2025 NBA Draft

[lebomb]

I want Bailey so bad.. He has the highest ceiling in the draft by far.

I like Harper and VJ Edgecombe better.

[mo7888]

Jase Richardson was the best player in a game against Bailey and Harper.


https://youtu.be/n9aw_Ze0RGg?si=8RWl42iuCjYB_I8f

Hes one of the guys i like playing alongside Castle.

[CorrectCrusader]

I like Harper and VJ Edgecombe better.

Harper is insanely good too. I haven't watched any Edgecombe

[Dejounte]

I think you are severely overrating him. Fleming is not going to be projected in the teens by any reputable analyst, and there is zero chance OKC takes him in the top 10 in this draft.

On defense, he 100% has good physical tools that you mention, and I think he's definitely able to defend traditional big men and provide solid rim protection. However, I think you're overrating his ability to defend on the perimeter. His footwork needs A LOT of work. He's downright bad at closeouts and fighting over screens as a result.

Eh I’m sorry, man. i don’t think this topic could be productive at all between us. it’s not really how far apart we are on our thoughts on Rasheer, but the tone in your posts that makes it sound like you’re unwilling to budge. It’s like I could write paragraphs on end and you would already be prepared to disagree. It won’t be fruitful, but that’s alright. We can agree to disagree.

Anyway, it took me a minute to search for one mock draft that had Rasheer at 22, three spots from the teens. That was Chad Ford’s mock, a guy who has done this for decades. Not out of the realm of possibility there will be a mock draft that moves him into the teens.

[Russ]

A player you haven't heard of and who will be likely drafted in the first round is french player Joan Beringer. He is currently #24 on Givony's big board.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7L22Kd6N4

The main thing about him is that he has played basketball for 3 and a half years. He barely knows how to play but he is true physical specimen (6'10/6'11" barefoot with a 7'4" wingspan and a great mobility/explosiveness) and is improving quickly.
Teams with multiple first round picks like OKC and Nets will surely use one of them on him. A very high risk and reward prospect.

Had my eye on him and almost asked our French expert about him.

Looks like an athletic rim runner.

If only he could hit the three -- we could call him Joan of Arc.

[rascal]

Harper is insanely good too. I haven't watched any Edgecombe

Harper is exactly what the Spurs need, the number 2 option and the 2nd star.

[stnick2261]

Had my eye on him and almost asked our French expert about him.

Looks like an athletic rim runner.

If only he could hit the three -- we could call him Joan of Arc.

Sounds perfect next to "Castle"

[SpursBills]

Eh I’m sorry, man. i don’t think this topic could be productive at all between us. it’s not really how far apart we are on our thoughts on Rasheer, but the tone in your posts that makes it sound like you’re unwilling to budge. It’s like I could write paragraphs on end and you would already be prepared to disagree. It won’t be fruitful, but that’s alright. We can agree to disagree.

Anyway, it took me a minute to search for one mock draft that had Rasheer at 22, three spots from the teens. That was Chad Ford’s mock, a guy who has done this for decades. Not out of the realm of possibility there will be a mock draft that moves him into the teens.

In your estimation is his 70th percentile outcome both stylistically and impact-wise basically Tari Eason - havoc creator, turnover generator, man defender, play finisher, average shooter?

[Dejounte]

In your estimation is his 70th percentile outcome both stylistically and impact-wise basically Tari Eason - havoc creator, turnover generator, man defender, play finisher, average shooter?

Yeah, I think it’s somewhere between Precious Achiuwa and Tari Eason.

[keithington1]

I like Maluach and Essengue. Brian would never take Maluach because he would steal Wembys rebounds. Spurs need to go all out on size and defense. They can sign shooters in free agency.

[baseline bum]

I want Bailey so bad.. He has the highest ceiling in the draft by far.

Could definitely see Ace being another McGrady if things work out right, but Flagg's ceiling looks even better.

[scott]

Could definitely see Ace being another McGrady if things work out right, but Flagg's ceiling looks even better.

Looking forward to Year 16 Ace Bailey being added to our playoff roster

[LeBowen]

Looking forward to Year 16 Ace Bailey being added to our playoff roster

Nice of you to think we'll be making the playoffs with 38 year old Wemby.

[scott]

Nice of you to think we'll be making the playoffs with 38 year old Wemby.

I'm counting on whomever we draft with MIN 2031 pick to carry us to the title that year

[stnick2261]

I’m curious what Flagg’s personality is like and how he’d gel with the team (Duncan liked DnD stuff, Wemby likes fashion, etc)…. but there is no denying the amount of work that Flagg puts into getting better. Him and Wemby would be the first ones in the gym and the last to leave. They’d have to become best friends from the sheer amount of time they would be working out together.

[Kurik]

Hes one of the guys i like playing alongside Castle.

He seems to process the game very well and doesn’t take bad shots. Not to bring up a Spurs legend but I think he has some of the qualities the Spurs hoped to get from Primo. I think he’ll be mocked between 10-15 if Mich State does well in the tournament.

[SpursBills]

Best values relative to consensus mock draft opinion (There are other prospects I like, but these just point to value relative to mock draft)

Cooper Flagg (Tankathon mock:1) -
shouldn't really be a debate, putting up Chet-level impact numbers with no frame or injury concerns; insane motor and high level BBIQ; high level run and jump athlete. High level movement + historic production scaled by age = future top 10 player, possibly top 5 player, think Franz Wagner but like 25% better at everything (for the record Franz is a top 10 player himself in impact metrics the last 2 years at the ripe age of 23)

VJ Edgecomb (Tankathon mock:5) -
So, I actually have this guy comfortably ahead of Ace and actually neck and neck with Harper from a star upside standpoint (hot take alert). Harper's numbers look like Harden's but the problem is that Harden's outside shot really developed much more than what his college numbers would have suggested. Meanwhile, Harper's shot was very questionable in HS, and his FT shooting has come back down to earth (71% FT, 34% 3P), as has his midrange accuracy (26%). If his shot doesn't translate, he'll likely have a much harder time acting as an offensive engine. However, that's still a very valuable player and probably a low level all-star.

Meanwhile for VJ - athleticism pops not only with dunks but lateral movement. Insane event generator for his size (3.3 BLK%, 4.5 STL%, 7.1 OREB%). I actually trust his shot more than Harper's - he shot well in a large sample in HS and both his FT% and 3 point% are drifting back up to the mean. He'll never be an offensive engine, but you may not need that if you've got Castle around and imagine those two in the backcourt absolutely terrorizing ball handlers.

I'm coming to realize that nuclear athleticism + decent feel typically leads to very good outcomes, especially if a prospect has decent shooting indicators. Even idiot chuckers like Jalen Green, Lavine, and Shaedon Sharpe have had decent careers so far on the backs of their athleticism in spite of being low feel players. VJ's not the prospect Amen is obviously because of his frame and lower feel, but Oladipo seems like a reasonable 50-70th percentile outcome. My primary worry about VJ is that despite his athleticism he does not finish as well at the rim as I would expect (60%) which is a concern regarding his touch and downgrades the likelihood of his shot translating.

Collin Murray-Boyles (Tankathon mock: 16) -
In a league where length and agility is king, and next to the lengthiest and one of the skinniest dudes in the league, I think there should be room for strength and bulk. Good combination of a both a strength and finesse based low post game and off the dribble face-up game to punish mismatches that exceeds that of other forwards like Newell, Fleming, Essengue, and Penda. High feel + athleticism scaled to his body type. South Carolina is terrible this year so he's basically taking on double teams every game. Last year he looked great until he ran into Johnni Broome and Auburn who limited him to a 1/9 night at the end of the season. Then he ran into Broome in single coverage again this year and basically dog-walked him to a tune of 25/7 while limiting player of the year contender Broome to 6 on 3/11 shooting.

Examples of athleticism + instincts + hand-eye coordination:

Freshman CMB dunks over/through 7'2" Ivisic from a flat footed start: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MndPxzOD9kI
Freshman CMB blocks a 7'3" center from the weak side (posted this one in the past):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3PGaNB6bQ8
CMB is basically everywhere guarding multiple actions: https://x.com/bjpf_/status/1869582367117164747
I don't really know what this is - looks like some Kawhi shit: https://x.com/DraftPow/status/1881009258541760686

He's basically built like Julius Randle except I really hated Julius Randle as a prospect for being a black hole with zero feel and piss poor defense (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-h6SMSDgfA), and CMB is like the bizarro version of that where he constantly hits the corners from the post, can playmake off the top of the key, doesn't force the issue, and has high level awareness and feel. Obvious warts being a 6'7" power forward who hasn't shown much in terms of shooting, high turnovers given difficulty adjusting to double teams and sometimes lazy passes, and you can see how his downside is like a Xavier Tillman if the offense doesn't translate, but of all the guys mocked at the stage, he's got the most two way star equity by far to me. 50th percentile is probably Brandon Clarke or something similar.

Also as an added bonus, I view him as something of an anti-Chet weapon moving forward - too strong with a low center of gravity to get into Chet's body, the speed to stay with him on the perimeter, the length to contest his shots. On the other end, low center of gravity to move Chet at the rim similar to guys like Kenneth Lofton did to Wemby in U19s.

Miles Byrd (Tankathon mock: 36) -
You've gotta be shitting me with this ranking. 6'7", +wingspan. Career 84% FT shooter, jacks up 12 3's/100 possessions, shoots 40% on unassisted non-rim 2s. Yeah, he's skinny and only shoots 48% at the rim, but 90% of those makes are unassisted. 15 BPM against top 100 competition, almost 20% AST% with 1.5 AST:TO. 4+ BLK and STL%. This clearly screams high level 3 and D + player with some creation upside. The fact that this guy is ranked 36 and kon knueppel is 6 is just...I mean, I like Kon aside from the fact that he can't seem to get his shot off against high level competition, but this has to be one of the best values for draft position that I've seen.

[mo7888]

Most years I put up my Board from a league perspective and then right before draft time I put up a smaller board from a Spurs perspective. This year I'm just doing a top 30 from the perspective of the order I'd like for the Spurs to choose from. Feel free to rip it to shreds because a few spots are out of sync with what alot of the prognosticators have on their boards.

1. Cooper Flagg
2. Dylan Harper
3. Ace Bailey
4. Kasparas Jackucionis
5. Tre Johnson
6. V.J. Edgecombe
7. Jon Knueppel
8. Liam McNeely
9. Sergio De Larrea
10. Jase Richardson
11. Rasheer Fleming
12. Egor Demin
13. Danny Wolf
14. Miles Byrd
15. Will Riley
16. Alex Karaban
17. Nolan Traore
18. Collins Murray-Boyles
19. Dink Pate
20. Ben Saraf
21. Asa Newell
22. Johni Broome
23. Shaman Maluach
24. Derick Queen
25. Ian Jackson
26. Drake Powell
27. Noa Essengue
28. Jeremiah Fears
29. Tyrese Proctor
30. Boogie Fland

Dink was the hardest choice on here. I could of had him from 14 to 19. I'm still a little torn on him because of the upside compared to a few guys in that range.

[BatManu20]

Tre Johnson has been really coming on as of late. Almost single-handedly brought Texas back to beat A&M after a 22-point halftime deficit this weekend. Kid was on fire.

Really advanced scorer for his age though. Arguably the best shooter in the draft. 38% from 3 on 6.6 attempter/per. Good size and length at 6'6 200 lbs with a 6'10 wingspan. Gives me some Ray Allen at UCONN vibes (though not quite as good). Or a better Tyler Hero at Kentucky. Maybe some Michael Redd as well. Either way, he's the best bucket-getter in this draft imo.


-cDaY3Qua94

yoBRezPqcgY

[Mr. Body]

Best values relative to consensus mock draft opinion (There are other prospects I like, but these just point to value relative to mock draft)

Cooper Flagg (Tankathon mock:1) -
shouldn't really be a debate, putting up Chet-level impact numbers with no frame or injury concerns; insane motor and high level BBIQ; high level run and jump athlete. High level movement + historic production scaled by age = future top 10 player, possibly top 5 player, think Franz Wagner but like 25% better at everything (for the record Franz is a top 10 player himself in impact metrics the last 2 years at the ripe age of 23)

VJ Edgecomb (Tankathon mock:5) -
So, I actually have this guy comfortably ahead of Ace and actually neck and neck with Harper from a star upside standpoint (hot take alert). Harper's numbers look like Harden's but the problem is that Harden's outside shot really developed much more than what his college numbers would have suggested. Meanwhile, Harper's shot was very questionable in HS, and his FT shooting has come back down to earth (71% FT, 34% 3P), as has his midrange accuracy (26%). If his shot doesn't translate, he'll likely have a much harder time acting as an offensive engine. However, that's still a very valuable player and probably a low level all-star.

Meanwhile for VJ - athleticism pops not only with dunks but lateral movement. Insane event generator for his size (3.3 BLK%, 4.5 STL%, 7.1 OREB%). I actually trust his shot more than Harper's - he shot well in a large sample in HS and both his FT% and 3 point% are drifting back up to the mean. He'll never be an offensive engine, but you may not need that if you've got Castle around and imagine those two in the backcourt absolutely terrorizing ball handlers.

I'm coming to realize that nuclear athleticism + decent feel typically leads to very good outcomes, especially if a prospect has decent shooting indicators. Even idiot chuckers like Jalen Green, Lavine, and Shaedon Sharpe have had decent careers so far on the backs of their athleticism in spite of being low feel players. VJ's not the prospect Amen is obviously because of his frame and lower feel, but Oladipo seems like a reasonable 50-70th percentile outcome. My primary worry about VJ is that despite his athleticism he does not finish as well at the rim as I would expect (60%) which is a concern regarding his touch and downgrades the likelihood of his shot translating.

Collin Murray-Boyles (Tankathon mock: 16) -
In a league where length and agility is king, and next to the lengthiest and one of the skinniest dudes in the league, I think there should be room for strength and bulk. Good combination of a both a strength and finesse based low post game and off the dribble face-up game to punish mismatches that exceeds that of other forwards like Newell, Fleming, Essengue, and Penda. High feel + athleticism scaled to his body type. South Carolina is terrible this year so he's basically taking on double teams every game. Last year he looked great until he ran into Johnni Broome and Auburn who limited him to a 1/9 night at the end of the season. Then he ran into Broome in single coverage again this year and basically dog-walked him to a tune of 25/7 while limiting player of the year contender Broome to 6 on 3/11 shooting.

Examples of athleticism + instincts + hand-eye coordination:

Freshman CMB dunks over/through 7'2" Ivisic from a flat footed start: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MndPxzOD9kI
Freshman CMB blocks a 7'3" center from the weak side (posted this one in the past):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3PGaNB6bQ8
CMB is basically everywhere guarding multiple actions: https://x.com/bjpf_/status/1869582367117164747
I don't really know what this is - looks like some Kawhi shit: https://x.com/DraftPow/status/1881009258541760686

He's basically built like Julius Randle except I really hated Julius Randle as a prospect for being a black hole with zero feel and piss poor defense (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-h6SMSDgfA), and CMB is like the bizarro version of that where he constantly hits the corners from the post, can playmake off the top of the key, doesn't force the issue, and has high level awareness and feel. Obvious warts being a 6'7" power forward who hasn't shown much in terms of shooting, high turnovers given difficulty adjusting to double teams and sometimes lazy passes, and you can see how his downside is like a Xavier Tillman if the offense doesn't translate, but of all the guys mocked at the stage, he's got the most two way star equity by far to me. 50th percentile is probably Brandon Clarke or something similar.

Also as an added bonus, I view him as something of an anti-Chet weapon moving forward - too strong with a low center of gravity to get into Chet's body, the speed to stay with him on the perimeter, the length to contest his shots. On the other end, low center of gravity to move Chet at the rim similar to guys like Kenneth Lofton did to Wemby in U19s.

Miles Byrd (Tankathon mock: 36) -
You've gotta be shitting me with this ranking. 6'7", +wingspan. Career 84% FT shooter, jacks up 12 3's/100 possessions, shoots 40% on unassisted non-rim 2s. Yeah, he's skinny and only shoots 48% at the rim, but 90% of those makes are unassisted. 15 BPM against top 100 competition, almost 20% AST% with 1.5 AST:TO. 4+ BLK and STL%. This clearly screams high level 3 and D + player with some creation upside. The fact that this guy is ranked 36 and kon knueppel is 6 is just...I mean, I like Kon aside from the fact that he can't seem to get his shot off against high level competition, but this has to be one of the best values for draft position that I've seen.

Edgecombe has been on a bit of a heater lately. If he can hit jump shots he's top three material.

[The Truth #6]

I don't know the players in this draft very well at all yet. But I'll say this, every yea there's usually a player who's about 6 ft 2" so they're not mocked until somewhere around the teens in the draft. Almost every year it seems like one of these types of players do really well. I'm thinking of Tyrese Maxwell. I'm thinking of Jared McCain.

Is there anyone this year that sort of fits that mold? Because if so, I'd be intrigued. Even if they're a little short, we need someone who can shoot and score and create at a high level.

[Mr. Body]

I don't know the players in this draft very well at all yet. But I'll say this, every yea there's usually a player who's about 6 ft 2" so they're not mocked until somewhere around the teens in the draft. Almost every year it seems like one of these types of players do really well. I'm thinking of Tyrese Maxwell. I'm thinking of Jared McCain.

Is there anyone this year that sort of fits that mold? Because if so, I'd be intrigued. Even if they're a little short, we need someone who can shoot and score and create at a high level.

That might be Jeremiah Fears depending on where he ends up.

[The Truth #6]

That might be Jeremiah Fears depending on where he ends up.

Thanks. Teens is probably where we're drafting so I think I would rather roll the dice with a little short but can actually play versus good height and measurement, but big question marks.

[Uriel]

NBA Draft Room describes Nolan Traore as a taller Tony Parker and Ben Saraf as Manu Ginobili lite.

I think we have our picks.

[ffadicted]

NBA Draft Room describes Nolan Traore as a taller Tony Parker and Ben Saraf as Manu Ginobili lite.

I think we have our picks.

Nolan is a sub 30% 3pt shooter... do we really wanna deal with another one of those lol

[Mr. Body]

Open question whether Traore stays in the draft this year. He's been rather poor.

[Mal]

NBA Draft Room describes Nolan Traore as a taller Tony Parker and Ben Saraf as Manu Ginobili lite.

I think we have our picks.

I would love Saraf to be drafted by Spurs, using Bulls pick

[Truckules]

Best values relative to consensus mock draft opinion (There are other prospects I like, but these just point to value relative to mock draft)


Miles Byrd (Tankathon mock: 36) -
You've gotta be shitting me with this ranking. 6'7", +wingspan. Career 84% FT shooter, jacks up 12 3's/100 possessions, shoots 40% on unassisted non-rim 2s. Yeah, he's skinny and only shoots 48% at the rim, but 90% of those makes are unassisted. 15 BPM against top 100 competition, almost 20% AST% with 1.5 AST:TO. 4+ BLK and STL%. This clearly screams high level 3 and D + player with some creation upside. The fact that this guy is ranked 36 and kon knueppel is 6 is just...I mean, I like Kon aside from the fact that he can't seem to get his shot off against high level competition, but this has to be one of the best values for draft position that I've seen.

Nice call out. I think Byrd is this year's Jaylen Wells, and I'd love it if the Spurs could pick him up.

[scott]

Important to keep in mind that whatever players you fall in love with over the next few months are the ones that the Spurs definitely won't be picking... or worse, will be picking, and then immediately trading away :lol

[benefactor]

Important to keep in mind that whatever players you fall in love with over the next few months are the ones that the Spurs definitely won't be picking... or worse, will be picking, and then immediately trading away :lol
And of course, keeping the trash we are in love with :lol

[Truckules]

I'm curious if anybody else has any opinions or intel on Michael Rataj from Oregon State? He popped up while I was looking through players with high Win Shares in good but not great conferences. Looks to be 6'8" or 6'9" with a neutral wingspan and decent build. He's played well statistically this year, but he's been on an absolute tear in January, averaging 20.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. Shooting .406 from 3 and .816 from the line this year so he seem to project as a plus shooter. He's had very little hype from the mainstream draft sites and am wondering if there's a reason. What little video is out there is intriguing, but not showing a complete picture.

[Mr. Body]

Important to keep in mind that whatever players you fall in love with over the next few months are the ones that the Spurs definitely won't be picking... or worse, will be picking, and then immediately trading away :lol

Except I wanted Sochan and Castle.

[spurraider21]

Important to keep in mind that whatever players you fall in love with over the next few months are the ones that the Spurs definitely won't be picking... or worse, will be picking, and then immediately trading away :lol
it still hurts

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeLgJsIZ96MgR5oWpHa1I5nimV4npB0 HWKrA&s

[heyheymymy]

Wow this Wolf guy is enigmatic. Not sure how that would translate to the NBA but he is impressive to watch.

Brings the ball up and flawlessly hits the open guy corner trey. Just bullying his way to and 1s. Needs to hit his FTs though and he's been in foul trouble in this game right now against Penn State.

[scott]

it still hurts

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeLgJsIZ96MgR5oWpHa1I5nimV4npB0 HWKrA&s

People forget there was also a decent amount of discussion around draft prospect Leonard Miller. But Pepperidge Farm remembers.

I personally don't care about any of these guys, but I do find it funny that Miller, Dilly and Furphy were all guys talked about more than casually as targets and we traded away all of them. I guess it's bound to happen since we pretty much talk about everyone though. Too bad we didn't trade away Primo's rights.

[heyheymymy]

and Wolf just nails the three to put Michigan on a 10-0 run

Wolf has fingerprints all OVER this 2nd half. Rebounds, hustle, ball-handling passing, sets crisp screens just all smooth energy. Not sure if NBA teams will take away his inside game and dare him to shoot but he's a beast at the college level at least.

[spurraider21]

People forget there was also a decent amount of discussion around draft prospect Leonard Miller. But Pepperidge Farm remembers.

I personally don't care about any of these guys, but I do find it funny that Miller, Dilly and Furphy were all guys talked about more than casually as targets and we traded away all of them. I guess it's bound to happen since we pretty much talk about everyone though. Too bad we didn't trade away Primo's rights.
dilly has been getting some run since donte's injury and has been doing well

[objective]

NBA Draft Room describes Nolan Traore as a taller Tony Parker and Ben Saraf as Manu Ginobili lite.

I think we have our picks.

It's a shame that athletically Saraf looks less athletic and less explosive than Manu in his final year at least from what I've seen

[heyheymymy]

Man wtf is going on in this duke game?

Khman puked on the court?? And went to the locker room injured and then like 5 seconds later a fan collapsed in the crowd and got carried out lifeless by cops and staff.

https://heav3nlybodies.com/cdn/shop/files/pukeuni.png?v=1695171384&width=1445

[heyheymymy]

1884085055196389509
https://i.ibb.co/MVFKxgY/puke-alert-v0-2muj3claonfe1-jpeg.webp

https://www.reddit.com/r/CollegeBasketball/comments/1ibswg8/interesting_second_half_dukenc_state/

https://ibb.co/sw8cdg0https://ibb.co/sw8cdg0

https://preview.redd.it/puke-alert-v0-2muj3claonfe1.jpeghttps://preview.redd.it/puke-alert-v0-2muj3claonfe1.jpeg?auto=webp&30c6934e

https://preview.redd.it/puke-alert-v0-2muj3claonfe1.jpeg?auto=webp&30c6934ehttps://ibb.co/sw8cdg0

[Bruno]

An issue with this draft is that it seems a weak one shooting wise and Spurs can't really afford to add non shooters on top of Castle and Sochan.

Right now, Spurs are projected to have #10 and #11.
Using tankathon, there are, between #7 and #20, 2 good shooters (Tre Johnson and McNeeley) and 12 bad shooters.

Hopefully some good shooters will rise during March Madness but it's worrisome right now.

[Pauleta14]

NBA Draft Room describes Nolan Traore as a taller Tony Parker and Ben Saraf as Manu Ginobili lite.

I think we have our picks.

It's tough to find more different profiles than Traore and Parker :lol


TP was limited in every area of the PG position when he came into the league except scoring where he was elite from the start, TP was mentaly a SG having to play PG bc he wanted the ball in his hands.

Traore is already better at everything else, more athletic, better game manager, but his problem is the scoring.

Also as quick as Traore is, TP was a cheat code with his 1st step that allowed him to start at an early age bc it was unguardable,

[Vienna]

An issue with this draft is that it seems a weak one shooting wise and Spurs can't really afford to add non shooters on top of Castle and Sochan.

Right now, Spurs are projected to have #10 and #11.
Using tankathon, there are, between #7 and #20, 2 good shooters (Tre Johnson and McNeeley) and 12 bad shooters.

Hopefully some good shooters will rise during March Madness but it's worrisome right now.

Ian Jackson might become one of those who will rise. not a bad shooter.
outside two bad games lately, he was pretty good in the ACC conference games so far. he is a bit old for a freshman though.

[Mal]

An issue with this draft is that it seems a weak one shooting wise and Spurs can't really afford to add non shooters on top of Castle and Sochan.

Right now, Spurs are projected to have #10 and #11.
Using tankathon, there are, between #7 and #20, 2 good shooters (Tre Johnson and McNeeley) and 12 bad shooters.

Hopefully some good shooters will rise during March Madness but it's worrisome right now.

The other Duke player, Knuppel is now top 7 ?

[Mr. Body]

Man wtf is going on in this duke game?

Khman puked on the court?? And went to the locker room injured and then like 5 seconds later a fan collapsed in the crowd and got carried out lifeless by cops and staff.

https://heav3nlybodies.com/cdn/shop/files/pukeuni.png?v=1695171384&width=1445

Hey could be the break out of another major disease. But we'll never know since Trump named the CDC from communicating with anyone. Already truly fucked up one pandemic, why not another one?

Americans are the stupidest people on earth, lmao.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWa7Qd-JVOk&t=34s

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLi4wHKiWX4

[mo7888]

An issue with this draft is that it seems a weak one shooting wise and Spurs can't really afford to add non shooters on top of Castle and Sochan.

Right now, Spurs are projected to have #10 and #11.
Using tankathon, there are, between #7 and #20, 2 good shooters (Tre Johnson and McNeeley) and 12 bad shooters.

Hopefully some good shooters will rise during March Madness but it's worrisome right now.

De Larrea and Jase Richardson are two guys who fit and can shoot that I'd have in that range along with McNeely. Fleming and Byrd can shoot as well and are a little further down. I realize most mocks have these guys in the 20's, but the draft is so flat after pick #7 that I doubt that it matters.

[Dejounte]

De Larrea and Jase Richardson are two guys who fit and can shoot that I'd have in that range along with McNeely. Fleming and Byrd can shoot as well and are a little further down. I realize most mocks have these guys in the 20's, but the draft is so flat after pick #7 that I doubt that it matters.

You finally going against the grain after all these years and I love it

[mo7888]

You finally going against the grain after all these years and I love it

I kinda had no choice lol

I did go against the grain with Franz Wagner though. He was mocked 8-12 back then, if I remember right, and I had him #3 overall. I know you were high on him as well.

[Bruno]

Ian Jackson might become one of those who will rise. not a bad shooter.
outside two bad games lately, he was pretty good in the ACC conference games so far. he is a bit old for a freshman though.

A bit old like McCain last draft ? ;)

[Bruno]

De Larrea and Jase Richardson are two guys who fit and can shoot that I'd have in that range along with McNeely. Fleming and Byrd can shoot as well and are a little further down. I realize most mocks have these guys in the 20's, but the draft is so flat after pick #7 that I doubt that it matters.

Is the draft that flat after the top5/top6 ?

Players mocked in the late lottery like Jeremiah Fears, Asa Newell or Derik Queen have shown way more than players currently projected to be late first round picks.

I'm not saying players projected between #20 and #35 won't end up in the lottery but I find it's logical that they aren't currently projected as lottery picks.

[mo7888]

Is the draft that flat after the top5/top6 ?

Players mocked in the late lottery like Jeremiah Fears, Asa Newell or Derik Queen have shown way more than players currently projected to be late first round picks.

I'm not saying players projected between #20 and #35 won't end up in the lottery but I find it's logical that they aren't currently projected as lottery picks.

I see it a 7 man draft and then pretty flat for the next 15 or so picks after that. So, basically after #7, you're drafting for need. So if you need a PG and you already have several shooters you can go for a poor shooter like Fears and be happy, but if you need a PG that can shoot you can go De Larrea or Richardson.

[Vienna]

A bit old like McCain last draft ? ;) yeah. a bit old and big hair. I'm already convinced. Jackson is our guy.

[Truckules]

Is the draft that flat after the top5/top6 ?

Players mocked in the late lottery like Jeremiah Fears, Asa Newell or Derik Queen have shown way more than players currently projected to be late first round picks.

I'm not saying players projected between #20 and #35 won't end up in the lottery but I find it's logical that they aren't currently projected as lottery picks.

IMO, it looked flat early on, but I think there's clearly been a separation as the season has gone on, and there's still a third of the regular season plus tournaments left for players to improve/solidify their position. I'll be very disappointed if Wright makes the same mistake again, and we get another Primo scenario.

[Truckules]

I see it a 7 man draft and then pretty flat for the next 15 or so picks after that. So, basically after #7, you're drafting for need. So if you need a PG and you already have several shooters you can go for a poor shooter like Fears and be happy, but if you need a PG that can shoot you can go De Larrea or Richardson.

I agree that it's flat from 7 to 18-20 or so, but just because it's flat there doesn't mean they need to reach beyond it based on fit.

[thOOdee]

Wow this Wolf guy is enigmatic. Not sure how that would translate to the NBA but he is impressive to watch.

Brings the ball up and flawlessly hits the open guy corner trey. Just bullying his way to and 1s. Needs to hit his FTs though and he's been in foul trouble in this game right now against Penn State.

Giving me sengun vibes.

[heyheymymy]

Some good scouting tonight for the pick(s) we will trade to SAC in the Fox deal:

Jackson with UNC 8PM CST on ESPN and Edgecombe vs Demin on ESPN2

#12 Ken #8 Tenn 6 PM ESPN should be a SEC powerhouse marquee fight

[keithington1]

Drake Powell is just what the Spurs need. Athletic 6’7” defender with a handle and non stop motor.

[scott]

Some good scouting tonight for the pick(s) we will trade to SAC in the Fox deal:

Jackson with UNC 8PM CST on ESPN and Edgecombe vs Demin on ESPN2

#12 Ken #8 Tenn 6 PM ESPN should be a SEC powerhouse marquee fight

Powell is my preferred guy on UNC! Jackson gives me Lonnie vibes, both in the most positive and the most negative possible ways.

[heyheymymy]

Powell is my preferred guy on UNC! Jackson gives me Lonnie vibes, both in the most positive and the most negative possible ways.

good scoop, scott

I think Jackson was just from when the ATL pick was higher teens anyway so he was in that range and getting looked at since he plausibly brought shooting. Not sure Jackson is even in what would potentially be our range(s) anymore with the pick(s) pulling up nicely but a lot of season left to go still so all very preliminary

[mystargtr34]

Battle of potential top 10 picks today with Edgecombe vs Demin (Baylor vs BYU).

[SpursBills]

For guys who are high on both Tre Johnson and Ace Bailey, who would you rate higher and why? I know Ace is mocked top 4 and Tre probably top 10 by most mocks, but wanted to hear others' thoughts. And are there posters here who are high on one and low on the other?

[mo7888]

Battle of potential top 10 picks today with Edgecombe vs Demin (Baylor vs BYU).

Gotta say, they both look pretty good tonight. Demin looks a little better or polished at this point in time.

[intlspurshk]

If SPURS are lucky and get a FRP in the range of 7th to 10th, it is hoped that one of these players can be drafted by its own pick or moved up with future picks (Kasparas Jackucionis, Tre Johnson, V.J. Edgecombe). Then hopefully SPURS can use ATL pick to draft one of these players (Miles Byrd, Asa Newell, Derick Queen, Ian Jackson, Drake Powell)

[heyheymymy]

Proper duel ongoing

[mystargtr34]

CMB vs Asa Newell today aswell. Both possible Spurs picks imo. Both had good games.

I still think Spurs need a long term big forward to start next to Wemby. I see Jeremy as more of a sixth man while his jumpshot is completely broken as it currently is. Neither Newell or CMB have reliably jumpers atm but at least they look like they have shot a basketball in their lifetime unlike Jeremy.

[heyheymymy]

Edgecombe is unconscious out there

Incredible three point shooting. Ball so gently hits net

[Mr. Body]

Edgecombe hitting from deep is a top 3 player in this draft.

[SpursBills]

CMB vs Asa Newell today aswell. Both possible Spurs picks imo. Both had good games.

I still think Spurs need a long term big forward to start next to Wemby. I see Jeremy as more of a sixth man while his jumpshot is completely broken as it currently is. Neither Newell or CMB have reliably jumpers atm but at least they look like they have shot a basketball in their lifetime unlike Jeremy.

Really interesting to see how completely different those two guys are when they go up against each other. Totally different body types and styles of play

Newell's low end-high end comp is Marvin Bagley to Amare Stoudemire
CMB's low end-high end comp is Xavier Tillman to Paul Millsap

For full disclosure, I'm much lower on Newell and much higher on CMB than consensus.

[cutewizard]

Best of all worlds

We get Fox

Durant joins us next year

We get a very good pick in the next draft......

We are set for years to come.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/gDZzG2X6lIo?si=dzXQ24qpyJiAoy87

[lebomb]

I stand by what I said earlier, after Flagg and Harper...........

VJ Edgecombe

Dude can flat out ball.

[Strategic]

Edgecombe the polar opposite of Sochan. I’m in

[Mr. Body]

Edgecombe the polar opposite of Sochan. I’m in

How is he the polar opposite.

[DPG21920]

1884626408674320694

[Vienna]

the chance to win a top 4 pick ist currently at 23%. still, 95% of all posts in this thread deal with names you will need to win a top 4 pick.

I rather bring up a player, who hasn't been discussed at all, but I guess he will be our man: Ian Jackson.

he's been getting better over the season and considering the poor UNC team und his (out of position) role, people will realise, how much better he could (should) be. but maybe that's good luck, so he will stay in the reach of the Spurs picks.

[scott]

1884626408674320694

The Basketball Gods are smiling upon us.

Sucks for Jalen Johnson, and hope he fully recovers... but this is huge for us. #8 lotto seed is in reach!

[thiste]

https://i.imgur.com/sSoLaCg.png

Owning the Hawks pick alongside our own, and given our current standings, we currently sit at 16.3% chance to reach a Top 4 pick in the next draft. Not bad, right?
Also I rolled the dice quite a bit and literally every time we get #1 (which, while rare, is certainly not nearly as rare as I thought it'd be) we also get #11 and Tankathon always gives us Cooper Flagg & Nolan Traoré.

[SpursBills]

One guy to keep an eye on and who may be a fast riser later in the draft process if Carter Bryant of Arizona. Currently only averaging 5 points per game on 16 minutes so not on too many draft radars.

19 year old freshman, 6'8", probably 7 foot wingspan, bouncy and athletic with a decent handle. 9.4 BPM (13 BPM against top 50 comp), 5.7 BLK%, 3.5 STL%, shooting 39% on 3s and 40% on non-rim 2s. Currently shooting 54% from the line, but allegedly shot >80% from the line in Nike EYBL.

[scott]

Duke v UNC on ESPN right now.

Obviously Flagg, but FRP prospects Knueppel, Maluach, Ian Jackson, Drake Powell also playing. I'm also curious to hear some of our big brains opinions on upper classman RJ Davis. He impressed me at the Maui Invitational but IDK if that was just a "I'm older and better than everyone else" kind of thing.

Flagg off to a hot start.

[scott]

Duke blowing these scrubs out. I remain unimpressed with Ian Jackson.

Turning this off.

[mo7888]

Duke blowing these scrubs out. I remain unimpressed with Ian Jackson.

Turning this off.

Davis looks like the only tarheel that even trying to put up a fight. Flagg knocking down 3's, Knueppel playing great, and Proctor looking good as well..

[Mal]

Duke blowing these scrubs out. I remain unimpressed with Ian Jackson.

Turning this off.

UNC sucks. Davis sucks, this program is going down

[Mr. Body]

Was Davis already coach when UNC destroyed Duke in Coach K's last year?

[ixiXSolidXixi]

If we get a Top 5 in my opinion Tre Johnson is a no brainer.

[scott]

Imagine just trading for De'Aaron Fox to pair with Wemby and STILL getting to talk about Top-10 picks. Thanks Atlanta!

[cutewizard]

With all that happened today these two picks could be the final pieces in the puzzle

Trusting the Spurs front office to burn midnight oil in their scouting

[cutewizard]

We need a mobile stretch big who can defend, has a knack for rebounds and hit the occasional three point shot.....

Wonder who could that be..........

[Mr. Body]

If we get a Top 5 in my opinion Tre Johnson is a no brainer.

Tre Jones moving opens the way. You can only have one Tre per team.

[Pauleta14]

We need a mobile stretch big who can defend, has a knack for rebounds and hit the occasional three point shot.....

Wonder who could that be..........

I wonder if Naz Reid could be obtainable

[CGD]

After this trade Bailey>Harper

[LeBowen]

After this trade Bailey>Harper

More like Flagg, Bailey or shop the pick around to see who's available.

[RC_Drunkford]

Egor Demin

[CGD]

More like Flagg, Bailey or shop the pick around to see who's available.

Yup, though i think in the likely scenario that we dont get those two, in my view the next priority is to start drafting for Vassell's eventual replacement (e.g., Edgecomb; UT's Johnson).

[LeBowen]

Yup, though i think in the likely scenario that we dont get those two, in my view the next priority is to start drafting for Vassell's eventual replacement (e.g., Edgecomb; UT's Johnson).

I'd even say that those two would be great bargaining chips.
We shouldn't replace Devin with another 6'5 player, we need 6'8-6'11 wings who can shoot the ball. Markkanen, MPJ type would be ideal. Bailey looks like one of those players.
I don't want to lose Castle's physical advantages over guards by sliding him to SF.

Ideally it should be Fox/Castle/Wemby with two high end 3-D guys on the wings.

Obviously if Spurs think someone is a must get at our position, draft the player, but I think we're moving away from guards for the foreseeable future.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'd say draft BPA in the lottery. Still plenty of room for improvement on this team.

[Russ]

We need a mobile stretch big who can defend, has a knack for rebounds and hit the occasional three point shot.....

Wonder who could that be..........

Asa Newell?

[cutewizard]

Asa Newell?

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


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

[cutewizard]

I wonder if Naz Reid could be obtainable

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


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n1RyP3Mz2s

[mo7888]

Asa Newell?

He can do everything except shoot. We need shooters more. His form doesn't look broken like Sochan, but he's at only 25% from 3.

[Thomas82]

Asa Newell?

That's who I want for us this year. He's also left-handed, which gives him another advantage.

[SpursBills]

Now that the Fox trade has gone through, the Spurs' draft strategy and way forward becomes a lot more clear. Guards like Edgecomb, Harper, and Fears are no longer viable options. The easiest guys to draft are probably 3 and D wings, and there are quite a few in this draft with varying levels of shooting and defense:

More "3"
Alex Karaban
The good: tall, consistent shot. UConn traditionally has not overly inflated the measurements of their guys - see: Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson Jr, Castle, Clingan, who all measured without shoes within an inch of their listed heights. If Karaban is listed at 6'8", he is in all likelihood something like 6'8.5" in shoes. Career 39% 3 point shooter on high volume and 84% on FT combined with his height, probably the safest bet in the draft for a guy whose shooting will translate.
The bad: Old, consistently poor defender, limited athleticism for his height; basically no upside; probably not much better (if any) than Sam Hauser

Kon Knueppel
The good: best shooting stroke among all the freshmen; has the potential for true movement shooting; shooting 87% FT, 38% 3s on high rate with higher degree of difficulty than just spot ups; Surprisingly underrated defender - top 10 in freshman defensive BPR this year and moves his feet well, good positioning; 3:1 AST:TO indicates good decision-making, sometimes used as an initiator at Duke indicates playmaking potential at the next level
The bad: short (there is no way in hell he's 6'7"), stubby arms, limited athleticism. 3 point % drops off a cliff the better the competition gets, suggesting he may not be able to get his shot off against more athletic defenders at the next level (40% against trash ACC competition, 31% vs top 100 competition, 23% vs top 50 competition). If it wasn't for the athleticism concerns he might have some Desmond Bane equity, but the numbers against good teams make that a lot less likely

Liam McNeeley
The good: probably a legit 6'8" in shoes, one of, if not the best shooters in his class in high school; not quite a movement shooter but can do more than just spot up from the corners, more athletic than Knueppel. Best defender on this year's UConn team just purely based off defensive BPR
The bad: I have no idea how good he is - he underwhelmed early in the season, then had 1 game where Hurley decided to run his offense through him and did very well, then has been out with an ankle injury. His stat profile is very "meh". Kispert seems reasonable

Nice Balance
Miles Byrd
The good: long, athletic, good defender, generates stocks like crazy. Career high volume 3 point shooter shooting 36% from 3 and career 84% from 3. Career 5 BLK% 4 STL% is pretty crazy even in SD State's defensive system which traditionally inflates stock numbers. 1.5:1 AST:TO with 19 AST% and ball-handling ability indicates at minimum connector potential
The bad: Abysmal rim finishing numbers, frame might be too slight to defend stronger wings at the next level. Not a bad bet to be Danny Green at the next level, or alternatively what Devin Vassell was supposed to be when he got drafted, as opposed to who Devin Vassell wants to be / thinks he is

More D
Rasheer Fleming
I'll just leave this to Dejounte. I think halfway between Eason and Aichuwa is very reasonable. He seems great but I'm very concerned about his shooting translating at the next level - career 65% FT shooter with 1 year high level catch and shooting isn't enough evidence for me to confidently say one way or the other whether he'll shoot. Otherwise, amazing physical profile and havoc generator.

Carter Bryant
The good: long, athletic, good defender, generates stocks like crazy (6 BLK%, 4 STL%). Shot 85% FT at Nike EYBL and currently shooting 39% from 3 on medium volume exclusive spot-ups as a freshman.
The bad: Currently shooting 55% from FT, not sure whether this is an anomaly or whether he actually sucks at shooting. Very limited minutes and only scoring 5 PPG, so this would be Primo-style "pre-drafting", but with actual evidence that he could be good vs Primo where there was basically no evidence. Shades of Jeremy Sochan but with significant shooting potential.

[Dejounte]

Rasheer also has shades of Naz Reid. He can be anywhere between those three guys: Reid, Achiuwa, Eason. The team needs defense badly and someone in the pipeline in case Sochan doesn’t workout. PF should be top priority as I don’t see Barnes as being the long term solution either.

[Russ]

He [Asa Newell] can do everything except shoot. We need shooters more. His form doesn't look broken like Sochan, but he's at only 25% from 3.

What do you mean, he can't shoot.

He's a robust 1-13 from three in the last four games!

(But he is a monster under the basket on both ends, has an overall 55% shooting % and does at least hit 75% from the line. He's a bit like Castle, you can just watch him move on the court, without focusing on one thing, and see that he's a basketball player.)

[mo7888]

What do you mean, he can't shoot.

He's a robust 1-13 from three in the last four games!

(But he is a monster under the basket on both ends, has an overall 55% shooting % and does at least hit 75% from the line. He's a bit like Castle, you can just watch him move on the court, without focusing on one thing, and see that he's a basketball player.)

I guess you have a point...he is in the Vassell sphere of 3 point shooting... touche'

[mo7888]

Now that the Fox trade has gone through, the Spurs' draft strategy and way forward becomes a lot more clear. Guards like Edgecomb, Harper, and Fears are no longer viable options. The easiest guys to draft are probably 3 and D wings, and there are quite a few in this draft with varying levels of shooting and defense:

More "3"
Alex Karaban
The good: tall, consistent shot. UConn traditionally has not overly inflated the measurements of their guys - see: Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson Jr, Castle, Clingan, who all measured without shoes within an inch of their listed heights. If Karaban is listed at 6'8", he is in all likelihood something like 6'8.5" in shoes. Career 39% 3 point shooter on high volume and 84% on FT combined with his height, probably the safest bet in the draft for a guy whose shooting will translate.
The bad: Old, consistently poor defender, limited athleticism for his height; basically no upside; probably not much better (if any) than Sam Hauser

Kon Knueppel
The good: best shooting stroke among all the freshmen; has the potential for true movement shooting; shooting 87% FT, 38% 3s on high rate with higher degree of difficulty than just spot ups; Surprisingly underrated defender - top 10 in freshman defensive BPR this year and moves his feet well, good positioning; 3:1 AST:TO indicates good decision-making, sometimes used as an initiator at Duke indicates playmaking potential at the next level
The bad: short (there is no way in hell he's 6'7"), stubby arms, limited athleticism. 3 point % drops off a cliff the better the competition gets, suggesting he may not be able to get his shot off against more athletic defenders at the next level (40% against trash ACC competition, 31% vs top 100 competition, 23% vs top 50 competition). If it wasn't for the athleticism concerns he might have some Desmond Bane equity, but the numbers against good teams make that a lot less likely

Liam McNeeley
The good: probably a legit 6'8" in shoes, one of, if not the best shooters in his class in high school; not quite a movement shooter but can do more than just spot up from the corners, more athletic than Knueppel. Best defender on this year's UConn team just purely based off defensive BPR
The bad: I have no idea how good he is - he underwhelmed early in the season, then had 1 game where Hurley decided to run his offense through him and did very well, then has been out with an ankle injury. His stat profile is very "meh". Kispert seems reasonable

Nice Balance
Miles Byrd
The good: long, athletic, good defender, generates stocks like crazy. Career high volume 3 point shooter shooting 36% from 3 and career 84% from 3. Career 5 BLK% 4 STL% is pretty crazy even in SD State's defensive system which traditionally inflates stock numbers. 1.5:1 AST:TO with 19 AST% and ball-handling ability indicates at minimum connector potential
The bad: Abysmal rim finishing numbers, frame might be too slight to defend stronger wings at the next level. Not a bad bet to be Danny Green at the next level, or alternatively what Devin Vassell was supposed to be when he got drafted, as opposed to who Devin Vassell wants to be / thinks he is

More D
Rasheer Fleming
I'll just leave this to Dejounte. I think halfway between Eason and Aichuwa is very reasonable. He seems great but I'm very concerned about his shooting translating at the next level - career 65% FT shooter with 1 year high level catch and shooting isn't enough evidence for me to confidently say one way or the other whether he'll shoot. Otherwise, amazing physical profile and havoc generator.

Carter Bryant
The good: long, athletic, good defender, generates stocks like crazy (6 BLK%, 4 STL%). Shot 85% FT at Nike EYBL and currently shooting 39% from 3 on medium volume exclusive spot-ups as a freshman.
The bad: Currently shooting 55% from FT, not sure whether this is an anomaly or whether he actually sucks at shooting. Very limited minutes and only scoring 5 PPG, so this would be Primo-style "pre-drafting", but with actual evidence that he could be good vs Primo where there was basically no evidence. Shades of Jeremy Sochan but with significant shooting potential.

You absolutely draft Edgecombe if he's available at 7 or 8 (though I doubt he will be). That kid has star upside and is the Vassell replacement. I'm pretty good with the rest of the list at varying points in the draft though.

[SpursBills]

You absolutely draft Edgecombe if he's available at 7 or 8 (though I doubt he will be). That kid has star upside and is the Vassell replacement. I'm pretty good with the rest of the list at varying points in the draft though.

VJ is number 2 overall on my draft board not accounting for team needs and I'm a huge fan, but the combined probability that a) he would be available at 7 or 8 and b) the spurs would actually get a pick at 7 or 8 is - well, let's just say I would be willing to wager a lot of money that those two events don't occur in combination.

[mo7888]

VJ is number 2 overall on my draft board and I'm a huge fan, but the combined probability that a) he would be available at 7 or 8 and b) the spurs would actually get a pick at 7 or 8 is - well, let's just say I would be willing to wager a lot of money that those two events don't occur in combination.

If the assumption is that he's off the board when we pick then I get it. I could say the same about Johnson and Kasparas as well.

[Limguogolo]

About Kon Knueppel's height. Duke is very athletic, there are nothing but giants on the team. So perhaps he seems small in the middle of all these giants.

As for his supposed lack of athleticism, I've only seen it once, but he seems to me to be a typical non-jumping player with real athleticism. He seems heavy, strong and smart; in defense, it's always useful. I was really impressed by the quality and intelligence of his game. Typical Spur.

Other players, this time scheduled for the second round, who could fit are Noah Penda and Zacharie Perrin. Two very versatile forwards with a strong basketball IQ and already having solid international experience (Perrin doesn't play much and he's value is low but he's special and often led young French teams). Two more typical players for Spurs. The mock drafts prefer Essengue while I see him more as a second Alex Sarr with a lot of long-term uncertainties.

It should also be remembered that the Spurs hold the rights to Juan Núñez who currently plays (little) in Barcelona and who could either join the roster next year or be used in an exchange. This makes guard choices all the less necessary.

[CorrectCrusader]

I hope we manage to be able to get Maluach with our own pick. Need a backup big

[scott]

Thanks for the write up SpursBills - I always look forward to your scouting reports!

I'm not jazzed about this draft at all outside of the top guys. I think we hold on to our lottery tickets, but if they don't hit, we look to punt. I can't get excited about the guys you listed, except for maybe Fleming.

I'd be interested in McNeeley in the late teens, and Drake Powell in the 20s, but all the others you listed would be a massive "meh" in the 8-18 range, IMO.

[Mr. Body]

I was seeing this draft as about four or five players deep.

Flagg
Harper
Bailey
Edgecombe

Jakucionas
Tre Johnson

And then it takes a significant dip. Every player other than Flagg is a bit problematic. Bailey just doesn't seem like he makes smart decisions, but is improving. The more I watch Jaku, the more I dislike his lack of athleticism, shift, and burst, and his handles are pretty bad. Still, a smart player. And Harper has been hurt more than not.

Edgecombe is super attractive if he's hitting from deep, as he has been. A weird fit for us, maybe. And Tre Johnson is a great scorer but I'm not sure about the fit and the ball really sticks with him, he does the pound the ball or stand there deliberating before acting thing that killed Johnny Davis.

The DFox trade changes everything. No longer need a shot-getter. I can stop watching Jeremiah Fears games hoping he's good. Need a toolsy shooting wing and a solid back-up big, but neither is in supply in the lottery. I'm not sure about busting picks for a McNeeley or Kneuppel, but that depends on where we pick.

But at least we no longer need a star from this draft.

[mo7888]

Here's my updated board post Fox trade

1. Cooper Flagg
2. Dylan Harper
3. V.J. Edgecombe
4. Ace Bailey
5. Kasparas Jackucionis
6. Tre Johnson
7. Sergio De Larrea
8. Jon Knueppel
9. Liam McNeely
10. Rasheer Fleming
11. Egor Demin
12. Danny Wolf
13. Shaman Maluach
14. Jase Richardson
15. Dink Pate
16. Ben Saraf
17. Asa Newell
18. Miles Byrd
19. Will Riley
20. Nolan Traore
21. Collins Murray-Boyles
22. Alex Karaban
23. Johni Broome
24. Derick Queen
25. Ian Jackson
26. Drake Powell
27. Noa Essengue
28. Jeremiah Fears
29. Tyrese Proctor
30. Boogie Fland

[RC_Drunkford]

I'm high on Demin. He's a point forward who would fit in our offense. Not a great shooter yet, would have to be developed, but I think he got star potential.

[mo7888]

I'm high on Demin. He's a point forward who would fit in our offense. Not a great shooter yet, would have to be developed, but I think he got star potential.

If he shot well from deep he'd be top 3 in this draft

[objective]

Fox trade means no cap room to sign Naz Reid, just the MLE and he can do more easily

I do see some similarities with Fleming but Fleming isn't as fluid as Naz, some stiffness to his game

[Mugen]

Ace Bailey is a pipe dream but would fit this roster like a glove.

If we're in the late lottery, then Tre Johnson and Kon are obvious targets.

I really, really like Essengue as a project with the lower of the two picks but I honestly think he's gonna go Top 10.

There is absolutely no scenario where we need to waste a lottery pick on a backup big like Maluach. I don't care how horrible Zollins and Bassey have been, you can find a backup big for cheap.

[Russ]

Here's my updated board post Fox trade

1. Cooper Flagg
2. Dylan Harper
3. V.J. Edgecombe
4. Ace Bailey
5. Kasparas Jackucionis
6. Tre Johnson
7. Sergio De Larrea
8. Jon Knueppel
9. Liam McNeely
10. Rasheer Fleming
11. Egor Demin
12. Danny Wolf
13. Shaman Maluach
14. Jase Richardson
15. Dink Pate
16. Ben Saraf
17. Asa Newell
18. Miles Byrd
19. Will Riley
20. Nolan Traore
21. Collins Murray-Boyles
22. Alex Karaban
23. Johni Broome
24. Derick Queen
25. Ian Jackson
26. Drake Powell
27. Noa Essengue
28. Jeremiah Fears
29. Tyrese Proctor
30. Boogie Fland

Ben Saraf and Dink Pate could be bargains -- upside + available, a unique combination.

The problem with my favorite, Tre Johnson, is that he's in the dreaded "Doughnut Hole" -- between 5 and 8 or so, which is a place the Spurs literally cannot get to in this draft.

The Spurs will probably have picks in the top four or worse than 8th.

There's just no way for them to have, say, the 6th pick, which is where Tre Johnson (and Asa Newell) will probably land.

[mo7888]

Ben Saraf and Dink Pate could be bargains -- upside + available, a unique combination.

The problem with my favorite, Tre Johnson, is that he's in the dreaded "Doughnut Hole" -- between 5 and 8 or so, which is a place the Spurs literally cannot get to in this draft.

The Spurs will probably have picks in the top four or worse than 8th.

There's just no way for them to have, say, the 6th pick, which is where Tre Johnson (and Asa Newell) will probably land.

I'll agree that right now that does appear where they'll land, but things change and we're a long way to the draft.

[scott]

Fox trade means no cap room to sign Naz Reid, just the MLE and he can do more easily

I do see some similarities with Fleming but Fleming isn't as fluid as Naz, some stiffness to his game

We can definitely create cap space though for someone like Naz or Aldama if we need it. I think the rest of this year is a tryout for guys like Devin, Keldon and maybe even Sochan. No more excuses for them. Keldon and Devin is nearly $50MM in cap space we could create if we needed to.

[Uriel]

I think the world of Maluach and believe he would be an excellent backup center (he would be a rich man’s Bassey from day one, in my view).

I like him a lot more than his teammate Knueppel. Although I think the latter is super smart, plays hard, and is a good shooter and playmaker, I just can’t look past his physical tools (or lack thereof). I really believe a big function of his success is benefiting from all the attention that his teammate Flagg gets.

Speaking of Flagg, I think he is hands-down the best player in this draft (and all of college basketball for that matter) and would immediately vault us into the playoffs next year and set us up for a dynasty down the road.

[Uriel]

My dream scenario is for the Hawks to win the lottery and for us to use that pick on Cooper Flagg, then use our own pick to draft Maluach.

[exstatic]

That's who I want for us this year. He's also left-handed, which gives him another advantage.

Actually, considering our newest offense initiator is left handed, it’s not. Sacto used the right handed Malik Monk to run the pick and rolls with the left handed Sabonis. Fox and Sabo struggled to click on the PnR.

[thOOdee]

What are yalls thoughts in trading atl 2025 1st, spurs 2025 1st, and another future 1st to whoever gets the #1 pick for flagg? Any snowballs chance?!

[LeBowen]

What are yalls thoughts in trading atl 2025 1st, spurs 2025 1st, and another future 1st to whoever gets the #1 pick for flagg? Any snowballs chance?!

No chance anyone trades away that #1 pick.

Since we have 2 FRPs, I'd either consolidate them and trade up as far as possible or trade one away, maybe even both if there isn't a player PATFO really like.
The only two players I'd surely draft are Flagg and Bailey.
Harper seems great, but he's a guard, maybe we can get an all-star level wing for him and a couple more picks.

[scott]

What are yalls thoughts in trading atl 2025 1st, spurs 2025 1st, and another future 1st to whoever gets the #1 pick for flagg? Any snowballs chance?!

Sure. But the other team says no.

[spurs1990]

Can we discount that Flagg's pro ceiling is Keith Van Horn? Maybe that's not really a knock as KVH was fairly productive for a long stretch, just not sensational.

[ambchang]

Flagged defense alone is worth more than KVHs entire game. Just because they are both white tallish players doesn’t mean they are the same.

If you are hell bent on a white guy comp, at least use ak47.

[scott]

I was skeptical that Flagg was going to be head and shoulders better than Harper or Bailey, but he's put all that to rest. He's going to be good. Whether or not he can develop a consistent 3-point shot will be the determining factor on how good (as in, All Star versus All NBA good)

[spursistan]

I was skeptical that Flagg was going to be head and shoulders better than Harper or Bailey, but he's put all that to rest. He's going to be good. Whether or not he can develop a consistent 3-point shot will be the determining factor on how good (as in, All Star versus All NBA good)
I am just curious where the league would want him to land? Charlotte is a clear NO. They are probably sick of giftwrapping the Number 1 pick to NOLA only for them to fumble it. Wizards are enticing situation and they are due. He would perfectly fit in in Utah for obvious reasons, but that's talent overkill in the West compounding the conference imbalance issues.. If have to guess Silver preferred outcome would be the Nets (It is the ratings stupid !)

[scott]

I am just curious where the league would want him to land? Charlotte is a clear NO. They are probably sick of giftwrapping the Number 1 pick to NOLA only for them to fumble it. Wizards are enticing situation and they are due. He would perfectly fit in in Utah for obvious reasons, but that's talent overkill in the West compounding the conference imbalance issues.. If have to guess Silver preferred outcome would be the Nets (It is the ratings stupid !)

I'm rooting for NOP to land him if we don't with the ATL pick. NO has fumbled the bag a little, but they've also gotten unlikely with AD forcing his way out and Zion being a lazy fatass. Flagg appears to be like the Bizarro Zion. I also like NOP's other young pieces. DJM (if he comes back healthy), CJ, Trey, Herb, Missi, Flagg would be a fun team and I like the league to be fun.

[baseline bum]

Went to Tankathon and got #2 and #11. So WTF do we do if the ATL pick hits at #2? Take Harper? Take Bailey? Take Edgecombe? Trade to Washington with Keldon for Coulibaly and #5 and take Tre Johnson? Trade it and Keldon to NOP for Trey Murphy III and a top 4 protected 2026?

https://i.ibb.co/Cs352BKP/tankathon.jpg

[mo7888]

Went to Tankathon and got #2 and #11. So WTF do we do if the ATL pick hits at #2? Take Harper? Take Bailey? Take Edgecombe? Trade to Washington with Keldon for Coulibaly and #5 and take Tre Johnson? Trade it and Keldon to NOP for Trey Murphy III and a top 4 protected 2026?

https://i.ibb.co/Cs352BKP/tankathon.jpg

Bailey or Edgecombe.. although your Wizards trade is quite tempting..I really like your nola trade as well....bravo..

[Mr. Body]

Went to Tankathon and got #2 and #11. So WTF do we do if the ATL pick hits at #2? Take Harper? Take Bailey? Take Edgecombe? Trade to Washington with Keldon for Coulibaly and #5 and take Tre Johnson? Trade it and Keldon to NOP for Trey Murphy III and a top 4 protected 2026?

https://i.ibb.co/Cs352BKP/tankathon.jpg

While we're dreaming... Harper, but maybe Edgecombe.

Something feels off about Bailey to me. Right now I have two likely stars in Flagg and Harper. Bailey is a maybe, or very possible, just doesn't seem like the smartest player at times.

But Edgecombe is looking seriously underrated. He's shooting BETTER from three than either of the Rutgers guys at pretty much the same rate and is BETTER from the line, where Bailey actually kind of sucks. And Edgecombe is much better on the defensive side, not really a comparison.

[baseline bum]

Bailey or Edgecombe.. although your Wizards trade is quite tempting..I really like your nola trade as well....bravo..

Nah that's scott's wet dream if the Spurs land top 4 but not #1 to take Cooper.

[mystargtr34]

Went to Tankathon and got #2 and #11. So WTF do we do if the ATL pick hits at #2? Take Harper? Take Bailey? Take Edgecombe? Trade to Washington with Keldon for Coulibaly and #5 and take Tre Johnson? Trade it and Keldon to NOP for Trey Murphy III and a top 4 protected 2026?

https://i.ibb.co/Cs352BKP/tankathon.jpg

From purely a basketball standpoint I’m taking Ace Bailey as it would be a seamless fit at the 3. Then the Spurs can fill out their 4 position with a jumbo wing or strong forward who can defend and shoot like a PJ Washington. I just can’t see the Spurs picking Bailey as he comes across as a bit to swaggy and showy for Pop and the Spurs.

The Spurs are obviously set at the 1 and 5 with Fox and Wemby. And I’m betting on Castle being the long term 2. That leaves the 3 and 4 spots where spurs don’t have a long term solution yet. These spots need some combination of size, defense, rebounding and shooting.

[baseline bum]

From purely a basketball standpoint I’m taking Ace Bailey as it would be a seamless fit at the 3. Then the Spurs can fill out their 4 position with a jumbo wing or strong forward who can defend and shoot like a PJ Washington.

The Spurs are obviously set at the 1 and 5 with Fox and Wemby. And I’m betting on Castle being the long term 2. That leaves the 3 and 4 spots where spurs don’t have a long term solution yet. These spots need some combination of size, defense, rebounding and shooting.

I think Castle has the size to play to allow a three guard lineup. Would be a really interesting good problem to have though after landing Fox if that Atlanta pick gets lucky.

[baseline bum]

While we're dreaming... Harper, but maybe Edgecombe.

Something feels off about Bailey to me. Right now I have two likely stars in Flagg and Harper. Bailey is a maybe, or very possible, just doesn't seem like the smartest player at times.

But Edgecombe is looking seriously underrated. He's shooting BETTER from three than either of the Rutgers guys at pretty much the same rate and is BETTER from the line, where Bailey actually kind of sucks. And Edgecombe is much better on the defensive side, not really a comparison.

Bailey seems the obvious fit at 6'10" but if he's going to a Keldon level defender :vomit:

I really gotta watch Edgecombe

[Mr. Body]

Bailey seems the obvious fit at 6'10" but if he's going to a Keldon level defender :vomit:

I really gotta watch Edgecombe

Be a nice problem to have. Bailey has some question marks for me. The very low assists/tunnel vision, the puzzling shot selection (deep twos, shooting out of offensive rhythm), the not very good defense. He feels like a player still learning how to play... or just doesn't grasp certain concepts at a higher level, but is a savant shot maker.

Edgecombe has a pretty insane 4.3 steal rate, not to mention a 3.1 block rate for a guard. Incredibly athletic, so would make rascal happy. If he can be an efficient scorer and his outside shot is real, you have insane possibility with Fox-Castle-Edgecombe on both sides of the court.

[Russ]

Be a nice problem to have. Bailey has some question marks for me. The very low assists/tunnel vision, the puzzling shot selection (deep twos, shooting out of offensive rhythm), the not very good defense. He feels like a player still learning how to play... or just doesn't grasp certain concepts at a higher level, but is a savant shot maker.

Edgecombe has a pretty insane 4.3 steal rate, not to mention a 3.1 block rate for a guard. Incredibly athletic, so would make rascal happy. If he can be an efficient scorer and his outside shot is real, you have insane possibility with Fox-Castle-Edgecombe on both sides of the court.

Edgecomb looks good.

But for an athletic freak around the basket + the fact that he's hitting 39% from three, how can he be shooting 44% overall?

He passes the eye test all day long, but that stat has me a bit concerned.

[scott]

Went to Tankathon and got #2 and #11. So WTF do we do if the ATL pick hits at #2? Take Harper? Take Bailey? Take Edgecombe? Trade to Washington with Keldon for Coulibaly and #5 and take Tre Johnson? Trade it and Keldon to NOP for Trey Murphy III and a top 4 protected 2026?



Is Harper a legit 6'6"? If he is, I wouldn't be opposed to a Fox/Harper/Castle 3-headed snake if you could get a stretch 4 with a little more size than Barnes or Sochan. Is there a 6'10" guy out there who can hit threes, rebound and give some decent rim protection? If there were, I'd imagine he'd be making a shit ton of money. Naz/Aldama/Jollins don't even fit the description. The shot blocking might be a little too much to ask.

[spurraider21]

I think Castle has the size to play to allow a three guard lineup. Would be a really interesting good problem to have though after landing Fox if that Atlanta pick gets lucky.
yeah we've already done that and Paul/Vassell/Castle worked just fine. i think you just take the best player if you arent trading the pick. Fox/Harper/Castle should work, especially if the latter two continue improving their outside shot

[exstatic]

Be a nice problem to have. Bailey has some question marks for me. The very low assists/tunnel vision, the puzzling shot selection (deep twos, shooting out of offensive rhythm), the not very good defense. He feels like a player still learning how to play... or just doesn't grasp certain concepts at a higher level, but is a savant shot maker.

Edgecombe has a pretty insane 4.3 steal rate, not to mention a 3.1 block rate for a guard. Incredibly athletic, so would make rascal happy. If he can be an efficient scorer and his outside shot is real, you have insane possibility with Fox-Castle-Edgecombe on both sides of the court.

There was an analyst who went through the draft back 10-15 yearsfor all guys around that size who had poor asst/TO ratios. A BUNCH of them busted out, and the absolute best case was…Harrison Barnes. Now I like HB, but he’s been a support piece his whole career, and while you need those guys on your roster, it’s probably not wise to spend a #2 overall pick on one. I don’t trust Bailey’s shooting either, with that 69% FT%.

My pet cat now is Edgecomb. I love his international experience, and his defensive events are eye popping. Add that to good 3 pt shooting, and you’ve got a guy to really push Vassell to the bench.

[vy65]

Went to Tankathon and got #2 and #11. So WTF do we do if the ATL pick hits at #2? Take Harper? Take Bailey? Take Edgecombe? Trade to Washington with Keldon for Coulibaly and #5 and take Tre Johnson? Trade it and Keldon to NOP for Trey Murphy III and a top 4 protected 2026?

https://i.ibb.co/Cs352BKP/tankathon.jpg

Trade #2 and Keldon to UTA for Lauri, obviously.

Could you run Fox/Castle/Harper or Fox/Castle/VJ or Fox/Castle/Tre together? I know absolutely nothing about this draft other than the consensus #1 pick is named after the bad guy from Stephen King’s books

[Uriel]

It just occurred to me... even without winning the lottery last year, we may have gotten the best player from each draft two drafts in a row :lol

[spurs1990]

Flagged defense alone is worth more than KVHs entire game. Just because they are both white tallish players doesn’t mean they are the same.

If you are hell bent on a white guy comp, at least use ak47.

Just the novelty is intriguing. Been following ball since 1990 and never seen American Anglo with his much hype. Not unlike a basketball version of the Caitlyn Clark phenomenon from a few year back

[Thomas82]

Actually, considering our newest offense initiator is left handed, it’s not. Sacto used the right handed Malik Monk to run the pick and rolls with the left handed Sabonis. Fox and Sabo struggled to click on the PnR.

He would have an advantage defensively, especially when it comes to blocking shots.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

If we miraculously get pick 2 I’d take Harper and not overthink it. Nowadays you need multiple ball handlers and worst case scenario you’d have a Haliburton to trade for something good.

Bailey’s and Edgecombe’s athletic profiles are tantalising though.

[Kurik]

If the Spurs don’t luck out in the lottery I’m warming up to Sorber. Generates stocks, positive AST/TO, and while not a long range threat he does shoot 73% on free throws.

[John B]

Somebody just compared this guy to Jokic, currently at 26th at Tankathon. Danny Wolf.

I’m okay with the next Spurs Diaw.


https://youtu.be/VhOKYxmXbrE?si=kqm7vf2B4VWuk6c-

[Davidicus]

Bailey fits what we need, first from a size perspective, followed shortly by shooting and acceptable defense (according to this video). He will get stronger too. At least on O, his improvement areas (not his game) remind me of Danny Green - shoots well but can work on his drives over time. With Wemby Fox and Castle on the team, that’s ok.

Edgecombe looks nice but with his size feels like hes butting up against Castle.


https://youtu.be/-4w7tw8hpG8?si=NM2auz_tLq2Sl_Sh

[RC_Drunkford]

I'll take BPA. Love Edgecomb, but I'd even be fine with Kasparas. We still need a 6th man, so even if we get a guard just take him. We're starting Fox/CP3 so any other combination is possible.

[Mr. Body]

I don't want to personally spend much time on 'what if we get a top 4 pick' questions. Nice to pretend, but even if ATL hovers around 8-9, the chances are slim.

That said, I think my top of the board is like:

Cooper Flagg
Dylan Harper
VJ Edgecombe

Ace Bailey

Tre Johnson
Kasparas Jakucionas

and then there's a drop. I can see Demin or someone getting next slot, but we're getting more into 'more questions' territory. Already with Tre you have him needing time to get his actions moving, questionable efficiency, and what else he brings. Kaspar has fallen off a tad, and his lack of athleticism, burst, bad handles, hurt him.

De'Aaron Fox changes things. We now have two players who will command around 18-20 shots a game in him and Victor. I don't know how a team factors a third high volume shooter (Harper, Bailey) or how those players do off-ball. Your creation is going to come primarily through Wemby and/or Fox. Castle will be a secondary facilitator in the main unit.

It's weird to talk about fit with a top 4 pick, but teams with a lot of talent (Houston, with Reed Sheppard) start talking about fit. This is why Edgecombe right now is my #2 on the Spurs board after Flagg. I think they're both players who don't need to be number one scoring options and probably are best if they don't have to be, but can be lethal operating away from other players' gravity. And then both have very high defensive potential. Of course Flagg is on another level, but even as Edgecombe is getting talked about more right now, I still think the Rutgers players are getting more oxygen.

So, yeah, with Harper, Bailey, and Johnson, a big question for me is what shots are they going to get, can they work off-ball, can they work as non-focal points. And then with either Flagg or Edgecombe you have your fourth starter who could slot in perfectly given the shot diets already getting established on the court and you just need your fifth guy.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Somebody just compared this guy to Jokic, currently at 26th at Tankathon. Danny Wolf.

I’m okay with the next Spurs Diaw.


https://youtu.be/VhOKYxmXbrE?si=kqm7vf2B4VWuk6c-

Pairing a Fox with a Wolf...that's some high level genetic manipulation.

[Bruno]

This past week has changes some things regarding the 2025 Draft:

- Spurs will have 3 picks: 2 firsts (own and Hawks) and 1 second (own). Right now, theses picks are #10, #11 and #41.

- Vegas has Spurs and Hawks as unlikely to make the playoffs. Spurs are at +300 and Hawks at +225 to make the playoffs. Most likely scenario right now is to get two picks in the 8th to 12th range.

- Getting Fox has sped up the rebuilding process. It is now more likely (or less unlikely) that Spurs trade picks for vets. Spurs will have $28.7M in tradable expiring contracts with Barnes, Branham and Wesley this summer to do this kind of trades.

- There are several lead guards without a good jumpshot projected around Spurs/Hawks first round picks (Fears, Traoré and Saraf). With Fox and Castle, I think it's highly unlikely Spurs go after them.

- Adding shooting is even more a priority than before with the addition of Fox, who is primary a driver.

- Spurs biggest need is forwards who can ideally shoot and defend. They also don't have a backup to Wembanyama but I don't see them spending a lottery pick on a big if he can't be paired with Wembanayama.

- Not directly draft related but Spurs won't have cap space this summer. They will have the non-taxpayer MLE ($60.6M/4 years) and the BAE ($10.5M/2 years) to sign free agents.

[rascal]

Somebody just compared this guy to Jokic, currently at 26th at Tankathon. Danny Wolf.

I’m okay with the next Spurs Diaw.


https://youtu.be/VhOKYxmXbrE?si=kqm7vf2B4VWuk6c-

Don't try to find the next Jokic, you're going to be disappointed.

[Mugen]

Kon and Essengue

[Dejounte]

A bucket getter or a super versatile forward. That’s what I want

Fleming
Saraf
Demin
Larrea

is so far what I got

[mo7888]

I don't want to personally spend much time on 'what if we get a top 4 pick' questions. Nice to pretend, but even if ATL hovers around 8-9, the chances are slim.

That said, I think my top of the board is like:

Cooper Flagg
Dylan Harper
VJ Edgecombe

Ace Bailey

Tre Johnson
Kasparas Jakucionas

and then there's a drop. I can see Demin or someone getting next slot, but we're getting more into 'more questions' territory. Already with Tre you have him needing time to get his actions moving, questionable efficiency, and what else he brings. Kaspar has fallen off a tad, and his lack of athleticism, burst, bad handles, hurt him.

De'Aaron Fox changes things. We now have two players who will command around 18-20 shots a game in him and Victor. I don't know how a team factors a third high volume shooter (Harper, Bailey) or how those players do off-ball. Your creation is going to come primarily through Wemby and/or Fox. Castle will be a secondary facilitator in the main unit.

It's weird to talk about fit with a top 4 pick, but teams with a lot of talent (Houston, with Reed Sheppard) start talking about fit. This is why Edgecombe right now is my #2 on the Spurs board after Flagg. I think they're both players who don't need to be number one scoring options and probably are best if they don't have to be, but can be lethal operating away from other players' gravity. And then both have very high defensive potential. Of course Flagg is on another level, but even as Edgecombe is getting talked about more right now, I still think the Rutgers players are getting more oxygen.

So, yeah, with Harper, Bailey, and Johnson, a big question for me is what shots are they going to get, can they work off-ball, can they work as non-focal points. And then with either Flagg or Edgecombe you have your fourth starter who could slot in perfectly given the shot diets already getting established on the court and you just need your fifth guy.

Those are my top 6 as well and the drop after that is substantial. If we get #1 it's obviously Flagg, but I'm can genuinely make a case for Edgecombe, Bailey, or Harper as #2, so I'd be thrilled with any top 4 pick.

If we are outside of that I'm looking for shooting first and fit second. Guys I like at varying points from 7-15 are Sergio De Larrea (47% from 3- 6'6" combo guard), Rasheer Fleming, Kon Knueppel, and Liam McNeeley. After that I'm looking for fit or upside. Guys like Jase Richardson, Danny Wolf, Maluach, Dink Pate, Asa Newell, and Ben Saraf.

[exstatic]

If we’re top 4:

Flagg
Edgecomb
Harper

Bailey just gives me the willies that high up in the draft. I don’t trust his shooting and his playmaking and defense are sub par.

Later:

Fears
Demin
Essengue
McNeely

I’m not looking for role players if we don’t jump up. I still want big upside.

[LeBowen]

Flagg
Bailey
________

Trade the pick if we jump up or draft a backup big if we don't.

[spurraider21]

If we’re top 4:

Flagg
Edgecomb
Harper

Bailey just gives me the willies that high up in the draft. I don’t trust his shooting and his playmaking and defense are sub par.

Later:

Fears
Demin
Essengue
McNeely

I’m not looking for role players if we don’t jump up. I still want big upside.
playmaking is less of a premium with fox/wemby/castle in the fold. the traits we needs are

- guys who can be shooting threats after fox/castle penetrate or wemby is doubled
- guys who can get out and score in transition (fox/castle steals, wemby blocks leading to fastbreaks, fox pushing the pace needs some horses with him)
- guys who can defend at least reasonably well, preferably with positional size to help on the boards

obviously its hard to find players who excel at all 3. i think its tough to pass on Bailey's talent if we're lucky enough to have him available. anywhere past 2 and he's a snap autopick for me

[Mitch Cumsteen]

It's weird to talk about fit with a top 4 pick, but teams with a lot of talent (Houston, with Reed Sheppard) start talking about fit. This is why Edgecombe right now is my #2 on the Spurs board after Flagg. I think they're both players who don't need to be number one scoring options and probably are best if they don't have to be, but can be lethal operating away from other players' gravity. And then both have very high defensive potential. Of course Flagg is on another level, but even as Edgecombe is getting talked about more right now, I still think the Rutgers players are getting more oxygen.

So, yeah, with Harper, Bailey, and Johnson, a big question for me is what shots are they going to get, can they work off-ball, can they work as non-focal points. And then with either Flagg or Edgecombe you have your fourth starter who could slot in perfectly given the shot diets already getting established on the court and you just need your fifth guy.

They shouldn't even consider fit right now. That's how you end up with Reed Sheppard on your team instead of Stephon Castle. That's how Portland selects Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. Take the BPA and worry about the fit later.


This past week has changes some things regarding the 2025 Draft:

- Spurs will have 3 picks: 2 firsts (own and Hawks) and 1 second (own). Right now, theses picks are #10, #11 and #41.

- Vegas has Spurs and Hawks as unlikely to make the playoffs. Spurs are at +300 and Hawks at +225 to make the playoffs. Most likely scenario right now is to get two picks in the 8th to 12th range.

- Getting Fox has sped up the rebuilding process. It is now more likely (or less unlikely) that Spurs trade picks for vets. Spurs will have $28.7M in tradable expiring contracts with Barnes, Branham and Wesley this summer to do this kind of trades.

- There are several lead guards without a good jumpshot projected around Spurs/Hawks first round picks (Fears, Traoré and Saraf). With Fox and Castle, I think it's highly unlikely Spurs go after them.

- Adding shooting is even more a priority than before with the addition of Fox, who is primary a driver.

- Spurs biggest need is forwards who can ideally shoot and defend. They also don't have a backup to Wembanyama but I don't see them spending a lottery pick on a big if he can't be paired with Wembanayama.

- Not directly draft related but Spurs won't have cap space this summer. They will have the non-taxpayer MLE ($60.6M/4 years) and the BAE ($10.5M/2 years) to sign free agents.


This team needs to fix its outside shooting in the worst way, but I agree... where they likely pick will be devoid of shooters.

I still think they best bet is to keep amassing talent, then let God sort it out. Address the needs in free agency or with trades. I also wouldn't be opposed to them pushing the latter of the first round picks down the road like they did with Minnesota last year. That just seems like good business to have those in your back pocket when extensions start kicking in.

[LeBowen]

I don't think it's weird to talk about fit if we have Fox and PATFO sees Castle as the future franchise cornerstone.
Don't get me wrong, if we get a top3 pick and we can draft Harper, you don't pass on him, but I'd rather trade that pick to NOLA and get Murphy if there's a possibility.

Backup big issue can easily be fixed with a veteran, but our wings are really bad compared to every playoff team and wings are harder to get than guards.
Another issue is that we already have enough players to develop, we don't want more rookies who are two years away from contributing. And most rookies picked outside top5 need time.

[Mr. Body]

They shouldn't even consider fit right now. That's how you end up with Reed Sheppard on your team instead of Stephon Castle. That's how Portland selects Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. Take the BPA and worry about the fit later.




This team needs to fix its outside shooting in the worst way, but I agree... where they likely pick will be devoid of shooters.

I still think they best bet is to keep amassing talent, then let God sort it out. Address the needs in free agency or with trades. I also wouldn't be opposed to them pushing the latter of the first round picks down the road like they did with Minnesota last year. That just seems like good business to have those in your back pocket when extensions start kicking in.

IMO the problem with Reed Sheppard isn't that they were going for fit, it's that he sucks.

And I mean that sincerely. I think he has an avenue to success, but even watching him in college he was slow, had no handle, couldn't stop bigger players defensively, and couldn't start and control an offense. His archetype is what the Rockets might have needed in a wonky draft, but he was wildly overrated.

[RC_Drunkford]

Flagg
Bailey
________

Trade the pick if we jump up or draft a backup big if we don't.

we could also trade up, depending on where the pick lands. We got enough picks to do so.

[Mr. Body]

If we’re top 4:

Flagg
Edgecomb
Harper

Bailey just gives me the willies that high up in the draft. I don’t trust his shooting and his playmaking and defense are sub par.

Later:

Fears
Demin
Essengue
McNeely

I’m not looking for role players if we don’t jump up. I still want big upside.

We're pretty far out, but the strategies seem to be something like this:

1. Draft at our slots and pick up possible role players that may have slimmer star upside. Say, we pull Derek Queen and Liam McNeeley or Kon Kneuppel. Possible back-up big and wing shooter, both needs. Nothing fancy, but we don't really need to get fancy at this point, and role players are what you usually get at those slots.

2. Go for veterans. Trade off one or both picks and try to upgrade the roster with existing good players.

3. Dive for that great young starter. If Atlanta winds up at like #8 and the Spurs at like #12, package them or do whatever it takes to get in for that potential top 6 in this draft. Flagg won't be traded, Harper probably not, but maybe poach an Edgecombe from the 4 or 5 spot.

To me, the draft isn't very exciting if we just get role-players, but we're already transitioning into our next phase, which is play-off contention. Going forward we're not looking at multiple draft picks, we'll be hoping our swaps work out, etc. Getting a third star would be awesome, but maybe too expensive to get this year.

[Uriel]

If Atlanta finishes #8 and San Antonio #12, the probability that at least one of them lands in the top 4 of the draft is 31%.

So we’re looking at a roughly 1 in 3 chance that we get one of Flagg, Harper, Bailey, or Edgecombe.

[BackHome]

A player you haven't heard of and who will be likely drafted in the first round is french player Joan Beringer. He is currently #24 on Givony's big board.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7L22Kd6N4

The main thing about him is that he has played basketball for 3 and a half years. He barely knows how to play but he is true physical specimen (6'10/6'11" barefoot with a 7'4" wingspan and a great mobility/explosiveness) and is improving quickly.
Teams with multiple first round picks like OKC and Nets will surely use one of them on him. A very high risk and reward prospect.

Just starting to look at Centers we might take in the second round if our record improves I think he might be worth a high teen pick and definitely worth a second round pick if he falls to us.

Another French guy I really like is Maxine Raynaud from Stanford you mentioned earlier and I have been falling him he is putting up really good numbers not as good as a defender but is a good shooter and rebounder.

[Bruno]

Just starting to look at Centers we might take in the second round if our record improves I think he might be worth a high teen pick and definitely worth a second round pick if he falls to us.

Another French guy I really like is Maxine Raynaud from Stanford you mentioned earlier and I have been falling him he is putting up really good numbers not as good as a defender but is a good shooter and rebounder.

Right now, Asa Newell is the only big I think is worth a lottery pick for Spurs.

For second round picks options, an intriguing prospect is a German player called Johann Grünloh. He is still a little green but he can shoot threes and block shots which is a great start.

[Robz4000]

Still a month early for me to really look deep into this draft, but I've seen a decent bit of Tre Johnson. Wouldn't take him top 4 if the Spurs wind up there but if they end up 6-10 and he's there he'd be my pick. I see him as the kind of player the Spurs want Vassell to ideally be. Assuming Vassell doesn't show any improvement the rest of the season you can trade him and plug Johnson into his role, opening up cap space to fill out the roster.

[RC_Drunkford]

there are plenty of good C's available in the 2nd round. I hope we don't make it a condition that they have to sign a 2-way contract. Just lock one of them up.

[Kurik]

Jase Richardson with a career high 29 today, he’s only 18.

[Kurik]

https://youtu.be/Biw-gpBpenY?si=U7DwjTbrUDQqX6Sv

[KobesAchilles]

That 5 minute video sold me on Wolfe. Dude knows how to cut, how to use angles, passes the ball well, can dribble the ball pretty good, and his shot looks pretty. More importantly though he plays smart basketball. He’s exactly what I want in a back up big.we need players who set hard screens, don’t need the ball in their hands, make quick reads once they do get the ball, and actually finish around the rim.

[Uriel]

It’s three times now that Cooper Flagg has turned it over with the ball in his hands and a chance to win late, leading to a loss by his team. I’m not worried about it for his standing as a prospect, though. He will get better and learn from his mistakes.

[BackHome]

That 5 minute video sold me on Wolfe. Dude knows how to cut, how to use angles, passes the ball well, can dribble the ball pretty good, and his shot looks pretty. More importantly though he plays smart basketball. He’s exactly what I want in a back up big.we need players who set hard screens, don’t need the ball in their hands, make quick reads once they do get the ball, and actually finish around the rim.

He is not a shot blocker but he is a beast in rebounding I like that he can play PF and Center and I can see him setting some mean picks for Castle and Fox

[RC_Drunkford]

should we go for Wemby light?

1888432256269549896

[Mugen]

It’s three times now that Cooper Flagg has turned it over with the ball in his hands and a chance to win late, leading to a loss by his team. I’m not worried about it for his standing as a prospect, though. He will get better and learn from his mistakes.

Sounds like the perfect Spur tbh

[exstatic]

should we go for Wemby light?

1888432256269549896

His twin, Tomislav Ivisic, who plays for Illinois, is probably a better prospect. TaT rates him at 54 and Zvonimir at 64.

[onechance87]

So who would be the best fit to rebound and defend and knock down open shots.Fleming or wolf?Or anybody else?So obvious we need
a big to rebound.We been losing alot cause we are getting outrebounded just look at the last couple of games.

[exstatic]

So who would be the best fit to rebound and defend and knock down open shots.Fleming or wolf?Or anybody else?So obvious we need
a big to rebound.We been losing alot cause we are getting outrebounded just look at the last couple of games.

Doesn’t have to be a draft pick. A vet in the mold of like David West would work.

[LeBowen]

So who would be the best fit to rebound and defend and knock down open shots.Fleming or wolf?Or anybody else?So obvious we need
a big to rebound.We been losing alot cause we are getting outrebounded just look at the last couple of games.

I don't think we should draft a big unless PATFO think there's a steal available.
Using a lottery pick on a player who will never average even 20 minutes would be a waste.
Just get an experienced backup this summer, someone who can be relied on consistently. Keep Bassey as a third stringer.

[BatManu20]

The Alien and The Big Schwanz as our starting front court has a nice ring to it tbh.

1888321736921448631

1888624615389544877

[SpursBills]

I don't think we should be drafting for need right now tbh, we've seen with Vassell and Keldon that too many young guys together really forms bad habits over the years. Right now the Spurs have some major developmental projects in Castle 1st, and even Sochan as well. Even Wemby has shown he needs serious development. I'd advocate for trying to acquire additional vets to try and raise the collective basketball IQ of this team, as Paul will likely be gone after this year leaving us with just Barnes. With regards to the lottery picks, just take who you think will be the best player 3-4 years from now whether that's guard, wing, or big. I was previously against drafting a guard but they take so long to develop that if you find the right guy he may be a consideration for the post-Fox phase of Wemby's career since I doubt Fox is going to be worth a max contract when he's in his early to mid 30s. If we're counting on draft picks to play a major role in improving this team next year**, then that probably means that we've done something wrong on the development/trade/FA team building front.

**Unless that draft pick's name is Cooper Flagg

[mo7888]

I don't think we should draft a big unless PATFO think there's a steal available.
Using a lottery pick on a player who will never average even 20 minutes would be a waste.
Just get an experienced backup this summer, someone who can be relied on consistently. Keep Bassey as a third stringer.

I agree for bigs in the top 10 of this draft...I do likewolf, but not that high... you can find a serviceable big in the 2nd round too..

[rascal]

should we go for Wemby light?

1888432256269549896

NO

[rascal]

Draft players with the highest ceilings then adjust the roster for fit with free agency and trades.

[John B]

The Alien and The Big Schwanz as our starting front court has a nice ring to it tbh.

1888321736921448631

1888624615389544877

If he keeps winning like this, he’ll climb up fast, but Spurs has twice the chance to pick him A very smart player, can read plays develop and make the necessary pass. He has true big body who can depend the post which Spurs desperately need against big bodies, while knocking outside shots. The guy is sophomore and contributes on day 1.

[objective]

I don't think we should draft a big unless PATFO think there's a steal available.
Using a lottery pick on a player who will never average even 20 minutes would be a waste.
Just get an experienced backup this summer, someone who can be relied on consistently. Keep Bassey as a third stringer.

Why would a big drafted like Wolf or Flemming never play more than 20 minutes?

Barnes is on his way out after another year. Sochan has shown repeatedly that while he can guard smaller perimeter players that legit bigs wreck his shit and he's still a bad shooter. Bassey's entire career can be marked by yearly knee injuries like tree rings and he's entering free agency. Mamu is a free agent also not that he is ever given a chance anyway.

Getting a smart player like Wolf or a developed non-project like Flemming should be a priority on a team with horrible basketball iq, project non-shooters, or get tossed around by other teams.

Even IF a player like those guys was going to top out at 20 minutes, that's 20 more minutes of good basketball than they have now. Except for Queen, I don't buy that guy as an NBA player I would want

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't think we should draft a big unless PATFO think there's a steal available.
Using a lottery pick on a player who will never average even 20 minutes would be a waste.
Just get an experienced backup this summer, someone who can be relied on consistently. Keep Bassey as a third stringer.

There's a real shortage of back up bigs in the NBA right now. I agree that we shouldn't use our lottery picks on a big, but we should absolutely try to snatch one in the 2nd round. There are enough good prospects in this draft and they should sign one to an NBA contract (not a 2-way).

[RC_Drunkford]

Why would a big drafted like Wolf or Flemming never play more than 20 minutes?

Barnes is on his way out after another year. Sochan has shown repeatedly that while he can guard smaller perimeter players that legit bigs wreck his shit and he's still a bad shooter. Bassey's entire career can be marked by yearly knee injuries like tree rings and he's entering free agency. Mamu is a free agent also not that he is ever given a chance anyway.

Getting a smart player like Wolf or a developed non-project like Flemming should be a priority on a team with horrible basketball iq, project non-shooters, or get tossed around by other teams.

Even IF a player like those guys was going to top out at 20 minutes, that's 20 more minutes of good basketball than they have now. Except for Queen, I don't buy that guy as an NBA player I would want

Fleming is pretty high on my list. I wouldn't even say he's a big, he's more of a PF. Looks like the perfect fit to check big wings, crash the boards, space the floor and give you some additional shotblocking.

[objective]

Fleming is pretty high on my list. I wouldn't even say he's a big, he's more of a PF. Looks like the perfect fit to check big wings, crash the boards, space the floor and give you some additional shotblocking.

And to me, that's a big. Also because I'm not confident that he has the feet to guard smaller ball handlers like Sochan

Rebounds, additional rim protection, taking on big wings masquerading at the PF spot ... He's a PF. I'm sure he's bigger, longer, and stronger than Sochan. Height MIGHT be the same, but dude looks big to me. And after the comedy of seeing Sochan flail around as backup center, I think Flem can do better there also.

[CGD]

How is my boy McNeeley doing?

Haven’t followed college ball, but will probably after today.

[Kurik]

His twin, Tomislav Ivisic, who plays for Illinois, is probably a better prospect. TaT rates him at 54 and Zvonimir at 64.

Tomislav would be great with the SRP or even moving up a bit to lock him in.

[ixiXSolidXixi]

Draft the best available pick and work a trade to get the players we want.

When is the Free Agent post will be available? I want Myles Turner.

[Russ]

I want Myles Turner.Myles Turner might be perfect for this team.

He's Texas kid who went to UT.

He's extremely talented and somewhat underrated due to his unglamorous (heretofore) playing destination.

A bit advanced of age for the Spurs' timeline but not that far off.

Put him in with the rest and they could hit big.

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGT2Vm39xqQ

[Dejounte]

https://x.com/thehoopherald/status/1888919148958199960?s=46

We need smart players who think on the fly like this tbh

[Mal]

A bit advanced of age for the Spurs' timeline but not that far off.



You can get his 29-33 years along with Wemby`s 21-25. But you need to convince Pacers to help you do sign and trade, because its impossible to pay Turner 40 mil he is worth

[ffadicted]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGT2Vm39xqQ

It's so unhinged to do a mock draft by just clickin on the "Simulate lottery", getting the spurs at #2 and just rollin with it lmao

[montgod]

Myles Turner might be perfect for this team.

He's Texas kid who went to UT.

He's extremely talented and somewhat underrated due to his unglamorous (heretofore) playing destination.

A bit advanced of age for the Spurs' timeline but not that far off.

Put him in with the rest and they could hit big.

He's rumored to want $30mill per year so... :oops

[mo7888]

You only go for Turner if you think he and Wemby can play together. Then you have to decide what you wanna give up to make it all work.

[Mal]

He's rumored to want $30mill per year so... :oops

6'11 big men doing 15/7 with 40% 3pt is worth that

[mo7888]

If they'd take Devin in a S&T for Turner I'd be all over it.

[exstatic]

You can get his 29-33 years along with Wemby`s 21-25. But you need to convince Pacers to help you do sign and trade, because its impossible to pay Turner 40 mil he is worth

:rollin No way is turner worth $40M in the age of the second apron. He’s never been an all NBA selection or an All Star. His career numbers are 14p/7r. The kings cut Bagley as a failed development project for posting those numbers.

[exstatic]

He's rumored to want $30mill per year so... :oops

No one has cap room. He’ll likely have to settle for $20M.

[montgod]

:rollin No way is turner worth $40M in the age of the second apron. He’s never been an all NBA selection or an All Star. His career numbers are 14p/7r. The kings cut Bagley as a failed development project for posting those numbers.
I agree especially with his injury history. I think he's only played one full season his whole career or close to 2 seasons .


No one has cap room. He’ll likely have to settle for $20M.
He is currently at $20mill


6'11 big men doing 15/7 with 40% 3pt is worth that

Maybe, but they give you more than just 15/7 for that price tag. Just not comfortable with him for the long haul with injuries and his showing in the playoffs last year. Good player though for sure who I know would fit in well will Wemby at the right cost

[Mal]

:rollin No way is turner worth $40M in the age of the second apron. He’s never been an all NBA selection or an All Star. His career numbers are 14p/7r. The kings cut Bagley as a failed development project for posting those numbers.

Jeremi Grant is 30 mil
Markanen is 42 mil.
Anuoby is 36 mil.

Turner is somewhere between them.

[exstatic]

Jeremi Grant is 30 mil
Markanen is 42 mil.
Anuoby is 36 mil.

Turner is somewhere between them.

You can’t base new contracts on legacy deals signed before the second apron penalties kicked in, or a guy like Markkanen who plays for a tanking team that DGAF what they pay their players.

I know this is a new concept to some of you, but a player is only worth what they a get on the open market. Turner won’t be offered a fuck of a lot this summer. BI won’t be offered a fuck of a lot this summer. It’s called a market correction.

[J_Paco]

I'd rather use salary cap to acquire a 3-pt specialist. While using the two 1st round picks on swingman & 4/5 that can protect the paint has some floor-spacing + rim running upside.

And it goes without saying that rebounding needs to be a big priority. It seems like Jeremy and Keldon are the only good rebounders on the team, yet that is completely mitigated by asking them to play the 4 & 5 off the bench.

[LeBowen]

https://x.com/UsherNBA/status/1887593542089851274

[Mr. Body]

SpursTalk and obsession with UT big men. Kai Jones is next up.

[exstatic]

SpursTalk and obsession with UT big men. Kai Jones is next up.

Has the crazy house got his dose dialed in yet?

[Mal]

I know this is a new concept to some of you, but a player is only worth what they a get on the open market. Turner won’t be offered a fuck of a lot this summer. BI won’t be offered a fuck of a lot this summer. It’s called a market correction.

There is always sign and trade option between Indiana, and whatever team is not in the penalty - like Houston, Spurs, Pistons, Nets or Bulls.

Lets say Bulls offer Turner 35 mil and they send expiring Vucevic deal to Indiana. Spurs can send Harrison Barnes and SRPs to make it happen

[Guru of Nothing]

.

[exstatic]

There is always sign and trade option between Indiana, and whatever team is not in the penalty - like Houston, Spurs, Pistons, Nets or Bulls.

Lets say Bulls offer Turner 35 mil and they send expiring Vucevic deal to Indiana. Spurs can send Harrison Barnes and SRPs to make it happen

Indy has no reason to do this.

[CorrectCrusader]

It's so unhinged to do a mock draft by just clickin on the "Simulate lottery", getting the spurs at #2 and just rollin with it lmao

I mean it's just one roll like how the real draft would be.

[Mal]

BI won’t be offered a fuck of a lot this summer. It’s called a market correction.

40 mil is fuck a lot for BI.

Turner is getting 35mil a least. May give some discount for 4 year deal.

[exstatic]

40 mil is fuck a lot for BI.

Turner is getting 35mil a least. May give some discount for 4 year deal.

It’s not what he wanted, like $10M a year less.

[cutewizard]

Derik Queen, anyone?

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/SlYZYthFtEc?si=M9HZlVIx1gkzHkVr

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/DNptNkHHTAI?si=YDkjPrCkoAU_HLv_

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/5cSow65-5xQ?si=iWZLDfLUmoa0nGZc

[cutewizard]

Then we go for Asa as a backup C?

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/YWVLQZbGea8?si=wp_KPu4UZXGSudXe

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/VmIR6IaBXA8?si=qgkwc_jQNorehLnG

[Mr. Body]

Liam Mac came back and dropped 38 and 10.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/cCCgfC9xNeo?si=DzK6fPJpBfhbUI47

[Mal]

It’s not what he wanted, like $10M a year less.

Ingram wanted 50 mil a year ? He average like 55 games a year. But still good negotiations - ask for 50, get 40 when true value is closer to 30.

[mo7888]

Liam Mac came back and dropped 38 and 10.

I've had him #9 on my board for sometime now and he could very well be available when we pick.

[Thomas82]

Then we go for Asa as a backup C?

This is who I want us to draft, but I would want him as my starting power forward. I might stagger his and Wemby's minutes so that one of them is on the floor at all times.

[rascal]

This is who I want us to draft, but I would want him as my starting power forward. I might stagger his and Wemby's minutes so that one of them is on the floor at all times.

Would be an excellent replacement for Sochan in the starting lineup. Better form on his shot and more coordinated overall.

[Mr. Body]

Stolen from some bloke on Reddit about McNeeley:

Just a few quick insights as a UConn fan. Feel free to ask me anything else.

For starters, he just missed 8 games due to a high ankle sprain. First game back on Saturday he had 18/11, and as you can see yesterday he had 38/10. He also was playing as point-forward yesterday because UConn has some injuries at PG. (Just a note, I would not expect him to play point or anything, he is a willing passer and has good vision, but he's not an overly creative passer. Good ball handler though.) He is a warrior with an insane competitive drive and has the maturity of a much older player.

Offensively, he has a perfect toolset for the NBA. Very good shooter with a nice stroke. At 6'7 he's very tough to guard, and is very capable of putting the ball on the floor, attacking the rim, and drawing fouls. He always has ice in his veins, too.

He is a very good rebounder on the defensive glass.

Defensively he has some struggles with closeouts but plays with intensity which makes him harder to beat 1on1. He has pretty good timing on recovery blocks.

He LOVES doing the "call me" hand gesture after 3s and has some awesome intensity with fist pumps and getting the crowd going. Definitely the type of player for your fans to love and other fans to hate.

Overall, whoever drafts him is getting a certified winner. He does not have the defense of Castle (or Clingan) but his offensive potential is unlimited. For my money he could be the best offensive player in the entire class.

[BackHome]

My two mocks:
1st. Liam McNeeley- Smart, good shooter, good rebounder
2nd. Danny Wolf - Can play PF when we need to go big and backup Center to Wemby
3rd. Hunter Salis - Older play backup PG/SG

1st. Liam McNeeley
2nd. Ben Saraf - Has potential only question is he is left handed don’t know if that would mess with Fox? Could also go with SF, Bryant for more upside?
3rd. Maxime Raynaud - A very good rebounder and shooter

[Mr. Body]

If you get McNeeley to go with Castle, you get two hard-ass players who get angry at not winning games, unlike the lackadaisical lumps already on the team, including Wemby.

[RC_Drunkford]

:lol @ McNeely being the best offensive player in this class

[Mr. Body]

:lol @ McNeely being the best offensive player in this class

Probably not, but dropping 38 at Creighton, a place where the last two UConn teams couldn't win and where they got blown out last year as perhaps the best college team of all time, is pretty significant

[Thomas82]

Would be an excellent replacement for Sochan in the starting lineup. Better form on his shot and more coordinated overall.

He would 100% be an upgrade over Sochan.

[Mr. Body]

He would 100% be an upgrade over Sochan.

Again, people need to stop thinking some college player who might be a lottery pick against other college players is automatically better than a guy with a strong and growing successful career in the NBA.

[Mr. Body]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nrZZApvwLY

Texas is back to mediocrity-sucking. It's amazing their idiot, insufferable boosters ran Shaka Smart off.

That said, Tre is a nice player. This draft is starting to turn on the jets a bit in some areas and there are a number of good scorers available, if one or two manage to drop.

[Knoxxx]

I am all for bringing in 2-3 new draftees in our positions of need and replacing our bottom of roster guys with them. Yes we may also need to trade or FA sign another vet or two at said positions of need.

[CGD]

Stolen from some bloke on Reddit about McNeeley:

Just a few quick insights as a UConn fan. Feel free to ask me anything else.

For starters, he just missed 8 games due to a high ankle sprain. First game back on Saturday he had 18/11, and as you can see yesterday he had 38/10. He also was playing as point-forward yesterday because UConn has some injuries at PG. (Just a note, I would not expect him to play point or anything, he is a willing passer and has good vision, but he's not an overly creative passer. Good ball handler though.) He is a warrior with an insane competitive drive and has the maturity of a much older player.

Offensively, he has a perfect toolset for the NBA. Very good shooter with a nice stroke. At 6'7 he's very tough to guard, and is very capable of putting the ball on the floor, attacking the rim, and drawing fouls. He always has ice in his veins, too.

He is a very good rebounder on the defensive glass.

Defensively he has some struggles with closeouts but plays with intensity which makes him harder to beat 1on1. He has pretty good timing on recovery blocks.

He LOVES doing the "call me" hand gesture after 3s and has some awesome intensity with fist pumps and getting the crowd going. Definitely the type of player for your fans to love and other fans to hate.

Overall, whoever drafts him is getting a certified winner. He does not have the defense of Castle (or Clingan) but his offensive potential is unlimited. For my money he could be the best offensive player in the entire class.

Love it. I got on the McNeeley bandwagon a while ago.

[CGD]

He would 100% be an upgrade over Sochan.

Just no.

He would upgrade the Champaigne minutes to start, and top out at a solid 5th starter on a team featuring a Fox-Castle backcourt.

[Russ]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nrZZApvwLY

Texas is back to mediocrity-sucking. It's amazing their idiot, insufferable boosters ran Shaka Smart off.

That said, Tre is a nice player. This draft is starting to turn on the jets a bit in some areas and there are a number of good scorers available, if one or two manage to drop.

Tre Johnson is a three-level scorer at age 18.

He's the best offensive player in this draft.

[CGD]

Tre Johnson is a three-level scorer at age 18.

He's the best offensive player in this draft.

Yup, potential long-term Devin replacement.

[exstatic]

Ingram wanted 50 mil a year ? He average like 55 games a year. But still good negotiations - ask for 50, get 40 when true value is closer to 30.

If it were just a negotiation tactic, he could have stayed in New Orleans. They would have paid that, but he was adamant about $50M, so they flipped him, and that was his reality check.

[exstatic]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nrZZApvwLY

Texas is back to mediocrity-sucking. It's amazing their idiot, insufferable boosters ran Shaka Smart off.

That said, Tre is a nice player. This draft is starting to turn on the jets a bit in some areas and there are a number of good scorers available, if one or two manage to drop.

I was pretty strong on him early on, but his stats other than points are minuscule. Doesn’t rebound, doesn’t get to the line, doesn’t defend. He could drop.

[rascal]

Again, people need to stop thinking some college player who might be a lottery pick against other college players is automatically better than a guy with a strong and growing successful career in the NBA.

Newell's 3p% is sub.300 but his shooting form is better than Sochan's and he can run on a break which works well with Fox and Castle. He's also a good offensive rebounder, Sochan is not, Sochan doesn't even know how to get good position for offensive rebounds.

When the ball goes to Sochan the offense goes to a crawl.

He's awkward handling the basketball and is a poor passer. Sochan needs to be replaced in the starting lineup and moved to the bench. Asa Newell has a higher ceiling.