2025 NBA Draft

[Biggems]

Could Sorber be the next great big from the Hoyas? It's been a good minute since we have seen low post greatness from GTown. They came strong with Ewing, Mourning, and Mutombo.

On offense, Wemby likes to pretend he is Durant. Server has some legit go to moves in the post. Also, the NBA is allowed to play zone. Just make Sorver's defensive zone close to the basket. It would allow Wemby to attack from the weak side and block shots from the side or behind.

I believe it can work. Plus, wasn't Sorver only a freshman?. If so, he still has some growth and learning to do. Name a better organization to learn how to be a big in the NBA than the Spurs.

BTW, I would still go after JT Toppin if we draft Sorver.

[exstatic]

Could Sorber be the next great big from the Hoyas? It's been a good minute since we have seen low post greatness from GTown. They came strong with Ewing, Mourning, and Mutombo.

On offense, Wemby likes to pretend he is Durant. Server has some legit go to moves in the post. Also, the NBA is allowed to play zone. Just make Sorver's defensive zone close to the basket. It would allow Wemby to attack from the weak side and block shots from the side or behind.

I believe it can work. Plus, wasn't Sorver only a freshman?. If so, he still has some growth and learning to do. Name a better organization to learn how to be a big in the NBA than the Spurs.

BTW, I would still go after JT Toppin if we draft Sorver.

This isn’t the 90s. Bigs have to be able to space , and defend in space. The Golden Child Edey is even showing cracks. Now that teams care about games, they play him off the floor regularly by putting him in pick and roll after pick and roll until they get the switch the want, and the they attack him off the dribble. Miss me with “traditional “ bigs, please. Grab someone like Tomislav Ivisic in the second round. He blocks shots, rebounds and can shoot the 3 ball. He also won’t cost a first rounder.

[thOOdee]

I'd take McNeeley over those guys.

wouldnt kon and mcneeley be kind of redundant though?

[BatManu20]

Cooper Flagg getting used to his new digs tbh.

1907535329562701908

1907636768247009310

[Dejounte]

I fundamentally disagree that this player doesn't need to be a 3pt threat, but I appreciate your take.

I like Sorber and would take him with the ATL pick, but not to be our starting PF next to Wemby.

https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/view/differential/table/offensive/sort/avgThreePointFieldGoalsMade/dir/desc
^The Spurs are middle of the pack when it comes to 3 pt differential for 3pt made. Their opponent 3pt % drags down their 3pt differential which means the issue is more on how poorly we defend 3’s vs how poorly the team shoots as a whole.

meanwhile…

https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/view/differential/table/defensive/sort/avgDefensiveRebounds/dir/desc
^the Spurs are fifth worst in defensive rebounding differential
https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/view/differential/table/general/sort/avgRebounds/dir/desc
^fourth worst in overall rebounding differential
10th worst in offensive rebounding differential

rebounding is a MUCH worse problem than 3 pt shooting is. Tell me your data on why this isn’t the case.

[rascal]

wouldnt kon and mcneeley be kind of redundant though?

Kon is not a SF, not big enough, McNeeley is. I wouldn't even draft Kon.

McNeeley(under rated) is better value at 16 than Kon(over rated) at 8.

[rascal]

Cooper Flagg getting used to his new digs tbh.

1907535329562701908

Flagg is going to Charlotte.

Mark Williams
Cooper Flagg
Lamelo Ball
Miles Bridges
Brandon Miller

That's a nice starting five if they can get them healthy.

[spurraider21]

I find it disturbing how much I’m agreeing with rascal about draft takes. With that said I’ve warmed up to Kon a little more than he has

[Mr. Body]

Kon is listed as 30 pounds heavier than McNeeley. One inch difference. Kon is definitely a swing/wing.

And Cooper Flagg would be trash in Charlotte because Charlotte is trash and will forever be trash until they get rid of Lamello Ball and even then will still be trash.

[rascal]

Kon is listed as 30 pounds heavier than McNeeley. One inch difference. Kon is definitely a swing/wing.

And Cooper Flagg would be trash in Charlotte because Charlotte is trash and will forever be trash until they get rid of Lamello Ball and even then will still be trash.

Have to wait for the measurements but McNeeley looks bigger than only one inch difference and a longer wingspan. I don't like Kon as a SF in the NBA, he's a guard.

[scott]

https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/view/differential/table/offensive/sort/avgThreePointFieldGoalsMade/dir/desc
^The Spurs are middle of the pack when it comes to 3 pt differential for 3pt made. Their opponent 3pt % drags down their 3pt differential which means the issue is more on how poorly we defend 3’s vs how poorly the team shoots as a whole.

meanwhile…

https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/view/differential/table/defensive/sort/avgDefensiveRebounds/dir/desc
^the Spurs are fifth worst in defensive rebounding differential
https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/team/_/view/differential/table/general/sort/avgRebounds/dir/desc
^fourth worst in overall rebounding differential
10th worst in offensive rebounding differential

rebounding is a MUCH worse problem than 3 pt shooting is. Tell me your data on why this isn’t the case.

For starters, I don't see it as a trade-off between 3p shooting and rebounding. I don't claim that fixing one is the solution of the other. Both are important.

I posted earlier, Spurs are actually top 10 in Adjusted Reb Chance %, but they are among the worst in the league in box outs and below median in absolute rebounds/game. I don't think the solution is in getting Dennis Rodman on the team, but rather more fundemental - a dedication to box outs. You don't have to be a stellar rebounder to simply box out your man and make the rebound more available for yourself or a teammate. A 3 reb/gm swing (which is actually a 6 reb/gm improvement, because each rebound you get is also one less rebound your opponent gets and is a 2 reb swing) would take us from being 27th in rebound differential to being 2nd. The margins are that slim.

Give me a guy who's a decent rebounder (and will box out), plays D and shoots the 3 over a guy who is an elite rebounder, plays D and can't shoot. Coaching and discipline can go a very long way when it comes to rebounding. But 3p shooting requires talent that is harder to train.

That's my opinion on things.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/U6JrcjrwzTQ?si=WH3RVHInZBJqka5D

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/AarFppjuYsw?si=qW4SOyb-EQmnkX9s

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/AarFppjuYsw?si=qW4SOyb-EQmnkX9s
https://youtu.be/VSHVyauyx5A?si=LktOcrLJvHBIhlll

[benefactor]

Jesus fuck...I can't believe some of you still want to take a player who can't shoot.

[CGD]

Miami and Dallas doing their parts last night

[exstatic]

Miami and Dallas doing their parts last night

Plus Sacramento losing again, inching ever closer to that denial of pick to Atlanta #12 spot.

[BatManu20]

Flagg is going to Charlotte.

Mark Williams
Cooper Flagg
Lamelo Ball
Miles Bridges
Brandon Miller

That's a nice starting five if they can get them healthy.

You don't know where he's going anymore than I do. And LaMelo Ball is literally never healthy, so that won't work.

[BatManu20]

D-Rob mixing it up with the Dookies.

1907635942300520866

[rascal]

edit

[thOOdee]

anybody familiar with the international game, how does Zaccharie Risacher compare to Noa Essengue. Seem like they have similar build. Are their games similar?

Hky-8KjZ8Z0
https://youtu.be/Hky-8KjZ8Z0?si=2q5F-m4RwwKvexMB

[spurraider21]

he doesnt really compare to Risacher other than being French. they play very different. Essengue is more of a PF, like Jerami Grant or discount Giannis.

[thOOdee]

If the draft order stays as is I think the top 8 plays out like this

Jazz - Flagg
Obvious.

Wiz - Harper
Obvious.

Hornets - VJ
Equal as a prospect to Ace imo. Better fit in backcourt next to Lamelo. Plus Hornets already have a slightly better version of Ace in Brandon Millers.

Pels - Ace Bailey
Best available.

Sixers - Maluach
Embiid insurance. Sixers need a big forward but the next best one is CMB and that’s a reach at 5.

Nets - Tre Johnson
This could go a number of ways. I can see them taking Tre, Fears or Queen here. Don’t think they go with Kon as they are better of shooting for upside.

Raptors - Fears or Queen
I think the Raptors would LOVE Maluach But he’ll be gone. They have a glut of wings/forwards so they’ll take either a C or PG. Possibly Jaku but doubtful.

Spurs - Kon
I could also see CMB here tbh.


been thinking about this, and if spurs somehow have fears on the board, I don't know how you don't take him. Or better yet, shop him around for for something we need now ala 2024 dillingham package.

[Ginobili2Duncan]

I’m not sure if anyone mentioned him yet but any thoughts on CMB? I can see his combination of smarts and toughness being something the Spurs would covet if they don’t land in the top 4 or miss out on Kon.

But I’m assuming if the Spurs like him then they have to be confident in Castle’s and Sochan’s shot drastically improving in the next year or two.

[thOOdee]

my guess with cmb is peak draymond and floor dejuan blair. Both I wouldn't be devasted about, but also really doesn't excite me too much. I think question is, if even in best case scenario, would adding draymond next to wemby be the best fit. Maybe I'm wrong but I don't see it. We already have sochan.

[scott]

been thinking about this, and if spurs somehow have fears on the board, I don't know how you don't take him. Or better yet, shop him around for for something we need now ala 2024 dillingham package.

Would happily trade down for someone else to grab Fears or Jaku here.

[baseline bum]

D-Rob mixing it up with the Dookies.

1907635942300520866

David's youngest son Justin is on the coaching staff.

[benefactor]

Kon looks like that big teenage kid that went to school with you that was good at math and science but at the same time was also really good with a one-liner

[ginobilized]

Kon looks like that big teenage kid that went to school with you that was good at math and science but at the same time was also really good with a one-liner

Totally!
He has a 3.93 gpa, btw

[CGD]

Wonder where the other teams are practicing? UTSA? Roosevelt HS? Tia Juana’s patio on the Westside?

[CorrectCrusader]

Wonder where the other teams are practicing? UTSA? Roosevelt HS? Tia Juana’s patio on the Westside?

YMCA

[CorrectCrusader]

anybody familiar with the international game, how does Zaccharie Risacher compare to Noa Essengue. Seem like they have similar build. Are their games similar?

Hky-8KjZ8Z0
https://youtu.be/Hky-8KjZ8Z0?si=2q5F-m4RwwKvexMB

He looks bigger & longer (pause) than Zaccharie and looks like he could provide some secondary rim protection. Idk how good his perimeter defense is though.

[thOOdee]

For his height and his age seems to have some fluidity to his game. Here he is against the blazers.

a5vYocHrzw8

[buttsR4rebounding]

The more I see of Rasheer Fleming the more I like him. High motor, really good rebounder on both ends, rim protector, shoots the 3, great size at 6’9” with a 7’5” wingspan, can defend the perimeter. Not much of a creator, but on the floor with Wemby, Fox, and Castle that shouldn’t be a big problem. What am I missing here?

[CorrectCrusader]

For his height and his age seems to have some fluidity to his game. Here he is against the blazers.

a5vYocHrzw8

He has a nice 3 point stroke.

[BatManu20]

Funny kid.

1907917717941743913

[Manu&Duncan fan]

The more I see of Rasheer Fleming the more I like him. High motor, really good rebounder on both ends, rim protector, shoots the 3, great size at 6’9” with a 7’5” wingspan, can defend the perimeter. Not much of a creator, but on the floor with Wemby, Fox, and Castle that shouldn’t be a big problem. What am I missing here?

Same here bro!

[Manu&Duncan fan]

He looks bigger & longer (pause) than Zaccharie and looks like he could provide some secondary rim protection. Idk how good his perimeter defense is though.

My picks: Jaku/Kon at 8; Essengue/Fleming at 14.

[ginobilized]

I'd go with Kon at 8 and Fleming at 14 if the draft was today.
It still seems like a good chance that the Spurs don't use both picks this year. A trade for an established player at a position of need or another 20130 situation seems likely with one of the picks. It wouldn't surprise me if they trade their higher pick.

[LeBowen]

https://www.tankathon.com/power_rankings

Looking at potential trade-up situations, who could be the potential partners?
Nets have 4 FRPs. :lol

I guess Sixers wouldn't mind moving back a few spots, but #5 for #8 and #15 would be an overpay.
I guess trading up to #4 is out of question in most scenarios.

[The Truth #6]

The more I see of Rasheer Fleming the more I like him. High motor, really good rebounder on both ends, rim protector, shoots the 3, great size at 6’9” with a 7’5” wingspan, can defend the perimeter. Not much of a creator, but on the floor with Wemby, Fox, and Castle that shouldn’t be a big problem. What am I missing here?

I don't know the nuances of his game, but that profile is exactly what we need at the 4 imo.

In a overly general vague way, this reminds me of Troy Murphy getting drafted: athletic, plays D, and shoots the 3. That's a starting point to develop a good player.

Just spitballing. And more specifically, I think I value that archetype.

[heyheymymy]

Could see the Spurs punting off one of these picks just like last year so not sure I'm so closely looking at pairs of prospects that would be complimentary to each other or the team needs.

However if there ever was a time to double dip. I know 2025 class quality has been downgraded and I agree with the assessment but it still has some unique stuff and with say 8 and 11 you could find 2 really nice players. Plus SA is finally hitting the old generation turn over. Zollins and Tre Jones already out, I'd say D. Barlow out kinda counts at least as a dev slot now open, and if you can get rid of 1 of Wesley/Branham, Biyombo/Bassey and Keldon/Vassell that is another 3 slots some of witch would be rotational. Plus decisions on Jordan McLaughlin and CP3 could free up slot(s).

So between 1-2 first rounders and or some FA engagement this summer I could see some significant turnover that would enable 2 full first rounders that the Spurs could potentially commit to.

[heyheymymy]

Also wondering if now is not the time to hunt the back class say 7-14 morso than going for the knockout with a top 4 pick strictly for financial purposes. Outside of obvs Flagg the argument becomes is the juice worth the expense of the squeeze. Due to the rookie pay scale tiering less costly by the position, if you can't land Flagg and granted perhaps some debate with say 1-3 other prospects also worth the squeeze of a top 4 pay rate, I'm almost happier falling back to 7/8 range and hoping to land a bargain if Kon dream tumbles into our lap or sniping a diamond in the rough etc.

With Wemby/Castle/Fox is it not now time to hunt smaller starting scale contracts on specialist roles and not clumsily fumble for another expensive vanity jewel barring the mother lode? Counterintuitively if the right player comes along and looks it in workouts, I'm willing to bundle both up and pay premium to target a special fit and just be done with it.

[exstatic]

Also wondering if now is not the time to hunt the back class say 7-14 morso than going for the knockout with a top 4 pick strictly for financial purposes. Outside of obvs Flagg the argument becomes is the juice worth the expense of the squeeze. Due to the rookie pay scale tiering less costly by the position, if you can't land Flagg and granted perhaps some debate with say 1-3 other prospects also worth the squeeze of a top 4 pay rate, I'm almost happier falling back to 7/8 range and hoping to land a bargain if Kon dream tumbles into our lap or sniping a diamond in the rough etc.

With Wemby/Castle/Fox is it not now time to hunt smaller starting scale contracts on specialist roles and not clumsily fumble for another expensive vanity jewel barring the mother lode? Counterintuitively if the right player comes along and looks it in workouts, I'm willing to bundle both up and pay premium to target a special fit and just be done with it.

I don’t think you punt one of these 1-4 picks because of $10M. That’s still cheap for NBA labor,not even as much as the MLE.

[The Truth #6]

Drafting late lottery is usually fine when you are looking for role players, who we are in need of. So I don't hate keeping both. But it's unlikely.

[heyheymymy]

I don’t think you punt one of these 1-4 picks because of $10M. That’s still cheap for NBA labor,not even as much as the MLE.

You're right I actually really like the presumptive Harper, Bailey and Edgecombe and would be thrilled to pull them at some variation of 2,3,4.

But at this stage the value of say Kon at 7ish being suitable enough to me in comparison makes me eye frugality and question the gulf between options. Not comparing and obvs a Harper is going to be much more substantial than Kon. I do believe even with Wemby/Castle/Fox Spurs will need at least one more legit firepower/star caliber player(s) still as the team is a current work in progress. But with Kon appearing to be a nice fit right now and if Queen/Fears/Richardson can pull up and clog the top 10 some, Kon falling at a more thrifty pay rate would be a nice enough consolation to consider especially if you can seek that sure thing fire power from an established star either via trade or FA to compensate. That may be much more balanced and in tune with player expectations.

[heyheymymy]

If you want to give me another top 4 I'm going to take it and pay the price tag lol I mean the roster is meager not like Spurs have an embarrassment of riches let's face it. We probably honestly need another top 4 it's just with Wemby and really the nascent rise of Castle which I was maybe not expecting this level of radiance from him so soon exactly though I knew he had it in him, I wonder if the Spurs feel like the pecking order is emerging. Do you target specialists in the draft and go out and land that cherry-on-top big trade/FA fish now and go all in contention mode? I mean even if you get a Harper or a Edgecombe is it not 1-2 seasons before they learn the league and system and reliable produce outside of glimmers or can be trusted in a playoff atmosphere? Does that align with our timeline? Barring DVT Wemby looked ready but if that health delays maybe you could sneak in one last home grown development and launch out next year 100%.

[Dejounte]

If you want to give me another top 4 I'm going to take it and pay the price tag lol I mean the roster is meager not like Spurs have an embarrassment of riches let's face it. We probably honestly need another top 4 it's just with Wemby and really the nascent rise of Castle which I was maybe not expecting this level of radiance from him so soon exactly though I knew he had it in him, I wonder if the Spurs feel like the pecking order is emerging. Do you target specialists in the draft and go out and land that cherry-on-top big trade/FA fish now and go all in contention mode? I mean even if you get a Harper or a Edgecombe is it not 1-2 seasons before they learn the league and system and reliable produce outside of glimmers or can be trusted in a playoff atmosphere? Does that align with our timeline? Barring DVT Wemby looked ready but if that health delays maybe you could sneak in one last home grown development and launch out next year 100%.

Specialist tbh

[LeBowen]

If you want to give me another top 4 I'm going to take it and pay the price tag lol I mean the roster is meager not like Spurs have an embarrassment of riches let's face it.

Exactly.


We probably honestly need another top 4 it's just with Wemby and really the nascent rise of Castle which I was maybe not expecting this level of radiance from him so soon exactly though I knew he had it in him, I wonder if the Spurs feel like the pecking order is emerging.

You forgot the 27 year old all-star we acquired.
We don't need another all-star to be successful, but if there's an opportunity, why not?


Do you target specialists in the draft and go out and land that cherry-on-top big trade/FA fish now and go all in contention mode?

It's a very difficult process. If you think someone can be a start even though he's got a lower floor, you probably take him.
Top6 seed will be an expectation next season, but Spurs will never be an organization that mortgages future for instant success, especially when our franchise player is just 21 years old.


I mean even if you get a Harper or a Edgecombe is it not 1-2 seasons before they learn the league and system and reliable produce outside of glimmers or can be trusted in a playoff atmosphere? Does that align with our timeline? Barring DVT Wemby looked ready but if that health delays maybe you could sneak in one last home grown development and launch out next year 100%.

Harper looks like a player who will be ready to contribute right away. Spurs are a bad fit for him, but he'd probably be an excellent backup PG right away.
This season we had way too many net negative players and an interim coach who looked lost at times and we would've still probably been above .500 if not for Wemby's injury.

Personally, I'm not expecting a top4 and I'd be happy with a 3-D forward and a solid backup big, I don't want any guards if we're outside top4.

[Dejounte]

People have to realize that next season we cannot trot out a lineup where we have Barnes or Sochan at C. I think that’s only happening out of necessity and you best believe the Spurs are going to try to find talent for that spot, maybe even prioritize it. The best way to address it is like I have been saying… find a PF/C who can play with Wemby and can switch over to C when Wemby is out. That’s the only way the team can maximize value for a backup C… by making sure they’re versatile enough not to be pegged in one position only. That is why whoever that C has to be better than what Sochan and Barnes are showing right now. They cannot be that small and ineffective at that spot. Bailey wouldn’t be able to switch over to C like that. Asa weighs too little. Khaman can’t play with Wemby. Queen’s defense is questionable. CMB might do it. Sorber definitely can.

[exstatic]

I think if you draft high, like top 4, and say Harper turns out as good or better than Castle,you’ve got 3 years to figure out which one to keep, and which one to flip for a high end stretch 4 rim protector. Those are good problems to have.

[LeBowen]

People have to realize that next season we cannot trot out a lineup where we have Barnes or Sochan at C. I think that’s only happening out of necessity and you best believe the Spurs are going to try to find talent for that spot, maybe even prioritize it. The best way to address it is like I have been saying… find a PF/C who can play with Wemby and can switch over to C when Wemby is out. That’s the only way the team can maximize value for a backup C… by making sure they’re versatile enough not to be pegged in one position only. That is why whoever that C has to be better than what Sochan and Barnes are showing right now. They cannot be that small and ineffective at that spot. Bailey wouldn’t be able to switch over to C like that. Asa weighs too little. Khaman can’t play with Wemby. Queen’s defense is questionable. CMB might do it. Sorber definitely can.

I'm not that familiar with this draft's bigs, but if we're hypothetically talking about players in the league right now, John Collins could be that player.

Collins/Wemby as starters, Jeremy as the backup with any combination between three of them being viable.
Barnes can play some minutes at PF, don't really need anyone else for regular rotation.
Then get an experienced big body as an emergency backup, someone like let's say Drummond. A player who won't complain about not being a regular rotation member, but will be solid enough to play in some matchups and when Wemby is out.

I'm not against drafting the players you mentioned, as I said I don't know if CMB and Sorber will be good enough, but the odds of ATL pick rookie being a starter next season are non-existant, imo.

[Mr. Body]

I think if you draft high, like top 4, and say Harper turns out as good or better than Castle,you’ve got 3 years to figure out which one to keep, and which one to flip for a high end stretch 4 rim protector. Those are good problems to have.

Oh hell no. What is wrong with you

[thOOdee]

My picks: Jaku/Kon at 8; Essengue/Fleming at 14.

this is what I'm leaning towards except swap tre johnson and fears for jaku. And in the verrrry long shot if khaman falls, khaman8; DEMIN/essengue/flemming at 14.

[thOOdee]

I think if you draft high, like top 4, and say Harper turns out as good or better than Castle,you’ve got 3 years to figure out which one to keep, and which one to flip for a high end stretch 4 rim protector. Those are good problems to have.

completely disagree. I think at that point, you get rid of cp3, sochan, devin, and kj, and let the fox effect begin. I think at this point it won't be unrealistic to get hired guns at the other positions of need with that much foundational talent. even if they are temporary

I will say, it will almost be like the antithesis of how boston is setup up w brown and tatum as foundations. But I'd be good with that.

[exstatic]

completely disagree. I think at that point, you get rid of cp3, sochan, devin, and kj, and let the fox effect begin. I think at this point it won't be unrealistic to get hired guns at the other positions of need with that much foundational talent. even if they are temporary

I will say, it will almost be like the antithesis of how boston is setup up w brown and tatum as foundations. But I'd be good with that.

Boston is going to have to break up the band, or face draft pick degradation/lockdown.

You cannot keep and pay 3 guys on SuperMax, or year 10 Max contracts, and put any kind of team around them. Milwaukee and Denver are examples of too many big contracts destroying your roster.

[BatManu20]

Projected to be one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft.

[exstatic]

Two weird things about the flattened odds that have been in place since 2019:

The #1 team pre-lottery has never won.

The #6 team has not only never jumped into the top 4, they been pushed back 3 spots twice, 2 spots twice, and one spot one time. The best performance for a #6 was to stay #6, one time.

[CGD]

Two weird things about the flattened odds that have been in place since 2019:

The #1 team pre-lottery has never won.

The #6 team has not only never jumped into the top 4, they been pushed back 3 spots twice, 2 spots twice, and one spot one time. The best performance for a #6 was to stay #6, one time.

Fascinating, now do position 8.

[Obstructed_View]

I've said this before, but teams shouldn't be punished for drafting well. You should get a percentage knocked off the cap hit to sign your own free agents if you drafted them.

[CorrectCrusader]

I've said this before, but teams shouldn't be punished for drafting well. You should get a percentage knocked off the cap hit to sign your own free agents if you drafted them.

If this were the case the Thunder would win 11 rings in a row

[cutewizard]

Myles Turner at center
Wemby and Durant at forward
Fox and Castle at guard......

How much to have this line-up??

[exstatic]

Fascinating, now do position 8.

Position #8 has jumped into the top 4 twice (#2,#3), stayed put 3 times, and been knocked back to #10 one time.

[CGD]

Position #8 has jumped into the top 4 twice (#2,#3), stayed put 3 times, and been knocked back to #10 one time.

Well that’s less exciting.

Unrelated, my latest draft take is that Malauch is gonna go before Bailey (whether justified or not). You already are hearing the narrative about him have the shot touch that goes back to the 3pt line, and that his ft% is good etc.

[exstatic]

Well that’s less exciting.

Unrelated, my latest draft take is that Malauch is gonna go before Bailey (whether justified or not). You already are hearing the narrative about him have the shot touch that goes back to the 3pt line, and that his ft% is good etc.

Not overly exciting,but 8 has outperformed its slot odds of 26.3 by hitting 33.3 in those 6 lotteries.

[Frenchfred]

Position #8 has jumped into the top 4 twice (#2,#3), stayed put 3 times, and been knocked back to #10 one time.

I'll take that. In my last 10 attempts at Tankathon, my best was 8 and many times I have been knocked back.

[Knoxxx]

I think if you draft high, like top 4, and say Harper turns out as good or better than Castle,you’ve got 3 years to figure out which one to keep, and which one to flip for a high end stretch 4 rim protector. Those are good problems to have.

I think we need to take Bailey 2, Harper 3, Edgecombe 4. Harper or Edgecombe are fine additions. Vassell is possibly our best trade chip, now that he has inched up to 37% 3 PT. His inconsistency is maddening, and I don't really love him as an undersized SF at all.

Harper/Edgecombe are desirable because our guards are only Fox/Castle. Paul is at best a 1-2 year stopgap and that may be optimistic. Wesley being our only other guard is a risky proposition. This roster can definitely use another quality rotation guard.

Given our severe lack of size and depth in the frontcourt, I can see why many focus there first, though.

[exstatic]

I think we need to take Bailey 2, Harper 3, Edgecombe 4. Harper or Edgecombe are fine additions. Vassell is possibly our best trade chip, now that he has inched up to 37% 3 PT. His inconsistency is maddening, and I don't really love him as an undersized SF at all.

Harper/Edgecombe are desirable because our guards are only Fox/Castle. Paul is at best a 1-2 year stopgap and that may be optimistic. Wesley being our only other guard is a risky proposition. This roster can definitely use another quality rotation guard.

Given our severe lack of size and depth in the frontcourt, I can see why many focus there first, though.

I don’t like Bailey. Strong Cam Reddish high ceiling/low floor bust potential. That fractional asst/TO ratio is frightening.

[BatManu20]

Portland blatantly tanking. They're likely goin to do the day to us on Sunday I fear.

1908535708345577834

[John B]

8 is a very good number, so let’s see what good luck it brings us.I like our chances. I think if they come up with a SG/SF shooter and address the strong PF/C position will be good, plus a back PG at SRP will be a bonus, then whoever they bring in at FA/trade.Kon/Sorber will be ideal. I am not totally against Queen because he is a beast in the paint. Spurs have the best help defensive help in the league in Wemby to swat whoever Queen slows down. Similar to Wolf, a high skilled legit 7 footer 250 lbs. Wemby will be there to help. MCB is a bit short at 6’7 for that strong PF/C that Spurs desperately need, but MCB has that AS potential and should not easily be ignored. Do we get the BPA and figure it later or draft the position in need?

[LeBowen]

Portland blatantly tanking. They're likely goin to do the day to us on Sunday I fear.

Worry not, we have the right man for the job!

https://c.tenor.com/ry-GkXwisjYAAAAd/tenor.gif

[exstatic]

Portland blatantly tanking. They're likely goin to do the day to us on Sunday I fear.

1908535708345577834

No, they’re not. They’ve had 3-4 chances to dump games recently, and haven’t. After our last win, they could have closed the gap to 1/2 game, but won their next game against a non tanking team.

[John B]

Please stop the hype on Sorber and potentially take him out of Spurs reach :lol


https://youtu.be/S3h02rBx2KY?si=K4196pRkZUJ8SCtx

[John B]

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/thomas-sorber-a-bully-in-the-middle

Thomas Sorber: A Bully in the Middle

Georgetown Hoyas freshman big man Thomas Sorber has the tools to be one of the top bigs in the 2025 NBA Draft class.

TYLER RUCKER (https://substack.com/@tylerrucker)
APR 04, 2025

https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_5760,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:s teep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef8b984 c-1a70-4f15-8a5f-5ba225ad136e_1272x518.png





(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fef8b984 c-1a70-4f15-8a5f-5ba225ad136e_1272x518.png)
Positions have changed throughout the history of the NBA. As the game has continued to evolve, so has the way that teams view and utilize players on the court. Gone are the days in which every NBA team has tried to play two bigs at the same time for extended minutes. The thought of a player who only plays power forward seems to be prehistoric. Forwards are now asked to do everything from guarding multiple positions defensively to having guard like skills and allowing coaching staffs to get creative with their sets. Even the point guard position has continued to shift towards the emphasis of having guards who play either backcourt spot depending on lineup flexibility.
But one position continues to be asked to evolve at a rapid pace. The big man position has had a variance of desires throughout NBA history. At one point, teams hunted a lumbering giant who could do their work on the boards. As long as you could control the paint, you’d have desire around the league. Then we saw the era that featured finding bigs that could be force-fed in the halfcourt. Teams would feed them touches in the post like a Las Vegas buffet. The Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal era featured plenty of talented superstar bigs.
Fast forward to today, and the league has asked centers to do one thing…
Adapt.
It’s not enough to just have size in the NBA. You need to be able to check a lot of boxes at the center position. The more boxes you can check, the more NBA front offices are going to be drooling. We’ve reached April, which is when things start to get turned up into supersonic speed in the world of scouting. Evaluators are able to finally take a deep breath and get caught up on film from the current draft cycle.
The upcoming months are some of the best in the world of basketball scouting. Players eyeing the NBA Draft will start to prepare themselves for a lengthy process. That includes private workouts with teams, as well as the NBA Draft Combine.
We’ve seen numerous players over the years generate some real momentum during that process. But, regardless of players in the past who have climbed up the rankings with a strong process, NBA Front Offices LOVE to be enamored with bigs. If you have good size and upside, teams will knock at the door. At the same time, if a prospect also offers two-way versatility and skills waiting to be untapped…you’re going to have teams kicking the door down.
There have been plenty of bigs in the 2025 NBA Draft class who have generated some excitement throughout the year. But one big man continues to have the potential to climb up the ranks quickly.
Georgetown freshman center Thomas Sorber (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/thomas-sorber-1.html)continued to turn heads during the 2024-25 NCAA season with his play on the court. Sorber is listed at 6’10” and 255 pounds. Immediately on paper, those measurements will get your attention. The production will get you intrigued as well. In 24 games this year, Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game. He also shot 53.2% from the field and 72.4% from the line.
Sorber started out the year on an impressive run. In his first 11 games, he averaged 14.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. The buzz was starting to heat up, but there was also plenty that were wanting to proceed with caution. Georgetown hadn’t had the toughest schedule to start the year, so many wondered if this was Sorber just bullying weaker opponents. Well, the answer is yes…but he’s a bully to all.
Then Thomas Sorber got cooking.






His next eight-game stretch featured all conference opponents. These games included matchups with Xavier, Marquette, UConn, and St. John’s. During this span, Sober averaged 14.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals and 3.1 blocks per game. During that span, he also shot 50.6% from the field, 76.9% from the free throw line, and 20.0% from downtown (more on that in a bit).

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I wanted to go ahead and take a deeper look at the numbers. To measure Sorber’s ability, I wanted to see what he looked like in his best games and worst games of the year. In order to do this, I looked into John Hollinger’s “Game Score” rating. For those not familiar with the metric, it’s a measure of a player’s productivity for a single game—40 is viewed as an “outstanding performance, while 10 is an “average” performance.
It’s important to point out that these are just numbers. As with all analytics, it doesn’t take into consideration important factors such as role, situation, playing time, etc. I’m simply just pointing out something that caught my attention.
In order to give it some more context, I wanted to throw in another pair of bigs who are drawing plenty of buzz in the 2025 NBA Draft class. That includes Derik Queen (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/derik-queen-1.html) (Maryland) and Khaman Maluach (https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/khaman-maluach-1.html) (Duke).
Comparing The Bigs of 2025:







Thomas Sorber — Georgetown



Best 10 Games:

19.0 PTS | 10.2 REB | 2.5 AST | 1.9 STL | 2.2 BLK
63.8 FG% (74/116)
33.3 3P% (5/15)
77.1 FT% (37/48)
Game Score Average: 19.49 (High: 26.5 / Low: 14.8)


Worst 10 Games:

11.2 PTS | 7.0 REB | 2.2 AST | 0.9 STL | 1.2 BLK
40.4 FG% (42/104)
5.2 3P% (1/19)
73.0 FT% (27/37)
Game Score Average: 8.56 (High: 11.1 / Low: 3.0)


Derik Queen — Maryland



Best 10 Games:

24.7 PTS | 10.0 REB | 2.2 AST | 1.1 STL | 1.3 BLK
63.8 FG% (90/141)
26.7 3P% (4/15)
86.3 FT% (63/73)
Game Score Average: 22.82 (High: 30.5 / Low: 19.9)


Worst 10 Games:

8.1 PTS | 7.7 REB | 1.5 AST | 0.5 STL | 0.9 BLK
69.1 FG% (56/81)
0.0 3P% (0/7)
70.7 FT% (29/41)
Game Score Average: 4.43 (High: 9.6 / Low: -3.3)


Khaman Maluach — Duke



Best 10 Games:

14.6 PTS | 9.5 REB | 0.5 AST | 0.1 STL | 1.3 BLK
80.3 FG% (57/71)
0.0 3P% (0/3)
88.9 FT% (32/36)
Game Score Average: 15.90 (High: 18.4 / Low: 13.5)


Worst 10 Games:

2.7 PTS | 4.2 REB | 0.1 AST | 0.4 STL | 1.1 BLK
45.8 FG% (11/24)
0.0 3P% (0/2)
83.3 FT% (5/6)
Game Score Average: 3.16 (High: 6.2 / Low: 0.5)




Thomas Sorber is still incredibly raw in his development. He’s a bully in the middle who knows how to throw his weight around to demoralize defenders. Sorber knows he has the power advantage. Most importantly, he knows how to use it. Offensively, there’s a bundle of tools that look to just be clawing to be untapped. There’s some fantastic touch around the basket with both hands, as well as an intriguing outside shot as a kicker.
With most incoming big man prospects, teams are looking for potential enforcers. That’s just what you get with Sorber. If you try to come into his house, he can slam the door emphatically in your face. The 19-year-old big man can get nasty in the paint, but he also knows how to stay vertical and when it’s the right time to meet someone at the rim with bad intentions. Let’s take a look.

[spurraider21]

Hawks could take Sorber with the Kings pick if it conveys

[John B]

It’s possible that Sorber’s injury could get him out of pre-draft workouts which could be a blessing for the Spurs. Some mocks have him at late lottery and all the way to early 20’s. He could be a great steal if he falls to the Spurs, as he could’ve been potentially top 10 or better with his imposing 2-way threat, better defense than Queen with the same bullish game.

[John B]

Hawks could take Sorber with the Kings pick if it conveys

Spurs need to have that ATL pick at 12 or better then :lol

[John B]

If Sorber’s potential is met as a bully-ball 2-way threat, this kid is who exactly the Spurs are looking for next to Wemby. Already a bully at 19, he’ll get even stronger. Easily Sorber could be a top 3 in a re-draft IF his potentials are met, and I don’t see why not. The question is can Kon ever be top 3 of a re-draft? Who has the higher ceiling? Should Spurs take a big swing at Sorber at 8th? It still depends where our two FRP’s be at draft night. But, IF Sorber becomes that imposing PF/C next to Wemby, it’s an end-game vs Kon highest ceiling at SG/SF imo.

[John B]

If Sorber’s potential is met as a bully-ball 2-way threat, this kid is who exactly the Spurs are looking for next to Wemby. Already a bully at 19, he’ll get even stronger. Easily Sorber could be a top 3 in a re-draft IF his potentials are met, and I don’t see why not. The question is can Kon ever be top 3 of a re-draft? Who has the higher ceiling? Should Spurs take a big swing at Sorber at 8th? It still depends where our two FRP’s be at draft night. But, IF Sorber becomes that imposing PF/C next to Wemby, it’s an end-game vs Kon highest ceiling at SG/SF imo.

[spurraider21]

Sorber doesn’t really defend on the perimeter though.

[Obstructed_View]

If this were the case the Thunder would win 11 rings in a row
Yet they have zero. With their ability to spot talent, one could argue that they probably deserve at least one by this point. I'm fine with teams getting to eat their kills for a change. The Lakers and Celtics have arenas full of banners for scalping everyone else's players.

I don't know that I agree that Russ or Harden or even KD were going to stay together or win long-term, but there is no doubt that the Thunder are great at drafting.

Should their reward for drafting well be to serve as talent development for the rest of the league? I say no. Salary cap should be weighted toward free agents to keep the Lebrons and the big markets from assembling super teams because they have more money than basketball knowledge.

[baseline bum]

I think if you draft high, like top 4, and say Harper turns out as good or better than Castle,you’ve got 3 years to figure out which one to keep, and which one to flip for a high end stretch 4 rim protector. Those are good problems to have.

Alternatively if you draft #2 and get Harper maybe he never has as much value as he does now. For one because he's a cost controlled contract but I also question whether a guy who couldn't even lead his team to the NCAA tournament is worthy of this kind of hype. Especially with another teammate who will go top 4 in this draft most likely. People repeatedly brought up this concern with Ben Simmons and they were right. No one's saying a good freshman has to turn a bad team into a powerhouse but if this guy is really supposed to be an NBA level star you think he could have made his team a top 64 in the nation. For me I'm taking the bird in the hand and trading Harper for a known quantity that can help this team to win right now because I am not sold on him at all, he's nowhere close to the prospect Flagg is. Not saying I think Harper is going to bust but I don't see him as can't miss. It's one thing to take Haliburton in a redundant position because he's the best talent available at 12 but it's another to take Harper in the same situation when he will have way more trade value on draft night than Haliburton did.

[John B]

Sorber doesn’t really defend on the perimeter though.

He does. It’s covered I posted above, everything including perimeter defense. Sorber close-out well and blocks with his long arms just like Wemby. Spurs need an imposing PF/C who are a high commodity vs SG/SF shooter. I’m not discrediting Kon as just a shooter. But for arguments sake, it’s easier to replace (even Champ can play that Danny role 3nD worse case and still will work vs not having a defensive big next to Wemby.

To me Sorber could be a big swing big reward, higher ceiling. It’s not clear where he’ll be at draft night with mocks have him all over. But I’d keep an eye on him if I were the Spurs and not let him slip if they have a chance to nab him.

[spurraider21]

I like Sorber the prospect quite a bit and i think value wise getting a player like that at 12-14 is solid I’m just not sold he’s a 4

i think he’d be the backup 5 who may share some spot minutes with Wemby

[LeBowen]

After watching some highlights, I can see the hype behind Sorbert.
But if we draft him, Jeremy has to go. Not even up for discussion.

[John B]

After watching some highlights, I can see the hype behind Sorbert.
But if we draft him, Jeremy has to go. Not even up for discussion.

Jeremy would’ve worked with Timmy or DRob who could bang with bigs like Malone or Shaq. But Wemby’s frame will never be. He would need a big body next to him and Sochan is not it.

[Knoxxx]

Or we could trade the 8 pick for a 2035 FRP?

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/GqHAKWfN594?feature=shared

Evan Mobley is not some supreme perimeter defender either. He does most of his work inside. Our lineups must have an inside presence at all times. Even with Wemby that doesn’t happen during this season because we don’t have a PF/C. We have PF/ SF tweeners in Sochan and Harrison, and plenty of similar guys in the draft like that. That’s just not what we need or should want at this point. The team cannot continue to skate by with fifth string C’s like Bassey or overspend on a guy like Valancuinas, Khaman Malauch, or Steven Adams who could only play when Wemby sits.

[spurs10]

If we are tied with Portland at the end, who gets the 8th spot in the lottery.

[Dejounte]

https://youtu.be/S3h02rBx2KY?feature=shared

Everybody, and I mean EVERYBODY, needs to check out the play at 3:42. Sorber set three complex screens leading to an easy score. This is the kind of IQ and fundamentals from a big man the team needs. It’s 100% what we’ve been missing.

[LeBowen]

If we are tied with Portland at the end, who gets the 8th spot in the lottery.

Lottery tie-breakers are decided by coin toss, h2h doesn't matter.

[spurs10]

Lottery tie-breakers are decided by coin toss, h2h doesn't matter. Thanks! A coin toss I hope we avoid.

[Dex]

Jeremy would’ve worked with Timmy or DRob who could bang with bigs like Malone or Shaq. But Wemby’s frame will never be. He would need a big body next to him and Sochan is not it.

Sochan has not developed one real NBA skill other than "guy who tries really hard".

[rascal]

I don't think the Spurs are sleeping on McNeeley as much as this board is.

[couchman]

I’ve liked Sober and McNeely since early in the process.
If Sober can get past our medical staff then he moves up the board for me, but that’s a big if.
McNeely’s shine has faded a bit lately but I still think he’ll be a useful wing in the league.

[BackHome]

Didn’t know he missed the season because of having surgery on his foot that is always a red flag with bigs. I would not hate the pick as he could be backup to Sochan and Wemby and play spot minutes with Wemby on occasion.

[Knoxxx]

Current Tankathon:

8 Knueppel
15 McNeeley
38 Markovic

I watched some Markovic highlights he looked pretty good and hits 39% from three at 6-11. I feel like Kalkbrenner and Ivisic are also options if we had to wait that late for a big. Some may say Raynaud.

A player to watch Jakucionis who Tankathon consistent rates 5 overall while other recent mocks have him possibly dropping all the way into our ATL pick range.

[thOOdee]

Jumping off the kon wagon

[scottspurs]

I just encountered the doomsday scenario on tankathon




Rockets - Flagg
Jazz- Harper
Blazers- Bailey
Pelicans- Edgecombe
Wizards- Tre Johnson
Hornets- Jakucionis
Thunder- Queen
Nets- Maluach
Raptors- Knueppel
Spurs-what would they do? lol

[Patt]

I just encountered the doomsday scenario on tankathon




Rockets - Flagg
Jazz- Harper
Blazers- Bailey
Pelicans- Edgecombe
Wizards- Tre Johnson
Hornets- Jakucionis
Thunder- Queen
Nets- Maluach
Raptors- Knueppel
Spurs-what would they do? lol


fears

[rankingtear]

I just encountered the doomsday scenario on tankathon




Rockets - Flagg
Jazz- Harper
Blazers- Bailey
Pelicans- Edgecombe
Wizards- Tre Johnson
Hornets- Jakucionis
Thunder- Queen
Nets- Maluach
Raptors- Knueppel
Spurs-what would they do? lol



Draft the 6-9 point guard.

[mudyez]

I'm not that much into NCAA, so can you tell me, if Wolf could...

A) ...be the Wemby backup we are looking for even though only offense wise?
B) ...play alongside Wemby for limited minutes?

Using my limited knowledge, I'm somewhat hoping for Knueppel+Wolf in our draft. Would that work for our rotation if we keep Bismak as a more defensive big backup (or hand Capella a contract)?

[mo7888]

I just encountered the doomsday scenario on tankathon




Rockets - Flagg
Jazz- Harper
Blazers- Bailey
Pelicans- Edgecombe
Wizards- Tre Johnson
Hornets- Jakucionis
Thunder- Queen
Nets- Maluach
Raptors- Knueppel
Spurs-what would they do? lol


Take McNeely or Richardson..

[SpursBills]

Adjusted on-off for selected NCAA prospects this season:

All standard caveats apply here - on/off of a specific player is also highly dependent on the quality of his teammates and the quality of other players on a team. A player playing on a stacked team isn't going to have the same on/off compared to a star of an otherwise trash team.





Adj On/off (offense)
Adj On/off (defense)


Cooper Flagg
-0.5
6.7


Dylan Harper
6.1
-3.5


VJ Edgecombe
-9.4
5


Ace Bailey
10
11.9


Kon Knueppel
4.5
1.8


Khaman Maluach
4.8
-0.3


Tre Johnson
1.3
6.6


Derik Queen
16.4
2.1


Jeremiah Fears
7.2
3.7


Jase Richardson
5.9
0.5


Collin Murray-Boyles
8.2
7


Liam McNeeley
-6.2
10.9


Egor Demin
8.1
-2.1


Thomas Sorber
-0.8
21.3


Rasheer Fleming
13.7
-0.2


Danny Wolf
9.4
10

[spursince#99]

Adjusted on-off for selected NCAA prospects this season:

All standard caveats apply here - on/off of a specific player is also highly dependent on the quality of his teammates and the quality of other players on a team. A player playing on a stacked team isn't going to have the same on/off compared to a star of an otherwise trash




Adj On/off (offense)
Adj On/off (defense)


Cooper Flagg
-0.5
6.7


Dylan Harper
6.1
-3.5


VJ Edgecombe
-9.4
5


Ace Bailey
10
11.9


Kon Knueppel
4.5
1.8


Khaman Maluach
4.8
-0.3


Tre Johnson
1.3
6.6


Derik Queen
16.4
2.1


Jeremiah Fears
7.2
3.7


Jase Richardson
5.9
0.5


Collin Murray-Boyles
8.2
7


Liam McNeeley
-6.2
10.9


Egor Demin
8.1
-2.1


Thomas Sorber
-0.8
21.3


Rasheer Fleming
13.7
-0.2


Danny Wolf
9.4
10





Fleming is such an obvious pick.

[keithington1]

CMB my new target after Kon looked athletically outmatched.

[Mr. Body]

Demin seems to be going back to school.

The WH has declared they are blanket revoking any visas for the South Sudan. This would include Maluach, who would be deported. Since this administration is complete malice and chaos, who knows what this means. Since it's Trump, he'll probably sell exemptions if someone crosses his palm with cash.

[Seventyniner]

Thanks! A coin toss I hope we avoid.

Not so fast!

The Spurs and Rockets had a coin toss in 2023 and the Rockets won it, which gave the Rockets the ping pong ball combinations assigned to the team with the 2nd worst record the Spurs those assigned to the 3rd worst record. Winning the coin toss cost the Rockets Wemby because the combination drawn for the #1 pick (2-5-8-14) belonged to the 3rd-worst-record set. That was likely the best "loss" in Spurs franchise history.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/5/17/23726990/how-the-spurs-won-the-nba-lottery-on-a-lost-coin-flip

[BacktoBasics]

Demin seems to be going back to school.

The WH has declared they are blanket revoking any visas for the South Sudan. This would include Maluach, who would be deported. Since this administration is complete malice and chaos, who knows what this means. Since it's Trump, he'll probably sell exemptions if someone crosses his palm with cash.

I don’t see how this is possible. Trump retards said this would only affect people here illegally that were bad characters.

I would hate to think that these people are simply dumbfuck kool-aid drinkers.

[heyheymymy]

0 turnovers, 0 personal fouls, team-high 38 mins played for Kon Kneuppel catches the eye

I like Kon but have some reservations still about how he will translate to the next level. Even then, you can see the impressive traits and he passes the eye test quite well with the exception of size and athleticism perhaps. I remain high on Kon but wish I felt more sold. You can see where Kon would fit nicely but the potential limitations are concerning.

[heyheymymy]

With people suggesting Malauch to draft for SA I guess it is relevant. Not sure how that factors into teams that might select him but you can't take that risk imho. You can't trust this trump admin not to deport him and you shouldn't expect any legal or diplomatic recourse if it happens. Would be terrible to get Wemby's backup just to be right back at square one. Not to mention unfair and terrifying to Malauch.

I think Malauch is a good guy. Good basketball player hard worker and seems his team mates like him. I want him to stay. This is not normal and this is wrong to do to people. The process feels arbitrary and sloppy and creates a dangerous situation. Now back to basketball, which Malauch should be allowed to stay and play imho.

[SpursGenius]

Fleming is such an obvious pick.


yup been talking about flemming for months

[SpursGenius]

With people suggesting Malauch to draft for SA I guess it is relevant. Not sure how that factors into teams that might select him but you can't take that risk imho. You can't trust this trump admin not to deport him and you shouldn't expect any legal or diplomatic recourse if it happens. Would be terrible to get Wemby's backup just to be right back at square one. Not to mention unfair and terrifying to Malauch.

I think Malauch is a good guy. Good basketball player hard worker and seems his team mates like him. I want him to stay. This is not normal and this is wrong to do to people. The process feels arbitrary and sloppy and creates a dangerous situation. Now back to basketball, which Malauch should be allowed to stay and play imho.
dude plays like a jag needs another year in college

[onechance87]

yup been talking about flemming for months

think he could be like a bigger matas buzelis for us maybe.

[CorrectCrusader]

With people suggesting Malauch to draft for SA I guess it is relevant. Not sure how that factors into teams that might select him but you can't take that risk imho. You can't trust this trump admin not to deport him and you shouldn't expect any legal or diplomatic recourse if it happens. Would be terrible to get Wemby's backup just to be right back at square one. Not to mention unfair and terrifying to Malauch.

I think Malauch is a good guy. Good basketball player hard worker and seems his team mates like him. I want him to stay. This is not normal and this is wrong to do to people. The process feels arbitrary and sloppy and creates a dangerous situation. Now back to basketball, which Malauch should be allowed to stay and play imho.

Lol I think any team drafting a player in the top 5 is wiling to pay for the "Trump card" thing that's like what, 5 mil?

[scott]

I don’t see how this is possible. Trump retards said this would only affect people here illegally that were bad characters.

I would hate to think that these people are simply dumbfuck kool-aid drinkers.


I've got bad news for you... these people have no clue what they are doing.

They have admitted in court that they mistakenly send someone in the country legally to an El Salvadorian prison and don't know how to get him back. They have until tomorrow night to tell the court how they're going to get him back to the US, but it doesn't appear like they're putting any actual real effort into it (instead they're using their time to appeal). The Press Secretary for the WH literally said "maybe the court can call the President of El Salvador and ask for him back, but we doubt the court has jurisdiction"

The administration would gladly deport anyone with brown skin unless they can pony up $5MM for one of Trump's gold cards with his face on them.

[scott]

With people suggesting Malauch to draft for SA I guess it is relevant. Not sure how that factors into teams that might select him but you can't take that risk imho. You can't trust this trump admin not to deport him and you shouldn't expect any legal or diplomatic recourse if it happens. Would be terrible to get Wemby's backup just to be right back at square one. Not to mention unfair and terrifying to Malauch.

I think Malauch is a good guy. Good basketball player hard worker and seems his team mates like him. I want him to stay. This is not normal and this is wrong to do to people. The process feels arbitrary and sloppy and creates a dangerous situation. Now back to basketball, which Malauch should be allowed to stay and play imho.

On the other hand, one of the Spurs' new investorys - the AirBnB guy - is a DOGE bootlicker, so maybe "the beautiful San Antonio Spurs, who have been very mean to me... Coach Popovich, nasty guy... will get an exemption... maybe the coach will be nicer to me, maybe not, but many people are saying I'd be a better coach, but he's a nasty guy" or some other incoherent bullshit.

[heyheymymy]

I'm not paying a king's tribute to get my pick and I don't want to encourage the idea. Besides trump would just suddenly revoke the gold card as punishment if Spurs recognized black history month or had a mariachi night or something.

[Dejounte]

Anyone still on Trump’s side after what’s been going on don’t know they are in a cult, tbh. When you can’t find yourself to disagree with anything he does, maybe you should wake up a little bit and see there’s something wrong with you.

[heyheymymy]

The guy is just a kid trying to play basketball and all I see is just a man trying to work his job. Just trying to go to school and work and earn a paycheck like everybody else. It's fucked up what they're doing out here with the ice shit.

[spurraider21]

think he could be like a bigger matas buzelis for us maybe.
He’s nothing like Buzelis, at least offensively. Matas is a ball handler and driver. Fleming would dribble off his foot if he tried to play that role. But defensively yeah. A rim protecting wing who can also step out and defend on the perimeter

[BacktoBasics]

I've got bad news for you... these people have no clue what they are doing.

They have admitted in court that they mistakenly send someone in the country legally to an El Salvadorian prison and don't know how to get him back. They have until tomorrow night to tell the court how they're going to get him back to the US, but it doesn't appear like they're putting any actual real effort into it (instead they're using their time to appeal). The Press Secretary for the WH literally said "maybe the court can call the President of El Salvador and ask for him back, but we doubt the court has jurisdiction"

The administration would gladly deport anyone with brown skin unless they can pony up $5MM for one of Trump's gold cards with his face on them.

As bad as politics are as a whole Trump is easily the most destructive thing to happen to our country in modern time. Even if eventually worked out this could cost Malu a significant amount of money, let alone all the other lives needlessly destroyed simply to feed egos.

This country is an embarrassment. Isolating our country like we’re doing will have consequences for years to come.

[spurs10]

Not so fast!

The Spurs and Rockets had a coin toss in 2023 and the Rockets won it, which gave the Rockets the ping pong ball combinations assigned to the team with the 2nd worst record the Spurs those assigned to the 3rd worst record. Winning the coin toss cost the Rockets Wemby because the combination drawn for the #1 pick (2-5-8-14) belonged to the 3rd-worst-record set. That was likely the best "loss" in Spurs franchise history.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2023/5/17/23726990/how-the-spurs-won-the-nba-lottery-on-a-lost-coin-flip You know it and I remember well! :flag:

[spurs10]

As bad as politics are as a whole Trump is easily the most destructive thing to happen to our in country in modern time. Even if eventually worked out this could cost Malu a significant amount of money, let alone all the other lives needlessly destroyed simply to feed egos.

This country is an embarrassment. Isolating our country like we’re doing will have consequences for years to come. Sadly, this! Americans have lost 11 trillion since he came into office and the 5 trillion tax cuts for the rich haven't even kicked in, nor the sticker shock for goods coming our way. Yes "consequences for years to come."

[mo7888]

I hate the political talk on here, but I'll say one thing and leave it to y'all. Trump isn't hard to beat. Just move toward the center instead of further left and run a decent candidate.

Now back to the draft....

[Mr. Body]

As bad as politics are as a whole Trump is easily the most destructive thing to happen to our country in modern time. Even if eventually worked out this could cost Malu a significant amount of money, let alone all the other lives needlessly destroyed simply to feed egos.

This country is an embarrassment. Isolating our country like we’re doing will have consequences for years to come.

Trump is going to be one of the five most important presidents in our history - or more.

Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Trump.

And not anywhere near a good way. He's such a swath of destruction, anything good this country used to be at home or in the world is coming to an end, all because millions of complete fucking assholes worship this man.

[Mr. Body]

I hate the political talk on here, but I'll say one thing and leave it to y'all. Trump isn't hard to beat. Just move toward the center instead of further left and run a decent candidate.

Now back to the draft....

You know who was the fucked up candidate? The one performing fellatio on microphones on the campaign trail? Talking about the size of Arnold Palmer's schlong? Who busted into Arlington and threw up grins and thumbs up over the graves of soldiers? Who calls the Normandy dead 'suckers and losers'? Who is credibly accused of not just rape, but raping twelve and thirteen year olds? Who stole money not just from a charity, or a cancer charity, but a cancer charity for children? Who just told us he ran his tariff plans by Lee Iacocca, who has been dead for years? Who talked endlessly about how immigrants were sneaking into people's gardens and eating their dogs and cats?

For fuck's sake, man. You're a fucking dope, same as most Americans. The bad candidate was FUCKING DONALD TRUMP. Easily the worst candidate in the history of mankind. Absolute fools. Shameful.

[CorrectCrusader]

You know who was the fucked up candidate? The one performing fellatio on microphones on the campaign trail? Talking about the size of Arnold Palmer's schlong? Who busted into Arlington and threw up grins and thumbs up over the graves of soldiers? Who calls the Normandy dead 'suckers and losers'? Who is credibly accused of not just rape, but raping twelve and thirteen year olds? Who stole money not just from a charity, or a cancer charity, but a cancer charity for children? Who just told us he ran his tariff plans by Lee Iacocca, who has been dead for years? Who talked endlessly about how immigrants were sneaking into people's gardens and eating their dogs and cats?

For fuck's sake, man. You're a fucking dope, same as most Americans. The bad candidate was FUCKING DONALD TRUMP. Easily the worst candidate in the history of mankind. Absolute fools. Shameful.

And with all that Kamala still lost

Nobody cares the election was 6 months ago get over it already. This thread is for draft prospects

[K...]

You know who was the fucked up candidate? The one performing fellatio on microphones on the campaign trail? Talking about the size of Arnold Palmer's schlong? Who busted into Arlington and threw up grins and thumbs up over the graves of soldiers? Who calls the Normandy dead 'suckers and losers'? Who is credibly accused of not just rape, but raping twelve and thirteen year olds? Who stole money not just from a charity, or a cancer charity, but a cancer charity for children? Who just told us he ran his tariff plans by Lee Iacocca, who has been dead for years? Who talked endlessly about how immigrants were sneaking into people's gardens and eating their dogs and cats?

For fuck's sake, man. You're a fucking dope, same as most Americans. The bad candidate was FUCKING DONALD TRUMP. Easily the worst candidate in the history of mankind. Absolute fools. Shameful.

i know, he ran one of the all time worse campaigns of all time and will likely cause a 4 yr depression and the loss of US superiority in almost every category that matters. if people dont know they fucked up by now theres no saving them. in 2016 he was at least funny and charming in a grotesque way. now hes just a sad man but they (US media) treat him like a panacea when hes really just wanted to shut down some trials after he did some incredibly sumb things.

[mystargtr34]

Usually I have to tune into Fox News to see the left meltdown, wasn’t expecting it in a draft forum tbh.

[CorrectCrusader]

Usually I have to tune into Fox News to see the left meltdown, wasn’t expecting it in a draft forum tbh.

You get worse political meltdowns on ST than on TV lmao

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Just watched some Thomas Sorber video. Not impressed. Less athletic than Fleming. cannot guard perimeter. Cannot play together with Wemby. Basically he can only be a back up center which We can find cheap on the market.

So, now my picks are Jaku/Kon and Fleming.

I doubt Jaku will be available at 8. So, we likely end up with Kon and Fleming.

[mystargtr34]

Yeah Sorber looks more on the lumbering side than he does the fleet footed side. I think he’s an out and out 5 in the NBA.

[mystargtr34]

For the 8th pick im open to both Kon and CMB. Need to see both measure in at combine before making a final call. There’s some minimum cutoffs for height and standing reach for me for both of them.

For the 15th pick, I’m all in on Fleming. Fallback options for me would be Carter Bryant or Liam McNeeley (unless Kon is taken with first pick).

[CGD]

You get worse political meltdowns on ST than on TV lmao

Tend to agree on the political screed here, that said Japan’s’ stock market just hit a “circuit breaker” to stop a market panic, and markets are supposed to be extra brutal here tomorrow. All completely unnecessary and avoidable, unlike say 2008 or Covid.

But alas, yall are one of my escapes these days, so even more eager to see where the ping pong balls land.

[heyheymymy]

I mean Kamala was literally a cop not sure how that's such a fringe candidate when republicans on the other hand are running an unqualified criminal extremist

DA, AG, VP... well at least that used to be center America. I think it's the right that has shifted our Overton window not the left

[BackHome]

Got no one to blames but idiot leaders of the Democratic party and the Fake news who knew Biden could not wipe his own ass and was suffering from early Dementia. Also, it would probably have been a good idea to primary a candidate instead of just anointing someone that is kinda anti American.

[Dejounte]

Got no one to blames but idiot leaders of the Democratic party and the Fake news who knew Biden could not wipe his own ass and was suffering from early Dementia. Also, it would probably have been a good idea to primary a candidate instead of just anointing someone that is kinda anti American.

The sad part is, for every criticism you have in your post, the option you chose has been ten times worse. There’s nothing fake news about what Trump has done so you can’t even run to that excuse anymore. I mean, you can— you always have the choice to put your head in the sand and take absolutely no accountability because it’s too hard to admit you’re wrong about something than continue doubling down this brain washed attitude of thinking Trump can do no wrong. Bro could shoot someone right in front of you and you’d still find a way to justify what he did was right. How about trying to think for yourself for once?

Sadly, we have seen the peak of society. Critical thinking and intelligence in general isn’t going to reach much higher for a percentage of the population, especially with the dismantling the Department of Education. That was 100% intentional so folks have even less chance to learn to think for themselves.

[BacktoBasics]

Got no one to blames but idiot leaders of the Democratic party and the Fake news who knew Biden could not wipe his own ass and was suffering from early Dementia. Also, it would probably have been a good idea to primary a candidate instead of just anointing someone that is kinda anti American.

You spin harder than the 10” dildo you perpetually have shoved up your ass.

[Frenchfred]

Got no one to blames but idiot leaders of the Democratic party and the Fake news who knew Biden could not wipe his own ass and was suffering from early Dementia. Also, it would probably have been a good idea to primary a candidate instead of just anointing someone that is kinda anti American.

At least, we know now how fascism can take control of a democracy. It will be interesting to see if the recession and market crash will have an impact on the NBA and its revenues.

[mo7888]

You know who was the fucked up candidate? The one performing fellatio on microphones on the campaign trail? Talking about the size of Arnold Palmer's schlong? Who busted into Arlington and threw up grins and thumbs up over the graves of soldiers? Who calls the Normandy dead 'suckers and losers'? Who is credibly accused of not just rape, but raping twelve and thirteen year olds? Who stole money not just from a charity, or a cancer charity, but a cancer charity for children? Who just told us he ran his tariff plans by Lee Iacocca, who has been dead for years? Who talked endlessly about how immigrants were sneaking into people's gardens and eating their dogs and cats?

For fuck's sake, man. You're a fucking dope, same as most Americans. The bad candidate was FUCKING DONALD TRUMP. Easily the worst candidate in the history of mankind. Absolute fools. Shameful.

Sure thing Jan... Yes he was a poor candidate...and yes alot of what he does sucks... it was low hanging fruit for the Democrats, but they refused to run someone who was palatable to the public. They only have themselves to blame and a lot of people may suffer because of it... So yell at the sky if you want...or..you know... run someone people can vote for because they didn't want to vote for the trumpster..

[mo7888]

Just watched some Thomas Sorber video. Not impressed. Less athletic than Fleming. cannot guard perimeter. Cannot play together with Wemby. Basically he can only be a back up center which We can find cheap on the market.

So, now my picks are Jaku/Kon and Fleming.

I doubt Jaku will be available at 8. So, we likely end up with Kon and Fleming.

I'm pretty high on those 3 myself...

[baseline bum]

I hate the political talk on here, but I'll say one thing and leave it to y'all. Trump isn't hard to beat. Just move toward the center instead of further left and run a decent candidate.

Now back to the draft....

The Democrats have been moving to the right ever since Clinton in 92 and it keeps costing them elections.

[mo7888]

The Democrats have been moving to the right ever since Clinton in 92 and it keeps costing them elections.

I think the trans stuff/ men in women's sports hurt them badly with suburban women and cost them the election. If they'd have dropped that they'd still be in power. I 'think' they'll learn from that in 28. Time will tell..

[baseline bum]

I've got bad news for you... these people have no clue what they are doing.

They have admitted in court that they mistakenly send someone in the country legally to an El Salvadorian prison and don't know how to get him back. They have until tomorrow night to tell the court how they're going to get him back to the US, but it doesn't appear like they're putting any actual real effort into it (instead they're using their time to appeal). The Press Secretary for the WH literally said "maybe the court can call the President of El Salvador and ask for him back, but we doubt the court has jurisdiction"

The administration would gladly deport anyone with brown skin unless they can pony up $5MM for one of Trump's gold cards with his face on them.

They know exactly what they're doing and are telling the courts fuck you make me.

[baseline bum]

I think the trans stuff/ men in women's sports hurt them badly with suburban women and cost them the election. If they'd have dropped that they'd still be in power. I 'think' they'll learn from that in 28. Time will tell..

That's the shit you righties push like it was some major issue. You're the ones who can't stop talking about that shit.

[baseline bum]

Trump is going to be one of the five most important presidents in our history - or more.

Washington, Lincoln, FDR, Trump.

And not anywhere near a good way. He's such a swath of destruction, anything good this country used to be at home or in the world is coming to an end, all because millions of complete fucking assholes worship this man.

Yeah Lincoln saved the nation, FDR saved capitalism, and Trump will probably kill both of them

[mo7888]

That's the shit you righties push like it was some major issue. You're the ones who can't stop talking about that shit.

If by 'righty' you mean pro-trump/maga, then that's not me. I don't like him and I'm not maga. I'm not really passionate about any of it like so many people are here. I just look at it from the 30,000 foot view. Did the right make the issue bigger than it was? Yup...absolutely....would a smart campaign have changed their messaging to take that issue away from the right? Yup...but they didn't. My ambivalent approach to national politics is basically "they all suck"...nothing ever really changes no matter whoever is in power....so I'll probably vote for the person most likely to leave me alone....

[K...]

If by 'righty' you mean pro-trump/maga, then that's not me. I don't like him and I'm not maga. I'm not really passionate about any of it like so many people are here. I just look at it from the 30,000 foot view. Did the right make the issue bigger than it was? Yup...absolutely....would a smart campaign have changed their messaging to take that issue away from the right? Yup...but they didn't. My ambivalent approach to national politics is basically "they all suck"...nothing ever really changes no matter whoever is in power....so I'll probably vote for the person most likely to leave me alone....

Did you suceed?

[baseline bum]

If by 'righty' you mean pro-trump/maga, then that's not me. I don't like him and I'm not maga. I'm not really passionate about any of it like so many people are here. I just look at it from the 30,000 foot view. Did the right make the issue bigger than it was? Yup...absolutely....would a smart campaign have changed their messaging to take that issue away from the right? Yup...but they didn't. My ambivalent approach to national politics is basically "they all suck"...nothing ever really changes no matter whoever is in power....so I'll probably vote for the person most likely to leave me alone....

You're pushing right wing propaganda right now acting like Harris was running on trans athletes. You guys are so good at manufacturing these bullshit issues in election season, just like critical race theory in 2022. Also if you haven't noticed it, a lot is changing. Pretty sure if Harris was president we wouldn't be discussing whether we should skip drafting a guy because everyone from his nation is subject to deportation.

[CorrectCrusader]

Could you dorks shove it about politics. Don't you have family members to annoy on facebook?

[mo7888]

If by 'righty' you mean pro-trump/maga, then that's not me. I don't like him and I'm not maga. I'm not really passionate about any of it like so many people are here. I just look at it from the 30,000 foot view. Did the right make the issue bigger than it was? Yup...absolutely....would a smart campaign have changed their messaging to take that issue away from the right? Yup...but they didn't. My ambivalent approach to national politics is basically "they all suck"...nothing ever really changes no matter whoever is in power....so I'll probably vote for the person most likely to leave me alone....

Did you suceed?

I didn't think either one was very likely to 'leave me alone and I thought they were both trash candidates.. if you think otherwise...that's cool with me..

[mo7888]

Could you dorks shove it about politics. Don't you have family members to annoy on facebook?

Fair point....

[baseline bum]

Fair point....

You shouldn't have made political posts if you don't want to talk politics.

[mo7888]

You're pushing right wing propaganda right now acting like Harris was running on trans athletes. You guys are so good at manufacturing these bullshit issues in election season, just like critical race theory in 2022. Also if you haven't noticed it, a lot is changing. Pretty sure if Harris was president we wouldn't be discussing whether we should skip drafting a guy because everyone from his nation is subject to deportation.

I didn't say she pushed it.... I'm perfectly fine with your assertion that the right pushed that on her, but I can still say that any campaign with an ounce of sense would have countered to make that issue irrelevant.

It's like saying Breaking News "political dirty politics " at 10.... everybody knows it's coming, they all do it, it's how you respond and play the game that determines winners and losers.

[mo7888]

You shouldn't have made political posts if you don't want to talk politics.

That's very true and I yield on that point... I always try to avoid these conversations because they're kinda pointless because nobody argues to sharpen their own view anymore. They argue to push whatever agenda they have (either left or right). I don't know why I thought a middle of the road approach would move anyone to 'think'. That was my mistake. I'll try to avoid that in the future... Peace out...

[baseline bum]

I didn't say she pushed it.... I'm perfectly fine with your assertion that the right pushed that on her, but I can still say that any campaign with an ounce of sense would have countered to make that issue irrelevant.

It's like saying Breaking News "political dirty politics " at 10.... everybody knows it's coming, they all do it, it's how you respond and play the game that determines winners and losers.

So she should have thrown LGBT under the bus because Trump manufactured an outrage? I fucking hate Harris, I hate Biden, I hate Pelosi, Jeffries, Clyburn, Schumer and all these right wing fucks that have dragged the Democrats from being a labor party under FDR to neoliberal stooges kissing up to the billionaire ruling class since Bill Clinton but trans athletes isn't why she lost. Having a right wing status quo neoliberal economic agenda that inspired nobody did it.

[mo7888]

So she should have thrown LGBT under the bus because Trump manufactured an outrage? I fucking hate Harris, I hate Biden, I hate Pelosi, Jeffries, Clyburn, Schumer and all these right wing fucks that have dragged the Democrats from being a labor party under FDR to neoliberal stooges kissing up to the billionaire ruling class since Bill Clinton but trans athletes isn't why she lost. Having a right wing status quo neoliberal economic agenda that inspired nobody did it.

My last post on this:

I'm glad we agree...I hate them all too...

[heyheymymy]

It's valid discussion. I don't want trump messing up who is available in this draft. Spurs need Malauch eligible and available draft night to clutter up the range SA may be selecting in and knock some other prospects down to San Antonio. I like Malauch but I've never called for Spurs to draft him. But that's 100% about basketball fit and nothing else. Even still, he is intriguing as a wemby backup possibility you can't completely rule out just yet but I'm meh on it. I just don't see Malauch as very complimentary alongside Wemby and think his hype would make his cost production ratio unacceptable in San Antonio.

[heyheymymy]

lol Malauch should arrange a deal with Toronto Raptors and uh I guess only play home games but still it would be a hilarious troll from Canada lol but yeah I guess you wouldn't ever be able to travel across so it wouldn't work.

[mo7888]

It's valid discussion. I don't want trump messing up who is available in this draft. Spurs need Malauch eligible and available draft night to clutter up the range SA may be selecting in and knock some other prospects down to San Antonio. I like Malauch but I've never called for Spurs to draft him. But that's 100% about basketball fit and nothing else. Even still, he is intriguing as a wemby backup possibility you can't completely rule out just yet but I'm meh on it. I just don't see Malauch as very complimentary alongside Wemby and think his hype would make his cost production ratio unacceptable in San Antonio.

We should definitely want Maluach to be in this draft (and Demin too). If nothing more than pushing players we like better down a spot. It just increases our odds...

[Knoxxx]

I’m not big on Maluach he just looked slow to me. Same old dilemma of too high a pick to waste on a backup center. Don’t mind Demin at the ATL pick, but I’d have a hard time taking him over Fleming. That still makes a backup center a decent play in round 2 unless we trade off Vassell or Keldon.

[objective]

Really not liking this draft for likely Spurs spots.

Sorber looks like a stiff, kind of like Tony Bradley. Kon looks severely under 6-7, and too unathletic and not a starter, I might be too harsh on him but he might be off the board by their pick anyway. McNeely I don't take that seriously in the NBA. Queen gives me Caleb Swanigan vibes, but no shooting, r.i.p.

So I'm kind of pro-Flemming by default. I think he's low ceiling, zero on ball juice, looked good playing a schedule full of scrubs that was hard to not look good against.

So at best he's a play finisher, dunks and threes, plus rim protection and active hands with nice size.

And that could be an eventual starter on a team with Wemby, Fox, and Castle to do the on-ball work.

Barnes gets credit for shooting 3s while not rebounding or defending ... Fleming could fill in cheaper.

And, if you compare him to someone like Patrick Williams. Who I was way too high on, big time wrong about. But it was COVID season so no tourney, no combine, etc

Anyway Williams just got overpaid, BUT why couldn't Fleming be a better Williams? Williams shoots threes decently for his career and has a rep as a solid but not great man defender and that's it. He's a poor rebounder, doesn't want the ball, can't create, can't defend smaller guys, had missed a ton of dunks this season .... And sounds like even without the bulls contract could have gotten a mid level deal.

If Fleming can just be a play finisher who creates events on defense, that's a nice player to have.

[spurraider21]

Some thoughts on the later pick...

I dont think Sorber is stiff. Sorber looks stiff if you are viewing him through the lens of a PF, which he isn't. Backup C is a legitimate need for us. And there's a world where Wemby's perimeter game continues developing to the point where he can coexist with somebody like Sorber.

Fleming definitely feels like a gamble because he doesnt have a great ceiling and frankly doesnt have a great floor either (low level of competition, only one year of good shooting, with the caveat that he's improved every year) but he does check a ton of boxes, and has a ready-made NBA body and athleticism. The things he is bad at are things that we aren't really banking on him developing anyway. It's not like Castle and his shooting. Really just need him to continue being good at the things he is good at. That's why im in favor taking him. I think ideally you can get him with the Hawks pick, but i wouldnt be mad if we took him at 8 or 9. If he's there with the Hawks pick, I'm hoping they sprint to the podium.

With the later pick, Carter Bryant is the upside pick, as an athletic 2-way wing with size, athleticism. But what exactly would his role be early on? What would he be expected to do offensively? Not sure. He's a lump of clay but an enticing one.

Nique Clifford is an interesting one, but you always need to be cautious with older college players. he's nearly 2 years older than sochan. but he has solid size/athleticism for a sg/sf and has been a do-it-all player. can drive and finish at the rim, has a midrange game, is a solid passer, has improved his 3pt shooting, solid defense, and exceptional rebounding. I think he should go in the 20's though, to a team that just needs a solid year 1 contributor for a playoff team.

I'm also still buying McNeeley stock. His abysmal end to his campaign has made him cheaper. Midseason he was getting mocked around the late top 10, basically in the spot now held by Kon. He's nto a candidate with the Hawks pick. I'm bullish on the shot translating.

Essengue feels like a spurs-y pick but man im not sure now is the time to commit to developing players who are jump shot challenged.

I'm pretty out on CMB/Newell but i could see the Spurs being high on them.

[spurraider21]

I just encountered the doomsday scenario on tankathon




Rockets - Flagg
Jazz- Harper
Blazers- Bailey
Pelicans- Edgecombe
Wizards- Tre Johnson
Hornets- Jakucionis
Thunder- Queen
Nets- Maluach
Raptors- Knueppel
Spurs-what would they do? lol


i mean yeah, falling to 10th pick would suck. with that said this isnt the worst version of the board. i dont think the spurs would or should show much interest in Queen, Maluach, or Jakucionis anyway, so them off the board is fine. the best talent on the board here might be Fears, but thats an exceptionally poor fit right now. i dont understand the Jase Richardson love personally.

see my post above for guys i like in this 10+ range

[rankingtear]

I think 6 players are sure gone before we pick. Tre and Jaku have the star upside and positional size. The field is nipple, malauch, CMB, egor, queen, fears and jase. The rest have no all defense or 1-2 option upside to me and not worthy of a lottery selection.

[LeBowen]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Updated today.

[CorrectCrusader]

https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Updated today.

Carter Bryant at 6 is a choice

[scott]

Some thoughts on the later pick...

I dont think Sorber is stiff. Sorber looks stiff if you are viewing him through the lens of a PF, which he isn't. Backup C is a legitimate need for us. And there's a world where Wemby's perimeter game continues developing to the point where he can coexist with somebody like Sorber.

Fleming definitely feels like a gamble because he doesnt have a great ceiling and frankly doesnt have a great floor either (low level of competition, only one year of good shooting, with the caveat that he's improved every year) but he does check a ton of boxes, and has a ready-made NBA body and athleticism. The things he is bad at are things that we aren't really banking on him developing anyway. It's not like Castle and his shooting. Really just need him to continue being good at the things he is good at. That's why im in favor taking him. I think ideally you can get him with the Hawks pick, but i wouldnt be mad if we took him at 8 or 9. If he's there with the Hawks pick, I'm hoping they sprint to the podium.

With the later pick, Carter Bryant is the upside pick, as an athletic 2-way wing with size, athleticism. But what exactly would his role be early on? What would he be expected to do offensively? Not sure. He's a lump of clay but an enticing one.

Nique Clifford is an interesting one, but you always need to be cautious with older college players. he's nearly 2 years older than sochan. but he has solid size/athleticism for a sg/sf and has been a do-it-all player. can drive and finish at the rim, has a midrange game, is a solid passer, has improved his 3pt shooting, solid defense, and exceptional rebounding. I think he should go in the 20's though, to a team that just needs a solid year 1 contributor for a playoff team.

I'm also still buying McNeeley stock. His abysmal end to his campaign has made him cheaper. Midseason he was getting mocked around the late top 10, basically in the spot now held by Kon. He's nto a candidate with the Hawks pick. I'm bullish on the shot translating.

Essengue feels like a spurs-y pick but man im not sure now is the time to commit to developing players who are jump shot challenged.

I'm pretty out on CMB/Newell but i could see the Spurs being high on them.

Nice write up, thank you.

I say this as someone who is admittedly quite down on this draft outside of the very top, but this draft looks better if you assume anyone in our range will have to go through the typical rookie treatment pre-Sochan: significant G-League time, limited minutes for most of the season, don't expect much until year 2 or 3. A lot more players seem like viable options once you no longer expect them to contribute much next year (Essengue being a prime example)

[spurraider21]

Nice write up, thank you.

I say this as someone who is admittedly quite down on this draft outside of the very top, but this draft looks better if you assume anyone in our range will have to go through the typical rookie treatment pre-Sochan: significant G-League time, limited minutes for most of the season, don't expect much until year 2 or 3. A lot more players seem like viable options once you no longer expect them to contribute much next year (Essengue being a prime example)
yeah i dont think the draft is particularly deep or amazing, but anything compared to last year is nice. i'd say depth wise its pretty average. i think the expectation that any pick in the lottery is going to be dripping with obvious all star upside is a fantasy. you are wanting good role players who can become good starters. i think this class delivers that.

last year you had freaking Salaun going #6 overall. didnt like him last year, but if he was in this year's draft i dont think he'd be worth a top 20 pick at all. i like sorber as a center prospect better than anybody last year other than Clingan. any of the top 4 guys probably go #1 last year. im not particularly high on them, but other than buzelis, you didnt have any defensive oriented forwards that have the prowess of CMB, Newell, or even somebody like Carter Bryant. after buzelis, who was the next forward taken last year with plus defense? Dadiet to the knicks?

i think this is a fairly typical draft in the scheme of things, but with Flagg as a stronger than normal #1 overall

[thOOdee]

yeah i dont think the draft is particularly deep or amazing, but anything compared to last year is nice. i'd say depth wise its pretty average. i think the expectation that any pick in the lottery is going to be dripping with obvious all star upside is a fantasy. you are wanting good role players who can become good starters. i think this class delivers that.

last year you had freaking Salaun going #6 overall. didnt like him last year, but if he was in this year's draft i dont think he'd be worth a top 20 pick at all. i like sorber as a center prospect better than anybody last year other than Clingan. any of the top 4 guys probably go #1 last year. im not particularly high on them, but other than buzelis, you didnt have any defensive oriented forwards that have the prowess of CMB, Newell, or even somebody like Carter Bryant. after buzelis, who was the next forward taken last year with plus defense? Dadiet to the knicks?

i think this is a fairly typical draft in the scheme of things, but with Flagg as a stronger than normal #1 overall


Haven't gotten into his defensive stats and was he picked before buzelis, but ron holland didn't do to bad this year. Stating just because around this time last year there were very few holland supporters, and probably none who would choose holland over reed. If spurs are having to choose between a kon/sheppard type player vs. someone who's athletic and physically marks all the boxes but still needs developing, I'm rolling the dice on the higher reward.

[spurraider21]

Haven't gotten into his defensive stats and was he picked before buzelis, but ron holland didn't do to bad this year. Stating just because around this time last year there were very few holland supporters, and probably none who would choose holland over reed. If spurs are having to choose between a kon/sheppard type player vs. someone who's athletic and physically marks all the boxes but still needs developing, I'm rolling the dice on the higher reward.
i liked holland a lot (had him over castle at the time of the draft :lol). but i said after buzelis because i wanted to speak to the relative depth of the classes and holland went top 5

[The Truth #6]

I'm still intrigued by the Fleming archetype from what skills he has reported to possess. It sounds like a perfect fit next to Wemby, and arguably, Sochan. IF (!!) Fleming can actually hit open 3s, that really opens up possibilities. I mean, if Castle's shot becomes at least average, you could try starting Sochan
alongside Fleming and have a real defensive presence. I still think a defensive identity is the way to go, especially with the greater challenge of molding an offense to fit around Wemby's freelancing style.

[scott]

yeah i dont think the draft is particularly deep or amazing, but anything compared to last year is nice. i'd say depth wise its pretty average. i think the expectation that any pick in the lottery is going to be dripping with obvious all star upside is a fantasy. you are wanting good role players who can become good starters. i think this class delivers that.

last year you had freaking Salaun going #6 overall. didnt like him last year, but if he was in this year's draft i dont think he'd be worth a top 20 pick at all. i like sorber as a center prospect better than anybody last year other than Clingan. any of the top 4 guys probably go #1 last year. im not particularly high on them, but other than buzelis, you didnt have any defensive oriented forwards that have the prowess of CMB, Newell, or even somebody like Carter Bryant. after buzelis, who was the next forward taken last year with plus defense? Dadiet to the knicks?

i think this is a fairly typical draft in the scheme of things, but with Flagg as a stronger than normal #1 overall

I agree on one hand and disagree on another in comparing this year's draft to last (if we exclude Flagg and Harper, who are clearly a tier above anyone from last year). I think overall they grade out pretty equivalently, but I feel like last year's draft had more immediate contributors than last year's class. With that said, this year's class might have more long-term contributors after they go through the proper developmental paths. I think both drafts are below average, and not typical... to the point where I wonder about what's going on in the amateur ranks. The increased propensity of players from foreign leagues in the lottery may be less about those leagues generating more prospects and more about how far NCAA basketball has fallen.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Could you dorks shove it about politics. Don't you have family members to annoy on facebook?

Fair point!

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I'm still intrigued by the Fleming archetype from what skills he has reported to possess. It sounds like a perfect fit next to Wemby, and arguably, Sochan. IF (!!) Fleming can actually hit open 3s, that really opens up possibilities. I mean, if Castle's shot becomes at least average, you could try starting Sochan
alongside Fleming and have a real defensive presence. I still think a defensive identity is the way to go, especially with the greater challenge of molding an offense to fit around Wemby's freelancing style.

Yes. Fleming will be our big Bowen+. He made more than 100 three-pointers this season. This is a sample large enough to conclude that it will likely transfer to NBA. His fit with Spurs will be perfect. We don't need him to do much more than hitting the open 3s, defending the bigs, chasing the smalls, slashing to the hoop.

[objective]

If it's of any interest, Fleming had a terrible end to the season. In 1 NIT game and the 3 games in the conference tourney,:

4 games Averaged

30 min
8 points
8 rebounds
27.8% from the field (10-36)
16.7% from 3. (3-18)
0.5 assists
1.25 got
1 steal
1.25 blocks

Not exactly showing up big when needed

[Manu&Duncan fan]

If it's of any interest, Fleming had a terrible end to the season. In 1 NIT game and the 3 games in the conference tourney,:

4 games Averaged

30 min
8 points
8 rebounds
27.8% from the field (10-36)
16.7% from 3. (3-18)
0.5 assists
1.25 got
1 steal
1.25 blocks

Not exactly showing up big when needed

If he showed up for these 4 games, we would have to draft him at #8, thus would lose Jaku or Kon.

[mystargtr34]

I’m still a big CMB fan tbh. Just having a defensive presence like that with high IQ who can also score and playmake out of the post would be huge for the Spurs. If only the shooting was a little better.

If we take CMB at 8 then you almost have to go shooting with the next pick whether it be McNeeley, Carter Bryant, maybe even Fleming.

If you take CMB and Fleming I wonder if you could eventually soak up 48 minutes at the 4 spot with the two of them, then give Fleming the backup 5 minutes and pair him with Sochan or CMB at the 4 to maintain the defense and have some rim protection.

[CGD]

Carter Bryant at 6 is a choice

I know nothing about the player, but if their analysis is right seems like a great target for the ATL pick.

[CGD]

I get the need at back up C, but I feel those are the revolving door guys you get in free agency— not the draft. I’m always gonna be partial to the wings personally, and swinging on as many as possible in the draft (I think the spurs are too btw). It is the defining position in the league right now.

[spurraider21]

I’m still a big CMB fan tbh. Just having a defensive presence like that with high IQ who can also score and playmake out of the post would be huge for the Spurs. If only the shooting was a little better.

If we take CMB at 8 then you almost have to go shooting with the next pick whether it be McNeeley, Carter Bryant, maybe even Fleming.

If you take CMB and Fleming I wonder if you could eventually soak up 48 minutes at the 4 spot with the two of them, then give Fleming the backup 5 minutes and pair him with Sochan or CMB at the 4 to maintain the defense and have some rim protection.
This reads a lot like what people thought about Sochan when he was drafted. I know the defense has been harped on (and has translated), but his passing was also heavily emphasized as part of his appeal. That hasn't manifested at all.

With that said, CMB is a much better on-ball player than Sochan, so his passing/feel should be better than Jeremy

[scott]

Part of the issue I have in trying to evaluate players in this draft is that it is not at all clear what our team identity is going to be. Are we going to be a team based around hard nosed, lock down defense? CMB makes more sense if that is the case. Are we going to go towards a more modern offense? Is our team identity to just be nice guys? This all goes back to the uncertainty around the Pop situation. It makes team building quite difficult.

[mystargtr34]

This reads a lot like what people thought about Sochan when he was drafted. I know the defense has been harped on (and has translated), but his passing was also heavily emphasized as part of his appeal. That hasn't manifested at all.

With that said, CMB is a much better on-ball player than Sochan, so his passing/feel should be better than Jeremy

Yea there are similarities I agree but also differences. Plus it’s hard to project rate of improvement.

Even the shooting aspect. CMB FT% is .707 while sochan was .589.

Rebounds and assists are similar per 36.

CMB much better scorer, got to the line more, is more physical. More blocked shots.

CMB was also a year older and sophomore but didn’t get to play much as a freshman.

[ginobilized]

Part of the issue I have in trying to evaluate players in this draft is that it is not at all clear what our team identity is going to be. Are we going to be a team based around hard nosed, lock down defense? CMB makes more sense if that is the case. Are we going to go towards a more modern offense? Is our team identity to just be nice guys? This all goes back to the uncertainty around the Pop situation. It makes team building quite difficult.

This will be a very telling offseason, no doubt. It feels very risky to not have the coaching job locked down. My worst fear is that Pop is unable to return but doesn't capitulate until it's too late and we lose out on the available coaches.
My second biggest fear is that Pop does coach and we get the crazy shit like Sochan at PG and Branham seeing the floor and no backup center. And no starting center. And he admonishes the paying fans for booing. And he overplays KJ and Vassell. This might've just become my biggest fear, btw.

I could also see us trading these picks on surer bets or for future picks unless they are really high on someone in this draft. No way they pick up 3 players.

[mo7888]

I thought i had Carter Bryant higher than everybody else out there (10), but #6 is a good bit higher than anything else I've seen.

[The Truth #6]

Part of the issue I have in trying to evaluate players in this draft is that it is not at all clear what our team identity is going to be. Are we going to be a team based around hard nosed, lock down defense? CMB makes more sense if that is the case. Are we going to go towards a more modern offense? Is our team identity to just be nice guys? This all goes back to the uncertainty around the Pop situation. It makes team building quite difficult.

I think Wright is drifting away from soft nice guys and trying to find guys who play hard. But really hard to say. They seem ok with upside players who need to refine their shooting. But we might be in a new stage. Yeah, so no idea.

[scott]

I think Wright is drifting away from soft nice guys and trying to find guys who play hard. But really hard to say. They seem ok with upside players who need to refine their shooting. But we might be in a new stage. Yeah, so no idea.

Yeah, at the end of the day talent wins out but where we are picking there may be multiple options where talent is equal and fit comes into play. How can we possibly evaluate fit when we don't even know what our system and identity will be? Hopefully that is all sorted before the draft and our new coach has an opportunity to weigh in on the draft.

[spurraider21]

I thought i had Carter Bryant higher than everybody else out there (10), but #6 is a good bit higher than anything else I've seen.
i like bryant a lot but 6 is a ridiculous spot for him tbh

[SpursBills]

Yea there are similarities I agree but also differences. Plus it’s hard to project rate of improvement.

Even the shooting aspect. CMB FT% is .707 while sochan was .589.

Rebounds and assists are similar per 36.

CMB much better scorer, got to the line more, is more physical. More blocked shots.

CMB was also a year older and sophomore but didn’t get to play much as a freshman.

Like you, I'm going to wait for combine measurements to come out - I'm interested in his height, but most importantly a) wingspan and b) max reach (standing reach + max vertical). But if those numbers check out (6'7.5-6'8" in shoes, 7'1-7'2 wingspan, etc), I think there's a legitimate argument to be made that he's a comparable prospect to Scottie Barnes both stylistically and in quality.

[spurraider21]

Like you, I'm going to wait for combine measurements to come out - I'm interested in his height, but most importantly a) wingspan and b) max reach (standing reach + max vertical). But if those numbers check out (6'7.5-6'8" in shoes, 7'1-7'2 wingspan, etc), I think there's a legitimate argument to be made that he's a comparable prospect to Scottie Barnes both stylistically and in quality.
then you have to ask yourself if you stylistically think scottie barnes is somebody that would work well with wemby, fox, castle

[SpursBills]

then you have to ask yourself if you stylistically think scottie barnes is somebody that would work well with wemby, fox, castle

The way I see it, I'm always going to take the better player even if the fit is trickier. In the ideal situation, both Castle and CMB shoot credibly well and you have two well rounded two way stars that you can build from. I can always get 3 and D players later in the draft or in free agency, and I'm drafting for 4-5 years down the road so I don't really care that much about the fit with an age 32 Fox who may very well be declining by that time. I don't really expect rookies to become high leverage starters for 3-4 years on average, so any improvements in the Fox era with regards to starters should come from trades and free agency.

If we directly compare CMB to Fleming, I think that it is more likely that CMB can become a Barnes than Fleming can become a Camara. And if at that point the fit is tricky and Castle has truly blown up but still has a very questionable shot, I think most teams in the league would give up a Camara for a Barnes. It's different from the way you approach things I know, but I'm taking talent over fit in the draft a vast majority of the time.

[rankingtear]

My first choice is to trade this pick for at least Keegan Murray. The team is starved for that big wing at the 4 second only to a point guard. A lot of development time is wasted on Barnes and Cedi.

[Vienna]

JT Toppin could be one of the more underrated players in the mock drafts. in fact, he is all over the place, from late lottery (nbadraft.net at 14) to mid 2nd round. (Givoney has him at #42).

so, I try to look at it that way: what if he was a freshman? where would he be ranked?
this season he played on a new team in a new (much better) conference.
he is still only 19, same age, or even younger, than some high ranked freshmen are.
he was the best player on a very good team, won Big 12 player of the year and he delivered big time in the tournament. (yes, I know, 0-5 from the line vs. Florida don't look good)
so, if Newell and CMB are discussed in the late lottery, shouldn't Toppin be there as well?

[CGD]

Part of the issue I have in trying to evaluate players in this draft is that it is not at all clear what our team identity is going to be. Are we going to be a team based around hard nosed, lock down defense? CMB makes more sense if that is the case. Are we going to go towards a more modern offense? Is our team identity to just be nice guys? This all goes back to the uncertainty around the Pop situation. It makes team building quite difficult.

That and, what are the priorities in free agency? I’m a fan of getting big man help in FA over drafting it (cycle through those guys), and then continuing to take swings at the wing (basically to upgrade the Dev position over time).

[exstatic]

My first choice is to trade this pick for at least Keegan Murray. The team is starved for that big wing at the 4 second only to a point guard. A lot of development time is wasted on Barnes and Cedi.

You do understand that De’Aaron Fox is a PG, right?

[The Truth #6]

You do understand that De’Aaron Fox is a PG, right?

Might have been referring to SAC?

[exstatic]

Might have been referring to SAC?

He ended with a comment about Cedi and Barnes, so…?

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1909595752663335252

[rankingtear]

Is there statistical evidence that a C or combo big works with Wemby? All evidence upto this point is the opposite. Barnes is a wing and Sochan is a true perimeter defender. Mamu minutes are mostly on favorable conditions. Zollins, Bassey and Barlow are like -20 between them with Wemby. Gobert had to be staggered except with a favorable matchup with Embiid. Do we go from unplayable to great with CMB or Sorber or Pleghming or Wolf. Does anybody know if he is positive with the small C he played with in the olympics?

[bevo]

So is Malauch draft eligible anymore? Heard his visa might be on the line

[rascal]

Why do most in here want to use the Spurs last top ten draft pick(Spurs should be making the playoffs after this season) on a backup guard?

Everyone has a below the rim backup 2 guard mocked to the Spurs. Kon won't be starting over Fox and Castle and he's too small to get consistent mintes as a starting sf.
Do you really think the Spurs are going to trade Vassell?

If Castle stuggles to convert at times taking it to he basket how is a smaller(height and/ or wingsize) and a below the rim jumper like Kon going to be able to do it at the NBA level?

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1909609569904374064

[rankingtear]

Phlegmy got too much love for a 30th pick.

[Guru of Nothing]

Tis the season to start deep diving into upcoming NFL and NBA drafts. As far as the Spurs go, I'm leaning into CMB and Jase Richardson as my favorite takeaways from this draft (Kon and others work in this range too, just digging these guys a little more at the moment). If we can nail down two top-8 rotational players in this draft, I'll take it.

--- CMB feels like one of those guys we're going to be thankful for (or wish we had) in future battles with the Thunder and Rockets. Besides, somebody has to soak up KJ's minutes.

--- Jase for the potential of the three-guard rotation of Fox-Castle-Richardson. Set it and forget it (RIP, Ron Popeil). Besides, somebody has to soak up Devin's minutes.


So, (1) draft CMB and Jase, (2) send KJ and Devin out the door along with one first rounder for Durant in return on strictly a two-year $100M max deal, (3) Tootsie Pop.

Starting rotation:

(1) Fox
(2) Castle
(3) Sochan ... Just let Jeremy run range-free on defense for a year, and keep working on his shot. I'll allow for a moderatley sized extension.
(4) Durant ... two years, two rings - that's the offer!
(5) Wemby

(6) CP3
(7) Wesley
(8) Barnes -- along with Champ, 3-point leverage for the coach to make use of
(9) Champaignie
(10) Jase Richardson
(11) CMB
(12) Biyombo
(13) Mamu
(14) Developmental, 7-footer, 2nd-round pick. NOW can we have Danny Wolf?
(15) I'm available --OR-- Maybe CP3 and Durant persuade one more useful vet to come aboard for a run at a ring (and this is a superplump ring opportunity - this is real capital).


Not sure what is going to happen on the coaching front, but CP3 becoming the long-term solution at head coach is in my top-3 of most likely outcomes (I'm on team Becky first).

[Mr. Body]

So is Malauch draft eligible anymore? Heard his visa might be on the line

As anything with the braindamaged dynamite monkeys of this White House, who knows. You can call them. I suggest offering $$$ for basic answers.

[Mr. Body]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1909609569904374064

Word was forming that he was staying at BYU. Rumors were wrong.

[LeBowen]

Word was forming that he was staying at BYU. Rumors were wrong.

I'd be tempted to pick him with ATL pick if he's available.
Would enable some interesting lineups.

I guess Fox/Castle/Demin would be enough playmaking. Maybe replace Wesley with a reliable veteran who can get some backup minutes in case of emergency.

[itzsoweezee]

So is Malauch draft eligible anymore? Heard his visa might be on the line

Yes, he can still be drafted and play in the NBA. He won’t be able to leave the country, however. So Toronto is likely not going to draft him.

Fuck trump and every brain dead loser that voted for him

[spurraider21]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1909609569904374064
interesting. i had read that it seemed likely he was going to go back to BYU for a year, play with AJ

Demin would be the best passer of this draft

[Vienna]

assuming Demin won't have any visa troubles.....since Russia is the only country in the world Trump didn't put tariffs on.

[Jordan Jackson]

I think regardless of their style of play, spurs need to address the wing positions - PF and swing.

They are getting dick punched at that position. I think you need competent play at those positions - high IQ, height, versatility, a little secondary playing making - to really compete at a high level.

The answer is currently not on the roster no matter how hard the front office tries to force some of these guys into that role.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/Zh4tC7qY8ng?si=MYeVquFXB96wnlCy

[cutewizard]

Anyone likes Yaxel?

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Just watch some CMB videos, very impressed. Fast, big, smart and versatile. If he has a 3-point shot, then he will be a top 2 pick.

He will likely be available at 8. I wouldn't mind rolling the dice on him and sort the "fit" issue later.

[Mr. Body]

Anyone likes Yaxel?

Right now he's committed to Michigan but may stay in the draft. He beat Fleming pretty badly in their tournament game.

[Truckules]

Is there statistical evidence that a C or combo big works with Wemby? All evidence upto this point is the opposite. Barnes is a wing and Sochan is a true perimeter defender. Mamu minutes are mostly on favorable conditions. Zollins, Bassey and Barlow are like -20 between them with Wemby. Gobert had to be staggered except with a favorable matchup with Embiid. Do we go from unplayable to great with CMB or Sorber or Pleghming or Wolf. Does anybody know if he is positive with the small C he played with in the olympics?

I don't know if there's enough evidence either way. Zollins is the only true big who shared any meaningful time with Wemby, and that was all last season. I think whatever big plays next to Wemby has to be a spacer, either through shooting or as a vertical spacer, and Zach was neither. On defense, teams are going to do whatever they can to pull Wemby out of the paint so the other big is going to have to be able to defend the rim. Mamu seems to fit offensively, but isn't enough of a rim protector. Bassey is a good rim protector but not a good offensive fit.

Naz Reid is pretty much the ideal fit which is probably why the Spurs have been linked to a possible offer this offseason. In terms of the draft, Fleming is the only one who fits the archetype of the prospects you mentioned, but some have concerns about his shooting transferring. The other two in the draft who fit that are Bailey (who's probably out of range) and Maluach.

[Biggems]

JT Toppin could be one of the more underrated players in the mock drafts. in fact, he is all over the place, from late lottery (nbadraft.net at 14) to mid 2nd round. (Givoney has him at #42).

so, I try to look at it that way: what if he was a freshman? where would he be ranked?
this season he played on a new team in a new (much better) conference.
he is still only 19, same age, or even younger, than some high ranked freshmen are.
he was the best player on a very good team, won Big 12 player of the year and he delivered big time in the tournament. (yes, I know, 0-5 from the line vs. Florida don't look good)
so, if Newell and CMB are discussed in the late lottery, shouldn't Toppin be there as well?
I want JT.....as for his FT shooting, he is prime Spurs form.

I think he would be an outstanding asset to have on the team.

I am also high on Broome. He has nice moves and touch in the paint. He cleans the glass well, blocks shots, and is a solid leader.

[mo7888]

Part of the issue I have in trying to evaluate players in this draft is that it is not at all clear what our team identity is going to be. Are we going to be a team based around hard nosed, lock down defense? CMB makes more sense if that is the case. Are we going to go towards a more modern offense? Is our team identity to just be nice guys? This all goes back to the uncertainty around the Pop situation. It makes team building quite difficult.

Probably the best point that's been made in this thread.

[RC_Drunkford]

if Jakucionis is there at #8 you gotta get him. We'd just run a 3-guard rotation of Fox/Castle/Jakucionis and would have our Fox replacement already on the roster for 2030

[Gibbz]

Anyone likes Yaxel?

I follow North Texas so I've seen a lot of Yaxel. I like him a lot, but even the Hawks pick would probably be too high to draft him, and I don't see him making it all the way to us at 38. As a fan I wouldn't complain, though. I see in Givony's new mock he has him going #27 to Brooklyn.

[T Park]

My first choice is to trade this pick for at least Keegan Murray. The team is starved for that big wing at the 4 second only to a point guard. A lot of development time is wasted on Barnes and Cedi.

The pick is worth way more than him.

[baseline bum]

assuming Demin won't have any visa troubles.....since Russia is the only country in the world Trump didn't put tariffs on.

IDK how anyone can believe the Dear Leader isn't an outright Russian asset at this point.

[mo7888]

Why do most in here want to use the Spurs last top ten draft pick(Spurs should be making the playoffs after this season) on a backup guard?

Everyone has a below the rim backup 2 guard mocked to the Spurs. Kon won't be starting over Fox and Castle and he's too small to get consistent mintes as a starting sf.
Do you really think the Spurs are going to trade Vassell?

If Castle stuggles to convert at times taking it to he basket how is a smaller(height and/ or wingsize) and a below the rim jumper like Kon going to be able to do it at the NBA level?

Probably they don't view them as backups necessarily because they look at things beyond "how high can he jump." That's just a guess, though...

[The Truth #6]

Yeah, at the end of the day talent wins out but where we are picking there may be multiple options where talent is equal and fit comes into play. How can we possibly evaluate fit when we don't even know what our system and identity will be? Hopefully that is all sorted before the draft and our new coach has an opportunity to weigh in on the draft.

Circling back to this question about direction and player profile they prefer. Feel for the game/multi positional/yet can't shoot would be my ultimate guess.

So in this draft that would be: Demin, CMB...who else?

[spurraider21]

some of my favorite fits in the draft

Derrick Queen to Bulls. They need a center to replace Vucevic who will be on an expiring deal and once again a trade candidate. Gives them another interesting offensive chess piece alongside Giddey, White, Buzelis. matas provides some weakside shotblocking making the Bulls one of the teams who can overcome Queen's lack of rim protection

Thomas Sorber to Hawks. In desperate need of a center that can provide some rim presence on either end, set good screens. Isn't some lumbering stiff and fits with their theme alongside these young athletic wings. i dont see him getting past them

Jeremiah Fears to Miami. in desperate need for a real point guard. Rozier has been a monumental bust for them. i think its either him or Jakucionis, but Fears feels like a "heat culture" player. he is young and needs time, but Bam is still 27, Herro is 25.

VJ to Charlotte. none of lamelo, bridges, or miller are particularly good defenders. even williams has underperformed. VJ can give them a difference maker on that end and somebody who will fly in transition with their fast paced offense. should be a nice complement to LaMelo and a good connective piece on a team with some talented scorers but in need of some maturity

[rascal]

Probably they don't view them as backups necessarily because they look at things beyond "how high can he jump." That's just a guess, though...

Spurs are interested in positional size and if you don't have it you better be able to jump.

[scott]

some of my favorite fits in the draft

Derrick Queen to Bulls. They need a center to replace Vucevic who will be on an expiring deal and once again a trade candidate. Gives them another interesting offensive chess piece alongside Giddey, White, Buzelis. matas provides some weakside shotblocking making the Bulls one of the teams who can overcome Queen's lack of rim protection

Thomas Sorber to Hawks. In desperate need of a center that can provide some rim presence on either end, set good screens. Isn't some lumbering stiff and fits with their theme alongside these young athletic wings. i dont see him getting past them

Jeremiah Fears to Miami. in desperate need for a real point guard. Rozier has been a monumental bust for them. i think its either him or Jakucionis, but Fears feels like a "heat culture" player. he is young and needs time, but Bam is still 27, Herro is 25.

VJ to Charlotte. none of lamelo, bridges, or miller are particularly good defenders. even williams has underperformed. VJ can give them a difference maker on that end and somebody who will fly in transition with their fast paced offense. should be a nice complement to LaMelo and a good connective piece on a team with some talented scorers but in need of some maturity

What are your favorite fits for Flagg, Harper and Bailey? Excluding the Spurs of course.

[spurraider21]

What are your favorite fits for Flagg, Harper and Bailey? Excluding the Spurs of course.
hard to find a poor fit for Flagg :lol. and because these top 4 have the most unpredictable landing spots, you cant really gauge if a team is or isnt likely to draft them. if somebody gets 1, theyre picking flagg. if they pick 2, theyre taking harper, etc.

to be fair VJ is in that class but charlotte screams like an obvious fit so i included him.

for Harper i'd say Washington. they have a handful of interesting pieces but really need somebody to just put it together and run the ship. none of Sarr, Coulibaly, or Carrington looks like guys that an offense would really run through, so they'd benefit a ton from a floor general.

for Flagg, Brooklyn. the nba needs another star in the east. brooklyn doesnt have anything really resembling a foundational piece right now. utah is also bad but lauri is a real player. collier has looked nice. filipowski has been solid. kessler has trade value. they just seem slightly less desperate

for Bailey... Philly. at this point he's a shotmaker, and playing off Maxey, Embiid, McCain, George should make life easy on him early. go out and run in transition, disrupt on defense, and make shots for them.

[baseline bum]

for Flagg, Brooklyn. the nba needs another star in the east. brooklyn doesnt have anything really resembling a foundational piece right now. utah is also bad but lauri is a real player. collier has looked nice. filipowski has been solid. kessler has trade value. they just seem slightly less desperate


I gotta go Charlotte for Flagg. A team with him, Miller, and LaMelo would be really interesting and we wouldn't have to see Flagg carry a roster full of nobodies. Especially with things looking grim for keeping Giannis in Milwaukee the East desperately needs another team with some talent accumulation.

[LeBowen]

if Jakucionis is there at #8 you gotta get him. We'd just run a 3-guard rotation of Fox/Castle/Jakucionis and would have our Fox replacement already on the roster for 2030

Yeah, BPA is the way to go.
We need everything, tbh.

Wemby, Castle and Fox are the only guaranteed long-term pieces.

Playmaking? We need another point guard until Castle proves otherwise.
Shooting? Barnes is the only great shooter on the team.
Driving and paint penetration? Fox and Castle, noone else is reliable, Keldon's drives are like spinning the roulette.
Perimeter defense? Castle and Jeremy are the only ones who look like they could be all-NBA defenders.
Wings? We have no reliable wings other than Barnes who's turning 33.
Bigs? It's just Wemby and scrubs.

The only achetype we shouldn't be looking at are non-shooters unless they're really good in other aspects of the game. But then Jeremy has to go.

[TD 21]

You're pushing right wing propaganda right now acting like Harris was running on trans athletes. You guys are so good at manufacturing these bullshit issues in election season, just like critical race theory in 2022. Also if you haven't noticed it, a lot is changing. Pretty sure if Harris was president we wouldn't be discussing whether we should skip drafting a guy because everyone from his nation is subject to deportation.

That and the notion of, if only the Democrats had a decent candidate run, are either excuses from these people or speak to the level of ignorance.

Like '16, this shouldn't have been about the other candidate/party, it should have been about anyone but him. With him out of the picture for good, then those could have become considerations again.


The way I see it, I'm always going to take the better player even if the fit is trickier. In the ideal situation, both Castle and CMB shoot credibly well and you have two well rounded two way stars that you can build from. I can always get 3 and D players later in the draft or in free agency, and I'm drafting for 4-5 years down the road so I don't really care that much about the fit with an age 32 Fox who may very well be declining by that time. I don't really expect rookies to become high leverage starters for 3-4 years on average, so any improvements in the Fox era with regards to starters should come from trades and free agency.

If we directly compare CMB to Fleming, I think that it is more likely that CMB can become a Barnes than Fleming can become a Camara. And if at that point the fit is tricky and Castle has truly blown up but still has a very questionable shot, I think most teams in the league would give up a Camara for a Barnes. It's different from the way you approach things I know, but I'm taking talent over fit in the draft a vast majority of the time.

Fair enough, but it's almost never as easy to get 3 and D player with positional size as many seem to think and building 4-5 years down the road is often a fools errand in this league now.

With a potential future GOAT candidate centerpiece who has already suffered a serious health ailment, the goal should be trying to win a championship as quickly as possible.

Post Fox addition, I longer care if player x has a supposedly higher ceiling than player y, if the former can't help towards the goal (either due to fit, being a project or both) in relatively short order.

Murray-Boyles only makes sense if Sochan is getting traded, which is highly unlikely.

[Mr. Body]

I gotta go Charlotte for Flagg. A team with him, Miller, and LaMelo would be really interesting and we wouldn't have to see Flagg carry a roster full of nobodies. Especially with things looking grim for keeping Giannis in Milwaukee the East desperately needs another team with some talent accumulation.

Charlotte would be a disaster for Flagg and the NBA. They don't even have a real fan base in their own city or region. And with Lamelo they're never going to be a serious franchise. I can't think of a worse place for him. Even Washington would be better.

[scott]

hard to find a poor fit for Flagg :lol. and because these top 4 have the most unpredictable landing spots, you cant really gauge if a team is or isnt likely to draft them. if somebody gets 1, theyre picking flagg. if they pick 2, theyre taking harper, etc.

to be fair VJ is in that class but charlotte screams like an obvious fit so i included him.

for Harper i'd say Washington. they have a handful of interesting pieces but really need somebody to just put it together and run the ship. none of Sarr, Coulibaly, or Carrington looks like guys that an offense would really run through, so they'd benefit a ton from a floor general.

for Flagg, Brooklyn. the nba needs another star in the east. brooklyn doesnt have anything really resembling a foundational piece right now. utah is also bad but lauri is a real player. collier has looked nice. filipowski has been solid. kessler has trade value. they just seem slightly less desperate

for Bailey... Philly. at this point he's a shotmaker, and playing off Maxey, Embiid, McCain, George should make life easy on him early. go out and run in transition, disrupt on defense, and make shots for them.

Agree on WAS for Harper and Bailey for Philly, though I think Bailey also would fit well in BKN as well. Both BKN and PHI would have that "homegrown" Rutgers connection as well.

I still like NOP as the best on the court fit for Flagg. Valid concerns about how the Pels have been able to manage the talent they've been delivered, but I think a DJM/Trey/Flagg/Herb/Missi lineup would be super fun, assuming NOP could flip Zion elsewhere.

[spurraider21]

Agree on WAS for Harper and Bailey for Philly, though I think Bailey also would fit well in BKN as well. Both BKN and PHI would have that "homegrown" Rutgers connection as well.

I still like NOP as the best on the court fit for Flagg. Valid concerns about how the Pels have been able to manage the talent they've been delivered, but I think a DJM/Trey/Flagg/Herb/Missi lineup would be super fun, assuming NOP could flip Zion elsewhere.
yeah its hard to figure out who the best fit is for NOP since i have no idea what their plan is. i think they keep Zion, but still seems like a question mark. what do they do with murray? are they just gonna play out one more year of mccollum and let him walk?

murphy and herb are really nice, and Missi has been solid for them. but i still dont know what that team is

[LeBowen]

Aside from Spurs moving into top4, I'd like to see the following...

Jazz: Flagg. Up until now the only franchise that never lost 60 games, they never had a #1 pick. They seem to be competent and would surely develop him into a superstar.
Nets: Harper. He's from Jersey and he'd be a great starting piece for them. I kind of feel bad for their fanbase because they somehow keep getting fucked over.
Hornets: Edgecombe. Seems like a perfect complement to Lamelo and they already have their wings in Miller and Bridges. If they still can't work it out, just relocate the team.
Wizards: Bailey. KD never came home, maybe this kid can be the star wing they never had.
Pelicans: Jakucionis. They need a point guard badly, but to me they're the most useless Western team. As if they haven't had enough top picks to finally figure it out.
Sixers: Fuck them, if it wasn't OKC getting their pick, I'd be hoping they lose it. Knueppel seems like a perfect fit there.

[rjv]

i'd much rather see flagg in the east if the spurs don't strike lightning twice. it would also help the east to get better. the better the east is, the more difficult it is for the hawks.

[spurraider21]

Aside from Spurs moving into top4, I'd like to see the following...

Jazz: Flagg. Up until now the only franchise that never lost 60 games, they never had a #1 pick. They seem to be competent and would surely develop him into a superstar.
Nets: Harper. He's from Jersey and he'd be a great starting piece for them. I kind of feel bad for their fanbase because they somehow keep getting fucked over.
Hornets: Edgecombe. Seems like a perfect complement to Lamelo and they already have their wings in Miller and Bridges. If they still can't work it out, just relocate the team.
Wizards: Bailey. KD never came home, maybe this kid can be the star wing they never had.
Pelicans: Jakucionis. They need a point guard badly, but to me they're the most useless Western team. As if they haven't had enough top picks to finally figure it out.
Sixers: Fuck them, if it wasn't OKC getting their pick, I'd be hoping they lose it. Knueppel seems like a perfect fit there.
agreed with all of this :lol

i could see them taking Tre Johnson though

[rankingtear]

I don't know if there's enough evidence either way. Zollins is the only true big who shared any meaningful time with Wemby, and that was all last season. I think whatever big plays next to Wemby has to be a spacer, either through shooting or as a vertical spacer, and Zach was neither. On defense, teams are going to do whatever they can to pull Wemby out of the paint so the other big is going to have to be able to defend the rim. Mamu seems to fit offensively, but isn't enough of a rim protector. Bassey is a good rim protector but not a good offensive fit.

Naz Reid is pretty much the ideal fit which is probably why the Spurs have been linked to a possible offer this offseason. In terms of the draft, Fleming is the only one who fits the archetype of the prospects you mentioned, but some have concerns about his shooting transferring. The other two in the draft who fit that are Bailey (who's probably out of range) and Maluach.

No one is going to defender the rim either way if your 2nd rim protector is the one they are attacking. Is it just better to have 4 POA defenders in that scenario like BOS or OKC. We already half way there with the Fox and Castle backcourt. With no top option to hide on defense why bring in a second rim protector in the SL.

[scott]

Aside from Spurs moving into top4, I'd like to see the following...

Jazz: Flagg. Up until now the only franchise that never lost 60 games, they never had a #1 pick. They seem to be competent and would surely develop him into a superstar.
Nets: Harper. He's from Jersey and he'd be a great starting piece for them. I kind of feel bad for their fanbase because they somehow keep getting fucked over.
Hornets: Edgecombe. Seems like a perfect complement to Lamelo and they already have their wings in Miller and Bridges. If they still can't work it out, just relocate the team.
Wizards: Bailey. KD never came home, maybe this kid can be the star wing they never had.
Pelicans: Jakucionis. They need a point guard badly, but to me they're the most useless Western team. As if they haven't had enough top picks to finally figure it out.
Sixers: Fuck them, if it wasn't OKC getting their pick, I'd be hoping they lose it. Knueppel seems like a perfect fit there.

I also like the idea of Flagg to Utah for the reasons you mentioned and also the hilariousness of Utah being the home of all the white boys.

In all seriousness, I kind of like the idea of the balance of power in the west shifting towards SA/OKC/UTA while the major market teams fade into a secondary stature. I'd be all in for an era where the NBA's top teams were SA/OKC/UTA v CLE/IND/MIL. Doesn't appear like MIL is going to be able to join the party though.

[baseline bum]

Agree on WAS for Harper and Bailey for Philly, though I think Bailey also would fit well in BKN as well. Both BKN and PHI would have that "homegrown" Rutgers connection as well.

I still like NOP as the best on the court fit for Flagg. Valid concerns about how the Pels have been able to manage the talent they've been delivered, but I think a DJM/Trey/Flagg/Herb/Missi lineup would be super fun, assuming NOP could flip Zion elsewhere.

Give me Flagg to Miami if the Spurs can't land pick #1 so he gets to develop under a top coach and also knock the Hawks down a peg.

[baseline bum]

I also like the idea of Flagg to Utah for the reasons you mentioned and also the hilariousness of Utah being the home of all the white boys.

In all seriousness, I kind of like the idea of the balance of power in the west shifting towards SA/OKC/UTA while the major market teams fade into a secondary stature. I'd be all in for an era where the NBA's top teams were SA/OKC/UTA v CLE/IND/MIL. Doesn't appear like MIL is going to be able to join the party though.

Houston's gotta be in that mix too. Already have a hell of a team with tons of room for Amen to grow as well as a lot of draft capital and an S Tier coach.

[rankingtear]

Big thing with these post tourney mocks is Fears and Queen moving up and Jaku possibly being available with our pick.

[scott]

First spin of the Tankathon today... we got #2... but HOU got #1 :cry

[scott]

Houston's gotta be in that mix too. Already have a hell of a team with tons of room for Amen to grow as well as a lot of draft capital and an S Tier coach.

Fuck Houston... BUUUUUUT... I would like to see a return of our classic 90s rivalries. Utah, Houston, Portland. We'll count OKC as Seattle I guess. That would be fun.

[baseline bum]

First spin of the Tankathon today... we got #2... but HOU got #1 :cry

On mine Philly got Flagg, Washington Harper, Spurs Bailey, and then Houston got #4 and tankathon had them taking that dude about to get deported.

[Ice009]

So what are these deportation rules? I haven't had a chance to look into any of this shit. Is it going to affect any current players in the league?

[Vienna]

So what are these deportation rules? I haven't had a chance to look into any of this shit. Is it going to affect any current players in the league?

likely all who refuse to kiss the ring. or the tie. or whatever Caligula calls appropriate. and you have to buy a cybertruck. for 10 million. or 30. depending on the holes in the companies balance.

[BatManu20]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GoA-5wCXgAEWk0c?format=jpg&name=large

[rascal]

If the Spurs don't move up into the top 4 it's looking like Knueppel and McNeeley from the draft.

I'm sure the Spurs are looking to use Atlanta's pick on McNeeley. Add a backup 5 and that's it for the off season moves I'm expecting from the Spurs and run it back with the core intact.