2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Extra Stout]

Oh, I'd definitely disagree.

The only player I'd cry about missing out on is Castle, and he may just go two or three anyway. So, I don't place a difference between 4 and 7. Maybe I'd game out who I might lose, but one of those players is Clingan, so I'm only losing two spots, right? If I can still manage Castle, then brilliant.

I don't think I actually want to use the 14, necessarily, but it depends on who is there. Carter, brilliant. A guy like Furphy, why not? But I would shop it around.

As for trading up to 2 with the 4 or 8, absolutely not. I can't think of a universe where that's good value, even if I liked Castle so much to ensure Washington or Houston don't take him. Risacher does not move the needle like that at all.
What about 4 + 8 for 2 + 26?

[Extra Stout]

Are the Spurs really going to take TWO point guards at 4 and 8? Seems unlikely. And if not, then doesn’t that make Knecht EXTREMELY likely at 8?

[ChumpDumper]

Are the Spurs really going to take TWO point guards at 4 and 8? Seems unlikely. And if not, then doesn’t that make Knecht EXTREMELY likely at 8?

Well if they actually see Castle as the point guard of the future, someone like Knecht seems like a lock at 8 for almost instant solid production. Howevah, if they want to get a bunch of maybe multiposition guys who can probably pass and maybe shoot someday, then you get hair-raising combos like Castle/Topic.

[mo7888]

Just a random thought- The Spurs typically have little noise re: the player they ultimately draft. Most Press noise concerning players linked to us are usually wrong. So who in the lottery is getting the smallest amount of buzz in connection to us?

I'm gonna say-

Matas Buzelis
Cody Williams
Dalton Knecht
Donovan Clingan


We've obviously talked about a couple of those, but they haven't been linked in the Press I don't believe.

Any others?

[Mr. Body]

What about 4 + 8 for 2 + 26?

I personally wouldn't, no.


Are the Spurs really going to take TWO point guards at 4 and 8? Seems unlikely. And if not, then doesn’t that make Knecht EXTREMELY likely at 8?

To me, it depends on the guards. A Castle/Dillingham or Castle/Sheppard pull would work because of defensive assignments and who can play off-ball. I'm less concerned about total fits at this point; one can come off the bench. And I think Vassell can slide to the wing.

I like Knecht but don't think the Spurs would go for him. He really only does one thing well (two, if driving and shooting). I'd see them go for Carter or Cody Williams first.


Just a random thought- The Spurs typically have little noise re: the player they ultimately draft. Most Press noise concerning players linked to us are usually wrong. So who in the lottery is getting the smallest amount of buzz in connection to us?


As far as I know, the Castle stuff has been the only real buzz, hasn't it? And that's conjecture joining fit and his supposed desire to control workouts. That said, there was a lot of speculation the Spurs would take Sochan in 2022.

[jesterbobman]

Looking at that ESPN mock, I'd be trying to jump up from 35 (with Cash / 48) if Tyler Smith was still there at 31. I think there's a pretty decent argument that him and Salaun are around the same level as prospects, with Salaun having a higher ceiling but Smith being more certain as a decent shooting 3&D 4.

Even if it's not Smith, there are other guys who are falling / later than I think they should go in that mock (Collier, Ware) that I think would be fine to move up for, and 35 + 48 + cash (possibly adding another second from the future) should get you close.

[The Truth #6]

Just a random thought- The Spurs typically have little noise re: the player they ultimately draft. Most Press noise concerning players linked to us are usually wrong. So who in the lottery is getting the smallest amount of buzz in connection to us?

I'm gonna say-

Matas Buzelis
Cody Williams
Dalton Knecht
Donovan Clingan


We've obviously talked about a couple of those, but they haven't been linked in the Press I don't believe.

Any others?

Cody would be my guess based on that theory.

[mo7888]

I personally wouldn't, no.



To me, it depends on the guards. A Castle/Dillingham or Castle/Sheppard pull would work because of defensive assignments and who can play off-ball. I'm less concerned about total fits at this point; one can come off the bench. And I think Vassell can slide to the wing.

I like Knecht but don't think the Spurs would go for him. He really only does one thing well (two, if driving and shooting). I'd see them go for Carter or Cody Williams first.



As far as I know, the Castle stuff has been the only real buzz, hasn't it? And that's conjecture joining fit and his supposed desire to control workouts. That said, there was a lot of speculation the Spurs would take Sochan in 2022.

I think ots all conjecture at this point, but there's been plenty of reports linking us to Dilly, Sheppard, Risacher, Castle, and Salaun. I'm not saying they're credible.

[Extra Stout]

Is Pacome Dadiet any good

[BackHome]

This draft is going to be I think a little crazy as we going to probably see two teams trade for someone in the top 10 - I still have no idea who the Spurs will be taking but that is OK as in this draft I am not really feeling anyone

[heyheymymy]

Even with Castle saying he wants to play PG you could draft say Castle + Dillingham and run Dilly at PG and Castle at SG while Castle still was the de facto PG and Dillingham could play PG too but mostly focus on scoring.

This would hide Dillingham defensively at the 1 PG slot on the smallest opponent, allow Castle to bring the ball up and set offense like he says he wants, but defensively on the opposing SG or SF possibly since Castle can guard 1-3 or situationally switch onto the opposing PG to bring some defensive length advantage if Dilly can handle that opposing SG. Plus Dilly can bring up and run some traditional PG occasionally to throw a different look and Castle can come off screens and baseline cuts to the basket as a dump off option if Dilly's primary play call stalls out.

[Eaglenole2002]

Yep. Castle having wing size opens up the possibility to play with a smaller SG/PG type that can act as a SG on offense or be Wemby’s PNR partner late in games. We don’t necessarily need a true PG. we simply need shooters and creators in the backcourt.

[heyheymymy]

At least to start the season until rookies settle in you could have a starting 5 of Jones, Vassell, Champ, Sochan, Wemby but run two groups with


Dilly/Jones
Castle/Vassell
Johnson/Champ
Mamu/Sochan
Wemby/Zollins


And while Castle is slotted at the 2 he is the de facto PG while Dilly slotted at the one can run PG some but also focus on scoring mostly and hides defensively on the opposing PG so size greatly neutralized. Or let Dillingham run traditional PG and Castle can create secondarily within that as I suspect will be his more realistic strong suit as a playmaker anyway at least at first.


Both groups dilute non shooters to some degree though not perfectly. I don't know that kinda sucks. Just really like Castle + Dillingham as a realistic best possible outcome at least for now barring changes but lots of time for things to change and I suspect Castle could rise top 3 out of reach or other prospects values rise or fall or SA could make additional moves, trades FAs different draft positions etc may be in play here.


Jones/Dillingham/Wesley
Vassell/Castle/Branham
Champagnie/Johnson/Cissoko
Sochan/Mamu/Barlow
Wemby/Zollins/Bassey

[TrainOfThought5]

my bet is on Castle plus Cody Williams.

I’d pop a bottle for that.

[Knoxxx]

Even with Castle saying he wants to play PG you could draft say Castle + Dillingham and run Dilly at PG and Castle at SG while Castle still was the de facto PG and Dillingham could play PG too but mostly focus on scoring.

This would hide Dillingham defensively at the 1 PG slot on the smallest opponent, allow Castle to bring the ball up and set offense like he says he wants, but defensively on the opposing SG or SF possibly since Castle can guard 1-3 or situationally switch onto the opposing PG to bring some defensive length advantage if Dilly can handle that opposing SG. Plus Dilly can bring up and run some traditional PG occasionally to throw a different look and Castle can come off screens and baseline cuts to the basket as a dump off option if Dilly's primary play call stalls out.

Thank you for summarizing why I’ve been saying Castle then see if Dilly falls to 8 because I see them as complementary and not a compromise to Castle expressed desire for a shot a primary PG duties. Dilly just guards the smallest guard in the other end either way, it’s not rocket science.

[tonight...you]

Thank you for summarizing why I’ve been saying Castle then see if Dilly falls to 8 because I see them as complementary and not a compromise to Castle expressed desire for a shot a primary PG duties. Dilly just guards the smallest guard in the other end either way, it’s not rocket science.
I just don't like taking away Castle's size advantage, thus weakening his D advantage like how Dejounte's D is weakened doing the same thing for Trae.

[Uriel]

8. San Antonio Spurs
Tidjane Salaun, PF, Cholet (France) | Age: 18.8

Salaun has arrived in the U.S. for workouts, but will head back overseas next week to the NBA's pre-draft camp in Treviso, Italy, to complete his required medicals and testing. He has gained steam as a lottery candidate after finishing his season in strong form, showcasing his physical tools and potential versatility at either forward spot.

Salaun, yet to turn 19, is still a ways away from contributing at a high level, but the room for long-term growth makes him an appealing development pick in the mid-to-late lottery. His familiarity with Victor Wembanyama likely doesn't hurt his case as an option for San Antonio, but the Spurs are considering a handful of prospects at this spot, including Dillingham, Nikola Topic, Cody Williams and Dalton Knecht. -- WooNotice the order in which those names are mentioned. I think that’s the Spurs’ internal ranking of them as well.

Assuming Castle is the pick at 4, the Spurs’ big board for #8 is most likely:

1. Rob Dillingham
2. Tidjane Salaun
3. Nikola Topic
4. Cody Williams
5. Dalton Knecht

That means Brian Wright’s dream draft is Castle at 4 and Dillingham at 8, which incidentally, is also the outcome of timvp’s mock draft.

[BacktoBasics]

Notice the order in which those names are mentioned. I think that’s the Spurs’ internal ranking of them as well.

Assuming Castle is the pick at 4, the Spurs’ big board for #8 is most likely:

1. Rob Dillingham
2. Tidjane Salaun
3. Nikola Topic
4. Cody Williams
5. Dalton Knecht

That means Brian Wright’s dream draft is Castle at 4 and Dillingham at 8, which incidentally, is also the outcome of timvp’s mock draft.
I would be thrilled with Castle and Dilly

[Degoat]

I’m starting to really believe the spurs will use both picks to draft guards… even tho we need upgrades at the wings were at least competent there between Dev, KJ, Champ, and Branham, (Sochan/Sidy all being guys that can play wing)

you can always add a guy like Gary Trent, Buddy hield, Okoro, etc. in free agency

[Eaglenole2002]

I just don't like taking away Castle's size advantage, thus weakening his D advantage like how Dejounte's D is weakened doing the same thing for Trae.

While I don’t have an issue with it, I think that’s the best argument against it.

[Eaglenole2002]

I’m starting to really believe the spurs will use both picks to draft guards… even tho we need upgrades at the wings were at least competent there between Dev, KJ, Champ, and Branham, (Sochan/Sidy all being guys that can play wing)

you can always add a guy like Gary Trent, Buddy hield, Okoro, etc. in free agency

I think the guards in the draft are just better prospects than the wings too.

[Big Empty]

Hard to go wrong with the 4th & 8th pick, then next year we could potentially have 3-4 first round draft picks and Collins expiring contract for a huge trade. We’re gonna have a ton of options to round out this team with all the peices to be a contender in as quick as 2 years. I hope Wemby is patient. 2 years to atleast be a 1st - 2nd round playoff team.

[rascal]

I just don't like taking away Castle's size advantage, thus weakening his D advantage like how Dejounte's D is weakened doing the same thing for Trae.

Yes, no need for Dilling ham.

They can find shooting without sacrificing positional size in the future.

I don't think Dilly is good enough to be a big time offensive force in the league so not worthy of sacrificing team positional size when he's on the court and at a high draft pick cost.

[Knoxxx]

Notice the order in which those names are mentioned. I think that’s the Spurs’ internal ranking of them as well.

Assuming Castle is the pick at 4, the Spurs’ big board for #8 is most likely:

1. Rob Dillingham
2. Tidjane Salaun
3. Nikola Topic
4. Cody Williams
5. Dalton Knecht

That means Brian Wright’s dream draft is Castle at 4 and Dillingham at 8, which incidentally, is also the outcome of timvp’s mock draft.

Dilly plus Castle is nice and a worthwhile gambit.

[Knoxxx]

Yes, no need for Dilling ham.

They can find shooting without sacrificing positional size in the future.

I don't think Dilly is good enough to be a big time offensive force in the league so not worthy of sacrificing team positional size when he's on the court and at a high draft pick cost.

Castle + Williams/Knecht/Buzelis works for me too.

[Knoxxx]

Hard to go wrong with the 4th & 8th pick, then next year we could potentially have 3-4 first round draft picks and Collins expiring contract for a huge trade. We’re gonna have a ton of options to round out this team with all the peices to be a contender in as quick as 2 years. I hope Wemby is patient. 2 years to atleast be a 1st - 2nd round playoff team.

Wemby is a great kid I’m not worried about him and the exact timing it’s coming. And he knows it. We know it. It’s coming.

[tbdog]

Depends. Bring back same team plus two developing rookies, then things will get messy if Wemby patients disperses. But find another starting material. Ie monk or Patrick Williams. Get Sochan progressing. Will Branham show a jump? Will Devin show defense again with a lesser offensive role? Things like that makes everyone feel better.

[mo7888]

Is Pacome Dadiet any good

He's good enough to be considered with our 2nd rd pick if he's still on the board.

[BatManu20]

Not exactly breaking news, but yea. He’s a Wizard or a Hawk. Likely the former.

1796649532731650307

[BatManu20]

Notice the order in which those names are mentioned. I think that’s the Spurs’ internal ranking of them as well.

Assuming Castle is the pick at 4, the Spurs’ big board for #8 is most likely:

1. Rob Dillingham
2. Tidjane Salaun
3. Nikola Topic
4. Cody Williams
5. Dalton Knecht

That means Brian Wright’s dream draft is Castle at 4 and Dillingham at 8, which incidentally, is also the outcome of timvp’s mock draft.

Every one of these guys has such glaring flaws, it really does feel like a crap shoot with this draft. I'm definitely taking Dilly if he's still on the board at 8 though, especially over the rest of those cats. I have a feeling Cody Williams is higher on the Spurs' board though tbh.

[BatManu20]

The fact that Tidjane Salaun's NBA comp is Obi Toppin makes me want nothing to do with him tbh. Toppin is one of the worst defenders in the league, and that's exactly what Salaun's tape shows too. And that's before you consider how raw he is overall. No thanks.

[bluebellmaniac]

The fact that Tidjane Salaun's NBA comp is Obi Toppin makes me want nothing to do with him tbh. Toppin is one of the worst defenders in the league, and that's exactly what Salaun's tape shows too. And that's before you consider how raw he is overall. No thanks.

That's what the Austin Spurs are for. Teach that defense and make him earn his minutes on the big team. We ain't playing traffic cones (well, maybe we do for 1 more year, but that's it).

[ace3g]

https://x.com/wojespn/status/1796655715752218909

[CGD]

https://x.com/wojespn/status/1796655715752218909

Water is wet

[exstatic]

https://x.com/wojespn/status/1796655715752218909

That’s an incredibly smart move by the Pels, even better if LeBron moves on to play with Bronny somewhere else. Most of the younger teams in the west will be better, and the older teams will be another year older.

New Orleans is really twisting the knife on this trade, deferring this pick twice now, and sticking LA with a near useless #17 in a crap draft. I’m here for it.

[cutewizard]

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

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNyRTN1Lefo

[rankingtear]

The fact that Tidjane Salaun's NBA comp is Obi Toppin makes me want nothing to do with him tbh. Toppin is one of the worst defenders in the league, and that's exactly what Salaun's tape shows too. And that's before you consider how raw he is overall. No thanks.

Obi Toppin killed it this year though, he is 3rd in TS and 2nd in EFG in the NBA and got key rotation minutes in the ECF.

[thOOdee]

That’s an incredibly smart move by the Pels, even better if LeBron moves on to play with Bronny somewhere else. Most of the younger teams in the west will be better, and the older teams will be another year older.

New Orleans is really twisting the knife on this trade, deferring this pick twice now, and sticking LA with a near useless #17 in a crap draft. I’m here for it.


agreed. Tough position for the lakers. Also add in the fact lebron will be heavily disappointed if the lakers skip their chance to overpay for bronny and he gets picked up before their next move. Lose lose situation for the laker and im here for it.

[Chinook]

I don't believe Castle will start for the Spurs if they draft him -- even if he's taken fourth overall. At least he wouldn't start a PG. That would be like starting Sochan at PG all over again. I know a lot of people hate Jones, but he's ... fine. He's solidly above-average in most aspects of being a point-guard. He even shot 39 percent from three as a starter. He has one of the best defensive grades on the team. It's not likely that any PG the Spurs draft would come into the season as a starter. Castle coming off the bench and getting some ball-handler minutes in the second unit seems like the best way to accommodate his desire to play the position, but it should be noted that him wanting to play PG doesn't obligate the Spurs or any other team to play him there. He'll play where he fits best and where his development takes him.

That might be small-forward. Tonight noted that Castle would lose his size advantage if he moved positions, but I think that's an antiquated way to thinking. The Spurs are not going to play straight up against teams with positions direct-guarding their counter parts. Doing so would be a disservice to the generational defender anchoring the paint. The Spurs are absolutely going to be sending guys like Sochan and Castle after the best scorers and rely on their ability to defend multiple positions to give them a ton of flexibility. Castle would bring a level of "stickiness" that would provide the Spurs with better means to deny the ball to certain guys. It would be wasteful to use that ability primarily on PGs, who will likely have the ball to start the possessions.

[rascal]

Depends. Bring back same team plus two developing rookies, then things will get messy if Wemby patients disperses. But find another starting material. Ie monk or Patrick Williams. Get Sochan progressing. Will Branham show a jump? Will Devin show defense again with a lesser offensive role? Things like that makes everyone feel better.

Spurs need to sit Wemby down and explain another year of team development and the depth of next year's draft and the chance to get two top draft picks in the high lottery will do more for him and the Spurs long term.

Wemby is smart emnough to know it is going to take a couple of years and the need to add better talent to turn this team around into a true contender.

With Wemby and you add another star or even two star level players in next year's draft or a 2nd borderline star and you'll see the foundation of another dynasty again in San Antonio. Spurs need to play this right in building around Wemby

The current core and players with similar upside abilities like what the current core is won't get you there.

[duncan2150]

The fact that Tidjane Salaun's NBA comp is Obi Toppin makes me want nothing to do with him tbh. Toppin is one of the worst defenders in the league, and that's exactly what Salaun's tape shows too. And that's before you consider how raw he is overall. No thanks.How you can judge a player by a comp ? they are totally different in term of carreer or style of play.

[Atl Spur]

I don't believe Castle will start for the Spurs if they draft him -- even if he's taken fourth overall. At least he wouldn't start a PG. That would be like starting Sochan at PG all over again. I know a lot of people hate Jones, but he's ... fine. He's solidly above-average in most aspects of being a point-guard. He even shot 39 percent from three as a starter. He has one of the best defensive grades on the team. It's not likely that any PG the Spurs draft would come into the season as a starter. Castle coming off the bench and getting some ball-handler minutes in the second unit seems like the best way to accommodate his desire to play the position, but it should be noted that him wanting to play PG doesn't obligate the Spurs or any other team to play him there. He'll play where he fits best and where his development takes him.

That might be small-forward. Tonight noted that Castle would lose his size advantage if he moved positions, but I think that's an antiquated way to thinking. The Spurs are not going to play straight up against teams with positions direct-guarding their counter parts. Doing so would be a disservice to the generational defender anchoring the paint. The Spurs are absolutely going to be sending guys like Sochan and Castle after the best scorers and rely on their ability to defend multiple positions to give them a ton of flexibility. Castle would bring a level of "stickiness" that would provide the Spurs with better means to deny the ball to certain guys. It would be wasteful to use that ability primarily on PGs, who will likely have the ball to start the possessions.

Big dog, Castle and Sochan are like night vs day at the pg position. Castle has a better dribble, pass, and bbiq for the position. Castle will kill Tre Jones and Blake Wesley, to big / skilled for them to handle

[LeBowen]

Spurs need to sit Wemby down and explain another year of team development and the depth of next year's draft and the chance to get two top draft picks in the high lottery will do more for him and the Spurs long term.

Wemby is smart emnough to know it is going to take a couple of years and the need to add better talent to turn this team around into a true contender.

With Wemby and you add another star or even two star level players in next year's draft or a 2nd borderline star and you'll see the foundation of another dynasty again in San Antonio. Spurs need to play this right in building around Wemby

The current core and players with similar upside abilities like what the current core is won't get you there.

Your take couldn't be any worse.

Three out of four teams that had better odds than us this year dropped behind to 5th, 6th and 7th pick.
9th and 10th best odds got 3rd and 1st pick.
It's not the old lottery anymore where you tank and get a pick in that approximate range.
Spurs got incredibly lucky with Wemby and then got lucky again this year. Moved up and Raptors pick conveyed.
And you want to take away a season from a kid that clearly wants to be the GOAT only to potentially drop out of top5?

Even if we assume we go that route, do you see what's going on with other lottery teams?
Blazers and Wizards just started their rebuild. Pistons got a new GM and surely won't rush to treadmill just for the sake of it.
Hornets should start getting better, but they're always a dumpster fire.
Then in the East you have the likes of Bulls that should stop treadmilling and blow it up.
Even Brooklyn could be tanking if there's a Bridges to Rockets trade and they get their pick back.
Ainge is just waiting for a good Markkanen offer to blow it up and tank for a couple of years in strong drafts.

With all that being said, you really think Spurs should tell a potential GOAT that he should take a season off because PATFO wants to roll the dice again?

Then you look at the lottery streaks. Spurs and Pistons are tied second behind Hornets.
Denver and Bucks won rings with their homegrown MVPs without any top5 picks.
Dallas is in the finals with just one top5 pick.
Thunder got a great supporting cast around SGA with just one top5 pick.
Knicks would've made ECF without having a single lottery player in their rotation if they didn't all get injured.
Heat keeps competing with next to nothing in the draft.

The only rule for contention has always been front office competence if you have your franchise player. And we do.
How did the mentality of this fanbase change from laughing at incompetent teams like Phoenix being unable to put a team together while being in top5 every year to hoping PATFO tanks for one more year with a player that's going to average 25/12/5 with 4 blocks next season? Stop with the loser mentality because there are no guarantees in the lottery or even in the draft.

We got #9 and #11 picks as the only players worth keeping next to Wemby, now we'll draft #4 and #8 while owning the Hawks near future and some other picks.
It's time for Brian Wright and his people to finally earn their paychecks.
I've seen 164 games of garbage over these past two years, I'm not going to watch another year of tanking just because we might get lucky again.

[BatManu20]

How you can judge a player by a comp ? they are totally different in term of carreer or style of play.

I’m judging him based on the fact that he’s one the worst defenders in the Draft and is incredibly raw and is 3-4 years away from really contributing. I don’t think he’ll be BPA at 8 either. We’d be reaching on him with that pick in hopes of what he might potentially become in the future imo, much like we did Primo. The Toppin comparison is just icing on the cake.

[duncan2150]

I’m judging him based on the fact that he’s one the worst defenders in the Draft and is incredibly raw and is 3-4 years away from really contributing. I don’t think he’ll be BPA at 8 either. We’d be reaching on him with that pick in hopes of what he might potentially become in the future imo, much like we did Primo. The Toppin comparison is just icing on the cake.That's your take, here in France, the defense is one of his qualities basing on reports by people who saw him in person multiple time and he's not raw, few players can play at his age at a consistent basis in betclic elite.To finish he's not my favourite player for our two picks but he's far from what i can read here sometimes IMO ( like topic).

[Mr. Body]

That’s an incredibly smart move by the Pels, even better if LeBron moves on to play with Bronny somewhere else. Most of the younger teams in the west will be better, and the older teams will be another year older.

New Orleans is really twisting the knife on this trade, deferring this pick twice now, and sticking LA with a near useless #17 in a crap draft. I’m here for it.

This move has some Spurs implications.

If the Lakers are a key destination for Murray (or Young), then this pick might be in play as part of the package. The Lakers are about to fall off a cliff - at some point, next year or the following - with a major off-season coming up. I don't really care about the Lakers. They blew their pick last year by taking Jalen Hood-Schifino. But whether Atlanta improves is important to us.

[HankChinaski]

I still keep looking at Devin Carter with our 8th pick. I just like his skill set.
I just don't know who you grab at 4 if that is your pick at 8. Grabbing Knect at 4 I guess but that is too high for him, Sheppard at 4 ehhh. I dunno.

If they pursue a solid wing in the off-season going with two guards doesn't seem like a terrible idea, I necessarily wouldn't like it but wouldn't hate it either.

[Extra Stout]

I still keep looking at Devin Carter with our 8th pick. I just like his skill set.
I just don't know who you grab at 4 if that is your pick at 8. Grabbing Knect at 4 I guess but that is too high for him, Sheppard at 4 ehhh. I dunno.

If they pursue a solid wing in the off-season going with two guards doesn't seem like a terrible idea, I necessarily wouldn't like it but wouldn't hate it either.
There is much to like about Carter, but I wonder about his shot. The percentages look OK, but his mechanics are weird, so it’s not clear to me he has much room for improvement without totally tearing down and rebuilding his shot.

[JPB]

Spurs need to sit Wemby down and explain another year of team development and the depth of next year's draft and the chance to get two top draft picks in the high lottery will do more for him and the Spurs long term.

Wemby is smart emnough to know it is going to take a couple of years and the need to add better talent to turn this team around into a true contender.

With Wemby and you add another star or even two star level players in next year's draft or a 2nd borderline star and you'll see the foundation of another dynasty again in San Antonio. Spurs need to play this right in building around Wemby

The current core and players with similar upside abilities like what the current core is won't get you there.

Thing is in that scenario where you would find your other star(s) through next year's draft are:

1. You actually have to find said star(s) in next year's draft, which isn't guaranteed, no matter how deep it is.

2. If you actually do find potential star(s), that's still 3 or 4 years (at least) of development before they reach that star level..

So, you have to explain Wemby spurs could start to be competitive in 4-5 years (and will have to tank, suck, and be bottom of the league next year again). That's some persuasion skills you need there, but who knows where victor's mind will be regarding spurs strategy.

[TD 21]

I don't believe Castle will start for the Spurs if they draft him -- even if he's taken fourth overall. At least he wouldn't start a PG. That would be like starting Sochan at PG all over again. I know a lot of people hate Jones, but he's ... fine. He's solidly above-average in most aspects of being a point-guard. He even shot 39 percent from three as a starter. He has one of the best defensive grades on the team. It's not likely that any PG the Spurs draft would come into the season as a starter. Castle coming off the bench and getting some ball-handler minutes in the second unit seems like the best way to accommodate his desire to play the position, but it should be noted that him wanting to play PG doesn't obligate the Spurs or any other team to play him there. He'll play where he fits best and where his development takes him.

That might be small-forward. Tonight noted that Castle would lose his size advantage if he moved positions, but I think that's an antiquated way to thinking. The Spurs are not going to play straight up against teams with positions direct-guarding their counter parts. Doing so would be a disservice to the generational defender anchoring the paint. The Spurs are absolutely going to be sending guys like Sochan and Castle after the best scorers and rely on their ability to defend multiple positions to give them a ton of flexibility. Castle would bring a level of "stickiness" that would provide the Spurs with better means to deny the ball to certain guys. It would be wasteful to use that ability primarily on PGs, who will likely have the ball to start the possessions.

He probably has a good chance to start because they'll presumably want his POA defense to play more against the best perimeter players, but I don't actually think he'll be the lead guard in a traditional sense to where he's initiating volume p-n-r.

My guess is they acquire a Brogdon or sign a Melton and play a lineup where everyone has interchangeable roles/switch ability.

[R. DeMurre]

I saw a facebook reel this morning where Mark Cuban is talking about the Trae/Luka trade and he says, "my scouts had Deandre Ayton as the #1 guy in the draft, but the Analytics said Luka..." and I pictured a couple of analytics guys being stared down by some grizzled old scouts in meetings, and I wonder now if they are all still on friendly terms:lol...

[exstatic]

I don't believe Castle will start for the Spurs if they draft him -- even if he's taken fourth overall. At least he wouldn't start a PG. That would be like starting Sochan at PG all over again. I know a lot of people hate Jones, but he's ... fine. He's solidly above-average in most aspects of being a point-guard. He even shot 39 percent from three as a starter. He has one of the best defensive grades on the team. It's not likely that any PG the Spurs draft would come into the season as a starter. Castle coming off the bench and getting some ball-handler minutes in the second unit seems like the best way to accommodate his desire to play the position, but it should be noted that him wanting to play PG doesn't obligate the Spurs or any other team to play him there. He'll play where he fits best and where his development takes him.

That might be small-forward. Tonight noted that Castle would lose his size advantage if he moved positions, but I think that's an antiquated way to thinking. The Spurs are not going to play straight up against teams with positions direct-guarding their counter parts. Doing so would be a disservice to the generational defender anchoring the paint. The Spurs are absolutely going to be sending guys like Sochan and Castle after the best scorers and rely on their ability to defend multiple positions to give them a ton of flexibility. Castle would bring a level of "stickiness" that would provide the Spurs with better means to deny the ball to certain guys. It would be wasteful to use that ability primarily on PGs, who will likely have the ball to start the possessions.

Castle was a highly rated overall HS player, and one of the top few PGs. Going to UConn actually hurt his stock, because people like you think he can’t play PG because he was in a system where guards don’t directly attack the rim or hold the ball very long.

[exstatic]

There is much to like about Carter, but I wonder about his shot. The percentages look OK, but his mechanics are weird, so it’s not clear to me he has much room for improvement without totally tearing down and rebuilding his shot.

Halliburton dropped in the draft because of a weird looking shot. Didn’t seem to hurt his percentages at all. The thing is, the most important part of high percentage 3 point shooting is a consistent repeatable form. Is it easier to attain that with a traditional clean form? Yes, but you can also have a different, but quick release form, and if you can be consistent with it, it’s all good.

[SpursBills]

I have no idea what to make of Mogbo but he has a really unusual stat profile. List of guys in NCAA history with combination of lots of dunks (>70) and high AST% (>15) - basically athletic power post players who can pass / have decent bbIQ:

Name (Dunks/AST%)
Zion (72/15)
Trayce-Jackson Davis (80/25)
Obi Toppin (107/15)
DaRon Holmes (71/19)
Mogbo (86/24)

There might be something there as a second rounder. Shout out to DaRon Holmes as well.

[rascal]

Thing is in that scenario where you would find your other star(s) through next year's draft are:

1. You actually have to find said star(s) in next year's draft, which isn't guaranteed, no matter how deep it is.

2. If you actually do find potential star(s), that's still 3 or 4 years (at least) of development before they reach that star level..

So, you have to explain Wemby spurs could start to be competitive in 4-5 years (and will have to tank, suck, and be bottom of the league next year again). That's some persuasion skills you need there, but who knows where victor's mind will be regarding spurs strategy.

There are several players in next year's draft that will be able to start right away especially for a weak rostered team like the spurs.

No, the Spurs won't need to tank next year too. There are studs in the top of next year's lottery.
Players with more upside than anyone currently on the Spurs outside Wermby.

If the Spurs end up with a low lottery pick of their own and atlanta makes the playoffs spurs will add similar level talent to what they are running out there now.

[Mr. Body]

Tre will run the team for a while regardless, which is fine. That Castle would even be in the conversation about starting is great.

There's a difference between what a player does on offense and on defense. In most sets that we should expect to see with Castle for a while, he may be a secondary but active playmaker. The huge difference is that he'll be assigned to the most difficult perimeter player, whether that's a point or a SG. So, he could be slotted as a 2/3 on offense but still stay on Trae Young.

In fact, if he's in and Young has to cover him, that's a pretty bad matchup given his rim running, strength, and Young losing track of his man.

If, by further example, the Spurs happen to play Dillingham and Castle against Atlanta, you put Dilllingham on their worst offensive perimeter player and Castle still has Young.

[exstatic]

There are several players in next year's draft that will be able to start right away especially for a weak rostered team like the spurs.

No, the Spurs won't need to tank next year too. There are studs in the top of next year's lottery.
Players with more upside than anyone currently on the Spurs outside Wermby.

If the Spurs end up with a low lottery pick of their own and atlanta makes the playoffs spurs will add similar level talent to what they are running out there now.

:lol. ATL ain’t making the playoffs. As sucky as the East was this year, ATL couldn’t even manage. The best thing for us is if they stand pat. That’s a team that finishes in the 7-10 lottery range.

[Chinook]

Castle was a highly rated overall HS player, and one of the top few PGs. Going to UConn actually hurt his stock, because people like you think he can’t play PG because he was in a system where guards don’t directly attack the rim or hold the ball very long.

"Holding the ball very long" isn't a requirement to be a PG. I don't really care if UConn's system emphasizes that or not. Nor am I actually saying anything about whether Castle will or won't play, except that he'll play where his talents work best and not merely where he wants to play.

I do think Jones would still over him though. A new PG SHOULD have to beat out Jones rather than be handed the spot. The team badly needs to start having accountability and competition. As I said before, Jones is a fine starting PG, and most rookies aren't. The Spurs aren't likely going to completely turn over the offense to a limited shooter and expect things to run smoothly. They just did that with Sochan, and it hurt the team. I don't believe the Spurs are willing to take such a step back in order to progress. Jones has another year on his deal; thus the team has a year to get the new PG ready to go and should use that while also giving Wemby, Vassell and the rest of the players the best chance they have to win games.

And to the poster who thinks Castle should start because he could beat Jones one-on-one, WTF does that even mean? Sochan could probably beat Jones one-on-one too.

[Mr. Body]

:lol. ATL ain’t making the playoffs. As sucky as the East was this year, ATL couldn’t even manage. The best thing for us is if they stand pat. That’s a team that finishes in the 7-10 lottery range.

A lot of teams will have to make big decisions this summer, it'll be fascinating. Lakers, Golden State, Atlanta, New Orleans, Minnesota, Philadelphia, New Jersey, are all teams that may have to do something big. Houston may be included.

Best thing for us is if Atlanta decides getting Sarr is all they need, but they will probably move Murray. If they don't get much for him, they're back to the questionable Trae-centric team that was struggling in the first place. If they, say, get Karl Anthony-Towns and Risacher, this is a team that looks good on paper but I'm not sure about the results.

[exstatic]

A lot of teams will have to make big decisions this summer, it'll be fascinating. Lakers, Golden State, Atlanta, New Orleans, Minnesota, Philadelphia, New Jersey, are all teams that may have to do something big. Houston may be included.

Best thing for us is if Atlanta decides getting Sarr is all they need, but they will probably move Murray. If they don't get much for him, they're back to the questionable Trae-centric team that was struggling in the first place. If they, say, get Karl Anthony-Towns and Risacher, this is a team that looks good on paper but I'm not sure about the results.

While the 25 pick, and the 26 swap are for projected good to great drafts, Trae won’t be in ATL longer than June of 2026, meaning that team could crater for the 26-27 season, and give us an excellent pick in 27.

[rascal]

:lol. ATL ain’t making the playoffs. As sucky as the East was this year, ATL couldn’t even manage. The best thing for us is if they stand pat. That’s a team that finishes in the 7-10 lottery range.

They sure can sneak into the playoffs.

They won't have any incentive to tank and if a team or two has some injuries I can see Atlanta jumping them in the standings with so many teams tanking for the deep draft class.

[exstatic]

They sure can sneak into the playoffs.

They won't have any incentive to tank and if a team or two has some injuries I can see Atlanta jumping them in the standings with so many teams tanking for the deep draft class.

Few paths to playoffs,many paths to the lottery.

[jesterbobman]

I don't think Castle would start at PG, mostly as he's still developing, and whilst Tre isn't sexy and is a bottom tier starting caliber PG / high end backup, that's probably better than what Castle would be in that role in year 1.

Castle is pretty malleable as a prospect, so what minutes he gets / what position he plays depends on other selections and draft decisions. If Dillingham is the pick at 8, you probably run Castle mostly as an offball wing stopper, and have him handle the ball a bit as a secondary playmaker. If you get a SF at 8, or Reed who tilts a little more off ball than Dilly, Castle probably takes more backup PG minutes.

The other thing...There's no guarantee that any rookie gets big, consistent minutes. They probably will, but there are rookies that are good prospects who don't get consistent, early minutes for teams every year, like Jarace Walker and Taylor Hendricks this year.

[Uriel]

I saw a facebook reel this morning where Mark Cuban is talking about the Trae/Luka trade and he says, "my scouts had Deandre Ayton as the #1 guy in the draft, but the Analytics said Luka..." and I pictured a couple of analytics guys being stared down by some grizzled old scouts in meetings, and I wonder now if they are all still on friendly terms:lol...
That settles it then. Reed Sheppard is the best player in this draft.

[CGD]

It would be incredibly frustrating if the spurs took one of the UK guards at 4. Different story at 8 — where at least one will be there — but not at 4. That would suck.

[C-Dub]

When Wemby is subbed out the game, the Spurs defense falls off of the cliff. That's detrimental to the success of the team. That has to matter and be addressed asap because Wemby will get worn down over time having to cover up other players mishaps on the defensive end. I believe that it's wise to select Edey, even if it's with the 8th pick and select either Castle, Dillingham, or Shepard with the 4th pick.

[benefactor]

When Wemby is subbed out the game, the Spurs defense falls off of the cliff. That's detrimental to the success of the team. That has to matter and be addressed asap because Wemby will get worn down over time having to cover up other players mishaps on the defensive end. I believe that it's wise to select Edey, even if it's with the 8th pick and select either Castle, Dillingham, or Shepard with the 4th pick.
Stop spamming this weak trolling in multiple threads faggot

[alfahdlan]

I have no idea what to make of Mogbo but he has a really unusual stat profile. List of guys in NCAA history with combination of lots of dunks (>70) and high AST% (>15) - basically athletic power post players who can pass / have decent bbIQ:

Name (Dunks/AST%)
Zion (72/15)
Trayce-Jackson Davis (80/25)
Obi Toppin (107/15)
DaRon Holmes (71/19)
Mogbo (86/24)

There might be something there as a second rounder. Shout out to DaRon Holmes as well.
I like the rebound rate of Mogbo, can he play spot minutes at SF?

[SpursBills]

I like the rebound rate of Mogbo, can he play spot minutes at SF?

I personally don't think so. Probably more Gen-Z Manimal/Dejuan Blair

[Chinook]

This really does feel like a year where a lot of teams might just throw out this past season and pick the guys based on their previous tape. If that's true, guys like Topic, Holland and Collier might be getting slept on a bit. That might end up being a mistake in the same way that Shadeon Sharpe hasn't proven to be a great pick. But DJM is an example of the strategy working out. I don't know where the Spurs are going to land on this, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a number of surprise picks that completely mess up the board. Given the utter failure of the Ignite program combined with its ability to attract elite talent, the d-league prospects may well get drafted higher than they're currently slated.

[alfahdlan]

I personally don't think so. Probably more Gen-Z Manimal/Dejuan Blair
The selling point of Kawhi then was that he had absurd rebound rate for an SF. Good enough, we need rebounding also on our team plus the bunos dunks.

[sfernald]

This really does feel like a year where a lot of teams might just throw out this past season and pick the guys based on their previous tape. If that's true, guys like Topic, Holland and Collier might be getting slept on a bit. That might end up being a mistake in the same way that Shadeon Sharpe hasn't proven to be a great pick. But DJM is an example of the strategy working out. I don't know where the Spurs are going to land on this, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a number of surprise picks that completely mess up the board. Given the utter failure of the Ignite program combined with its ability to attract elite talent, the d-league prospects may well get drafted higher than they're currently slated.

as long as we don’t get Tiddy Fucked! That will be the worst pick of the year. That guy truly can not even dribble without taking his eye off the ball for Christ Sake!

[Uriel]

This really does feel like a year where a lot of teams might just throw out this past season and pick the guys based on their previous tape. If that's true, guys like Topic, Holland and Collier might be getting slept on a bit. That might end up being a mistake in the same way that Shadeon Sharpe hasn't proven to be a great pick. But DJM is an example of the strategy working out. I don't know where the Spurs are going to land on this, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a number of surprise picks that completely mess up the board. Given the utter failure of the Ignite program combined with its ability to attract elite talent, the d-league prospects may well get drafted higher than they're currently slated.
GG Jackson is another example of this. He was garnering buzz us a top overall pick when he was in high school, slipped considerably in big boards after a mediocre college season, and just made the all-rookie team.

[cutewizard]

When Wemby is subbed out the game, the Spurs defense falls off of the cliff. That's detrimental to the success of the team. That has to matter and be addressed asap because Wemby will get worn down over time having to cover up other players mishaps on the defensive end. I believe that it's wise to select Edey, even if it's with the 8th pick and select either Castle, Dillingham, or Shepard with the 4th pick.

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

or Clingan here

[cutewizard]

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=clingan+defense&mid=27D5DB588571E45 FD1DF27D5DB588571E45FD1DF&FORM=VIRE

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5FiSwSRH8Y

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft8ohWgyQGo

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ji8lQkju3A

[exstatic]

GG Jackson is another example of this. He was garnering buzz us a top overall pick when he was in high school, slipped considerably in big boards after a mediocre college season, and just made the all-rookie team.

It wasn’t just the college season. He had some behavioral/attitude issues, as well.

[Splits]

Haven't seen Tristan da Silva mentioned on this board at all, I think he's going to be the steal of the draft. Great shooter, good defender, not that fast and poor handles, but those can be somewhat covered up by schemes. Would much rather take a flier on him than Bustzelis or god forbid Salaun

[PhantomDashCam]

It wasn’t just the college season. He had some behavioral/attitude issues, as well.

That was the perception but may not have been the reality.
Raf. Barlowe recently did a deep dive into this. Worth a read.

1793404183426527247

[Splits]

1795123511473676330

Oh shit maybe Risarcher will be there at 4!

[Extra Stout]

1795123511473676330

Oh shit maybe Risarcher will be there at 4!
Eric Zhang lol

[CGD]

Didn’t see this posted yet but sorry if it has. Latest CBS mock which seems pretty realistic to me:

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2024-nba-mock-draft-stephon-castle-goes-no-3-as-kentuckys-reed-sheppard-rob-dillingham-sneak-into-top-10/

Houston takes Castle 3
Spurs take Topic 4
Spurs take Carter 8

[Uriel]

Didn’t see this posted yet but sorry if it has. Latest CBS mock which seems pretty realistic to me:

https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2024-nba-mock-draft-stephon-castle-goes-no-3-as-kentuckys-reed-sheppard-rob-dillingham-sneak-into-top-10/

Houston takes Castle 3
Spurs take Topic 4
Spurs take Carter 8
Sarr, Risacher, and Castle going 1, 2, and 3 would be the absolute worst case scenario for us.

[exstatic]

That was the perception but may not have been the reality.
Raf. Barlowe recently did a deep dive into this. Worth a read.

1793404183426527247

I’m not sure that article debunked the attitude issues. I am absolutely sure that he landed in the exact wrong spot for an immature kid. Ja is no role model.

[SpursFan86]

Sarr, Risacher, and Castle going 1, 2, and 3 would be the absolute worst case scenario for us.

I don’t think so. Sheppard at #4 is totally fine with me, and then just take the best wing available at #8. Would argue that’s even preferable but I sort of go back and forth between Castle/Sheppard.

[BatManu20]

Could prob still give the Spurs 15 minutes a night tbh.

1796983656403054755

[Atl Spur]

Could prob still give the Spurs 15 minutes a night tbh.

1796983656403054755

Dope! Love Manu

[Mr. Body]

I’m not sure that article debunked the attitude issues. I am absolutely sure that he landed in the exact wrong spot for an immature kid. Ja is no role model.

Barlowe says some dumb stuff sometimes. He also likes 'baller' types beyond reason. Jackson has already been suspended by Memphis. He didn't just have one or two red flags, he had tons of them, including calling out his coach on Instagram. His teammates despised him at SC because he didn't think they existed. SC became far, far better after he left. It's a small miracle he played well for a post-injuries Grizzlies. Maybe he keeps it up. But, anyway, claiming that teams shouldn't evaluate these things in prospects is beyond stupid.

[JPB]

It is a growing belief around ST Eric Zhang is Kevin Tran's cousin.

Good job by MultiTroll.

[ace3g]

Trentyn Flowers, who had been one of the NBA draft’s best-kept secrets, is scheduled to work out for the Sixers on June 20, according to sources.

The 6-foot-7 swingman has already worked out for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, the Houston Rockets (Wednesday), and San Antonio Spurs (today). In addition to the Sixers, he has workouts scheduled with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics.

Flowers can come in the league as a three-and-D player and has a 42-inch vertical. He has impressed NBA teams during workouts after being relatively unknown after averaging just 5.2 points in 18 appearances this past season for the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League. His coming-out party was at the NBA combine in Chicago, where he tested as the most athletic and youngest wing in the draft. The 205-pounder, who graduated high school in three years, turned 19 on March 8.
The Sixers have the No. 16 and 41 picks in the NBA draft on June 26 and 27.

From Sixers beat writer

C7nJGwAN5sQ

[Mr. Body]

Trentyn Flowers, who had been one of the NBA draft’s best-kept secrets, is scheduled to work out for the Sixers on June 20, according to sources.

The 6-foot-7 swingman has already worked out for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, the Houston Rockets (Wednesday), and San Antonio Spurs (today). In addition to the Sixers, he has workouts scheduled with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics.

Flowers can come in the league as a three-and-D player and has a 42-inch vertical. He has impressed NBA teams during workouts after being relatively unknown after averaging just 5.2 points in 18 appearances this past season for the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League. His coming-out party was at the NBA combine in Chicago, where he tested as the most athletic and youngest wing in the draft. The 205-pounder, who graduated high school in three years, turned 19 on March 8.
The Sixers have the No. 16 and 41 picks in the NBA draft on June 26 and 27.

From Sixers beat writer

C7nJGwAN5sQ

Now if you're looking for the next Primo, here's your guy.

[exstatic]

Trentyn Flowers, who had been one of the NBA draft’s best-kept secrets, is scheduled to work out for the Sixers on June 20, according to sources.

The 6-foot-7 swingman has already worked out for the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Milwaukee Bucks, Sacramento Kings, the Houston Rockets (Wednesday), and San Antonio Spurs (today). In addition to the Sixers, he has workouts scheduled with the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics.

Flowers can come in the league as a three-and-D player and has a 42-inch vertical. He has impressed NBA teams during workouts after being relatively unknown after averaging just 5.2 points in 18 appearances this past season for the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League. His coming-out party was at the NBA combine in Chicago, where he tested as the most athletic and youngest wing in the draft. The 205-pounder, who graduated high school in three years, turned 19 on March 8.
The Sixers have the No. 16 and 41 picks in the NBA draft on June 26 and 27.

From Sixers beat writer

C7nJGwAN5sQ

Beware of workout wonders. If you’ve followed the NFL for a minute, you’re probably aware of the name Mike Mamula. He absolutely CRUSHED the combine in virtually every facet of speed and strength. The Eagles drafted him, and what do you know: he couldn’t fucking play football to save his life, he could just run fast, jump high, and lift a lot of weight.

Combines in any sport should just be one data point among many. I’d like the candidate to actually be able to play the sport well, first, THEN drool over any outlier athletic abilities.

[CorrectCrusader]

Great breakdown from this video on the projected top 10 bigs/forwards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnic_tGHh3c

[CorrectCrusader]

Sarr, Risacher, and Castle going 1, 2, and 3 would be the absolute worst case scenario for us.

In this scenario you take Sheppard at 4 and either of the ignite kids at 8

[BackHome]

Haven't seen Tristan da Silva mentioned on this board at all, I think he's going to be the steal of the draft. Great shooter, good defender, not that fast and poor handles, but those can be somewhat covered up by schemes. Would much rather take a flier on him than Bustzelis or god forbid Salaun

He is going to be good I think he land around 17 to 24 in this draft and I have to say this draft is actually pretty good from 12 to 24 as far as talent

[TrainOfThought5]

Sarr, Risacher, and Castle going 1, 2, and 3 would be the absolute worst case scenario for us.

Second most realistic scenario, behind Reed Sheppard to Houston, TBH.

[HankChinaski]

It would be interesting for Spurs to acquire a later 1st round pick if Edey or Clingan are still available only to fill out the 2nd unit with a traditional big man. Wouldn't go out of the way to do it but 18 to late first round pick doesn't seem like a bad grab with all the future seconds spurs have.

Not interested in having either in the starting lineup. But first beig man off the bench to spell Wemby some rest and still have that inside presence. Might work.

Could still look at other options in the draft and free agency and undrafted options all else fails

[CorrectCrusader]

Here's a new NBA mock draft simulator
https://espnanalytics.com/nba-draft-sim/

[ace3g]

https://x.com/spurs/status/1797372619332702356

[mo7888]

Here's a new NBA mock draft simulator
https://espnanalytics.com/nba-draft-sim/

I like that... it was interesting that when I took Sheppard at 4 that Buzelis was available at 8 and somehow Filipowski was still there with our 1st 2nd rd pick...

[Seventyniner]

This is certainly the most interesting draft for the Spurs in my memory. Their two picks will be the highest that aren't no-brainers (Wemby, Duncan) in a very long time.

[jjspur]

It would be interesting for Spurs to acquire a later 1st round pick if Edey or Clingan are still available only to fill out the 2nd unit with a traditional big man. Wouldn't go out of the way to do it but 18 to late first round pick doesn't seem like a bad grab with all the future seconds spurs have.

Not interested in having either in the starting lineup. But first beig man off the bench to spell Wemby some rest and still have that inside presence. Might work.

Could still look at other options in the draft and free agency and undrafted options all else fails

Very small possibility that the spurs draft Clingan, but probably for trading purposes only. Trade partners could be Memphis or OKC. Since they both need a backup big man, Clingan could be valuable to them for a price. They both have some talent and extra picks available for trade especially OKC.

[rascal]

Expecting Topic (4) and Salaun (8)

Somehow Topic is going to find his way on the Spurs

[Russ]

Very small possibility that the spurs draft Clingan, but probably for trading purposes only. Trade partners could be Memphis or OKC. Since they both need a backup big man, Clingan could be valuable to them for a price. They both have some talent and extra picks available for trade especially OKC.

Sarr might fit very well with Wemby.

Clingan would just get in his way.

[CGD]

Expecting Topic (4) and Salaun (8)

Somehow Topic is going to find his way on the Spurs

For better or worse, I agree.

[PhantomDashCam]

Here's a new NBA mock draft simulator
https://espnanalytics.com/nba-draft-sim/

Damn that’s fun. Just missing that iconic ‘the pick is in’ music.


https://youtu.be/DbI3rwEncQE?si=02_G812w05RM07Zb

[DAF86]

https://www.espnanalytics.com/nba-draft-sim

Ended up with Sheppard, Dilly and Chomche.

[sfernald]

Damn that’s fun. Just missing that iconic ‘the pick is in’ music.


https://youtu.be/DbI3rwEncQE?si=02_G812w05RM07Zb

they are missing pick 48 but this is what I came up with on my draft. Playmaking in spades!
https://i.postimg.cc/3wd59zQn/IMG-6685.jpg

[baseline bum]

1795123511473676330

Oh shit maybe Risarcher will be there at 4!

Probably not at 24 tbh

[baseline bum]

Here's a new NBA mock draft simulator
https://espnanalytics.com/nba-draft-sim/

I can't see any way Houston takes Castle, that's a strange mock.

[PhantomDashCam]

they are missing pick 48 but this is what I came up with on my draft. Playmaking in spades!


This is going to sound somewhat of an oxymoron; I like all those guys but wouldn’t want them on the same team.

The medicals on Topic are going to be huge.

[onechance87]

stephon castle is the same shit as anthony black,Same stats and flaws and everything.Dude has potential to be a major bust.

[BacktoBasics]

stephon castle is the same shit as anthony black,Same stats and flaws and everything.Dude has potential to be a major bust.

Black is anything but a bust. He was a rookie on a playoff team. Black was always going to need development. If you talk to Orlando fans they’re very high on his game and pleased with the season he gave them. What they do with Fultz will impact Black.

[Mr. Body]

Those who are really angry at drafting a questionable shooter but are jacking it to Cooper Flagg nightly, you do realize he's a complete non-shooter, right? He can't shoot at all.

[Degoat]

If the spurs had interest in the Thompson twins prior to getting the #1 pick last year, they gotta have Stephon Castle high on their big board.

[onechance87]

Black is anything but a bust. He was a rookie on a playoff team. Black was always going to need development. If you talk to Orlando fans they’re very high on his game and pleased with the season he gave them. What they do with Fultz will impact Black.

black could still be a bust

[scott]

Those who are really angry at drafting a questionable shooter but are jacking it to Cooper Flagg nightly, you do realize he's a complete non-shooter, right? He can't shoot at all.

Flagg will have to show out this coming season to maintain that early #1 hype. Bailey and Harper teaming up at Rutgers is going to be interesting to see how they combine this season. Edgecomb seems to be in a good situation at Baylor, and we’ll see what Traore does.

Lots of interesting SG/SF prospects in this year’s recruiting class. Tre Johnson at Texas, Jalil Bethea at Miami, Ian Jackson and Drake Powell at UNC, and Liam McNeely at UCONN are some early names to watch. Obvious not all of these (heck, maybe none) will pan out… but I think it’s premature to label the 2025 draft as the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Definitely reason to be excited for next year’s draft… but it’s nothing like the Wemby draft (I know you know this - so this isn’t a comment direct at you, Mr. Body, just though your comment was a good springboard).

NCAA basketball might be considerably better/more enjoyable next year as a result.

[sfernald]

This is going to sound somewhat of an oxymoron; I like all those guys but wouldn’t want them on the same team.

The medicals on Topic are going to be huge.


It’s fine. I just think increasing the BBIQ of this team would really help! I’m assuming medical will turn out fine, otherwise he will fall, fall, fall like our American democracy apparently.

[sfernald]

Those who are really angry at drafting a questionable shooter but are jacking it to Cooper Flagg nightly, you do realize he's a complete non-shooter, right? He can't shoot at all.

That hasn’t stopped anyone from jacking it to Risacher who actually only shot 30% on threes in the playoffs (2 foot closer than nba line) and only 74% from ft, lol.

[JPB]

That hasn’t stopped anyone from jacking it to Risacher who actually only shot 30% on threes in the playoffs (2 foot closer than nba line) and only 74% from ft, lol.

Risacher shot 38% on 3 in the POs and 52% overall.

He shot 56% on 3 (3.4 attempts/game) in 17 Eurocup games.
He shot 35% on 3 (3.4 attempts/game too) in 32 french league games.

That's around 40% on 3 for the season overall, at 19.

Wemby was shooting 27% on 3 last season in the french league.

[Pauleta14]

I can't see any way Houston takes Castle, that's a strange mock.

I can if Ime is involved in the decision making. Shot aside he's the coaches's dream defensive guard

+ They're shopping the pick so he could be gone to any team at 3

[Pauleta14]

stephon castle is the same shit as anthony black,Same stats and flaws and everything.Dude has potential to be a major bust.

Who isn't in this draft?

Serious question

[heyheymymy]

A.J. Johnson with # 35

Jonathan Mogbo with # 48

[SpursBills]

The fact that Jamal shead is mocked in the back of the second round while Davion mitchell, who was the exact same size, a similar if not worse defender, and was worse in every way except a single outlier 3 point shooting season (even though his FT% was shit that year) and yet got picked mid-lottery by the kings, is a pretty big LOL kings

[baseline bum]

I can if Ime is involved in the decision making. Shot aside he's the coaches's dream defensive guard

+ They're shopping the pick so he could be gone to any team at 3

It's funny the two teams who would probably most want to trade up for Houston's pick are OKC and Memphis so they could take Clingan, but not sure Houston wants to strengthen two western powers they'll be going up against every year in the playoffs. Too bad can't think of anyone in the East who would desperately want Clingan and trade up to get him.

[baseline bum]

The fact that Jamal shead is mocked in the back of the second round while Davion mitchell, who was the exact same size, a similar if not worse defender, and was worse in every way except a single outlier 3 point shooting season (even though his FT% was shit that year) and yet got picked mid-lottery by the kings, is a pretty big LOL kings

That's a dog bites man kind of story after seeing them take Bagley, Jimmer, and Stauskas tbh

[baseline bum]

Who isn't in this draft?

Serious question

Probably Sarr, hard to see him as anything other than at least a good defensive starting big. After that though :lol

[sfernald]

Risacher shot 38% on 3 in the POs and 52% overall.

He shot 56% on 3 (3.4 attempts/game) in 17 Eurocup games.
He shot 35% on 3 (3.4 attempts/game too) in 32 french league games.

That's around 40% on 3 for the season overall, at 19.

Wemby was shooting 27% on 3 last season in the french league.

I meant just his last five games which was when everyone was jacking off to him recently. I know he’s played a ton of different games across different leagues this year. The shot still is 2 feet closer in. And comparing anyone to Wemby is a joke.

[sfernald]

Probably Sarr, hard to see him as anything other than at least a good defensive starting big. After that though :lol

probably Clingan too unless his foot starts acting up again.

[Pauleta14]

It's funny the two teams who would probably most want to trade up for Houston's pick are OKC and Memphis so they could take Clingan, but not sure Houston wants to strengthen two western powers they'll be going up against every year in the playoffs. Too bad can't think of anyone in the East who would desperately want Clingan and trade up to get him.

What makes you say that?

[baseline bum]

What makes you say that?

Because they both desperately need a big like Clingan while otherwise this draft is so weak teams won't give up much to move up.

[Pauleta14]

Because they both desperately need a big like Clingan while otherwise this draft is so weak teams won't give up much to move up.

I agree on both teams needs

My point was what makes you think there aren't plenty of other teams who wouldn't be interested by the 3rd pick?

In this draft it might not be that expensive, who knows?

[baseline bum]

I agree on both teams needs

My point was what makes you think there aren't plenty of other teams who wouldn't be interested by the 3rd pick?

In this draft it might not be that expensive, who knows?

I think those are the only two that would offer anything Houston something better than them just drafting Sheppard and keeping him.

[Pauleta14]

I think those are the only two that would offer anything Houston something better than them just drafting Sheppard and keeping him.

ok.

We'll see but I'm tunned at the lack of infos or leaks. It changes so much from football (soccer) in europe

I feel like nobody knows shit really, hence my question

[Vienna]

people here are acting as if they had seen his last 20 games full time and afterwise did a deep analysis. oh well.

[exstatic]

It's funny the two teams who would probably most want to trade up for Houston's pick are OKC and Memphis so they could take Clingan, but not sure Houston wants to strengthen two western powers they'll be going up against every year in the playoffs. Too bad can't think of anyone in the East who would desperately want Clingan and trade up to get him.


Knicks? Their centers seem to be stopgaps.

[LeBowen]

Knicks? Their centers seem to be stopgaps.

Hartenstein has been amazing for them and they're hoping he leaves some money on the table in FA and stays.
Maybe Orlando tries to get Rockets pick, I don't think WCJ is a long-term solution for them.

[exstatic]

Hartenstein has been amazing for them and they're hoping he leaves some money on the table in FA and stays.
Maybe Orlando tries to get Rockets pick, I don't think WCJ is a long-term solution for them.

8/8 with 1.1 block is amazing?

[LeBowen]

8/8 with 1.1 block is amazing?

Amazing for a role player.
You should watch some games instead of just looking at the numbers.
He does his job.

Knicks priorities are to keep OG and Hartenstein and then wait for a superstar to become available to use all of their picks and Randle.

[exstatic]

Amazing for a role player.
You should watch some games instead of just looking at the numbers.
He does his job.

Knicks priorities are to keep OG and Hartenstein and then wait for a superstar to become available to use all of their picks and Randle.

They can’t wait too long. Those good Detroit and Washington picks are in 2025. That’s pretty much their wad.

[ChumpDumper]

Would be interesting if Edey fell to the Knicks or they moved up to him.

[Pauleta14]

Kevin O'Connor keeps changing his mind episode 124654574845

He has the Spurs taking Buzelis at 4 and Topic at 8. main argument being "I heard the Spurs are looking for size in this draft"... :lol


https://youtu.be/21ZcY-4TkMg?si=TRa99WEg0FEPJ5lX

[BatManu20]

Hoping Givony is full of shit here cause the Spurs need to suck again this year (and they likely will). Players improving while still having our sights on the 2025 Draft should be the priority here, not making the playoffs tbh.

1797710715626942657

[LeBowen]

Hoping Givony is full of shit here cause the Spurs need to suck again this year (and they likely will). Players improving while still having our sights on the 2025 Draft should be the priority here, not making the playoffs tbh.


Givony is full of shit, but takes that Spurs need to stay in the lottery are also horrible.
We got the generational talent, we have #9, #11 picks on the roster, we're getting #4 and #8 in this draft...how much more do you want?

There are five teams that are 100% guaranteed to be worse than the Spurs next season and a few more candidates to blow it up and tank.
We got lucky with 14% odds for Wemby. Got lucky that Raptors pick conveyed and got lucky to move up to #4.

You want to take another season away from Wemby just to take another spin like a gambling addict?
Once upon a time we frowned on fanbases with this attitude, nowdays people want to stay in the lottery for sixth consecutive season, smh.

I've seen all 164 games of these two garbage seasons and if PATFO decides to tank again I sincerely hope they get fucked and drop as much as possible in the lottery.

[Joseph Kony]

I think the Spurs should make moves to start trying to be competitive now. tanking for the 2025 draft offers no guarantees, and regardless, Spurs will have at least two picks one of which is very likely to be a lotto pick, and it is very possible the Chicago pick conveys as well. if there is someone they're enamored with in the draft they can always use those picks to trade up. imo they should not purposely waste another season in hopes of getting lucky next year, wasting yet another season of rookie-scale Wemby while we wait for whatever 2025 pick to develop. i'm not saying go ALL IN and cash out all your assets now, but they should start trying to actually improve the roster with the goal of making the play-in/playoffs next season

[kobyz]

Why not to take Clingan fourth and try to bring back the tween tower on steroids? Just because Wemby and Collins combination didn't work doesn't say Wemby can't play with other bigman

[exstatic]

Hoping Givony is full of shit here cause the Spurs need to suck again this year (and they likely will). Players improving while still having our sights on the 2025 Draft should be the priority here, not making the playoffs tbh.

1797710715626942657

Spurs were 13-14 over the last 27, and 7-4 over the last 11, even with the ragtag roster around Victor. They would have to break Victor’s leg to not win 30, with as many teams that will tank next year. Add a couple of vets, and you’re a play in team. If we draft high next year,it will have to be the ATL pick jumping into the top 4.

[SpursBills]

If SA take Castle at 4 like many expect, I would assume Sheppard would be long gone by 8. If Dillingham is already gone or if people have issues with his slightness of frame, McCain is probably not a bad alternative - he might be the best shooter in the draft, and has one of the highest half-court rim% of all the freshman guards. He is most likely a combo guard at the next level - he is basically CJ McCollum crossed with a fire hydrant, with hidden playmaking upside given his role in high school as well as the fact that he was sharing the court with two pure point guard in Proctor and Roach. Having him as at worst your 3rd guard who gives you much needed shooting while waiting for 2025 for your wings may not be a terrible consolation prize.

[SpursFan86]

Hoping Givony is full of shit here cause the Spurs need to suck again this year (and they likely will). Players improving while still having our sights on the 2025 Draft should be the priority here, not making the playoffs tbh.

1797710715626942657

I don’t think there’s really any (smart) way for the Spurs to tank this year. Even if we don’t do a single thing in the offseason, VW improving further and the current roster having an offseason to build more chemistry and build off of the (relatively) strong finish to the season…I don’t see us being a bottom 5 team in the league barring a Victor injury. Hell, look at what we did the last 1/4 of the season…we were pretty much playing like a 35-40 win team.

And that’s fine. We will still likely have our own mid-late lottery pick in 2025, + decent potential for another lottery pick from Atlanta + a top 10 protected CHI pick. It’s not like the Spurs trying to not suck this year means we won’t have a chance at getting some serious talent in next year’s draft.

[CGD]

If SA take Castle at 4 like many expect, I would assume Sheppard would be long gone by 8. If Dillingham is already gone or if people have issues with his slightness of frame, McCain is probably not a bad alternative - he might be the best shooter in the draft, and has one of the highest half-court rim% of all the freshman guards. He is most likely a combo guard at the next level - he is basically CJ McCollum crossed with a fire hydrant, with hidden playmaking upside given his role in high school as well as the fact that he was sharing the court with two pure point guard in Proctor and Roach. Having him as at worst your 3rd guard who gives you much needed shooting while waiting for 2025 for your wings may not be a terrible consolation prize.

Why would you assume Reed is gone by then? DET has a glut of PGs, CHA has LaMelo, and POR has a glut of PGs too. I think Spurs coming away with Castle + Reed is very much in play.

[RC_Drunkford]

Don‘t worry, as long as we play Zach Collins as our back up Center, which Pop will do to justify his contract, it will make our record worse. We‘ll always lose our leads or be down 10+ with him out there, so the starters with Victor gotta play from behind.

[SpursBills]

Why would you assume Reed is gone by then? DET has a glut of PGs, CHA has LaMelo, and POR has a glut of PGs too. I think Spurs coming away with Castle + Reed is very much in play.

I assume Sheppard is going to Houston at 3. If not, he fits perfectly next to either Cade or Lamelo. Honestly, if both Sheppard and Castle are there at 4, I take Sheppard first and hope that between Charlotte's pick and Castle basically trying to direct himself away from Hornets, that you're able to trade up to 6 for Castle.

[BackHome]

Spurs were 13-14 over the last 27, and 7-4 over the last 11, even with the ragtag roster around Victor. They would have to break Victor’s leg to not win 30, with as many teams that will tank next year. Add a couple of vets, and you’re a play in team. If we draft high next year,it will have to be the ATL pick jumping into the top 4.

Two things the first is most teams were not playing for anything even playoff teams were resting people against us. The second thing not being discussed is that Wemby just played his longest season ever and just after that it he is going straight to practice with the French team. Pretty much it is a given that the French team is going to go deep so I don't know how is body is going to hold up with playing NBA-French Team-NBA season?

[rascal]

I assume Sheppard is going to Houston at 3. If not, he fits perfectly next to either Cade or Lamelo. Honestly, if both Sheppard and Castle are there at 4, I take Sheppard first and hope that between Charlotte's pick and Castle basically trying to direct himself away from Hornets, that you're able to trade up to 6 for Castle.

Castle is the more unique player. You take him at 4. Sheppard or Dillingham one or even both will probably still be there at 8. Det- Clingan Charlotte- Williams/ Buzelis/Holland and Portland - Holland/Buzelis/ Williams

[barakz21]

What’s the deal with Salaun getting mocked to us at 8? It’s not like he fills a need. I mean long term, maybe. But in the short term, he’s rawer than a a freshly served salmon sashimi fresh off the coast of Alaska. If we’re going for a position of need, we might as well get Cody Williams at 8 to be the starter at the 3 spot. Thats assuming we pick Castle/Reed/Dilly at 4. Ideally though, I’d pick Risacher at 4 if he was available then whoever is available among those 3 guards at 8.

[mo7888]

I assume Sheppard is going to Houston at 3. If not, he fits perfectly next to either Cade or Lamelo. Honestly, if both Sheppard and Castle are there at 4, I take Sheppard first and hope that between Charlotte's pick and Castle basically trying to direct himself away from Hornets, that you're able to trade up to 6 for Castle.

That makes sense. Detroit isn't taking Castle (but might take Sheppard), and the Charlotte trade framework would be in place before the draft based on this scenario..

[SpursBills]

Castle is the more unique player. You take him at 4. Sheppard or Dillingham one or even both will probably still be there at 8. Det- Clingan Charlotte- Williams/ Buzelis/Holland and Portland - Holland/Buzelis/ Williams

We have completely different approaches when it comes evaluating prospects so we are going to have to disagree on the correct course of action here

[Mr. Body]

What’s the deal with Salaun getting mocked to us at 8? It’s not like he fills a need. I mean long term, maybe. But in the short term, he’s rawer than a a freshly served salmon sashimi fresh off the coast of Alaska. If we’re going for a position of need, we might as well get Cody Williams at 8 to be the starter at the 3 spot. Thats assuming we pick Castle/Reed/Dilly at 4. Ideally though, I’d pick Risacher at 4 if he was available then whoever is available among those 3 guards at 8.

New rule that the Spurs must draft a non-Wemby French player every draft from now on. This is why they took Cissoko.

[rascal]

New rule that the Spurs must draft a non-Wemby French player every draft from now on. This is why they took Cissoko.

That would be a stupid way to draft

[exstatic]

Two things the first is most teams were not playing for anything even playoff teams were resting people against us. The second thing not being discussed is that Wemby just played his longest season ever and just after that it he is going straight to practice with the French team. Pretty much it is a given that the French team is going to go deep so I don't know how is body is going to hold up with playing NBA-French Team-NBA season?

Olympics are in August, so I can’t imagine their camp starting any earlier than early July. Spurs stopped playing in mid April, so that will be plenty of rest.

[exstatic]

That would be a stupid way to draft

Sarcasm detection fail.

[rascal]

Sarcasm detection fail.


I baited you into this post. I knew some smartass would post this.

[CGD]

I assume Sheppard is going to Houston at 3. If not, he fits perfectly next to either Cade or Lamelo. Honestly, if both Sheppard and Castle are there at 4, I take Sheppard first and hope that between Charlotte's pick and Castle basically trying to direct himself away from Hornets, that you're able to trade up to 6 for Castle.

My bad, I read too quick. I thought you meant a world where Spurs pass on him at 4. Overlooked the Houston scenario.

DET still seems tough to me since they just spent two drafts taking PGs. Maybe if they take Reed it could mean Ivey isn’t in their long terms plans?

I suppose CHA could be a fit, but I have them pegged as a Holland home to compliment Miller and give Melo another toy to lob to. But I do like having the CHA pick as ammo to move up from 8 to 6 if need be.

[exstatic]

I baited you into this post. I knew some smartass would post this.

Ha. I baited YOU into baiting ME.

[CGD]

Is this the event in Europe that is supposed to tell us how ZR, Salian, and Topic measure and otherwise grade out?

https://www.si.com/nba/draft/newsfeed/2024-adidas-eurocamp-day-1-recap

[sfernald]

Am I a sick puppy?

https://i.postimg.cc/3rjFjpnn/IMG-6739.jpg

[TD 21]

I assume Sheppard is going to Houston at 3. If not, he fits perfectly next to either Cade or Lamelo. Honestly, if both Sheppard and Castle are there at 4, I take Sheppard first and hope that between Charlotte's pick and Castle basically trying to direct himself away from Hornets, that you're able to trade up to 6 for Castle.

If the Trail Blazers supposed interest in Clingan is significant enough and the Spurs interest in Castle is, then they should be working in concert with his representation to dissuade the Hornets enough that they pass and he gets to 7, in which case: Spurs trade ideas - Page 44 (spurstalk.com) (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303137&page=44&p=11071602#post11071602)

[buttsR4rebounding]

I baited you into this post. I knew some smartass would post this.


Ha. I baited YOU into baiting ME.

It’s a draw. You are both master baiters.

[Mnky]

It’s a draw. You are both master baiters.

:lobt2:

[szkorhetz]

Am I a sick puppy?

https://i.postimg.cc/3rjFjpnn/IMG-6739.jpg
I would hate this outcome.

[JPB]

Spurs were 13-14 over the last 27, and 7-4 over the last 11, even with the ragtag roster around Victor. They would have to break Victor’s leg to not win 30, with as many teams that will tank next year. Add a couple of vets, and you’re a play in team. If we draft high next year,it will have to be the ATL pick jumping into the top 4.


Would be a mistake to take the last 25 games of the season as the standard and level of this team. The all star break is when you start seeing half of the NBA tanking and the last 10 games or so playoff teams resting and "load managing" their best players.

The exact same roster would still be bottom of the league next season and would have no shot at the play in with just a couple vets.

It took 46 wins last year to be top 10 in the West. Add HOU (reportedly shopping for a star) and MEM getting back Ja to last year 10 PO/play in teams, and spurs woun't be in the discussion.

Last year where we all saw that team get so much better and have a shot at the play in should serve as an (humbling) lesson.

[LeBowen]

It took 46 wins last year to be top 10 in the West. Add HOU (reportedly shopping for a star) and MEM getting back Ja to last year 10 PO/play in teams, and spurs woun't be in the discussion.

As if everyone that was in top10 will stay on the same level.
Clippers are old and injured, Warriors look done unless they make major moves.
Lakers also need a major move, otherwise Lebron/AD inevitably get injured again. Not to mention they're about to hire JJ Redick as their coach.
We'll see what Pelicans do, they're obviously trying to get rid of Ingram and even CJ.
Kings peaked with Sabonis/Fox no defense combo.

I'm not saying Spurs will be better than any of these teams unless some moves are made, but chances of every playoff team staying healthy are really low these days.
And while we might just miss out on the playoffs while trying to compete, it's still progress and good experience for young players.
You don't go from 20ish to 50ish wins in one year. Won't happen.

[Uriel]

One year after drafting Sidy Cissoko, I'm curious about peoples' thoughts on how he compares with Rayan Rupert, the player drafted right before him. Did we get the better prospect or should we still regret that we weren't able to get Rupert instead?

[exstatic]

One year after drafting Sidy Cissoko, I'm curious about peoples' thoughts on how he compares with Rayan Rupert, the player drafted right before him. Did we get the better prospect or should we still regret that we weren't able to get Rupert instead?

The plan was always Sidy. They had agreed to draft him,and give him an NBA contract so that he could pay his buyout in Spain instead of a 2way.

All that being said, I don’t think either of these players have a real NBA future. Sidy’s shot looks irreparably broken, and on an absolute tanking team Rupert managed to play only a bit over half of the games.

[Vienna]

Would be a mistake to take the last 25 games of the season as the standard and level of this team. The all star break is when you start seeing half of the NBA tanking and the last 10 games or so playoff teams resting and "load managing" their best players.

The exact same roster would still be bottom of the league next season and would have no shot at the play in with just a couple vets.

It took 46 wins last year to be top 10 in the West. Add HOU (reportedly shopping for a star) and MEM getting back Ja to last year 10 PO/play in teams, and spurs woun't be in the discussion.

Last year where we all saw that team get so much better and have a shot at the play in should serve as an (humbling) lesson.

I don't want to claim the Spurs will make the PO next season, but I don't agree the Spurs had no shot at all. the Rockets were close last season and they managed to improve from 22 to 41 wins. their steps and moves in the off season are in a range the Spurs might manage to achive as well.
I get the point, that the Spurs were benefiting from some tanking of other teams at the end of last season, but you can't ignore that especially Wemby took like 3 steps in his rookie season.
it's not naive to expect Wemby at at least this level from start of next season and it's as well not an exorbitant expectation to think he will be better. and I do expect to see more of the Vassell from February over the whole season.
if this two events occur, the Spurs will win 30-35 games. some improvement from the young players add another 5 wins, so you need trades, FAs and probably picks who deliver some help immediately to get another 7-10 wins and you are in the play in.
as I said, I don't claim that all this will happen that way, I just claim there is a chance and it's greater than 5%.

[drpill]

I have not been high on Salaun, and he's still not one of my favourite picks, but this Sam Vecenie podcast breaks down his game pretty thoroughly and makes an interesting case for him as a top ten pick in this weak draft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGyquTjAWg

I had ChatGPT summarize the key points from the conversation:


### Player Profile Summary

#### Strengths

1. **Energy and Effort**:
- Salaun consistently exhibits high energy and effort on both ends of the floor, which translates into significant contributions such as offensive rebounds, effective off-ball movement, and strong transition play.
- He shows a relentless motor, never giving up on plays and often making multiple efforts within a single possession.

2. **Defensive Awareness**:
- Demonstrates strong defensive awareness with excellent recognition and communication skills.
- Effective at helping and recovering on defense, making scram switches, and covering a lot of ground quickly.
- His ability to recognize defensive schemes and react accordingly is a standout feature, often making him a disruptive force on defense.

3. **Off-Ball Movement**:
- Exceptional cutter, with well-timed cuts that create opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
- Shows a keen understanding of spacing and positioning off the ball, making him a valuable asset in systems that emphasize ball movement.
- Effective in transition, drawing defenders and creating open shots for teammates, which adds another dimension to his game.

4. **Shooting Potential**:
- Exhibits confidence in his shooting with good mechanics, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations.
- Demonstrates the ability to hit important shots in critical moments, showcasing his clutch potential.
- His footwork and balance while shooting are solid, indicating significant room for development as a reliable perimeter shooter.

#### Areas for Improvement

1. **Ball Handling and Control**:
- Needs to improve his ball handling, as a loose handle often leads to turnovers or compromised offensive actions.
- Struggles with maintaining control under pressure, which can result in lost possessions.
- Developing a tighter dribble and better control will be crucial for him to enhance his effectiveness when driving to the basket.

2. **Skill Level**:
- Currently limited in advanced moves when attacking off the dribble.
- Needs to improve his touch on runners and floaters, as evidenced by poor shooting percentages in these areas.
- His overall skill level, particularly in on-ball situations and passing, needs to develop to match higher expectations.

3. **Body Positioning and Balance**:
- At times, his body positioning can be off, particularly when he is off the ball.
- Occasionally gets too high or turned around, affecting his ability to make quick, effective movements.
- Needs to work on maintaining better control and balance, especially in defensive situations to avoid getting caught out of position.

#### Potential and Fit

- **Defensive Potential**:
- The player has a high ceiling as a defender due to his effort, awareness, and physical tools.
- He has the potential to be a significant defensive asset, capable of guarding multiple positions and providing strong help defense.

- **Offensive Role**:
- He could excel as an off-ball player, utilizing his cutting, shooting, and high energy.
- Best suited for a system that values ball movement and off-ball activity, allowing him to leverage his strengths.
- Needs to be paired with strong ball handlers and creators to maximize his off-ball contributions effectively.

- **Comparison to Aaron Gordon**:
- While he lacks Aaron Gordon’s elite athleticism and on-ball skills, he offers a different set of strengths, particularly in shooting and off-ball movement.
- Could develop into a similar "garbage man" role, providing valuable contributions without needing the ball in his hands frequently.
- His shooting ability is more advanced than Gordon’s at a similar stage, which could be a critical aspect of his development and utilization.

#### Conclusion
The player exhibits significant potential due to his energy, defensive awareness, and off-ball movement. While there are clear areas for improvement, particularly in ball handling and overall skill level, his shooting mechanics and defensive instincts provide a solid foundation for growth. His optimal fit within a team will involve a system that leverages his strengths and minimizes his current limitations, allowing him to thrive as a high-energy, off-ball player with substantial defensive upside.

While I'd prefer the Spurs go in a different direction, Salaun really sounds like someone who will be high on their draft board and a very likely pick at 8. Drafting Salaun also helps the Spurs in their quest to get a better pick in 2025 as he seems unlikely to be a real contributor in his first season, so if the team is looking for a stealth semi-tank season, he'd make some sense.

[JPB]

As if everyone that was in top10 will stay on the same level.

Some will get better, like HOU and MEM, and the other not bad enough for this year's roster + 2 vets to pass them...Aging or not, spurs wouldn't be passing the PG12/Harden/Nephew Clippers, Curry's Warriors or Lebron-AD Lakers who will always find a way to reshape the roster. And we can forget MIN, OKC, DAL or DEN. NO with a healthy Zion (not a given) showed they could be dangerous team last year and trading Ingram could actually make them better.


You don't go from 20ish to 50ish wins in one year. Won't happen.

sure, we agree on that, this roster + 2 vets won't get to 50 wins. Could only happen if spurs make major moves. Otherwise they don't even sniff the play in.

[CorrectCrusader]

Spurs have 2 good players on their current starting five. If they expect to be anything other than a bottom feeder next year they're delusional

[Uriel]

The plan was always Sidy. They had agreed to draft him,and give him an NBA contract so that he could pay his buyout in Spain instead of a 2way.

All that being said, I don’t think either of these players have a real NBA future. Sidy’s shot looks irreparably broken, and on an absolute tanking team Rupert managed to play only a bit over half of the games.
How do you know the plan was always Sidy? If that were the case, wouldn’t we have drafted him at 33 instead of trading the pick away?

From what I remember, we were interested in Rupert at 33, but he asked other teams not to draft him because he had a promise from the Blazers. And we were thrilled when Cissoko was still there at 44 because he was one of our options at 33.

[JPB]

I don't want to claim the Spurs will make the PO next season, but I don't agree the Spurs had no shot at all. the Rockets were close last season and they managed to improve from 22 to 41 wins. their steps and moves in the off season are in a range the Spurs might manage to achive as well.
I get the point, that the Spurs were benefiting from some tanking of other teams at the end of last season, but you can't ignore that especially Wemby took like 3 steps in his rookie season.
it's not naive to expect Wemby at at least this level from start of next season and it's as well not an exorbitant expectation to think he will be better. and I do expect to see more of the Vassell from February over the whole season.
if this two events occur, the Spurs will win 30-35 games. some improvement from the young players add another 5 wins, so you need trades, FAs and probably picks who deliver some help immediately to get another 7-10 wins and you are in the play in.
as I said, I don't claim that all this will happen that way, I just claim there is a chance and it's greater than 5%.

Oh I'm not worried about Wemby at all. He WILL be freaky but the rest of the roster has shown none of them were starters in a competitive team; besides Vassel, and not as a 2nd option...

It's natural for us fans to hope for the best and our players will take the next step but that's exactly what we did last year when everyone here, including myself, predicted only fools wouldn't think this team will win 30+games and that they could make the play in... We were wayyyyyyyyy off, and many fellas lost some good money. So I would be prudent now.

And it's not just about us, other teasm are working too and when you look at the standings, I do'nt see path for this year's roster + 2 vets to crack the top 10 ... Houston had better prospects when they added and overpaid for Brooks and VV (and I really don't believe spurs would do that kind of moves for that knd of players), not to mention a young, inspiring coach if you know what I mean. I've always been a Pop guy, but at some point you have to ask yourself if he's still up to the task. Players are done at some point, coaches too.

[exstatic]

Spurs have 2 good players on their current starting five. If they expect to be anything other than a bottom feeder next year they're delusional

They have one good player, and a player who transcends labels or a ceiling.

[Mr. Body]

I have not been high on Salaun, and he's still not one of my favourite picks, but this Sam Vecenie podcast breaks down his game pretty thoroughly and makes an interesting case for him as a top ten pick in this weak draft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGyquTjAWg

I had ChatGPT summarize the key points from the conversation:



While I'd prefer the Spurs go in a different direction, Salaun really sounds like someone who will be high on their draft board and a very likely pick at 8. Drafting Salaun also helps the Spurs in their quest to get a better pick in 2026 as he seems unlikely to be a real contributor in his first season, so if the team is looking for a stealth semi-tank season, he'd make some sense.

Tidjane Salaun scouting report:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5JYp_Wc4Kc

[LeBowen]

Some will get better, like HOU and MEM, and the other not bad enough for this year's roster + 2 vets to pass them...Aging or not, spurs wouldn't be passing the PG12/Harden/Nephew Clippers, Curry's Warriors or Lebron-AD Lakers who will always find a way to reshape the roster. And we can forget MIN, OKC, DAL or DEN. NO with a healthy Zion (not a given) showed they could be dangerous team last year and trading Ingram could actually make them better.


Yeah, Warriors always find a way. That's why they missed the playoffs three times in the last five years.
Lakers and reshaping the roster. :lol Can't wait for another trade that makes them worse.

I'm not saying that Spurs will make the playoffs or even be close to it.
But we'll have a top10 player in the league and there at least 5 teams that will be blantantly tanking. It would be pointless to tank when we'll be in 6-10th best odds range, either way.

[Ariel]

I have not been high on Salaun, and he's still not one of my favourite picks, but this Sam Vecenie podcast breaks down his game pretty thoroughly and makes an interesting case for him as a top ten pick in this weak draft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGyquTjAWg

I had ChatGPT summarize the key points from the conversation:

While I'd prefer the Spurs go in a different direction, Salaun really sounds like someone who will be high on their draft board and a very likely pick at 8. Drafting Salaun also helps the Spurs in their quest to get a better pick in 2025 as he seems unlikely to be a real contributor in his first season, so if the team is looking for a stealth semi-tank season, he'd make some sense.
Tidjane Salaun in a nutshell:
https://i.postimg.cc/9fbyCBwz/Edgar.gif
Dribbling a basketball
https://i.makeagif.com/media/10-06-2020/obkzPl.gif
Stretching

[onechance87]

is salum a better defender then rissacher,Or is he better then risachher in anything?Maybe better rebounder?

[sfernald]

I have not been high on Salaun, and he's still not one of my favourite picks, but this Sam Vecenie podcast breaks down his game pretty thoroughly and makes an interesting case for him as a top ten pick in this weak draft. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGyquTjAWg

I had ChatGPT summarize the key points from the conversation:



While I'd prefer the Spurs go in a different direction, Salaun really sounds like someone who will be high on their draft board and a very likely pick at 8. Drafting Salaun also helps the Spurs in their quest to get a better pick in 2025 as he seems unlikely to be a real contributor in his first season, so if the team is looking for a stealth semi-tank season, he'd make some sense.

Cool use of ChatGPT!

Dear god, we ‘bout to get tiddy fucked huh!

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a worse dribbler that was above high school. He can’t fucking dribble the ball without looking at it!

[CorrectCrusader]

is salum a better defender then rissacher,Or is he better then risachher in anything?Maybe better rebounder?

Risacher is the better defender no Q

[Russ]

One year after drafting Sidy Cissoko, I'm curious about peoples' thoughts on how he compares with Rayan Rupert, the player drafted right before him. Did we get the better prospect or should we still regret that we weren't able to get Rupert instead?

Actually, the Spurs could have had both Rupert and GG Jackson. Both.

[LeBowen]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/2024/

Just updated.
KOC is losing his mind, tbh.

[BatManu20]

is salum a better defender then rissacher,Or is he better then risachher in anything?Maybe better rebounder?

Risacher is a significantly better defender. Iso-Defense is one of Salaun’s biggest weaknesses.

[BatManu20]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/2024/

Just updated.
KOC is losing his mind, tbh.

KOC’s been shit for a while tbh. Feels like he either doesn’t cover the sport like he used to or just had a kid and has been really busy so just just throws shit at the wall not to see what will stick.

[BatManu20]

Not happening imo but posting anyways.

1797999448179835241

[BatManu20]

1797997932010201492

[BatManu20]

He’s a Spur I fear.

1797987462901588135

[Ariel]

He’s a Spur I fear.

1797987462901588135
Oh God please no. He´d be a great fit on Detroit, Charlotte, Portland. Someone take him, for God sakes!!! Anyone???? Please???!!!!!

[Ariel]

Fuck, this is just taking all of the fun of the draft for me. Now I'm just stressing in anticipation for bad news :lol

[LeBowen]

He’s a Spur I fear.

1797987462901588135

Tbh, since Risacher will be gone, he might be the best wing prospect available, especially since he probably won't be picked before #8.
Buzelis is a player in theory.
Holland is just an athlete with very few basketball skills.
Williams is there just because of his brother, underwhelming in all aspects.
Knecht is a 23 year old with horrible defense.

I'd take Castle/Dillingham and Salaun, tbh.
Topic and Salaun would be bad because neither would contribute right away.
Using one of the picks in a trade should also be an option.

[Mugen]

-I really hope the Grizzlies trade into #3 to presumably select Clingan. That would be so huge for the Spurs
-I don't really know why people say Saluan would be a bad pick at #8 because he can't contribute right away. The Spurs absolutely have the roster room and the timeline to get an immediate contributor at #4 and a project guy like Saluan at #8. That's not even debatable tbh :lol

[BatManu20]

1798014513570357288

[CorrectCrusader]

https://x.com/draftexpress/status/1797994489887457737

[CorrectCrusader]

Tbh, since Risacher will be gone, he might be the best wing prospect available, especially since he probably won't be picked before #8.
Buzelis is a player in theory.


Basically all of the wings in this draft are "players in theory". They all have huge weaknesses. If they didn't they'd be the undisputed #1 overall

[BatManu20]

Tbh since Risacher will be gone, he might be the best wing prospect available, especially since he probably won't be picked before #8

I'd take Castle/Dillingham and Salaun, tbh.
Topic and Salaun would be bad because neither would contribute right away.
Using one of the picks in a trade should also be an option.


Idk, Portland is reportedly interested in Salaun at 7 as well if you believe Twitter hoop analysts. And they are nowhere near competing for anything so they have the time and patience to wait for a prospect like him to develop. I could even see Charlotte swinging for the fences with him at 6 in such a weak draft. A lot will depend on his personal workouts/scrimmages imo.

[sfernald]

Here’s one I sort of like. Surround Wemby with versatile shooters:

https://i.postimg.cc/tJbvjdxk/IMG-6743.jpg

[LeBowen]

Basically all of the wings in this draft are "players in theory". They all have huge weaknesses. If they didn't they'd be the undisputed #1 overall

True, but others at least have something to fall back on if their ceiling is a subpar role player.
Buzelis has nothing as of now.



Idk, Portland is reportedly interested in Salaun at 7 as well if you believe Twitter hoop analysts. And they are nowhere near competing for anything so they have the time and patience to wait for a prospect like him to develop. I could even see Charlotte swinging for the fences with him at 6 in such a weak draft. A lot will depend on his personal workouts/scrimmages imo.

You're right. Blazers are definitely going for a wing, they have way too many guards and are even looking to get rid of some. They just hit the reset button, they'll be awful for a couple more years.
From what I've read, Castle is Hornets' first choice. They have enough spacing with Ball/Bridges/Miller, they need a POA defender.
Idk who they go for if we take Castle.

[BatManu20]

Here’s one I sort of like. Surround Wemby with versatile shooters:

https://i.postimg.cc/tJbvjdxk/IMG-6743.jpg

Spurs aint drafting 3 white guys in one draft tbh :lol

[sfernald]

Spurs aint drafting 3 white guys in one draft tbh :lol

lol I missed that!

[exstatic]

Not happening imo but posting anyways.

1797999448179835241
Seems like this is people playing telephone withGivoney’s rumor.

[Mr. Body]

ESPN: We need to generate clicks and chatter about this draft thing coming up. Givony, say something stupid.

[rjv]

Would be a mistake to take the last 25 games of the season as the standard and level of this team. The all star break is when you start seeing half of the NBA tanking and the last 10 games or so playoff teams resting and "load managing" their best players.

The exact same roster would still be bottom of the league next season and would have no shot at the play in with just a couple vets.

It took 46 wins last year to be top 10 in the West. Add HOU (reportedly shopping for a star) and MEM getting back Ja to last year 10 PO/play in teams, and spurs woun't be in the discussion.

Last year where we all saw that team get so much better and have a shot at the play in should serve as an (humbling) lesson.

Teams that are definitely back in the playoffs next season (if no injury setback for any of them): Dallas, Denver, Minnesota, Memphis, and OKC.

Teams that are likely back in the playoffs: New Orleans Pelicans

Teams that could go either way: Clippers, Kings, Lakers, Rockets, Suns and Warriors.

That leaves the Blazers and Jazz as the other two teams.

Right now, I can say for sure that the Spurs are better than the Blazers and I'm pretty sure they'll pass the Jazz. Could the Spurs have a better record than any of the seven other teams that are not shoe-ins?

If not, they finish 13th in the West.

Then, one has to see who, in the East, that will not make the playoffs, the Spurs will have a better record than. The for sure playoff teams in the East will be: Boston, Indiana, New York and Philly. Likely playoff teams are: Miami and Orlando. That leaves Atlanta, Brooklyn, Cleveland, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Toronto and Washington. I think it's quite possible that the Spurs could be better, next season, than most, if not all, of the teams in the East that do not make the playoffs and maybe even better than a couple of the teams that do.

Being in the West will most likely place the Spurs in the lottery again next year, but likely with a late lottery pick. Then again, if some of these teams in the West suffer major collapses (or injuries), the Spurs could stumble into that 8th seed.

I guess we'll have a better gauge of things when the draft and free agency have run their course.

[Pauleta14]

He’s a Spur I fear.

1797987462901588135

Not my 1st choice but his upside is ridiculous. He'd be a horse on the floor

He's had an exponential progression the last years and I don't see any reason that trend would stop with his known great work ethic, his ridiculous bodytype and his poximity to Wemby (and the influence this one will have just by proximity effect)

Wouldn't be worth a meltdwon (that would happen anyway whoever we pick)

[JPB]

Not happening imo but posting anyways.

1797999448179835241

All these pundits are reading ST tbh.

[JPB]

1798014513570357288

I know it's a business, and rumors or not, you can't help thinking about the rest of the players reading this. Good luck selling them cohesion and accountability at the start of the season.

[ChumpDumper]

I know it's a business, and rumors or not, you can't help thinking about the rest of the players reading this. Good luck selling them cohesion and accountability at the start of the season.Meh. If you want to be untouchable, make yourself untouchable. If the Spurs had 5 untouchable players they'd be really good.

[Mr. Body]

If there's anybody that has their finger on the pulse and lifeblood of Spurs basketball, it's @draftexpress.

[LeBowen]

I know it's a business, and rumors or not, you can't help thinking about the rest of the players reading this. Good luck selling them cohesion and accountability at the start of the season.

Out of all teams, Spurs are the least likely organization to leak something like this.
Every single player in the NBA knows they could get traded at any time.
Other than Bradley Beal, I guess. :lol

And tbh, I don't care about the feelings of this roster.
Keldon had five years to prove himself, he's nothing special.
Tre is entering his final year and is an undersized PG with a questionable shot.
Jeremy has potential, but he knows he needs to work on his shot if he wants to be a part of Spurs future.
Others are lucky to even be in the league.

[JPB]

Not my 1st choice but his upside is ridiculous. He'd be a horse on the floor

He's had an exponential progression the last years and I don't see any reason that trend would stop with his known great work ethic, his ridiculous bodytype and his poximity to Wemby (and the influence this one will have just by proximity effect)

Wouldn't be worth a meltdwon (that would happen anyway whoever we pick)

the reason why his progression would stop is simply talent and potential. Most players are working hard in the NBA, but if you're limited in terms of skills your ceiling is that much more limited and working hard won't make up for it.

Ronny Turiaf was a beast and hard worker but his ceiling was never that high and I don't believe Salaün is either. He IS very raw and more an athlete than a BB player to me. It's OK in ProA where he can bully his way to whatever (he's not killing it either in a modest team where he got a lot of freedom) but the NBA is another animal.

Now, that's my opinion. I hope for the kid he proves me wrong... by working hard for it :D But I do'nt see a path where he could be anything than a second unit role player.

[Mr. Body]

I legit don't know if Salaun has more potential than Dom Barlow. And that's nothing against either of those players.

[JPB]

Out of all teams, Spurs are the least likely organization to leak something like this.
Every single player in the NBA knows they could get traded at any time.
Other than Bradley Beal, I guess. :lol

And tbh, I don't care about the feelings of this roster.
Keldon had five years to prove himself, he's nothing special.
Tre is entering his final year and is an undersized PG with a questionable shot.
Jeremy has potential, but he knows he needs to work on his shot if he wants to be a part of Spurs future.
Others are lucky to even be in the league.

For sure but still, players are reading everything, directly or by peeps in their circle, and you necessarily develop some kind of cynism and sefl centerism, specially in the team that drafted you and told you she beleived in you...

Another reason spurs should really consider sensibly rebuilding the roster or it could get messy in a tanking year with rumors flying all over and 90% of the guys knowing they could be cut ot shopped anytime during the season, then playing their own card.

[Pauleta14]

the reason why his progression would stop is simply talent and potential. Most players are working hard in the NBA, but if you're limited in terms of skills your ceiling is that much more limited and working hard won't make up for it.

Ronny Turiaf was a beast and hard worker but his ceiling was never that high and I don't believe Salaün is either. He IS very raw and more an athlete than a BB player to me. It's OK in ProA where he can bully his way to whatever (he's not killing it either in a modest team where he got a lot of freedom) but the NBA is another animal.

Now, that's my opinion. I hope for the kid he proves me wrong... by working hard for it :D But I do'nt see a path where he could be anything than a second unit role player.

I think the opposite actually. NBA has a lot more spacing and the Spurs/Pop loves to play with fast pace and movemenets that limits the individual talent needed to function by its essence.

He's obviously gonna be a role player and I like the Turiaf comparison. Ronny had health issues that put a stop to his pogession but other than that he's a dream teammate and I'd be more than happy if that's the type of player Salaun becomes.

High energy, slasher, rock physically, sense of sacrifice/duty ..., steady progression etc

I have in mind how Wemby was impressed at his improvements due to his work load. It means a lot. Work ALWAYS pays off

Look around the league, yes talent matters, but what really makes the diff and a career are the work ethic, the steady improvements, the defense and the 3pts shooting. Salaun checks all those marks potentially

[Mugen]

Saluan is top 5 on my big board tbh. Elite size for his position and by all accounts a gym rat who has improved exponentially in the last few years.

Spurs would be lucky if he was still available at #8 tbh.

[Pauleta14]

For sure but still, players are reading everything, directly or by peeps in their circle, and you necessarily develop some kind of cynism and sefl centerism, specially in the team that drafted you and told you she beleived in you...

Another reason spurs should really consider sensibly rebuilding the roster or it could get messy in a tanking year with rumors flying all over and 90% of the guys knowing they could be cut ot shopped anytime during the season, then playing their own card.

Nah bro. I think you're thinking with a european pov where culturaly they want a balance in the lockerom's incomes whereas in the US they have the "I know my role, it's a business" type of mentality/culture

+ the new (educated) generation has become as cynical as the owners/FO

[CGD]

Saluan is top 5 on my big board tbh. Elite size for his position and by all accounts a gym rat who has improved exponentially in the last few years.

Spurs would be lucky if he was still available at #8 tbh.

I think he's the guy unless someone they love unexpectedly falls to them (Sheppard)

[Ariel]

OK, for the Salaun supporters: what is his upside? what are the things that excite you about picking him up at 8? what makes him better than your random PF who can pick up in the 2nd round? More importantly: HAVE YOU WATCHED HIM???

[LeBowen]

OK, for the Salaun supporters: what is his upside? what are the things that excite you about picking him up at 8? what makes him better than your random PF who can pick up in the 2nd round? More importantly: HAVE YOU WATCHED HIM???

Except Risacher, I'm not a supporter of any of these forwards, but Salaun is the one I'd take if I had to.
Has the biggest frame, looks athletic, jumpshot looks solid even though percentages are kind of low. But the shots he's taking are shooter's shots, he's not a player they leave in the corner and dare to shoot.
The issue is that he's the youngest of the bunch and wouldn't offer much right away.
He's also one of those kids that picked up organized basketball late and is catching up. But is catching up at a rapid pace against way better opposition than what Buzelis and Holland played against.

[Degoat]

I think the very best upside of Salaun could be a version of Scottie Barnes imo
a possible downside of him could be Isaiah Roby tho lol

[Mr. Body]

I think the very best upside of Salaun could be a version of Scottie Barnes imo
a possible downside of him could be Isaiah Roby tho lol

Scottie Barnes knows how to play basketball. He's a great ball handler and passer. Salaun doesn't really do anything related to basketball well.

[spurraider21]

Saluan is top 5 on my big board tbh. Elite size for his position and by all accounts a gym rat who has improved exponentially in the last few years.

Spurs would be lucky if he was still available at #8 tbh.
this is describing a fringe first rounder or second rounder

[duncan2150]

Scottie Barnes knows how to play basketball. He's a great ball handler and passer. Salaun doesn't really do anything related to basketball well.So all the french reporters who watched him and like him are blind ? you can translate that for example https://trashtalk.co/2024/05/30/profil-draft-nba-2024-tidjane-salaun-la-derniere-pepite-formee-a-cholet-basket/ and there are a lot of other examples

[Mugen]

this is describing a fringe first rounder or second rounder

It would be if the guy was 21-23. Saluan isn't even 19 yet tbh.

[Degoat]

Scottie Barnes knows how to play basketball. He's a great ball handler and passer. Salaun doesn't really do anything related to basketball well.

Every prospect in this draft is going to have question marks and areas they’ll need to improve in, spurs have to identify and be able to project out the type of player he could be. There’s a reason he’s being talked about going in the top 10, so obviously he does something in basketball well lol

[spurraider21]

Every prospect in this draft is going to have question marks and areas they’ll need to improve in, spurs have to identify and be able to project out the type of player he could be. There’s a reason he’s being talked about going in the top 10, so obviously he does something in basketball well lol
the entirety of salaun's game is a question mark

[Degoat]

the entirety of salaun's game is a question mark

That’s a big negative, he obviously has skills that make him intriguing. If teams believed his entire game was questionable he wouldn’t be in consideration for a top 10 pick.

I’m not advocating for him to be one of our picks, there’s others I like ahead of him but I’m not closed off to him as a prospect for the spurs potentially.

[NASpurs]

the entirety of salaun's game is a question mark

Seems like a fit with the rest of our team then. He’s probably gotten over himself.

[ChumpDumper]

the entirety of salaun's game is a question mark

Yeah, it's kind of weird. In three years is he expected to be a solid starter who's now good at everything? Tankathon lists his projected NBA 3pt% to be 36%. Why?

[Mugen]

Id be surprised if he got past Portland at #7 so the debate is probably moot tbh.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/ethanbock_/status/1797958981261947387

https://x.com/TristanUda/status/1796247230552379567

https://x.com/csu_basketball/status/1797657372573499460

[spurraider21]

Yeah, it's kind of weird. In three years is he expected to be a solid starter who's now good at everything? Tankathon lists his projected NBA 3pt% to be 36%. Why?
im pretty sure they just punch in the player's FTM, FTM, 3PA, 3PM into some simple formula and it spits out an answer

same with all the advantages/disadvantages stuff for each player. its just spitting out data, not doing any subjective scouting or contextual analysis

[thOOdee]

https://x.com/podcastpshow/status/1797772753925226673?s=46&t=KzrjhdBtz7tzH8Dh25ZBOg

my bad if posted already. Any thoughts on dj burns next to wemby?

[exstatic]

https://x.com/podcastpshow/status/1797772753925226673?s=46&t=KzrjhdBtz7tzH8Dh25ZBOg

my bad if posted already. Any thoughts on dj burns next to wemby?

No.

[objective]

The May 23 Upside Swings podcast shat all over Salaun, and these are guys who at least watched the games

One dude has him having the worst feel and worst touch of any player he's ever scouted. All agreed that his only skill was his motor. Doesn't block shots or contest because he's standing around, can't shoot except for corners, can't finish, just a bash fest.

I haven't watched enough myself, but they made a point I can agree with. Raw guys picked in the lottery better deliver in the first 2 years before they're given up on. Easier to be patient with later picks.

If Salaun is years away, it might not be doable in San Antonio. G-league isn't better than France for development, not enough bigs and talent. And if he's too raw for the big club but under-served in the g-league, it's a recipe for a bad result. Unless you stash him as a lotto pick like Saric I don't have positive thoughts

[The Truth #6]

Salaun vs Holland is an interesting compare/contrast. Ultimately, probably avoid both. I would probably take Devin Carter above both for a hustle player. Though not certain.

[rankingtear]

OK, for the Salaun supporters: what is his upside? what are the things that excite you about picking him up at 8? what makes him better than your random PF who can pick up in the 2nd round? More importantly: HAVE YOU WATCHED HIM???

He is massive, the things he is good at complements a versatile big man like Wemby with his cutting, spot up and size to cross match on centers. Theoretical upside could be the counter to how teams are slowing Wemby down on offense and neutralizing him on defense. I've seen his shitty footwork, footwork are fixed in an offseason.

[BatManu20]

Unlikely it’s the Spurs but crazier things have happened tbh.

1798015507532271627

[Degoat]

My weird guess would be it’s the Bulls that promised Devin Carter

[BatManu20]

My weird guess would be it’s the Bulls that promised Devin Carter

Yea that's who Twitter seems to think it is as well. Especially with Lonzo seemingly never coming back to play. He'd be a good grab for CHI tbh. Would likely help our pick convey next season.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y_hLT1Zmk4

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOH8hCRYe9E