Random Thoughts After Spurs Land Two Lottery Picks in the 2024 NBA Draft

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/thoughts-spurs-4th-8th-nba-draft/

[Rosewood]

Totally agree with Risacher and Dillingham. That would be the ideal picks. And neither taking top 3 money? Perfect situation.

[Knoxxx]

Good except for what if Spurs take a wing then Topic, Dilly, Sheppard go 5-7?

Seems we need to go ahead and pocket one of those Gs to be safe.

Then, we are choosing between Buzelis, Castle, Holland, Williams, Knecht at 8. Only one of whom could go at 7.

Now, if you can convince me that there is zero chance that those 3 Gs go 5-7, I would believe we can take a wing at 4 rather than a G.

[baseline bum]

I don't see how Clingan to Houston makes much sense. Why would they want to pull Sengun away from the basket?

[Spurs Homer]

To my eyes…

dillingham and buzelis are the two best players for this spurs team…

or

trade both for an all star

[Ariel]

I don't see Washington taking Clingan, my guess is they take a big swing. Right now I'm leaning Sarr (unlikely to be there, but still), Buzelis or Topic. The last 2 have great positional size and display very good ball handling and playmaking skills, both need to work on their shooting but their form isn't terrible and there are some positive indicators (FT% for Topic, HS shooting splits for Buzelis). If anyone is high on Clingan (Houston?) they likely trade down, so I wouldn't assume one of the 3 picks above the Spurs are used on him.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Nice write up!

[Mugen]

timvp Copying my thoughts from the lottery thread tbh :lol

[Knoxxx]

I don't see Washington taking Clingan, my guess is they take a big swing. Right now I'm leaning Sarr (unlikely to be there, but still), Buzelis or Topic. The last 2 have great positional size and display very good ball handling and playmaking skills, both need to work on their shooting but their form isn't terrible and there are some positive indicators (FT% for Topic, HS shooting splits for Buzelis). If anyone is high on Clingan (Houston?) they likely trade down, so I wouldn't assume one of the 3 picks above the Spurs are used on him.

I would like to think Clingan will at least go top 7. Which reinforces my belief we should take the best G at 4, then hopefully a SF on the taller side at 8. Buzelis or Williams, which aligns with Timvp’s big board 1.0 quite well actually. Being that he was much higher on Williams than most. Knecht and Castle see more roster fit issues since Vassell is our SG and those two are smaller to play SF. Holland has question marks, especially shooting, albeit prototypical SF size at least.

One issue I see us needing to address is PF, but that could wait until 25 draft and we get by with Sochan, Barlow, and Mamu there for one more season. I actually only like Sochan at PF in small ball lineups, SF otherwise. But having another legit 6-8 SF aids roster flexibility in seeking more postionless-capable players.

[Trueblood]

Good stuff here. Thanks for the writeup. What I'd personally like to see is a trade with OKC. I think Giddy would be a better choice than the guys in the draft because he's had a few years in the league, he would be ready to start day 1, and still fits the age timeline. He doesn't fit in OKC and they've been trying to force him into the 3 to play alongside SGA and Williams, but it doesn't work. He's too good to be their backup and his biggest weakness (defense) could be covered up by Wemby.

The question is what would OKC want? Something like 4 and Trey for Giddy and 12 gives them a good backup guard and moves them up 8 spots all for a guy who seems pretty expendable. I think that they would prefer Keldon since he would be a better fit on their roster and is a win now player. If that was the case maybe Keldon and 8 for Giddy and 12.

Either way I think Giddy is the way to go. Tons of potential, pass first, pick and roll nightmare with Wemby. He is basically what they hope Topic will be in 3 years (but with admittedly worse defense). He's much more coachable than Young and would be a lot cheaper. Just my opinion though.

[vy65]

I don't see Washington taking Clingan, my guess is they take a big swing. Right now I'm leaning Sarr (unlikely to be there, but still), Buzelis or Topic. The last 2 have great positional size and display very good ball handling and playmaking skills, both need to work on their shooting but their form isn't terrible and there are some positive indicators (FT% for Topic, HS shooting splits for Buzelis). If anyone is high on Clingan (Houston?) they likely trade down, so I wouldn't assume one of the 3 picks above the Spurs are used on him.

Clingan makes a lot of sense for WAS, arguably more so than Topic. They literally don’t have a center. At point, at least they have Tyus.

[Trueblood]

I don't see how Clingan to Houston makes much sense. Why would they want to pull Sengun away from the basket?

Cosign. I've been saying the same thing while reading all these mocks

[Ariel]

Clingan makes a lot of sense for WAS, arguably more so than Topic. They literally don’t have a center. At point, at least they have Tyus.
You're thinking next season, they're not. By the time they're done tanking, probably only Coulibaly and Avdija are still on the team.

[John B]

Thanks for the write up. It’s the best that Spurs could hope for without the price of a top pick. The only downside is the Hawks getting #1, but them going top 6 pushed Tor out, so it could be a necessarily evil. The combine and individual workouts would play a huge part. I’m sure everybody would love to play their career alongside Wemby. I’m hoping other players would force their way to Spurs, and that’s even a good problem. It’s going to be a busy Summer.

[Knoxxx]

I don’t like Clingan at all, he got wrecked by Edey. Doesn’t space the floor at all. Most of the same flaws as Edey gets dinged for, minus the post up game. A bit more mobile yes, but not someone I see stepping out to guard the 3 point line. Clingan’s presence in the draft as a high potential pick is the best thing I see about him.

[barakz21]

So we can get 2 among Risacher, Matas, Topic, Castle, Dilly, Sheppard. I got my fingers crossed we get Risacher, but among the guards the one that interests me is Sheppard. Kid is pesky on D (not really a stopper though, more along the lines of a Patty Mills), and has 3pt shooting. Question is, is he closer to Jimmer, or Curry? Seems like a good comps, for both best and worse case scenario. ALSO, I don’t really watch college bball, so pardon me for the ignorance.

[DAF86]

Good except for what if Spurs take a wing then Topic, Dilly, Sheppard go 5-7?

Seems we need to go ahead and pocket one of those Gs to be safe.

Then, we are choosing between Buzelis, Castle, Holland, Williams, Knecht at 8. Only one of whom could go at 7.

Now, if you can convince me that there is zero chance that those 3 Gs go 5-7, I would believe we can take a wing at 4 rather than a G.

Very unlikely.

#5 is Detroit. They have Cade and Ivey, they won't draft a PG. Buzellis to the Pistons is one of the most common picks in all mocks.

#6 Hornets. Lamello.

#7 Blazers. Scoot, Sharpe and Simmons. They aren't getting a PG.

It is very likely that, at least, 2 of Dilly, Sheppard and Topic are available at #8.

[Mr. Body]

I'd be very surprised to see Clingan get nabbed by Washington OR Houston. Canvassing the Washington boards, they are heavily into a point - likely Topic - and Clingan would just get in Sengun's way. Houston badly needs shooting. I see the Rockets taking either Risacher or Sheppard. Sheppard feels like a great fit next to a big guard like Amen.

My outside bet right now for the Spurs is Buzelis. I realize his shooting really disappointed, but Ignite was a horrible environment for all their players. He was a good shooter in high school. He has the size, the speed and agility, and skillset that could help slot into the starting lineup. I hope they don't go for Risacher. Simply too limited a player this high.

Then it's to see who is there at 8. If the top four go Sarr-Topic-(Risacher/Sheppard)-Buzelis, then at 8 there will be a Castle, Sheppard, or Dillingham left. I don't think DET-CHA-POR will take Dillingham at all. I'm not sure the Spurs would, either, but if he tops out as a super bench scorer and not a starter, taking him at 8 is much more palatable.

[offset formation]

You're thinking next season, they're not. By the time they're done tanking, probably only Coulibaly and Avdija are still on the team.

Would love to send #8, a couple seconds, and Tre to Washington for Coulibaly. Along with Wemby and Cissoko you've got 3 Frenchies right there.

Make this a French Connection team. Add in the potential draft of Sarr , Risacher, or Salaun and perhaps a play for Ousmane Dieng from OKC.

[MultiTroll]

timvp (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8) Copying my thoughts from the lottery thread tbh :lol
Were your thoughts random?

[offset formation]

I think landing two top ten selections this year just sealed at least two, but probably three current roster players are gone. Lots of possibilities depending on how they see the roster shaping around Wemby but...

I see Keldon, Branham, Tre, and Collins as 3 of the 4 most likely to get moved as they have the best current trade value.

Or maybe they go with Graham, Bassey, and Champagnie instead since all those 3 are on expiring non fully-guaranteed contracts. Or perhaps it means some combination of the above and one of Cedi or Sandro aren't brought back because neither is under contract.

Interesting times ahead for PATFO.

I hope they don't keep any malcontents around though like Rudy Gay evidently was though, if any exist on this current roster

[scott]

I can definitely see the Spurs bringing 18 contracts into camp and figuring it out from there. Plenty of non-guaranteed deals on this roster or guys who are easy enough to move off of (Branham, Wesley) if they are clearly beaten out by someone else. I'm not overly concerned about a roster logjam, the back half of the roster isn't talented enough to worry about.

[kobyz]

I can see Atlanta trading down and take Castle while also trading Murray

[SpursGenius]

Very unlikely.

#5 is Detroit. They have Cade and Ivey, they won't draft a PG. Buzellis to the Pistons is one of the most common picks in all mocks.

#6 Hornets. Lamello.

#7 Blazers. Scoot, Sharpe and Simmons. They aren't getting a PG.

It is very likely that, at least, 2 of Dilly, Sheppard and Topic are available at #8.
This. Refreshing to see brains actually post. The idiots saying take a point with 4 have no clue. I think at 4 we have to target risacher or Matas B. I hope we get shep or dilly at 8 then. Either will be great. Don’t want topic. He has bust all over him. Can’t shoot or jump. I would rather take Castle as PG.

[Vienna]

no one has an idea, what the Hawks are going to do and I think they don't either.
I can see them exploring deals around the #1 pick, would be bad business if the didn't.
in a theoretically scenario they might try to solve their back court issues and get a win now player.
but yes, if they just use the pick, that would likely be Sarr, he is an upgrade to Capela, even if he doesn't reach a best case scenario.

Wizards will likely pick a guard, if it's Topic, that's fine with me. but maybe they reach for Castle?
they had the worst defense in the league (or one of the worst, however you look at it), so adressing that issue isn't without reason.
Castle is the only higher ranked guard, who is projected as a good to very good defender in the NBA.

Rockets might also explore trade options around the pick. if they use it, I can't see them use it on a forward.
considering the uncertainty around Adams they might think Clingan, but a #3 pick for a back up seems much to high.
so they might go for a guard as well.

this all opens a good chance that Risacher will be there for pick #4. if he is, I'm pretty sure they pick him. would be a good situation for him, not having the burden of a top 3 selection.

so the other pick will be a guard. my favorite at this spot is McCain, but yes, I can see that there are (or will be) several other options.
I think not all three of Pistons, Blazers, Hornets will pick guards, they will look at Cody Williams, Buzelis and Holland, so there will be plenty of options for the Spurs.
there are for sure reasonable scenarios, where either Dillingham, Sheppard, Castle and McCain are available for the 8th pick.

[benefactor]

I can definitely see the Spurs bringing 18 contracts into camp and figuring it out from there. Plenty of non-guaranteed deals on this roster or guys who are easy enough to move off of (Branham, Wesley) if they are clearly beaten out by someone else. I'm not overly concerned about a roster logjam, the back half of the roster isn't talented enough to worry about.
Agreed. People seem to have it stuck in their heads we keeping this bag of dicks that is this current roster along with the incoming draft picks. As the Spurs build a contender the bulk of them will be long gone

[kobyz]

Why no one talking about Terrence Shannon best player in the draft?

[CGD]

I'd be very surprised to see Clingan get nabbed by Washington OR Houston. Canvassing the Washington boards, they are heavily into a point - likely Topic - and Clingan would just get in Sengun's way. Houston badly needs shooting. I see the Rockets taking either Risacher or Sheppard. Sheppard feels like a great fit next to a big guard like Amen.

My outside bet right now for the Spurs is Buzelis. I realize his shooting really disappointed, but Ignite was a horrible environment for all their players. He was a good shooter in high school. He has the size, the speed and agility, and skillset that could help slot into the starting lineup. I hope they don't go for Risacher. Simply too limited a player this high.

Then it's to see who is there at 8. If the top four go Sarr-Topic-(Risacher/Sheppard)-Buzelis, then at 8 there will be a Castle, Sheppard, or Dillingham left. I don't think DET-CHA-POR will take Dillingham at all. I'm not sure the Spurs would, either, but if he tops out as a super bench scorer and not a starter, taking him at 8 is much more palatable.

I agree with most of this.

Houston and Shepherd makes too much sense. I don’t think they take discount Jabari Parker in Risacher. Dilly with Green, two chuckers, also make little sense. But i can see this as a Clingan home given their recent interest in Steven Adams (I’ve read that elsewhere). Sengun can’t hold down the C alone.

The Buzelus v Richaser decision at 4 will be closer than we think. I favor Zach at the moment, but it’s close. If the Spurs think they can fix Matas’ shot, it’ll be hard to pass on him given everything else he brings.

[Big Empty]

I see the Spurs taking Castle or Risacher at 4, trading the 8th & ATL’s picks back for Murray. Then we just need a scrappy back up center that can give other large frontlines problems & to hold it down when Wemby is on the bench

[exstatic]

I see the Spurs taking Castle or Risacher at 4, trading the 8th & ATL’s picks back for Murray. Then we just need a scrappy back up center that can give other large frontlines problems & to hold it down when Wemby is on the bench

F that. They’re not getting those picks back.

[JPB]

Agreed. People seem to have it stuck in their heads we keeping this bag of dicks that is this current roster along with the incoming draft picks. As the Spurs build a contender the bulk of them will be long gone

Probably, and I can't predict what they're gonna do, but I'm not sure they're gonna give up on Branham and Wesley that easily, which would be 2 lost picks only after 2 years, even though they were 20s pick...

I don't know where both could have been picked this year (maybe lottery) but if spurs pick another two who happen to be meh in an average dradt, that becomes a problem and that's where the "proven talent vs. picks" debate chimes in, and why picks have lost trade value throughout the year in the NBA (and why teams have to heavily pack them to get a star in return)... If you keep "losing" picks on players who won't do it, you not only don't improve the roster but degrade your trading abilities.

That's also what a team like Detroit must be thnking and I ofc do hope whoever spurs would pick this year would succeed, but I also believe trading one or two of the picks for provent talent (or a star in a bigger trade) to improve this team around Wemby is definitely something PATFO won't exclude.

[SouthernFryd]

Here's a view basically NO ONE is talking about.

These picks I'm hearing about, would virtually guarantee the Spurs would stay near, or at, the bottom of the league in Defense. Getting old watching every commentator focus on Offense.
The Spurs biggest issue was Defense. They had none. This makes it even worse.

You don't win playoff games without Defense. Repeat...you DON'T win playoff games without Defense. Just look at the defensive rankings of the teams in the playoffs now. 3 of the Top 4 defensive teams are STILL IN THE PLAYOFFS. The other is ranked 11.

The Spurs Defense in the league? #26

"Lets focus on offense, we need more scoring." Grrrr...lol

Basically, these picks would put all the pressure for D on Wemby. SMH

[Dhbsr555]

I see the Spurs taking Castle or Risacher at 4, trading the 8th & ATL’s picks back for Murray. Then we just need a scrappy back up center that can give other large frontlines problems & to hold it down when Wemby is on the bench
So what you’re basically saying is we giving Atlanta all their picks back plus 8 for Murray … gtfoh

[LeBowen]

Here's a view basically NO ONE is talking about.

These picks I'm hearing about, would virtually guarantee the Spurs would stay near, or at, the bottom of the league in Defense. Getting old watching every commentator focus on Offense.
The Spurs biggest issue was Defense. They had none. This makes it even worse.

You don't win playoff games without Defense. Repeat...you DON'T win playoff games without Defense. Just look at the defensive rankings of the teams in the playoffs now. 3 of the Top 4 defensive teams are STILL IN THE PLAYOFFS. The other is ranked 11.

The Spurs Defense in the league? #26

"Lets focus on offense, we need more scoring." Grrrr...lol

Basically, these picks would put all the pressure for D on Wemby. SMH

The problem is that we need shooting as much as we need defense.

Right now, Wemby's supporting cast is as follows:
Elite shooters: none.
Very good shooters: Devin.
Servicable shooters: Champagnie, Keldon, Tre, Malaki.
Bad or non-shooters: everyone else.

Elite defenders: none.
Very good defenders: none.
Servicable defenders: Devin, Jeremy, Tre, Wesley.
Bad or useless defenders: everyone else.

That's why I don't get the takes about Risacher not being able to create for himself.
If his potential is an elite 3-D guy, that's perfect. We don't need five creators on the floor. We got Devin and Wemby, get a triple threat point guard and two wings can be 3-D guys.

[Mr. Body]

Why no one talking about Terrence Shannon best player in the draft?

Because he's on trial for rape?

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Rockets are going to take a point. Not sure why this is debatable. FVV's deal ends after this season (well, team option). They can grab a guy to be the sixth man this year and then take the reigns next season. Let FVV walk or trade him to someone interested.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

I see the Spurs taking Castle or Risacher at 4, trading the 8th & ATL’s picks back for Murray. Then we just need a scrappy back up center that can give other large frontlines problems & to hold it down when Wemby is on the bench

Worst take on the thread. We aren't giving Atlanta all that loot for DJM. Those future ATL picks could be lotto picks at a time when we'll need cheap deals. You can't part with those like that.

Not sure why people are panicking about ATL getting the #1 this season. There's no one in this draft that is going to put them over the top in the east. They'll be on the outside looking in again next year, barring some other unforeseen trade this summer.

[BatManu20]

Here's to hoping Sarr ends up being a bust. ATL is still going to trade one of Trae or DJM this off-season cause that backcourt just doesn't work. Prob DJM.

Think the Spurs end up taking Risacher or Buzelis at 4, and then the best guard available at 8. Time will tell. The draft combine this week will help paint a better picture.

[rascal]

Here's to hoping Sarr ends up being a bust. ATL is still going to trade one of Trae or DJM this off-season cause that backcourt just doesn't work. Prob DJM.

Think the Spurs take Risacher or Buzelis at 4 and then the best guard available at 8. Time will tell. The draft combine this week will paint a better picture.

Sarr won't be a bust. More likely he'll be a lot better than Spurstsalk expects.

[BatManu20]

Also, the more I think about it, the more I think the Rockets will take Topic at 3 if Washington doesn't jump on him at 2. FVV isn't a long term solution for them, they need a PG of the future. And having FVV for 1-2 more years would allow Topic time to develop behind him instead of forcing him to play right away. Would be a pretty good situation for him tbh with Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr, Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, etc . Wiz may not even let him get there though.

[BatManu20]

Sarr won't be a bust. More likely he'll be a lot better than Spurstsalk expects.

Don't think hell be a bust either. At the very least, he'll be a big time defender. I hope it takes him a little longer to develop offensively though.

[Mugen]

Also, the more I think about it, the more I think the Rockets will take Topic at 3 if Washington doesn't jump on him at 2. FVV isn't a long term solution for them, they need a PG of the future. And having FVV for 1-2 more years would allow Topic time to develop behind him instead go having to to force him to play right away. Would be a pretty good situation for him tbh. Wiz may not even let him get there though.

Almost zero chance they take Topic. Amen already fills the PG of the future who cant shoot role.

I think the pick is 50/50 Sheppard v Clingan tbh. They're gonna look at their division + West and see Wemby, Zion, and Joker and realize they'll need a true big to guard them which is why I ultimately think it'll be Clingan.

I do think the Wizards go Topic tbh.

[rascal]

Is Topic really a great fit for the Spurs?
A below the rim player who doesn't shoot well who's offense is hoping to beat slower shorter players with layups.

With Wemby there is Wemby going to step aside for Topic's layups to the rim?

Defense can just pack the paint when Topic has the ball.

Really hope the Spurs are not going to draft Topic. What a boring player

[BatManu20]

Almost zero chance they take Topic. Amen already fills the PG of the future who cant shoot role.

I think the pick is 50/50 Sheppard v Clingan tbh. They're gonna look at their division + West and see Wemby, Zion, and Joker and realize they'll need a true big to guard them which is why I ultimately think it'll be Clingan.

I do think the Wizards go Topic tbh.

You may be right. Clingan was my initial lean for their pick, but #3 just seems a little high for an old school archetype Center like him. HOU does need interior defense though, especially in this division as you mentioned, so in a shitty draft like this, maybe 3 is just fine for him. Sheppard would be an okay pick I guess, he's just fucking small at 6'2. #3 would be really high for him imo, but then again who knows in this shitty draft. If it comes down to those two, I think they go Clingan. Much safer pick imo.

[kobyz]

Because he's on trial for rape?

He still worth a gamble at #8

[TimmehC]

lol Spurs are not going anywhere near Shannon after the Pr*mo debacle. I doubt he even interviews or works out with them.

[Mr. Body]

He still worth a gamble at #8

LMAO

[Truckules]

Here's to hoping Sarr ends up being a bust. ATL is still going to trade one of Trae or DJM this off-season cause that backcourt just doesn't work. Prob DJM.

Think the Spurs end up taking Risacher or Buzelis at 4, and then the best guard available at 8. Time will tell. The draft combine this week will help paint a better picture.

They're absolutely trading Dejounte and not Trae. If they trade Trae, their offense is going to have to run through Dejounte, and Spurs fans already know what that's like. Trading Trae means a full rebuild, but they don't have their picks so that doesn't make sense.

[JPB]

You don't win playoff games without Defense. Repeat...you DON'T win playoff games without Defense. Just look at the defensive rankings of the teams in the playoffs now. 3 of the Top 4 defensive teams are STILL IN THE PLAYOFFS. The other is ranked 11.


3 of the top 4 offensive teams (regular season) are still in the POs. 7th ranked also is. (could be 4/4 without Bucks injuries)... Next round should be interesting, as potentially as #1, 2 and 7 offenses (Pacers, Celtics, Mavericks) could be in conferences finals.

(Superior) talent is what wins ships, and mostly offensive superior talent today. You still need defense ofc but as the MIN-DEN series shows, POs are more about team defense and adjustments.

[spurraider21]

I don’t like Clingan at all, he got wrecked by Edey. Doesn’t space the floor at all. Most of the same flaws as Edey gets dinged for, minus the post up game. A bit more mobile yes, but not someone I see stepping out to guard the 3 point line. Clingan’s presence in the draft as a high potential pick is the best thing I see about him.
I like Clingan but i agree that he is primarily valuable to the spurs as somebody who may get drafted ahead of guys we actually want

[JPB]

Almost zero chance they take Topic. Amen already fills the PG of the future who cant shoot role.

I think the pick is 50/50 Sheppard v Clingan tbh. They're gonna look at their division + West and see Wemby, Zion, and Joker and realize they'll need a true big to guard them which is why I ultimately think it'll be Clingan.

I do think the Wizards go Topic tbh.

That Chet guy doesn't look bad either. But that's a good point.

[4lifecowboy]

1 Because he isnt the best player in this draft. 2 We don't need a Devin clone.

[exstatic]

lol Spurs are not going anywhere near Shannon after the Pr*mo debacle. I doubt he even interviews or works out with them.

Same with Miles Bridges, even though he’s unrestricted and the right archetype.

[2centsworth]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcK2tenHH5Y

Good content.

[baseline bum]

Almost zero chance they take Topic. Amen already fills the PG of the future who cant shoot role.

I think the pick is 50/50 Sheppard v Clingan tbh. They're gonna look at their division + West and see Wemby, Zion, and Joker and realize they'll need a true big to guard them which is why I ultimately think it'll be Clingan.

I do think the Wizards go Topic tbh.

Yeah Amen is everything Topic is plus elite defense and athleticism.

[baseline bum]

Rockets are going to take a point. Not sure why this is debatable. FVV's deal ends after this season (well, team option). They can grab a guy to be the sixth man this year and then take the reigns next season. Let FVV walk or trade him to someone interested.

The Rockets have a point way better than anyone else in this draft in Amen Thompson.

[Mugen]

That Chet guy doesn't look bad either. But that's a good point.

I don't think you'll need a traditional big to guard Chet tbh but yeah add him to the list. KAT as well I guess.


Yeah Amen is everything Topic is plus elite defense and athleticism.

Amen doesn't have the handle, the playmaking, nor the BBIQ that Topic has. I also think Topic eventually figures out a 3pt shoot to the point he's above average in that regard. Amen is the better prospect as a 99th percentile athlete but I'd be shocked if ever becomes an average shooter in the league tbh.

[Manuismyhomeboy]

We need this skill set so bad!

[CorrectCrusader]

https://twitter.com/noceilingsnba/status/1790020736309997794

[rascal]

I don't think you'll need a traditional big to guard Chet tbh but yeah add him to the list. KAT as well I guess.



Amen doesn't have the handle, the playmaking, nor the BBIQ that Topic has. I also think Topic eventually figures out a 3pt shoot to the point he's above average in that regard. Amen is the better prospect as a 99th percentile athlete but I'd be shocked if ever becomes an average shooter in the league tbh.

BBIQ how do you figure one guy has BBIQ and another guy doesn't? White players are always seen as having high BBIQ.

[CorrectCrusader]

Castle is apparently 6'2 lmao wtf

[PhantomDashCam]

From Hoopshype:

https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-draft-lottery-intel-whats-next-for-each-team/


Following Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie of the Year campaign, armed with a projected $20-26 million in cap space (https://hoopshype.com/lists/2024-cap-space-landscape-the-outlook-for-each-nba-team/), and now four picks in this year’s draft (4, 8, 35, 48), the San Antonio Spurs are positioning themselves to improve around their franchise cornerstone.When asked by HoopsHype’s Cyro Asseo de Choch (https://hoopshype.com/author/cyroasseo/) if the Spurs plan on being aggressive to improve the team now, Spurs executive Brian Wright replied, “I think that’s always the strategy. We want to understand the draft from top to bottom, whether that’s moving up or moving back. We’ll look to be as active as we always are.”
While San Antonio will be aggressive in its due diligence to improve the team now, the franchise has more future flexibility with Devonte’ Graham’s contract expiring in 2025, and Zach Collins coming off the books in 2026, both before Wembanyama will eventually command a maximum salary.
Currently, San Antonio’s biggest need is finding a long-term point guard to pair with Wembanyama and Devin Vassell as part of the team’s core, given the inconsistent role Tre Jones had last season.
Reed Sheppard is a name to keep an eye on for the Spurs in the draft along with Nikola Topic if he’s still on the board.
As for Trae Young trade speculation, as noted in the Hawks section above, league sources said the Hawks and Spurs didn’t have substantive conversations about such a trade before the deadline. Those same league sources cast doubt ahead of the lottery regarding that changing in the future.

[scott]

Probably, and I can't predict what they're gonna do, but I'm not sure they're gonna give up on Branham and Wesley that easily, which would be 2 lost picks only after 2 years, even though they were 20s pick...

I don't know where both could have been picked this year (maybe lottery) but if spurs pick another two who happen to be meh in an average dradt, that becomes a problem and that's where the "proven talent vs. picks" debate chimes in, and why picks have lost trade value throughout the year in the NBA (and why teams have to heavily pack them to get a star in return)... If you keep "losing" picks on players who won't do it, you not only don't improve the roster but degrade your trading abilities.

That's also what a team like Detroit must be thnking and I ofc do hope whoever spurs would pick this year would succeed, but I also believe trading one or two of the picks for provent talent (or a star in a bigger trade) to improve this team around Wemby is definitely something PATFO won't exclude.

To clarify, I don't think the Spurs need to force themselves to move off of Blake and Bran at this point, but let's say you draft Dillingham and Juan Nunez in this draft, and Nunez completely outperforms Blake in camp and pre-season. At that point Blake is easy to move on from. Sucks to give up on a former FRP, but it sucks more to pass on better players because you're afraid of moving on from FRPs.

[DPG21920]

To clarify, I don't think the Spurs need to force themselves to move off of Blake and Bran at this point, but let's say you draft Dillingham and Juan Nunez in this draft, and Nunez completely outperforms Blake in camp and pre-season. At that point Blake is easy to move on from. Sucks to give up on a former FRP, but it sucks more to pass on better players because you're afraid of moving on from FRPs.

Yup - it’s all a sunk cost now. Those guys have to earn spots on this team and if someone comes in with better ceiling and talent (which is likely with all the picks SA has coming up) then they are gone and who cares.

[itzsoweezee]

https://twitter.com/noceilingsnba/status/1790020736309997794

Yikes!

[Seventyniner]

The FO cut Samanic and let Lonnie walk. I don't think they are prone to the Sunk Cost Fallacy.

[RC_Drunkford]

oh our scrubs gon have to work their asses off to stay on the team. There won't be any job security with 2 top 10 picks coming in. Champagnie, Branham and Wesley are all up to losing their spot in the rotation.

[exstatic]

The FO cut Samanic and let Lonnie walk. I don't think they are prone to the Sunk Cost Fallacy.

They also non-extended Kyle, and removed his restriction so that he could cash out more than they wanted to pay.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

There's maybe 5-6 guys on this squad who should consider themselves safe. Everyone else should be cuttable / tradeable.

[Kevin]

Yeah Bran and Blake can go. JC made really nice strides in the second half of the season on defense and could be a 3 & D guy moving forward.

[CGD]

https://twitter.com/noceilingsnba/status/1790020736309997794

I knew it. That 6’1” looks generous too, but that’s probably more about the slight frame.

[JPB]

To clarify, I don't think the Spurs need to force themselves to move off of Blake and Bran at this point, but let's say you draft Dillingham and Juan Nunez in this draft, and Nunez completely outperforms Blake in camp and pre-season. At that point Blake is easy to move on from. Sucks to give up on a former FRP, but it sucks more to pass on better players because you're afraid of moving on from FRPs.

Oh I agree with that, my point was rather using the picks to trade rather than draft.

[tbdog]

I read topic suffered serious knee injury. Anyone that follows that can comment?

[Anonymous Cowherd]

I like the write-up, but as it looks at likely narratives and how that works for us (agreed), it also therefore neatly dodges a difficult and also interesting scenario:

If Sarr is still available at 4, should we / do we take him?
Same question, Clingan.


(And same question, slimmer odds but with this draft don't rule it out - if one of them is available at 8 and we didn't take one at 4, should we / do we then? Surely, yes?)

[Russ]

I like the write-up, but as it looks at likely narratives and how that works for us (agreed), it also therefore neatly dodges a difficult and also interesting scenario:

If Sarr is still available at 4, should we / do we take him?
Same question, Clingan.


(And same question, slimmer odds but with this draft don't rule it out - if one of them is available at 8 and we didn't take one at 4, should we / do we then? Surely, yes?)

If Sarr is (somehow) available at 4, you hand convey the pick to Adam Silver by a paid courier accompanied by a cardiologist just in case.

[baseline bum]

I read topic suffered serious knee injury. Anyone that follows that can comment?

It was non contact and he couldn't put weight on it and had to be carried by two people. At least didn't seem to see a bad hyperextension or anything though.


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

[z0sa]

This is tough. We 100% need a PG, but is Topic overperforming against non-elite competition?

Risacher is the BPA at 4 if he's available IMHO, but he's also going to deal with fighting Vassell and Sochan for important minutes. Maybe we go small, but I hate that the only way he gets big minutes is being a "stretch wing" at the very beginning (meaning he'll be playing plenty of the 4 with Sochan). He's going to have a lot of trouble with his rookie body with all the switching that's undoubtedly going to occur.

In my heart of hearts, I want Topic, but I don't trust him to a) be up to NBA level on day 1 nor b) for Pop to trust him with any real minutes when he's got Tre, Wesley and even fucking Bran Ham to fall back on.

[99 Problems]

Beauty timvp, thanks.

[T Park]

This is tough. We 100% need a PG, but is Topic overperforming against non-elite competition?

Risacher is the BPA at 4 if he's available IMHO, but he's also going to deal with fighting Vassell and Sochan for important minutes. Maybe we go small, but I hate that the only way he gets big minutes is being a "stretch wing" at the very beginning (meaning he'll be playing plenty of the 4 with Sochan). He's going to have a lot of trouble with his rookie body with all the switching that's undoubtedly going to occur.

In my heart of hearts, I want Topic, but I don't trust him to a) be up to NBA level on day 1 nor b) for Pop to trust him with any real minutes when he's got Tre, Wesley and even fucking Bran Ham to fall back on.

well Risacher is a 3 so he'd play right along side those guys, not fight them for mins.

[C-Dub]

4th pick - Castle
8th pick - Salaun

After this coming season when Blake Wesley contract expires, he will not be resigned by the Spurs. Sochan will eventually be a 6th man for the Spurs and KJ, I hate to say will eventually most likely get traded.