timvp: Spurs Big Board 1.0

[TD 21]

I don't know if I'm stealing his thunder by posting this, but if so, he can just delete . . .

San Antonio Spurs Big Board 1.0 for the 2024 NBA Draft (spurstalk.com) (https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-1-2024-nba-draft/)

Not questioning the veracity, but I would be stunned if the Spurs selected Dillingham, for all the reasons I've long stated ad nauseam.

[JPB]

I don't know if I'm stealing his thunder by posting this, but if so, he can just delete . . .

San Antonio Spurs Big Board 1.0 for the 2024 NBA Draft (spurstalk.com) (https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-1-2024-nba-draft/)

Not questioning the veracity, but I would be stunned if the Spurs selected Dillingham, for all the reasons I've long stated ad nauseam.

Same, I'd be surprised.

[NASpurs]

"The 2024 draft is regarded as weak, particularly on the top. The scouts I’ve talked to unanimously agree with that sentiment. There is no clear cut Victor Wembanyama-like No. 1 prospect this season."

The smooth brains here thinking we were tanking :lol

[LeBowen]

Great and surprising news if this is actually true.
I really don't want Topic.

Not high on Dillingham, either, but I'd rather take a gamble on a defensive traffic cone that can shoot.

[onechance87]

dilly or topic is fine with me....Any will be upgrades over tre or branham.A pg is a must imo.

[RC_Drunkford]

Dilly and Risacher been at the top of my list for months. Good to see the Spurs are interested. I'm really not excited about this draft, we somehow have to get lucky and pick somebody who will exceed the expectations

[baseline bum]

"The 2024 draft is regarded as weak, particularly on the top. The scouts I’ve talked to unanimously agree with that sentiment. There is no clear cut Victor Wembanyama-like No. 1 prospect this season."

The smooth brains here thinking we were tanking :lol

Which one of Banchero, Holmgren, Amen Thompson, Scoot, Brandon Miller, Jabari Smith, and Keegan Murray wouldn't be the consensus #1 pick if they were in this draft? :lol

[baseline bum]

I keep going back and forth on Dilly vs Sheppard and wondering if either can be starters with the slight builds they have. Feels like worst case for either would be instant offense on the bench though. Surprised to see Buzelis so low and Williams so high and floored to hear they have no scouts on Topic. Though I guess how do you scout a guy sitting out three months to preserve draft stock?

[Degoat]

Give me Dillingham and Tijane Salaun (If TOR pick conveys).

[JPB]

Dilly and Risacher been at the top of my list for months. Good to see the Spurs are interested. I'm really not excited about this draft, we somehow have to get lucky and pick somebody who will exceed the expectations

Not a shot at Timvp but he doesn't know more than anyone here what spurs intentions actually are. And noboby will until they actually pick (short of Woj. maybe who won't tell it).

Expect a lot of smoke screens tho.

[Mr. Body]

Dillingham is a much better playmaker than many say, including Timvp. He was better than Sheppard and for our purposes is very good with lobs, like a specialty. He'd get Wemby at the rim a lot. His assist per 36 were better than any college prospect than Kolek.

Plainly, he's the most talented player in the draft to me. Plus his processing and speed of decision is perfect for the team. Under Pop's system you want players who make instant reads.

I do think they'd go for Sheppard first.

Overall I like the list and pretty much agree.

[spurraider21]

I think Holland is way low but otherwise the list makes sense. I have Risacher/dillingham/sheppard top 3

[Knoxxx]

I like Dilly as a potential Kyrie or Donovan Mitchell. That’s the scoring upside I think you are after and I do think he has the ability to come in and score right away in the NBA. Defense and passing, time will tell but to me it looked like he dunks more easily than Wesley at the same height so hard to believe his athletic profile is defined simply by “slow feet.”

Buzelis to me could be a relentless rim attacking SF/PF like Wagner ORL who I just saw finish decimating CLE from my recliner. Buzelis is known to contest at the rim a lot so maybe better in that area.

I think I’ve already been assailed for the Wagner comp and I’m sure my Dilly comps are at least as ludicrous so I’ll save the trouble of lambasting me for that by self ridiculing my stupidity. But, from my caveman level perspective and lazy minimal highlight watching work ethic that is what I hope I see.

[Bruno]

I was surprised that Dillingham was specifically asked about Spurs in the espn interview he gave when he declared (at 1min25s):


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irdahQC8DLs

It looks like that question wasn't innocent...

I can see a lot of top prospects viewing Spurs as their preferred destination. It's just that Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Blazers are messy teams/organizations with coaching uncertainties.


It's also weird that Dillingham is viewed as a "seamless fit" with Wembanyama while at the same time Spurs are rumored not being interested in Trae Young because of his fit with him:
https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/rumor-chris-paul-could-end-up-with-spurs-this-summer

Spurs fans have been buzzing about the team getting in the mix for a Trae Young trade this summer, as he is the most acclaimed point guard likely to be available. League sources have told NBC Sports not to bet on that happening, as San Antonio doesn’t see Young as a fit with Wembanyama going forward.

[Knoxxx]

Dilly would be a lot less risky and cheaper than Young. We see there is a “Wemby factor” now with draft prospects. While we generally don’t think ring chasing veterans are ready to view SA as a first option, seems like it won’t be long before the Wemby effect conveys there also.

[JPB]

I like Dilly as a potential Kyrie or Donovan Mitchell. That’s the scoring upside I think you are after and I do think he has the ability to come in and score right away in the NBA.


I'd love to but I'm not sure honestly. That's what (and then some) was expected with Scoot who was tagged as a potential genertional player. Dillingham is a better shooter but the transition to the NBA is harder than imagined sometimes, specially for undersized PGs. Not sure Dilly will give you 15-20 a night his first year.

Dilly is measured at 6'3 in Kentucky but he's probably closer to 6'1 (his official measurements with OTE) with a short wingspan too. You gotta wonder how many rookies that size thrived in recent years? How many players actually? (Sheppard seems to be around the same size). Those players are usually bdly exposed during the POs. This is the NBA, there are athletic beasts all over the place ready to eat you.

Kyrie or Mitchell comparisons are optimistic to me. The combine could be brutal to Dilly or Sheppard and redistribute the cards. I can see NBA teams being ultimately pushed back by these shorter guards and prioritize size in this draft (Topic, Castle, Sarr, Risacher...). We'll see.

[jeebus]

I was surprised that Dillingham was specifically asked about Spurs in the espn interview he gave when he declared (at 1min25s):


I feel like ESPN knows the time to keep milking the Warriors and Lakers for views is pretty much over, so the push is on for the younger players like Wemby and Ant. Especially Wemby cuz the Spurs sucked, they'll have a highish pick, and young players would be dumb not to be excited to potentially play with him

[Knoxxx]

You can’t coach size as they say. How about a Sheppard to Steve Nash comp, any takers? Tall or not, Nash was an epic competitor and performer in the NBA, perhaps Sheppard is cut from a similar mold?

[Knoxxx]

I think it should be said that most any draft prospect comp is ludicrous to a bona fide NBA star but some of these “weak draft” prospects are going to hit. Picking which ones, the optimistic comps are not only the most logical approach to me but a big part of the fun of it.

[TD 21]

Of course Dillingham/his "camp" would prefer the Spurs, for two obvious reasons: 1) The gaping hole at lead guard and 2) The presence of the likely future best player in the league, who will give them a national spotlight again and a path to winning at the highest level.

As for fit over Young, he's not as ballyhooed a prospect and hasn't spent 6 years as the face of a franchise, replete with virtually free reign to do as he pleases, so the adjustment to it not being "his team" won't be nearly as stark.

Maybe they'd just figure screw it, he's got the highest offensive ceiling in the draft, will be relatively inexpensive for four years and won't cost a bunch of assets to acquire, but a Kemba Walker esque guard (:lmao at 6'3''), is the antithesis of what they've long sought at the position.

[Knoxxx]

Kyrie or Mitchell comparisons are optimistic to me. The combine could be brutal to Dilly or Sheppard and redistribute the cards. I can see NBA teams being ultimately pushed back by these shorter guards and prioritize size in this draft (Topic, Castle, Sarr, Risacher...). We'll see.

Post quote repaid while padding my post count in triplicate. Here is another fun Dilly comp: Eric Bledsoe.

[LeBowen]

You gotta wonder how many rookies that size thrived in recent years? How many players actually?

While every rookie point guard that's not a generational talent takes some time to adjust, a lot of playoff teams have starting point guards of similar stature, if not smaller.
Brunson, Lillard, Garland, Maxey, Rozier (injured), Conley, Kyrie, Beal, CJ, D'Lo.

That's 10/16 playoff teams that are starting point guards who are 6'3 or under while also being lean and I don't think any of them are even 200lbs.

Suggs, Haliburton, White, Murray, SGA and Harden are taller point guards.

Suggs isn't even a true point guard. I just watched Magic and their defense is already scary. They just need to find a true point guard and they're good to go for many years.
Haliburton is 6'5, but awful defensively.
Murray isn't a point guard, Jokic is for all intents and purposes.
Harden (past it) and SGA are the only ideal point guards if we talk physical measurements.

It's really damn hard to find a 6'4 or taller point guard who's also good at running the offense and capable of scoring from anywhere.
Then you go beyond the hypotheticals and actually watch some games only to realize that no matter how good a point guard is defensively, he'll still have low chances of success when matched up against legit wing scorers.

If you ask me, we should really avoid bad wing defenders. As long as the point guard isn't atrocious defensively, he'll be fine if everyone else is a positive on defense.
But that point guard must be a triple threat with the ball. Having someone who can pull up from anywhere and punish teams for focusing on denying the ball to Wemby too much needs to be the priority.

Drafting a point guard who can't shoot like Topic means that our entire rotation is incompatible.
Can't afford to have two bad shooter in four perimeter positions. Topic and Jeremy (or anyone else who can't shoot on the roster, if Wesley, Sidy or Mamu are still here) would instantly be incompatible, especially when playing with the backup and not Wemby.

Dillingham looks like he already has all the tools he needs, he just needs to translate them to the NBA.
I know, easier said than done, but still way easier than not being able to shoot at all.

If Dillingham doesn't live up to his full potential, he could still be a spark plug scorer off the bench we keep for a long time.
If Topic or Castle don't develop a shot, they're not NBA players.

[Knoxxx]

LeBowen I think some are chasing a unicorn at PG where only SGA or Doncic would meet the specs. On Murray, I recalled him as being a very competent playmaker his last season with us.

I think some of the things we want at PG with some consensus is can stay in front of their man, can shoot, and playmake. Long arms would be a plus but being 6 foot 6 is not mandatory. Teams that play a large PG against us, the antidote for that is we put Sochan on said PG to annoy and pester the chit out of him. Just like he showed us he could do v SGA and Doncic.

[jjspur]

Like I've said before, Its not who we want to pick, but who's available to be picked. That being said the odds are against us unless we get lucky again...and it was luck.
Therefore I would go with who is a talented safe pick who could be a solid role player / sometime starter. Remember Wemby will get his points, Vassell will get his points and everyone else tries for their points with a plus or minus 20% within their average. So no non-shooters please. We need a pg or a guard that can just plain pass or score, both if possible.

So there may be a few available.
Dilly - would be a fit just because he's mobile and a better passer than what we currently have.
Sheppard - same as above but plays better defense, and is somewhat better at getting open for easier shots. We definitely need more defense even from a small skinny guy.
Topic - not a fan. Sure he's big and can pass but that may be from playing against mediocre competition in a mediocre Pro league. His situation gives me Luka Semanic vibes. Pass.
Castle - If you're an important part of an NCAA championship team, you're doing something right. His skills look above average and that's what we currently need - an improvement to our current team. His pedigree makes him an option not just for us but a lot of other teams.

Look, none of the guys scream all star, so lets go with the safer pick. None of these guys will be instant starters so they generally won't be playing against other teams starters so size isn't always that big a deal. Talent not potential talent is the key. Next year is where the real obvious talent is as we get to use our multiple picks to really improve our team thru the draft or trade.

[LeBowen]

Like I've said before, Its not who we want to pick, but who's available to be picked. That being said the odds are against us unless we get lucky again...and it was luck.

The odds are against us only if drafting a wing is the priority.
Getting the preferred point guard shouldn't be an issue.

Tbh, we should hope Wizards win the lottery because they'll almost certainly take Sarr if he's available.
Pistons, Blazers, Hornets, Raptors and Memphis surely won't draft a point guard.
Only bad outcomes would be if the Jazz or Rockets (Nets pick) jump us.
And obviously if Wizards' preferred wings are taken and they happen to prefer the same point guard as PATFO.

[Knoxxx]

As was stated, maybe we get a starter but if a Dilly or Castle ends up being a bench spark plug, that can still play out as a successful draft pick. We don’t have to hit home runs, though that would surely be nice, as much as avoid any potential busts such as the jury still being very much out on a Branham, Wesley, etc. being worth rookie year option exercising or not.

[Uriel]

Man, back in the day, 6"3 used to be considered good size for a point guard. Now it's "slight frame." That's today's NBA for you.

[RC_Drunkford]

what makes Dillingham intriguing are his elite handles and off the dribble pull up ability. We need a PG who can draw multiple defenders so he can create open shots. You also want that player to be a 3-point threat, so defenders can't go under. Dillingham is exactly that guy and can create shots for himself. The question is, how much of his scoring can translate when he's matched up with taller players. He could turn out to be a DeAron Fox (who has the same height), but this could also turn into a Johnny Davis situation. He's not the best finisher at the rim and often disengaged on defense. The combine will also be very telling when it comes to his true height. He is worth a gamble though.

[jjspur]

I consider Dilly & Castle "safe picks". But like was stated, the combine will tell. If the draft deals us a player that's better than we have, I consider that a success. The second round is where the spurs really really need to do their homework to get anything of value to the team especially in this draft.

[spurraider21]

You can’t coach size as they say. How about a Sheppard to Steve Nash comp, any takers? Tall or not, Nash was an epic competitor and performer in the NBA, perhaps Sheppard is cut from a similar mold?
I think Sheppard has just enough game to be a point guard but he is not remotely as crafty as nash when it comes to handling or passing. Nash parlayed his handling skills into a lethal pull-up shooting game as well. It’s a huge leap between Sheppard and Nash. I think with Sheppard you are looking at a more FVV/Lowry type player

[mo7888]

The odds are against us only if drafting a wing is the priority.
Getting the preferred point guard shouldn't be an issue.

Tbh, we should hope Wizards win the lottery because they'll almost certainly take Sarr if he's available.
Pistons, Blazers, Hornets, Raptors and Memphis surely won't draft a point guard.
Only bad outcomes would be if the Jazz or Rockets (Nets pick) jump us.
And obviously if Wizards' preferred wings are taken and they happen to prefer the same point guard as PATFO.

Are we sure we want PG's to fall instead of wings in this particular draft?

[mo7888]

I think Sheppard has just enough game to be a point guard but he is not remotely as crafty as nash when it comes to handling or passing. Nash parlayed his handling skills into a lethal pull-up shooting game as well. It’s a huge leap between Sheppard and Nash. I think with Sheppard you are looking at a more FVV/Lowry type player

Sheppard is closer to Jamaal Murray than he is Steve Nash in archetype.

[Slippy]

Sarr at 7. If available, Spurs would have to consider him. Gotta factor he French too. . A fellow countrymen teammate for Victor.

[Dejounte]

Sheppard is closer to Jamaal Murray than he is Steve Nash in archetype.

Sheppard unlocks so many things on offense next season if he’s our starting PG. His mid range pull up is also underrated. Having a PG that deadly at any point he picks up his dribble is going to provide so much spacing and easy shots for everyone. Dilly’s the other guy who can do this for the team but I have so much more faith in Sheppard’s defense than Dilly’s.

[Ariel]

Sheppard unlocks so many things on offense next season if he’s our starting PG. His mid range pull up is also underrated. Having a PG that deadly at any point he picks up his dribble is going to provide so much spacing and easy shots for everyone. Dilly’s the other guy who can do this for the team but I have so much more faith in Sheppard’s defense than Dilly’s.
Sheppard is deadly when he gets a good look but he has a much harder time getting himself open than Dillingham because he's nowhere near as fast or skilled a ballhandler, multiple times at the end of Kentucky games you'd see Sheppard catch and pass because he couldn't get himself a good look. If he needs someone to set him up then that defeats the purpose, I trust Dillingham much more in that regard.

[Dejounte]

Sheppard is deadly when he gets a good look but he has a much harder time getting himself open than Dillingham because he's nowhere near as fast or skilled a ballhandler, multiple times at the end of Kentucky games you'd see Sheppard catch and pass because he couldn't get himself a good look. If he needs someone to set him up then that defeats the purpose, I trust Dillingham much more in that regard.

There is definitely an aspect of Sheppard’s game that’s reliant on others, but I do feel there is untapped potential in Sheppard’s self-creation ability that he wasn’t able to develop much during his college campaign. I say this because I feel like he did show glimpses of utilizing his solid decision-making to score when he noticed his defender have bad footing. I don’t necessarily think he needs quickness if he continues to harness his smarts by making good reads consistently.

I do feel the Spurs lean in on having more of a team concept with its offense than running a 2 man game between Wemby and one other player. Though obviously, they’ll run that 2 man game with Vassell before any rookie. Given that, I think running a Denver-model offense is definitely in Sheppard’s favor and will allow him to develop at a pace better than any other rookie would because he doesn’t need to exert very much ISO plays early on.

[Dejounte]

I will say this:

In the scenario that Dilly gets drafted, it must mean the Spurs are confident they can hide his defensive deficiencies. There’s a lot to be excited about if he is drafted than if any other rookie was drafted, because you know right away he’ll be able to score bunches right away vs. hoping he develops it at some point like other rookies: Reed, Risacher, Castle… almost every young rookie that wasn’t exposed to being “the man” on his team at college level or above. And… they won’t get the chance to be “the man” on the Spurs to even get that opportunity to develop ISO skills with Wemby (and likely Vassell) here. It almost sounds like the Spurs should be forced to take a player that is already so good at self-creation because they won’t be able to develop it here once they’re drafted. I’m of the opinion that you only develop those skills if you’re given those touches… kind of like what they did with the Vassell the past two seasons now.

This new thought process is making me swing back on the Dilly bandwagon over the Reed one.

[mo7888]

Sheppard unlocks so many things on offense next season if he’s our starting PG. His mid range pull up is also underrated. Having a PG that deadly at any point he picks up his dribble is going to provide so much spacing and easy shots for everyone. Dilly’s the other guy who can do this for the team but I have so much more faith in Sheppard’s defense than Dilly’s.

My only real question re: Shephard is if he can handle and see the court well enough to be a starting PG. IF he can, then he'd be at the top of the board. Im not convinced, but I'm hoping we get some feel for that from individual workouts.

[mo7888]

Sheppard is deadly when he gets a good look but he has a much harder time getting himself open than Dillingham because he's nowhere near as fast or skilled a ballhandler, multiple times at the end of Kentucky games you'd see Sheppard catch and pass because he couldn't get himself a good look. If he needs someone to set him up then that defeats the purpose, I trust Dillingham much more in that regard.

Go watch the end of the Mississippi State game..

[alfahdlan]

We wouldn’t know whose better between Reed and Rob because they alway come in tandem in Kentucky. Perhaps the stats when one sits. Then if we should consider in the nearest future, who should fit in tandem with tre jones between the two? Who will be the better point guard. Calipari trust the playmaking to Reed most but when he needed points badly he turns to Rob as the gunner.

[Knoxxx]

We wouldn’t know who’s better between Reed and Rob because they alway come in tandem in Kentucky. Perhaps the stats when one sits. Then if we should consider in the nearest future, who should fit in tandem with tre jones between the two? Who will be the better point guard. Calipari trust the playmaking to Reed most but when he needed points badly he turns to Rob as the gunner.

Playing a second PG in tandem with Tre Jones seems like the least of our concerns. It would be a rarity to play two smaller Gs when the objective of getting another PG is to make Jones the backup PG.

[Ariel]

Go watch the end of the Mississippi State game..
Watched it, was his best game. Just checked and took 7 3s, made 4: all open, 3 of them off the catch. Again, he's extremely accurate, has a fast release, but against NBA level defenders (faster, longer, stronger) it isn't going to be as easy to get it off.

[Ariel]

Look, I like Sheppard, he's SUPER smart and extremely efficient, I'd be shocked if he doesn't have a long and productive NBA career. The point is trying to figure out who checks most boxes in terms of Spurs needs, and to me that's Dillingham (on offense). On defense he's going to be bad, but I think he showed improvements towards the end of the year (mostly effort and a bit more awareness) and I think he's got more physical tools than, say, Trae. And if most of this board was drooling over Trae despite his matador defense (literally), then I think Dillingham shouldn't be discounted because of it. But if he's not there by the time the Spurs pick, then sure, I'd take Sheppard.

Oh, and for the record... I fully expect the Spurs to have Sheppard and Castle over Dillingham.

[alfahdlan]

Watched it, was his best game. Just checked and took 7 3s, made 4: all open, 3 of them off the catch. Again, he's extremely accurate, has a fast release, but against NBA level defenders (faster, longer, stronger) it isn't going to be as easy to get it off.

In that game, Reed logged 35 min vs 16 min for Rob. Towards the end of the conference, Coach Cal played Reed more, manifesting trust in Reed playmaking.

[baseline bum]

Man, back in the day, 6"3 used to be considered good size for a point guard. Now it's "slight frame." That's today's NBA for you.

You think Sheppard really is 6'3"? He looks was smaller than 6'4" JJ Reddick did.

[Knoxxx]

Chris Paul is pretty close to 6’0 but he’s a baller. I’m not especially concerned who is 6-1 or 3 if they can ball. Dilly windmill dunk highlight tells the tale, he’s dynamic. Meanwhile, Sheppard has excellent instincts and hands. It’s apples and oranges, but either can contribute to a nice fruit salad.

[TD 21]

Sheppard looks more like a legit (in shoes) 6'3'' than Dillingham to me.

Paul was/is the rare small guard who isn't a defensive liability because he's stout, among other things.

[Ariel]

You think Sheppard really is 6'3"? He looks was smaller than 6'4" JJ Reddick did.
Dillingham measured at 6'0.75" without shoes in OTE and Sheppard is a hair taller, I'd say 6'1.5" as the absolute most.

[rankingtear]

No way Dilly is 1 in their board. Zach , Castle , Cody. Getting defensive versatility you can develop should be more than palatable in this draft. They are focused on 2025.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

Literally?

[Knoxxx]

No way Dilly is 1 in their board. Zach , Castle , Cody. Getting defensive versatility you can develop should be more than palatable in this draft. They are focused on 2025.

So the tank is on again in 24-25? Prolly not, though I don’t think that is what you were really trying to imply, either.

[BackHome]

Oh the Tank is definitely on for 2025 this class is going to be special we can legitimately get our second best player from this draft and possible two if the Basketball Gods are kind to us with Atlanta and Chicago picks. After 2025 I am off the Tanking and all for trading and getting a good veteran bench. :lobt2:

[Limguogolo]

Have you ever seen a draft where the destination (Spurs this year) could be considered the first pick and not the prospects? The lottery should be played this year between the players, not the franchises: "And the first pick (Spurs) is awarded to... drum roll... [happy player who wants to play with Victor]".

Anyway, if there is no good PG available in this draft, aren't there PGs playing internationally that the Spurs own the rights? Or veteran PGs playing in Europe who might fit the roster? Mike James, Okobo, Hifi, Baldwin, Jerian Grant? You even have French PGs pushed towards the exit of the NBA that it could be wise to test (all three good defenders): Maledon, Hays, Ntilikina. Given the current level of the draft, it seems vain to hope to recover a starting PG this way. PG and centers are the positions that take the most time to develop. In this sense, Spurs should perhaps not expect to find a future starter in the draft and simply take the player with the best market value in the short and medium term. Draft and stash your lottery pick could be the motto this year... Topic could then show what it's worth in Europe next year. Only defensive wingers would be useful from next season (Risacher/Salaün/Williams).

[tbdog]

Question, would any of these rookies start for the spurs.

[JPB]

Dilly would be a lot less risky and cheaper than Young. We see there is a “Wemby factor” now with draft prospects. While we generally don’t think ring chasing veterans are ready to view SA as a first option, seems like it won’t be long before the Wemby effect conveys there also.

Dilly has zero NBA games and we do'nt even know if he'll ever be a legit, productive NBA player.

Trae Young is a proven 3 time all star, 1 time All NBA Team who averaged 25pt-10ass this season on 37% 3pt shooting...

I believe the risk is way much bigger, specially with Wemby waiting for help, picking a 6'1 rookie than getting a proven NBA star. Obviously.... Sure, there's the economic/assets part, but that's what you're paying for: proven talent. You have zero guarantees with Dilly, not like he's a generational talent either. Probability is he'll never reach Trae level in his career.

Do spurs want to take the risk and wait 2 or 3 years only to realize the guy isn't even a starter next to Victor..; then pick another rookie? We can't say this draft is weak and rave at all these kids for the spurs.

[JPB]

While every rookie point guard that's not a generational talent takes some time to adjust, a lot of playoff teams have starting point guards of similar stature, if not smaller.
Brunson, Lillard, Garland, Maxey, Rozier (injured), Conley, Kyrie, Beal, CJ, D'Lo.


Unless you have Steph's incredible shooting skills, you're exposed as short, leading guard in the POs. none of these guys will get to the finals this year, if ever as a top dog... Kyie got a ring but that was 8 years ago and he was arguably a generational talent, if he ever had the head to go with his skills.

What you want is that long versatile guard/wing, to ring today, not a short guard. Looking at the last 6 or 7 NBA finalists and winners none of them had a starting 6'1 PG.. And this year:

- Suns are a first round out with Booker and Beal (both won't probably never make the finals).
- MIL with Lillard is in bad shape. Pretty sure they'll never ring with Lillard who never made the finals. Pacers won't ever make the finals with Haliburton as their starter either.
- NY with Brunson is 2-1 but that's because Embiid is ailing (and PHI might win the series) Pretty sure Brunson and Maxey will never make the finals as starters.
- NO is 0-3 with Zion out and CJ who who never saw and probably will never see the finals.
- MIN is in good shape but Ant is their real PG, Conley (who never made the finals) is basically a shooting guard and I do'nt beleive MIN make the finals either.
- Lakers are a first round out with Russel as PG who'got badly exposed again this year.
- Dallas is not making the finals with Kyrie either.

Now, Boston, OKC or Denver who are startigng taller PGs are title favorites.

I contradict myself because I wouldn't be against Trae but I do'nt believe spurs are ringing with him also. it's jsut that Wemby is badly needing help and start to play meaningfull/PO games. But between the two, because of size, I'd take Dejounte.

[LeBowen]

You're not contradicting yourself, you're just missing the point and creating some wrong narratives.

While it would obviously be better to get the next Magic or even Jokic, that's not going to happen.
We're one of the worst teams in the league and ther's a long way between current situation and even thinking about getting to the finals.
If Dillingham is a potential 22/8 guy who can score from anywhere, then we better get him.
Tony wasn't a positive defender and yet it was never an issue.

Knicks are really undersized on the perimeter and yet they're an elite defense. You talk about hobbled Embiid, but Randle isn't playing at all.
It doesn't matter who's the point guard on offense for Timberwolves, 6'0 Conley is still a positive defender, even at this age. And he was always good.
Denver has only two good defenders (KCP and Gordon) in their starting lineup and yet they look good as a team defensively.

Having a defensively questionable point guard isn't an issue, having no wing defenders and rim protection is.
Suns have one positive defender in their starting lineup and he got injured (Allen).
Bucks lost all of their perimeter defense and they're relying on Beverley in 2024, lmao.
Lakers also traded away KCP and Caruso, two of the best perimeter defenders in the league.
Mavs have looked surprisingly good because their three role players in the starting lineup are doing really well and Clippers have been trash.

If you ask me, four perimeter positions need to be filled wit two elite 3-d players (think Bruce or Danny), one elite playmaker/scorer and one wing scorer that's also solid on defense.
Current Knicks are a good example of how I see the ideal (realistic) roster around Wemby. Hart and OG as elite 3-D players, Brunson as the playmaking engine and then I guess you'd want someone better than DiVincenzo as the third option.
Add Wemby in there instead of Hartenstein and they're the favorites to win the East, even without Randle.


Are we sure we want PG's to fall instead of wings in this particular draft?

I was just going with the assumption that Spurs are in for a point guard.
I've got no clue what's their priority. I'd personally prefer wings.

[mo7888]

Watched it, was his best game. Just checked and took 7 3s, made 4: all open, 3 of them off the catch. Again, he's extremely accurate, has a fast release, but against NBA level defenders (faster, longer, stronger) it isn't going to be as easy to get it off.

He also had to score in the last minute where he had to create his shot. He then hit the game winner.

[Limguogolo]

The problem in basketball has never been size, but defense and scoring ability. And this, at any position. This permanent desire in the NBA to favor tall PG is only of interest in one perspective: for equal value, it is assumed that a tall player will ultimately be more effective than a smaller one. A gamble that doesn't necessarily pay off in my opinion. Yes, if we ensure that all tall point guards are both good defensively and good shooters. However, this is far from being the case. It is better to have a PG defender with shooting skills. If you can improve your skill, you never improve your defensive abilities.

Defense is like size, you can't learn it. And it's better to have a small PG who defends than a big one who does nothing. A tall PG looks nice. In a draft, I can understand that we can favor size, but from a certain level, size is not at all the guarantee that a player can defend.

The French championship is known for often putting forward small PG, often Americans, in a particularly physical championship, we cannot say that this was detrimental to them on the European scene. Paris Basketball has two very small guards, but they win games and defend like madmen.

With this perspective, Tony Parker would never have started at Spurs and his defensive qualities have always been undervalued. This debate is also found in the preference between Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. What differentiates their defensive quality is not their size, but their willingness to defend and their defensive skills. And I remain convinced that what guides Spurs is not the size of a player, but his ability and his will to defend. No team can claim the title with more than two bad defenders on their roster. As good as Young or Doncic may be, what unites them is not their difference in size which makes sense for some to determine who defends, but rather their inability to defend and thus force the coach to fill the other places on the roster with strong defenders without whom no match can be won.

[JPB]

Oh the Tank is definitely on for 2025 this class is going to be special we can legitimately get our second best player from this draft and possible two if the Basketball Gods are kind to us with Atlanta and Chicago picks. After 2025 I am off the Tanking and all for trading and getting a good veteran bench. :lobt2:

Or you might not (probability is you won't) and you lost another year of Wemby with two more rookies to develop on your team for years...

Do we really want to see Wemby and the spurs finish bottom 3 next year again with awful, painful to watch basketball? Victor is sure not gonna let that happen.

[Knoxxx]

Dilly has zero NBA games and we do'nt even know if he'll ever be a legit, productive NBA player.

Trae Young is a proven 3 time all star, 1 time All NBA Team who averaged 25pt-10ass this season on 37% 3pt shooting...

Let's no reverse things and get silly, the risk is wayyyy much bigger, specially with Wemby waiting for help, picking a 6'1 rookie than getting a proven NBA star. Obviously.... Sure, there's the economic part, but that's what you're paying for: proven talent. You have zero guarantees with Dilly, not like he's a generational talent either. Probability is he'll never reach Trae level in his career.

Do spurs want to take the risk and wait 2 or 3 years only to realize the guy isn't even a starter next to Victor..; then pick another rookie? We can't say this draft is weak and rave at all these kids for the spurs.

I nominate you to pay Young’s $60 million annual salary.

[TD 21]

Tony wasn't a positive defender and yet it was never an issue.

Neither was starting two non floor spacing centers (well, rarely). Different time.

The game now is target ball, where small, frail guards and led footed bigs are always prime hunting ground.

That doesn't mean you can't win with them though. Everything is contextual.

The Celtics, for example, who don't quite have an MVP player/elite play maker, probably can't afford a weak link.

The Spurs, who are likely to have the future best player in the league and maybe best defender ever, probably can.

Of course it'd be ideal if they didn't, but it's not as simple as many make it seem or seem to think.

[JPB]

I nominate you to pay Young’s $60 million annual salary.

Trae is making 43, 45, 48M the next 3 years and spurs players are getting paid anyway.

But if you prefer giving 48M to Vassel (29M) + Keldon (19M) instead. I don't.

[LeBowen]

The game now is target ball, where small, frail guards and led footed bigs are always prime hunting ground.

That's why in the previous post I said the size of a point guard doesn't really matter because even the best defenders will get hunted by elite wings.
Knicks and Minnesota both have elite defenses with undersized point guards. Minnesota also has two bigs who were both supposed to be bad on the perimeter and yet it works.
Knicks have a 6'5 SF.

OKC would have no chance against either Nuggets or Wolves because Chet is too small. Even JV can score on him at will, it's just that the Pelicans are trash.


The Celtics, for example, who don't quite have an MVP player/elite play maker, probably can't afford a weak link.

The Spurs, who are likely to have the future best player in the league and maybe best defender ever, probably can.

Of course it'd be ideal if they didn't, but it's not as simple as many make it seem or seem to think.

Agreed, but then again Wemby needs way more help on offense than on defense. As you said, we have an advantage because he can cover for one bad defender, but our current roster outside of Wemby is just garbage.
Devin is the only player who would get minutes on a legit playoff team. I'm not saying they can't improve, but it's just how things are right now.

[BackHome]

Or you might not (probability is you won't) and you lost another year of Wemby with two more rookies to develop on your team for years...

Do we really want to see Wemby and the spurs finish bottom 3 next year again with awful, painful to watch basketball? Victor is sure not gonna let that happen.

Look everyone wants to win a NBA championship but if it was so easy every one would have one. One thing in this playoffs has shown is that even teams with All Star players if you don't have a deep team and other very good players you are not getting close to a ring. So I would rather suck another year and then be set for several years and would hate just to sign some decent vets and finish sub 500 every year.....

[MultiTroll]

While it would obviously be better to get the next Magic or even Jokic, that's not going to happen.

You talk about hobbled Embiid, but Randle isn't playing at all.

Having a defensively questionable point guard isn't an issue, having no wing defenders and rim protection is.
Suns have one positive defender in their starting lineup and he got injured (Allen).

If you ask me, four perimeter positions need to be filled wit two elite 3-d players (think Bruce or Danny), one elite playmaker/scorer and one wing scorer that's also solid on defense. I'd personally prefer wings.
Some team will get the next Magic or Jokic.
We've already got Wemby.

Healthy Embiid was >>>> then Randle but ya, hobbled or not that was a complete meltdown by 76er offense at the end of todays pivotal Game 4.
Oubre and Harris are soo soft on D imo.

I'm down with wings that can defend the perimeter as well as score. Concur.

[JPB]

Look everyone wants to win a NBA championship but if it was so easy every one would have one. One thing in this playoffs has shown is that even teams with All Star players if you don't have a deep team and other very good players you are not getting close to a ring. So I would rather suck another year and then be set for several years and would hate just to sign some decent vets and finish sub 500 every year.....

Yeah, but you have zero guarantees tanking another year will set you for several years. that's the whole point. Allow me to take your argument and say that if that was so easy, every tanking team would win a ship. It's easier to get proven talent than getting talent in the draft.

I mean, if you tells me tanking another year guarantee you 100% to contend in 3 years, sure that's a no brainer but it's not written you're getting Flagg or he's gonna be that good anyway... Spurs have been sucking and drafting pretty high for 3 years in a row and besides Wemby don't really have anything to show for it. Imagine addind a couple more meh rookies the next 2 years...

Tanking another year then adding some more rookies, plus the one(s) this year, you'('ll have to develop for the next 4 years doesn't guarantee you anything. Then what do you do with guys like Blake and Branham?

then last but not least, it's not just about the spurs or us fans, but anout Wemby and what he'd be OK with. WIll he be OK to tank next year, then spend the next 4 in the midlle of a bunch of youngsters trying to be developped by a 75 y.o coach who seems unphased with today's NBA? I guarantee you he's not. If SPurs do'nt make the POs next year, the countdown has started.

[scott]

Question, would any of these rookies start for the spurs.

I was just thinking this myself. Do our draft picks get the Sochan treatment, or the Vassell/Primo treatment as rookies?

[z0sa]

^ if Dillingham is given the starter's reigns, he'd be worth it at #1. I'd even go as far as Topic at number one if we were sure of Pop's intent to get him plenty of minutes, but I don't think he will be given the keys from the start and will likely be benched for the most minute mistakes (if the drafted player is a PG and is the primary backup). I don't trust Pop with developing our point guards since he has an "easy" out with Tre who will gladly take any minutes he's given considering his talent (not hating on tre, just stating facts).

Best case would be trading for Trae Young and getting a wing who can defend and shoot, though, imho.

[KobesAchilles]

Unless you have Steph's incredible shooting skills, you're exposed as short, leading guard in the POs. none of these guys will get to the finals this year, if ever as a top dog... Kyie got a ring but that was 8 years ago and he was arguably a generational talent, if he ever had the head to go with his skills.

What you want is that long versatile guard/wing, to ring today, not a short guard. Looking at the last 6 or 7 NBA finalists and winners none of them had a starting 6'1 PG.. And this year:

- Suns are a first round out with Booker and Beal (both won't probably never make the finals).
- MIL with Lillard is in bad shape. Pretty sure they'll never ring with Lillard who never made the finals. Pacers won't ever make the finals with Haliburton as their starter either.
- NY with Brunson is 2-1 but that's because Embiid is ailing (and PHI might win the series) Pretty sure Brunson and Maxey will never make the finals as starters.
- NO is 0-3 with Zion out and CJ who who never saw and probably will never see the finals.
- MIN is in good shape but Ant is their real PG, Conley (who never made the finals) is basically a shooting guard and I do'nt beleive MIN make the finals either.
- Lakers are a first round out with Russel as PG who'got badly exposed again this year.
- Dallas is not making the finals with Kyrie either.

Now, Boston, OKC or Denver who are startigng taller PGs are title favorites.

I contradict myself because I wouldn't be against Trae but I do'nt believe spurs are ringing with him also. it's jsut that Wemby is badly needing help and start to play meaningfull/PO games. But between the two, because of size, I'd take Dejounte.
Lakers started Shrouder in 2020
Miami had a Lowry as a starter and Gabe Vincent too
Warriors had Curry
Cleveland had Kyrie
Spurs had TP
Raptors had Lowry
Phoenix has CP3
Heat had Chalmers

In fact, it's harder to find teams that made it to the finals that didn't have a short PG on their roster than teams that did. The Spurs can make a finals with Dilly if he is a Maxey type of player. Wemby is our alpha and our best player. He covers up a lot of sins with defense and really like I've been saying/proving PG defense is extremely overrated. You can win a chip with a bad PG defender. Only 3 championship teams in the last 25 years have been good defenders at PG and I believe it's 5 in the last 35 years.

[MultiTroll]

Lakers started Shrouder in 2020
Miami had a Lowry as a starter and Gabe Vincent too
Warriors had Curry
Cleveland had Kyrie
Spurs had TP
Raptors had Lowry
Phoenix has CP3
Heat had Chalmers

In fact, it's harder to find teams that made it to the finals that didn't have a short PG on their roster than teams that did. The Spurs can make a finals with Dilly if he is a Maxey type of player. Wemby is our alpha and our best player. He covers up a lot of sins with defense and really like I've been saying/proving PG defense is extremely overrated. You can win a chip with a bad PG defender. Only 3 championship teams in the last 25 years have been good defenders at PG and I believe it's 5 in the last 35 years.
All of those guards could score in the NBA. Can Dilly?

He shit the bed on O and D against #14 seed Oakland Michigan in the NCAA tourney.
Hey it's only one game and he's 19. But is he NBA offense ready and if not how much longer is it going to take?

[KobesAchilles]

All of those guards could score in the NBA. Can Dilly?

He shit the bed on O and D against #14 seed Oakland Michigan in the NCAA tourney.
Hey it's only one game and he's 19. But is he NBA offense ready and if not how much longer is it going to take?
I put zero stock in the tournament. With that fraud of a coach and a completely new team, who gives a fuck about KY losing in the first game. None of the top prospects did well in the tournament.

I think Dilly will score just fine. but I think he needs a mentor in Lowry, CP3, or Conley

[Mr. Body]

All of those guards could score in the NBA. Can Dilly?

He shit the bed on O and D against #14 seed Oakland Michigan in the NCAA tourney.
Hey it's only one game and he's 19. But is he NBA offense ready and if not how much longer is it going to take?

I've posted it before but he was really the most effective player for UK other than Reaves on a team where Cal didn't prepare them at all and didn't even call his first time out until seconds were left in the game.

He was the only player who could relatively keep up with Gohlke (no, not Sheppard) and, when the game was on the balance hit a tough three with a minute left to go when they were four down. The next possession Sheppard slow walked it up the court and launched a wild deep three. Dillingham never saw the ball again.

Not blaming Sheppard, either, but overall this zombie story of the game gets repeated mindlessly. You're actually blaming the player who tried to do the most and was actually doing something.

[MultiTroll]

I've posted it before but he was really the most effective player for UK other than Reaves on a team where Cal didn't prepare them at all and didn't even call his first time out until seconds were left in the game.

He was the only player who could relatively keep up with Gohlke (no, not Sheppard) and, when the game was on the balance hit a tough three with a minute left to go when they were four down. The next possession Sheppard slow walked it up the court and launched a wild deep three. Dillingham never saw the ball again.

Not blaming Sheppard, either, but overall this zombie story of the game gets repeated mindlessly. You're actually blaming the player who tried to do the most and was actually doing something.
Bravo on the tough trey.
That means otherwise he went 1-8 with 1-5 on treys.

[rascal]

Bravo on the tough trey.
That means otherwise he went 1-8 with 1-5 on treys.

This is the problem with Dillingham. If his shot isn't falling he doesn't do enough in the rest of his game to be impactful.

Castle is better because he will consistently positively impact the game in more areas.

[LeBowen]

This is the problem with Dillingham. If his shot isn't falling he doesn't do enough in the rest of his game to be impactful.

Castle is better because he will consistently positively impact the game in more areas.

He can't impact other areas as much if we don't have enough 3pt threats and spacing on the floor.

We need at least two elite and two solid shooters in the starting lineup if we're to actually win games.
Devin can be elite, Wemby will be solid, but Jeremy will still be a negative.
Tre's shooting also isn't good enough. It's not just about the percentages because he takes only wide open threes, mostly from the corner.
We need legit pull up threats off the dribble, it would unlock everything for Wemby.

If you want Castle, then Jeremy can't start. Simple as that.
We would need another elite 3pt threat alongside Devin and one more good 3pt shooter.

[rascal]

He can't impact other areas as much if we don't have enough 3pt threats and spacing on the floor.

We need at least two elite and two solid shooters in the starting lineup if we're to actually win games.
Devin can be elite, Wemby will be solid, but Jeremy will still be a negative.
Tre's shooting also isn't good enough. It's not just about the percentages because he takes only wide open threes, mostly from the corner.
We need legit pull up threats off the dribble, it would unlock everything for Wemby.

If you want Castle, then Jeremy can't start. Simple as that.
We would need another elite 3pt threat alongside Devin and one more good 3pt shooter.

Spurs still need a solid perimeter defender who will be a rotation piece and Castle will fit into that role. Sochan should not be viewed as the locked in pF with no chance for a future upgrade.

[LeBowen]

Spurs still need a solid perimeter defender who will be a rotation piece and Castle will fit into that role. Sochan should not be viewed as the locked in pF with no chance for a future upgrade.

How many guards that can't shoot do you see in these playoffs?
Then you look at this season's rookies.
Scoot and Thompson twins were projected as way better prospects. All of them not living up to the expectations because of one reason - outside shooting.
Amen is a freak athlete, already a great defender, has good bballiq but having no shot severely limits his impact.

It doesn't matter that Castle has great size for a guard, without a shot he's not getting anywhere unless others create for him.
Him being a bad FT shooter is a massive red flag, I'd never take such player in the lottery.

I just don't see the point of going for any of these guards with questionable shooting. Just get a wing instead and find a reliable veteran point guard until we find something better.
Getting a three level scorer like Dillingham would mean he can be a Lou/Clarkson type bench scorer even if he doesn't live up to the hype.
Getting a guard with no range means he's out of the league after his rookie contract.

And don't we have Wesley already?

[rascal]

How many guards that can't shoot do you see in these playoffs?
Then you look at this season's rookies.
Scoot and Thompson twins were projected as way better prospects. All of them not living up to the expectations because of one reason - outside shooting.
Amen is a freak athlete, already a great defender, has good bballiq but having no shot severely limits his impact.

It doesn't matter that Castle has great size for a guard, without a shot he's not getting anywhere unless others create for him.
Him being a bad FT shooter is a massive red flag, I'd never take such player in the lottery.

I just don't see the point of going for any of these guards with questionable shooting. Just get a wing instead and find a reliable veteran point guard until we find something better.
Getting a three level scorer like Dillingham would mean he can be a Lou/Clarkson type bench scorer even if he doesn't live up to the hype.
Getting a guard with no range means he's out of the league after his rookie contract.

And don't we have Wesley already?

There will be better wings in next year's draft. You can't draft a wing this year who isn't any better than the guard prospects with a deep wing class in next year's draft class.

Spurs may end up with a couple of top wings in next year's draft with a possible two or three top ten draft picks next year.

[NASpurs]

It's amazing how you can have a possible top 5 pick and your pickings are players with no offense/good defense or good offense/no defense. That's the kind of shit you find in mid to late lottery in a good year.

Good thing we were tanking for these types of questionable players.

[NASpurs]

It seems like be another year of drafting another role player with a lottery pick. How many of these guys can one team have? :lol Middle of the road dudes who aren't particularly good at one thing.

[LeBowen]

There will be better wings in next year's draft. You can't draft a wing this year who isn't any better than the guard prospects with a deep wing class in next year's draft class.

The thing is that we need a lot of wings. And even though we'll have 4 or 5 picks in these two drafts, not all of them will be good. It's just how things are.

By wings, I'm referring to three off the ball perimeter position. In my eyes, modern basketball should be split between three roles. Playmaker, wing, big.
Ideally, we could find the next Magic/Lebron and have a supersized lineup with three wings and a wing playmaker next to Wemby.

Anyhow, right now our wing rotation is disgustingly bad. I'd dare to say the worst in the league outside of teams that are just starting to tank.
Devin and Jeremy are the only two players likely to be on the roster for the foreseeable future, but not even they are guaranteed to stay.
Champagnie and Mamu are third stringers on a playoff team, I'm not sure Sidy ever makes it and Branham is a scrub if you ask me.
Keldon needs to be traded this summer while he still has value and before teams realize he's a negative IQ, traffic cone chucker.

X/Tre
Devin/Malaki
X/Champ
Jeremy/Mamu
Wemby/X

That's my view of the rotation for the next season.
Tre, Malaki, Champ and Mamu will have the chance to prove themselves they're worth keeping past the next season.
Barlow and Collins will probably stay as Wemby backups, but not in long term plans.

We replace scrubs that are on trial during or after the next season.


It seems like be another year of drafting another role player with a lottery pick. How many of these guys can one team have? :lol Middle of the road dudes who aren't particularly good at one thing.

Every draft has all-stars picked outside the lottery, it's the hard part of front office job.
Once upon a time I'd have no doubt that PATFO would select the best player even in the worst draft, but I'm not so sure these days.

[spurraider21]

This is the problem with Dillingham. If his shot isn't falling he doesn't do enough in the rest of his game to be impactful.

Castle is better because he will consistently positively impact the game in more areas.
defensively, sure. offensively, he doesnt shoot. he doesnt regularly apply rim pressure. and he's a fine but not a great passer.

[Mr. Body]

This is the problem with Dillingham. If his shot isn't falling he doesn't do enough in the rest of his game to be impactful.

Castle is better because he will consistently positively impact the game in more areas.

Maybe. But Dillingham has been a big scorer at every level. It's not a Risacher-type sudden and short-lived burst in efficiency. He also has elite handles for his age, is a good passer, and puts a lot of immediate pressure on the lane because he is so quick with very shifty, advanced moves.

[objective]

Juan Nunez is officially in the draft. I love him as a second rounder but he might go first.

Better passer than Topic, respectable size. Bad shooting as a lefty while really being a righty.

He's absurdly good with a high IQ for reading the floor ... He just shoots like a tool and that might never get better

[sfernald]

Juan Nunez is officially in the draft. I love him as a second rounder but he might go first.

Better passer than Topic, respectable size. Bad shooting as a lefty while really being a righty.

He's absurdly good with a high IQ for reading the floor ... He just shoots like a tool and that might never get better

sounds like a Spur!

[Knoxxx]

It seems like be another year of drafting another role player with a lottery pick. How many of these guys can one team have? :lol Middle of the road dudes who aren't particularly good at one thing.

says the guy with the Sochan profile picture!??

[NASpurs]

says the guy with the Sochan profile picture!??

My avatars are always tongue in cheek. I had Brian Wrong for a while. :lol

[BackHome]

Juan Nunez is officially in the draft. I love him as a second rounder but he might go first.

Better passer than Topic, respectable size. Bad shooting as a lefty while really being a righty.

He's absurdly good with a high IQ for reading the floor ... He just shoots like a tool and that might never get better

I remember watching some vid on this kid and was blown away I was like how come he is not mocked at all in first round. And then I looked a little deeper and My God his shooting is terrible and even his free throw percentage is terrible. I am like how can you be a PG in any league and be so bad at basic shooting..?

He makes Topic look like Steph Curry compared to him..............

[heyheymymy]

I remember watching some vid on this kid and was blown away I was like how come he is not mocked at all in first round. And then I looked a little deeper and My God his shooting is terrible and even his free throw percentage is terrible. I am like how can you be a PG in any league and be so bad at basic shooting..?

He makes Topic look like Steph Curry compared to him..............

I am intrigued by Nuñez but like all his offense is drives zero shooting at all it's wild but his passing is quite crafty though.

Forget Topic, just wait for Pop to grab the Russian version in 2026 by drafting Egor Demin lol 6'7 SG/PG with size athleticism 3PT shooting, strong finishes around the rim, passing and defense. Russian Topic coming 2026 lol

[BackHome]

Dude, if we were able to get him and Tre Johnson and Hugo Gonzales - I would seriously probably cry tears of joy on draft night. And if for some crazy reason we end up getting Flagg or Harper, man I would probably have a heart attack from me jumping up and down screaming

[SpursBills]

The number of promising wings next year so far is actually pretty nuts. A lot of these guys may be proven to be frauds, but Gonzalez, Liam McNeely, Isaiah Evans, Drake Powell, and Dink Pate all offer some combination of shooting, defense, and playmaking that I like better than most if not all the wings in this draft. That's not even counting Flagg or Ace.

[Ariel]

The number of promising wings next year so far is actually pretty nuts. A lot of these guys may be proven to be frauds, but Gonzalez, Liam McNeely, Isaiah Evans, Drake Powell, and Dink Pate all offer some combination of shooting, defense, and playmaking that I like better than most if not all the wings in this draft. That's not even counting Flagg or Ace.
Have not watched any of them, but it's somewhat reassuring in case the Toronto pick doesn't convey. And if it does and the Spurs don't LOVE two picks now, could be offering to trade down for future swap rights (even protected -very lightly-) or lessened protections (say, swap 7/8 with Chicago for 11 in exchange for unprotecting their in '25 or '26, likewise with Charlotte).

[rascal]

Have not watched any of them, but it's somewhat reassuring in case the Toronto pick doesn't convey. And if it does and the Spurs don't LOVE two picks now, could be offering to trade down for future swap rights (even protected -very lightly-) or lessened protections (say, swap 7/8 with Chicago for 11 in exchange for unprotecting their in '25 or '26, likewise with Charlotte).

Doubt any team will unprotect their draft pick. Has that even ever happen with any team?

[Knoxxx]

Spurs still need a solid perimeter defender who will be a rotation piece and Castle will fit into that role. Sochan should not be viewed as the locked in pF with no chance for a future upgrade.

Sochan is a SF.

[heyheymymy]

Dude, if we were able to get him and Tre Johnson and Hugo Gonzales - I would seriously probably cry tears of joy on draft night. And if for some crazy reason we end up getting Flagg or Harper, man I would probably have a heart attack from me jumping up and down screaming

That's crazy, have been looking at 2025 draft this weekend for the first deep dive and those were my targets as well. Demin, Tre Johnson, and Gonzales. Would be a total heist. Tre Johnson looks like Spurs material 100% and going to be a Longhorn too. Great interviews, just seems chill and easy going personality. Smooth length and good size at 6-6. The three would be a size matchup nightmare at 6-7, 6-6 and 6-7 backcourt and wing lol. wow.

haha they say Egor Demin is 6-8 but then again they're Russians, they'll say anything they want lol I put him at 6-7 just to be sure but the eye test is real, he looks huge, def at least 6-7 no doubt, by my eyes.

I also like that Z-man Ivisic as a Zollins replacement.


Demin/Sheppard/Wesley
Vassell/Tre Johnson/Branham
Gonzales/Sochan/Keldon Johnson
Markkanen/Mamu
Wemby/Ivisic

lol starting 5 is all different nationalities: Russian, American, Spanish, Finnish, and French. Spurs back to the multi nation army lol plus a Georgian and a Croatian. A Polish Brit.

[heyheymymy]

NCAA is going to insane next season. A few teams will be like borderline Globetrotter Dream Teams. Look at Duke front court lol Maluach/Flagg plus Evans what? Rutgers with the Dylan Harper + Ace Bailey duo. Will be interesting to see what Calipari does with Arkansas. Fland/Knox/Ivisic core is substantial but Cal kinda sucks and stole them all from UK lol.

Maluach is an insane big. 7+ footer that can shoot the triple lol. Crazy tape from the NBA Academy Africa games on him. Can't see teams sweating picking Clingan or Edey with that coming next year.

2025 draft is just loaded. It's almost unfair. So many solid contributors possible and really makes 2024 look frightful.

[Vienna]

NCAA is going to insane next season. A few teams will be like borderline Globetrotter Dream Teams. Look at Duke front court lol Maluach/Flagg plus Evans what? Rutgers with the Dylan Harper + Ace Bailey duo. Will be interesting to see what Calipari does with Arkansas. Fland/Knox/Ivisic core is substantial but Cal kinda sucks and stole them all from UK lol.

Maluach is an insane big. 7+ footer that can shoot the triple lol. Crazy tape from the NBA Academy Africa games on him. Can't see teams sweating picking Clingan or Edey with that coming next year.

2025 draft is just loaded. It's almost unfair. So many solid contributors possible and really makes 2024 look frightful.

we saw so many draft classes in the past, that were announced as loaded the year before and turned out average at best.
remember 2010? in 2009 they called it a super deep class with a lot upcoming star power, but it ended up as one of the weakest classes of the last 20 years.
Xavier, Bradley, Favors, Henson, Sidney, Hamilton, Boynton, Plumlee......some of those highly hyped kids didn't even make it to the NBA.
(only Wall and Cousins from the top ranked prospects of that class finally made some noise in the NBA.)
so let the kids play some competitive games first, where they can't dunk on some boy scouts two feet smaller and then decide about the real potential of a draft class.
Andrew Wiggins, Rudy Gay, Harrison Barnes, Barandon Jennings, Shabazz, Nerlens Noel, OJ Mayo (and some dozens more on an endless list) had been called gererational talents at some point.

[heyheymymy]

Ivisic already played NCAA half of the last season for Kentucky so you at least got a glimpse already though shortened by eligibility issues. Maluach has already been playing in Africa, granted. Looks like Hugo already plays for Real Madrid Spanish Professional League and Euroleague, Demin too U18. Most of my targets aren't NCAA anyway.

I agree with your point but most of the guys I mentioned do have some tape already and it's enough for me to get excited for. Even the NCAA ones that haven't played yet, 2025 is pretty unanimously viewed as uniquely talented and sure some will inevitably bust but it seems fair to already have some names on your radar in this likely unprecedented instance. I think everyone here knows it's a future draft thread so by nature initial takes and vague preliminary stances subject to change and not hard commits staking claims.

Good call to reserve and not rush to anything I agree that should be taken into account and I do think everything in here is taken with a grain of salt. While very abstract you can still get excited about potential without fully deciding until you see more.

[SouthernFryd]

X/Tre
Devin/Malaki
X/Champ
Jeremy/Mamu
Wemby/X

This is what I'm thinking as well. I would just switch Mamu and Sochan. I want to see Mamu start next to Wemby.

If we could get Dillinger and Risacher to fill in the starting X'...that would be cool :)