for them to make top 5... it doesn't matter to me though because I'd probably rather have it convey in 25 or 26 anyway.. and if they're smart they should want it then too..
I agree. If im TOR i'd rather it convey during this crappy draft and be done with it. Allows them to trade their FRP starting next season for other moves they may have, etc., instead of their ability to trade a FRP being encumbered until 2027 (by my count).
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This kid is going top 3. If he is a legit 6'8" after measurements (questionable) I think hes the #1 pick right now. Feels like its between him and Sarr right now.
Spurs in Europe checking out our future starting PG tbh.
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Tell my Topic is your top pick without telling me he's your top pick.
exstatic
12-14-2023, 03:41 PM
I agree. If im TOR i'd rather it convey during this crappy draft and be done with it. Allows them to trade their FRP starting next season for other moves they may have, etc., instead of their ability to trade a FRP being encumbered until 2027 (by my count).
I'd rather receive a mid lottery pick in a so called crappy draft than something in the 15-20 range in a so called good draft.
I'd rather receive a mid lottery pick in a so called crappy draft than something in the 15-20 range in a so called good draft.
Me too. I'm saying if im TOR I'm not really concerned about tanking this year. Just let the pick go this year, and be done with it.
spurraider21
12-14-2023, 04:00 PM
1735398098929901645
BatManu20
12-14-2023, 04:18 PM
This kid is going top 3. If he is a legit 6'8" after measurements (questionable) I think hes the #1 pick right now. Feels like its between him and Sarr right now.
Tbh I think Holland is only 6’6. Doesn’t even look 6’7 to me. He’s a great athlete and has good defensive potential, so I see him as a top-5 pick, but not #1 imo.
If Alex Sarr keeps playing like he has been lately, I think he eventually goes #1. His ceiling is too high not to with his 7’1 size, defensive abilities, and projection as a stretch-5. He’s super raw as he’s still only 18, but he probably has the highest ceiling in this weaker draft class.
BatManu20
12-14-2023, 04:25 PM
Another guy who’s quickly becoming a pet cat of mine is Ryan Dunn out of Virginia. He’s an elite athlete at 6’8 with long arms. Maybe the best athlete in the entire draft, and he’s a menace Defensively. He’s super raw offensively, doesn’t project as much of a shot creator. Will probably become more of a 3-and-D guy at the next level, but his athleticism and defense are elite already and this is exactly the type of prospect the Spurs badly need to surround Wemby with right now. He could be a target in the 10-15 range IF that TOR pick conveys (not holding my breath tbh).
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Bruno
12-14-2023, 04:56 PM
Spurs in Europe checking out our future starting PG tbh.
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Spurs were also two days earlier in France to watch a game between Risacher and Salaün. There were 7 NBA teams at that game (Spurs, Sixers, Blazers, Suns, Wizards, Heat and Thunder).
BackHome
12-14-2023, 07:53 PM
Tidjane Salaun will be this year’s Couliby.
Nice find....he definitely has the height and athleticism we want at SF position and I think he will either be the youngest or second youngest in this draft. One thing I like is that he plays with a lot of emotion which I think sometimes is lacking on our team that is that passion to win and not loose..lol
I would think if you like Risacher you should like this kid? Has anyone seen him play and if you have I would like to know your thoughts on his potential.
BackHome
12-14-2023, 08:54 PM
Tidjane Salaun will be this year’s Couliby.
Oh Snap you were right - NBA Draft Room has him going at 13 - that is a big jump.
SpursBills
12-14-2023, 10:50 PM
Another guy who’s quickly becoming a pet cat of mine is Ryan Dunn out of Virginia. He’s an elite athlete at 6’8 with long arms. Maybe the best athlete in the entire draft, and he’s a menace Defensively. He’s super raw offensively, doesn’t project as much of a shot creator. Will probably become more of a 3-and-D guy at the next level, but his athleticism and defense are elite already and this is exactly the type of prospect the Spurs badly need to surround Wemby with right now. He could be a target in the 10-15 range IF that TOR pick conveys (not holding my breath tbh).
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I like this guy a lot too, especially late lottery. I'm not sure if the steal and block percentages hold up over time, but he's a monster defensively and provides the point of attack defense and rebounding that even a fully realized Sochan lacks. Unfortunately, the downside comp for him is probably Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who went second after AD due to his defense, intangibles, and hustle but never developed an offensive game enough to ever become a useful NBA player.
The Truth #6
12-15-2023, 12:20 PM
Risacher vs Buzelis. I vaguely put them in the same broad category: tall, skinny wings, sort of glue guys more than alphas, can shoot and defend and connect. But that's because I don't know the nuances of their games. Anyone here done a deep dive on those two?
Holland seems vaguely similar but more alpha potential and less technical skill.
Does that sound right?
onechance87
12-15-2023, 02:55 PM
Risacher vs Buzelis. I vaguely put them in the same broad category: tall, skinny wings, sort of glue guys more than alphas, can shoot and defend and connect. But that's because I don't know the nuances of their games. Anyone here done a deep dive on those two?
Holland seems vaguely similar but more alpha potential and less technical skill.
Does that sound right?
whoever is more consistent i guess and Is the french league better then the g league
TimmehC
12-15-2023, 04:24 PM
Have any of y'all watched Baba Miller (Florida State) play? I find a SF with his size intriguing, but judging by stats alone I have no idea what to think. Both he and Trevon Brazile project to be around where SA's second rounder is right now, and if either of them could become reliable 3 and D guys they could easily start with Wemby and whoever our lead guard ends up being.
BackHome
12-16-2023, 07:28 PM
Risacher vs Buzelis. I vaguely put them in the same broad category: tall, skinny wings, sort of glue guys more than alphas, can shoot and defend and connect. But that's because I don't know the nuances of their games. Anyone here done a deep dive on those two?
Holland seems vaguely similar but more alpha potential and less technical skill.
Does that sound right?
Yeah, after watching some games I came away with the same thing both Risacher and Buzelis are 3 and D type of guys - I would give the edge to Buzelis as I think he has a little more wiggle in his game but both pretty much close. One thing both are not your Alpha type dog players they are both OK just playing within the game and not take it upon themselves to win games on their own. This is OK since they are probably your third option on the offensive side so for me I am OK with drafting them with our first depending on where we draft as Topic is still my favorite at the moment.
Holland issue is he played a lot of PF in High School so coming in against grown men playing the SF role is different for him so he is having to adjust. The main concern is his shooting and his height because I believe he is listed on Ignite as 6'6 - but he is pretty athletic and I agree with you he definitely gets after it on offense and defense - He is a low floor - high ceiling to me..
onechance87
12-16-2023, 09:53 PM
wow these college pgs have been so average...Waiting for 1 or two of them to stand out but nothing.
Kurik
12-16-2023, 10:30 PM
No matter who they draft in the first round, I’m hoping the Spurs grab Tyler Kolek early in the second round. Lots of experience and can shoot it. Worst case he’s great for Austin and becomes the backup PG in a couple years assuming Tre leaves.
exstatic
12-16-2023, 10:49 PM
wow these college pgs have been so average...Waiting for 1 or two of them to stand out but nothing.
Always go to UK to find them. Dillingham is rocketing up mocks everywhere. He’s gone from mid 20s to #12 on TaT in just a couple of weeks.
onechance87
12-16-2023, 11:33 PM
any defensive rebounding power fowards that can shoot the 3 to look out for to pair
with wemby
BackHome
12-17-2023, 01:49 AM
Best rebounder in the second round will be Zach Eddey a big old school Center - Actually would not mind grabbing him early second if would be like football having a home run hitter in Wemby and a big Oll Thhumper in Zach
scott
12-17-2023, 02:01 AM
Well he’s a far better athlete than Bertans for starters. They’re not similar players at all. Holland is an elite athlete who likes to attack the rim while Bertans is the opposite.
I like what I saw from Holland’s highlight reel. Reminds me of Nephew the way he uses his physicality on drives.
onechance87
12-17-2023, 02:54 AM
Always go to UK to find them. Dillingham is rocketing up mocks everywhere. He’s gone from mid 20s to #12 on TaT in just a couple of weeks.
dude looks kinda small
exstatic
12-17-2023, 06:10 AM
dude looks kinda small
Dillingham 6’3”
Quickley 6’3”
Maxey 6’3”
My Dec picks: Topic (2); Dunn (10)
This is a fit draft and those are the two big needs with this roster, PG and stout 3/D dude.
rankingtear
12-17-2023, 08:25 AM
any defensive rebounding power fowards that can shoot the 3 to look out for to pair
with wemby
John Collins is free.
The Truth #6
12-17-2023, 09:52 AM
Too early to say conclusively, but at this early point in the draft analysis it doesn't seem like many obvious #2 players in this draft to play next to VW but way more third bananas in the top 6? Tinking of Risacher and Buzelis here. I think Sarr might be too raw and not fit what we need: on ball creation/gravity/scoring talent. Still assessing. Not sure what to make of Jakobe Walter other than the very low assist numbers seem concerning. Anyway, just throwing ideas around.
Dejounte
12-17-2023, 11:29 AM
IMO, the Spurs arent drafting a natural PG, if theyre drafting one at all. They will be aiming for a guard with SG size and with untapped passing potential that they can slot in at PG. They have an offensive scheme in mind, and with plenty of evidence they wont change from it— they do not want a PG that will be ball dominant and quarterback the offense for a full ~30 mins like a normal point guard would. Thats what most people are accustomed to.
I think they will search for a guard like Keyonte George who’s looking like a total steal. He was viewed as inefficient in college, and no one thought he had point guard chops. But he’s looking like he’s the real deal.
Frenchfred
12-17-2023, 11:41 AM
My Dec picks: Topic (2); Dunn (10)
This is a fit draft and those are the two big needs with this roster, PG and stout 3/D dude.
the problem is that Dunn is shooting 27% from 3. He looks amazing in defense but he would be another player who cannot shoot. I think that if he comes Sochan has to go.
TD 21
12-17-2023, 11:43 AM
Always go to UK to find them. Dillingham is rocketing up mocks everywhere. He’s gone from mid 20s to #12 on TaT in just a couple of weeks.
IMO, the Spurs arent drafting a natural PG, if theyre drafting one at all. They will be aiming for a guard with SG size and with untapped passing potential that they can slot in at PG. They have an offensive scheme in mind, and with plenty of evidence they wont change from it— they do not want a PG that will be ball dominant and quarterback the offense for a full ~30 mins like a normal point guard would. Thats what most people are accustomed to.
I think they will search for a guard like Keyonte George who’s looking like a total steal. He was viewed as inefficient in college, and no one thought he had point guard chops. But he’s looking like he’s the real deal.
Agreed. Obviously, it's probably a longshot that Dillingham is the next Maxey and it won't be easy to even be the next Quickley, but hopefully they don't continue to blindly rule out people/players like this because he doesn't fit their narrow minded definition of a Spur or their preferred archetype of lead guard.
The true biggest need isn't a position/role, it's positive impact players in general. It's highly unlikely they'll be putting the finishing touches on a championship contending core in this draft, so they shouldn't let that notion consume them.
Dejounte
12-17-2023, 11:53 AM
With that said, I do really, really like Rob Dillington. If there is a standout talent at PG, I have no doubt theyll pick up that talent. Whether Rob is that, I dont know. From the glimpses Ive seen, Rob is the only one so far that has shown he might be more than the average player than the rest of the draft seems to feel like. However, the dude looks tiny, like Isaiah Thomas type tiny that he may be a bust on the defensive side which will not be favorable. A lot of guys lost inches last year during the combine: Keyonte George was no longer 6’6”, Cam Whitmore was nowhere close to having a 7’2” wingspan, Dariq Whitehead wasnt 6’8”…
My other fave is Ron Holland. Jakobe Walter may be something but im not sure yet.
rascal
12-17-2023, 12:36 PM
Spurs may pick up enough wins to fall below 5 with their pick. Some of the popular names on this board like Sarr and Topic will be gone, then who?
John B
12-17-2023, 01:10 PM
I think Spurs will go back to losing (competitively though). The reward is too high to get two lottery picks instead of one. Sarr AND Topic potentially, damn!
SpursBills
12-17-2023, 01:39 PM
I think unlike past years where a top 3 pick was untouchable in a trade, the fluidity of the top of the board in this draft makes a top 3 pick much more attainable. If the spurs have someone on their draft board who they value way above anyone else, they can probably package picks to move into the top 3 more easily this year than in past years. Nobody was going to move the spurs off Wemby last year. But this year let's say pistons get #2 overall. What are they going to do with a guy like holland, sarr, or topic if they value their core of cade/duren/thompson? They need shooting and defense first, and more talent in general, so probably a guy like risacher, ja'kobe, or buzelis are high on their draft board. If spurs land 5 and really want a guy like holland, topic, or sarr, there's a reasonable chance that #5, toronto pick, and bulls pick for #2 can get done.
DAF86
12-17-2023, 02:55 PM
I think Spurs will go back to losing (competitively though). The reward is too high to get two lottery picks instead of one. Sarr AND Topic potentially, damn!
Why are Spurs fans high on Sarr? I mean, the kid could be great, but he just doesn't fit next to Wemby.
The Spurs need to add some shooting bad. Way too early but, from what I've seen so far, I would be happy to walk away with Risacher and Dillingham.
John B
12-17-2023, 03:16 PM
Why are Spurs fans high on Sarr? I mean, the kid could be great, but he just doesn't fit next to Wemby.
The Spurs need to add some shooting bad. Way too early but, from what I've seen so far, I would be happy to walk away with Risacher and Dillingham.
The era of GSW is gone. That was tough guarding Curry and the bigs needed to be mobile. I think the Spurs can dictate the tempo with twin towers like DRob/Timmy with Sarr/Wemby. Slow down the game with tight defense controlling the boards. It’s just my opinion and I’m not at all an expert, but it’s nostalgic to get back to the Twin Towers days and being the best.
BackHome
12-17-2023, 03:28 PM
With that said, I do really, really like Rob Dillington. If there is a standout talent at PG, I have no doubt theyll pick up that talent. Whether Rob is that, I dont know. From the glimpses Ive seen, Rob is the only one so far that has shown he might be more than the average player than the rest of the draft seems to feel like. However, the dude looks tiny, like Isaiah Thomas type tiny that he may be a bust on the defensive side which will not be favorable. A lot of guys lost inches last year during the combine: Keyonte George was no longer 6’6”, Cam Whitmore was nowhere close to having a 7’2” wingspan, Dariq Whitehead wasnt 6’8”…
My other fave is Ron Holland. Jakobe Walter may be something but im not sure yet.
Yeah, I like them but it's going to come down to measurements to see who really moves up or down because I think it's going to have a big impact if Rob is only 6'1 and Holland is only 6'6 playing SF as far as where they are picked.
Dejounte
12-17-2023, 03:35 PM
Early impressions…
Zaccharie looks like Jett Howard or Patrick Baldwin. Maybe an upside of Trey Murphy maybe. Wouldnt draft with a top pick.
The only reason I would draft Sarr is if I thought he would do everything Spurs fans thought Zach Collins would do. If he’s another pf/c tweener who cant effectively guard either position because hes too thin to guard centers, or falls for fakes because he has zero awareness like Zollins does… I would stay far away. Wemby is also gaining momentum on why he should continue being a full time C— thats because hes at his best when hes rim protecting, and unless Sarr can defend the perimeter full time… then he shouldnt be drafted.
Buzelis looks average
Collier looks like he wont surpass White or DJ Murray
Why would we draft Ryan Dunn when we have Sidy Cissoko already— a player Pop gave massive praise for being tremendous on defense. Theyre too much alike… two players who need to drastically improve on offense
exstatic
12-17-2023, 03:44 PM
The era of GSW is gone. That was tough guarding Curry and the bigs needed to be mobile. I think the Spurs can dictate the tempo with twin towers like DRob/Timmy with Sarr/Wemby. Slow down the game with tight defense controlling the boards. It’s just my opinion and I’m not at all an expert, but it’s nostalgic to get back to the Twin Towers days and being the best.
It’s not just Curry. Curry wasn’t the dominant league player until the rule change of 2015, outlawing fighting thru picks, and making everyPnR an automatic switch. The league isn’t going to suddenly revert to the play style of10 years ago because Curry retires. The three ball is here to stay. This style of plays here to stay.
exstatic
12-17-2023, 03:49 PM
Early impressions…
Zaccharie looks like Jett Howard or Patrick Baldwin. Maybe an upside of Trey Murphy maybe. Wouldnt draft with a top pick.
The only reason I would draft Sarr is if I thought he would do everything Spurs fans thought Zach Collins would do. If he’s another pf/c tweener who cant effectively guard either position because hes too thin to guard centers, or falls for fakes because he has zero awareness like Zollins does… I would stay far away. Wemby is also gaining momentum on why he should continue being a full time C— thats because hes at his best when hes rim protecting, and unless Sarr can defend the perimeter full time… then he shouldnt be drafted.
Buzelis looks average
Collier looks like he wont surpass White or DJ Murray
Why would we draft Ryan Dunn when we have Sidy Cissoko already— a player Pop gave massive praise for being tremendous on defense. Theyre too much alike… two players who need to drastically improve on offense
Cissoko never produced the st-ocks that Dunn does, and can you really have too many defenders on your roster?
Dunn could turn out to be something in the neighborhood of Herb Jones, or what Thuybulle could have been.
Thomas82
12-17-2023, 03:50 PM
The era of GSW is gone. That was tough guarding Curry and the bigs needed to be mobile. I think the Spurs can dictate the tempo with twin towers like DRob/Timmy with Sarr/Wemby. Slow down the game with tight defense controlling the boards. It’s just my opinion and I’m not at all an expert, but it’s nostalgic to get back to the Twin Towers days and being the best.
I feel the same way for the most part.
BackHome
12-17-2023, 04:04 PM
Spurs may pick up enough wins to fall below 5 with their pick. Some of the popular names on this board like Sarr and Topic will be gone, then who?
If Topic and Sarr are both gone then this is who I would pick with the Spurs pick:
Matas Buzelis - SF - 6'11
Zaccharie Risacher - SF - 6'9
Cody Williams - SF - 6'8
With Raptors pick I am looking at:
Stephon Castle - PG - 6'6
Aaron Bradshaw - C - 7'1
Tidjane Salaun - PF - 6'10
The Truth #6
12-17-2023, 04:52 PM
Cody Williams, yeah, he could work his way into our range. Too soon to say. It feels like a lot of small forwards in this draft. Jakobe Walter, if they think he can not be a ball hog only, might be higher on their board then we assume. Just spitballing.
Impulsive somewhat sarcastic second thought: Jakobe is like a Primo reclamation project for Brian Wright. The shooting guard he can turn into a "point guard". Joking? The shooting/scoring prowess so far sounds legit.
I can totally see them passing on pure point guards. I agree.
BackHome
12-17-2023, 05:57 PM
I think Spurs will go back to losing (competitively though). The reward is too high to get two lottery picks instead of one. Sarr AND Topic potentially, damn!
Yep, you were so right we got destroyed today. We definitely getting a top 3 pick in the 2024 draft
scott
12-17-2023, 06:01 PM
Were folks really worried we’d possibly fall out of the bottom 5 record because we managed to break our 18 game losing streak? :lol
Dejounte
12-17-2023, 06:04 PM
Cody Williams, yeah, he could work his way into our range. Too soon to say. It feels like a lot of small forwards in this draft. Jakobe Walter, if they think he can not be a ball hog only, might be higher on their board then we assume. Just spitballing.
Impulsive somewhat sarcastic second thought: Jakobe is like a Primo reclamation project for Brian Wright. The shooting guard he can turn into a "point guard". Joking? The shooting/scoring prowess so far sounds legit.
I can totally see them passing on pure point guards. I agree.
The turning-a-non-point-into-a-point thing is hardly a joke when it pays off. I point again to the Keyonte George example— when you have a player who can score at will, have size to not be a defensive liability, and be competent at passing… then trying to find that kind of player is not that lofty of a dream nor is it a dumb risk. I think they should continue shuffling through these types of players over and over until they find it, no matter how excruciating it is to watch with players who arent cutting it.
scott
12-17-2023, 06:05 PM
The turning-a-non-point-into-a-point thing is hardly a joke when it pays off. I point again to the Keyonte George example— when you have a player who can score at will, have size to not be a defensive liability, and be competent at passing… then trying to find that kind of player is not that lofty of a dream nor is it a dumb risk. I think they should continue shuffling through these types of players over and over until they find it, no matter how excruciating it is to watch with players who arent cutting it.
I’m on board with such an experience so long as we start doing it with guys who demonstrate the requisite skill set, and not just “Sochan makes nice passes sometime, let’s make him a PG”
onechance87
12-17-2023, 06:17 PM
yup collier another scoot....shouldint be top 10 pick
Dejounte
12-17-2023, 06:39 PM
I’m on board with such an experience so long as we start doing it with guys who demonstrate the requisite skill set, and not just “Sochan makes nice passes sometime, let’s make him a PG”
They didnt just “start” with Sochan. There’s a long list of players they’ve experimented with putting players at that position that people on this very site would argue didnt demonstrate the requisite skill set: Murray, Lonnie, Kyle Anderson, Mills, Primo, Wesley, even Malaki right now… Sochan is easy to point to right now but with the roster they started the season with having zero high upside point guards, it was an experiment they probably had to make. Thats what you do when you draft a “weird” athlete, you try to do weird things.
If we’re being honest here, Sochan at PG is a better coaching decision than the years of old when Pop would stick with Forbes in the lineup. Youre telling me that these days are bad? Hell nah… the days when Pop wouldnt play rookies and overplaying vets like Mills and Gay were way worse. And seeing Forbes every game was a nightmare.
If Topic and Sarr are both gone then this is who I would pick with the Spurs pick:
Matas Buzelis - SF - 6'11
Zaccharie Risacher - SF - 6'9
Cody Williams - SF - 6'8
With Raptors pick I am looking at:
Stephon Castle - PG - 6'6
Aaron Bradshaw - C - 7'1
Tidjane Salaun - PF - 6'10
If those two go before the Spurs pick, I’m probably taking Holland even if he’s isn’t 6’8”. He’s one of the in this draft that has the potential to hit, and at worse would be a solid 3/D type.
onechance87
12-17-2023, 06:52 PM
If those two go before the Spurs pick, I’m probably taking Holland even if he’s isn’t 6’8”. He’s one of the in this draft that has the potential to hit, and at worse would be a solid 3/D type.
so another keldon johnson who cant shoot
so another keldon johnson who cant shoot
They are nothing alike. Holland won’t be liability on defense, and his motor is rookie Kawhi-esc.
rascal
12-17-2023, 07:20 PM
Were folks really worried we’d possibly fall out of the bottom 5 record because we managed to break our 18 game losing streak? :lol
They still can drop outside the top five.
They will pick up some wins down the stretch against tanking teams and they still have many games against the bottom teams in the league and will catch some teams with injuries and the lottery balls may not be kind to the spurs this year .
The Spurs lack talent but they still have Wemby and he's going to get the team some wins.
rascal
12-17-2023, 07:21 PM
This was sure to be a let down game after their win last game.
A loss was bound to happen against a better team in this game.
rascal
12-17-2023, 07:23 PM
yup collier another scoot....shouldint be top 10 pick
Scoot is going to be good to great.
Frenchfred
12-17-2023, 08:54 PM
yup collier another scoot....shouldint be top 10 pick
They still can drop outside the top five.
They will pick up some wins down the stretch against tanking teams and they still have many games against the bottom teams in the league and will catch some teams with injuries and the lottery balls may not be kind to the spurs this year .
The Spurs lack talent but they still have Wemby and he's going to get the team some wins.
not at the moment, he has games with more than 30 points and the team loses. Unless the Spurs make a trade, I think that they end up at the bottom 3 and the probability is low to have a pick outside of the top5.
Frenchfred
12-17-2023, 09:16 PM
Cissoko never produced the st-ocks that Dunn does, and can you really have too many defenders on your roster?
Dunn could turn out to be something in the neighborhood of Herb Jones, or what Thuybulle could have been.
does anybody know how Cissoko is performing with Austin?
does anybody know how Cissoko is performing with Austin?
Cissoko was a silly draft pick.
The turning-a-non-point-into-a-point thing is hardly a joke when it pays off. I point again to the Keyonte George example— when you have a player who can score at will, have size to not be a defensive liability, and be competent at passing… then trying to find that kind of player is not that lofty of a dream nor is it a dumb risk. I think they should continue shuffling through these types of players over and over until they find it, no matter how excruciating it is to watch with players who arent cutting it.
How about Branham?
Seventyniner
12-17-2023, 09:51 PM
Were folks really worried we’d possibly fall out of the bottom 5 record because we managed to break our 18 game losing streak? :lol
The Toronto pick could end up in the late lottery. It's worth talking about players in that range.
rascal
12-17-2023, 10:17 PM
Cissoko was a silly draft pick.
How about Branham?
Cissoko another player with a limited offensive game that Spurstalk is high on.
The Truth #6
12-17-2023, 11:25 PM
The turning-a-non-point-into-a-point thing is hardly a joke when it pays off. I point again to the Keyonte George example— when you have a player who can score at will, have size to not be a defensive liability, and be competent at passing… then trying to find that kind of player is not that lofty of a dream nor is it a dumb risk. I think they should continue shuffling through these types of players over and over until they find it, no matter how excruciating it is to watch with players who arent cutting it.
Oh, I hear you. I wasn't totally joking. I was hoping they would try to trade some capital for Keyounte because the top 10 was too pricey but he seemed under valued. With Jakobe he easily could be higher for them than Topic. But hey, lots of time to see where these players end up. But it also makes sense they would deprioritize role players.
onechance87
12-18-2023, 12:03 AM
does anybody know how Cissoko is performing with Austin?
nothing impressve
Frenchfred
12-18-2023, 01:06 AM
nothing impressve
Another wasted pick then, too bad
Pauleta14
12-18-2023, 02:21 AM
Pop likes Sidy's thighs tho :lol
TrainOfThought5
12-18-2023, 02:56 AM
does anybody know how Cissoko is performing with Austin?
2 years away from being 2 years away.
onechance87
12-18-2023, 03:01 AM
They didnt just “start” with Sochan. There’s a long list of players they’ve experimented with putting players at that position that people on this very site would argue didnt demonstrate the requisite skill set: Murray, Lonnie, Kyle Anderson, Mills, Primo, Wesley, even Malaki right now… Sochan is easy to point to right now but with the roster they started the season with having zero high upside point guards, it was an experiment they probably had to make. Thats what you do when you draft a “weird” athlete, you try to do weird things.
If we’re being honest here, Sochan at PG is a better coaching decision than the years of old when Pop would stick with Forbes in the lineup. Youre telling me that these days are bad? Hell nah… the days when Pop wouldnt play rookies and overplaying vets like Mills and Gay were way worse. And seeing Forbes every game was a nightmare.
who u got in mind....stephon castle or carlton carrington sounds like who u talking about
John B
12-18-2023, 05:21 AM
Cissoko was a silly draft pick.
How about Branham?
Cissoko? What do you expect at a 44th pick. Still Cissoko has great bball iq, has good court vision, can create and defend. He is missing perimeter shots. IF he can get that, he’ll be a great pick as a glue-guy, another mobile versatile big.
Brahnam? He has a knack at scoring. He is a liability at defense, but he is no Forbes. I still like the pick for a guy who I expect will have a long career as a role player. Not bad for the 20th pick.
Bruno
12-18-2023, 07:42 AM
The whole position-less talk, with Spurs not really needing a true PG, makes absolutely no sense to me.
The NBA isn't going position-less, at least regarding to the PG slot. The vast majority of teams (about 90%) are playing with a PG, there are even some teams playing with 2 PGs. Few of these PGs, like Harden or Simmons, are atypical but it has always existed (Magic Johnson...) and these players have all the skills needed to play that spot. Teams playing without a PG aren't doing because they think it's the future of the NBA, circumstances have just push them to be without one. For example, it's because of a great trade opportunity that Suns are playing without a PG.
Spurs need a quality PG, it isn't their only need but it's the biggest one. Getting one in that draft is looking more difficult than a couple of months ago, because most of the high ranked PG prospects have struggled, but it should remain Spurs top priority.
rascal
12-18-2023, 09:06 AM
Another wasted pick then, too bad
He's a late 2nd round pick. If he even makes the team it's a success.
rascal
12-18-2023, 09:26 AM
Cissoko? What do you expect at a 44th pick. Still Cissoko has great bball iq, has good court vision, can create and defend. He is missing perimeter shots. IF he can get that, he’ll be a great pick as a glue-guy, another mobile versatile big.
Brahnam? He has a knack at scoring. He is a liability at defense, but he is no Forbes. I still like the pick for a guy who I expect will have a long career as a role player. Not bad for the 20th pick.
Great bball iq? How do you know what his bball IQ is? Because he can make an occasional fancy pass?
That term is used too often in here for Spur players (with limited abilities) as to why a player is so good.
Let's get some players with athleticism who can finish strong on a fast break, players who can fire a quick 3 point shot with accuracy and hit with a high %, players who are quick enough to stay with offensive players on defense, players who have leaping ability to pose a threat with block shots, players who can break down a defense and take it to the basket. Wemby is going to need some help.
Night after night the other team looks far more athletic than the Spurs.
Another wasted pick then, too bad
He was picked in the 40s, and the other guys people here really wanted with the pick in the 30s traded to MIN, Rupert, is also sucking ass.
The head scratching piece is the guaranteed money (and roster spot) for Sidy, but I guess it’s so little money that who cares.
rankingtear
12-18-2023, 09:49 AM
The whole position-less talk, with Spurs not really needing a true PG, makes absolutely no sense to me.
The NBA isn't going position-less, at least regarding to the PG slot. The vast majority of teams (about 90%) are playing with a PG, there are even some teams playing with 2 PGs. Few of these PGs, like Harden or Simmons, are atypical but it has always existed (Magic Johnson...) and these players have all the skills needed to play that spot. Teams playing without a PG aren't doing because they think it's the future of the NBA, circumstances have just push them to be without one. For example, it's because of a great trade opportunity that Suns are playing without a PG.
Spurs need a quality PG, it isn't their only need but it's the biggest one. Getting one in that draft is looking more difficult than a couple of months ago, because most of the high ranked PG prospects have struggled, but it should remain Spurs top priority.
The last 4 championship PG is a SF, SG, SG, SG as teenagers. Look for young combos not true points. That is why last year I was high on Keyonte despite being a SG. SG with glimpses of playmaking like a certain 12th pick.
R. DeMurre
12-18-2023, 10:38 AM
I'm not 100% on Ryan Dunn, but he's definitely someone to keep an eye on. I think comparisons to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Thybulle are a bit off the mark, though the lack of a three ball is an understandable worry. But in terms of offensive efficiency, Dunn is far beyond what either of those guys showed in college. MKG shot 53.5% from 2 with a TS% of 57%. Thybulle's best college shooting year was his senior year, where he shot 55.5% from 2, and his overall college career TS% was 55%. Dunn, as a sophomore, is shooting 73% from 2, with a TS% of 61.2%. None of the three will ever be a major cog in the offense, but I think Dunn has shown at an early age that he can be extremely efficient in ways that the other two never could.
pad300
12-18-2023, 11:20 AM
Brandon Clarke might be a better compare for Ryan Dunn (as opposed to MKG or Thybulle).
R. DeMurre
12-18-2023, 11:27 AM
Yeah, Brandon Clark with better measurements at 6'8" + 7'1" wingspan.
exstatic
12-18-2023, 12:11 PM
I'm not 100% on Ryan Dunn, but he's definitely someone to keep an eye on. I think comparisons to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Thybulle are a bit off the mark, though the lack of a three ball is an understandable worry. But in terms of offensive efficiency, Dunn is far beyond what either of those guys showed in college. MKG shot 53.5% from 2 with a TS% of 57%. Thybulle's best college shooting year was his senior year, where he shot 55.5% from 2, and his overall college career TS% was 55%. Dunn, as a sophomore, is shooting 73% from 2, with a TS% of 61.2%. None of the three will ever be a major cog in the offense, but I think Dunn has shown at an early age that he can be extremely efficient in ways that the other two never could.
I think the Thuybulle comparisons were on the defensive side of the ball, a ton of st-ocks, at least they were for me.
spurraider21
12-18-2023, 12:20 PM
The whole position-less talk, with Spurs not really needing a true PG, makes absolutely no sense to me.
The NBA isn't going position-less, at least regarding to the PG slot. The vast majority of teams (about 90%) are playing with a PG, there are even some teams playing with 2 PGs. Few of these PGs, like Harden or Simmons, are atypical but it has always existed (Magic Johnson...) and these players have all the skills needed to play that spot. Teams playing without a PG aren't doing because they think it's the future of the NBA, circumstances have just push them to be without one. For example, it's because of a great trade opportunity that Suns are playing without a PG.
Spurs need a quality PG, it isn't their only need but it's the biggest one. Getting one in that draft is looking more difficult than a couple of months ago, because most of the high ranked PG prospects have struggled, but it should remain Spurs top priority.
just gotta talk about PG as a role on offense rather than a "position" and all the "positionless" arguments are rendered moot
you need somebody to run the show and be a table-setter, the guy who causes the initial reaction/breakdown of the defense that catalyzes into a good look somewhere
whether he's 6'2 or 6'5 or 6'8, whether he can hit outside shots of the pick and roll or not, need somebody who can fill that role on offense
Dejounte
12-18-2023, 10:37 PM
I just had a realization
the Spurs are going to target players who already have an understanding and confidence of how to play basketball
great players adapt quickly, as Wemby has shown.
Topic is a real target, probably at the top of the board. The processing speed seems to be all there. He looks like he reads plays before they happen, which cant be said for many in this year’s draft.
Rob Dillingham is the other guy who won’t need to be developed much… not because his IQ is off the charts like Topic, but because he is oozing with confidence.
I said I liked Holland, but he looks like another dude who will go through years of development. Likewise with Jakobe
The team needs a top pick who will come in and lead immediately. Does anyone really think Wemby will go through another year of this?
Let’s say Sarr is ready to go and knows how to play… how much is a center really expected to change a team’s outlook by himself? It’s a playmaker who does that. Not a center.
Unless more players step up, I might just trade out of the top of this draft for an established 2nd/3rd tier star to pair with Wemby. It’s pretty much garbage so far
a lot of players at the top that people are falling for because they have nice height and/or athletic ability but barely show anything spectacular on the court tbh
SpursBills
12-18-2023, 10:49 PM
Topic to be Gen-Z tony parker. Next year Cooper flagg is unrealistic, but with potentially 3 draft picks in the lottery, draft Hugo Gonzalez to be Gen-Z manu. I still believe in sochan. Even though it couldn't seem farther away, we're way closer to being a great team than it appears. All you need is to hit on 1-2 more draft picks, and thanks to the Hawks, the spurs have a few more shots in the next 2 years.
TD 21
12-18-2023, 11:50 PM
how much is a center really expected to change a team’s outlook by himself? It’s a playmaker who does that. Not a center.
Yeah, it's not like Abdul-Jabbar, Robinson, O'Neal, Duncan, etc. did that or Jokic and Embiid are doing that.
BackHome
12-18-2023, 11:55 PM
Topic and Hugo Gonzales would be pure joy to watch I am crossing my fingers. I do agree the pick should be Topic and I am starting to think Buzelis has the upside and would be a good fit for us. With the Raptors pick I am gonna go out on a limb and pick Tidjane Salaun the SF/PF - 6’10 - French connection. He is a bit of a project but I really love that he plays with a passion I don’t see with a lot of players in this draft.
Dejounte
12-19-2023, 01:02 AM
Yeah, it's not like Abdul-Jabbar, Robinson, O'Neal, Duncan, etc. did that or Jokic and Embiid are doing that.
I did not myself clear. My post is on the basis of this draft being weak and not having any prospect like those you mentioned. Sarr’s nowhere close as a prospect.
bluebellmaniac
12-19-2023, 05:20 AM
Been playing with Tankathon's simulator. Pretty impressed.
We should get at least 2 solid contributors next year.
Would be sweet if we landed Baba in the 2nd with the 33rd pick.
bluebellmaniac
12-19-2023, 05:29 AM
Zach Edey at 7' 4.25" from Purdue would be a get with our 48th slotted pick.
spursparker9
12-19-2023, 06:44 AM
https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-mock-draft-3-alex-sarr-takes-top-spot-with-international-prospects-impressing-early-in-the-season-181955815.html
Sarr going number 1
Dejounte
12-19-2023, 07:20 AM
https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-mock-draft-3-alex-sarr-takes-top-spot-with-international-prospects-impressing-early-in-the-season-181955815.html
Sarr going number 1
Good. It benefits the Spurs if they dont get first. Anyone thinking they should “twin towers” this thing is mistaken. As the article says, Sarr is averaging 10 and 5 off the bench…. The player the Spurs draft with their pick has to have the potential to earn a max contract in their prime. A 20 and 10 player normally does that. Having two 20 and 10 front court players is unheard of. People say David Robinson worked fine with Timmy but that was at the end of his prime… did that version of Rob deserve a max contract? You handicap the rest of the team because the cap cant be spent on any more good players on the wing or guard depth.
https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-mock-draft-3-alex-sarr-takes-top-spot-with-international-prospects-impressing-early-in-the-season-181955815.html
Sarr going number 1
Interesting. Arguably DET also doesn’t need Sarr with Duren in the fold. The best team on fit would be WAS.
Didn’t appreciate Cody Williams was the brother of Jalen Williams of OKC. I like that
onechance87
12-19-2023, 07:45 AM
https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-mock-draft-3-alex-sarr-takes-top-spot-with-international-prospects-impressing-early-in-the-season-181955815.html
Sarr going number 1
is cody williams that good....Is he better then kj and sochan
is cody williams that good....Is he better then kj and sochan
Keldon is not long for this team man, but fair question about Sochan.
My ideal wing type would be a Jabari Smith type next to Sochan and Wemby. Solid D, excellent shooter, doesn’t need the ball to impact winning. Don’t know enough about Williams to know if he’s that guy, but the tools look interesting especially if he can approach his brothers BBIQ.
spurraider21
12-19-2023, 09:25 AM
Zach Edey at 7' 4.25" from Purdue would be a get with our 48th slotted pick.
Less talented boban
Extra Stout
12-19-2023, 09:55 AM
It’s amazing how much Isaiah Collier still leads up so many of these mock draft articles (“he’s a perfect fit for the Spurs!”) with how little he has shown so far at USC. I think it underscores how little effort those sports journalists put into watching games and how much they just regurgitate AAU hype.
exstatic
12-19-2023, 10:52 AM
It’s amazing how much Isaiah Collier still leads up so many of these mock draft articles (“he’s a perfect fit for the Spurs!”) with how little he has shown so far at USC. I think it underscores how little effort those sports journalists put into watching games and how much they just regurgitate AAU hype.
My rule of thumb is,if you don’t produce on the next level, your stock drops. Don’t care what you did in HS or AAU.
Collier IS finally starting to drop, coming in at #7 on the latest TaT mock, and #8 on Yahoo.
TD 21
12-19-2023, 11:10 AM
Somehow didn't include Olajuwon.
Good. It benefits the Spurs if they dont get first. Anyone thinking they should “twin towers” this thing is mistaken.
Yeah, investing significantly in two C's in this era would be foolish. It doesn't matter how skilled or "unicorn" like they are, every offense is better with one big and and no matter how good they are offensively, most of the great bigs are higher impact defensively anyway, so they don't need another big alongside most of the time.
My rule of thumb is,if you don’t produce on the next level, your stock drops. Don’t care what you did in HS or AAU.
Collier IS finally starting to drop, coming in at #7 on the latest TaT mock, and #8 on Yahoo.
How do you rank the quality of the various mocks out there? Assume Givony is near the top, but not sure how to weight the others honestly
FutureMan
12-19-2023, 11:22 AM
If the draft was today, it would be crazy if the Spurs didn’t draft one of Topic, Dillingham, or Proctor.
exstatic
12-19-2023, 11:47 AM
How do you rank the quality of the various mocks out there? Assume Givony is near the top, but not sure how to weight the others honestly
The best way for me to evaluate players positioning is to see them across a number of mocks. No one gets it all correct.
rascal
12-19-2023, 12:20 PM
If the Spurs want Topic they have to stay in the bottom three. Topic has moved up draft boards.
If you want Topic you shouldn't be wanting to see wins. Detroit may pass on Topic, maybe not Washington.
Ja'Kobe Walter is now atop the usatoday mock draft.
https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-jakobe-walter-stephon-castle-isaiah-collier
I still like Topic and Sarr but Walter is right there too. All three are different (versatile straw that stirs, dirty dog with skills, pure scorer) but all three could fit the Spurs nicely going forward.
spurraider21
12-19-2023, 01:04 PM
My rule of thumb is,if you don’t produce on the next level, your stock drops. Don’t care what you did in HS or AAU.
Collier IS finally starting to drop, coming in at #7 on the latest TaT mock, and #8 on Yahoo.
whats TaT?
spurraider21
12-19-2023, 01:04 PM
Somehow didn't include Olajuwon.
Yeah, investing significantly in two C's in this era would be foolish. It doesn't matter how skilled or "unicorn" like they are, every offense is better with one big and and no matter how good they are offensively, most of the great bigs are higher impact defensively anyway, so they don't need another big alongside most of the time.
was awkward for the wolves last year but has worked out so far this year
R. DeMurre
12-19-2023, 01:33 PM
There are no absolutes in draft philosophy. Before Magic, no one had a 6'9" PG, and if 6 years ago anyone had said "hey, you should draft a 270 lb unathletic center and make him your leading assist guy and de facto PG," every draft analyst would've laughed at the naivete of that opinion... until Denver did just that and won a championship. Basketball is ever evolving, and we're sure to see some approaches in the future that will be completely new.
TrainOfThought5
12-19-2023, 01:34 PM
Great bball iq? How do you know what his bball IQ is? Because he can make an occasional fancy pass?
That term is used too often in here for Spur players (with limited abilities) as to why a player is so good.
Let's get some players with athleticism who can finish strong on a fast break, players who can fire a quick 3 point shot with accuracy and hit with a high %, players who are quick enough to stay with offensive players on defense, players who have leaping ability to pose a threat with block shots, players who can break down a defense and take it to the basket. Wemby is going to need some help.
Night after night the other team looks far more athletic than the Spurs.
those players typically go very high in the draft. We need to tank to get those players.
If the Spurs want Topic they have to stay in the bottom three. Topic has moved up draft boards.
If you want Topic you shouldn't be wanting to see wins. Detroit may pass on Topic, maybe not Washington.
Let’s take a look at the needs of the competition.
DET: I like them for Holland. they definitely pass on a PG having already spent significant draft capital there. And with Duren maybe pass on Sarr too, talk about a weird fit.
WAS: needs everything so can see them struggling between Sarr and the top PG prospect. They also suck ass at drafting so they may just go for the shiny object, which will probably be Sarr.
POR: won’t take the top PG prospect again. Alton situation is the wild card re Sarr. They’re probably a home for the top SF prospect if given the chance. If Holland is gone, best of Matas, Rechaire, or Williams go here.
CHA: won’t take the top PG prospect of given the chance with Ball locked up. Might be a Sarr home depending on how they see Mark Williams, but my money is on them taking the best SF/SG prospect available to them.
Others: UTH, TOR, and CHI absolutely take the best PG prospect of given the chance.
BOTTOM LINE: of the shitty 5, WAS is the top threat to nab the top PG prospect if they select ahead of us. The best PG prospect probably doesn’t fall below 4. It will depend on what the gulf is between the top two PG prospects in the end, but if the top PG is off the board Spurs have to take the best SF prospect available to them with their natural pick (Holland, Matas Rachisrre, Williams).
(I think Memphis will end up moving out of bottom 5).
bluebellmaniac
12-19-2023, 03:41 PM
Less talented boban
Make him an enforcer if he wants a roster spot. Someone playing dirty with Wemby, BOOM!
You gotta send a message that we won't tolerate dirty play, by having fire to use against fire.
Old school, but we need a protector.
spurraider21
12-19-2023, 03:50 PM
Make him an enforcer if he wants a roster spot. Someone playing dirty with Wemby, BOOM!
You gotta send a message that we won't tolerate dirty play, by having fire to use against fire.
Old school, but we need a protector.
thats what people were saying collins/sochan would be
TD 21
12-19-2023, 04:19 PM
was awkward for the wolves last year but has worked out so far this year
So well that they're 17th on offense with two of the best shooting bigs in the league.
I'm higher on Towns than most, but they don't have the (super) star or fire power to be legitimate contenders.
SOMA Spur
12-19-2023, 04:38 PM
Right now I’ve got Topic (2) Dunn (10) Almansa (33) and Ivisic (48)
As far as PG goes, I’m firmly in the Tank for Topic camp. That kid would make everyone better, plus our roster construction just becomes so much easier if we grab Topic as our floor general. But what if he’s gone before our pick. Not seeing another PG sitting in the top 8 players worth taking. In this scenario we take a SF first then grab Dillingham? with the Toronto pick (10-12). This kid is fun as hell, can shoot, and has been passing the ball this year. Wondering if he’s the consolation prize at PG if we miss out on Topic, or would he be a hard pass by the Spurs because of his size.
Right now I’ve got Topic (2) Dunn (10) Almansa (33) and Ivisic (48)
As far as PG goes, I’m firmly in the Tank for Topic camp. That kid would make everyone better, plus our roster construction just becomes so much easier if we grab Topic as our floor general. But what if he’s gone before our pick. Not seeing another PG sitting in the top 8 players worth taking. In this scenario we take a SF first then grab Dillingham? with the Toronto pick (10-12). This kid is fun as hell, can shoot, and has been passing the ball this year. Wondering if he’s the consolation prize at PG if we miss out on Topic, or would he be a hard pass by the Spurs because of his size.
If he's gone before the Spurs' natural pick, then take one of the two Kentucky PGs with the TOR pick. I assume Collier will also be gone in this scenario as i dont seem him dropping to #10. If any of WAS, CHI, UTA (and TOR) pick ahead of us, they are the biggest threats to take the best PG prospect (seemingly Topic).
BatManu20
12-19-2023, 05:19 PM
Topic is likely going to end up being a top-3 pick, maybe even top-2 in this weak class, so unless the Spurs get a lucky bounce again with the lottery balls, I don't see him being a Spur tbh. Which sucks, but it is what it is. Hence why I'd rather go all-in on Trae Young this Summer.
I predict our First Pick will be in the 4-7 range unfortunately though, as I think the Spurs are going to finally drop in the lottery for the first time in franchise history. We're still the only team in history to never drop in the lottery. Just feels like it's our time tbh.:lol
With that said, both of those things are unlikely, and I think the Spurs will simply end up drafting BPA at both spots if we somehow hold onto that Raptors pick (not holding my breath), regardless of what picks we end up with.
BatManu20
12-19-2023, 05:21 PM
Also, the more I watch Isaiah Collier, the less I like him tbh. He's inefficient, hesitant to shoot the 3-ball, and his defensive effort is fucking terrible. Of course these are all things that can be improved upon, and he likely will to a degree, but as of right now he's not in my top-5 targets anymore tbh.
SpursBills
12-19-2023, 05:34 PM
Topic is likely going to end up being a top-3 pick, maybe even top-2 in this weak class, so unless the Spurs get a lucky bounce again with the lottery balls, I don't see him being a Spur tbh. Which sucks, but it is what it is. Hence why I'd rather go all-in on Trae Young this Summer.
I predict our First Pick will be in the 4-7 range unfortunately though, as I think the Spurs are going to finally drop in the lottery for the first time in franchise history. We're still the only team in history to never drop in the lottery. Just feels like it's our time tbh.:lol
With that said, both of those things are unlikely, and I think the Spurs will simply end up drafting BPA at both spots if we somehow hold onto that Raptors pick (not holding my breath), regardless of what picks we end up with.
If the spurs end up 4-6 are you willing to package that + the raptors pick +/- bulls pick to move up to the top 2 knowing that you still own all of your picks and atlanta's for the next 2-3 years?
BatManu20
12-19-2023, 06:13 PM
If the spurs end up 4-6 are you willing to package that + the raptors pick +/- bulls pick to move up to the top 2 knowing that you still own all of your picks and atlanta's for the next 2-3 years?
Yes. But I don’t think whoever lands #2 would be willing to do that.
BatManu20
12-19-2023, 06:16 PM
Matas Buzelis has been playing better as of late for the G-League unite after a slow start to the season. He’s another guy who seems like a player the Spurs would really like. A long, versatile 6’11 skilled wing who can do a bit of everything. Basically what they thought Luka Samanic would be. He’s got some Frank Wagner to him. Spurs are probably pretty high on him tbh.
1735527739007049920
exstatic
12-19-2023, 08:56 PM
Also, the more I watch Isaiah Collier, the less I like him tbh. He's inefficient, hesitant to shoot the 3-ball, and his defensive effort is fucking terrible. Of course these are all things that can be improved upon, and he likely will to a degree, but as of right now he's not in my top-5 targets anymore tbh.
He shoots poorly, and is a scatter gun passer. Those two, in tandem, are extremely problematic for an NBA PG.
exstatic
12-19-2023, 09:00 PM
Ja'Kobe Walter is now atop the usatoday mock draft.
https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-jakobe-walter-stephon-castle-isaiah-collier
I still like Topic and Sarr but Walter is right there too. All three are different (versatile straw that stirs, dirty dog with skills, pure scorer) but all three could fit the Spurs nicely going forward.
If you want to truly feature Wemby, you should probably look elsewhere. Walter is an EXTREMELY reluctant passer.
If the spurs end up 4-6 are you willing to package that + the raptors pick +/- bulls pick to move up to the top 2 knowing that you still own all of your picks and atlanta's for the next 2-3 years?
For who though? I actually like the flip scenario: trade out of 2, down to 4/5 and pick up smother asset or player.
SpursBills
12-19-2023, 09:33 PM
For who though? I actually like the flip scenario: trade out of 2, down to 4/5 and pick up smother asset or player.
So this suggests that there's not much difference in the top 5 with regards to talent, which is actually great news. It means that if the spurs do fall in love with someone who's projected to go top 3, it's not only possible, but probable that they have the assets to move up to get him if necessary without sacrificing future unprotected draft picks. Me personally, yes as of now I'd trade the raptors pick and the bulls pick if necessary to get topic, I think he's worth 2 lottery picks. This might change by the end of the season though.
So this suggests that there's not much difference in the top 5 with regards to talent, which is actually great news. It means that if the spurs do fall in love with someone who's projected to go top 3, it's not only possible, but probable that they have the assets to move up to get him if necessary without sacrificing future unprotected draft picks. Me personally, yes as of now I'd trade the raptors pick and the bulls pick if necessary to get topic, I think he's worth 2 lottery picks. This might change by the end of the season though.
I think fit will matter more in this draft than others. In this world it’s worth seeing who would actually use valuable trade capital to select the first PG. Of the current bottom 5 (I exclude MEM who I think will move up):
DET: won’t use a third draft on a PG; feels like Holland landing place. They have Duren.
WAS: needs everything, so first real threat to take a PG, but could also value Collier higher, and could also go for Sarr.
POR: Has Scoot; could go for Sarr but have Ayton. Good landing place for Matas, Rachecher, Williams, if Holland taken.
CHA: have Melo, which supposedly is why they spurned Scoot. Probably same this draft.
CHI, TOR, UTA: absolute threats for a PG and Topic specifically. But that means they jumped into Top 3. Would the use that chance in him?
Bottom line: based on some of this mapping, there is a good chance Topic (if that’s their guy) can be had at 4, and maybe even later. The real Wild Card are the Wizards if they select before SAS.
This then also begs the question, should the Spurs risk it and wait to take a PG with the TOR pick and pick a big wing with their natural pick?
SpursBills
12-19-2023, 10:28 PM
I think fit will matter more in this draft than others. In this world it’s worth seeing who would actually use valuable trade capital to select the first PG. Of the current bottom 5 (I exclude MEM who I think will move up):
DET: won’t use a third draft on a PG; feels like Holland landing place. They have Duren.
WAS: needs everything, so first real threat to take a PG, but could also value Collier higher, and could also go for Sarr.
POR: Has Scoot; could go for Sarr but have Ayton. Good landing place for Matas, Rachecher, Williams, if Holland taken.
CHA: have Melo, which supposedly is why they spurned Scoot. Probably same this draft.
CHI, TOR, UTA: absolute threats for a PG and Topic specifically. But that means they jumped into Top 3. Would the use that chance in him?
Bottom line: based on some of this mapping, there is a good chance Topic (if that’s their guy) can be had at 4, and maybe even later. The real Wild Card are the Wizards if they select before SAS.
This then also begs the question, should the Spurs risk it and wait to take a PG with the TOR pick and pick a big wing with their natural pick?
DET just screams Risacher to me. I don't know, Pistons fans have been screaming about how Cade's in a terrible situation because he's got no spacing and their defense is so terrible, so they probably need spacing outside of Bojan (who they might trade) and defense and Risacher theoretically provides both.
I am hoping that the success of Wemby and Chet entices WAS to go for Sarr but they seem to have a reasonable front office so they will probably draft topic
CHA may actually go for Holland honestly as a miles bridges replacement. A lot depends on if they feel like lamelo would thrive in an off-ball role or whether he's better as the primary initiator.
POR I agree will likely draft a wing. I personally think that Presti is going to trade up if he can for Matas who would be a glove in hand fit and complete his death star lineup of wallace/SGA/JDub/Matas/Chet and win 55 games a year for the next decade.
I would 100% not wait to pick Topic even if you think you can get him lower. In fact if Detroit had 1/2 and the spurs dropped down to 4/5 I'd be willing to offer the Raptors pick to move up so that the pistons could draft Risacher who's a better fit. Realistically you only need to hit on 2-3 great players to create a dynasty. I personally think that Topic is to Luka what Sengun is to Jokic, and that's the kind of talent that you don't try and get cute for, the downside of not getting him is way more than the value lost from drafting another player at 10 vs 3. (This take is definitely going to blow up in my face in 5 years if Topic ends up busting out of the league due to an inability to shoot.)
SOMA Spur
12-19-2023, 10:48 PM
DET just screams Risacher to me. I don't know, Pistons fans have been screaming about how Cade's in a terrible situation because he's got no spacing and their defense is so terrible, so they probably need spacing outside of Bojan (who they might trade) and defense and Risacher theoretically provides both.
I am hoping that the success of Wemby and Chet entices WAS to go for Sarr but they seem to have a reasonable front office so they will probably draft topic
CHA may actually go for Holland honestly as a miles bridges replacement. A lot depends on if they feel like lamelo would thrive in an off-ball role or whether he's better as the primary initiator.
POR I agree will likely draft a wing. I personally think that Presti is going to trade up if he can for Matas who would be a glove in hand fit and complete his death star lineup of wallace/SGA/JDub/Matas/Chet and win 55 games a year for the next decade.
I would 100% not wait to pick Topic even if you think you can get him lower. In fact if Detroit had 1/2 and the spurs dropped down to 4/5 I'd be willing to offer the Raptors pick to move up so that the pistons could draft Risacher who's a better fit. Realistically you only need to hit on 2-3 great players to create a dynasty. I personally think that Topic is to Luka what Sengun is to Jokic, and that's the kind of talent that you don't try and get cute for, the downside of not getting him is way more than the value lost from drafting another player at 10 vs 3. (This take is definitely going to blow up in my face in 5 years if Topic ends up busting out of the league due to an inability to shoot.)
Not sure I'd give up the Toronto pick to move up to get Topic. We are so devoid of talent up and down the roster I think I'd rather take our SF (Buzelis/Risacher) with ours, then a PG with Torontos (Dillingham). But I'm hoping it doesn't get to that as I'm a big Topic fan and am feeling better than 50/50 we'll land him, considering our record and the other teams involved.
^ WAS is def the top threat to take the first PG over the Spurs, but they could also value Collier higher than Topic (who knows so may the Spurs btw).
Ditty
12-19-2023, 11:35 PM
Washington is probably the least talented team in the league. Bilal might be their only promising player. Their GM used to be in OKC's front office so he knows how valuable 1st round picks can be. If WAS picks a spot or two ahead of the Spurs and TOR pick ends up being one of the best possible picks. I can see the Spurs trading both picks if they love Topic. Even if the Bullets may ask to take on Poole or Kuzma's contract.
Washington is probably the least talented team in the league. Bilal might be their only promising player. Their GM used to be in OKC's front office so he knows how valuable 1st round picks can be. If WAS picks a spot or two ahead of the Spurs and TOR pick ends up being one of the best possible picks. I can see the Spurs trading both picks if they love Topic. Even if the Bullets may ask to take on Poole or Kuzma's contract.
In that scenario they’d have to really love Topic, or think he’s that much more head and shoulders above one of the two Kentucky guards that could be had with the TOR pick. I don’t know either way.
If WAS or even a team like CHI or UTA jumps up and decides to take Topic (over Collier) before the Spurs, I think Spurs should go for the best available wing of Holland-Matas-Riacher-Williams), and then take their PG later at 9 or 10. And, hey, who knows Topic may still be there.
onechance87
12-20-2023, 01:14 AM
any point guards similar to morant skill wise in this draft
BatManu20
12-20-2023, 02:25 AM
^ WAS is def the top threat to take the first PG over the Spurs, but they could also value Collier higher than Topic (who knows so may the Spurs btw).
No team is taking Collier over Topic tbh. Barring significant improvements to Collier's game over the next 3 months, Topic will be the clear-cut #1 PG prospect in this draft come June imo.
mo7888
12-20-2023, 08:34 AM
This then also begs the question, should the Spurs risk it and wait to take a PG with the TOR pick and pick a big wing with their natural pick?
That's the biggest question right now. I think it'll be determined on how Topic is viewed later in the season. Has he completely sepetated himself from the next tier of PG's? He's trending that way... I do like some of the 2nd tier like Dillingham, Castle, and even Proctor. My guess is that Topic will be the guy, but if he's off the board we go big/wing 1st and PG 2nd.
CorrectCrusader
12-20-2023, 11:43 AM
any point guards similar to morant skill wise in this draft
Not a lot of those exist in the league at any given point in time.
CorrectCrusader
12-20-2023, 11:45 AM
If Topic or Dillingham is off the board at our pick we should go Zacharrie to resolve the pf/sf position then draft a pg with Torontos pick
TheChillFactor
12-20-2023, 11:59 AM
Not a lot of those exist in the league at any given point in time.
No, most draft experts are saying that this draft has 3 or 4 Michael Jordans, but no Morants…
scott
12-20-2023, 12:03 PM
Still lots of time before draft day, but seems like a terrible year to have a high pick, let alone 2. I’d almost hope that someone falls in love with someone like Sarr and we can flip our pick for a player with a more certain future ahead of him.
^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.
DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)
spurraider21
12-20-2023, 04:47 PM
contemplating draft board scenarios before the new year
https://media.tenor.com/sR6tkmxxrhQAAAAM/depressed-bored.gif
BatManu20
12-20-2023, 04:58 PM
^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.
DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)
Would hate that tbh. Granted Keldon is 2 years older (22 vs. 24), the statistical difference between the two isn't nearly enough to make me give up 3 FRP's tbh.
Keldon:18 ppg, 6.5 rbs, 4 asts, 47% FG, 36% 3PT, .58 TS%, 15.5 PER
Cade: 22 ppg, 4 rbs, 7 asts, 43% FG, 32% 3PT, .53 TS%, 14.3 PER
Both players almost identical in same size at 6'6 220 lbs. Both have defensive shortcomings due to lack of size and athleticism. Of course Cade projects as the better offensive player long-term, but is it enough of a gap to trade 3 FRP's..? Not for me tbh. I'd rather wait and go all in on someone else personally. And I think the PATFO would agree with me on this one.
Would hate that tbh. Granted Keldon is 2 years older (22 vs. 24), the statistical difference between the two isn't nearly enough to make me give up 3 FRP's tbh.
Keldon:18 ppg, 6.5 rbs, 4 asts, 47% FG, 36% 3PT, .58 TS%, 15.5 PER
Cade: 22 ppg, 4 rbs, 7 asts, 43% FG, 32% 3PT, .53 TS%, 14.3 PER
Both players almost identical in same size at 6'6 220 lbs. Both have defensive shortcomings due to lack of size and athleticism. Of course Cade projects as the better offensive player long-term, but is it enough of a gap to trade 3 FRP's..? Not for me tbh. I'd rather wait and go all in on someone else personally. And I think the PATFO would agree with me on this one.
they’re very different players. It’s a bet that Cade could be the PG of the future, and trying to buy low on him now. CHI and CHA picks are also protected, but do think Spurs would have to surrender one unprotected “good” pick.
It’s a long shot obviously, but thought the idea was interesting
contemplating draft board scenarios before the new year
https://media.tenor.com/sR6tkmxxrhQAAAAM/depressed-bored.gif
I know… the season is just that painful to watch though! Games like yesterday are particularly brutal
exstatic
12-20-2023, 07:41 PM
^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.
DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)
Why would you give up 3 firsts for a clear bust, and I’m not talking about Wiseman. No way Cade is worth that. Saying that he’s underperformed is the charitable way of putting it.
Why would you give up 3 firsts for a clear bust, and I’m not talking about Wiseman. No way Cade is worth that. Saying that he’s underperformed is the charitable way of putting it.
It’s really one good one, a decent one, and the fake CHA one. I think it would take something face saving like that for DET to part with a former number one pick so soon after drafting him.
It’s a buy low situation. I agree he’s underperformed, but that it’s largely situational and injury has delayed his development. It’s still high on Cade.
JeffDuncan
12-20-2023, 08:35 PM
^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.
DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)
It makes sense to you to give Keldon and 3 firsts for that horror show crap.
You’ll be interested to hear that some types of brain damage are no longer as hopeless as they once were. See your doctor for the latest information.
BackHome
12-20-2023, 08:36 PM
I wouldn't give up any picks if we want a PG we can always just go after Immanuel Quickley after this season.
SpursBills
12-20-2023, 09:45 PM
^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.
DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)
I wouldn't do that trade, but I'd probably consider Vassell for Cade straight up, maybe we throw in the Charlotte pick or something. Cade is not an engine of a good team. He's got enough passing chops to be a secondary playmaker, and he can probably space the floor reasonably well if he's not taking a bunch of off the dribble jumpers. I think defensively it's a wash, trade Vassell's shooting and tough shot making for Cade's creation. Offensive engines and defensive centerpieces are by far the two most valuable roles in the NBA, if you're set at those two positions your franchise is set. Cade's proven that he's not that guy. No use throwing away a shot at actually getting an engine just to acquire a secondary playmaker.
onechance87
12-20-2023, 10:02 PM
I wouldn't give up any picks if we want a PG we can always just go after Immanuel Quickley after this season.
yup he should be our main goal this offseason...Dude looks like hes about to explode in stardom
I wouldn't do that trade, but I'd probably consider Vassell for Cade straight up, maybe we throw in the Charlotte pick or something. Cade is not an engine of a good team. He's got enough passing chops to be a secondary playmaker, and he can probably space the floor reasonably well if he's not taking a bunch of off the dribble jumpers. I think defensively it's a wash, trade Vassell's shooting and tough shot making for Cade's creation. Offensive engines and defensive centerpieces are by far the two most valuable roles in the NBA, if you're set at those two positions your franchise is set. Cade's proven that he's not that guy. No use throwing away a shot at actually getting an engine just to acquire a secondary playmaker.
I think Cade is quite good, and incidentally just had a career night last night with 43 points and 7 assist. Leader of men type that can orchestrate an offense with time, just a crap situation including a forced paring with Ivy.
Interestingly, I think a Vassell swap may arguably be richer than Keldon and picks trade I propose (we all know the CHA “first” is fake) but in any event in the ball park. If the concern is keeping a 2024 pick, spurs could send something else out.
scott
12-20-2023, 10:27 PM
I think Cade is quite good, and incidentally just had a career night last night with 43 points and 7 assist. Leader of men type that can orchestrate an offense with time, just a crap situation including a forced paring with Ivy.
Interestingly, I think a Vassell swap may arguably be richer than Keldon and picks trade I propose (we all know the CHA “first” is fake) but in any event in the ball park. If the concern is keeping a 2024 pick, spurs could send something else out.
The CHI pick is also no shoe in to convey either, I think that’s a price I’m easily willing to pay for the right player…. Just not sure Cade is that guy.
I’m disappointed in Vassell’s shitty shot selection and how he is developing into a black hole… but I really want to see how he does with a real playmaker on the court.
Keldon is a progress stopper so I think we are right to look to move him for a better fit.
baseline bum
12-20-2023, 10:50 PM
^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.
DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)
Cade can't shoot, doesn't get to the FT line, and he's terrible defensively. No thanks, he's a rich man's Tre Jones who is overvalued because he went #1 three years ago. Also lol Simmons, all summer he was talking about how the Spurs should have made a play for Jordan Poole.
SpursBills
12-20-2023, 10:55 PM
The CHI pick is also no shoe in to convey either, I think that’s a price I’m easily willing to pay for the right player…. Just not sure Cade is that guy.
I’m disappointed in Vassell’s shitty shot selection and how he is developing into a black hole… but I really want to see how he does with a real playmaker on the court.
Keldon is a progress stopper so I think we are right to look to move him for a better fit.
My biggest issue with Vassell is not even his shot selection, it's his incredibly disappointing defense and his lack of playmaking progress. I think that people look at his tough shot making and get enamored with his shooting. But honestly, for 28 million a year, you can't just be a self-creator and tough shot maker who's a net negative on the other end. You need to either be creating for others as at least a secondary playmaker or be a net positive on the defensive end. Otherwise how are you remotely better than a Bogdan Bogdanovich who's scoring 17 a game on 46/41/92 for 17 million a year or a KCP who's providing plus defense in addition to 3 point shooting for 15 million a year? Or to get really spicy, is he really that much better than Cam thomas if he doesn't develop other aspects of his game? Keldon johnson's not great, but he's on a declining contract and will get 14 million a year at the end of his contract which is probably a bargain. Can't say the same about Vassell.
baseline bum
12-20-2023, 10:56 PM
I think Cade is quite good, and incidentally just had a career night last night with 43 points and 7 assist. Leader of men type that can orchestrate an offense with time, just a crap situation including a forced paring with Ivy.
Interestingly, I think a Vassell swap may arguably be richer than Keldon and picks trade I propose (we all know the CHA “first” is fake) but in any event in the ball park. If the concern is keeping a 2024 pick, spurs could send something else out.
No defense, no three point shooting, no ability to get to the FT line, and the only reason anyone cares about him is because he went #1 three years ago. You can excuse that kind of stuff when a guy isn't of drinking age but he's 22 and in his third year now. I don't think he's ever going to get much better.
SpursBills
12-20-2023, 11:02 PM
No defense, no three point shooting, no ability to get to the FT line, and the only reason anyone cares about him is because he went #1 three years ago. You can excuse that kind of stuff when a guy isn't of drinking age but he's 22 and in his third year now. I don't think he's ever going to get much better.
I pretty much agree with all this, and the almost the exact same thing can be said about devin vassell. He doesn't play defense, shoots fewer FT than Cade, and is the same age. He shoots a much better 3 but can't create at all while Cade can probably be a secondary playmaker but definitely can't be a primary guy. They're both 22 and people make excuses for both of them because they've had some injuries in the past and looked like they were turning the corner. They're honestly the same caliber of player in my eyes, neither of them is bad, just not the best or second best player on a great team. I think both are probably good as #3 guys.
EDIT: vassell's actually 23
baseline bum
12-20-2023, 11:10 PM
I pretty much agree with all this, and the almost the exact same thing can be said about devin vassell. He doesn't play defense, shoots fewer FT than Cade, and is the same age. He shoots a much better 3 but can't create at all while Cade can probably be a secondary playmaker but definitely can't be a primary guy. They're both 22 and people make excuses for both of them because they've had some injuries in the past and looked like they were turning the corner. They're honestly the same caliber of player in my eyes, neither of them is bad, just not the best or second best player on a great team. I think both are probably good as #3 guys.
Vassell is a much better defender than Cunningham. His DF% is almost 6 points better than Cade (44.8% vs 50.5%). It's the difference between top 40% of the league vs bottom 25%. Vassell isn't a great shooter but at least he's a competent shooter. There's no way I'm trading him for Cunningham. You can go out and find Tre Jones clones in the draft and in free agency easily.
Dejounte
12-21-2023, 07:32 PM
Watching Dillingham right now. Kid is special, man. Most of his shots don’t look like prayers which most NBA players look like they throw it up all the time. There’s a degree of skill and confidence every time he shoots. That backboard shot he just did was pure calculation. Looks like he’s well coached and plays within the offense. The only thing is he does that “ too small” taunt way too much. Do it once or twice..cool. But man, get out of here
TrainOfThought5
12-22-2023, 12:07 AM
Watching Dillingham right now. Kid is special, man. Most of his shots don’t look like prayers which most NBA players look like they throw it up all the time. There’s a degree of skill and confidence every time he shoots. That backboard shot he just did was pure calculation. Looks like he’s well coached and plays within the offense. The only thing is he does that “ too small” taunt way too much. Do it once or twice..cool. But man, get out of here
he plays like an American AAU grown Teenager
buttsR4rebounding
12-22-2023, 12:25 AM
If Topic or Dillingham is off the board at our pick we should go Zacharrie to resolve the pf/sf position then draft a pg with Torontos pick
Why is no one talking about Reed Sheppard at point. His numbers put everyone to shame. Kentucky has 3 point guards that project to go in the 1st round and Sheppard’s numbers are the best. Tankathon projects him as a 41% 3 point shooter in the NBA. I haven’t seen him play, but his defensive numbers put Dillingham to shame.
CorrectCrusader
12-22-2023, 12:46 AM
Why is no one talking about Reed Shephard at point. His numbers put everyone to shame. Kentucky has 3 point guards that project to go in the 1st round and Shephard’s numbers are the best. Tankathon projects him as a 41% 3 point shooter in the NBA. I haven’t seen him play, but his defensive numbers put Dillingham to shame.
You're right, his numbers are insane. Haven't heard of him till now.
CorrectCrusader
12-22-2023, 12:54 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVlPKovPZJ8
venitian navigator
12-22-2023, 04:31 AM
do we still have our 2nd round pick this year (2024 draft)? last I checked lookes like we have traded it to Phoenix or Boston but with protections ...
exstatic
12-22-2023, 07:30 AM
do we still have our 2nd round pick this year (2024 draft)? last I checked lookes like we have traded it to Phoenix or Boston but with protections ...
Yes, but protections unknown. It was originally traded to Boston in January, protected 31-54, and then another slice of it was traded to PHO in the Cam Payne trade, but the protections on that slice aren’t known.
Bruno
12-22-2023, 09:13 AM
Yes, but protections unknown. It was originally traded to Boston in January, protected 31-54, and then another slice of it was traded to PHO in the Cam Payne trade, but the protections on that slice aren’t known.
They are known:
1681286742333329408
Needless to say Spurs will get their second round pick.
If the season ended today, Spurs would have the following picks:
- Spurs own first round pick between 1st and 6th.
- A 74% odd to get Raptors pick that will be between 8th and 10th.
- Their own second round pick: #32.
- Lakers second round pick: #43.
Bruno
12-22-2023, 09:25 AM
Draft lottery odds:
https://squared2020.files.wordpress.com/2019/04/screen-shot-2019-04-30-at-11.45.54-am.png
Regarding Spurs pick:
- The 3 worst teams have little difference in picks they get. If Spurs end up in the bottom 3 teams (likely alongside Detroit and Washington), they're in a great position before the lottery. What matters for their pick is Spurs not catching teams like Charlotte and Portland.
- Even the worst team has a 48% odd of getting the 5th pick. When looking at players for Spurs picks, we should keep in mind that, in a little less than half of the cases, Spurs pick will be #5 or #6.
Draft lottery in on May 12th. It is nowhere near as important as last season but, sadly, it remains one of the most important day for Spurs this year.
R. DeMurre
12-22-2023, 10:51 AM
The CHI pick is also no shoe in to convey either, I think that’s a price I’m easily willing to pay for the right player…. Just not sure Cade is that guy.
I’m disappointed in Vassell’s shitty shot selection and how he is developing into a black hole… but I really want to see how he does with a real playmaker on the court.
Keldon is a progress stopper so I think we are right to look to move him for a better fit.
My fear with Keldon was they'd wait too long and his trade value would go down, and it looks like now that's the case. Last year some GMs might've viewed him as a young guy who'll give you 20 ppg, but now his scoring is down 5 ppg as a complementary player on a team that has somehow gotten worse and is 4-23. Last year he was a mediocre defender on a terrible team, but this year his defense might be viewed as so bad that even playing next to Wembanyama can't help the situation... and that take would cause lots of GMs to pass on offering any value in exchange for him.
On the other hand, I've been thinking a lot about Minnesota and the Gobert trade, and how fortunes can change quickly (or Quickley?) in the NBA. This time last season, every analyst in the land was saying that Danny Ainge had fleeced the Timberwolves, getting Kessler + a boatload of picks for Gobert. Gobert was struggling to acclimate in Minnesota, and Kessler was looking like a young Gobert. But fast forward one season, and the T-Wolves are #1 in the West, tied with Boston for the best record in the NBA, the Jazz are 11-18, and Kessler's having a slightly disappointing 2nd season where his progress seems to have stalled a bit. Suddenly that trade doesn't look so bad for Minnesota.
SOMA Spur
12-22-2023, 03:27 PM
Watching Dillingham right now. Kid is special, man. Most of his shots don’t look like prayers which most NBA players look like they throw it up all the time. There’s a degree of skill and confidence every time he shoots. That backboard shot he just did was pure calculation. Looks like he’s well coached and plays within the offense. The only thing is he does that “ too small” taunt way too much. Do it once or twice..cool. But man, get out of here
Sick windmill slam by Dillingham vs Louisville last night. Maybe we draft Topic at 2 AND Dillingham at 8. That'd be a pretty good infusion of talent at the one spot.
They are known:
1681286742333329408
Needless to say Spurs will get their second round pick.
If the season ended today, Spurs would have the following picks:
- Spurs own first round pick between 1st and 6th.
- A 74% odd to get Raptors pick that will be between 8th and 10th.
- Their own second round pick: #32.
- Lakers second round pick: #43.
Nice breakdown. Didn’t the spurs also acquire the NOLA 2024 SRP in the Richardson deal? Or am I misremembering?
spurraider21
12-22-2023, 03:41 PM
Nice breakdown. Didn’t the spurs also acquire the NOLA 2024 SRP in the Richardson deal? Or am I misremembering?
went out as part of the bullock trade where we got the 2030 FRP swap from dallas
went out as part of the bullock trade where we got the 2030 FRP swap from dallas
Oh ok— makes me feel less bad about the Derrick White trade, which really hasn’t looked that hot these days
CorrectCrusader
12-22-2023, 04:08 PM
Sick windmill slam by Dillingham vs Louisville last night. Maybe we draft Topic at 2 AND Dillingham at 8. That'd be a pretty good infusion of talent at the one spot.
Would be for that because you need 2 be a ball handler at shooting guard to be good in the NBA. Having two elite talents at the guard position starting would be nice
rascal
12-22-2023, 06:45 PM
Sick windmill slam by Dillingham vs Louisville last night. Maybe we draft Topic at 2 AND Dillingham at 8. That'd be a pretty good infusion of talent at the one spot.
Take Topic and Castle. People are sleeping on Castle because of the knee injury.
BackHome
12-22-2023, 09:27 PM
Rascal do you see Topic and Castle playing together just curious? So far still high on Topic, Buzelis, and Risacher - looking at the draft I don't think Detroit, Portland, Charlotte, are looking at PG I think they go with Sarr, Holland, Buzelis, or Risacher. The question if let's say we get the 3rd pick would you take Buzelis over Topic if we had the 7th pick from Raptors? And with that trade our 7th and some other Capital to get Topic with our second pick?
As far as Castle I like him I just wish he would not have gotten hurt I know he is back playing but does not look the same because of knee injury. But, the thought of drafting Buzelis and Castle with our second pick I think would work out really well.
Here’s Wasserman’s latest update as of yesterday. Matas making a huge jump.
https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10101207-2024-nba-mock-draft-pro-comparisons-and-full-2-round-predictions.amp.html
exstatic
12-22-2023, 10:38 PM
Rascal do you see Topic and Castle playing together just curious? So far still high on Topic, Buzelis, and Risacher - looking at the draft I don't think Detroit, Portland, Charlotte, are looking at PG I think they go with Sarr, Holland, Buzelis, or Risacher. The question if let's say we get the 3rd pick would you take Buzelis over Topic if we had the 7th pick from Raptors? And with that trade our 7th and some other Capital to get Topic with our second pick?
As far as Castle I like him I just wish he would not have gotten hurt I know he is back playing but does not look the same because of knee injury. But, the thought of drafting Buzelis and Castle with our second pick I think would work out really well.
If you’re just looking at team needs, you’re doing it wrong. Topić won’t be there at 7. If any of the top teams don’t need him at #1 or #2, they will simply trade back, and accumulate assets. He won’t just fall.
CorrectCrusader
12-23-2023, 05:13 PM
Robert Dillingham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPdINKViH5U
CorrectCrusader
12-23-2023, 05:14 PM
I really want Risacher with one of our picks. Shooting 46.9 % from from three this year. Insane!
exstatic
12-23-2023, 06:10 PM
I really want Risacher with one of our picks. Shooting 46.9 % from from three this year. Insane!
Low number of attempts, and his FT % is 71. Could be a mirage.
buttsR4rebounding
12-23-2023, 07:28 PM
Robert Dillingham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPdINKViH5U
Nice find CC.
CorrectCrusader
12-23-2023, 08:26 PM
Low number of attempts, and his FT % is 71. Could be a mirage.
3.1 isn't too bad. We'll see how consistent it is as the season progresses.
CorrectCrusader
12-23-2023, 09:26 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXiZbuQuB6s
exstatic
12-23-2023, 09:40 PM
3.1 isn't too bad. We'll see how consistent it is as the season progresses.
I don’t hate him, but shooting wouldn’t be the reason to draft him.
I really want Risacher with one of our picks. Shooting 46.9 % from from three this year. Insane!
I’m not convinced he’s worthy of a top 3 selection, but if he’s there at 7 it’s a no brainer if TOR lands there.
spursince#99
12-23-2023, 10:57 PM
Sarr is not in the same universe as Robinson, Duncan and Wembanyama as a prospect, he's similar to the latter in age (unlike an aging Robinson coming off of significant injury) and it's exceedingly difficult to play two C's together in this era.
If he ends up in his own tier as a prospect at whatever slot they ultimately land in, that's different. But based on current projections, I don't see it.
You speak as if you know Sarr will be plugged in at C. If anything, he’s interchangeable 4/5. Regardless of what you may think of his ceiling, it’s even higher than that.
TD 21
12-23-2023, 11:42 PM
You speak as if you know Sarr will be plugged in at C. If anything, he’s interchangeable 4/5. Regardless of what you may think of his ceiling, it’s even higher than that.
You speak as if you lack basic reading comprehension. I said Sarr is a C, whether he's slotted at it or playing alongside another one, like Wembanyama was or Duncan often did, etc.
I don't know what Sarr's ceiling is (neither do you or anybody else at this point), I just know Duncan, Wembanyama and to a lesser extent Robinson, were among the GOAT prospects and he's not.
SpursBills
12-23-2023, 11:49 PM
I don't have a problem with Sarr in a vacuum, but the opportunity cost of drafting a non elite shooting big while you could be drafting either an initiator or lower friction wings that fit is way too high. I'm honestly still not sold on him, but even if I were the gap between him and everyone else in the supposed top 5 is not enough to make me want to draft him given his overlap with Wemby.
spursince#99
12-23-2023, 11:50 PM
You speak as if you lack basic reading comprehension. I said Sarr is a C, whether he's slotted at it or playing alongside another one, like Wembanyama was or Duncan often did, etc.
I don't know what Sarr's ceiling is (neither do you or anybody else at this point), I just know Duncan, Wembanyama and to a lesser extent Robinson, were among the GOAT prospects and he's not.
Oh look, a condescending piece of shit who can’t have a civil conversation without sarcastic insults. For one, you’re incorrect. He’s actually listed as a F, so that’s where he’ll be slotted. Also, stop mentioning Duncan and Robinson as they have literally no bearing on this convo. PATFO will draft BPA and it’s highly likely he’ll be that, whether your little measly brain is ready to admit it or not.
CorrectCrusader
12-23-2023, 11:52 PM
The biggest problems on our roster are guard and wings. If we can get a good guard and wing I'll be happy.
TD 21
12-24-2023, 12:05 AM
Oh look, a condescending piece of shit who can’t have a civil conversation without sarcastic insults. For one, you’re incorrect. He’s actually listed as a F, so that’s where he’ll be slotted. Also, stop mentioning Duncan and Robinson as they have literally no bearing on this convo. PATFO will draft BPA and it’s highly likely he’ll be that, whether your little measly brain is ready to admit it or not.
:lmao At being both genuinely mad and ignorant enough to not realize that I respond in kind.
Nah, I'm correct. I could care less about some typical foolish listing. His shot is mostly theoretical and his overall ball skills are promising . . . for a C. Play him next to another one and good luck having a functional offense.
I mention them because negative overlap is irrelevant or can be overcome with all time talent, something he doesn't possess.
They'll draft a non C who fits their narrow minded definition of what a Spur "should" be.
BackHome
12-24-2023, 12:28 AM
For me my top two players are MR. Praying Mantis and Nikoa Topic - My second tier for us would be Cody Williams, Castle, Risacher, Rob, Tidjane Salaun, and Reed
Biggems
12-25-2023, 09:07 PM
1A - PG Nikola Topic - Serbia
I love his size, his playmaking, rebounding, finishing at the rim, and ball IQ. He will struggle on D when he gets to the league, but all we need him to be is adequate on that end.
1B - SF Ryan Dunn - Virginia -
has a great future as a 3 and D player. He has very nice size for a SF. He should definitely help us defensively and on the glass. Plus, Virginia's style of play is conducive to how the Spurs like to play.
2A - F/C PJ Hall - Clemson
When I look at him, physically he resembles Kevin McHale. Now, I am not saying he has McHale's game, but definitely his look. He is a very good shot blocker, an inside presence scoring and on the glass. He is also a decent 3pt shooter.
2B - G/F Dillon Jones -Weber St.
good size. He is basically a double double guy, points and rebounds. He also a solid facilitator of the ball. Jones has sticky hands, almost 2 steals a game. He is great at the FT line, but needs some work beyond the arc.
Dejounte
12-26-2023, 07:53 PM
:lmao At being both genuinely mad and ignorant enough to not realize that I respond in kind.
Nah, I'm correct. I could care less about some typical foolish listing. His shot is mostly theoretical and his overall ball skills are promising . . . for a C. Play him next to another one and good luck having a functional offense.
I mention them because negative overlap is irrelevant or can be overcome with all time talent, something he doesn't possess.
They'll draft a non C who fits their narrow minded definition of what a Spur "should" be.
It’s easy to tell now what a C is in this league. Not sure why people continue to think any stiff looking big like Sarr can play PF. He could be a John Collins at best who doesnt even play the position optimally and is ill suited for a team with championship aspirations. Power forwards are super agile these days. Like, can move on the court like your wings. Sarr wont be able to do that full time. This is the same exact thing when people were thinking Wemby would be a perimeter defender and hold it just fine. Those dreams died fast. So much for his length covering the blown coverage. Turns out that wasnt realistic.
spurraider21
12-26-2023, 09:11 PM
if we are looking at the forwards, risacher isnt in the same tier as buzelis tbh
spurraider21
12-26-2023, 09:13 PM
Oh look, a condescending piece of shit who can’t have a civil conversation without sarcastic insults. For one, you’re incorrect. He’s actually listed as a F, so that’s where he’ll be slotted. Also, stop mentioning Duncan and Robinson as they have literally no bearing on this convo. PATFO will draft BPA and it’s highly likely he’ll be that, whether your little measly brain is ready to admit it or not.
spurraider21
12-26-2023, 09:17 PM
1A - PG Nikola Topic - Serbia
I love his size, his playmaking, rebounding, finishing at the rim, and ball IQ. He will struggle on D when he gets to the league, but all we need him to be is adequate on that end.
1B - SF Ryan Dunn - Virginia -
has a great future as a 3 and D player. He has very nice size for a SF. He should definitely help us defensively and on the glass. Plus, Virginia's style of play is conducive to how the Spurs like to play.
2A - F/C PJ Hall - Clemson
When I look at him, physically he resembles Kevin McHale. Now, I am not saying he has McHale's game, but definitely his look. He is a very good shot blocker, an inside presence scoring and on the glass. He is also a decent 3pt shooter.
2B - G/F Dillon Jones -Weber St.
good size. He is basically a double double guy, points and rebounds. He also a solid facilitator of the ball. Jones has sticky hands, almost 2 steals a game. He is great at the FT line, but needs some work beyond the arc.
Dunn doesnt have the 3 point shot to be called a 3&D guy. is also a lousy free throw shooter. his defense is pretty nuts though
SpursBills
12-26-2023, 09:44 PM
I don't really know a whole lot about most of these prospects. With Wemby in place, I'm using my high draft pick on high priority archetypes: primary initiators and two way wings. Currently:
1. Nikola Topic
https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303062
See above; not too much more needs to be said here
2. Zaccharie Risacher
I was previously more down on Risacher, but when you go through his numbers and archetype, he becomes a lot more attractive. At 6'9" with a 6'11" wingspan, he's approximately the same size as a guy like Paul George and reminisces a lot of Brandon Miller last year. Much like Topic's value will hinge on whether his rim pressure translates, Risacher's value will hinge on whether his shot is real. His current most obvious comp is Nic Batum, who was slightly shorter but also slightly longer and similarly played Jeep Elite as a teenager.
Risacher (age 18, Jeep Elite/Eurocup): 18.2 PER, 2.4 Steal %, 8 AST%, 15 TO%, 10.7 TRB%, 48% on 4.9 3s per 36, 71% FT
Batum (age 18, Jeep Elitę): 13.3 PER, 2.3 Steal %, 12.7 AST%, 20.1 TO%, 10.9 TRB%, 27% on 3.2 3s per 36, 65% FT
Batum probably goes top 10 in a redraft of 2008 and went onto have a pretty good career as one of the premier 3 and D guys in the league and Risacher realistically projects as a better version of Batum. If you truly buy the shot, you're now looking at comps like a bigger Klay Thompson, arguably the greatest 3 and D player in NBA history and who goes top 3-4 in a 2011 redraft. If you think he has some secondary creation upside on top of that (which I don't see and the numbers don't support, but isn't completely out of the realm of possibility given his youth), you're now getting into Paul George territory who clearly goes #1 in a 2010 re-draft. In any case, height, shooting, and youth are a pretty lethal combination and Risacher has shown enough defensive chops to make his floor at minimum a valuable 3 and D wing that slides into literally any lineup, while his ceiling much higher than that.
There is a pretty big gap for me after this mostly because I don't know what to make of the G league ignite guys.
3. Reed Sheppard
This take is probably going to age like milk in a couple years. Sheppard is 6'3" and not really a true point guard. He has a great AST:TO but isn't a true advantage creator as his passes are all hit aheads or smart reads. He has godlike shooting percentages and is known for being in the right position while doing the little things that help you win. He's a good defender for his size but not necessarily a true lockdown guy. Honestly, this sounds another guy from a couple years ago who wasn't technically an advantage creator, but would play as a weird super-connector, was a smart player, and had godly college numbers:
Reed Sheppard: 76% TS, 2.8 AST:TO, 5.7 ST%, 9.3% TRB on 17.5% USG
Lonzo Ball: 67% TS, 3.0 AST:TO, 2.8% ST%, 9.6% TRB on 18.1% USG
Lonzo was way bigger and longer, but if not for injuries probably would have developed into a super role-player that every team in the league would have wanted to have. Reed is smaller with less length so he's probably going to be more easily hunted on the defensive end, but his 3 point shot is much more likely to translate (89% FT vs 67%). Additionally, he's solidly built with good instincts so he's more likely to hold up under pressure compared to a slighter guy like Dillingham. He's almost like inverse-Cason Wallace, who has less offensive potential but is more switchable and is much better at the point of attack; both are guys who are perfect for your team either as a 6th man or a 5th starter when you already have a big initiator in place. If we draft Topic with our first pick, Reed slots in as the ideal super 6th man who can play next to either Topic off ball or Vassell on ball for the next 15 years.
Haven't dug in enough on the other guys, really interested to see how Dunn does the rest of the year
Dejounte
12-26-2023, 10:21 PM
Zaccharie is not anywhere near as fluid as Batum or the lanky playmaking wing archetype. What’s concerning about him is that there’s no physicality to speak of and his shot profile consists mostly of spot up 3’s or step back 3’s. Why do we want another player who chucks it up and whose game is predicated on hot or cold shooting? This looks like another player who is at his best when taking 2-3 dribbles max and cant do anything more than a straight line drive.
Biggems
12-26-2023, 10:38 PM
SG Kevin McCullar - Kansas
Does anyone like this kid? I do not watch college basketball as much as I used to, and I usually only watch Texas when I do. Apparently, he is from Wagner HS.
He is a much older prospect, but looks like he already has polish to his game. He is a late first rounder in all the mocks I have seen.
If drafted, he would be the 3rd player from Wagner to make it to the NBA.
spurraider21
12-26-2023, 10:44 PM
Zaccharie is not anywhere near as fluid as Batum or the lanky playmaking wing archetype. What’s concerning about him is that there’s no physicality to speak of and his shot profile consists mostly of spot up 3’s or step back 3’s. Why do we want another player who chucks it up and whose game is predicated on hot or cold shooting? This looks like another player who is at his best when taking 2-3 dribbles max and cant do anything more than a straight line drive.
if the 3 point shot is real... he's definitely worth the toronto pick tbh, if he even falls that far.
he has a high, quick release, and has shown this year that he doesnt have to bring the ball down before going up with his shot in catch and shoot situations. with his size and release he could be a nasty spacing weapon on offense that we frankly havent had at that position since what, bertans? but he's much more fluid than bertans (injuries contributed to this), and is a good defender. sure he's not going to be an offensive hub (or at least doesnt project to be), but he has shown he can effectively attack closeouts. if wemby becomes who we think he will, and we land a point guard alongside vassell, this kind of is a piece we'd need
Dejounte
12-26-2023, 10:56 PM
if the 3 point shot is real... he's definitely worth the toronto pick tbh, if he even falls that far.
he has a high, quick release, and has shown this year that he doesnt have to bring the ball down before going up with his shot in catch and shoot situations. with his size and release he could be a nasty spacing weapon on offense that we frankly havent had at that position since what, bertans? but he's much more fluid than bertans (injuries contributed to this), and is a good defender. sure he's not going to be an offensive hub (or at least doesnt project to be), but he has shown he can effectively attack closeouts. if wemby becomes who we think he will, and we land a point guard alongside vassell, this kind of is a piece we'd need
Meh, the roster can be full of 50% 3p McDermott types like Zaccharie and the offense is still going to be ugly. I really don’t care for 1 dimensional players at this point. This team needs a lot more. Like I said before, they have to draft someone who projects to be a max player. Aiming for a maybe-better-than-Bertans type is aiming really low.
spurraider21
12-26-2023, 11:10 PM
Meh, the roster can be full of 50% 3p McDermott types like Zaccharie and the offense is still going to be ugly. I really don’t care for 1 dimensional players at this point. This team needs a lot more. Like I said before, they have to draft someone who projects to be a max player. Aiming for a maybe-better-than-Bertans type is aiming really low.
you dont really want 5 guys that want to pound air out of the ball though and call their own number. between sochan calling for post ups, vassell running pick and rolls, keldon trying to attack the rim, etc, in addition to the PG of the future, whoever that may be, there's only so much ball. you need that sniper who can play D but also be an option in transition, etc.
i dont think risacher is the solution to the offense, but he could be part of the final picture. as ive said earlier, he's not in the same tier as Buzelis who can function as an offensive hub like Wagner does in Orlando, nor would i value him over a PG like topic. but he's a solid option with the raptors pick
BacktoBasics
12-26-2023, 11:15 PM
you dont really want 5 guys that want to pound air out of the ball though and call their own number. between sochan calling for post ups, vassell running pick and rolls, keldon trying to attack the rim, etc, in addition to the PG of the future, whoever that may be, there's only so much ball. you need that sniper who can play D but also be an option in transition, etc.
i dont think risacher is the solution to the offense, but he could be part of the final picture. as ive said earlier, he's not in the same tier as Buzelis who can function as an offensive hub like Wagner does in Orlando, nor would i value him over a PG like topic. but he's a solid option with the raptors pick
If they’re going to draft their pg of the future it furthers the need for a legitimate veteran pg. They’ll have to bridge the gap from the draft to 2 years down the road.
I’m all for drafting a pg it’s just that position is one of the slowest to impactful contributions and I don’t see a world where this team can be anything short of marginally competitive next year.
Kurik
12-26-2023, 11:15 PM
At this point in the year, Ja’Kobe Walter is the top pick for me. In terms of shooting and shot creation no one else comes close in the top 8 or so. Finding a potential number 1 option seems to me at this point more important than trying to find someone who can feed Wemby. A PG can be selected with any other potential picks.
Dejounte
12-26-2023, 11:18 PM
you dont really want 5 guys that want to pound air out of the ball though and call their own number. between sochan calling for post ups, vassell running pick and rolls, keldon trying to attack the rim, etc, in addition to the PG of the future, whoever that may be, there's only so much ball. you need that sniper who can play D but also be an option in transition, etc.
i dont think risacher is the solution to the offense, but he could be part of the final picture. as ive said earlier, he's not in the same tier as Buzelis who can function as an offensive hub like Wagner does in Orlando, nor would i value him over a PG like topic. but he's a solid option with the raptors pick
???
There was probably a period Vassell ran pick and rolls this season but he’s back to his normal self and handling the ball much less.
Neither Keldon or Sochan are guaranteed to be long term starters with the former already losing that spot.
The only player the Spurs should worry about fit with is Wemby. These snipers you speak of come a dime a dozen, there’s no reason to make that investment now because you feel that’s too much pounding of the ball with guys like Keldon and Sochan.
SpursBills
12-26-2023, 11:33 PM
???
There was probably a period Vassell ran pick and rolls this season but he’s back to his normal self and handling the ball much less.
Neither Keldon or Sochan are guaranteed to be long term starters with the former already losing that spot.
The only player the Spurs should worry about fit with is Wemby. These snipers you speak of come a dime a dozen, there’s no reason to make that investment now because you feel that’s too much pounding of the ball with guys like Keldon and Sochan.
Do they come a dime a dozen? I assume one dimensional shooters like duncan robinson, mcdermott, Bertans etc. do, but I always assumed guys that can be a pluses on both ends were more rare as most of the time you're getting mediocre 3 or terrible d (sometimes both). I don't think guys like Klay necessarily grow on trees and Risacher has shown pretty good POA defense at 18 for a decent Eurocup team as a medium volume elite 3 point guy. That's not a bad piece to have and he may be a surer bet to translate than a higher upside swing like Holland or Castle for example. You might like Dilly and he certainly has certain similarities to De'aaron fox making him appealing but I'm operating under the assumption that we go and get Topic as our initiator and if that's the case Risacher is probably one of the two best complementary pieces we can get.
BatManu20
12-27-2023, 12:01 AM
The off-season can’t get here soon enough tbh. This season is already dragging on and we’re only a third of the way through :lol
Mugen
12-27-2023, 12:06 AM
The off-season can’t get here soon enough tbh. This season is already dragging on and we’re only a third of the way through :lol
Just wait until next season when it's the same shit story. Even if they luck in to two lottery picks in a mid draft, it won't mean a damn thing.
They literally won the biggest draft lottery since LeBron and they rewarded their fanbase with the worst season in franchise history :lol
BackHome
12-27-2023, 12:09 AM
SG Kevin McCullar - Kansas
Does anyone like this kid? I do not watch college basketball as much as I used to, and I usually only watch Texas when I do. Apparently, he is from Wagner HS.
He is a much older prospect, but looks like he already has polish to his game. He is a late first rounder in all the mocks I have seen.
If drafted, he would be the 3rd player from Wagner to make it to the NBA.
There a couple of older guys who are good if you really follow this draft I don't see a vast difference from someone in the low teens to probably 40. If you look at last draft J. Jaquez (who was drafted 18 by Heat) is the kind of guy people will be looking for the dude has been playing some pretty good ball he just had 31pts against Philly - I think the trend this year will be to draft older guys that have proved there skills vs the young kids who may have potential but have a lot of warts.....
scott
12-27-2023, 06:44 PM
Just wait until next season when it's the same shit story. Even if they luck in to two lottery picks in a mid draft, it won't mean a damn thing.
They literally won the biggest draft lottery since LeBron and they rewarded their fanbase with the worst season in franchise history :lol
Sept 2024 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
Sept 2025 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
Sept 2026 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
Sept 2027 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
June 2028: Pop signs a 5-year, $150mil extension (NBA record)
onechance87
12-28-2023, 05:05 PM
draft any playmaking guard that can lob pass and pick and roll....Anybody got an a idea who
doing that well this draft
The Truth #6
12-28-2023, 05:53 PM
At this point in the year, Ja’Kobe Walter is the top pick for me. In terms of shooting and shot creation no one else comes close in the top 8 or so. Finding a potential number 1 option seems to me at this point more important than trying to find someone who can feed Wemby. A PG can be selected with any other potential picks.
He's worth considering. Possibly more than Risacher/Buzelis.
exstatic
12-28-2023, 07:06 PM
At this point in the year, Ja’Kobe Walter is the top pick for me. In terms of shooting and shot creation no one else comes close in the top 8 or so. Finding a potential number 1 option seems to me at this point more important than trying to find someone who can feed Wemby. A PG can be selected with any other potential picks.
Ja’Kobe is just a taller Buddy Hield, a stone cold gunner, but no one you can build a team around. People called the real Kobe a selfish ball hog, and he averaged 4.7 assists. Ja’Kobe averages 1.5 assists. He’s a black hole.
duncan2150
12-28-2023, 07:20 PM
Ja’Kobe is just a taller Buddy Hield, a stone cold gunner, but no one you can build a team around. People called the real Kobe a selfish ball hog, and he averaged 4.7 assists. Ja’Kobe averages 1.5 assists. He’s a black hole.
every player in this draft has his flaws, i like walter, he's a lethal shooter. imo the biggest question is can he creates for himself ? for the moment i don't have the answer but he is young and will improve.
Kurik
12-28-2023, 08:45 PM
Ja’Kobe is just a taller Buddy Hield, a stone cold gunner, but no one you can build a team around. People called the real Kobe a selfish ball hog, and he averaged 4.7 assists. Ja’Kobe averages 1.5 assists. He’s a black hole.
That’s fine with me, I’m not sure if anyone can be built around in this draft but of all the players being talked about in the top 10, Walter just looks like the best combination of can actually shoot and not be a pushover on defense. He keeps his turnovers down as well which is something.
The Truth #6
12-29-2023, 12:53 AM
If Jakobe is basically just a set shooter than you wonder if Risacher is a better choice. Too soon for me to have a strong opinion.
Extra Stout
12-29-2023, 03:44 AM
Sept 2024 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
Sept 2025 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
Sept 2026 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
Sept 2027 :pop:: "We need to see what we have around [Insert High Lotto Pick Name Here], we're just going to let [Name] be [Name] and this will be a development year"
June 2028: Drowning in red ink, Holts sell majority stake in team to Seattle-based investment group. Said group fires Gregg Popovich on day one.
Fixed.
onechance87
12-29-2023, 07:31 AM
i think we can all agree that collier shouldint be drafted here...guy is a mess
BackHome
12-29-2023, 10:22 AM
Yeah I agree he is a Hard pass the kid is shooting .314 from the 3, .681 free throw %, and is averaging almost 4 turnovers a game.
CorrectCrusader
12-30-2023, 01:29 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goAjXvzEhIc
scott
12-30-2023, 01:31 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goAjXvzEhIc
I don't watch enough college ball to know if this is typical at that age, but he the whole section of the video with him getting toasted on D seems concerning for a 3&D guy.
The Truth #6
12-30-2023, 03:59 PM
In college so far he's more 3 and Me than 3 and D it sounds like. But who knew Keyounte would have changed his game in the NBA into a passer, so there's always some unknown. Too soon for me to say.
rascal
12-30-2023, 04:24 PM
Castle is the guy I want over Topic.
He's under the radar because of his knee injury setting him back but he is gaining his form back and back in the starting lineup.
Castle is going to be a strong two way player, bringing both offense and defense.
The Truth #6
12-30-2023, 04:59 PM
Thought experiment. Let's say Spurs get the 5th pick. Off the board already are Saar, Topic, Buzelis, and Holland. (Just guessing).
Who do you pick?
TrainOfThought5
12-30-2023, 05:15 PM
Thought experiment. Let's say Spurs get the 5th pick. Off the board already are Saar, Topic, Buzelis, and Holland. (Just guessing).
Who do you pick?
castle or Dillingham.
onechance87
12-30-2023, 05:17 PM
Thought experiment. Let's say Spurs get the 5th pick. Off the board already are Saar, Topic, Buzelis, and Holland. (Just guessing).
Who do you pick?
risacher or cody williams...Both long small fowards with 3 and d potential...Or a pg in stephon castle or
collier if they somewhat improve more in the coming months
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