2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Raven]

You’re making my point for me. Thanks. He’s arguing that a defender has to have a 7’ wingspan.

.... no i'm not.

[rascal]

Who in this draft has star potential?

Sarr

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/HJeDDXlJoa4?feature=shared

Over half of these assists is Reed seeing the play before anyone else. His processing speed is special. John B proclaims a random draft prospect every year as the next Manu, but I’m going to say that Reed is the closest thing tbh

[SpursFan86]

Know most of the discussion here is around potential selections, but I’m curious what everyone thinks about the likelihood the Spurs trade at least one of these top 10 picks…

Are we thinking there’s a 25% they trade one of them? Less/more? For some reason I feel like I’d be mildly surprised if we don’t trade out of one of them.

[itzsoweezee]

Spurs taking Salaun 8th overall confirmed.

1790886934174130187

I’m on board. This is our 3&D wing of the future

[Raven]

Know most of the discussion here is around potential selections, but I’m curious what everyone thinks about the likelihood the Spurs trade at least one of these top 10 picks…

Are we thinking there’s a 25% they trade one of them? Less/more? For some reason I feel like I’d be mildly surprised if we don’t trade out of one of them.

it doesn't make sense to do so, we have the perfect position to save some money

[CGD]

If they take their PG with 4, I def think he and Cody are the wings in play at 8.

[Degoat]

Can someone explain why Nikola Topic (healthy) is considered a top 5 pick, but Nikola Djurisic is like a 2nd rounder?

[Knoxxx]

Can someone explain why Nikola Topic (healthy) is considered a top 5 pick, but Nikola Djurisic is like a 2nd rounder?

Topic much easier to pronounce and spell?

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/ryanhammer09/status/1790753269544882571

https://twitter.com/NoCeilingsNBA/status/1790543569838911720

[Degoat]

I don’t anticipate this, it probably would be unwise… Any thoughts on the spurs drafting Donovan Clingan? I know we’re wanting a guard/wing combo with the two picks, but a Clingan draft with Dilly, Castle, or Sheppard would be nice tbh

[DAF86]

Because he's better than Dillingham in every area except 3 pt shooting.

He isn't better than Dillingham at passing, nor plamaking, nor breaking down a defense, nor at being athletic.

[rascal]

He isn't better than Dillingham at passing, nor plamaking, nor breaking down a defense, nor at being athletic.

Castle is clearly more athletic, Dillingham can't even dunk off a lob pass, better passer, better playmaker,better at taking it to the basket

Dillingham is just a gunner from the outside

He isn't even going to be a starter in the NBA. Will get destroyed on the defensive side. Too small

He isn't going to be as good in the NBA as in college , too small.

[alfahdlan]

https://youtu.be/HJeDDXlJoa4?feature=shared

Over half of these assists is Reed seeing the play before anyone else. His processing speed is special. John B proclaims a random draft prospect every year as the next Manu, but I’m going to say that Reed is the closest thing tbh
I am sold by the mere IQ alone what more with the other intangibles.

[pad300]

Can someone explain why Nikola Topic (healthy) is considered a top 5 pick, but Nikola Djurisic is like a 2nd rounder?

They played together on Mega in the ABA for 13 league games (and some cup games) this year. Topic was way more productive (pts, asts, rbds), except 3 pt shooting...

https://basketball.realgm.com/international/league/18/Adriatic-League-Liga-ABA/team/27/KK-Mega-Bemax/stats

Topic is also 2 years younger, and is physically huge for a PG. Djurisic is a Foward (plays both 3 and 4 depending who's on the floor, and is pretty average sized for the position.

[DAF86]

Castle is clearly more athletic, Dillingham can't even dunk off a lob pass, better passer, better playmaker,better at taking it to the basket

Dillingham is just a gunner from the outside

He isn't even going to be a starter in the NBA. Will get destroyed on the defensive side. Too small

He isn't going to be as good in the NBA as in college , too small.

If Castle doesn't learn to shoot (slim chances), he isn't even going to be on the NBA, tbh.

[DAF86]

I can't believe Spurs fans are talking themselves into drafting non-shooters yet again. Smh.

Apparently they haven't had enough with that draft of 3 first round picks, all non shooters. We are still waiting for them to develop that shot. 2 seem on their way out, the third is in question for the near future.

Even non-shooting prospects that did good to start their careers (Ben Simmons, Giddy) sooner or later get exposed and become unplayable.

If we draft Buzelis and Castle like many here want, prepare to keep sucking hard ass, tbh. Neither of them will help with anything in their rookie seasons, and we will have to wait 3 years to see if they ever develop a decent shot.

[rascal]

I can't believe Spurs fans are talking themselves into drafting non-shooters yet again. Smh.

Apparently they haven't had enough with that draft of 3 first round picks, all non shooters. We are still waiting for them to develop that shot. 2 seem on their way out, the third is in question for the near future.

Even non-shooting prospects that did good to start their careers (Ben Simmons, Giddy) sooner or later get exposed and become unplayable.

If we draft Buzelis and Castle like many here want, prepare to keep sucking hard ass, tbh. Neither of them will help with anything in their rookie seasons, and we will have to wait 3 years to see if they ever develop a decent shot.

Spurs don't draft shrimp guards who can't play defense.

[SpursBills]

I am sold by the mere IQ alone what more with the other intangibles.

Going to see how good TJ McConnell could have been with an elite 3 point shot - sounds like an insult but McConnell is a beast and imo the only thing holding him back from being a high end playoff starter is consistent 3 point shooting

[DAF86]

Spurs don't draft shrimp guards who can't play defense.

Seeing their latest draft results, maybe they should.

[drpill]

Seeing their latest draft results, maybe they should.

This particular one at least, assuming we're talking about Dillingham. IMO he should be the Spurs' number one priority. He will learn to play defense to some extent, but he has an offensive creativity to his game that few players have. I want to see the synergy between Dillingham and Wemby on offense, it has the potential to be a perfect fit on that end of the floor. Really hoping they draft him.

[John B]

https://youtu.be/HJeDDXlJoa4?feature=shared

Over half of these assists is Reed seeing the play before anyone else. His processing speed is special. John B (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=42719) proclaims a random draft prospect every year as the next Manu, but I’m going to say that Reed is the closest thing tbh

Thanks for posting. Reed is Stockton on steroids. He sees the floor and read the defense really well. I like him. Sochan really need to become this teams point-of-attack defender. Likewise Vassell needs to step-up. I can see Reed as Pop’s floor general, very smart and seem to command people in place like CP3 does.

But Manu comparison stops there. Manu has wicked bounce pass in between the legs, baseline passes on the money I don’t see anyone better. Nah, Reed is straight clean passes, nothing fancy, just point A to B. But I love it.

You like Reed in your team. He’s going to make the right decisions. If Spurs like him so much, they need to pick him up at 4, and hope that any of Holland, Buzelis or Williams are available at 8. I can live with that.

[John B]

Spurs don't draft shrimp guards who can't play defense.

Brynn texted, he’s having coffee with Malaki.

[DAF86]

Thanks for posting. Reed is Stockton on steroids. He sees the floor and read the defense really well. I like him. Sochan really need to become this teams point-of-attack defender. Likewise Vassell needs to step-up. I can see Reed as Pop’s floor general, very smart and seem to command people in place like CP3 does.

But Manu comparison stops there. Manu has wicked bounce pass in between the legs, baseline passes on the money I don’t see anyone better. Nah, Reed is straight clean passes, nothing fancy, just point A to B. But I love it.

You like Reed in your team. He’s going to make the right decisions. If Spurs like him so much, they need to pick him up at 4, and hope that any of Holland, Buzelis or Williams are available at 8. I can live with that.

And the most important thing of all: 53% from 2 and 55% from 3. If that shooting is for real, he's an elite weapon.

He doesn't even need to playmake for shit. If he just dribles the ball up the court, gives it up to go stand in the corner and hit 3's at a 40+% clip, he would justify his selection. Add a block here, a steal there and good defensive rotations and you've got yourself a championship level piece.

[jesterbobman]

I don’t anticipate this, it probably would be unwise… Any thoughts on the spurs drafting Donovan Clingan? I know we’re wanting a guard/wing combo with the two picks, but a Clingan draft with Dilly, Castle, or Sheppard would be nice tbh

Clingan / Sheppard was my combo on the dream offseason thread, they're probably the two best stat prospects in the draft (models differ, but they'll be up there).

Case for:
Clingan's value would be from looking at the failure of the Sixers with Embiid in the playoffs and realising you need to fortify the bench to survive without your star. We have to both improve the starting 5 to be better around Wemby, and improve bench (Non Wemby) minutes. That doesn't have to happen immediately, and the other option I brought up / have considered (Hartenstein) this year has played himself off of being a backup with his playoff run. If you think it's possible for Wemby to still be effective with two bigs on the floor part time, then Clingan isn't as minutes restricted.

Case against:
Entirely possible that you can get a really good centre prospect either early 2nd, moving into the late first( 35 and 48 might get something like 28). Not as good a prospect as Clingan, but Edey / Missi / Kel'el Ware all have paths to being effective backups, backup centre might be the spot you leave weak as a stealth "tank" while you get much better with Wemby, until we're looking to boost towards the playoffs more seriously, and spending a major player acquisition asset for the long term on a likely explicit part time player, rather than a 35mpg wing might not be ideal.

I think Clingan should be on the board at 8 as consideration alongside wing targets / PGs if they go wing first.

[John B]

And the most important thing of all: 53% from 2 and 55% from 3. If that shooting is for real, he's an elite weapon.

He doesn't even need to playmake for shit. If he just dribles the ball up the court, gives it up to go stand in the corner and hit 3's at a 40+% clip, he would justify his selection. Add a block here, a steal there and good defensive rotations and you've got yourself a championship level piece.

Not just he resembles Stockton, but he has that demeanor much like CP3. He has the command. Stockton didn’t really have to be fancy, but he was pesky much like Reed. People compare Reed to Hinrich or Derrick. I think he’s Stockton with 42 vertical.

[Maddog]

I am sold by the mere IQ alone what more with the other intangibles.

He's intriguing especially when you consider his shooting. I will say he looks slow and small in those videos. Is he going to be able to do this against bigger faster players.
Just my opinion-

[Obstructed_View]

If anyone in this draft is half the player Stockton was, he would be a consensus number one.

[lebomb]

Reed is straight clean passes, nothing fancy, just point A to B. But I love it.

You like Reed in your team. He’s going to make the right decisions.


Exactly what I was thinking. Reed isnt a Magic or Jason Williams showboat passer. He is just a normal good decision making clean passer. Nothing to get excited about at all, but super effective. :claw

[Mr. Body]

Guys, Reed Sheppard is a good player. He's not a great point guard much less anywhere close to John freaking Stockton. He's a good secondary playmaker, that's it.

[Dejounte]

Guys, Reed Sheppard is a good player. He's not a great point guard much less anywhere close to John freaking Stockton. He's a good secondary playmaker, that's it.

Ok, we’ll take your word for it.

Let’s flip the script.

Dillingham will always be a below average defender that will always be a liability on the court. That’s it.

Let’s see how you handle it when someone says something negative (and pretend it’s a matter of fact) about your pet players.

[Mr. Body]

Ok, we’ll take your word for it.

Let’s flip the script.

Dillingham will always be a below average defender that will always be a liability on the court. That’s it.

Let’s see how you handle it when someone says something negative about your pet players.

Lmao. I acknowledge Dillingham has defensive issues, my dumb friend.

If you actually watched Sheppard instead of living inside your rectum you'd know he's not John Stockton.

Legitimately made me laugh.

[Dejounte]

Lmao. I acknowledge Dillingham has defensive issues, my dumb friend.

If you actually watched Sheppard instead of living inside your rectum you'd know he's not John Stockton.

Legitimately made me laugh.

Hook, line, and sinker. You’re as predictable as always with your meltdowns and grade school insults. Off your meds again? Now why don’t you calm your samurai ass down sometimes? Yep, that’s right…

[Vienna]

I get it that Devin Carter is by far the best athlete in this class. he is not tall, but has a long wingspan. but man, his shot looks really ugly to me.
so I'm suspicious, that his decent shooting numbers in his junior year might have been an anomaly and his bad numbers in the first two years are closer to his true potential.
so, if he isn't that much of a point guard either, he might end up as an undersized SG with a below average shooting. that would be Avery Bradley at best.
so no, I don't see him as a intriguing option for the #8 pick.

[mystargtr34]

Have listened to a few Wiz fan podcasts and they seem to think Jordan Poole will be playing PG next season after he finished the season strongly playing that role once Tyus Jones went down.

Pre AS: 15.6 PPG, 3.7 APG, 40% FG (52 games)
Post AS: 21.6 PPG, 5.7 APG, 43.4% FG (26 games)

It’s in the Wiz best interest to make the Poole thing work because of their investment in him and his contract, if only to rehab his value. So I can see him staying at the 1 next season.

This impacts their draft strategy. I no longer think they’ll take Topic at 2, or Dillingham or Sheppard. I can see them taking Clingan or one of the forwards in Risacher, Holland, Buzelis. Maybe Castle.

I can also see them trading Kuzma for a FRP. They could probably get the Bulls 11th pick for him.

[Vienna]

measurment comparison between Steph Curry and Reed Sheppard:

Steph: height w/o shoes 6'2.00", wingspan 6'3.50", 181 lbs
Reed: height w/o shoes 6'1.75", wingspan 6'3.25", 182 lbs

[mystargtr34]

I get it that Devin Carter is by far the best athlete in this class. he is not tall, but has a long wingspan. but man, his shot looks really ugly to me.
so I'm suspicious, that his decent shooting numbers in his junior year might have been an anomaly and his bad numbers in the first two years are closer to his true potential.
so, if he isn't that much of a point guard either, he might end up as an undersized SG with a below average shooting. that would be Avery Bradley at best.
so no, I don't see him as a intriguing option for the #8 pick.

It’s a fair concern.

Devin Carter has some similarities to Cason Wallace. Similar size, wingspan, weight. Wallace has a slightly higher standing reach by 3 inches.

[John B]

If anyone in this draft is half the player Stockton was, he would be a consensus number one.

Bruh I meant his demeanor and decision making, plus command is like John Stockton. I watch Reed play, nothing fancy, just clean passes and shoots when he’s open, plays hard. You know he’s just going to make the right decisions.

[LeBowen]

Bruh I said he’s demeanor and decision making, plus command is like John Stockton. I watch Reed play, nothing fancy, just clean passes and shoots when he’s open, plays hard. You know he’s just going to make the right decisions.

That's just disrespectful to Stockton.
He's arguably the best floor general ever if we talk about controlling the pace and consistently making good decisions.
Meanwhile, we don't know if Sheppard will even be a true point guard in the NBA.

[JPB]

People compare Reed to Hinrich or Derrick. I think he’s Stockton with 42 vertical.


Exactly what I was thinking. Reed isnt a Magic or Jason Williams showboat passer


measurment comparison between Steph Curry and Reed Sheppard:

Steph: height w/o shoes 6'2.00", wingspan 6'3.50", 181 lbs
Reed: height w/o shoes 6'1.75", wingspan 6'3.25", 182 lbs

This is thread is getting out of control :lol

[CorrectCrusader]

I'm sold. Reed Shepphard is Magic Johnson + Stockton + Curry all in one. Trade up to #1 and take him

[TimmehC]

Sheppard is way more like Kerr than Stockton or Curry. You don't want him trying to create off the dribble, but holy shit is he a good stationary shooter.

[John B]

Sheppard is way more like Kerr than Stockton or Curry. You don't want him trying to create off the dribble, but holy shit is he a good stationary shooter.

Kerr didn’t lead his team 4 steals and 2 blocks.

[Vienna]

This is thread is getting out of control :lol

ok, that post of mine might have come at the wrong moment......didn't mean much more than to point at a pretty similar physical profile....if there is anything to take from it then maybe that you can survive in the NBA at that hight, if you are a very good shooter... (if you are very very very very very very very very good, you win MVP)

[lebomb]

I'm sold. Reed Shepphard is Magic Johnson + Stockton + Curry all in one. Trade up to #1 and take him


Pump them worn out brakes already. I think Reed Shepphard is OK, nothing great in my book. I would personally take him in the teens ore late 1st rd. somewhere, not the lottery. :ihit

[CorrectCrusader]

Pump them worn out brakes already. I think Reed Shepphard is OK, nothing great in my book. I would personally take him in the teens ore late 1st rd. somewhere, not the lottery. :ihit

Just to be clear, I was being sarcastic

[JPB]

ok, that post of mine might have come at the wrong moment......didn't mean much more than to point at a pretty similar physical profile....if there is anything to take from it then maybe that you can survive in the NBA at that hight, if you are a very good shooter... (if you are very very very very very very very very good, you win MVP)

Yeah, I got that. Just couldn't resist including it to add some sauce.

[The Truth #6]

There is a strong sense you'll get positive things from Reed and low chance of being a bust. How well he functions as a point guard is fairly wide open in my opinion. His shooting should open spacing but I don't see him as breaking down defenses and causing chaos for the defense. To me that's still a prioy, maybe the biggest priority. Then in comparing him to Dillingham, they both have defensive limitations, Reed less so, but still a concern. Anyway, I like Reed but can more easy see the impact Dillingham can have on offense. Dillingham is a really good shooter, just not elite. Anyway.

[pad300]

Saluan had himself a really good game in the french playoffs last night...

https://twitter.com/skweektv/status/1790846035767484870

[alfahdlan]

If anyone in this draft is half the player Stockton was, he would be a consensus number one.
John Stockton per game stats as freshman
FT 0.743
ASSISTS 1.4
STEAL. 0.7
PTS. 3.1

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/john-stockton-1.html

[Mitch Cumsteen]

I'm sold. Reed Shepphard is Magic Johnson + Stockton + Curry all in one. Trade up to #1 and take him

Manu. You forgot Manu. And CP3.

Sheppard is such a weird eval. He obviously makes sense from a shooting / floor spacing perspective, but I don't buy him as a playmaker and he's not someone who can create his own look at the end of the shot clock. His off ball defensive numbers are fantastic, but he was getting blown by on the regular in the SEC. He would get hunted on defense just as mercilessly as Dillingham.

At this point, I can talk myself into any of the top prospects other than Clingan. They all have warts of some kind - can't shoot, too small, can't defend, etc. As much as this team needs to start winning now, they still need to bet on upside and character. Nobody likes being patient, but it's the most important thing to build a long term, sustainable monster.

[thOOdee]

what are the thoughts of a Rob Dillingham/Isaiah Thomas comparison? I could this as a positive ceiling for him, but even as a ceiling, is it the best play longterm?

[DesignatedT]

I think the Brandon Jennings comp is better.

[spurraider21]

https://youtu.be/HJeDDXlJoa4?feature=shared

Over half of these assists is Reed seeing the play before anyone else. His processing speed is special. John B (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=42719) proclaims a random draft prospect every year as the next Manu, but I’m going to say that Reed is the closest thing tbh
yeah i think his feel for the game and the stress he can put on defenses pulling up for 3's off simple ball screens will allow him to get by as a full time PG in a system that doesnt lean heavily on him to create everything. ive had dillingham and sheppard in the same tier but so far have leaned slightly toward dilly. i wouldnt be mad at all if we wound up with sheppard instead

[Ariel]

Saluan had himself a really good game in the french playoffs last night...

https://twitter.com/skweektv/status/1790846035767484870
From what I've seen. Salaun is like the forward version of Blake Wesley: a super raw prospect with jaw dropping physical tools and a high motor, but poor efficiency and questionable decision making. The kind of player it'd take several years to develop, without any certainty he'd pan out. Someone I'd take a flyer on with a pick in the 20s like we did with Wesley, not a high lottery pick, but at some point you can't keep taking flyers on mystery boxes praying one of them pans out.

[spurraider21]

Not just he resembles Stockton, but he has that demeanor much like CP3. He has the command. Stockton didn’t really have to be fancy, but he was pesky much like Reed. People compare Reed to Hinrich or Derrick. I think he’s Stockton with 42 vertical.
hinrich wouldnt even be that bad an outcome tbh

he's not as strong as him, but i see a lot of Lowry type stuff out of him

[NASpurs]

Man you know this draft is weak when possible top 4 prospects are being compared to role players. There has to be a sucker team somewhere that would want #4 and 8 for a good player.

[Ariel]

Man you know this draft is weak when possible top 4 prospects are being compared to role players. There has to be a sucker team somewhere that would want #4 and 8 for a good player.
That happens every draft, though. Comparisons even for good prospects are usually pessimistic, I guess it's about covering their asses when people look back at them later on.

[JPB]

I'm seeing some Hakeem in Sarr, and Drexler in Risacher.
Not mentioning the elephant in the room with Edey and Chamberlain.

[cutewizard]

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

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB9MOorJexA

[cutewizard]

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

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQhIWU5MNYE

[exstatic]

Kerr didn’t lead his team 4 steals and 2 blocks.

Neither did Shepherd.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JihtrHY6PFs

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7sLUD8wv0E&t=291s

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shtoz5pvyiI

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIywtS3eE_8

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sLMHiqMG5g

[vy65]

TRADE at 4. Atlanta Hawks (via Spurs): Zaccharie Risacher, SG/SF, JL Bourg-en-Bresse

Atlanta Hawks receive: Keldon Johnson, Zach Collins, No. 4 pick, 2025 first-round pick (their own) and 2026 first-round pick swap rights (their own)

San Antonio Spurs receive: Trae Young

As things stand, the Spurs hold two top-10 picks (Nos. 4 and 8), so if they want to follow the slow-and-steady model for building around Victor Wembanyama, they can do it.

Given how much he showed as a freshman phenom, though, it might already be time to accelerate—especially with the young centerpiece being reportedly "intrigued by the idea" of playing with Trae Young, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon.

The Hawks, meanwhile, might read their lottery fortune as the sign it's time to pivot toward something new. After nabbing Sarr at No. 1, they could add another lengthy Frenchman in Zaccharie Risacher, who projects as at least an athletic three-and-D and has shown enough flashes of ball-handling and passing to suggest he could become so much more.

Between Sarr, Risacher, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks could be loaded up front sooner than later, and that's before factoring in Keldon Johnson (and, if they see a role for him, Zach Collins).

Atlanta would also regain control of its next two drafts, meaning that if it encounters any growing pains going forward, it would at least reap the rewards of them.


TRADE at 8. New York Knicks (via Spurs): Rob Dillingham, PG/SG, Kentucky

New York Knicks receive: Pick No. 8

San Antonio Spurs receive: Picks Nos. 24, 25 and 38

After sacrificing two firsts and a future swap in our Trae Young trade, the Spurs might want to start replenishing their draft-pick stock. Sending this selection, which came from the Toronto Raptors, for a couple of late firsts and an early second would give San Antonio the flexibility to make additional moves.

New York, meanwhile, might be looking at its loaded-when-healthy roster and wondering where it can fit three rookies. The Knicks could easily conclude that they can't, so they instead package the picks for a climb into the top 10 for an Immanuel Quickley replacement.

Rob Dillingham, a Kentucky product just like Quickley, could be the off-the-bench spark plug New York has been without since giving up Quickley in the OG Anunoby trade. It might be tricky to pair Dillingham with Jalen Brunson, since both are undersized scoring guards, but the Knicks might not be in the market for a new starter, anyway.

Instead, they could see real value in finding someone who can keep the offense humming when Brunson needs a breather.


TRADE at 24. San Antonio Spurs (via Knicks): Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Miami

With the Spurs having acquired an established star in Trae Young in this mock already, they could swing for some upside in this spot. Kyshawn George offers plenty of it as a wing-sized (6'8", 205 lbs) playmaker.

As a secondary ball-mover, George could turn ball reversals into drive-and-kick chances. When away from the ball, his 40.8 percent three-point shooting has a chance to shine.


TRADE at 25. San Antonio Spurs (via Knicks): Payton Sandfort, SF, Iowa

If the Spurs plan to pick apart opponents with a Trae Young-Victor Wembanyama two-man game, then they'll need as many shooters around them to keep defenses honest. Payton Sandfort is one of the best in this class.

There aren't many layers to his skill set, but he doesn't necessarily need them as a 6'7" swingman with a fiery outside shot. He drilled 94 threes at a 37.9 percent clip this past season, and his smooth, repeatable mechanics suggest there's room for that accuracy to improve.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120878-2024-nba-mock-draft-how-5-trades-could-impact-round-1

lol B/R. I hate this so much.

[R. DeMurre]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shtoz5pvyiI

Ugh, the interview questions are painful, and I think it made these prospects feel awkward and nervous.

Reed Sheppard: "My parents have been with me ever since I was a little kid." :lol

[lebomb]

Just to be clear, I was being sarcastic

Yeah, I know. I wanted to be clear also. I think Reed looks good, but thats about it.

[kobyz]

what are the thoughts of a Rob Dillingham/Isaiah Thomas comparison? I could this as a positive ceiling for him, but even as a ceiling, is it the best play longterm?
What about Tony Parker with range?

[John B]

Neither did Shepherd.

okay somebody put here the wrong stats :lol

Still he averages 2.5 steals and .7 block, effing 52% from 3pt.

Spurs offense is not really heavy PG, more like connector passes which Reed is. But Vassell/Sochan need to step-up on defense especially the point-of-attack where Castle/Holland would be ideal.

[Mr. Body]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120878-2024-nba-mock-draft-how-5-trades-could-impact-round-1New York Knicks receive: Pick No. 8

San Antonio Spurs receive: Picks Nos. 24, 25 and 38

Lol what the fuck

[Ariel]

Ok, some Dillingham size comps:

https://i.postimg.cc/28NX6ZHL/comp.png

Notes:


Data taken from combine when available, other sources when not
height is without shoes and weight is at the time of combine when available, current when not
height in yellow means an inch or less from Dillingham's (above or under), red means more than an inch below, green means more than an inch above
wingspan in yellow means an inch or less from Dillingham's (above or under), red means more than an inch below, green means more than an inch above
weight in yellow means 15 pounds or less from Dillingham's (above or under), green means more than 15 pounds above
players names in yellow means comparatively close (especially height and wingspan), red means smaller, green means bigger


There's a bunch of players of comparable size to Dillingham (Chris Paul, Trae Young, Garland, Brunson, Kyrie, Tyus Jones, etc) assuming he's able to put some muscle on those bones, which I'm not so sure of. Still small and weak, on top of his awful defensive struggles, but measures could have been worse TBH.

[scott]

This is thread is getting out of control :lol

It's wild. In this draft, we have:

Dillingham = Better than Trae Young and Tony Parker
Sheppard = John Stockton with a 42" vert and Steph's shooting ability

Yet there is no consensus #1 and this draft sucks.

What a world.

[scott]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120878-2024-nba-mock-draft-how-5-trades-could-impact-round-1

lol B/R. I hate this so much.

I didn't think there were worse outcomes than Topic/Salaun.

I was wrong.

[DPG21920]

It's wild. In this draft, we have:

Dillingham = Better than Trae Young and Tony Parker
Sheppard = John Stockton with a 42" vert and Steph's shooting ability

Yet there is no consensus #1 and this draft sucks.

What a world.

I mean, when you look at Reeds shooting splits its hard not to say he shoots like Steph :lol

[Obstructed_View]

John Stockton per game stats as freshman
FT 0.743
ASSISTS 1.4
STEAL. 0.7
PTS. 3.1

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/john-stockton-1.html

Lol his freshman stats? Really? Not the 21 points, 7 assists 3 steals as conference player of the year the year he entered the draft. He'd have been picked higher but Gonzaga wasn't a power yet.

[Obstructed_View]

Man you know this draft is weak when possible top 4 prospects are being compared to role players. There has to be a sucker team somewhere that would want #4 and 8 for a good player.
Man, I keep hearing them compared to hall of famers. Favorably so. This draft is AMAZING.

[scott]

Lol his freshman stats? Really? Not the 21 points, 7 assists 3 steals as conference player of the year the year he entered the draft. He'd have been picked higher but Gonzaga wasn't a power yet.

Tim Duncan as a freshman = 10 ppg, 10 rpg
Kyle Filipowski as a freshman = 15 ppg, 9 rpg

Kyle Filipowsky > Tim Duncan!!!! Let's take him at 4 if he lasts that long!

[Obstructed_View]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyEaxBoKopo
Fuck, that dude has a long neck. That has to add at least three inches to his height.

[rjv]

From what I've seen. Salaun is like the forward version of Blake Wesley: a super raw prospect with jaw dropping physical tools and a high motor, but poor efficiency and questionable decision making. The kind of player it'd take several years to develop, without any certainty he'd pan out. Someone I'd take a flyer on with a pick in the 20s like we did with Wesley, not a high lottery pick, but at some point you can't keep taking flyers on mystery boxes praying one of them pans out.

He likely be there at 8 and I've often wondered if he'd be worth picking at that spot.

[Ariel]

He likely be there at 8 and I've often wondered if he'd be worth picking at that spot.
It has never crossed my mind that he's worth picking there, but I have to confess I shudder at the notion it's exactly what the FO is going to do.

[John B]

Lol his freshman stats? Really? Not the 21 points, 7 assists 3 steals as conference player of the year the year he entered the draft. He'd have been picked higher but Gonzaga wasn't a power yet.

Bruh I had it with our guys not making shots. Reed knocks down 52% from 3pt. I’m sure that goes down. But he’s also 85% in FT and 55% in FG. Either Reed or Risacher at 4, then draft the other position at 8.

Salaun also intrigues me 6’10 and 212 lbs and only 18 yrs old. This kid is already built

[LeBowen]

It has never crossed my mind that he's worth picking there, but I have to confess I shudder at the notion it's exactly what the FO is going to do.

Yeah, this injury was kind of bad for us Topic haters because Wizards would've surely picked him at #2 if he was healthy.

High risk, low ceiling pick. If he doesn't live up to the expectations, he's useless and out of the league as a point guard that can't shoot or defend.
If he develops well, he's still a borderline all-star riding Wemby's coattails, best case scenario.

Dillingham can also be out of the league due to his size, but if he just averages out, he can be a solid scorer of the bench.
Best case scenario is one of the best scorers in the league.

Sheppard's worst case scenario is Patty Mills and best case is one of the best shooters in the league with positive defense.

Castle should also be useful because of his defense even if he doesn't develop a shot.

[rjv]

It has never crossed my mind that he's worth picking there, but I have to confess I shudder at the notion it's exactly what the FO is going to do.

it's too high for him, that's for sure but he won't be around in the 2nd. i guess i could see them trading back a few spots for him though.

[rascal]

If I was Charlotte or Portland I would leak out I would draft Topic for the Spurs to take him at 4.

Leaves other players who they really are targeting.

[exstatic]

okay somebody put here the wrong stats :lol

Still he averages 2.5 steals and .7 block, effing 52% from 3pt.

Spurs offense is not really heavy PG, more like connector passes which Reed is. But Vassell/Sochan need to step-up on defense especially the point-of-attack where Castle/Holland would be ideal.

The shooting will translate, though probably not at 55%. Not sure about the steals with that 6’3” wingspan.

[Ariel]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120878-2024-nba-mock-draft-how-5-trades-could-impact-round-1

lol B/R. I hate this so much.
Those proposals are trash. But I have wondered about trading down, from either 4 or 8, to get a 2/3 guys from Devin Carter, Jared McCain and Jaylon Tyson. Another guy that peaks my interest is Ajay Mitchell.

[R. DeMurre]

Reportedly, Anthony Edwards has grown 2" since his freshman year in college, which is yet another chaotic factor with regards to drafting 19 year olds...
If Reed Sheppard adds 2" in the next couple of years, all of those questions about size are moot. If Nikola Topic adds 2", he'd be a giant combo guard.

[buttsR4rebounding]

what are the thoughts of a Rob Dillingham/Isaiah Thomas comparison? I could this as a positive ceiling for him, but even as a ceiling, is it the best play longterm?

Isiah Thomas was a very good defender. He was definitely thicker than Dillingham (but then again so is my thigh). Both were clutch players that would/will take the shot at the end of the game. I don't think Dilly has the ceiling Thomas did however.

[TimmehC]

Re: comparing Sheppard to Kerr...

I was only talking about his offensive role, especially with his near-perfect shot selection. Defensively, he's very hard to compare because his man defense is shit but he's great at picking his moments to help. He's at least got one of the highest BBIQ's in this draft, which is a good sign for him finding a way to translate his game at the NBA level.

[thOOdee]

Ok, some Dillingham size comps:

https://i.postimg.cc/28NX6ZHL/comp.png

Notes:


Data taken from combine when available, other sources when not
height is without shoes and weight is at the time of combine when available, current when not
height in yellow means an inch or less from Dillingham's (above or under), red means more than an inch below, green means more than an inch above
wingspan in yellow means an inch or less from Dillingham's (above or under), red means more than an inch below, green means more than an inch above
weight in yellow means 15 pounds or less from Dillingham's (above or under), green means more than 15 pounds above
players names in yellow means comparatively close (especially height and wingspan), red means smaller, green means bigger


There's a bunch of players of comparable size to Dillingham (Chris Paul, Trae Young, Garland, Brunson, Kyrie, Tyus Jones, etc) assuming he's able to put some muscle on those bones, which I'm not so sure of. Still small and weak, on top of his awful defensive struggles, but measures could have been worse TBH.


appreciate this. Eases my mind actually with picking dillongham if he’s there.

[Ariel]

Reportedly, Anthony Edwards has grown 2" since his freshman year in college, which is yet another chaotic factor with regards to drafting 19 year olds...
If Reed Sheppard adds 2" in the next couple of years, all of those questions about size are moot. If Nikola Topic adds 2", he'd be a giant combo guard.
Growth plates flashbacks... ahh... fun times :lol

[R. DeMurre]

Growth plates flashbacks... ahh... fun times :lol


:lol

[R. DeMurre]

Ok, some Dillingham size comps:

https://i.postimg.cc/28NX6ZHL/comp.png

Notes:


Data taken from combine when available, other sources when not
height is without shoes and weight is at the time of combine when available, current when not
height in yellow means an inch or less from Dillingham's (above or under), red means more than an inch below, green means more than an inch above
wingspan in yellow means an inch or less from Dillingham's (above or under), red means more than an inch below, green means more than an inch above
weight in yellow means 15 pounds or less from Dillingham's (above or under), green means more than 15 pounds above
players names in yellow means comparatively close (especially height and wingspan), red means smaller, green means bigger


There's a bunch of players of comparable size to Dillingham (Chris Paul, Trae Young, Garland, Brunson, Kyrie, Tyus Jones, etc) assuming he's able to put some muscle on those bones, which I'm not so sure of. Still small and weak, on top of his awful defensive struggles, but measures could have been worse TBH.

Still a little scary that this is a chart of the smallest guys in the league, and the vast major of them outweigh Dilly by 10 lbs or more.

[Mr. Body]

Still a little scary that this is a chart of the smallest guys in the league, and the vast major of them outweigh Dilly by 10 lbs or more.

I think I calculated that 22% of the league is 6'3" and under.

As far as weight goes, all of these players are multi-year vets. Every player puts on weight as they age.

Dillingham is as small and sleight as Stephen Curry.

And just like 2009 way too many teams are overthinking this. Absolutely not saying he's as good as Curry. Of course not. But you take the best player and then figure it out.

[LeBowen]

But you take the best player and then figure it out.

That's the entire problem. We don't know if he's the best player because we don't know if his scoring can't translate to the NBA.

[Mr. Body]

Reason Curry doesn't get brutalized on defense is this: he's quick enough to keep up with assignments and stay in front of people.

But moreso, teams have always had to gameplan and match down to Golden State. Because otherwise they'd be wrecked on defense. They had great defenders especially Draymond. Just replace Draymond with Wembanyama.

If it works, then teams have a massive problem trying to handle an exceptional outside scorer and Wembanyama.

If it doesn't work, you have a piece of dynamite coming off the bench. Teams might even have a headache trying to guard a Wemby unit and then have to go small trying to cover the second unit.

[Ariel]

I think I calculated that 22% of the league is 6'3" and under.

As far as weight goes, all of these players are multi-year vets. Every player puts on weight as they age.

Dillingham is as small and sleight as Stephen Curry.

And just like 2009 way too many teams are overthinking this. Absolutely not saying he's as good as Curry. Of course not. But you take the best player and then figure it out.
That was the weight at the time they were drafted, didn't check their current listings but, for reference, DeAaron Fox is now listed 15lb over his draft combine weight (now 185, then 170). I assume that's the case for others, though not all.

[Mr. Body]

That was the weight at the time they were drafted, didn't check their current listings but, for reference, DeAaron Fox is now listed 15lb over his draft combine weight (now 185, then 170). I assume that's the case for others, though not all.

That's fine. Ultimately, no one gives a crap about combine before long. It's how you play.

[TD 21]

Might get buried quickly in this thread, but . . .

Givony: "Several teams are flagging the Spurs at 8 as a real landing potential spot for Salaun."

2024 NBA draft combine: Top prospects, highlights, more - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/page/NBADraft24-40145332/2024-nba-draft-combine-prospects-workout-highlights-measurements-stats-more)

[scott]

Re: Dillingham's defense, in the games I watched he seemed like a willing defender, which is half of the battle. The effort by itself is worth something, IMO. This doesn't sound like much, but I think he'll immediately be better than guys like Branham, with the potential to be a slight below average league defender (which ain't bad for his size and stature)

Re: Salaun. Gross.

[rjv]

Might get buried quickly in this thread, but . . .

Givony: "Several teams are flagging the Spurs at 8 as a real landing potential spot for Salaun."

2024 NBA draft combine: Top prospects, highlights, more - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/page/NBADraft24-40145332/2024-nba-draft-combine-prospects-workout-highlights-measurements-stats-more)

yeah, i just think this may very well be where the spurs go at #8 but that will be impacted, of course, by all that transpires before that pick. for instance, if topic falls that far.

[RC_Drunkford]

The reason you pick Dillingham is cause nobody would be able to guard the switch on a pick & roll with him and Wemby. Especially cause you can‘t go under the screen since Dillingham is a pull up threat with a quick release. You can run all kind of action with him. Pop can pull out all the Tony Parker loops and zipper cuts where you run him through multiple offball screens and his defender will have to chase him, again: because he‘s a pull up threat. This would do wonders for our offense. You can also run floppy action like Golden State does with Draymond and Steph if Sochan ever becomes a point forward which I highly doubt.

Add to that, that he‘s extremely shifty and has a great handle which means he can draw multiple defenders. His shiftiness is what should also help him on D, cause he should be able to stay in front of guys when he‘s engaged. Pop would have to coach him with a short leash on that end. He also lacks some basic defensive fundamentals, so there should be some potential for minor improvements. I could see him more as a Patty Mills level defender rather than Bryn Forbes if that makes sense.

[CorrectCrusader]

Reason Curry doesn't get brutalized on defense is this: he's quick enough to keep up with assignments and stay in front of people.

But moreso, teams have always had to gameplan and match down to Golden State. Because otherwise they'd be wrecked on defense. They had great defenders especially Draymond. Just replace Draymond with Wembanyama.

If it works, then teams have a massive problem trying to handle an exceptional outside scorer and Wembanyama.

If it doesn't work, you have a piece of dynamite coming off the bench. Teams might even have a headache trying to guard a Wemby unit and then have to go small trying to cover the second unit.

He also put massive amounts of muscle on

[Vienna]

Risacher had a good game tonight, first game of the french league play offs. 14 points, 6 rebounds, 50% FG, 40% 3s.

[alfahdlan]

Lol his freshman stats? Really? Not the 21 points, 7 assists 3 steals as conference player of the year the year he entered the draft. He'd have been picked higher but Gonzaga wasn't a power yet.
Let’s be fair. Compare freshman versus freshman stats not freshman vs senior stats.

[Mr. Body]

He also put massive amounts of muscle on

Curry? No.

[CorrectCrusader]

Curry? No.

Yes. lol.

[ace3g]

https://twitter.com/_Andrew_Lopez/status/1791212279456739449

[The Truth #6]

They might like Tiddy because they can stick him on the Austin team while giving a last look to other young players to make a decision on them. Only so many minutes. To clarify, I'm not in favor of this scenario and not sure if it's even accurate, but it feels like how they might approach it.

[Mr. Body]

Yes. lol.

Bro, Stephen Curry is not muscular. Stay off the drugs.

[Mr. Body]

https://twitter.com/_Andrew_Lopez/status/1791212279456739449

I hope VW talks up these guys but doesn't expect any drafts.

Having Salaun take up a roster spot for like four years before he can do anything isn't the direction to go.

[baseline bum]

Know most of the discussion here is around potential selections, but I’m curious what everyone thinks about the likelihood the Spurs trade at least one of these top 10 picks…

Are we thinking there’s a 25% they trade one of them? Less/more? For some reason I feel like I’d be mildly surprised if we don’t trade out of one of them.

Probably not very likely. On Simmons' podcast Rusillo said talking to a few NBA GMs that the top couple of draft picks might be worth a fourth starter on a decent team in trade and that this draft is like taking a normal draft and chopping off the first 8-10 picks. So these picks aren't worth enough to trade unless they're throw ins for landing a star, other than moving up a pick or two for someone you want or dropping lower a pick or two if someone is willing to spend a good asset to get the guy they want.

[Mr. Body]

I'm in mind for checking on whether anyone would like to go up into pick #8, someone who values a Clingan or someone else who is still there.

I would way rather spend a later pick on Johnny Furphy or another player and collect an asset than waste the #4 on Risacher.

[heyheymymy]

lol at Tiddy great nickname

[mudyez]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JihtrHY6PFs

He was a swimmer? Those never become good basketball players! :rolleyes

[kobyz]

I think the only guy who have superstar potential in this draft is Cody Williams with the glimpses of Scottie Pippen, so i would be disappointed if he's there at #4 and we pass

[kobyz]

Have a feeling Spurs will go with Topic #4 and Salaun #8


Might get buried quickly in this thread, but . . .

Givony: "Several teams are flagging the Spurs at 8 as a real landing potential spot for Salaun."

2024 NBA draft combine: Top prospects, highlights, more - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/page/NBADraft24-40145332/2024-nba-draft-combine-prospects-workout-highlights-measurements-stats-more)

Called it first

[mudyez]

I have a feeling, it will be Reed+Salaun or Risacher+Topic

...not sure which one I like more, but I know I'm happy with either one.

[spurraider21]

1791227861954691234

flashed some of that transition ball handling and nifty passing

[spurraider21]

I have a feeling, it will be Reed+Salaun or Risacher+Topic

...not sure which one I like more, but I know I'm happy with either one.
how about we meet in the middle and walk away with reed and risacher

if we wind up with topic and salaun i might need a sabbatical from this forum

[OldMan88]

If they draft Reed, they might actually be able to inbound the ball without having a turnover.

[kobyz]

I hope VW talks up these guys but doesn't expect any drafts.

Having Salaun take up a roster spot for like four years before he can do anything isn't the direction to go.

Salaun is more ready to contribute than most of the other options at #8, i wouldn't be mad if he's the pick, i think at first he could do some Troy Murphy thing, but down the line if he's keep working on his game and put some mussels could become OG Onunuby type player...

[Truckules]

Re: Dillingham's defense, in the games I watched he seemed like a willing defender, which is half of the battle. The effort by itself is worth something, IMO. This doesn't sound like much, but I think he'll immediately be better than guys like Branham, with the potential to be a slight below average league defender (which ain't bad for his size and stature)

Re: Salaun. Gross.

As a Dillingham hater, in defense of his defense, I do think it got better as the season went on, going from one of the worst defenders in college basketball to just the worst in the draft. I don't think he's ever going to be a positive defender in the league, but given the improvement he made, there is a hope that he can develop into a neutral on-ball defender of PGs. He's always going to get killed by switching, and he'll never be a great off-ball defender though.

[mudyez]

how about we meet in the middle and walk away with reed and risacher

if we wind up with topic and salaun i might need a sabbatical from this forum

I agree, but doubt one of Reed and Risacher falls to #8.

[TD 21]

Called it first

I still don't see Topic. My concern is if they they go Salaun at 8 and Sheppard is not available at 4, they go Castle which would equal two low floor players, one of whom is a theoretical shooter, the other a non one. Yikes.

[Mr. Body]

Salaun is more ready to contribute than most of the other options at #8, i wouldn't be mad if he's the pick, i think at first he could do some Troy Murphy thing, but down the line if he's keep working on his game and put some mussels could become OG Onunuby type player...

Salaun is kind of horrible at everything. He's extremely raw.

[kobyz]

Salaun is kind of horrible at everything. He's extremely raw.

He is a starter for playoff team in France

[LeBowen]

Salaun is kind of horrible at everything. He's extremely raw.

Remember Sekou Doumbouya? I feel like Salaun is just another one of those really long French wings.
Everyone thinks they'll put it together, but it never happens.

Get the best wing with #4, then whichever point guard is left at #8.
If they really think Dillingham is a future star, then whatever, get him with #4 and draft whatever wing is left with #8.

[Mr. Body]

Remember Sekou Doumbouya? I feel like Salaun is just another one of those really long French wings.
Everyone thinks they'll put it together, but it never happens.

Get the best wing with #4, then whichever point guard is left at #8.
If they really think Dillingham is a future star, then whatever, get him with #4 and draft whatever wing is left with #8.

Salaun's stats and production are just ugly. Then you watch him and it's ugly. He has moments. Early on, I was intrigued hearing he just started playing basketball.

But then it's not true. What they mean is he just started playing professional basketball. He's been playing basketball since he was a kid. Which means he's this awkward and doesn't know how to play even after being with the sport that long.

But yeah, I agree with you. I think I have like three players I'd really want in the top 8, maybe four.

[PhantomDashCam]

1791183615558099264

[Ditty]

If TIMVP is right that the Spurs spent the most time scouting Salaun outside of Risacher, I can definitely see him being the pick at 8.

He gives me Ousmane Dieng vibes that he is at least two years from being ready, but his upside may be worth it at 8 in this draft.

[SpursBills]

https://theswishtheory.com/2024-nba-draft-articles/2024/02/how-prospects-read-the-game/

Nice article on feel. Featuring Topic, Sheppard, Carter, among others.

[NASpurs]

Salaun can be our next Livio Jean-Charles.

[heyheymymy]

The only thing I really like about Salaun is he should be able to play up at the 4 some and our PF depth sucks and none of our other wings really can play up. I mean Keldon was tried, Champ is 6'7 but I feel like he stays SF. Wonder if Risacher will be forced up to PF if SA drafts him.

I think Cedi played some PF for us last season and Mamu (both would need to be re-signed) and Barlow but that's it behind Sochan and I wonder if SA wants to push Sochan down to SF sometimes. Obvs his shooting will need to improve but the staff has been pushing him down already and maybe you push a 4 to the 1 in hopes he lands at least at the 3. Kinda my shitpost here and maybe positions are more fluid than that anyway or I got it wrong here but thinking about roster balance and also trying to forecast what mad scientist stuff staff might try to pull next lol

[benefactor]

how about we meet in the middle and walk away with reed and risacher

I'd be good with it. Kinda on team Holland now tho

[baseline bum]

flashed some of that transition ball handling and nifty passing

Awf uck another Primo?

[CGD]

https://theswishtheory.com/2024-nba-draft-articles/2024/02/how-prospects-read-the-game/

Nice article on feel. Featuring Topic, Sheppard, Carter, among others.

The Topic analysis is quite good. He’s a wizard with the passing tbh

[Knoxxx]

Salaun is kind of horrible at everything. He's extremely raw.

Anyone posting Saluan at the 8 pick should be banned for two months.

[PhantomDashCam]

1790857166003519890


https://youtu.be/2CpUD3GdWu0?si=zdpNklhApe9eV3AO

Only Red Flag for me (sans some numbers) is Carmelo Anthony as a mentor. :lol

I would love to see him in a group workout setting with the Kentucky kids and Castle.

(Spurs ran something similar with Dyson Daniels, Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley in 2022.)

[Knoxxx]

The Topic analysis is quite good. He’s a wizard with the passing tbh

I'm thinking topic at 8 since the "injury". He's still 18 and expected measurements are 6 foot 6 and 7-0 wingspan.

[heyheymymy]

Salaun would be a trade down situation like at 14 or so

I see some saying 8 but I would disinclined to do that barring unforeseen intel or circumstances

[CGD]

I'm thinking topic at 8 since the "injury". He's still 18 and expected measurements are 6 foot 6 and 7-0 wingspan.

I think they’ll take him 4 (for better or worse). And, if they do, the Salaun chatter makes sense.

I’m leaning toward trade down with 8 if possible.

[SouthernFryd]

What I want: Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht.

What they'll probably do: Topic and Salaun. Keep Topic on the bench for a year to "heal" his knee and "develop" Salaun.

Basically, tank again for 2025.

[objective]

Salaun has some really bad games.... He has that kind of rawness that reminds me of players who never develop. Lots of flails and some nice dunks and 3s.

Kevin Knox went 9, right?

[spurraider21]

before you write off Salaun you have to realize he might just be the next Ousmane Dieng

[rascal]

Might get buried quickly in this thread, but . . .

Givony: "Several teams are flagging the Spurs at 8 as a real landing potential spot for Salaun."

2024 NBA draft combine: Top prospects, highlights, more - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nba/insider/story/_/page/NBADraft24-40145332/2024-nba-draft-combine-prospects-workout-highlights-measurements-stats-more)

Most likely Topic and Salaun like I've said all along.

[exstatic]

What I want: Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht.

What they'll probably do: Topic and Salaun. Keep Topic on the bench for a year to "heal" his knee and "develop" Salaun.

Basically, tank again for 2025.

Even if they do surgery on Topic, it’s an MCL not an ACL, so 3-6 months.

[rascal]

Even if they do surgery on Topic, it’s an MCL not an ACL, so 3-6 months.

Nice

How strong is that knee going to be for a player who's offense is the need to beat his man to the basket for layups.

[spurraider21]

Most likely Topic and Salaun like I've said all along.
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/73/e3/6a/73e36a96d7971fdf31ee227a14efbc14.gif

[Obstructed_View]

Isiah Thomas was a very good defender. He was definitely thicker than Dillingham (but then again so is my thigh). Both were clutch players that would/will take the shot at the end of the game. I don't think Dilly has the ceiling Thomas did however.
Isaiah Thomas <> Isiah Thomas.

[Obstructed_View]

Let’s be fair. Compare freshman versus freshman stats not freshman vs senior stats.
That's ridiculous. College basketball was a completely different sport back then. Freshmen didn't get minutes.

[Obstructed_View]

Bruh I had it with our guys not making shots. Reed knocks down 52% from 3pt. I’m sure that goes down. But he’s also 85% in FT and 55% in FG. Either Reed or Risacher at 4, then draft the other position at 8.

Salaun also intrigues me 6’10 and 212 lbs and only 18 yrs old. This kid is already built
I understand the allure of giving Victor a great shooter. I honestly thought he and Dougie were going to make noise running a 2 man game, but they traded him before Victor got settled in.

[SpursGenius]

Topic- 4
Salaun-8

I can see the Spurs doing this. Being conservative as they are they won't take the chance that Topic falls to 8.
why would you want injured trash who cant shoot at 4 when you can have Castle who can do it all.


Castle and Salaun would be great

[Chinook]

before you write off Salaun you have to realize he might just be the next Ousmane Dieng

I assume you're making a joke but if you mean that a team might fall in love with him so much that they trade a lot of assets to acquire him, that could happen. Like maybe Utah or Portland want to move up from 10 or 14 badly enough to toss in an extra first, and the Spurs can get low enough to pick on the of the less hyped but still solid guys or catch a faller.

[Chinook]

Or trading 8 and 35 for 17 (if the Pelicans take the pick this year) and 21 could make sense regardless of Salaun. There are a lot of guys in that range who could make sense, and the Spurs do have room for two of them if need be. Bassey, Champ, Branham and Wesley aren't safe.

[Bruno]

I'm not a huge fan of Salaün but he could make a lot of sense fit-wise.

Spurs mostly need a PG and a SF this summer but they don't have only the draft to get them. They could add one with the #4 pick and the other through a trade or a FA signing. In that case, spending #8 on a PF would be the best option fit-wise.

PF might be the weakest position in this draft. There are only 2 primary PFs projected to be drafted in the first round with Salaün and Filipowski. Salaün, an athletic player with a great motor and who can shoot 3's, has the best profile of the two to play alongside Wembanyama.

[Knoxxx]

Or trading 8 and 35 for 17 (if the Pelicans take the pick this year) and 21 could make sense regardless of Salaun. There are a lot of guys in that range who could make sense, and the Spurs do have room for two of them if need be. Bassey, Champ, Branham and Wesley aren't safe.

We can free up plenty of roster spots. I’d be ok with 17 and 21 for Edey and Carringtob.

I’m thinking top 4 of Reed, Risacher, Castle, Topic.

[SpursGenius]

We can free up plenty of roster spots. I’d be ok with 17 and 21 for Edey and Carringtob.

I’m thinking top 4 of Reed, Risacher, Castle, Topic.


I would Love Castle, Saluan, Carrington i that scenerio

[buttsR4rebounding]

Or trading 8 and 35 for 17 (if the Pelicans take the pick this year) and 21 could make sense regardless of Salaun. There are a lot of guys in that range who could make sense, and the Spurs do have room for two of them if need be. Bassey, Champ, Branham and Wesley aren't safe.

Pelicans are taking their pick next year. Lakers can lick LBJ’s nuts and draft Bronny in the 1st round.

[heyheymymy]

Wasn't Salaun the actual friend of Wemby personally whereas Risa was just someone he knew or was that the other way around lol

[heyheymymy]

I would Love Castle, Saluan, Carrington i that scenerio

shit I'd.... I'd do that I think

[Chinook]

Pelicans are taking their pick next year. Lakers can lick LBJ’s nuts and draft Bronny in the 1st round.

They haven't actually made that decision yet and won't until 06/01. But yes, they should defer it.

[Ariel]

I assume you're making a joke but if you mean that a team might fall in love with him so much that they trade a lot of assets to acquire him, that could happen. Like maybe Utah or Portland want to move up from 10 or 14 badly enough to toss in an extra first, and the Spurs can get low enough to pick on the of the less hyped but still solid guys or catch a faller.
Or Chicago/Charlotte want to move up from 11/6 you could renegotiate the protections on their respective 25 picks. As long as there's not an obvious prospect the Spurs pass up on, I'm cool with that, I like several prospects available later on (Devin Carter, Jared McCain, Jaylon Tyson, Ajay Mitchell) enough that I might do this if the assets attached are good enough.

[Vienna]

The only thing I really like about Salaun is he should be able to play up at the 4 some and our PF depth sucks and none of our other wings really can play up. I mean Keldon was tried, Champ is 6'7 but I feel like he stays SF. Wonder if Risacher will be forced up to PF if SA drafts him.


could be a reason for drafting Buzelis though. I know, he is seen as a long wing and he is pretty thin, but he should be able to put on some 20lbs over the next two years. If it took Salaun at least two years till he learned to play, you might rather give Buzelis that time to develop his body. So if Spurs are thinking about a future 4, he should be as well an option.

[heyheymymy]

could be a reason for drafting Buzelis though. I know, he is seen as a long wing and he is pretty thin, but he should be able to put on some 20lbs over the next two years. If it took Salaun at least two years till he learned to play, you might rather give Buzelis that time to develop his body. So if Spurs are thinking about a future 4, he should be as well an option.

Agree with the 6'10 wingspan and a combine measurement of 6'8.75 without shoes Matas Buzelis is firmly in the range to play some PF. Only prob is the 197 lbs, he is lanky. But you can add bulk no problem and Matas seems like he has a fierce work ethic for that. Salaun def is a bit more explosive and the frame is a bit more exaggerated to better slot there though it seems.

Still say Risacher looks super lengthy and tankish enough to give some mins at PF. His savvy cuts to the basket would be money with his finishes at the rim. Plus with his credible shooting range, playing Risacher at PF may pull bigs out and provide some spacing. Even just situational it would be a boon for SA.

[Pauleta14]

What I want: Reed Sheppard and Dalton Knecht.

What they'll probably do: Topic and Salaun. Keep Topic on the bench for a year to "heal" his knee and "develop" Salaun.

Basically, tank again for 2025.

Pop mentioned a couple times toward the end of RS that the team badly needed shooting.

At least one of the picks has to be one imo

[Pauleta14]

Wasn't Salaun the actual friend of Wemby personally whereas Risa was just someone he knew or was that the other way around lol

Victor's sister played (or still does) with Salaun's

Victor and ZR played together with ASVEL (TP's team) U21

[duncan2150]

Salaun is not my first choice at 8 but i think people are underestimating the level of French League even more for an 18 years old player. For all the comparaison, he is different than doumbouya( who was way better but did not pan out for a lot of reasons), dieng or other French man. After that i don’t know How he will develop, he has all the tools to be a good stretch four imo.

[heyheymymy]

More I look at it more I think Risacher falls to SA at #4. Almost cheeky little order it goes in for 1-3, like Adam Silver is funneling the dual Frenchman storyline to the Spurs.

ATL - You got Johnson and Bey there at the 3/4 and yeah upgrading a mistake in Hunter would be nice but not with a #1 pick. Meanwhile you got Capela with one season left, 22MM next season to train Sarr and then Capela is off the books and the Sarr era begins as a Cap replacement seamlessly.

WSH - You NEED Clingan. wtf is this Bagley shit no way they trot out Bagley/Holmes at C but I guess Clingan is hard to take at #2 which is why you should try a roll on Dilly here to pair with Poole. Dilly/Poole would at least drop some excitement into the guard corps and replace Jones if you want to move on there. If not Clingan or Dilly maybe you like Castle or want to try a rehab gamble on Topic. All before you add Risacher to Deni/Bilal/Kis/Kuze.

HOU - Sheppard fits so perfectly or maybe Clingan since Adams is out and you have nothing behind Sen but Jock. No way you add a forward to Dillon/Cam/JSJ/Tari

Not saying it's impossible but the disjointed fits on the first three teams to select makes me wonder if a tumble down might happen as others have also pointed out.

[duncan2150]

I agree With you mostly, barring some trades Risacher floor is spurs or detroit at 5. For us, will depends at how the spurs value all the guards of this draft.

[heyheymymy]

Plus if WSH really wants a SF they could look for Kyshawn George or Klintman at #26. Maybe settle for McCullar Jr

Bring back Jones even

Dilly/Jones
Poole/Bilal/Kis
Deni/(Kyshawn or)
Kuze/(Klintman)
Bag/Holmes

[duncan2150]

Just listening to a French program about Salaun. They talked With his coach about more than one hour , his work ethic looks off the chart, he is a young Guy really appreciated by his teammates. Keen to learn and who is a sponge( dont know if we can say this in english lol). He was playing at French U18 level just last Year. The transition from the U18 to the top League is something impressive imo. They think that he has the best potential of all the French prospects of this draft. His strenghts are his off ball game, athletism, defensive versatility tough he could a little light for some bigs and not fast for some guards. He likes to take big shots, they think he is reliable shooter ( he struggled at the beginning of the season in that area). The weaknesses are his passing game, short creation and finishing at the rim sometimes.He played mostly at the four spot With Cholet. He is a 6’9 With a 7’0-7’1 wingspan so he has the physical tools.

[Dejounte]

Not a big fan of Salaun but the Spurs might be thinking that Salaun is a better pick at 8 than Risacher is at 4, which I can somewhat agree with.

[heyheymymy]

Not a big fan of Salaun but the Spurs might be thinking that Salaun is a better pick at 8 than Risacher is at 4, which I can somewhat agree with.

Yeah Salaun is that Great Value Risacher that still hits like name brand

[mystargtr34]

Salaun is like (mom we have) Risacher at home

[exstatic]

Pop mentioned a couple times toward the end of RS that the team badly needed shooting.

At least one of the picks has to be one imo

Free agency is a thing. They can get shooting there. They can also trade for it.

[alfahdlan]

That's ridiculous. College basketball was a completely different sport back then. Freshmen didn't get minutes.
Okey. Freshman vs Sophomore then @ 39 MPG
STOCKTON
FT. 0.676 @ 3.8 FTA
AST. 5.0
STL. 2.5
PTS. 11.2

Reed @ 28.9 MPG
FT 0.831 @ 2.5 FTA
AST. 4.5
STL. 2.5
PTS. 12.5

REF: same reference I provided.
Can I say that @ +1year moment in time of Stockton, Reed was almost the same player that Stockton was @ 10 minutes per game less?

[mo7888]

Not a big fan of Salaun but the Spurs might be thinking that Salaun is a better pick at 8 than Risacher is at 4, which I can somewhat agree with.

Salaun is the upside swing there... I like Buzelis better than both though and I expect he's in play at #4 along with Risacher, Dilly, Castle, and Sheppard. At #8 Salaun isn't my top choice, but I could understand taking probably the biggest upside swing at that spot.

[Dejounte]

Salaun is the upside swing there... I like Buzelis better than both though and I expect he's in play at #4 along with Risacher, Dilly, Castle, and Sheppard. At #8 Salaun isn't my top choice, but I could understand taking probably the biggest upside swing at that spot.

The only reason I would get the pick is if he really is this work-obsessed maniac who is in the gym for all hours of the day and night… which that’s what Victor said and according to duncan2150’s report. …these types should never be underestimated. The last workhorse we had was Nephew, tbh…

[mo7888]

The only reason I would get the pick is if he really is this work-obsessed maniac who is in the gym for all hours of the day and night… which that’s what Victor said and according to duncan2150’s report. …these types should never be underestimated. The last workhorse we had was Nephew, tbh…

Agreed. In a draft like this especially you're looking for anything you can to give you a little 'hope' when it comes to upside. Raw talent + work ethic = reasonable hope here.

[Uriel]

Wasn’t Blake Wesley also reported to have been in the gym day and night working on his finishing?

[td4mvp2k]

Just listening to a French program about Salaun. They talked With his coach about more than one hour , his work ethic looks off the chart, he is a young Guy really appreciated by his teammates. Keen to learn and who is a sponge( dont know if we can say this in english lol).He was playing at French U18 level just last Year. The transition from the U18 to the top League is something impressive imo. They think that he has the best potential of all the French prospects of this draft. His strenghts are his off ball game, athletism, defensive versatility tough he could a little light for some bigs and not fast for some guards. He likes to take big shots, they think he is reliable shooter ( he struggled at the beginning of the season in that area). The weaknesses are his passing game, short creation and finishing at the rim sometimes.He played mostly at the four spot With Cholet. He is a 6’9 With a 7’0-7’1 wingspan so he has the physical tools.wouldn't be surprised if spurs took him at 8 and if available risacher at 4

[Uriel]

If Riascher projects as a high-end role player and Salaun has star upside, and they’re both similar players and even both French, why is one widely regarded as a top 5 pick and the other barely top 10?

[rascal]

wouldn't be surprised if spurs took him at 8 and if available risacher at 4

It would be a very big surprise if the Spurs don't come away from this draft with a pg.

[Mr. Body]

If Riascher projects as a high-end role player and Salaun has star upside, and they’re both similar players and even both French, why is one widely regarded as a top 5 pick and the other barely top 10?

They should both be barely top 10. There's no reason Risacher is ranked this high.

[td4mvp2k]

It would be a very big surprise if the Spurs don't come away from this draft with a pg.
not so much when you have a much stronger draft class next season and there's also the FA or trade option

[kobyz]

I think Salaun is the Bilal Culibaly if this draft with how he'll rise up and that we have to use #4 to get him

[kobyz]

What make you think that Dilly is more than Dennis Schroder with less court vision?

[Seventyniner]

The Hawks were supposed to win the lottery in 2025, 2026, and 2027 dammit. Not in 2024!

[Strategic]

Free agency is a thing. They can get shooting there. They can also trade for it. If they care about being competitive in the next 2 or 3 years maybe they will pick up a couple vets that can score.

[rascal]

not so much when you have a much stronger draft class next season and there's also the FA or trade option

Next year's draft class isn't deep with pgs.

Better to land your star SF and or SG next year.

[sfernald]

Topic is gonna spend more time with NBA medical teams than on the court during his workouts. No one is burning a high pick on him without knowing the actual state of his knee. First out for 4 months, then out again after 2 weeks... Don't wish him bad, but when it starts like that, that not always ends well... Even in doubt, teams wiil pass, I believe.

He’s a 18 year old kid with braces. He’’ll heal like a Fallout Ghoul.. No worries!

[sfernald]

JFC Locked On Spurs has to be the worst Locked On I've ever heard. Jeff Garcia is a fucktard, he makes so many factual errors every episode. His takes are blander that vanilla. He repeats himself. He still doesn't know the Spurs have the CHA(14) pick next year. His guests are just as fucktarded as him. Today he had on Rudy Campos who gave his two Spurs picks as Topic & Dilly, said Knecht went to Tennessee for 4 years, and said Salaune could be the next Giannis. :lol He's like the hater of NBA analysis and predictions

I don't know why I waste my time with that manure.

Speaking of fucktard, this is definitely the most accurate spurs draft prediction ever!
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120878-2024-nba-mock-draft-how-5-trades-could-impact-round-1

[Truckules]

I'm not a huge fan of Salaün but he could make a lot of sense fit-wise.

Spurs mostly need a PG and a SF this summer but they don't have only the draft to get them. They could add one with the #4 pick and the other through a trade or a FA signing. In that case, spending #8 on a PF would be the best option fit-wise.

PF might be the weakest position in this draft. There are only 2 primary PFs projected to be drafted in the first round with Salaün and Filipowski. Salaün, an athletic player with a great motor and who can shoot 3's, has the best profile of the two to play alongside Wembanyama.

There's more PFs than those 2 that will go in the first round. Tyler Smith and Bobi Klintman are two just off the top of my head. Still probably weak compared to all other positions but there's definitely more than 2.

[Mitch Cumsteen]

I don't know about Salaun. It's not so much that he's raw, he just looks stiff.

[Pauleta14]

Free agency is a thing. They can get shooting there. They can also trade for it.

Really? Haven't thought about that ...^^

We're talking probabilities here and drafting at least one player with shooting abilities makes a lot a sense when shooting was the primary weakness (with IQ and passing) of the team.

Drafting 2 non shooters has to be one of the lowest probability imo

2 new non shooters + Sochan + Tre = min 1/3 of the roster unable to shoot

[Bruno]

If Riascher projects as a high-end role player and Salaun has star upside, and they’re both similar players and even both French, why is one widely regarded as a top 5 pick and the other barely top 10?

Because they aren't similar players.

The main difference between them is BBIQ. Behind that overused term, there are things like feel for the game, being smart, reading the game/opponents well, making the right play at the right time...

Risacher has an elite BBIQ. It is quite rare to see a player that advanced at this age. Stephon Castle is a also remarkable in that area and that's also why he is projected as high as he is.

[kobyz]

I don't know about Salaun. It's not so much that he's raw, he just looks stiff.

He's not gonna be a first option on offense, but he has a chance to be a OG Onunuby type two way player

[kobyz]

The Hawks were supposed to win the lottery in 2025, 2026, and 2027 dammit. Not in 2024!

Just give them the pick back and get Dejunte

[Mr. Body]

Because they aren't similar players.

The main difference between them is BBIQ. Behind that overused term, there are things like feel for the game, being smart, reading the game/opponents well, making the right play at the right time...

Risacher has an elite BBIQ. It is quite rare to see a player that advanced at this age. Stephon Castle is a also remarkable in that area and that's also why he is projected as high as he is.

Come on, man.

[kobyz]

Because they aren't similar players.

The main difference between them is BBIQ. Behind that overused term, there are things like feel for the game, being smart, reading the game/opponents well, making the right play at the right time...

Risacher has an elite BBIQ. It is quite rare to see a player that advanced at this age. Stephon Castle is a also remarkable in that area and that's also why he is projected as high as he is.

Yes, Risacher is more unique prospect and talent, is more like a giant SG with his smothness and fluidity, could be something like 6'9" KCP

[rascal]

.

[CorrectCrusader]

https://twitter.com/_Andrew_Lopez/status/1791212279456739449

So Tiddy is the pick at 8. I don't hate it, don't love it either.

[CorrectCrusader]

If Riascher projects as a high-end role player and Salaun has star upside, and they’re both similar players and even both French, why is one widely regarded as a top 5 pick and the other barely top 10?

Because Risacher is expected to be a great 3 and D wing and those will always be much more valued than a low floor high ceiling 90% bust rate athletic wing

[LeBowen]

So Tiddy is the pick at 8. I don't hate it, don't love it either.

Tbh, it's not a bad outcome long term.
If PATFO gets Salaun, it would mean Wemby's camp had an influence.
It would be great if he develops.
If not, we wasted a #8 pick to show Wemby's camp that they shouldn't expcet the front office to draft or trade for his friends ever again.

[CorrectCrusader]

Tbh, it's not a bad outcome long term.
If PATFO gets Salaun, it would mean Wemby's camp had an influence.
It would be great if he develops.
If not, we wasted a #8 pick to show Wemby's camp that they shouldn't expcet the front office to draft or trade for his friends ever again.

Yeah, I like Salaun has a prospect so I'm not the most objective guy. I like the upside swing when you have 2 top 10 picks.

[CorrectCrusader]

For those who aren't aware, he's a good friend with Victor wembanyama. Their sisters played ball together and they've known each other since I want to say 2017.For what little it's worth. Vic said he's never seen a player improve as much, as quickly, as Salune Did over the last 2 years And that he has a absolutely maniacal work ethic
Which is good to know because the dude is so extremely damn raw
I've had him as high as fourth on my big board at one point. And as low as 27th.
Some games he just looks like someone who's a couple of years in an NBA system away from undoubtedly blowing up and becoming something special
And in other games he looks like a giant middle schooler playing in a Dad coach league who barely knows what the heck he's doing.
I think the Spurs connections are probably very real. Our gm has a very, not hidden, affection for long rangy jumbo guards/wings with theoretical ball skills.
I think it would be one hell of a risk but I could see them even taking him 4 If does well in workouts. There's probably a good chance One of Castle/topic/ Shepherd/ dillingham Will still be there at 8 And they can still pick up a solid guard prospect while swinging for the moon with arguably the highest upside prospect in this class (Who also feels like he may have one of the highest chances of busting)

[Raven]

The only reason I would get the pick is if he really is this work-obsessed maniac who is in the gym for all hours of the day and night… which that’s what Victor said and according to duncan2150’s report. …these types should never be underestimated. The last workhorse we had was Nephew, tbh…

I agree, but it brings the question of why he is so shit currently.. like wouldn't he have figured it out already?

[LeBowen]

Yeah, I like Salaun has a prospect so I'm not the most objective guy. I like the upside swing when you have 2 top 10 picks.

Right now I don't really trust PATFO because their recent drafts have been questionable, to say the least.
But they surely know more than us.
At the end of the day, I don't care who they draft, as long as it's a success.
If we get one long-term starter out of these two picks, I'll be happy.

[exstatic]

I agree, but it brings the question of why he is so shit currently.. like wouldn't he have figured it out already?

He’s 18, and playing in a grown man’s league for the first time. When you jump up a level, there’s an adjustment period.

[Mugen]

I've been saying that Saluan is a strong candidate in the 6-10 pick range for a while now. Becomes even more of a possibility now that the Spurs have two top 10 picks.

I have a strong feeling he's the pick at 8 with the only question being if he gets past the Blazers at #7.

Teams are going to fall in love with his theoretical upside especially if Aaron Gordon continues his strong postseason play (similar body/archetype).

He's 2 years away from being a contributor but I think the Spurs are fine with developing him after they cut bait on Wesley/Branham after next season tbh.

[CorrectCrusader]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39416203/victor-wembanyama-breaks-france-2024-nba-draft-prospects

[Mr. Body]

I've been saying that Saluan is a strong candidate in the 6-10 pick range for a while now. Becomes even more of a possibility now that the Spurs have two top 10 picks.

I have a strong feeling he's the pick at 8 with the only question being if he gets past the Blazers at #7.

Teams are going to fall in love with his theoretical upside especially if Aaron Gordon continues his strong postseason play (similar body/archetype).

He's 2 years away from being a contributor but I think the Spurs are fine with developing him after they cut bait on Wesley/Branham after next season tbh.

Why would you draft for theoretical upside? A team should take wild swings of the bat at upside when they have no franchise talent... or they have enough good talent and are already contending. We already have Wembanyama; we don't need theoretical anything. We need really good support players. If any of those support players become great, that's fantastic. Swinging on upside is great in the late lotto, not here, and not for us.

This is the worst time to get some guy just sitting his ass on the end of the bench (and Austin) taking up a roster spot for three years before he miiiiiiiight do anything. We have six lottery picks coming in the next three years. We have a different lottery pick this year.

Let's focus on actual players. Leave the theoretical players to those teams on theoretical timelines, lost in the mist of time, who don't know when they might strike gold. We didn't strike gold, we struck an atom bomb. We don't need a 5% chance at a good player in three years.

[LeBowen]

Why would you draft for theoretical upside? A team should take wild swings of the bat at upside when they have no franchise talent... or they have enough good talent and are already contending. We already have Wembanyama; we don't need theoretical anything. We need really good support players. If any of those support players become great, that's fantastic. Swinging on upside is great in the late lotto, not here, and not for us.

This is the worst time to get some guy just sitting his ass on the end of the bench (and Austin) taking up a roster spot for three years before he miiiiiiiight do anything. We have six lottery picks coming in the next three years. We have a different lottery pick this year.

Let's focus on actual players. Leave the theoretical players to those teams on theoretical timelines, lost in the mist of time, who don't know when they might strike gold. We didn't strike gold, we struck an atom bomb. We don't need a 5% chance at a good player in three years.

First of all, I fully agree with you that I'd rather have players who could contribute right away, but who are those players in this draft class?
It's all theoretical upside.
We need shooting, playmaking and perimeter defense. How many players in this draft are projected to be good in at least two of those?
I'd honestly like to hear which players could start contributing right away, in your opinion.

There's Knecht, but he's just a shooter/scorer. Can't playmake and is a really bad defender.
There's Dillingham who could be an offensive star, but is a big risk due to his size and even if he does become a 25ppg scoer, he'll undoubtedly be one of the worst defenders in the league.

Everyone else is a theoretical upside player. Shooters can't defend, defenders can't shoot. Playmakers like Topic can't do either.
I guess bigs look to be safe picks, but we have our starting center.

The other issue is that there aren't any good players who are realistically available and fit the timeline.
I mentioned Cade is my pipe dream, but he's not available and it's pointless to talk about him or someone similar.
Not even the likes of Herb Jones or Naz Reid will be available.

[JPB]

I would go easy on Salaun. He's a end of first round pick on a good draft you take a flyer on.

It's always a bit annoying when the first thing everyone repeats about a prospect is "He's a hard worker, he'll improve". You can translate it by: Raw, limited, lot of work to do, which is true for Salaun who doesn't have star potential at all.

I like the kid but he's just not a natural, doesn't have that feel for the game like Zach does for example... He stands out a bit in the french league becasue of his physicality and agressivity but that won't be enough in the NBA to be probably more than a mid-bench player/3rd stringer, if he actually belongs. there's nothing about him you could say he's even just good at and could become his bread and butter in the NBA.

He's closer to Sidy Cissoko than Risacher, and if he can get 10-12 min/ game in the NBA on career, that would already be a great success imo. Smoke screen from the spurs if you ask me. they're probably not interested while they already have Sidy.

[CorrectCrusader]

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

[Mr. Body]

First of all, I fully agree with you that I'd rather have players who could contribute right away, but who are those players in this draft class?
It's all theoretical upside.
We need shooting, playmaking and perimeter defense. How many players in this draft are projected to be good in at least two of those?
I'd honestly like to hear which players could start contributing right away, in your opinion.


Theoretical upside = a player who cannot contribute right away, anytime soon, and whose virtues are not exactly apparent. Theoretical.

Every other player discussed can contribute either right away or pretty soon with some success. Reed, Risacher, Clingan, Sarr, even Cody Williams, are going to be far more ready.

Ousmane Dieng is Salaun, Salaun is Ousmane Dieng. OKC picked Dieng late in the lottery, spending extra for him, and he was perhaps worse this year than last year. Salaun's production this year was really, really bad. He's not a good player. (Yes, he'll have a good game here or there, but what is needed is consistency.) He's not ready and you have to squint to see a possibility of readiness down the road.

[Mr. Body]

I would go easy on Salaun. He's a end of first round pick on a good draft you take a flyer on.

It's always a bit annoying when the first thing everyone repeats about a prospect is "He's a hard worker, he'll improve". You can translate it by: Raw, limited, lot of work to do, which is true for Salaun who doesn't have star potential at all.

I like the kid but he's just not a natural, doesn't have that feel for the game like Zach does for example... He stands out a bit in the french league becasue of his physicality and agressivity but that won't be enough in the NBA to be probably more than a mid-bench player/3rd stringer, if he actually belongs. there's nothing about him you could say he's even just good at and could become his bread and butter in the NBA.

He's closer to Sidy Cissoko than Risacher, and if he can get 10-12 min/ game in the NBA on career, that would already be a great success imo. Smoke screen from the spurs if you ask me. they're probably not interested while they already have Sidy.

When people talk upside in the NBA, they often mean the physical gifts are there but the player doesn't know how to play basketball. Then they hope the player can learn how to play basketball, but they never do.

It's like that Arrested Development meme: "People always think it will work for them, but it never does... but it might for us."

[LeBowen]

Every other player discussed can contribute either right away or pretty soon with some success. Reed, Risacher, Clingan, Sarr, even Cody Williams, are going to be far more ready.


We're not wasting top10 pick on a backup big.
Reed will be a great shooter, but there's a chance he ends up being a Patty Mills. He's an undersized shooting guard. Can make some passes, but can't run an offense.
Risacher? I'd also like him, but his shooting is not a sure thing.
Sarr won't be there at #4.
Cody Williams? Isn't every scouting report saying that he's too slow and unathletic?


Ousmane Dieng is Salaun, Salaun is Ousmane Dieng. OKC picked Dieng late in the lottery, spending extra for him, and he was perhaps worse this year than last year. Salaun's production this year was really, really bad. He's not a good player. (Yes, he'll have a good game here or there, but what is needed is consistency.) He's not ready and you have to squint to see a possibility of readiness down the road.

I'm not saying Salaun would contribute more than Risacher or Williams, I'm just saying that none of them look like they'll be good enough to push Jeremy to the bench.


When people talk upside in the NBA, they often mean the physical gifts are there but the player doesn't know how to play basketball. Then they hope the player can learn how to play basketball, but they never do.

I fully agree with this. That's why I mentioned Sekou Doumbouya yesterday.
One of Risacher or Salaun will surely be the next Sekou Doumbouya.
Long, French forward who never puts it together.

It's up to PATFO to decide who will be the best wing in this draft and get that guy.

[SpursFan86]

1791499815483793830

Sorry if this has already been posted. Bodes well for us and that #4 spot tbh.

[CorrectCrusader]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWDKMSOVqEo&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A %2F%2Fwww.reddit.com%2F

[td4mvp2k]

Next year's draft class isn't deep with pgs.

Better to land your star SF and or SG next year.
I see a few guards even fowards able to play pg in the top 10

[Mr. Body]

1791499815483793830

Sorry if this has already been posted. Bodes well for us and that #4 spot tbh.

It's crazy to me teams are considering taking a Jakob Poeltl in the top three. Clingan might be a bit better but the archetype can always be found later in the draft. I guess when the alternatives max out as role players, this is what you consider.

Seems more and more likely the Spurs can find Risacher at 4.

[CorrectCrusader]

Tidjane Salaun was born in 2005 and could enter the 2024 draft or wait until 2025. He’s one of the more impressive power forward prospects in Europe, showing really good mobility, a lot of toughness and he plays with good energy on the court. He’s a long and springy athlete who plays inside and out on offense and flashes some wing potential. His outside shot is a bit slow but he can hit the 3 and shows a lot of promise in this area. He’s also a versatile defender who can guard in space and excels in an up-tempo game.

[Obstructed_View]

Okey. Freshman vs Sophomore then @ 39 MPG
STOCKTON
FT. 0.676 @ 3.8 FTA
AST. 5.0
STL. 2.5
PTS. 11.2

Reed @ 28.9 MPG
FT 0.831 @ 2.5 FTA
AST. 4.5
STL. 2.5
PTS. 12.5

REF: same reference I provided.
Can I say that @ +1year moment in time of Stockton, Reed was almost the same player that Stockton was @ 10 minutes per game less?
Lmao okay. Guess he's gonna be the best point guard of all time. Too bad nobody is drafting him first overall, because that's what you do to the best point guard of all time.

[DPG21920]

If you want Salaun, trade for a 3rd pick in this draft and take him….hes going to be stashed anyways

[Truckules]

It's crazy to me teams are considering taking a Jakob Poeltl in the top three. Clingan might be a bit better but the archetype can always be found later in the draft. I guess when the alternatives max out as role players, this is what you consider.

Seems more and more likely the Spurs can find Risacher at 4.

If some other team loves Risacher 6-12, there's a good possibility to trade too given that Detroit is going to pick BPA. The fall-off at wing after him seems pretty significant so if he's there at 4, the Spurs could get some really good trade offers and not have to fall too much.

[Dejounte]

Lmao okay. Guess he's gonna be the best point guard of all time. Too bad nobody is drafting him first overall, because that's what you do to the best point guard of all time.

No, you don’t. Steph Curry wasn’t first. Chris Paul wasn’t first. John Stockton wasn’t first. Stockton wasn’t the best point guard of all time. He places around 9th on that list. I don’t even think this is the point that alf was trying to make.

[Mugen]

Why would you draft for theoretical upside? A team should take wild swings of the bat at upside when they have no franchise talent... or they have enough good talent and are already contending. We already have Wembanyama; we don't need theoretical anything. We need really good support players. If any of those support players become great, that's fantastic. Swinging on upside is great in the late lotto, not here, and not for us.

This is the worst time to get some guy just sitting his ass on the end of the bench (and Austin) taking up a roster spot for three years before he miiiiiiiight do anything. We have six lottery picks coming in the next three years. We have a different lottery pick this year.

Let's focus on actual players. Leave the theoretical players to those teams on theoretical timelines, lost in the mist of time, who don't know when they might strike gold. We didn't strike gold, we struck an atom bomb. We don't need a 5% chance at a good player in three years.

-We don't have a player on the roster that projects as a #2 on a championship level team. Hell, we don't even have a clear cut #3 guy. Just because you have Wemby doesn't mean you stop taking swings at another home run talent.
-They're not contending in the next 2 years, point blank. This is absolutely the best time to get a guy sitting on his ass for 2 years if you think by year 3, he's a top contributor.
-It's a shit/draft flat so #8 is basically "late lotto" in a good draft
-They have two top 10 picks so they could get the "immediate contributor" you want at #4 (a la Castle) and still afford to take a home run swing at 8.
-Just because they have a shit ton of lottery picks coming up in the next 3 years doesn't mean they're going to make them all. They will and should consolidate them for better picks/players that they can focus on. I don't expect them to be developing 6-7 young guys over the next few years

Finally, this team has roster spots to spare. Outside Wemby and arguably 3-4 other players, everybody is replaceable and should be on the chopping block if the FO thinks a better prospect is worth the spot over them. That's not even debatable tbh.

[CGD]

It's crazy to me teams are considering taking a Jakob Poeltl in the top three. Clingan might be a bit better but the archetype can always be found later in the draft. I guess when the alternatives max out as role players, this is what you consider.

Seems more and more likely the Spurs can find Risacher at 4.

Who knows. The wizard podcast types seems to see Clingan as a potential defensive "culture setter" since they've been shit in that department for so long. I still think ZR goes in the top 3, and suspect the Rockets will get a lot of trade interest if he falls there.

My gut is that if the two Cs and ZR go 1-3, that the Spurs take Topic for better or worse.

[Mr. Body]

Who knows. The wizard podcast types seems to see Clingan as a potential defensive "culture setter" since they've been shit in that department for so long. I still think ZR goes in the top 3, and suspect the Rockets will get a lot of trade interest if he falls there.

My gut is that if the two Cs and ZR go 1-3, that the Spurs take Topic for better or worse.

I can see taking Clingan over Risacher. I'd much rather get a solid center over Julian Champagnie that high in the draft.

[John B]

Okey. Freshman vs Sophomore then @ 39 MPG
STOCKTON
FT. 0.676 @ 3.8 FTA
AST. 5.0
STL. 2.5
PTS. 11.2

Reed @ 28.9 MPG
FT 0.831 @ 2.5 FTA
AST. 4.5
STL. 2.5
PTS. 12.5

REF: same reference I provided.
Can I say that @ +1year moment in time of Stockton, Reed was almost the same player that Stockton was @ 10 minutes per game less?


Dude I’m so buying this. Reed freshman stat is so much better already and would only improve if he stays in college.

I didn’t say Reed’s comp is John Stockton. I meant his demeanor and decision making, nothing fancy just straight A to B. His steals and block shots. I would love for Spurs to pick him up.

[R. DeMurre]

It's uncanny how nearly identical Bronny James's combine numbers were to Reed Sheppard's.

Lane Agility
Bronny: 10.96
Sheppard: 10.96

Shuttle Run
Bronny: 3.02
Sheppard: 3.03

Three Quarter Sprint
Bronny: 3.09
Sheppard: 3.08

Standing Vertical Leap
Bronny: 32"
Sheppard: 32.5"

Max Vertical Leap
Bronny: 40.5"
Sheppard: 42"

https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-strength-agility?SeasonYear=2024-25&dir=D&sort=MAX_VERTICAL_LEAP

[scott]

Lots of nightmare scenarios emerging. Most of them involve Topic and Salaun.

[Dejounte]

Lots of nightmare scenarios emerging. Most of them involve Topic and Salaun.

The good thing is the days are flying by fast. For me at least.

[tapiefan]

For God sake, stop with Risacher with our #4 pick please. He will be a bust for sure.

[DPG21920]

Theres no way Spurs do Topic and Salaun at their current draft picks….if SA trades back maybe.

[kobyz]

What will it cost to move up from #4 to #2 with Washington and take Risacher?

[tapiefan]

What will it cost to move up from #4 to #2 with Washington and take Risacher?

Mother of God... Why not trade Victor for the first pick in order to be sure to get fuckin' Risacher ?

[Obstructed_View]

No, you don’t. Steph Curry wasn’t first. Chris Paul wasn’t first. John Stockton wasn’t first. Stockton wasn’t the best point guard of all time. He places around 9th on that list. I don’t even think this is the point that alf was trying to make.

Holy shit, dude.

[exstatic]

What will it cost to move up from #4 to #2 with Washington and take Risacher?

A pick in a real draft instead of this crap one. Better to stay put, and take who falls to us. At least you’re not burning that other future pick.

[DPG21920]

What will it cost to move up from #4 to #2 with Washington and take Risacher?

Depends on how much they love Risacher (if that’s indeed their guy). But if they love Clingan for example and think HOU will pass on him I think something like Pick 4 + CHI pick would get it done pretty easily

[OldMan88]

For God sake, stop with Risacher with our #4 pick please. He will be a bust for sure.

I have no idea if he’d be a bust or not, but I know for a fact I’d never be able to correctly pronounce his last name. So I vote no. Hey, it’s as good a reason as some of the takes I’ve read.

[spurraider21]

Wasn’t Blake Wesley also reported to have been in the gym day and night working on his finishing?
based on how he played down the stretch last year he's working on finishing his tenure with the spurs tbh

[The Truth #6]

Lots of nightmare scenarios emerging. Most of them involve Topic and Salaun.

We could get Tiddy fucked, yes that's true. But they have to draft a shooter at 4 then.