2025 NBA Draft

[PhantomDashCam]

https://x.com/NBADraftWass/status/1917988270434025670

Has Fears put on some size (musculature)?
Tankathon has Fland at 175lbs and Frears at 182lbs. Just seems to look bigger than the tape I had seen previously (which admittedly was not a whole heap).

Actually, NBAdraft.net has him at 190lbs. Interesting if true.

[rankingtear]

Keegan Murray actually played in college, a lot. Carter Bryant made occasional appearances.

Jonathan Givony, I definitely don't trust him. He constantly seems to be pushing certain guys or holding back on others, and not because of what teams are saying. He was better before he joined ESPN -- oh, wait, he's ESPN. That's why he does it.

I mean, upstairs he's talking about guys not missing in open shoot-arounds. Who gives a fuck? And he's the one who tried dropping that horseshit about watching Stephon Castle shoot for a long time and never making two in a row. Oh, and he's been caught doctoring his mocks after the fact.

Anyway, yeah, taking Carter with the 8 would be bad enough. Following it up with another long project would be terrible. Having them play the same position would be icing on the shit cake.

But Givony is in the workouts while Vecenie is in Australia watching film. He also got Jeremy Woo who provides the best intel in the draft comparable to him when he was at SI.

[exstatic]

But Givony is in the workouts while Vecenie is in Australia watching film. He also got Jeremy Woo who provides the best intel in the draft comparable to him when he was at SI.

It doesn’t matter if you’re there in person if your organization is having you glaze players that they want promoted. I trust Vecenie to be less biased.

[BacktoBasics]

I would draft Fears if he’s there. The guard rotation wouldn’t worry me. I think the upside far outweighs a nipple or longshot PF. Malu might be a tough pass if he also happens to be there.

[Mr. Body]

I would draft Fears if he’s there. The guard rotation wouldn’t worry me. I think the upside far outweighs a nipple or longshot PF. Malu might be a tough pass if he also happens to be there.

How in the world could you play Fox and Fears at the same time?

[Mr. Body]

I remember reading that bit about Castle not making two in a row. Was that before the draft?

Yeah, and it was really weird. Givony was going out against Castle. It's okay to be uncertain about a player but claiming he never hit two in a row was weird. There's tape of shoot arounds where he does.

Frankly these workouts don't mean much to me. Lots of players hit shots in a relaxed gym setting that don't in games. It's next to pointless.

[spurraider21]

givony ends up having pretty accurate intel despite what we may think about him having a slant toward some players over others. he still was pretty consistently accurately mocking Castle to the Spurs at 4, behind risacher/sarr/sheppard which is exactly how it ended up playing out. cant doubt that he is somewhat connected due to his presence at the mothership

[exstatic]

How in the world could you play Fox and Fears at the same time?

You sit Wesley and play Fears as Fox’s backup as he develops. Fears is 18 on draft night. Fox is 27. At some point Fears will replace him.

[Ice009]

Yeah, and it was really weird. Givony was going out against Castle. It's okay to be uncertain about a player but claiming he never hit two in a row was weird. There's tape of shoot arounds where he does.

Frankly these workouts don't mean much to me. Lots of players hit shots in a relaxed gym setting that don't in games. It's next to pointless.

Thanks. As for hitting shots, oh yeah, I know that better than anyone you can't put much stock into how someone is shooting in a gym with no pressure or defense or anything. That doesn't really mean a lot to me either. Yes, you can see if someone is a good shooter, but I still don't put a lot of stock in that as even average shooters can look good in a relaxed setting like you said. At the time of that comment, I was wondering if he's trying to scare teams off on drafting Castle by saying he can't even hit two in a row in an open gym setting, but I also didn't believe that as I'm sure he was hitting more than two in a row. I'm really not sure what he was trying to do/what his agenda was by saying that.

[Mr. Body]

You sit Wesley and play Fears as Fox’s backup as he develops. Fears is 18 on draft night. Fox is 27. At some point Fears will replace him.

This just doesn't work. You're playing your lottery pick at most like 20 minutes a game for 3-5 years?

And as I've said having your lineups always, always having a smaller guard out there is a big problem.

[scott]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1918032678617793025

We won’t be able to compete until our team is able to field an entire lineup of guys with this haircut

[Mr. Body]

We won’t be able to compete until our team is able to field an entire lineup of guys with this haircut

Can Flagg hack that cut though?

[mystargtr34]

Can Flagg hack that cut though?

This sounds like a good photoshop opportunity

[cutewizard]

Spurs pick num 2 or 4

[cutewizard]

Book it

[John B]

https://x.com/NBADraftWass/status/1917988270434025670

Boogie Fland will not be available for our SRP. It would’ve been nice as backup PG.

[Vienna]

Keegan Murray actually played in college, a lot. Carter Bryant made occasional appearances.

Jonathan Givony, I definitely don't trust him. He constantly seems to be pushing certain guys or holding back on others, and not because of what teams are saying. He was better before he joined ESPN -- oh, wait, he's ESPN. That's why he does it.

I mean, upstairs he's talking about guys not missing in open shoot-arounds. Who gives a fuck? And he's the one who tried dropping that horseshit about watching Stephon Castle shoot for a long time and never making two in a row. Oh, and he's been caught doctoring his mocks after the fact.

Anyway, yeah, taking Carter with the 8 would be bad enough. Following it up with another long project would be terrible. Having them play the same position would be icing on the shit cake.

I don't know if Givoney has an agenda. but I do think he is absolutely clueless about basketball. he built his career on collecting some numbers (nothing wrong about that) on DX and building a data base people liked to visit.

his basketball "knowledge" is as simple as "player X will be a great defender, because he has a long wingspan" and "player Y is a great shooter because I saw him in a workout hitting 10 shots in a row".

his lack of a basketball mind was camouflaged by Schmitz and now Woo.

[CGD]

I like that Vecine seems to have more realistic placements for players like Asa (20s), Liam (20s), Richardson (high teens), Fleming (20s), Bailey (not a lock at 3), than the casual fan.

[Seventyniner]

We won’t be able to compete until our team is able to field an entire lineup of guys with this haircut

Tim Duncan is ready. He would just need to trim the ends some.

[Vienna]

I like that Vecine seems to have more realistic placements for players like Asa (20s), Liam (20s), Richardson (high teens), Fleming (20s), Bailey (not a lock at 3), than the casual fan.

might be true, but theAthletic is behind the pay wall for some of us.

[Mr. Body]

I don't know if Givoney has an agenda. but I do think he is absolutely clueless about basketball. he built his career on collecting some numbers (nothing wrong about that) on DX and building a data base people liked to visit.

his basketball "knowledge" is as simple as "player X will be a great defender, because he has a long wingspan" and "player Y is a great shooter because I saw him in a workout hitting 10 shots in a row".

his lack of a basketball mind was camouflaged by Schmitz and now Woo.

His DraftExpress site was probably the best draft material in the days before draft YouTube took off. It was comprehensive in its articles and analysis. He changed a lot when he went to ESPN, as so many people do. Poor content, lazy analysis, and the shadow of bias. The unusual ESPN/Disney stuff nowadays.

[ginobilized]

Man, Fears has some Westbrook like shoulders. His body could definitely be NBA-caliber. I missed that in the few games i saw him play.

I'd love to see Tre and Kon go head-to-head.

10 more days until we know our picks.

[Mr. Body]

With news of Pop's retirement from coaching, Cooper Flagg has announced he is returning to Duke.

[scottspurs]

I think the Spurs announcing Pop’s retirement and Mitch Johnson’s hiring signals they won’t do any dramatic roster changes this offseason. They will only trade the picks for future picks. This being a really good and deep draft I think they will use both picks unless they get a great offer. They will definitely pick if they move up. They are not trading a top-4 pick! I also think the Spurs would be wise to stay away from projects and draft more high floor and ready made prospects. Get Mitch some players that can play!

[montgod]

I think the Spurs announcing Pop’s retirement and Mitch Johnson’s hiring signals they won’t do any dramatic roster changes this offseason. They will only trade the picks for future picks. This being a really good and deep draft I think they will use both picks unless they get a great offer. They will definitely pick if they move up. They are not trading a top-4 pick! I also think the Spurs would be wise to stay away from projects and draft more high floor and ready made prospects. Get Mitch some players that can play!

Slightly feel this way as well since not too confident on Mitch at the moment working with vets like Durant or Giannis. I could be wrong though.

[Mr. Body]

I think the Spurs announcing Pop’s retirement and Mitch Johnson’s hiring signals they won’t do any dramatic roster changes this offseason. They will only trade the picks for future picks. This being a really good and deep draft I think they will use both picks unless they get a great offer. They will definitely pick if they move up. They are not trading a top-4 pick! I also think the Spurs would be wise to stay away from projects and draft more high floor and ready made prospects. Get Mitch some players that can play!

That was the plan before. Not sure what's changed?

[benefactor]

Does this draft even fucking matter now:lol

[Mr. Body]

Does this draft even fucking matter now:lol

Yes?

[exstatic]

I think the Spurs announcing Pop’s retirement and Mitch Johnson’s hiring signals they won’t do any dramatic roster changes this offseason. They will only trade the picks for future picks. This being a really good and deep draft I think they will use both picks unless they get a great offer. They will definitely pick if they move up. They are not trading a top-4 pick! I also think the Spurs would be wise to stay away from projects and draft more high floor and ready made prospects. Get Mitch some players that can play!

If you mean splashy moves like Durant or Giannis, you’re probably right. If you mean roster churn, I don’t agree. We’ve already offloaded 20% (Tre,Sidy,Zach) of our opening day roster this past October, and I’d anticipate another 20% (CP,Bassey,Mamu) before opening day in October.

[RC_Drunkford]

so who y'all think Mitch wants to draft?

[BackHome]

Mitch don’t have a say this is going to be Pops draft for good or worse. I

[Mr. Body]

I don't think the philosophy changes one bit.

Keep drafting pieces that fit. If they don't see what they like, possibly move it. Find value in trades if possible.

But I do think things shift. Fox was a nice acquisition. He changes what they're looking for, but his salary also makes big acquisitions more unlikely for flexibility.

I'd say -- use the #8, see if the #14 is valuable. I think they'll seriously consider moving up in the draft, possibly the #1 tactic. And then they'll try to find older role players. Going after Durant or Giannis will be super expensive. There are teams that need those players right now who will pay through the nose for them.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1918401575250461072

[Snaq O'Meal]

Does this draft even fucking matter now:lol

This draft may not matter but the next one will. They’re aiming for AJ Dybantsa or Darren Peterson.

[CorrectCrusader]

When do the ping pong balls get decided again?

[exstatic]

When do the ping pong balls get decided again?

May 12th

[Chinook]

Lebron is apparently open to leaving the Lakers. A lot of people hate him on principle, of course, but if you're actually talking about the team trying to win now, that's the type of move you make. It's short term, so you avoid having three max contracts at the same time. You're also not pretending like Wemby is in his prime and ready to carry a contender. No, James isn't who he used to be, but he's a good scorer and high-level play-maker.

[LeBowen]

Lebron is apparently open to leaving the Lakers. A lot of people hate him on principle, of course, but if you're actually talking about the team trying to win now, that's the type of move you make. It's short term, so you avoid having three max contracts at the same time. You're also not pretending like Wemby is in his prime and ready to carry a contender. No, James isn't who he used to be, but he's a good scorer and high-level play-maker.

I wouldn't take him even if he was 30.

[CGD]

Lebron is apparently open to leaving the Lakers. A lot of people hate him on principle, of course, but if you're actually talking about the team trying to win now, that's the type of move you make. It's short term, so you avoid having three max contracts at the same time. You're also not pretending like Wemby is in his prime and ready to carry a contender. No, James isn't who he used to be, but he's a good scorer and high-level play-maker.

Id like him here. This all seems like his usual hostage taking strategy though. If I’m the Lakers I kinda call him on it too.

[objective]

All aboard the Yang-Gang

Second round, Hanson Yang

Brian Wright about to bust a tariff with some temu Jokic

[The Truth #6]

Why would LeBron leave LA to come to a team that won 34 games and has a no name coach and that doesn't employ his son? Not happening. He's not leaving LA. Just trying to blame everyone else.

[BacktoBasics]

I don't think the philosophy changes one bit.

Keep drafting pieces that fit. If they don't see what they like, possibly move it. Find value in trades if possible.

But I do think things shift. Fox was a nice acquisition. He changes what they're looking for, but his salary also makes big acquisitions more unlikely for flexibility.

I'd say -- use the #8, see if the #14 is valuable. I think they'll seriously consider moving up in the draft, possibly the #1 tactic. And then they'll try to find older role players. Going after Durant or Giannis will be super expensive. There are teams that need those players right now who will pay through the nose for them.

I am much more interested in moving into the top 4 than o would be a splashy trade for a player at the end of their career. Including Giannis.

A top 4 prospect would really round out our roster at pivotal timeline spot.

[Mr. Body]

I am much more interested in moving into the top 4 than o would be a splashy trade for a player at the end of their career. Including Giannis.

A top 4 prospect would really round out our roster at pivotal timeline spot.

Agree. If this is something like a 4 or 5 man draft, this is the year to spend the capital to go up some slots. It depends on how the draft cycle shakes out and where players look to land.

[J_Paco]

Does this draft even fucking matter now:lol


Yes, this draft class is stacked.

[Gibbz]

Does this draft even fucking matter now:lol

Woe is us with Wemby, DAF, the ROTY, and 2 lottery picks! :dramaquee

[Snaq O'Meal]

https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1918401575250461072

A little disappointed that Toibu Lawal is not part of that list. I’m interested to see if they can verify the claims about his 49.5” vertical.

[RC_Drunkford]

Lebron is apparently open to leaving the Lakers. A lot of people hate him on principle, of course, but if you're actually talking about the team trying to win now, that's the type of move you make. It's short term, so you avoid having three max contracts at the same time. You're also not pretending like Wemby is in his prime and ready to carry a contender. No, James isn't who he used to be, but he's a good scorer and high-level play-maker.

I'm sure he'd love to play for Mitch Johnson....

If LeBron leaves LA, it's only for the Cavs. So he can ride their coattails for another ring.

[LeBowen]

If LeBron leaves LA, it's only for the Cavs. So he can ride their coattails for another ring.

You sure Cavs would want him?
They're also over the second apron for the next season, so it would have to be a trade and not Lebron opting out.

[RC_Drunkford]

You sure Cavs would want him?
They're also over the second apron for the next season, so it would have to be a trade and not Lebron opting out.

It's more about does LeBron want to take a discount? Probably not. Cavs are in the tax next season, so not sure how they could make it happen. I think it's most likely he stays in LA.

[CGD]

Yes, this draft class is stacked.

Is it though?

[mo7888]

Is it though?

Yup... it's a pretty average draft after Flagg. Not bad, but not exceptional either.

[Dejounte]

Popovich will have his hands more in the draft process more than ever before, IMO. Everyone, including him, will be all about setting Mitch up for success. That means guys who are as happy about others’ success as much as their own.

[BackHome]

A whole team full of Forbes can’t wait

[Ice009]

If Lebron actually wants to go to the Cavs (that is if they don't win the Championship, he could be the guy to get them back over the top), he could do them a nice gesture for 2010 and play for the MLE or something, so he could in essence, pay them back for screwing them over. He'd get a little bit of respect back from me if he did something like that.

[exstatic]

If Lebron actually wants to go to the Cavs (that is if they don't win the Championship, he could be the guy to get them back over the top), he could do them a nice gesture for 2010 and play for the MLE or something, so he could in essence, pay them back for screwing them over. He'd get a little bit of respect back from me if he did something like that.

Cleveland is, or shortly will be a second apron team, so him agreeing to an MLE deal doesn’t help that situation at all. He also sucks all the air out of the room. He would take away all of the hard work and accomplishments from this current Cleveland team. In addition,he’d probably want a roster spot for Bronny.

LeBron still puts up decent to good counting stats,but no longer affects winning in any meaningful way. He needs to retire, because it’s just sad.

[The Truth #6]

So older college prospects. As Ex has preached and I've basically accepted, these older players fizzle out too often.

However, I'm thinking of offensive players in that scenario. For role players, without looking at any stats, I feel like that might not all be true. Tristan Da Silva types. Good all around game. Never expected to be a gifted scorer.

Are there any of these type of players for our 14 pick?

[scottspurs]

So older college prospects. As Ex has preached and I've basically accepted, these older players fizzle out too often.

However, I'm thinking of offensive players in that scenario. For role players, without looking at any stats, I feel like that might not all be true. Tristan Da Silva types. Good all around game. Never expected to be a gifted scorer.

Are there any of these type of players for our 14 pick?

Off the top of my head I think I can help with this.

Older prospects that have all around games:

Nique Clifford
Yaxel Lendeborg
Cedric Coward
Sion James
Maxime Raynaud
Danny Wolf
Johni Broome
Chaz Lanier
Ryan Nembhard

Older prospect that were scorers but have flaws in other areas:

Rasheer Fleming: can’t dribble, no offensive bag, no playmaking
Walter Clayton Jr.: small, lacks athleticism, streaky shooter
Kam Jones: questionable defensively
Adou Thiero: Bad shot selection, questionable handles, high turnovers
Koby Brea: Great Shooter, no offensive bag, questionable athleticism
Tyrese Proctor: can’t score on his own, lacks athleticism
Eric Dixon: lacks athleticism, questionable defense
John Tonje: lacks athleticism, questionable handles
Mark Sears: questionable athleticism, questionable defensively

[mo7888]

So older college prospects. As Ex has preached and I've basically accepted, these older players fizzle out too often.

However, I'm thinking of offensive players in that scenario. For role players, without looking at any stats, I feel like that might not all be true. Tristan Da Silva types. Good all around game. Never expected to be a gifted scorer.

Are there any of these type of players for our 14 pick?

I think they're fine if you have realistic expectations. For the most part, they start making sense late in the first through the second round. At that point, you're probably looking at floors more than ceilings when looking for role players.

[scottspurs]

Although Johni Broome, Chaz Lanier, Ryan Nembard and maybe James can be had in the 2nd Round so these are the guys you would be looking at pick 14 range that won’t make it to 2nd Round

Nique Clifford
Yaxel Lendeborg (may return to school transferred to Michigan)
Cedric Coward (may return to school transferred to Duke)
Maxime Raynaud
Danny Wolf

[exstatic]

I think they're fine if you have realistic expectations. For the most part, they start making sense late in the first through the second round. At that point, you're probably looking at floors more than ceilings when looking for role players.

Exactly.

[scottspurs]

Popovich will have his hands more in the draft process more than ever before, IMO. Everyone, including him, will be all about setting Mitch up for success. That means guys who are as happy about others’ success as much as their own.


This is a good point. Mitch Johnson’s background and coaching style once Pop went down suggests that he is more of an offensive minded coach than a defensive one. The Lopez brothers nicknamed him the Maestro in college because of his ability to orchestrate the offense at Stanford. Could the Front Office be more inclined to look for players to help offensively than on defense. It would be fun to put a board together of offensive prospects that have the deepest bags, highest IQ and could help the Spurs offense the most. This might be what the Spurs look for in the draft.

[RC_Drunkford]

Kalkbrenner is a good older prospect at the end of the first/early second round

[Vienna]

two prospects were somehow disappointing regarding the high expectations in their shooting, McNeeley and Jakucionis.

but were they? looking at the shooting splits, McNeeley was very good at C&S, but struggled off the dribble (and in the paint), while Jakucionis what just the opposite. Very good off the dribble and on step backs, bad on C&S.
so, considering the projected roles in the NBA, you would see them as better shooting prospects, that the overall numbers from their freshman season, right?
Jukucionis ist currently my choice for #8, for #14 I hope that Bryant falls (which I don’t think he will), but McNeeley seems to be a nice consolation prize.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

two prospects were somehow disappointing regarding the high expectations in their shooting, McNeeley and Jakucionis.

but were they? looking at the shooting splits, McNeeley was very good at C&S, but struggled off the dribble (and in the paint), while Jakucionis what just the opposite. Very good off the dribble and on step backs, bad on C&S.
so, considering the projected roles in the NBA, you would see them as better shooting prospects, that the overall numbers from their freshman season, right?
Jukucionis ist currently my choice for #8, for #14 I hope that Bryant falls (which I don’t think he will), but McNeeley seems to be a nice consolation prize.

Fully agree about both in terms of shooting. Percentages look bad on paper but in reality they're better bets to be good NBA shooters compared to guys like Fleming or Essengue.

I'm super low on this draft but one guy who has grown on me is Kasparas. I guess I originally saw him as a PG, who is turnover prone and lacks the speed to create separation. However, after watching more of him I kinda see a Podziemsky role for him in the NBA. I might be projecting or something, not sure, but do you see him as a primary ballhandler or do you think he can be an impactful offball/secondary playmaker player?

[mo7888]

two prospects were somehow disappointing regarding the high expectations in their shooting, McNeeley and Jakucionis.

but were they? looking at the shooting splits, McNeeley was very good at C&S, but struggled off the dribble (and in the paint), while Jakucionis what just the opposite. Very good off the dribble and on step backs, bad on C&S.
so, considering the projected roles in the NBA, you would see them as better shooting prospects, that the overall numbers from their freshman season, right?
Jukucionis ist currently my choice for #8, for #14 I hope that Bryant falls (which I don’t think he will), but McNeeley seems to be a nice consolation prize.

I think their shooting will be fine when you dig into situational numbers, which you did. McNeely is lower on most boards, but I'm almost as high on him as I am Knueppel. Admittedly, some of that is because his fit is good here. On Kasparas he's like the best passer out of the PnR in this draft. I see him as a guy who fits in very well between Fox and Castle in smaller lineups and I think he has a chance to start alongside Castle in a few years if Fox gets moved down the line.

You mentioned Bryant too, his draft position seems to be all over the board. I've seen him as high as 6 and as low as the mid 20's. I personally have him at 12. I think he's got a pretty decent ceiling. I see him starting as a 3 and growing into a 4.

[Dejounte]

Vecenie’s latest

1. ⁠Washington Wizards


Cooper Flagg | 6-9 forward | 18 years old | Duke


2. Utah Jazz


Dylan Harper | 6-6 guard | 19 years old | Rutgers


3. Portland Trail Blazers


Tre Johnson | 6-6 wing | 19 years old | Texas


4. New Orleans Pelicans


V.J. Edgecombe | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Baylor


5. Charlotte Hornets


Ace Bailey | 6-10 wing/forward | 18 years old | Rutgers


6. Philadelphia 76ers


Kon Knueppel | 6-7 guard | 19 years old | Duke


7. Brooklyn Nets


Kasparas Jakučionis | 6-5 guard | 19 years old | Illinois


8. Toronto Raptors


Derik Queen | 6-10 big | 20 years old |Maryland


9. San Antonio Spurs


Carter Bryant | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | Arizona


10. Houston Rockets (via PHX)


Collin Murray-Boyles | 6-8 wing/forward | 20 years old | South Carolina


11. Dallas Mavericks


Jeremiah Fears | 6-4 guard | 18 years old | Oklahoma


12. Chicago Bulls


Khaman Maluach | 7-2 big | 19 years old | Duke


13. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)


Thomas Sorber | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Georgetown


14. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)


Noa Essengue | 6-9 forward | 18 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm


15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via MIA)


Danny Wolf | 7-0 big | 21 years old | Michigan


16. Orlando Magic


Nolan Traoré | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Saint-Quentin


17. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)


Nique Clifford | 6-6 guard | 23 years old | Colorado State


18. Washington Wizards (via MEM)


Egor Demin | 6-9 guard | 19 years old | BYU


19. Brooklyn Nets (via MIL)


Jase Richardson | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | Michigan State


20. Miami Heat (via GSW)


Walter Clayton Jr. | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | Florida


21. Utah Jazz (via MIN)


Liam McNeeley | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Connecticut


22. Atlanta Hawks (via LAL)


Ben Saraf | 6-6 guard | 19 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm


23. Indiana Pacers


Joan Beringer | 6-10 big | 19 years old | Cedevita


24. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC)


Noah Penda | 6-8 forward | 20 years old | Le Mans


25. Orlando Magic (via DEN)


Hugo González | 6-6 wing/forward | 19 years old | Real Madrid


26. Brooklyn Nets (via NYK)


Asa Newell | 6-11 forward/big | 19 years old | Georgia


27. Brooklyn Nets (via HOU)


Rasheer Fleming | 6-9 forward | 20 years old | Saint Joseph’s


28. Boston Celtics


Labaron Philon | 6-4 guard | 19 years old | Alabama


29. Phoenix Suns (via CLE)


Cedric Coward | 6-6 wing | 21 years old | Washington State


30. LA Clippers (via OKC)


Ryan Kalkbrenner | 7-1 big | 23 years old | Creighton

[Dejounte]

Sorber going a pick before (assuming the Spurs wanted him) would low key piss me off.

[Dejounte]

This is a good point. Mitch Johnson’s background and coaching style once Pop went down suggests that he is more of an offensive minded coach than a defensive one. The Lopez brothers nicknamed him the Maestro in college because of his ability to orchestrate the offense at Stanford. Could the Front Office be more inclined to look for players to help offensively than on defense. It would be fun to put a board together of offensive prospects that have the deepest bags, highest IQ and could help the Spurs offense the most. This might be what the Spurs look for in the draft.

Not just that but communication. People underrate the interview aspect of this. It’s just like going in for a job interview for anyone. They see your personality and gauge how well you’ll mesh with the players and the coach. Any sign of a malcontent won’t make it past the first interview, tbh. Which players will Coach Mitch resonate with the most? Coach Pop was able to tolerate players who spoke English as a second language, but will Mitch? Which prospects will show up in practice on time and never be late? IMO, they’re going to go for players who they already see will be a true professional.

[Vienna]

Fully agree about both in terms of shooting. Percentages look bad on paper but in reality they're better bets to be good NBA shooters compared to guys like Fleming or Essengue.

I'm super low on this draft but one guy who has grown on me is Kasparas. I guess I originally saw him as a PG, who is turnover prone and lacks the speed to create separation. However, after watching more of him I kinda see a Podziemsky role for him in the NBA. I might be projecting or something, not sure, but do you see him as a primary ballhandler or do you think he can be an impactful offball/secondary playmaker player?

Austin Reaves comes to mind, not just because of their identical physical profile. We learned that Spurs liked Reaves a lot, so they should like a player like Jakucionis, don‘t they?
the best teams this season played 3 guard line ups and I can see the Spurs try to run with three ballhandlers, but not a primary one.

[sfernald]

I'm just hoping beyond hope the front office don't try to get tricky and start trading picks for far future picks and cash just because they have their fucking heart set on keeping Branham as the 10th man on the roster. This roster has TONS of room for three picks in this draft if they are good picks. Don't overthink things. Just take BPA each time at the podium and we will get some goodies.

[ace3g]

8 days till the draft lottery.

[spurraider21]

Sorber going a pick before (assuming the Spurs wanted him) would low key piss me off.
I’ve been saying Sorber feels like a perfect hawks pick for a while. Unless they move up i think he’s gone at 13

[baseline bum]

I think the Spurs announcing Pop’s retirement and Mitch Johnson’s hiring signals they won’t do any dramatic roster changes this offseason. They will only trade the picks for future picks. This being a really good and deep draft I think they will use both picks unless they get a great offer. They will definitely pick if they move up. They are not trading a top-4 pick! I also think the Spurs would be wise to stay away from projects and draft more high floor and ready made prospects. Get Mitch some players that can play!

IDK if they get pick #2 - #4 that would be a hell of a trade chip to go after Giannis with and maybe even be able to get away with keeping Steph. If it's pick 1 fuck Giannis, give me Flagg all day.

[DAF86]

Sorber going a pick before (assuming the Spurs wanted him) would low key piss me off.

I don't understand Sorber's appeal for the Spurs, tbh. An undersized offensive minded center that can't shoot and has below average defense. Pretty much the worse prototype in today's NBA. Let's say he reaches his ceiling and becomes a Sengun, what's the fit? Do not want, tbh.

[Dejounte]

I don't understand Sorber's appeal for the Spurs, tbh. An undersized offensive minded center that can't shoot and has below average defense. Pretty much the worse prototype in today's NBA. Let's say he reaches his ceiling and becomes a Sengun, what's the fit? Do not want, tbh.

You’re probably confusing Sorber with Queen. Sorber’s one of the best defensive bigs in this class.

https://i.ibb.co/XZh28WTF/Image-from-i-OS-30.jpg



He’s also 72th percentile in APG, among the best passer at the center spot.

Winning the rebound game is an underrated aspect when it comes to the playoffs.

Denver outrebounded Clippers by 10 in their game 7. Game won.

Rockets plugged Steven Adams in with Sengun and found that was the key to their success. Two mostly-inside bigs. Game won.

Anyway, not out here to convince you but food for thought for everyone else.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1919100931049701755

[Uriel]

How would you guys group the prospects into tiers based on the consensus mocks? I know Tier 1 is Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Edgecombe (since they're top 4 in pretty much every mock I've seen so far). But what about the others?

[mo7888]

How would you guys group the prospects into tiers based on the consensus mocks? I know Tier 1 is Flagg, Harper, Bailey, Edgecombe (since they're top 4 in pretty much every mock I've seen so far). But what about the others?

Tier 1:
1. Cooper Flagg
Tier 2:
2. Dylan Harper
3. V.J Edgecombe
4. Ace Bailey
5. Tre Johnson
Tier 3:
6. Jon Knueppel
7. Liam McNeely
8. Kasparas Jackucionis
9. Jase Richardson
Tier 4:
10. Derick Queen
11. Thomas Sorber
12. Carter Bryant
13. Egor Demin
14. Noa Essengue
15. Shaman Maluach
Tier 5:
16. Jeremiah Fears
17. Asa Newell
18. Ben Saraf
19. Will Riley
20. Nolan Traore
21. Collins Murray-Boyles
Tier 6:
22. Rasheer Fleming
23. Walter Clayton jr
24. Danny Wolf
25. Boogie Fland
26. Alex Condon
27. Tyrese Proctor
28. Alex Karaban
29. Ryan Kalkbrenner
30. Yaxel Lendeborg

[PhantomDashCam]

Tier 1:
1. Cooper Flagg
Tier 2:
2. Dylan Harper
3. V.J Edgecombe
4. Ace Bailey
5. Tre Johnson
Tier 3:
6. Jon Knueppel
7. Liam McNeely
8. Kasparas Jackucionis
9. Jase Richardson
Tier 4:
10. Derick Queen
11. Thomas Sorber
12. Carter Bryant
13. Egor Demin
14. Noa Essengue
15. Shaman Maluach
Tier 5:
16. Jeremiah Fears
17. Asa Newell
18. Ben Saraf
19. Will Riley
20. Nolan Traore
21. Collins Murray-Boyles
Tier 6:
22. Rasheer Fleming
23. Walter Clayton jr
24. Danny Wolf
25. Boogie Fland
26. Alex Condon
27. Tyrese Proctor
28. Alex Karaban
29. Ryan Kalkbrenner
30. Yaxel Lendeborg

With you being one of the more consistent draft evaluators on this site Mo,
what made you put Fears as a non-lottery/Tier 5 prospect?
The draft looks a little weak to me overall and he looks like/reads like only one of the prospects capable of a Star-like trajectory.
Not a knock, just curious.

[DAF86]

You’re probably confusing Sorber with Queen. Sorber’s one of the best defensive bigs in this class.

https://i.ibb.co/XZh28WTF/Image-from-i-OS-30.jpg



He’s also 72th percentile in APG, among the best passer at the center spot.

Winning the rebound game is an underrated aspect when it comes to the playoffs.

Denver outrebounded Clippers by 10 in their game 7. Game won.

Rockets plugged Steven Adams in with Sengun and found that was the key to their success. Two mostly-inside bigs. Game won.

Anyway, not out here to convince you but food for thought for everyone else.

Yeah, I was confusing Sorber with Queen, but the point still remains, I don't understand any Spurs fan that wants to draft a non-shooting center in the lottery.

[mo7888]

With you being one of the more consistent draft evaluators on this site Mo,
what made you put Fears as a non-lottery/Tier 5 prospect?
The draft looks a little weak to me overall and he looks like/reads like only one of the prospects capable of a Star-like trajectory.
Not a knock, just curious.

My tiers are based on my opinion of what I think the Spurs board should be. If I were doing one league wide then Fears would be higher. The reason I have him there on a Spurs board, is because his lack of shooting makes him almost unplayable with Castle and Fox (not to mention Sochan) I'm looking for balance and spacing that he doesn't provide at the guard position.

As for the overall draft, I've been pretty consistent that I think it's just an average draft, with the exception of Flagg. I don't think it's that bad, just average. It wouldn't hurt my feelings if we moved picks for current players if our guy isn't there.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1919872299450151160

[benefactor]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1919872299450151160
rascal porn tbh

[CGD]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1919872299450151160

This guys seems to be the long toolsy profile of player they like. Can see him or Bryant at 14. Sorber is the other one I think they reach for at 14 if there.

[drpill]

This guys seems to be the long toolsy profile of player they like. Can see him or Bryant at 14. Sorber is the other one I think they reach for at 14 if there.

Vecenie's mock livestream just drafted Bryant at 8 for Spurs and Sorber at 14. I liked both picks given the available options. Bryant is rising on a lot of boards already and will likely be considered a top ten player before too long.

[BatManu20]

Will be interested to see Fleming's measurements at the combine. He looks smaller than 6'9 tbh. Still an intriguing prospect though.

[CGD]

Will be interested to see Fleming's measurements at the combine. He looks smaller than 6'9 tbh. Still an intriguing prospect though.

There are few guys that will make or lose millions based on those measurements. Kon has to top that list. Can’t help but feel he’ll come in like at 6’4.5” with a negative Furphy-like wingspan.

[LeBowen]

Wrong topic.

[Mr. Body]

Vecenie's mock livestream just drafted Bryant at 8 for Spurs and Sorber at 14. I liked both picks given the available options. Bryant is rising on a lot of boards already and will likely be considered a top ten player before too long.

I'll be happy to eat my words, but Bryant would be a massive mistake in the top 10. I'd hate for the Spurs to waste their pick on him.

[itzsoweezee]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1919872299450151160

Yo

[DAF86]

Will be interested to see Fleming's measurements at the combine. He looks smaller than 6'9 tbh. Still an intriguing prospect though.

He definitely doesn't look smaller than 6'9" in game. I thought he was 6'10", tbh.

[DAF86]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1919872299450151160

And yeah, still firmly on the Fleming train. There isn't a single player in our range that I like more.

[spurraider21]

He definitely doesn't look smaller than 6'9" in game. I thought he was 6'10", tbh.
its not just the height with him. he's just a huge dude.

[spurraider21]

Bryant is kind of on the lower end of guys i'd want to take at 8-9, but i do think he should go above Fleming. I love Rasheer but he's largely a bet on traits. ive said before that the idea/concept of rasheer fleming is better than the actual player/prospect, but thats a gamble worth taking at the end of the lotto because of his athletic profile.

if we cant land a starting caliber SG/SF type like Johnson or Nipple, then i do think Bryant becomes a reasonable pick at 8. id certainly take him over CMB, Richardson, Newell, Sorber, etc. i think Fleming at 8/9 is a bit rich though

carter is a more dynamic athlete (yes fleming is athletic for his size but i dont really think he generally pops off the screen the way bryant does), a better defender (even if he doesnt have the same rim protection upside), and generally has much better feel for the game.

[SpursGenius]

https://x.com/DraftExpress/status/1919872299450151160
this is the guy I have been clamoring for before anyone on this board. 10 months ago.

[onechance87]

Yall are sleeping on noah penda.Probably the best defender in this draft.Improving ball handler and playmaker.
Will do the dirty work and is smart player.

[rascal]

Bryant is kind of on the lower end of guys i'd want to take at 8-9, but i do think he should go above Fleming. I love Rasheer but he's largely a bet on traits. ive said before that the idea/concept of rasheer fleming is better than the actual player/prospect, but thats a gamble worth taking at the end of the lotto because of his athletic profile.

if we cant land a starting caliber SG/SF type like Johnson or Nipple, then i do think Bryant becomes a reasonable pick at 8. id certainly take him over CMB, Richardson, Newell, Sorber, etc. i think Fleming at 8/9 is a bit rich though

carter is a more dynamic athlete (yes fleming is athletic for his size but i dont really think he generally pops off the screen the way bryant does), a better defender (even if he doesnt have the same rim protection upside), and generally has much better feel for the game.

How do you figure Kon will be a starter with the Spurs? He isn't going to measure at 6'7 and is floor bound vertically. A catch a shoot offensive player coming off the bench in the NBA.

You don't think you can find a similar player at a lower cost(the 8th pick, likely to be the last top 10 pick for the Spurs in awhile)?
He's a bench player on the Spurs. You want to burn a top 8 pick on a bench player and not even at a position of need?

[DAF86]

Bryant is kind of on the lower end of guys i'd want to take at 8-9, but i do think he should go above Fleming. I love Rasheer but he's largely a bet on traits. ive said before that the idea/concept of rasheer fleming is better than the actual player/prospect, but thats a gamble worth taking at the end of the lotto because of his athletic profile.

if we cant land a starting caliber SG/SF type like Johnson or Nipple, then i do think Bryant becomes a reasonable pick at 8. id certainly take him over CMB, Richardson, Newell, Sorber, etc. i think Fleming at 8/9 is a bit rich though

carter is a more dynamic athlete (yes fleming is athletic for his size but i dont really think he generally pops off the screen the way bryant does), a better defender (even if he doesnt have the same rim protection upside), and generally has much better feel for the game.

I actually see it the other way around. I see Bryant as the bet with probably the higher ceiling and Fleming as the guy more ready to contribute right away because of his NBA ready build and his shot already being good.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Fleming's dribble is better than advertised. I'm very excited!

[drpill]

I'll be happy to eat my words, but Bryant would be a massive mistake in the top 10. I'd hate for the Spurs to waste their pick on him.

I don't know... It's starting to make sense to me. Good to excellent athlete, good to excellent size (I'm seeing 7-foot wingspan), very high motor, defensive dog, and decent potential to space the floor. Apparently can guard 1-4. I think I heard he was a 6' guard for a while before a huge growth spurt? Also missed some time with a broken leg so he could have a lot of room to grow. Supposedly very high character kid, does charity work, etc. Sounds like an obvious Spurs pick to me if he does well in workouts.

At that spot in the draft, the only other highly rated players on the board were Queen, Fears, Maluach, maybe Colin Murray-Boyles? It looks like a realistic scenario if Spurs are picking at 8 or 9. I was debating if I'd prefer Queen/Fears and whatever wing is available at 14 (Fleming, Essengue?) over Bryant and Sorber.

[Vienna]

I'm waiting for the first one, who develops trade up scenarios for Fleming, to make it 100000% sure to get him, after he watched the 30 seconds video where he dunks over some 5'10" guys.

I asked several times and didn't get an answer that made senes: if this guy is that huuuuge and has such superior athleticism and is so fluid and has such a great shot WHY ????? wasn't he able to dominate his competition as an experienced junior, when the competition was as low as A10?
why did this lottery talent totally fail, whenever it counted?
why was a junior with 100 games under his belt not able to deliver in a fucking NIT game?
why did his production go south till Cap Horn whenever they played the conference tournament?
why was this superior player only the 3rd option on a very average team?
why was his usage so low?
and if so, why is his assist% so low? why wasn't he involved more in the offense?
why did a "huge athlete" like him only make 3 trips to the foul line?
why was he so underwhelming on the offensive boards?

when I see like 10 red flags, I don't rave about some 7'5" wingspan (self reported) before I got some reasonable answers.

[itzsoweezee]

I'm waiting for the first one, who develops trade up scenarios for Fleming, to make it 100000% sure to get him, after he watched the 30 seconds video where he dunks over some 5'10" guys.

I asked several times and didn't get an answer that made senes: if this guy is that huuuuge and has such superior athleticism and is so fluid and has such a great shot WHY ????? wasn't he able to dominate his competition as an experienced junior, when the competition was as low as A10?
why did this lottery talent totally fail, whenever it counted?
why was a junior with 100 games under his belt not able to deliver in a fucking NIT game?
why did his production go south till Cap Horn whenever they played the conference tournament?
why was this superior player only the 3rd option on a very average team?
why was his usage so low?
and if so, why is his assist% so low? why wasn't he involved more in the offense?
why did a "huge athlete" like him only make 3 trips to the foul line?
why was he so underwhelming on the offensive boards?

when I see like 10 red flags, I don't rave about some 7'5" wingspan (self reported) before I got some reasonable answers.

Very reasonable questions. But are they as relevant for a high level role player? I guessing someone like mikal bridges would have had similar questions. That type of player 14 would be perfect for San Antonio

[spurraider21]

How do you figure Kon will be a starter with the Spurs? He isn't going to measure at 6'7 and is floor bound vertically. A catch a shoot offensive player coming off the bench in the NBA.

You don't think you can find a similar player at a lower cost(the 8th pick, likely to be the last top 10 pick for the Spurs in awhile)?
He's a bench player on the Spurs. You want to burn a top 8 pick on a bench player and not even at a position of need?
a few ways tbh. i agree that Kon is pretty squarely a 2.

1) i think Castle can defend 3's, so a Fox/Kon/Castle lineup should work if need be, much like how jimmy butler usually has played the 3 despite being 6'6 with a barely positive wingspan. castle is half an inch shorter with a longer wingspan than butler, and is already quite strong. basically im giving Devin's spot to Kon and having Castle defend up. butler has played the 3 and even the 4 for most of his career

2) unless Castle' shooting improves by quite a bit, theres a world where he is best served as a manu esque super sixth man, at which point Kon starts at the 2 and Castle is a combo guard who will run the point for all the minute Fox is subbed, and play off-ball the rest of the time

[Mr. Body]

Very reasonable questions. But are they as relevant for a high level role player? I guessing someone like mikal bridges would have had similar questions. That type of player 14 would be perfect for San Antonio

Mikal Bridges won the NCAA championship as a key player in college.

It's a bit nuts to me that people see him dribbling in a workout video against nothing and think that matters. Or that he is sort of like Mikal Bridges because they might be physically similar.

I'd take a swing at Fleming at some point, but vienna is right that the production is just not there for someone you can really expect to be good at the next level. Again, I'd take a swing at some point, but not sure where that would be.

For Carter Bryant, it's a huge red flag to me that he wasn't played as much as other freshmen in the country and was restricted in what he could do. Sure, the highlights look great, but what's the story here? I've seen people claim that the coach was holding him back -- the way ppl claimed Kerr was holding Wiseman or Kuminga back. That's... not how these things work. If a player can play, they play. Arizona's coach ain't gonna sit his phenom if he can win games.

[spurraider21]

Mikal Bridges won the NCAA championship as a key player in college.

It's a bit nuts to me that people see him dribbling in a workout video against nothing and think that matters. Or that he is sort of like Mikal Bridges because they might be physically similar.

I'd take a swing at Fleming at some point, but vienna is right that the production is just not there for someone you can really expect to be good at the next level. Again, I'd take a swing at some point, but not sure where that would be.

For Carter Bryant, it's a huge red flag to me that he wasn't played as much as other freshmen in the country and was restricted in what he could do. Sure, the highlights look great, but what's the story here? I've seen people claim that the coach was holding him back -- the way ppl claimed Kerr was holding Wiseman or Kuminga back. That's... not how these things work. If a player can play, they play. Arizona's coach ain't gonna sit his phenom if he can win games.
we saw splitter playing behind blair and white playing behind forbes. sometimes thats exactly how these things work

its not unheard of for some college coaches to favor upperclassmen. obviously not possible at one-and-done mills, but a place like Arizona where Bryant was the only freshman to even crack the rotation? sure. particulalyr where the advanced metrics heavily favored him and the film backs up the things he can do

like Fleming, Carter offers little to no on-ball juice. both are good athletes, and both were solid shooters this past year. carter on lower volume by virtue of lower minutes, but on a per minute basis he was shooting more 3's than Fleming was. both were poor FT shooters so theres a question of how real their shooting is

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I'm waiting for the first one, who develops trade up scenarios for Fleming, to make it 100000% sure to get him, after he watched the 30 seconds video where he dunks over some 5'10" guys.

I asked several times and didn't get an answer that made senes: if this guy is that huuuuge and has such superior athleticism and is so fluid and has such a great shot WHY ????? wasn't he able to dominate his competition as an experienced junior, when the competition was as low as A10?
why did this lottery talent totally fail, whenever it counted?
why was a junior with 100 games under his belt not able to deliver in a fucking NIT game?
why did his production go south till Cap Horn whenever they played the conference tournament?
why was this superior player only the 3rd option on a very average team?
why was his usage so low?
and if so, why is his assist% so low? why wasn't he involved more in the offense?
why did a "huge athlete" like him only make 3 trips to the foul line?
why was he so underwhelming on the offensive boards?

when I see like 10 red flags, I don't rave about some 7'5" wingspan (self reported) before I got some reasonable answers.

Let me use one data to answer all your questions:

Fleming is one of 8 college players history who made 60+ 3s and 40+ blocks in one season.

That's all we need for his role.

No one can guarantee that his 3s will translate to NBA. But he has as high a chance as anyone, including Kon.

If translates, he will have a high NBA role regardless of your questions answered or not.

[exstatic]

Mikal Bridges won the NCAA championship as a key player in college.

It's a bit nuts to me that people see him dribbling in a workout video against nothing and think that matters. Or that he is sort of like Mikal Bridges because they might be physically similar.

I'd take a swing at Fleming at some point, but vienna is right that the production is just not there for someone you can really expect to be good at the next level. Again, I'd take a swing at some point, but not sure where that would be.

For Carter Bryant, it's a huge red flag to me that he wasn't played as much as other freshmen in the country and was restricted in what he could do. Sure, the highlights look great, but what's the story here? I've seen people claim that the coach was holding him back -- the way ppl claimed Kerr was holding Wiseman or Kuminga back. That's... not how these things work. If a player can play, they play. Arizona's coach ain't gonna sit his phenom if he can win games.

Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart won the NCAA championship. For those poor at counting, that’s 3 FRPs and a SRP who turned out to be the best of the bunch.

[RC_Drunkford]

While Knueppel is the more complete player, Bryant seems to have the higher ceiling. Especially cause he plays lockdown defense. We really need a 3-and-D forward, but he and Fleming are not good at handling the ball, which goes against the whole „positionless basketball“ philosophy the Spurs been talking about all these years. I really hope we draft one of them.

[drpill]

I've seen in a few places that Bryant was thought to have some on-ball chops that didn't really end up translating in college. Maybe with some development he can add that into his game.

[rascal]

a few ways tbh. i agree that Kon is pretty squarely a 2.

1) i think Castle can defend 3's, so a Fox/Kon/Castle lineup should work if need be, much like how jimmy butler usually has played the 3 despite being 6'6 with a barely positive wingspan. castle is half an inch shorter with a longer wingspan than butler, and is already quite strong. basically im giving Devin's spot to Kon and having Castle defend up. butler has played the 3 and even the 4 for most of his career

2) unless Castle' shooting improves by quite a bit, theres a world where he is best served as a manu esque super sixth man, at which point Kon starts at the 2 and Castle is a combo guard who will run the point for all the minute Fox is subbed, and play off-ball the rest of the time

No way Kon is good enough to push Castle to the bench. He's not dynamic enough and too limited athletically as a player. He will mainly be a catch and shoot player as his strenght on offense at the NBA level. Spurs need more out of a starting SG.

If you start Castle at SF you lose his positional size at SG. So basically a Vassell replacement will be spent on the 8th pick and that is if the Spurs are really even serious of replacing Vassell.
I'm not even sure Kon will be so much or even any better than Vassell that it's worth using the 8th pick on him.

The only guards I would draft are Harper, VJ(if in the top 4) or Tre Johnson(if the Spurs are lucky enough he falls to 8) because those three players have more upside than Kon.

[scott]

With Jaku appearing to fall in mocks I want to lead the Jaku > Kon bandwagon. Join on everybody!

[LeBowen]

With Jaku appearing to fall in mocks I want to lead the Jaku > Kon bandwagon. Join on everybody!

You think CIA Pop hasn't rigged one last lottery for us? I'd enjoy getting the top4 pick just because of the league wide meltdown it would cause. :lol

[scott]

You think CIA Pop hasn't rigged one last lottery for us? I'd enjoy getting the top4 pick just because of the league wide meltdown it would cause. :lol

#1 or bust!!!

[sfernald]

How do you figure Kon will be a starter with the Spurs? He isn't going to measure at 6'7 and is floor bound vertically. A catch a shoot offensive player coming off the bench in the NBA.

You don't think you can find a similar player at a lower cost(the 8th pick, likely to be the last top 10 pick for the Spurs in awhile)?
He's a bench player on the Spurs. You want to burn a top 8 pick on a bench player and not even at a position of need?

You should listen to Vecenie's podcast on Kon that just came out. Absolutely raves about him. Has him as his #3 on his big board above Ace and Edgy. He is probably not even an option at #8 at this point sadly. I'm now seeing Carter leap up the boards as I expected though. I've seen three recent mocks where he is at Spurs or above. I don't expect he will be available at #8 either at this point.

[spurraider21]

With Jaku appearing to fall in mocks I want to lead the Jaku > Kon bandwagon. Join on everybody!Jaku is hard to evaluate imo. on-ball juice is always valued. jaku's outside shooting started hot and fell off. in his first 15 games was making over 40% on 5 attempts. in last 16 games he was making 24% on 5 attempts. the FT% is there. but he's a poor athlete and can he generate enough rim pressure for the playmaking to really show up? his high FT rate suggests he did so well enough at the college level. i still think translation is a legit question.

is he a good enough shooter to play off-ball the way Nips is projected to? what type of player can he reasonably defend?

[sfernald]

I don't know... It's starting to make sense to me. Good to excellent athlete, good to excellent size (I'm seeing 7-foot wingspan), very high motor, defensive dog, and decent potential to space the floor. Apparently can guard 1-4. I think I heard he was a 6' guard for a while before a huge growth spurt? Also missed some time with a broken leg so he could have a lot of room to grow. Supposedly very high character kid, does charity work, etc. Sounds like an obvious Spurs pick to me if he does well in workouts.

At that spot in the draft, the only other highly rated players on the board were Queen, Fears, Maluach, maybe Colin Murray-Boyles? It looks like a realistic scenario if Spurs are picking at 8 or 9. I was debating if I'd prefer Queen/Fears and whatever wing is available at 14 (Fleming, Essengue?) over Bryant and Sorber.

I have heard he comes from a deaf family and his mother signs for him during his interviews. Very high character and spursian pick.

[Seventyniner]

You think CIA Pop hasn't rigged one last lottery for us? I'd enjoy getting two top 4 picks just because of the league wide meltdown it would cause. :lol

Fixed.

[benefactor]

You should listen to Vecenie's podcast on Kon that just came out. Absolutely raves about him. Has him as his #3 on his big board above Ace and Edgy. He is probably not even an option at #8 at this point sadly. I'm now seeing Carter leap up the boards as I expected though. I've seen three recent mocks where he is at Spurs or above. I don't expect he will be available at #8 either at this point.
There's no reason to keep talking to him about Kon. He sees him as " catch and shoot white guy/taller Reed Sheppard" and he's never going to think about him any other way no matter what you ask him to look at.

[rascal]

There's no reason to keep talking to him about Kon. He sees him as " catch and shoot white guy/taller Reed Sheppard" and he's never going to think about him any other way no matter what you ask him to look at.

And you were on the Reed Sheppard band wagon.

[objective]

Not crazy about Castle at the 3, he's a little small for handling those types.

If Bryant is a legit 6-8 with 7' or + wingspan, that's more SF sized. And he's 225 and looks it.

[Vienna]

I have heard he comes from a deaf family and his mother signs for him during his interviews. Very high character and spursian pick.

he is a bright and eloquent kid. very positive personality. He will do great interviews. teams will fall in love.

[itzsoweezee]

a few ways tbh. i agree that Kon is pretty squarely a 2.

1) i think Castle can defend 3's, so a Fox/Kon/Castle lineup should work if need be, much like how jimmy butler usually has played the 3 despite being 6'6 with a barely positive wingspan. castle is half an inch shorter with a longer wingspan than butler, and is already quite strong. basically im giving Devin's spot to Kon and having Castle defend up. butler has played the 3 and even the 4 for most of his career

2) unless Castle' shooting improves by quite a bit, theres a world where he is best served as a manu esque super sixth man, at which point Kon starts at the 2 and Castle is a combo guard who will run the point for all the minute Fox is subbed, and play off-ball the rest of the time

I think you guys are underestimating how big 3s are in the modern NBA. Castle needs to be starting in the Spurs’ backcourt. If selecting Kon means castle is not starting in the backcourt, then the Spurs should select someone else.

[scott]

I'm increasingly of the mind that Kon is going to be a disappointment in the NBA. We'll revisit in a few years.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I think you guys are underestimating how big 3s are in the modern NBA. Castle needs to be starting in the Spurs’ backcourt. If selecting Kon means castle is not starting in the backcourt, then the Spurs should select someone else.

You got it!

castle will start. Will not be benched or traded for no matter who.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

I'm increasingly of the mind that Kon is going to be a disappointment in the NBA. We'll revisit in a few years.

You can bet any new draft will be a disappointment with 60+% confidence.

One third of them will be out of the league in 4 years; Another one third will be less successful than expected.

I'll be happy if Kon can be a starter and average 14+ point with 37% 3-point accuracy while providing average defense and about 3 assists each game.

I have 60% confidence that Kon can accomplish the above stats. Thus I have no problem drafting him at #8.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

To be clear, my above expectation for Kon is career average, not the first year.

[exstatic]

It’s all about the measurements. Brandon Clark was mocking top 10 until the combine. He had both rebounding and shot blocking ability. He measured 6’8.25” and people thought, and it was rumored that his wingspan was at least 7’0”. It measured at 6’8.25, and he dropped to pick #21, and has been a marginal NBA player.

My first statement isn’t true, but it’s there for impact. It isn’t ALL about the measurements, but they can have a profound impact on a player’s draftability. If Kon measures at 6’4”, his prospects become much less than they are now. He would be strictly a guard, and he’d be way behind the curve in terms of quickness. If he is close to his listed 6’7” height, his prospects are much better. I’m waiting until the combine results are out.

[spurraider21]

I'm increasingly of the mind that Kon is going to be a disappointment in the NBA. We'll revisit in a few years.
wouldnt surprise me. feels like his aspiration is shorter Joe Ingles

[itzsoweezee]

You got it!

castle will start. Will not be benched or traded for no matter who.

You’re obviously obsessed with this college player. Good for you. You want a cookie?

I’ll take the rookie of the year over this Nipple guy

[objective]

It’s all about the measurements. Brandon Clark was mocking top 10 until the combine. He had both rebounding and shot blocking ability. He measured 6’8.25” and people thought, and it was rumored that his wingspan was at least 7’0”. It measured at 6’8.25, and he dropped to pick #21, and has been a marginal NBA player.

My first statement isn’t true, but it’s there for impact. It isn’t ALL about the measurements, but they can have a profound impact on a player’s draftability. If Kon measures at 6’4”, his prospects become much less than they are now. He would be strictly a guard, and he’d be way behind the curve in terms of quickness. If he is close to his listed 6’7” height, his prospects are much better. I’m waiting until the combine results are out.

'marginal' is way too dismissive

Averaged 20mpg in his career, it's only been derailed by injuries, but he's been a legit NBA rotation player.

[The Truth #6]

Gun to my head, Brian Wright can't resist Carter Bryant at 8 and takes him. The old days we would maybe take Kasparas at 8, but I don't see Wright as having any particular interest in foreign players.

We momentarily draft someone at 14, but then trade them. In the off-season, pick up some more vets. Yeah, sort of like last year.

Personally, I have no idea who to take at 8.

At 14, I'm intrigued by Carter Bryant, Fleming, Jase Richardson, and Queen, or maybe even Liam. I don't think they'd do it, but maybe there's a world where they trade 8 and keep 14.

[benefactor]

And you were on the Reed Sheppard band wagon.
Don't talk to me anymore old faggot. Go get your big black bull to clap your old booty cheeks and let the people who understand basketball talk about it.

[keithington1]

Did a mock. Got Queen Clifford Yang. I’m not mad.

[rascal]

Don't talk to me anymore old faggot. Go get your big black bull to clap your old booty cheeks and let the people who understand basketball talk about it.

Example of a total meltdown.

[CGD]

Gun to my head, Brian Wright can't resist Carter Bryant at 8 and takes him. The old days we would maybe take Kasparas at 8, but I don't see Wright as having any particular interest in foreign players.

We momentarily draft someone at 14, but then trade them. In the off-season, pick up some more vets. Yeah, sort of like last year.

Personally, I have no idea who to take at 8.

At 14, I'm intrigued by Carter Bryant, Fleming, Jase Richardson, and Queen, or maybe even Liam. I don't think they'd do it, but maybe there's a world where they trade 8 and keep 14.

Agree on Bryant at 8. There is ALWAYS a player that gets levered way up after the combine, and it’s feeling like the recent momentum around Bryant could make him be that dude this year.

On the flip side, so much is at stake for Kon on his measurement. We could easily be talking about him or McNeeley at #14 if he comes in shorter than 6’5.5”.

[Arguendo]

Gun to my head, Brian Wright can't resist Carter Bryant at 8 and takes him. The old days we would maybe take Kasparas at 8, but I don't see Wright as having any particular interest in foreign players.

We momentarily draft someone at 14, but then trade them. In the off-season, pick up some more vets. Yeah, sort of like last year.

Personally, I have no idea who to take at 8.

At 14, I'm intrigued by Carter Bryant, Fleming, Jase Richardson, and Queen, or maybe even Liam. I don't think they'd do it, but maybe there's a world where they trade 8 and keep 14.
If Kon and Tre are off the board, I have no problem with Bryant at 8.
We'll know more after the combine, but I expect him to measure/test really well and shoot up the mock boards. Arizona had a bunch of upper classman, they asked Bryant to D-up and spot-up. He responded by leading the team in stocks in less than 20mpg, taking 60% of his shots from 3 (2.8/g), and hitting at >37% against tough Big12 teams. He's a plus athlete, strong and physically developed (220lbs), plays above the rim and moves well. 3-D floor, with huge upside/untapped potential. O is raw, too many turnovers, but he produced in his role and personally I love the idea of building a D juggernaut team and he's a step in that direction with enough shooting to stay on the floor.

[Knoxxx]

At 8 we want Queen to bolster our front court and provide more versatility than a big such as Maluach. Queen can play with Wemby and play center with Wemby out.

I would go with Knueppel or Jaku as the backup plans.

At 14 we should have our pick of McNeeley, Demin, Bryant, or Fleming. Quite a few differences across those players, but all provide frontcourt help.

If we don’t get Queen at 8, that’s when a Sorber should be in play at 14.

We can’t solve all our roster holes with those two picks, but we have to get some frontcourt help.

[HankChinaski]

What intrigues me about Queen is his handles and body control going into that paint with contact.
He hasn't been a strong defender but he generates a lot of focus in his college games on the offensive end

I think he could be solid choice that could fit with players in the starting unit and bench.

[Knoxxx]

Queen is very aggressive and I think him and Wemby would be a lot for teams to deal with as a 1-2 big man punch. The mock I watched also cited his ability to get out on the perimeter and defend/disrupt. He seems like clearly our best option at 8 if we draft a big at that spot. He can help us right away on the boards too which we sorely need.

[DAF86]

I'm waiting for the first one, who develops trade up scenarios for Fleming, to make it 100000% sure to get him, after he watched the 30 seconds video where he dunks over some 5'10" guys.

I asked several times and didn't get an answer that made senes: if this guy is that huuuuge and has such superior athleticism and is so fluid and has such a great shot WHY ????? wasn't he able to dominate his competition as an experienced junior, when the competition was as low as A10?
why did this lottery talent totally fail, whenever it counted?
why was a junior with 100 games under his belt not able to deliver in a fucking NIT game?
why did his production go south till Cap Horn whenever they played the conference tournament?
why was this superior player only the 3rd option on a very average team?
why was his usage so low?
and if so, why is his assist% so low? why wasn't he involved more in the offense?
why did a "huge athlete" like him only make 3 trips to the foul line?
why was he so underwhelming on the offensive boards?

when I see like 10 red flags, I don't rave about some 7'5" wingspan (self reported) before I got some reasonable answers.

Very easy, he isn't a creator, he's a role player. Nobody is drafting Fleming to be a go to guy in the NBA. Anyone who drafts him, does it in hopes that he becomes that tall forward that plays defense and hits 3's at a decent clip, that's it. A type of player that doesn't really abound in the league and it's probably the most coveted when it comes to role players.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Very easy, he isn't a creator, he's a role player. Nobody is drafting Fleming to be a go to guy in the NBA. Anyone who drafts him, does it in hopes that he becomes that tall forward that plays defense and hits 3's at a decent clip, that's it. A type of player that doesn't really abound in the league and it's probably the most coveted when it comes to role players.

I agree. Is there a case for Fleming over Carter Bryant though?

Both lacked production for various reasons, whatever. Both have NBA ready bodies. Fleming is a 4/5 and Bryant is a 3/4 which is a more valuable archetype. In fact I’d be very concerned about Fleming’s ability to play on the perimeter, I think there’s more than a 50% chance he ends up a big in the NBA. I buy Bryant’s shot more.

A lot will depend on interviews I think. There are a million things we cannot evaluate and project even if we watch a ton of their games.

[benefactor]

Example of a total meltdown.
Says the guy who challenged Manny to a fight over a women's soccer discussion.

[Vienna]

some interesting views about Denim and Jakucionis from the Barlowe brothers in their last episode of their big board podcast.

they were discussing them as possible Jumbo PGs and if they will be lead guards in the NBA.

overall they are not that high on both, they didn't rank them regarding draft position, but I guess they don't see them as top 10 picks.

James calls Denim the best passer in the draft, but doubts his ability to play as a PG because of the loose handle and sub par shooting. he made an interesting comparison: Joe Ingles.

and they see Jakucionis as a PG at the next level, but think the lack of foot speed and creativity will limit him to a complementary role in the NBA.

[Knoxxx]

some interesting views about Denim and Jakucionis from the Barlowe brothers in their last episode of their big board podcast.

they were discussing them as possible Jumbo PGs and if they will be lead guards in the NBA.

overall they are not that high on both, they didn't rank them regarding draft position, but I guess they don't see them as top 10 picks.

James calls Denim the best passer in the draft, but doubts his ability to play as a PG because of the loose handle and sub par shooting. he made an interesting comparison: Joe Ingles.

and they see Jakucionis as a PG at the next level, but think the lack of foot speed and creativity will limit him to a complementary role in the NBA.

The two players I tend to pair in my mind are Demin and McNeeley because both have legit SF size which is a need for us. In addition, I think both have a good amount of filling out to do which will make them potentially stronger finishers and more stout defending. If you could roll those two players into one, that would be a nice combo of scoring and passing. Right now, each only brings one of those skills. That makes me lean McNeeley, but Demin entices with his amazing passing and it is fun to imagine him becoming another Kirilenko. I know, far fetched.

[Mr. Body]

some interesting views about Denim and Jakucionis from the Barlowe brothers in their last episode of their big board podcast.

they were discussing them as possible Jumbo PGs and if they will be lead guards in the NBA.

overall they are not that high on both, they didn't rank them regarding draft position, but I guess they don't see them as top 10 picks.

James calls Denim the best passer in the draft, but doubts his ability to play as a PG because of the loose handle and sub par shooting. he made an interesting comparison: Joe Ingles.

and they see Jakucionis as a PG at the next level, but think the lack of foot speed and creativity will limit him to a complementary role in the NBA.

I agree with these generally but Joe Ingles being like Denim. Ingles was a tough, toolsy toolkit kind of guy who was just a decent passer, but could shoot. Demin is like the opposite of this. This is just comparing white guys.

[spurraider21]

some interesting views about Denim and Jakucionis from the Barlowe brothers in their last episode of their big board podcast.

they were discussing them as possible Jumbo PGs and if they will be lead guards in the NBA.

overall they are not that high on both, they didn't rank them regarding draft position, but I guess they don't see them as top 10 picks.

James calls Denim the best passer in the draft, but doubts his ability to play as a PG because of the loose handle and sub par shooting. he made an interesting comparison: Joe Ingles.

and they see Jakucionis as a PG at the next level, but think the lack of foot speed and creativity will limit him to a complementary role in the NBA.
i was a huge Ingles fan back in the day, but Kon is closer ot Ingles than Demin, unless you are strictly talking about builds. Ingles was a high end shooter (unorthodox form, but high release point) who parlayed his shooting ability into the ability to beat closeouts with good-enough handling, good passing, and solid touch on drives. that's basically Kon's offensive profile, except Kon is smaller.

Ingles was a good defender too. not a lockdown man to man guy, but played very good help defense, metrics were always good, and he had legit size, 6'8 with a 6'10 or so wingspan.

Demin reminds me more of a less athletic Evan Turner offensively. a jumbo sized PG who doesnt really pressure defenses much at all, which raises legit quesitons of how many passing opportunities he will actually be able to create against NBA players. just not an explosive ballhandler nor a good shooter. Turner carved out a solid career by playing defense and being more of a glue guy

as for Jaku, at the risk of lazy white comparisons, its like Podziemski but a worse 3 point shooter. but he is about 3 years younger than where Podz was as of the time of the draft, and i think he's a better driver than Pods was in college, so theres plenty of potential. he also was shooting the lights out in the first half of the college season. he gets to the line plenty and has a very strong FT clip

[pad300]

You got it!

castle will start. Will not be benched or traded for no matter who.

I think this is wrong. IMO, the shots aren't there for him to develop. Thus he will be pushed into a Manu type role off the bench.
Consider, the Spurs take ~ 90 shots per game, and the SL takes about 55 of those (and 35 for the bench). Fox and Wemby take 35. 20 Shots left between 3 other starters. If Castle takes 12, that's 8 for the other two. But spacing from shooting requires the shooter(s) to take shots; 8 isn't enough for those players to do their job in the SL. If Castle goes to lead the bench unit, he can take 12-15 shots (which he needs for his development), while the 3 non-star starters split 20 shots.

[exstatic]

I think this is wrong. IMO, the shots aren't there for him to develop. Thus he will be pushed into a Manu type role off the bench.
Consider, the Spurs take ~ 90 shots per game, and the SL takes about 55 of those (and 35 for the bench). Fox and Wemby take 35. 20 Shots left between 3 other starters. If Castle takes 12, that's 8 for the other two. But spacing from shooting requires the shooter(s) to take shots; 8 isn't enough for those players to do their job in the SL. If Castle goes to lead the bench unit, he can take 12-15 shots (which he needs for his development), while the 3 non-star starters split 20 shots.

ROTY isn’t going to the bench.

[The Truth #6]

I listened to the Vecenie mock draft. Interesting analysis for Carter Bryant instead of a post oriented forward at the 8 spot, which is you don't want said forward to be guarded by their center and have Wemby guarded by their 4. We would want Wemby to be guarded by their center. I think I agree with that.

Makes me think Carter Bryant at 8 and Fleming at 14 makes sense. Two 3/D role players.

I'm intrigued by Queen but if he plays with Wemby and still can't shoot then Queen is now your center.

[CGD]

I listened to the Vecenie mock draft. Interesting analysis for Carter Bryant instead of a post oriented forward at the 8 spot, which is you don't want said forward to be guarded by their center and have Wemby guarded by their 4. We would want Wemby to be guarded by their center. I think I agree with that.

Makes me think Carter Bryant at 8 and Fleming at 14 makes sense. Two 3/D role players.

I'm intrigued by Queen but if he plays with Wemby and still can't shoot then Queen is now your center.

I thought that was very incisive too. I'm also warming to reaching on Bryant at #8 (doubt he'll be there at 14 at this point). Picks #6 to #16 in this draft seem like a big jumble anyway.

I'd be happy with either a Bryant + Liam/Sorber draft. It's not like the rookies as solving our gaps Day 1 anyway (that'll need to be addressed in free agency).

[BackHome]

I don’t think Wemby will ever play down low on the offensive side of the ball barring a fast break it would be kind of interesting to see how they would work out. I have heard a couple people saying that he is trying to loose more weight and maybe looking to play more of a PF then Center but always comes down to shooting.

I can’t remember one YouTuber saying he thinks Queen could be possibly as good as Sabonis with the Kings a great player but not someone to take you over the top. But with a pick outside the 6th pick that would still be hitting Gold if that is even close to his outcome.

[pad300]

ROTY isn’t going to the bench.

Fox isn't going to the bench.
Wemby isn't going to the bench.

There aren't enough shots on the first team for all 3 to do their thing.

What edge of the triangle do you think breaks...

[LeBowen]

There aren't enough shots on the first team for all 3 to do their thing.

There absolutely is because Castle is better as an opportunistic scorer/playmaker rather than the first option.
He'll also be the point of attack defender.
Devin is the one who should get benched because despite everyone's best efforts, he's not a spot up shooter, but your typical score first SG. He'd do way better as a 6th man.

Unless they think a guard is by far the best player available with our pick, we should really go for legit wings, can't have any more players under 6'8 unless someone gets traded.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Fox isn't going to the bench.
Wemby isn't going to the bench.

There aren't enough shots on the first team for all 3 to do their thing.

What edge of the triangle do you think breaks...

Also, Castle will likely be an all-star. Needs to play abut 35 minutes.

How can you even find 30 min for him if bench him?

Manu 's bench role is to preserve his body.

[scott]

Love Castle but think we should pump the breaks on the All Star talk

[3&D_TBH]

Love Castle but think we should pump the breaks on the All Star talk he’s a consistent jumper away. Tbh

[mystargtr34]

I was thinking about Carter Bryant and feel like OG Anunoby might be a good comparison for his ceiling. High end 3-D role player who can defend wings and forwards and even some guards.

https://x.com/kirkgoldsberry/status/1920473253572657168

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/og-anunoby-1.html

[couchman]

The offseason is here and that means everyone is crazy optimistic about our players.
Castle is not yet a winning player.
I'm excited about his future but his shooting was terrible all year except for a very brief hot streak after visiting that shooting coach.
His defense also regressed as the season went on.

If he was on a good team he would have been coming off the bench and that might be what happens next year if we're lucky enough to be that good.

[couchman]

I really like Carter Bryant but I am hoping he'll be there at 14 for us.
Queen + Bryant would be an amazing draft.

-c

[Manu&Duncan fan]

he’s a consistent jumper away. Tbh

I can see Castle has that jumper in him by looking at his manner - calm yet confidence.

[Ice009]

I don’t think Wemby will ever play down low on the offensive side of the ball barring a fast break it would be kind of interesting to see how they would work out. I have heard a couple people saying that he is trying to loose more weight and maybe looking to play more of a PF then Center but always comes down to shooting.

I can’t remember one YouTuber saying he thinks Queen could be possibly as good as Sabonis with the Kings a great player but not someone to take you over the top. But with a pick outside the 6th pick that would still be hitting Gold if that is even close to his outcome.

Where did you hear Victor is trying to lose weight?

[exstatic]

Love Castle but think we should pump the breaks on the All Star talk

What he showed after Vic and Fox went down, even with an efficiency dip, was pretty heady stuff for a rookie. He was basically the #1 option the last quarter of the season. I’m trying to imagine what he’ll be like with 90% of the attention Vic and Fox, and I can’t quite wrap my head around it yet.

[exstatic]

Where did you hear Victor is trying to lose weight?

I think he’s referring to Queen, who used to be a fatty.

[scott]

What he showed after Vic and Fox went down, even with an efficiency dip, was pretty heady stuff for a rookie. He was basically the #1 option the last quarter of the season. I’m trying to imagine what he’ll be like with 90% of the attention Vic and Fox, and I can’t quite wrap my head around it yet.

He’ll either be like someone who really stands out as an efficient third option with the attention of defenses elsewhere… or he’ll be someone with 66% less usage and not take the statistical leap many are hoping for.

The reality will probably be somewhere in between. The good news is that he doesn’t need to take a huge leap in counting stats to be a winning player.

[Knoxxx]

I don’t think Wemby will ever play down low on the offensive side of the ball barring a fast break it would be kind of interesting to see how they would work out. I have heard a couple people saying that he is trying to loose more weight and maybe looking to play more of a PF then Center but always comes down to shooting.

I can’t remember one YouTuber saying he thinks Queen could be possibly as good as Sabonis with the Kings a great player but not someone to take you over the top. But with a pick outside the 6th pick that would still be hitting Gold if that is even close to his outcome.

Queen appears to me the big that can punish other teams with inside scoring and rebound. Those are instant upgrades for us, especially since we don’t even have a legit backup C or even PF on the roster. Yes Sochan can play the 4 but he is a small ball 4. I think when we agonize about fit with Wemby that’s overthinking it. Yes we can reasonably agitate about fit using the example of Keldon Johnson, but I think that’s a real stretch to extrapolate that onto Queen not being able
to play with Wemby.

[dn0774]

Fox isn't going to the bench.
Wemby isn't going to the bench.

There aren't enough shots on the first team for all 3 to do their thing.

What edge of the triangle do you think breaks...

Castle can start and still lead a mostly bench unit when Fox/Wemby are subbed out. Saying Castle is a jumper away from being an all star is almost as bad as me saying I'm just a billion dollars away from being a billionaire. I love Castle but him becoming even a league avg shooter is a ways off at least and not a given.

[CGD]

I really like Carter Bryant but I am hoping he'll be there at 14 for us.
Queen + Bryant would be an amazing draft.

-c

With all the buzz around Bryant of late I think he won’t be there at 14. Plus he’ll probably crush the combine measurements portion which will justify the boost (while others will fall because of it). Spurs will probably have to reach at 8/9 to grab him if he’s the guy.

I wouldn’t hate it honestly.

[Russ]

Castle is not yet a winning player.

A winning player is exactly what Castle is (as UConn well knows).

Forget about stats and jump shots and the rest.

Castle has a nose for winning.

That's exactly what the Spurs need.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/DonHarris4/status/1920668920974893100

[buttsR4rebounding]

https://x.com/DonHarris4/status/1920668920974893100

Where will RC and his chair be?

[Knoxxx]

1 Flagg2 Harper3 Bailey4 Edgecombe5 Johnson6 Knueppel7 Queen8 Carter9 Jaku10 McNeeley11 Demin12 Sorber13 Fleming14 MaluachJust spitballing there, but looks to me like the math is on our side when I weed out the players mocking higher that I don’t think are ideal choices for us based on need and/or have more flaws or question marks then those 14.If you diasgree, what is your top 14?Note: I put Carter higher but still thought letting him drop to 14 is a better approach. I’d also note that some players are likely mutually exclusive, like I don’t see us taking 2 of Queen, Maluach, Sorber.

edit: sorry for the run together when I posted that it had each of those 14 on a separate line.

[Knoxxx]

At the 38 pick I’m eying Lanier or Kalkbrenner, though Markovic has raised my curiosity.

Or, trade 38 and a 26 SRP to MIN for 31 where Johnni Broome may be available anyone?

Though who we may target in the second round certainly seems interrelated with who we take in the first.

If it’s not just a stash I can see us taking and older player at this stage in the second who is more NBA ready.

[John B]

1 Flagg2 Harper3 Bailey4 Edgecombe5 Johnson6 Knueppel7 Queen8 Carter9 Jaku10 McNeeley11 Demin12 Sorber13 Fleming14 MaluachJust spitballing there, but looks to me like the math is on our side….

I don’t see us taking 2 of Queen, Maluach, Sorber.


I like our chances at getting any of Queen, Sorber… Maluach I don’t see a Spurs target though..

Then any of Bryant, Fleming and even Wolf for 14…. And a backup PG at SRP. Boogie Fland would be great but I doubt he drops that low. Two bigs, different games and a backup PG would be great.

[John B]

At the 38 pick I’m eying Lanier or Kalkbrenner, though Markovic has raised my curiosity.

Or, trade 38 and a 26 SRP to MIN for 31 where Johnni Broome may be available anyone?

Though who we may target in the second round certainly seems interrelated with who we take in the first.

If it’s not just a stash I can see us taking and older player at this stage in the second who is more NBA ready.

If they prioritize a SF shooter like Kon, then Broome could be there. Kon, Fleming, Broome. Not sexy but looks Spursy.

[SpursGenius]

I really like Carter Bryant but I am hoping he'll be there at 14 for us.
Queen + Bryant would be an amazing draft.

-c
queen slow unathletic sux. Bryant will be there at 20 so 14 too early

[objective]

Carter Bryant looks like the type who will rocket up the charts. He's already jumping up mocks pre combine, and if his combine numbers are legit he's going to pop off. Freshman who made his threes with great size and bouncy athleticism, great steals and blocks numbers, reputation as a good kid ...

Everyone is going to see someone they can mold into a big time player.

Spurs will be lucky to see him there at 8.

I'm off all other bandwagons and on the Bryant train. Choo choo!

[Vienna]

remember Coulibaly in 2023?
that situation looks somehow similar to Bryant.

Coulibaly went up the charts closer to the draft, mock drafts finally had him projected 10-15, but he was picked #7.

there are some similarities between the two. (not comparing every single aspect of their games).

draft experts already factor in the high demand for this type of player and in the end they are picked even higher. (P.Williams)

I agree, if you want Bryant, you have to use #8, but he might not even be there. #14 will be to late, no chance so many teams pass on him.

[KobesAchilles]

What are the main negatives about Carter Bryant? Bc we aren’t looking for a Superstar in this draft. Just as someone who watched 10 whole minutes of him on YouTube he seems pretty good for us. He rebounds, is athletic, finishes strong, moves well without the ball, and can hit a 3 if open.

[scottspurs]

I’ll add to this as more information comes out but I thought it could be useful to make a list of all the players the Spurs have worked out. Feel free to add to it yourself.

Worked out with Spurs


LJ Cryer, Guard - Houston
Micah Peavy, Forward - Georgetown
RJ Felton, Guard - East Carolina

[drpill]

What are the main negatives about Carter Bryant? Bc we aren’t looking for a Superstar in this draft. Just as someone who watched 10 whole minutes of him on YouTube he seems pretty good for us. He rebounds, is athletic, finishes strong, moves well without the ball, and can hit a 3 if open.

I've read (but not personally witnessed) that he may shy away from contact on offense, a bit hesitant to drive into bodies. Maybe because he used to be a smaller player. Also he didn't show much offensive creativity or ballhandling in college, though that is supposed to have been something he displayed in high school.

He was considered a top prospect coming into college and could have chosen a different school with a bigger role, sort of reminiscent of Castle that way though without the same level of immediate success.

[mo7888]

At the 38 pick I’m eying Lanier or Kalkbrenner, though Markovic has raised my curiosity.

Or, trade 38 and a 26 SRP to MIN for 31 where Johnni Broome may be available anyone?

Though who we may target in the second round certainly seems interrelated with who we take in the first.

If it’s not just a stash I can see us taking and older player at this stage in the second who is more NBA ready.

If we're looking for a guy to be on the roster this year at #38 i like Proctor and a few of the older Centers with floor spacing ability.

[mo7888]

Carter Bryant looks like the type who will rocket up the charts. He's already jumping up mocks pre combine, and if his combine numbers are legit he's going to pop off. Freshman who made his threes with great size and bouncy athleticism, great steals and blocks numbers, reputation as a good kid ...

Everyone is going to see someone they can mold into a big time player.

Spurs will be lucky to see him there at 8.

I'm off all other bandwagons and on the Bryant train. Choo choo!

He's got a wide range in the mocks. TaT has him at #26. Personally, I have him at tier 3 (7-12 range) and 12 overall. I have a hard time seeing a team above us taking a guy who averaged 6.5 points per game though. I think he goes between 10-16 myself.

[Vienna]

He was considered a top prospect coming into college and could have chosen a different school with a bigger role, sort of reminiscent of Castle that way though without the same level of immediate success.

he said, he was aware, that Coach Lloyd doesn't play his Freshmen a lot and he wasn't promised minutes or a role. (in fact he was the only Fresh to get minutes to speak of this season).

he went to Arizona, because of family ties (his Aunt played for Arizona) and because he was at games as a kid and loved it and because it's closer to home than other schools. (he had offers from Duke and Louisville).

[Mr. Body]

I've read (but not personally witnessed) that he may shy away from contact on offense, a bit hesitant to drive into bodies. Maybe because he used to be a smaller player. Also he didn't show much offensive creativity or ballhandling in college, though that is supposed to have been something he displayed in high school.

He was considered a top prospect coming into college and could have chosen a different school with a bigger role, sort of reminiscent of Castle that way though without the same level of immediate success.

Looks like Bryant was a four star coming out of high school, not that it matters too much. Well regarded.

The knocks on him along these lines --

- No ball-handling, no playmaking because of this
- Extremely low usage
- Low minutes, low duties
- Nice athleticism, good event-creation, but got eaten up by good players
- Defense, then, is fairly theoretical
- Seems to be a good shooter, but only .695 at the line
- FT numbers very low
- Only scored 6.4 points per game

Arguments for him consist of believing that he was being hidden by the coaches so he would stay another year. (Impossible to believe.) Or that he was boxed behind a lot of upperclassmen. (More believable.)

My feel is that he couldn't be trusted with greater duties at this point. Not to say he can't eventually. Also, his advanced stats look nice, but relatively small sample. His defense and shooting are somewhat theoretical. And on defense he got clobbered by the likes of Flagg. Not too surprising, but more saying this isn't a Kawhi-level college defensive prospect yet.

[drpill]

Five star and number four in the country per this article: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/arizona-basketball-recruiting-five-star-sf-carter-bryant-2024s-no-4-prospect-commits-to-wildcats/

[couchman]

I think most of the critique's of Bryant's game have been addressed.
The only other one I'll add is that his release is not very fast.
It's not exactly slow, but he's not going to surprise defenders by getting up a quick jumper in their face.

I love his size, his defense looks fantastic, he can knock down spot up 3s and even some movement 3s, and he can finish with authority around the rim.
Pretty much a textbook 3&D prospect.

[ace3g]

https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1920882972783186225

[KobesAchilles]

Looks like Bryant was a four star coming out of high school, not that it matters too much. Well regarded.

The knocks on him along these lines --

- No ball-handling, no playmaking because of this
- Extremely low usage
- Low minutes, low duties
- Nice athleticism, good event-creation, but got eaten up by good players
- Defense, then, is fairly theoretical
- Seems to be a good shooter, but only .695 at the line
- FT numbers very low
- Only scored 6.4 points per game

Arguments for him consist of believing that he was being hidden by the coaches so he would stay another year. (Impossible to believe.) Or that he was boxed behind a lot of upperclassmen. (More believable.)

My feel is that he couldn't be trusted with greater duties at this point. Not to say he can't eventually. Also, his advanced stats look nice, but relatively small sample. His defense and shooting are somewhat theoretical. And on defense he got clobbered by the likes of Flagg. Not too surprising, but more saying this isn't a Kawhi-level college defensive prospect yet.
Thanks for the write up. I feel like specifically for the Spurs most of these knocks against him don’t really apply to his role on our team. I mean we wouldn’t want him to have greater offensive duties when we have Wemby and Fox taking most of our shots. Especially if we keep Vassell. Dude would be lucky to get 6 attempts per game even as the 8th pick. And defense is a big question mark for every college kid tbh. Seeing as most college kids barely play against NBA talent and they also play a bunch of zone defense.

If the Spurs stand pat like we all think they are going to then our 8th pick really isn’t going to have much of a role on our team. We would re-sign Sochan and Carter would be behind Barnes, Champ, Sochan and even KJ. Whether or not they should be behind them is another story all together.

I actually feel like our top pick this year has a high chance of going to Austin for most of the year. But I’d rather have a project like Bryant who won’t play make or have the ball in his hands much and can slowly take over that role as the years go by than get a guard who needs the ball in his hands to be effective and has no size.

[LeBowen]

We're in a paradoxical situation when it comes to wing rotation.
Too many players who get regular minutes, but not a single one other than veteran Barnes is reliable.
If we're to compete, current iterations of Keldon and Jeremy just aren't good enough and Champ's ceiling is 8th/9th man on a serious playoff roster.
On top of that, Devin will probably be pushed into SF role yet again.
Despite having all of them, we still need a legit 6'9-6'11 PF to help Wemby.
I'd really like if one of Devin/Keldon/Jeremy gets traded. Keldon surely won't be what we need basketball wise, but he's the team leader (ffs), Jeremy is still on his rookie deal but is still a player in theory and as of now Devin is an overpaid low IQ scorer.
Then draft the BPA wing, don't overthink it.

Oddly enough, there are more guard minutes available because we have just 3 NBA level guards. For example Jakucionis would slot well into that backup PG role.

Tbh, I'm just going to wait a couple more days before thinking about any scenario in depth, every team has different needs and lottery outcome will make it easier to figure out what's going to happen.

[objective]

He's got a wide range in the mocks. TaT has him at #26. Personally, I have him at tier 3 (7-12 range) and 12 overall. I have a hard time seeing a team above us taking a guy who averaged 6.5 points per game though. I think he goes between 10-16 myself.

Guys with 'potential' and no stats get drafted high on occasion

Scottie Barnes only started 7 games, shot 27.5% from 3, scored 10pts and 4 assists and 4 rebounds a game, fewer steals, fewer blocks and went #4
Patrick Williams, bench freshman, 9pts, went #4
Bilal Coulibaly, 5pts in Pro A ball, went #7
Tidjane Salaun, 23mpg and 9pts went #6
Dragan Bender - 4pts and went #4
Hezonja only scored like 6 or 7 points for Barca before getting drafted #5

[scott]

Five star and number four in the country per this article: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/news/arizona-basketball-recruiting-five-star-sf-carter-bryant-2024s-no-4-prospect-commits-to-wildcats/

Not saying they are "right", but 24/7 Sports is what I usually see people refer to for HS recruits and they had him as a 4 star:

https://247sports.com/season/2024-basketball/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool

[drpill]

Not saying they are "right", but 24/7 Sports is what I usually see people refer to for HS recruits and they had him as a 4 star:

https://247sports.com/season/2024-basketball/RecruitRankings/?InstitutionGroup=HighSchool

You're right; at the time the article was written, 247 had him as a five star recruit with a 98 rating, and 4th best prospect overall. They've since revised to four star/96 rating.

https://247sports.com/playersport/carter-bryant-at-centennial-308119/recruitrankhistory/?history=top247

[Mr. Body]

As of now, I'd be okay with taking Bryant at #8. I'd be a bit disappointed in the draft, but it's fairly middling at that spot and might as well go on upside. Mitch doesn't seem to like to develop players, though, so that's a concern. I'd really want a pop of young talent in this draft and that probably only happens if they trade up, my preferred tactic, but getting possible role players is also needed.

[mo7888]

Guys with 'potential' and no stats get drafted high on occasion

Scottie Barnes only started 7 games, shot 27.5% from 3, scored 10pts and 4 assists and 4 rebounds a game, fewer steals, fewer blocks and went #4
Patrick Williams, bench freshman, 9pts, went #4
Bilal Coulibaly, 5pts in Pro A ball, went #7
Tidjane Salaun, 23mpg and 9pts went #6
Dragan Bender - 4pts and went #4
Hezonja only scored like 6 or 7 points for Barca before getting drafted #5

Of that list only Barnes has worked out so far (although Bilal might make it). You're argument is good though...

[Dejounte]

I’ll add to this as more information comes out but I thought it could be useful to make a list of all the players the Spurs have worked out. Feel free to add to it yourself.

Worked out with Spurs


LJ Cryer, Guard - Houston
Micah Peavy, Forward - Georgetown
RJ Felton, Guard - East Carolina

Peavy… Sorber’s teammate… Spurs interviewing him to collect information on Sorber, tbh

[RC_Drunkford]

If the Spurs stand pat like we all think they are going to then our 8th pick really isn’t going to have much of a role on our team. We would re-sign Sochan and Carter would be behind Barnes, Champ, Sochan and even KJ. Whether or not they should be behind them is another story all together.

I actually feel like our top pick this year has a high chance of going to Austin for most of the year. But I’d rather have a project like Bryant who won’t play make or have the ball in his hands much and can slowly take over that role as the years go by than get a guard who needs the ball in his hands to be effective and has no size.

not really. That wing would basically replace CP3, with Castle playing back up PG. So there will be minutes for the 8th pick in the rotation.

[CGD]

If this shooting stroke is real, I’d have to reevaluate my view of Malauch if he’s there at #8. Looks fluid and with good form.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJXFW_TxYCN/

[exstatic]

If this shooting stroke is real, I’d have to reevaluate my view of Malauch if he’s there at #8. Looks fluid and with good form.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJXFW_TxYCN/

Waiting on the paranoia over his Klutch t-shirt…

[Dejounte]

Tier 1
Flagg


Tier 2
Dylan Harper
VJ Edgecombe
Jase Richardson
Derik Queen


Tier 2.5
Thomas Sorber
Kon Knueppel
Ben Saraf


Tier 3
Tre Johnson
Ace Bailey
Kasparas
Malauch
Will Riley


Tier 3.5
Egor Demin
Noah Penda
Carter Bryant
CMB


Tier 4
Rasheer Fleming
Danny Wolf
Noa Essengue


Tier 4.5
Joan Beringer
Nolan Traore
Asa Newell
Yaxel Lendeborg


Tier 5
Liam McNeeley

[rankingtear]

If this shooting stroke is real, I’d have to reevaluate my view of Malauch if he’s there at #8. Looks fluid and with good form.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJXFW_TxYCN/

No point in drafting a rim runner even if he can shoot on a non helio system.

[SpursGenius]

What are the main negatives about Carter Bryant? Bc we aren’t looking for a Superstar in this draft. Just as someone who watched 10 whole minutes of him on YouTube he seems pretty good for us. He rebounds, is athletic, finishes strong, moves well without the ball, and can hit a 3 if open.
dude couldnt even start for his own college team

[SpursGenius]

Fleming at 14 and Kneupel or Maluach at 8. OKC with two 7 footers showing how its done. They will win the nba chamo despite being down 2-1 now

[Dejounte]

Jase gives so much Spurs vibes and complements both Fox and Castle really well, maybe even Wesley if they give him another chance.

Fox/ Jase
Castle/ Wesley

also insurance if either Fox or Castle don’t work out or get injured long term. He’s mentioned Fox as one of the guys he models his game after, btw.

Although I think Queen is another top 5 talent, I think Spurs may pass on him. He keeps stating in his interviews he wants to be the best and I think his mindset is that he needs shots on offense in order to be the best. If he keeps his ego in check, then he’s an absolute yes. But I think he has aspirations to become the next Embiid, or a guy who wants a team to build around him.

Other guys besides Jase who I think will embrace Spurs Culture: Sorber, Kon, Tre Johnson, Egor Demin

[mo7888]

Jase gives so much Spurs vibes and complements both Fox and Castle really well, maybe even Wesley if they give him another chance.

Fox/ Jase
Castle/ Wesley

also insurance if either Fox or Castle don’t work out or get injured long term. He’s mentioned Fox as one of the guys he models his game after, btw.

Although I think Queen is another top 5 talent, I think Spurs may pass on him. He keeps stating in his interviews he wants to be the best and I think his mindset is that he needs shots on offense in order to be the best. If he keeps his ego in check, then he’s an absolute yes. But I think he has aspirations to become the next Embiid, or a guy who wants a team to build around him.

Other guys besides Jase who I think will embrace Spurs Culture: Sorber, Kon, Tre Johnson, Egor Demin

I'm not quite that high on Queen, although I do like him and have him top 10, so he'd be in discussion at #8, but do do agree on Jase's fit. I also think he's got a pretty high ceiling.

[SpursBills]

Better prospect at time of draft? (ignore subsequent development, or lack thereof)

Carter Bryant:
Age 19.6 @ draft, 6'8", 7' wingspan
Per 100: 19 points / 12 reb / 2.9 ast
AST:TO 1
Athleticism indicators: 17 dunks in 700 minutes, OREB% 5.3, BLK% 5.8, STL% 2.8
Shooting indicators: 37% on on 8.4 3PA/100, 70% FT, 32% midrange

Jeremy Sochan:
Age 19.0 @ draft, 6'8", 7' wingspan
Per 100: 21 points / 15 reb / 4 ast
AST:TO 1.1
Athleticism indicators: 15 dunks in 750 minutes, OREB% 8.9, BLK% 3.2, STL% 2.9
Shooting indicators: 30% on on 6.3 3PA/100, 59% FT, 40% midrange

To me, there are a couple ways to look at this:

1. Since both guys are too small to play full time 4 and are more 3/4 hybrids, Bryant's better shooting signal gives him a better chance to transition to NBA wing full time and become a useful player in a playoff rotation

2. Sochan was taken 9 and was mocked mid-late lottery frequently so while he was a reach, he wasn't a major one. If you consider Sochan a reasonable pick at 9, there's no reason to think that 8 is too early to draft Bryant

3. That being said, there's no guarantee that Bryant develops any better than Sochan - he puts up worse rate-adjusted counting stats and plays with arguably less physicality with a similar AST:TO. Their athleticism indicators are fairly similar. His entire appeal is that he has a stronger shooting signal and so you are leveraging virtually the entirety of his appeal on a guy who also shoots 70% from the line

I'm not in love with him at 8, but a Jeremy Sochan who can hit 3s is probably one of the lowest friction archetypes you can draft - there's no limit to the number of OG/Toumani/Pat Williams types a team can have, as opposed to high usage guards or non-shooting bigs.

[Dejounte]

I'm not quite that high on Queen, although I do like him and have him top 10, so he'd be in discussion at #8, but do do agree on Jase's fit. I also think he's got a pretty high ceiling.


https://youtu.be/dxDAZH48piY?feature=shared

Didn’t know he hit nearly 70% around the rim. That’s Parker-esque.

[mo7888]

Better prospect at time of draft? (ignore subsequent development, or lack thereof)

Carter Bryant:
Age 19.6 @ draft, 6'8", 7' wingspan
Per 100: 19 points / 12 reb / 2.9 ast
AST:TO 1
Athleticism indicators: 17 dunks in 700 minutes, OREB% 5.3, BLK% 5.8, STL% 2.8
Shooting indicators: 37% on on 8.4 3PA/100, 70% FT, 32% midrange

Jeremy Sochan:
Age 19.0 @ draft, 6'8", 7' wingspan
Per 100: 21 points / 15 reb / 4 ast
AST:TO 1.1
Athleticism indicators: 15 dunks in 750 minutes, OREB% 8.9, BLK% 3.2, STL% 2.9
Shooting indicators: 30% on on 6.3 3PA/100, 59% FT, 40% midrange

To me, there are a couple ways to look at this:

1. Since both guys are too small to play full time 4 and are more 3/4 hybrids, Bryant's better shooting signal gives him a better chance to transition to NBA wing full time and become a useful player in a playoff rotation

2. Sochan was taken 9 and was mocked mid-late lottery frequently so while he was a reach, he wasn't a major one. If you consider Sochan a reasonable pick at 9, there's no reason to think that 8 is too early to draft Bryant

3. That being said, there's no guarantee that Bryant develops any better than Sochan - he puts up worse rate-adjusted counting stats and plays with arguably less physicality with a similar AST:TO. Their athleticism indicators are fairly similar. His entire appeal is that he has a stronger shooting signal and so you are leveraging virtually the entirety of his appeal on a guy who also shoots 70% from the line

I'm not in love with him at 8, but a Jeremy Sochan who can hit 3s is probably one of the lowest friction archetypes you can draft - there's no limit to the number of OG/Toumani/Pat Williams types a team can have, as opposed to high usage guards or non-shooting bigs.

I'm more in favor of Bryant at 14 if he makes it that far. I am curious to see what his actual measurements are because he looks bigger than that to me. I also think his frame is still filling out more than Sochan's was when drafted. I think his long term position will be at the 4 once he finishes maturing physically.

[mo7888]

https://youtu.be/dxDAZH48piY?feature=shared

Didn’t know he hit nearly 70% around the rim. That’s Parker-esque.

He's the real deal. If his court vision improves his ceiling is through the roof. Even if it doesn't he's gonna be more than solid if paired with a 2 or 3 with the court vision (Egor Demin anyone?l) to compensate for that weakness.

[KobesAchilles]

dude couldnt even start for his own college team
Besides Cooper Flagg, who else that we draft would be a starter on our team? I guess what I’m saying is what exactly are you looking for in this draft? If you told me that we draft someone with great size, great athleticism, can shoot, play defense, and moves well without the ball and can be effective without the ball. That’s the type of player I want.

Who I don’t want is a smaller player, less athletic, so so defense, needs the ball to be effective, and can shoot but isn’t used to shooting it only 6 times a game like our player we draft is going to shoot. I’m looking for a role player. And player A sounds like we can mold him into a better role player than player B

[ginobilized]

https://youtu.be/dxDAZH48piY?feature=shared

Didn’t know he hit nearly 70% around the rim. That’s Parker-esque.

I wouldn't be mad at a Richardson/Sorber outcome. The fact that Jase was coached by Izzo bodes well for his coachability and toughness. Having 2 lefty scoring PGs would be an unusual situation. It might come down to a Bryant or Richardson as BPA on draft day. I'd probably go with Richardson.

Monday will clarify our future a bit more distinctly. Are we there yet?!?!

[rankingtear]

He's the real deal. If his court vision improves his ceiling is through the roof. Even if it doesn't he's gonna be more than solid if paired with a 2 or 3 with the court vision (Egor Demin anyone?l) to compensate for that weakness.

6'1 185 non lead guard, pass.

[mo7888]

6'1 185 non lead guard, pass.

Until we get more measurements he's listed at 6'3"

[Seventyniner]

Didn’t know he hit nearly 70% around the rim. That’s Parker-esque.

How often did he get there? I couldn't find his shot diet stats.

Vassell shot 67.7% at the rim this past season and 68.1% for his career. The issue is that he rarely gets there, only 14.4% of his shot attempts are at the rim.

Parker shot 64.5% at the rim in his career and 34.8% of his shots were at the rim, though at his peak he was in the high 60s at the rim and high 30s in % of shots at the rim.

[Dejounte]

How often did he get there? I couldn't find his shot diet stats.

Vassell shot 67.7% at the rim this past season and 68.1% for his career. The issue is that he rarely gets there, only 14.4% of his shot attempts are at the rim.

Parker shot 64.5% at the rim in his career and 34.8% of his shots were at the rim, though at his peak he was in the high 60s at the rim and high 30s in % of shots at the rim.

87 times
292 total shot attempts
29.79% of his shot diet

for threes, he had 114 attempts. Shot 41.2%
38.2% of his shot diet

[Seventyniner]

87 times
292 total shot attempts
29.79% of his shot diet

for threes, he had 114 attempts. Shot 41.2%
38.2% of his shot diet

Thanks. 30% is significant.

I'm still a bit afraid that he might not be able to share the floor with Fox, but if he's the best player available I could get on board. He would be up for an extension when Fox is 32 and starting to lose some of his athleticism, and it would be nice to have a good finisher at the PG spot for all 48 minutes. Of course this means CP3 would be gone, but I doubt he will stay anyway.

[rankingtear]

Thanks. 30% is significant.

I'm still a bit afraid that he might not be able to share the floor with Fox, but if he's the best player available I could get on board. He would be up for an extension when Fox is 32 and starting to lose some of his athleticism, and it would be nice to have a good finisher at the PG spot for all 48 minutes. Of course this means CP3 would be gone, but I doubt he will stay anyway.

6'1 6'3 185lb sharing the court in the playoffs not a chance. If he is truly BPA then someone would match his value in a trade out.

[scott]

We're drafting 1 and 4 Fam... no need to worry about the Carter Bryants or Jase Richardsons.

[scottspurs]

Half this board will be asking to fire Mitch Johnson when Carter Bryant starts in the g league, get limited minutes when he does get called up and finishes averaging 4 ppg on 10 mpg lol. I’m not saying he won’t be good but he is more of a project than most see him on here. Can the Spurs still develop players at a high level like that?

This guy would not be in the Spurs rotation this year except for spot minutes. He could pay off 2-3 years down the line but isn’t it about time the Spurs start making the playoffs. I mean they could in theory still make it even with a project on their Bench. I guess. If you think they can overcome being dominated on the boards every game next season

[rankingtear]

Half this board will be asking to fire Mitch Johnson when Carter Bryant starts in the g league, get limited minutes when he does get called up and finishes averaging 4 ppg on 10 mpg lol. I’m not saying he won’t be good but he is more of a project than most see him on here. Can the Spurs still develop players at a high level like that?

This guy would not be in the Spurs rotation this year except for spot minutes. He could pay off 2-3 years down the line but isn’t it about time the Spurs start making the playoffs. I mean they could in theory still make it even with a project on their Bench. I guess. If you think they can overcome being dominated on the boards every game next season

Half this board is dumb anyway. I just saw a post from a guy with vanilla takes that said a 6'9 225 player is stronger than a 6'9 265.

[LeBowen]

Half this board is dumb anyway. I just saw a post from a guy with vanilla takes that said a 6'9 225 player is stronger than a 6'9 265.

Retard you're just embarrassing yourself in every possible topic and showing you don't even watch games.

[The Truth #6]

I've been interested in Jase for a while now. I have a half serious theory that every year there's a 6'2 combo guard that gets overlooked because he's short even though he's actually really talented and then everyone wonders why they didn't pick him higher... to me for this year that looks like Jase. His shooting looks great. I don't see a starter but someone who could contribute early. Honestly, we shouldn't except our first round picks to somehow all be starters. No, we need players who can earn minutes in my opinion. And hope for more.

In that context I go back and forth regarding Carter Bryant. He looks like he's 2 to 3 years away from doing anything and that does kind of scare me to some degree. Jase at least looks like an asset.

[SpursBills]

How often did he get there? I couldn't find his shot diet stats.

Vassell shot 67.7% at the rim this past season and 68.1% for his career. The issue is that he rarely gets there, only 14.4% of his shot attempts are at the rim.

Parker shot 64.5% at the rim in his career and 34.8% of his shots were at the rim, though at his peak he was in the high 60s at the rim and high 30s in % of shots at the rim.

https://i.postimg.cc/bNQf2Zbs/Halfcourt-rim-frequencies-guards.png

Credit: @mcfdraft on twitter

[bluebellmaniac]

https://i.postimg.cc/bNQf2Zbs/Halfcourt-rim-frequencies-guards.png

Credit: @mcfdraft on twitter

I'm surprised Broome didn't show up in these stats. He seems to pop up everywhere. Would you happen to have his stats?

[Dejounte]

https://i.postimg.cc/bNQf2Zbs/Halfcourt-rim-frequencies-guards.png

Credit: @mcfdraft on twitter

Do these numbers differ because it includes dunks? I took mines from barrtovik and filtered for close 2’s only.

[Spursfanfromafar]

https://i.postimg.cc/bNQf2Zbs/Halfcourt-rim-frequencies-guards.png

Credit: @mcfdraft on twitter

Harper's numbers here are amazing. Looks the most NBA ready guard among the lot.

[paperboy77]

https://youtu.be/dxDAZH48piY?feature=shared

Didn’t know he hit nearly 70% around the rim. That’s Parker-esque.


No more midgets please! Huge pass.

[cutewizard]

I sense we could go as high as number 2 guys........

[SpursGenius]

Besides Cooper Flagg, who else that we draft would be a starter on our team? I guess what I’m saying is what exactly are you looking for in this draft? If you told me that we draft someone with great size, great athleticism, can shoot, play defense, and moves well without the ball and can be effective without the ball. That’s the type of player I want.

Who I don’t want is a smaller player, less athletic, so so defense, needs the ball to be effective, and can shoot but isn’t used to shooting it only 6 times a game like our player we draft is going to shoot. I’m looking for a role player. And player A sounds like we can mold him into a better role player than player B

you dont ever look for a role player in first round (especially top 14 Lottery pick). You look for starter and if that doesnt work out fine he can be a role player.

[cutewizard]

But what if by some miracle, we obtain the first place in the draft??

Omg, Spurs talk will burst hahaha

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/oRV3GTyFeag?si=513JIsI9LDxKAHU9

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/lp_NdVfFNXk?si=lMHgSL7N1WvHPpAR

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/NZ-61pesaSY?si=Eb6WejfjRIbwXTe3

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/M7nA_EQ8zmw?si=H8Eczmy8GiD6O0cG

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/mlLP98UEK1E?si=O0TJrVkNnUI5Zp-0

[SpursBills]

Do these numbers differ because it includes dunks? I took mines from barrtovik and filtered for close 2’s only.

Good question, I'm not exactly sure, but I would think not. I think the big difference between your numbers and these is that they differentiate between half court rim attempts and those taken in the setting of a fast break.

Obviously biggest caveat with these numbers is going to be the free throw rate as a confounding factor, which I wish this chart also included

[Dejounte]

No more midgets please! Huge pass.
Obviously not everyone’s cup of tea. But if this guy turns out to be a star, everyone will then regret it. There are very few ready-now players in this draft. Jase is a ready-now guy plus a lot more.

[scottspurs]

Good question, I'm not exactly sure, but I would think not. I think the big difference between your numbers and these is that they differentiate between half court rim attempts and those taken in the setting of a fast break.

Obviously biggest caveat with these numbers is going to be the free throw rate as a confounding factor, which I wish this chart also included


Top FTA Rate Players in this draft class




Adou Thiero- 69.2
Collin Murray-Boyles- 55.6
Derik Queen- 54.6
Jeremiah Fears- 51.8
Cedric Coward- 50.8
Kasparas Jakucionis- 49.6
Mark Sears- 47.8
Sion James- 46.1
Yaxel Lendeborg- 44.9
Cooper Flagg- 42.0
Thomas Sorber- 42.0
Dylan Harper- 41.9
Jase Richardson- 41.8
Liam Mcneely- 41.0
Khaman Maluach- 40.3



These are the top 15 players at getting to the line in this draft class

[CGD]

He's the real deal. If his court vision improves his ceiling is through the roof. Even if it doesn't he's gonna be more than solid if paired with a 2 or 3 with the court vision (Egor Demin anyone?l) to compensate for that weakness.

I saw shocked at how incredibly low Sam Vecine had him in his last mock draft podcast (#26 to Orlando). I usually trust that guy among the most during this process, so that dampened my Jase interest.

Biggest concerns: small, one hand dominant, not a primary initiator at all, meh D, suspect passer, and loose handle.

[pookenstein]

It's almost mathematically impossible, but just for the fun of it, would you be happy or pissed if the Lottery turned out like this:
1. Hawks via Sac
2. Spurs
3. Spurs via Hawks

[scottspurs]

NBA combine starts today and lasts for a week. So Measurables, athletic testing, scrimmages, players talking about who they have met with/worked out with. Plenty of information will drop.

[CGD]

It's almost mathematically impossible, but just for the fun of it, would you be happy or pissed if the Lottery turned out like this:
1. Hawks via Sac
2. Spurs
3. Spurs via Hawks

Dude, sign me up for that!

[CGD]

NBA combine starts today and lasts for a week. So Measurables, athletic testing, scrimmages, players talking about who they have met with/worked out with. Plenty of information will drop.

Yeessss!

Top questions for me from the perspective of the 8th pick:

- is Kon really 6’7?
- is Ace really 6’10? (Def will drop if not)
- Are Khaman’s hands truly bad?
- Will Bryant’s measurements exceed expectations?

[KobesAchilles]

you dont ever look for a role player in first round (especially top 14 Lottery pick). You look for starter and if that doesnt work out fine he can be a role player.
Starters can be role players. The best 8th pick in the last 25 years is either Franz Wagner or Rudy Gay. Besides that all the 8th picks have been role players. This isn’t the NFL. The 8th picks in recent history haven’t been anything to write home about. Whoever we pick is going to be on the bench anyways. So this starter notion needs to be tossed out. Then you ask yourself, who has the tools if they put everything together to become a high end quality role player starter and to me that’s Bryant.

[Dejounte]

https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro?SeasonYear=2025-26

[Dejounte]

just to get everyone calibrated

If you go back previous years, the players measured at 6’6 to 6’6.75 without shoes play small forward and guys measured 6’7 to 6’8 without shoes play power forward.

Herbert Jones for example measured at exactly 6’6”

[Manu&Duncan fan]

https://i.postimg.cc/bNQf2Zbs/Halfcourt-rim-frequencies-guards.png

Credit: @mcfdraft on twitter

Wow! Jaku and Kon are both so good at the rim. Thank you Bill for the info!

[HankChinaski]

Carter Bryant has a similar mold to Danny Green when I look at him. I just don't know if he can reach that level of percentage shooting from 3pt line.

If he can I would like him.

Some of his weaknesses give some concerns in the defensive end

At pick 14 I would go with him. I don't know about pick 8 though unless he just kills in the combine and in workouts with teams

[Ice009]

What HC mean for HC RIM efficiency?

Also, not sure I'd want to go with Carter Bryant at 8 (hopefully the Spurs get in the top 4, though, and don't have to worry about this). I'd agree with HankC and only take him at 14 if he's still there (most likely won't be, though). Not really sure who I'd want at 8. I would like someone that can at least shoot a little bit, but would prefer someone that can put pressure getting to the rim and score inside (as long as they're not a poor shooter, just need them to at least be an average 3 point shooter).

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

It's almost mathematically impossible, but just for the fun of it, would you be happy or pissed if the Lottery turned out like this:
1. Hawks via Sac
2. Spurs
3. Spurs via Hawks

Would be awesome, but I'd hope Flagg goes east and not to Sacramento.

[RedAzSa]

It's almost mathematically impossible, but just for the fun of it, would you be happy or pissed if the Lottery turned out like this:
1. Hawks via Sac
2. Spurs
3. Spurs via Hawks

The Sac pick is top 12 protected, so ATL loses out in this case