Spurs Big Board 2.0 with Latest Intel

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-2-draft-intel/

[Mr. Body]

Good stuff.

Danny Green is a good comp for Risacher. Risacher plays small, so the size difference matters little, and he can't dribble to save his life. I guess the size difference lets him get shots off slower while Green was faster. The thing, of course, is paying such a high pick on a role-player, but it's one that's needed.

I'm glad to see Topic rated so low. His fit doesn't make sense.

Glad to see Buzelis above Salaun. A wild swing at a 'raw tools' player isn't needed right now. Buzelis has a way to go, but has a higher floor. Salaun just reads as a physical marvel who will never put it together.

Castle is perfect, if there's clarity about this desire to play point guard.

And places like reddit think Dillingham is the worst player in the world. He's a better pick than Sheppard for us.

Ultimately, glad to hear they're very optimistic with this draft. It's much better than how much it's getting shit on. Would I be happy being Washington, having to pick between two tightly restricted role-players in Clingan or Risacher? No. Would I be happy picking as the Spurs, who know very clearly what is working now, and can place two good prospects around their centerpiece? Absolutely.

[mo7888]

https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-2-draft-intel/

Looks like it's trending well. I'm happy about where Buzelis is and Sarr. Also pleased that Dilly is dropping and I expect him to drop more. I'd also expect Williams to overtake Holland at some point again, but where we sit today this makes sense.

[scott]

Need to see what Eric Zhang says before I read into this too much

[Mr. Body]

Looks like it's trending well. I'm happy about where Buzelis is and Sarr. Also pleased that Dilly is dropping and I expect him to drop more. I'd also expect Williams to overtake Holland at some point again, but where we sit today this makes sense.

I wouldn't say RD is dropping so much as players moved up. Castle has actually been considered, first of all, like people recognized he's there. The others are Sarr and Risacher and it's little surprise they'd rank them high.

At this point I'd be sutprised to see a ton more movement. Maybe Buzelis or Williams start rocking workouts.

[scott]

Glad to hear the Spurs are more optimistic on this draft than consensus. Despite the complaints any of us (including myself) have about PAFTO's recent draft history - they are still professionals and we are not.

Dillingham at 4 (he's 3 on my personal big board for the Spurs) seemingly contradicts the philosophy that the Spurs are moving away from specialists and to more "all around" talents. Castle and Carter seem the best guards who fit that mold (if Castle is viewed a guard).

Glad to see the Spurs might not be interested in Topic. I'm warming to the idea of Salaun, getting even cooler on the topic of Topic.

[baseline bum]

I wouldn't say RD is dropping so much as players moved up. Castle has actually been considered, first of all, like people recognized he's there. The others are Sarr and Risacher and it's little surprise they'd rank them high.

At this point I'd be sutprised to see a ton more movement. Maybe Buzelis or Williams start rocking workouts.

He's almost certainly dropping coming in at only 164. Damnit I was hoping the 175 listed weight would be legit since he's my second favorite prospect in this draft.

[baseline bum]

Will be interesting to see if the Spurs might trade with Washington to get Risacher if Clingan isn't picked third. Wonder what it would cost if Clingan is the Wizards guy? Though Houston could make that trade too, fvck.

[Mr. Body]

Glad to hear the Spurs are more optimistic on this draft than consensus. Despite the complaints any of us (including myself) have about PAFTO's recent draft history - they are still professionals and we are not.

Dillingham at 4 (he's 3 on my personal big board for the Spurs) seemingly contradicts the philosophy that the Spurs are moving away from specialists and to more "all around" talents. Castle and Carter seem the best guards who fit that mold (if Castle is viewed a guard).

Glad to see the Spurs might not be interested in Topic. I'm warming to the idea of Salaun, getting even cooler on the topic of Topic.

Would you say this? Risacher seems 100% a specialized talent. He shoots, relocates to shoot, and plays defense. He has no on-ball creation, has been rebounding better as of late but has a track record of not. That's the definition of specialized.

Dillingham is not simply a spot-up shooter but can hit from many different situations. He's an exceptional ball-handler, and maybe the best passer in the lottery class (barring Topic, who I can't comment on). That's not a specialist.

The one myth I do see bandied about is that the Spurs draft only for positional size. Which seems impossible to gauge given a low number of draft picks overall, the current draft situation and who has the talent, the fact that we never had Wembanyama before, etc.

[Mr. Body]

He's almost certainly dropping coming in at only 164. Damnit I was hoping the 175 listed weight would be legit since he's my second favorite prospect in this draft.

But... we knew he was 164. That's... what he was listed at in every guide, everywhere. Nothing changed. But now the internet is freaking the fuck out for some reason.

[baseline bum]

But... we knew he was 164. That's... what he was listed at in every guide, everywhere. Nothing changed. But now the internet is freaking the fuck out for some reason.

ESPN and Kentucky listed him 176

https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/4684275/rob-dillingham
https://ukathletics.com/sports/mbball/roster/player/dillinham-rob/

[widowmaker]

Im glad that they are starting to distance themselves from topic, Im starting to dig castle at 4 because Im pretty sure risacher will be gone by then. I wouldn’t mind whoever is left between dillingham, reed or holland at 8. I would also go after caravan in the 2nd round.

[mo7888]

I wouldn't say RD is dropping so much as players moved up. Castle has actually been considered, first of all, like people recognized he's there. The others are Sarr and Risacher and it's little surprise they'd rank them high.

At this point I'd be sutprised to see a ton more movement. Maybe Buzelis or Williams start rocking workouts.

I don't mean to insinuate Dilly is dropping because he's suddenly bad or anything. It's just a product of where everyone projects on the next level. I still have him top 10 and expect him to be there at 8. I'd be fine with him there. On future movement, I agree that it will be a product of individual workouts and/or trades. Outside of that I think we've solidified a bit.

[DAF86]

My big board:

1-Risacher
2-Sheppard
3-Dillingham
4-Buzelis
5-Topic
6-Knecht
7-Castle

Two of those you probably get with #4 and #8.

[RC_Drunkford]

kinda funny that people are freaking out about Dillingham's weight. Like that's the easiest thing to fix. Just hit the gym and eat protein :lol

[LeBowen]

kinda funny that people are freaking out about Dillingham's weight. Like that's the easiest thing to fix. Just hit the gym and eat protein :lol

Agreed.
These posts make it look like 10lbs difference at 19 is the deciding factor whether he'll be the next superstar guard or out of the league after his rookie contract.

[Mr. Body]

Agreed.
These posts make it look like 10lbs difference at 19 is the deciding factor whether he'll be the next superstar guard or out of the league after his rookie contract.

For serious. I repeat myself constantly, but his size isn't the big issue with him. It's a complete lack of defensive high school coaching, it's Trae-level disengagement and ball watching, checking himself out of plays, not great instincts, and so-so buy-in on defense. He did improve over the season and he was the only player who kept up with the movement shooter against Oakland that was killing them. Sheppard couldn't. He actually has no issues navigating screens - he's too quick - it's the rest. If he can get coached and buy into it, he'll be okay. It's crazy, but I think his man defense could become better than Reed's. Team rotations and responsibilities, I'm not sure.

[kobyz]

I have
1-Sarr
2-Risacher
3-Dillingham
4-Castle
5-Sheppard
6-Knecht
7-Williams
Then I'm in doubt at 8 between Clingan and Saluan

[spurraider21]

Castle/Dillingham would be a good outcome. Means they aren’t trying to jam the square peg into the round hole by sticking Castle at point full time

ive already let go of the risacher pipe dream

[MannyIsGod]

kinda funny that people are freaking out about Dillingham's weight. Like that's the easiest thing to fix. Just hit the gym and eat protein :lol

But that's the thing right, he's had a year at a college program that gives students access to great food and great work out facilities and staff to use them and he's still light. The easiest thing to fix also shouldn't be an issue t obegin with given his resources.

[Mr. Body]

Castle/Dillingham would be a good outcome. Means they aren’t trying to jam the square peg into the round hole by sticking Castle at point full time

ive already let go of the risacher pipe dream

Castle/Dillingham is my #1. Risacher/Castle is my #2 and may be even better. I don't think it's any given that Risacher goes top 3, so keep the dream alive.

[drpill]

1. Dillingham
2. Risacher
3. Sarr
4. Castle
5. Sheppard
6. Holland
7. Topic
8. Williams
9. Buzelis
10. Clingan

Personally don't want Topic but that's where he'd slot for me if other guard options are unavailable and if the team is sold on his overall game and health. I want no part of Salaun, just looks awkward to me, not a natural basketball player.

[LeBowen]

Agreed, Sarr and Risacher will definitely be gone before 4th pick.

Castle or a wing they think is the BPA at #4.
I'm fine with Dillingham or Knecht at #8, but not at #4.
I dont' want Topic or Buzelis.

[BackHome]

Any player who has questions about effort is a hard pass for me...

[LeBowen]

Any player who has questions about effort is a hard pass for me...

The thing is that reporters keep talking nonsense to generate interactions.
They couldn't stop talking about Edwards not caring about basketball before the draft and how Wolves fucked up by picking him.

[spurraider21]

Castle/Dillingham is my #1. Risacher/Castle is my #2 and may be even better. I don't think it's any given that Risacher goes top 3, so keep the dream alive.
My #1 is Risacher + Dillingham/Sheppard

im more or less split on the Kentucky guys and lean one way or the other depending on how the wind blows

[heyheymymy]

My personal Spurs board:

1. Risacher
2. Castle
3. Sheppard
4. Sarr
5. Dillingham
6. Clingan
7. Knecht
8. Carter
9. Williams
10. Salaun

[heyheymymy]

I'm not high on Topic in fact I'm out on Topic but I wonder how the front office views him because I could see the Spurs being very high on Topic while the fanbase is lukewarm.

If Spurs pick Topic I'm immediately thrilled because it means they value him and think he will work and I trust their vision on this build.

Also feel like Spurs would love a guy like Cody Williams much higher than the fanbase ranks him.

[Knoxxx]

I'm not high on Topic in fact I'm out on Topic but I wonder how the front office views him because I could see the Spurs being very high on Topic while the fanbase is lukewarm.

If Spurs pick Topic I'm immediately thrilled because it means they value him and think he will work and I trust their vision on this build.

Also feel like Spurs would love a guy like Cody Williams much higher than the fanbase ranks him.

I'll go:

1 Sarr
2 Risacher
3 Castle
4 Sheppard

I think the Spurs have to get one of those in the top 4 and then #8 is easy. Dillingham (not paired w/Sheppard), C Williams (agree high upside pick), Knecht (instant + shooting), Clingan (pains me to say, but probably the most marketable asset at least), Buzelis (brings legit SF/PF size but dubious shooting).

Holland is becoming too hard to trust re the shooting. Carter/Salaun are reaches in the top 10, IMO. I don't have a problem taking a flyer on Topic at #8, given he was being discussed as a top pick previously.

There continues to be 8-10 players worth having, which gives us options at pick #8. In summary, at #5-10 I have Dilly, Williams, Knecht, Clingan, Buzelis, Topic. Very plain vanilla, but I do think that the #4 pick will dictate the #8 pick, rather than BPA, given those choices.

An ideal draft for me would probably be Castle + (Dilly or Sheppard), at this stage.

[poopbox]

If we don't come away with Dillingham...or dare I say Topic, in this draft...it will be a disaster, unless we plan to trade for Trae or Garland.

It doesn't matter how much size and defense and shooting you have, you aren't going anywhere in todays nba without a guard who can break down an nba defense, and we have exactly 0 on our roster right now.

Banking on Dilli being there at 8 is risky. Even teams that don't "need" a point guard might position to take him just to make the Spurs cough up some draft capital

[bluebellmaniac]

My FO sauces indicating we should looking heavily at international for our pics, maybe just 1 that is American collegiate. Crazy stuff.

[Knoxxx]

My FO sauces indicating we should looking heavily at international for our pics, maybe just 1 that is American collegiate. Crazy stuff.

THAT'S SAUCEY!

[bluebellmaniac]

THAT'S SAUCEY!

VERY Saucy!

[AFBlue]

Is Dillingham that high because he can play on or off-ball? Seems like the defense limits him in terms of ability to stay on the court, but the playmaking from either guard spot is definitely intriguing. I like Reed's upside and two-way ability better, but neither really seem to fit the size requirements of being multi-positional players.

[CGD]

Great read. ZR and Castle have been my top 2 for some time now. They make the most sense positionally and in a world where Wemby and Dev will dominate the ball. Still, hard to see getting ZR at 4 though. In this draft would WAS slide down to 4 in exchange for 35 and CHA pick? Probably not right? And even if they did, they'd probably be a risk to take Castle there.

My board goes:

- ZR
- Castle
- Sarr
- 1st best of Matas/Cody/Salaun
- 2nd best of Matas/Cody/Salaun
- Carter
- Sheppard
- 3rd best of Matas/Cody/Salaun

[Mr. Body]

Is Dillingham that high because he can play on or off-ball? Seems like the defense limits him in terms of ability to stay on the court, but the playmaking from either guard spot is definitely intriguing. I like Reed's upside and two-way ability better, but neither really seem to fit the size requirements of being multi-positional players.

Dillingham shot well in pretty much every category, except a little low around the rim. He and Sheppard passed the ball around and relocated for shots, with Dillingham usually initiating because he's a much better ball handler. But he was good off-ball. Both Reed and Dillingham will be stuck playing 1 or 2, or in multi-guard sets.

[AFBlue]

Feels like the Spurs are in a great spot to land either Risacher or Castle at #4. I'd Dilly lasts to #8 and they got both that'd be ridiculous.

[LeBowen]

Feels like the Spurs are in a great spot to land either Risacher or Castle at #4. I'd Dilly lasts to #8 and they got both that'd be ridiculous.

I don't think there's a chance Risacher is available at #4, but Castle should be there since Risacher/Sarr will be the top2 and Rockets don't Castle who's too similar to Amen.

The only question is will Spurs rate one of the available wings (Buzelis/Holland/Williams) higher than Castle.
Castle surely won't get past Hornets at #6 if Spurs don't get him with #4.

Then either one of those wings that's leftover or take a gamble with Dillingham. Outside chance for Knecht.
I don't think there's a chance Pistons, Hornets or Blazers take Dillingham.
They all have their franchise point guards and another one with no size or defense is the last thing they need.

I don't want Topic, Buzelis or Dillingham at #4, I'm fine with everything else, tbh.

[John B]

Either Risacher or Castle at #4 will be available, with Reed (maybe not at 8), Dilly, Topic at 8. If they get Spurs future starting PG, plus shooting and athletic wing from this draft will be ideal.

[C-Dub]

Castle or Dillingham at #4 depending on which one is available because I see Houston selecting one of the 2 with their 3rd pick.

Edey at #8 to help Wemby from having to always be responsible for gaurding the likes of Embid, Jokic, and other girthy physical big men down in the paint. Collins and Bassey is not going to cut it moving forward and by drafting Edey, that's one less big body Wemby would have to endure.

The Spurs could have multiple 1st round picks next year where they could focus on wing players in a much deeper draft class.

[Russ]

If Sarr somehow begins to slide in the draft, I think he has shown enough for San Antonio to pick him at No. 4.

As I may have mentioned earlier . . .


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.

[Eaglenole2002]

How much of a factor should be fit with Wemby in PNR? Silly has his limitations defensively, obviously, but he would be a killer in PNR. Defenders wouldn’t be able to go under screens, and good luck switching a big on him. Reed might not have blow by ability, but the shooting and feel would really pair well with Wemby. Castle is smooth, but I don’t think he shoots well enough to pressure teams in PNR. They’d go under screens daring him to shoot.

[baseline bum]

kinda funny that people are freaking out about Dillingham's weight. Like that's the easiest thing to fix. Just hit the gym and eat protein :lol


Agreed.
These posts make it look like 10lbs difference at 19 is the deciding factor whether he'll be the next superstar guard or out of the league after his rookie contract.

When people were freaking out about 176 I thought big fucking deal, the Spurs can put 10-15 lbs on him in two years easy and get him to 185-190 like they did Parker. Not so easy to put 20-25 lbs on from 164 though.

[jesterbobman]

With guessing on other teams boards (up in the air), I think this gets to something like...

Risacher (I think it's him or Sarr at #1 for the Hawks...I'd go Sarr, hope they go with Risacher)
Sarr (I think it's more up in the air if Sarr goes #1, but Sarr seems definite if he's there)
Sheppard? (Hard, wings are covered, PG is long term need post FVF, Dilly / Sheppard etc probably depends on how they see Amen at PG and need for defense on the perimeter with Sengun)
Castle (BPA on this board)
Buzelis (Family connections, need a 4)
Holland (Athlete to attack next to the shooting of Miller and LaMelo, I think an argument for BPA, bunch of the amateur online scouting boards have him top 3)
Cody (wing bet, bump for HS scouting rating in line with past trends for Portland)
Dilly (BPA on this board)
Clingan (Memphis might even trade up to lock him in)
Topic (Best talent, to me)
Knecht (Bulls have no identity other than over drafting old dudes. I think they should swing for fences with Ware, but them going a solid wing and try to win 37 games and convey their 2025 pick would make me happy)
Filipowski (Salaun is an option here, a second dribble pass shoot big who can play in space seems like a valuable piece given their style)
Salaun (Upside swing)
Devin Carter (Just BPA for the Blazers, takes over the 3rd guard minutes. Makes more sense if Simons is traded (to Orlando?)

[jesterbobman]

https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-2-draft-intel/

Thanks LJ.

Any intel (that you're able to share) on potential second round targets?

[Eaglenole2002]

Let’s say what TiMVP is hearing is true and the Spurs are high on this draft… I hope that basically eliminates Salaun. Pick 8 it just too high to take a project like that. I hope it means they see some upside in players closer to being ready to play or a combination of projection/likelihood of reaching that ceiling.

[PhantomDashCam]

Nice to see Bub make his first appearance on the board.

Absolutely could see:

#4 - Castle
#8 - Carrington

It also sounds possible that the Spurs may look to grab another 1st rounder if an opportunity presents itself.

[z0sa]

Topic should be out. He had a golden opportunity to be a high pick in my humble opinion, but blew it with the knee injury. He may still have a great future -- but it won't be as a Spur.

Sarr was always my number 2 behind Topic, so obviously he moves into the number 1 spot, but there's no way he drops to 4. I think our best bet and hope then, is Risacher. He doesn't need to create, he just needs to be a finisher and he'll already make this team leaps and bounds better. Not as good as a ballhandling PG who creates some gravity would, but still ...

[scott]

kinda funny that people are freaking out about Dillingham's weight. Like that's the easiest thing to fix. Just hit the gym and eat protein :lol

Of all the NBA cities to help a prospect with gaining weight, San Antonio definitely is a cut above.

[scott]

Would you say this? Risacher seems 100% a specialized talent. He shoots, relocates to shoot, and plays defense. He has no on-ball creation, has been rebounding better as of late but has a track record of not. That's the definition of specialized.

Dillingham is not simply a spot-up shooter but can hit from many different situations. He's an exceptional ball-handler, and maybe the best passer in the lottery class (barring Topic, who I can't comment on). That's not a specialist.

The one myth I do see bandied about is that the Spurs draft only for positional size. Which seems impossible to gauge given a low number of draft picks overall, the current draft situation and who has the talent, the fact that we never had Wembanyama before, etc.

I suppose it all depends on what is meant by "all around player". Risacher adds dimensions on defense and (potentially) rebounding (by virtue of his size), and also offers some positional flex between the 3 and 4. Dillingham, as has been discussed, has defensive limitations (though as I've stated, I was impressed with his level of effort the couple full games I watched) and due to his size probably can only play PG.

Just feels like this may go against some of the philosophical approach the Spurs, specifically, have been going for in first rounders (going all the way back to drafting DJM).

With that said, Dillingham is #3 on my personal Spurs board, and is above Risacher. 3-4-5 on my board is Dilly, Castle, Sheppard, so I may end up dropping Dilly down to 5 - but it won't be because of Risacher.

[scott]

I don't think there's a chance Risacher is available at #4, but Castle should be there since Risacher/Sarr will be the top2 and Rockets don't Castle who's too similar to Amen.

The only question is will Spurs rate one of the available wings (Buzelis/Holland/Williams) higher than Castle.
Castle surely won't get past Hornets at #6 if Spurs don't get him with #4.

Then either one of those wings that's leftover or take a gamble with Dillingham. Outside chance for Knecht.
I don't think there's a chance Pistons, Hornets or Blazers take Dillingham.
They all have their franchise point guards and another one with no size or defense is the last thing they need.

I don't want Topic, Buzelis or Dillingham at #4, I'm fine with everything else, tbh.


Just thinking out loud, but I wonder if Castle is similar to Amen in a way Houston may actually value - two guys who can be flex PG/SFs. That opens up quite a few lineup possibilities, especially on the defensive front.

[baseline bum]

Of all the NBA cities to help a prospect with gaining weight, San Antonio definitely is a cut above.

LOL no one wants Dilly to go Beno and get fat off breakfast tacos

[scott]

LOL no one wants Dilly to go Beno and get fat off breakfast tacos

Dilly, coming to camp in year 2 at 255 lbs and an Edgar haircut: "y'all said I needed to gain weight!"

[DAF86]

Castle/Dillingham would be a good outcome. Means they aren’t trying to jam the square peg into the round hole by sticking Castle at point full time

ive already let go of the risacher pipe dream

Why would Risacher be a pipe dream? You don't see him being available at 4?

[mo7888]

Why would Risacher be a pipe dream? You don't see him being available at 4?

He's going #1 or #2. I seriously doubt he gets to Houston.

[spurraider21]

Why would Risacher be a pipe dream? You don't see him being available at 4?
I don’t think he’s making it to 4. Could go anywhere in the top 3.

[Mugen]

Good read. Switch Holland with Devin Carter and that's my top 10 tbh (in a different order).

Spurs are in a really good place to add some guys that'll impact winning more games next season. Just don't screw it up tbh.

[CGD]

Anything noteworthy in Mike Monroe’s piece from the Athletic?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5492780/2024/05/21/victor-wembanyama-spurs-offseason/

[heyheymymy]

Why would Risacher be a pipe dream? You don't see him being available at 4?

Feels like Risacher is long gone at #4 but I do believe in miracles

[mo7888]

Anything noteworthy in Mike Monroe’s piece from the Athletic?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5492780/2024/05/21/victor-wembanyama-spurs-offseason/

Pretty much a rehash of things we've heard... don't expect a big trade but we have assets if we choose too, etc, etc

[spurraider21]

Jack McClinton and Marcus Denmon walked so Dillingham could run

[Ariel]

Anything noteworthy in Mike Monroe’s piece from the Athletic?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5492780/2024/05/21/victor-wembanyama-spurs-offseason/
Took that quickly from source code, so some names may be missing (you can get them through context) and the parsing may be sloppy, but here it is;

"The solid finish to the 2023-24 season — seven wins in their final 11 games — produced a jolt of joy and a steep leap in confidence about the future for a franchise that knows it already has a player — unanimous Rookie of the Year — around whom a championship contender eventually can be built. At 75 and the league’s oldest head coach, Gregg Popovich declared after the season finale that his enthusiasm only needed only a week-and-a-half respite to be ready for 2024-25. Nobody wondered why. on this season’s rosters showed that nearly all of them would be very happy were they to be Wembanyama’s teammates next season.

The 20-year-old from Paris was an overwhelming answer to the survey’s question: Starting from scratch, which player would be the first player selected? Only Popovich gets to be Wemby’s coach next season. Yet, as exuberant as Popovich and the team’s fan base were in of an otherwise forgettable season, calm heads must prevail as the team’s basketball brain trust contemplates optimizing Wembanyama’s presence. That late surge, forged in part by deep rotation players like and , likely was far more fool’s gold than mother lode.

Here’s the hard truth for everyone who wore silver and black in the 2023-24 season but was not a 7-foot-4 rookie from Paris: Wembanyama is the one and only untradeable player. That’s not to say a major housecleaning is coming, but nobody should be surprised if there are more new players on the San Antonio roster on opening night in October than those who were on the roster, both active and inactive, for the season finale on April 14. Only a few current Spurs seem highly likely to be on the opening night roster when the 2024-25 season begins.

Devin Vassell missed the final eight games of the season with a stress reaction of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, but in the 68 games he played before the injury, he was the team’s No. 2 scorer at 19.5 points per game, which is a career-high. Plus, in the final half of the season, he and Wembanyama developed an effective two-man game that became a staple in crunchtime. “Devin has turned into a confident scorer,” Popovich said. “He can shoot it. He can drive it. He’s upped his defensive understanding that no defense, no wins. So, he’s made a big step in that regard.

Despite the failure of Popovich’s experiment using him as a point guard, Jeremy Sochan was the team’s best on-ball perimeter defender, usually assigned to guard the opposition’s best scorer. “Jeremy is a prime defender,” Popovich said. “He can guard one through four, and he enjoys it, which is great.” Sochan is far from a reliable shooter. He made only 43.8 percent of his shots and it doesn’t take a shot doctor to understand why more of them don’t drop. The ball comes off his hand with a counter-productive side spin. It’s something he promises to work on during the off-season. He improved his free-throw shooting from his rookie season’s 69.8 percent to . Who’s to say he can’t do something similar with his jumper?

When Sochan was moved back to his natural spot at power forward, Tre Jones resumed his role as starting point guard. He ended up being the team leader in assists (6.1 per game) and one of its leaders, both on the court and in the locker room. With rare exceptions, he was on the court in crunchtime in every winnable game. “Tre has been Tre,” Popovich said. “He gets taken for granted because he does the same things every night and gives 100 percent of what he has and everybody respects it, knows it and we need it. His consistency is off the charts.”

Keldon Johnson, the longest-tenured Spurs, also finished the season on the sidelines with a left ankle impingement. Before missing the final four games, he had endeared himself to Popovich by accepting a sixth-man role after being a starter through the first 27 games of the season. He averaged 15.7 points per game, behind only Wembanyama and Vassell, and added some finesse to an offensive game Popovich has described as “Give me ball; I go to rim.”

“He’s a little more nuanced than that now, which helps him,” Popovich said. And the rest of the players now on the roster? Each will likely need to wait and see how things go for the Spurs in the NBA Draft, the trade market and free agency, and it remains to be seen how Popovich, still president of the Spurs, general manager Brian Wright and his subalterns approach those avenues for roster change. Wright’s observations of the many lineup combinations Popovich employed gave him one conclusion: The basketball staff still has a lot to learn about what already has worked best for and with Wembanyama. They are now trying to suss out what might work in the future.

“We got to see a lot of different lineups and styles and we’ve done different things throughout the season,” said Wright, the Spurs GM since 2019, after San Antonio closed out its season with their 22nd victory. “We’ve seen him (Wembanyama) in different places. He’s so unique and he does so many different things that I think he’s still learning and we’re still learning. “That process will continue, so I don’t know that there’s one blueprint. He’s so dynamic and I think you can build the thing in a lot of different ways. So, we’ve got to keep chipping away at that."

“We’ve learned a lot of different things across the season and what may work right now. We’ve got to project a little bit about what will work in seasons three, four, five and beyond. So, we’ll keep adding to that, but there’s no one uniform, ‘This is the way you can build with him.’ ” Wright also said adaptability is key. “Everybody has a vision and a plan you want to execute,” Wright said. “But, if it’s static on paper and it’s not adaptable based on what you’ve seen, it’s probably not much of a plan.”

Wright has accumulated as many as 10 first-round picks through the next five drafts, including No. 4 and No. 8 (from Toronto) this year. Advertisement These can be golden assets in trade talks. Does that make an off-season trade for an All-Star caliber player a likelihood this summer? Not necessarily. “Every year we try to be aggressive, but you have to be strategically aggressive, right?” Wright said. “Because of all the things you’ve tried to establish to give yourself ways to build, you want to make sure that you have different ways you go forward. “I think we’ll do that. We’ll be aggressive, but we’ll maintain being strategic.” When it comes to luring high-profile free agents, Wembanyama is a strategic plus that no other team can offer.

[CGD]

Pretty much a rehash of things we've heard... don't expect a big trade but we have assets if we choose too, etc, etc

Thanks —I kinda wonder if we start getting move draft gossip if both the Celtics and Mavs sweep. There would be so much dead time (I believe like a week) before the finals start.

[KobesAchilles]

I think you take Castle and Holland and hope that we can teach them how to shoot. That would pretty much force the Spurs to play uptempo and Castle can throw lobs so that’s a plus. I heard all year long how difficult it was to throw a lob pass from “expert analysis” here on Spurstalk and then I watch Dallas throw 58 successful lobs in 2 and a half rounds…

Anyhow Hollands speed is killer. His first step can’t really be taught. He needs to be taught pretty much everything else offensively lol but a killer first step and loves playing defense? I can start with that

[mo7888]

Thanks —I kinda wonder if we start getting move draft gossip if both the Celtics and Mavs sweep. There would be so much dead time (I believe like a week) before the finals start.

Good call... The Press is going to need talking points.... trades?...who wants to play with Wemby?... will LeBron leave LA?.... they'll throw all of that at us..

[Ariel]

I think you take Castle and Holland and hope that we can teach them how to shoot. That would pretty much force the Spurs to play uptempo and Castle can throw lobs so that’s a plus. I heard all year long how difficult it was to throw a lob pass from “expert analysis” here on Spurstalk and then I watch Dallas throw 58 successful lobs in 2 and a half rounds…

Anyhow Hollands speed is killer. His first step can’t really be taught. He needs to be taught pretty much everything else offensively lol but a killer first step and loves playing defense? I can start with that
Castle, Holland, Sochan, Tre Jones, Cissoko, Blake Wesley, Barlow... Wemby either asks out or commits seppuku by the trade deadline.

[Pauleta14]

Anything noteworthy in Mike Monroe’s piece from the Athletic?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5492780/2024/05/21/victor-wembanyama-spurs-offseason/


https://archive.ph/2cA2L

[Mr. Body]

Thanks —I kinda wonder if we start getting move draft gossip if both the Celtics and Mavs sweep. There would be so much dead time (I believe like a week) before the finals start.

Prolly. The league is so bad at the top that a lot of teams can push in and contend. We may see big names on the move once again as wannabes shuffle players around. Paul George, one of the Atlanta guards, Ingram, maybe even Durant. LeBron's situation will provide ESPN with endless content.

[BackHome]

I think you take Castle and Holland and hope that we can teach them how to shoot. That would pretty much force the Spurs to play uptempo and Castle can throw lobs so that’s a plus. I heard all year long how difficult it was to throw a lob pass from “expert analysis” here on Spurstalk and then I watch Dallas throw 58 successful lobs in 2 and a half rounds…

Anyhow Hollands speed is killer. His first step can’t really be taught. He needs to be taught pretty much everything else offensively lol but a killer first step and loves playing defense? I can start with that

I am starting to buy that as one thing that I am coming to realize from watching Mav's games if you can run and get easy shots things work out in your favor. I think Wemby would like Castle in that he seems like a very team kind of player who just wants to win and will check his ego for that - Oh, and he can throw lobs..lol. As far as Holland I like his potential and understand he might be a project on the offensive shooting side but he will be a lock down defender who gets you easy buckets in transition.

[SpursBills]

Castle, Holland, Sochan, Tre Jones, Cissoko, Blake Wesley, Barlow... Wemby either asks out or commits seppuku by the trade deadline.

I assume the follow up is also to try and offer a bag to Malik monk in free agency or trade for Trae young? Otherwise yes, it might be one of the few ways we can manage to get a top 3 pick in 2025, so regardless it may not be all bad

[drpill]

i'd like for the Spurs to draft one of Castle or Holland, but both is a stretch given the lack of shooting. Kind of similarly, I'd love for them to draft one of Dillingham or Sheppard, but not both because of their size.

I think if you take Castle or Holland you need to bring in a shooter with the other pick.

[Degoat]

I could be wrong but I’m kinda thinking the spurs might grab guards with both picks tbh. You can always sign another wing in free agency like Gary Trent, Buddy Hield, Issac Okoro, etc.

[rankingtear]

Do we pass on Castle if he is hell bent on playing point? Even if he can play it, the fit is awful. We are looking at a Jrue AD situation at best where nothing on offense is really good enough and you ran into teambuilding deadlock.

[RC_Drunkford]

How much of a factor should be fit with Wemby in PNR? Silly has his limitations defensively, obviously, but he would be a killer in PNR. Defenders wouldn’t be able to go under screens, and good luck switching a big on him. Reed might not have blow by ability, but the shooting and feel would really pair well with Wemby. Castle is smooth, but I don’t think he shoots well enough to pressure teams in PNR. They’d go under screens daring him to shoot.

that‘s why you draft Dillingham. Nobody would be able to guard the switch and you hope you have a 1-2 punch there that’s unstoppable.

Castle would work well as the screener for Wemby.

[thOOdee]

Again great write up tmvp. Here’s hoping your right.

1. Risacher
2. Castle
3. Sarr
4. Buzelis
5. dillingham
6. Carter
7. Sheppard
8. holland (who droppedin my eyes given his shooting touch)
9. William
10. Knecht

[Mr. Body]

that‘s why you draft Dillingham. Nobody would be able to guard the switch and you hope you have a 1-2 punch there that’s unstoppable.

Castle would work well as the screener for Wemby.

Right, if Dillingham hits, the offense is potentially lethal. Dillingham shot something like 47.7% on catch and shoot threes. He's hard to guard as it is with his shiftiness. And then he's really good at finding these:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnHDmzB5HW8

The lob at 31:32. He's always looking for lobs, and places them as well as he hits his shots. This one's just finding his big near the basket when the defense is relaxing. It's nothing fancy, but he's always looking for it.

Or 32:28. That's the kind of action lob that Harden and Doncic throw all the time. They get into the lane, forcing help, and it's game over.

EDIT: 32:54 is a pretty sweet little pass, too. Again, blowing by his defender and opening everything up.

And the whole series of possessions against Arkansas around 33:40 on, basically took that game over. Got into the lane at will, but what interests me here is how he kept feeding his rolling bigman. That last possession shown from that game, you see how the entire defense is keyed in on him, leaving Ivisic for a very easy dump down.

[spurraider21]

I think you take Castle and Holland and hope that we can teach them how to shoot. That would pretty much force the Spurs to play uptempo and Castle can throw lobs so that’s a plus. I heard all year long how difficult it was to throw a lob pass from “expert analysis” here on Spurstalk and then I watch Dallas throw 58 successful lobs in 2 and a half rounds…

Anyhow Hollands speed is killer. His first step can’t really be taught. He needs to be taught pretty much everything else offensively lol but a killer first step and loves playing defense? I can start with that
You are describing blake Wesley :lol

[ismael-robert]

By specialist they likely mean 1 way players...all offensive or all defensive. They want 2way players. In age of 3 pt chucking u need length to get shots off n length to affect shots on defense.

[Uriel]

I can’t believe the Spurs would have Topic that low on their big board. Isn’t it more likely they’re deliberately hiding their interest in him?

[Vienna]

By specialist they likely mean 1 way players...all offensive or all defensive. They want 2way players. In age of 3 pt chucking u need length to get shots off n length to affect shots on defense.

one of the best points I read regarding what player type the Spurs will likely look for in this draft.

and I would add this point: if you are a coach and you game plan for a game against the Spurs, what will your main strategy be?
very likely it won't be to operate as much as possible within the range of the Wemby air defense system.
they will work from the outside, likely even more than teams unsually already do nowadays.
and they will capitalise on the bad 3pt defense the Spurs displayed the last years, OR the Spurs improve that department.
that's why I can't follow the argument, that the lack of height and lenght of players like Dillingham and Sheppard wouldn't matter that much, because Spurs have Wemby behind them.
point is, the Spurs need lenght that can defend the perimeter. yes, those players should provide offense as well, but offense only will not clinch it.

[Uriel]

For those of you with already established big boards/prospect rankings, I’m curious: how many of you have actually watched these prospects and seen them play as opposed to just reading mock drafts/internet forums?

[CGD]

For those of you with already established big boards/prospect rankings, I’m curious: how many of you have actually watched these prospects and seen them play as opposed to just reading mock drafts/internet forums?

0% of us have watched all these prospects, and btw 95% of people who get paid to talk about his haven’t either. We all fall in love with our guys, but hopefully people come up with reasonable criteria for getting there (not simply “he throws a nice lob pass”).

Here’s my process:

- is there a transcendent player: (No)

- what are the team’s positional needs: (SF; PG)

- best archetypes next to our offensive engines: (doesnt need ball; positional size; solid D)

- game theory— whose picking around us and how does that impact selections

Apply these filters to the class, watch the videos, and fall in love with your guys lol.

[CGD]

I can’t believe the Spurs would have Topic that low on their big board. Isn’t it more likely they’re deliberately hiding their interest in him?

I think this is highly probable

[mo7888]

For those of you with already established big boards/prospect rankings, I’m curious: how many of you have actually watched these prospects and seen them play as opposed to just reading mock drafts/internet forums?

I've been watching videos on prospects for several months. I start back in November watching what I can find and pick it up in January and devote more time to it. I do read mocks and internet forum arguments, but I do so critically. I'm willing to listen to other views because I don't assume that I'm incapable of missing something. Ultimately I feel like I formulate my own evaluation and weed out my preconceived biases. I've been doing this for several years now. I've got some misses (Johnny Davis), but for the most part my boards have panned out pretty well.

[KobesAchilles]

You are describing blake Wesley :lol
Pretty much but a much taller version of him. I won’t be asking him to initiate the offense. He just needs to hit open 3 and drive the hole and finish at a high clip. And unlike Wesley, Holland can dunk on people in the nba consistently

[Das Texan]

The more I think about it and look at things, the more I want Castle.

Winning mentality, that is so underrated and overlooked these days it seems.

[The Truth #6]

If Wright wants well rounded players with defensive potential, seems like: Castle, Carter, Cody. Hesitant to put Holland in here due to catastrophic shooting form.

[jjspur]

One or both of Sarr & Risacher will most likely be gone by #4, that's almost a given. In that circumstance it's Castle at #4 and the BPA at 8. So long as the spurs don't reach like they did with Primo or Samanic. The spurs aren't very good when they reach, drafting a player several if not many spots before even an amateur GM would. If they want to reach for a player use the 48th pick and select a player based on potential then. In the lottery, go with a safer pick. Years later they'll be glad they did.

By the way, aren't Primo and Samanic just about out of the league yet ? Great job spurs, for reaching for those two clowns. Their next job will probably be in Europe, China, or managing a Subway.

[Pauleta14]

I can’t believe the Spurs would have Topic that low on their big board. Isn’t it more likely they’re deliberately hiding their interest in him?

Why would they need to do that? His hype is at its lowest in years

[Mr. Body]

I can’t believe the Spurs would have Topic that low on their big board. Isn’t it more likely they’re deliberately hiding their interest in him?

But this isn't the Spurs' board. It's one guy who has a message board who might or might not have some ancillary contacts who might know what the Spurs might be doing.

[pad300]

But this isn't the Spurs' board. It's one guy who has a message board who might or might not have some ancillary contacts who might know what the Spurs might be doing.

To be fair, they do have recent previous about underestimating european players (Sengun); I'd like to think they have learned their lesson, but...

[bluebellmaniac]

But this isn't the Spurs' board. It's one guy who has a message board who might or might not have some ancillary contacts who might know what the Spurs might be doing.

Where are the posters with the real Intel?

I'm talking about TSpence!

[Dejounte]

“Spurs haven’t shown outward interest.” -timvp

https://x.com/BSphere_/status/1734349060084310281

Spurs were one of two teams out of 12 to send three scouts. Most of the rest sent 1 scout.

[LeBowen]

Spurs were one of two teams out of 12 to send three scouts. Most of the rest sent 1 scout.

Maybe they stopped showing interest after that? Video is from December.

[Dejounte]

Maybe they stopped showing interest after that? Video is from December.

You would hope the Spurs did all their homework way before May. If they’re ramping up any activity just now, that would be extremely concerning. The Spurs should know everything about these kids already from scouting them even before college or pro ball (which they have said they do). Outward interest in December very much still counts.

[Brazil]

I would lie if I told I have a good idea of this draft, I know the French ones that's about it. I have my doubts about Risacher but in, what has been described as a poor draft, he suddenly appears in top 3 big board a bit everywhere, in last year draft I don't think he cracks top 10 eventhough Bilal at 7 is a clear reach imo. Sarr is another subject, he is very tall and mobile that's enough for a top 5 in a lot of drafts tbh... he is a risk but if by miracle he fells at 4, you pick him, his fit with with Victor is questionable of course but you figure out something.

[Mr. Body]

I would lie if I told I have a good idea of this draft, I know the French ones that's about it. I have my doubts about Risacher but in, what has been described as a poor draft, he suddenly appears in top 3 big board a bit everywhere, in last year draft I don't think he cracks top 10 eventhough Bilal at 7 is a clear reach imo. Sarr is another subject, he is very tall and mobile that's enough for a top 5 in a lot of drafts tbh... he is a risk but if by miracle he fells at 4, you pick him, his fit with with Victor is questionable of course but you figure out something.

Risacher wasn't common in the top 10 before this season started, then all of Justin Edwards, Isaiah Collier, Matas Buzelis, Ron Holland, etc. etc. etc. started sucking. Risacher is really closer to a number 10 pick even in this draft, but draft spots get sticky.

[Brazil]

Risacher wasn't common in the top 10 before this season started, then all of Justin Edwards, Isaiah Collier, Matas Buzelis, Ron Holland, etc. etc. etc. started sucking. Risacher is really closer to a number 10 pick even in this draft, but draft spots get sticky.

At the end Risacher is quickly becoming a safe pick which is kinda crazy when you think about it

[LeBowen]

You would hope the Spurs did all their homework way before May. If they’re ramping up any activity just now, that would be extremely concerning. The Spurs should know everything about these kids already from scouting them even before college or pro ball (which they have said they do). Outward interest in December very much still counts.

Well, RC scouted Samanic in Slovenia more than once, we know how that played out. :lol

[Mr. Body]

At the end Risacher is quickly becoming a safe pick which is kinda crazy when you think about it

I don't think he's a safe pick whatsoever. What is happening, imo, is that he's solidifying as a top 2 pick. That's just what happens with 'conventional wisdom.' The tank/failure possibility for him is as high as for anyone else. In fact, I'd say his bottom is much worse than a lot of other players. If his shooting doesn't translate, he's dead wood.

[Spurs9]

kinda funny that people are freaking out about Dillingham's weight. Like that's the easiest thing to fix. Just hit the gym and eat protein :lol

He just needs a week in San Antonio to get 10lbs.

[Dex]

By specialist they likely mean 1 way players...all offensive or all defensive. They want 2way players. In age of 3 pt chucking u need length to get shots off n length to affect shots on defense.

I don't know. I feel like the Spurs have become enamored with these "all-around players", but then when you need a guy to excel at something like shooting or defense, they go wanting.

Keldon, Vassell, Branham, Wesley, Sochan....all show flashes of greatness, but haven't quite put it together yet. They are jacks of all trades, but masters of none.

At a certain point, I'd rather just draft a guy who you know will shoot 40% from three instead of a player who "may be able to do that some day"

[rjv]

“Spurs haven’t shown outward interest.” -timvp

https://x.com/BSphere_/status/1734349060084310281

Spurs were one of two teams out of 12 to send three scouts. Most of the rest sent 1 scout.

i think this needs context. is this unusual for the spurs? how many scouts do they usually send? what exactly does timvp mean by "interest" and is this so called lack of "interest" a more recent development or has the spurs level of interest always been somewhat tepid?

[montgod]

i think this needs context. is this unusual for the spurs? how many scouts do they usually send? what exactly does timvp mean by "interest" and is this so called lack of "interest" a more recent development or has the spurs level of interest always been somewhat tepid?

Good questions, but only context needed is probably this was in Dec....

[Brazil]

I don't think he's a safe pick whatsoever. What is happening, imo, is that he's solidifying as a top 2 pick. That's just what happens with 'conventional wisdom.' The tank/failure possibility for him is as high as for anyone else. In fact, I'd say his bottom is much worse than a lot of other players. If his shooting doesn't translate, he's dead wood.

He is not a safe pick by any stretch of the imagination but in this particular draft he seems to be the guy with less question marks which again sounds crazy

[Mr. Body]

He is not a safe pick by any stretch of the imagination but in this particular draft he seems to be the guy with less question marks which again sounds crazy

That's what I'm saying. I think he has profound question marks. He's historically not been a good shooter and has metrics that give pause. Free throw shooting is fairly poor, for example, and his shot to me doesn't actually look great. He's not a volume shooter. When he misses, he misses badly and there's not a lot of forgiving touch. He has zero self-creation, no ball-handling in space, his defense is fairly theoretical. His assist/turnovers is negative. And he generally doesn't rebound.

This is a player who should not be a top 3 pick whatsoever. He's very easy to bust. If he doesn't shoot well, then it's dunzo. If he's not a great defender, he's problematic. He really should be closer to 10. The bust potential is pretty significant. The 'he's utterly mediocre' potential is extremely high.

[RC_Drunkford]

I don't know. I feel like the Spurs have become enamored with these "all-around players", but then when you need a guy to excel at something like shooting or defense, they go wanting.

Keldon, Vassell, Branham, Wesley, Sochan....all show flashes of greatness, but haven't quite put it together yet. They are jacks of all trades, but masters of none.

At a certain point, I'd rather just draft a guy who you know will shoot 40% from three instead of a player who "may be able to do that some day"

aside from Vassell none of these guys are complete players though. They either can‘t shoot or can‘t play defense, which are the 2 Main things they should be able to do if we’re talking about complete players

[BatManu20]

Castle/Dillingham would be a good outcome. Means they aren’t trying to jam the square peg into the round hole by sticking Castle at point full time

ive already let go of the risacher pipe dream

This is my dream draft. And yea, Risacher is going top-2.

[BatManu20]

He just needs a week in San Antonio to get 10lbs.

Not even. 3-4 days with some of the tortas we got down here in SA and he'll be good to go.

[BatManu20]

I can’t believe the Spurs would have Topic that low on their big board. Isn’t it more likely they’re deliberately hiding their interest in him?

Maybe. But Spurs desperately need defense and shooting, both of which are Topic's weaknesses. The fit really isn't great tbh. Dillingham and/or Castle make more sense beside Wemby. Not to mention Topic is already looking injury prone at just 19 years old.

[BatManu20]

Good stuff.

Danny Green is a good comp for Risacher. Risacher plays small, so the size difference matters little, and he can't dribble to save his life. I guess the size difference lets him get shots off slower while Green was faster. The thing, of course, is paying such a high pick on a role-player, but it's one that's needed.

I'm glad to see Topic rated so low. His fit doesn't make sense.

Glad to see Buzelis above Salaun. A wild swing at a 'raw tools' player isn't needed right now. Buzelis has a way to go, but has a higher floor. Salaun just reads as a physical marvel who will never put it together.

Castle is perfect, if there's clarity about this desire to play point guard.

And places like reddit think Dillingham is the worst player in the world. He's a better pick than Sheppard for us.

Ultimately, glad to hear they're very optimistic with this draft. It's much better than how much it's getting shit on. Would I be happy being Washington, having to pick between two tightly restricted role-players in Clingan or Risacher? No. Would I be happy picking as the Spurs, who know very clearly what is working now, and can place two good prospects around their centerpiece? Absolutely.

Agree with everything you said here Body, but especially these parts. Been saying it for weeks now -- Don't want Topic on the Spurs. Too many players who I think are a better fit beside Wemby. Would also much rather Buzelis over Salaun, who scouts are saying is a really poor defender. He's also just really raw. Seems like he's 2 years away from being 2 years away. No thanks. Castle is my #1 target at Pick 4. If he's there, I think he's our guy.

[Mr. Body]

Agree with everything you said here Body, but especially these parts. Been saying it for weeks now -- Don't want Topic on the Spurs. Too many players who I think are a better fit beside Wemby. Would also much rather Buzelis over Salaun, who scouts are saying is a really poor defender. He's also just really raw. Seems like he's 2 years away from being 2 years away. No thanks. Castle is my #1 target at Pick 4. If he's there, I think he's our guy.

Someone just pointed out that Salaun has blocked 10 shots in 51 games this season. That's incredibly concerning. A player that size should accidentally block more than 10 shots.

[Ocotillo]

The more I think about it, I think Risacher, Castle and Sarr will go 1-2-3. Risacher has the power of recency going for him, he has had some good games lately in the playoffs. Even though Washington could use a big man, they also could use a point guard and Castle says that's what he wants to play so they may draft him and sign a big in free agency or draft a project later. With Sarr falling to 3 Houston goes ahead and grabs him.

I hope that doesn't happen because then the two Kentucky guards will be up next if OP is correct. I am wanting Castle at 4 and maybe Carter at 8 but if we take a guard at 4, I pick Dilly.

[exstatic]

One or both of Sarr & Risacher will most likely be gone by #4, that's almost a given. In that circumstance it's Castle at #4 and the BPA at 8. So long as the spurs don't reach like they did with Primo or Samanic. The spurs aren't very good when they reach, drafting a player several if not many spots before even an amateur GM would. If they want to reach for a player use the 48th pick and select a player based on potential then. In the lottery, go with a safer pick. Years later they'll be glad they did.

By the way, aren't Primo and Samanic just about out of the league yet ? Great job spurs, for reaching for those two clowns. Their next job will probably be in Europe, China, or managing a Subway.

We’re going to have to disagree on this, because I don’t believe that a “reach” is even possible at 19, and I don’t believe in busts at that slot, either,since so many back half first rounders don’t get to their second contracts. It’s kind of the expected outcome.

[DAF86]

0% of us have watched all these prospects, and btw 95% of people who get paid to talk about his haven’t either. We all fall in love with our guys, but hopefully people come up with reasonable criteria for getting there (not simply “he throws a nice lob pass”).

Here’s my process:

- is there a transcendent player: (No)

- what are the team’s positional needs: (SF; PG)

- best archetypes next to our offensive engines: (doesnt need ball; positional size; solid D)

- game theory— whose picking around us and how does that impact selections

Apply these filters to the class, watch the videos, and fall in love with your guys lol.

You are forgetting the most important need in "best archetypes": shooting.

[DAF86]

One or both of Sarr & Risacher will most likely be gone by #4, that's almost a given. In that circumstance it's Castle at #4 and the BPA at 8. So long as the spurs don't reach like they did with Primo or Samanic. The spurs aren't very good when they reach, drafting a player several if not many spots before even an amateur GM would. If they want to reach for a player use the 48th pick and select a player based on potential then. In the lottery, go with a safer pick. Years later they'll be glad they did.

By the way, aren't Primo and Samanic just about out of the league yet ? Great job spurs, for reaching for those two clowns. Their next job will probably be in Europe, China, or managing a Subway.

Seems like it. If there are no trades, I see the draft panning out this way, so far:

1-Atl: Sarr.
2-Was: Risacher.
3-Hou: Sheppard.
4-SAS: Castle.
5-Det: Buzelis.
6-Cha: Clingan/Williams/Holland/Knecht (maaaaybe Topic or Dillingham)
7-Por: Williams/Holland/Knecht/Salaun (definitely not a guard, likely not a center either)
8-SAS: Dillingham/Topic

My dream scenario would be Washington or the Rockets going for Clingan so that Risacher falls to 4.

[scott]

For those of you with already established big boards/prospect rankings, I’m curious: how many of you have actually watched these prospects and seen them play as opposed to just reading mock drafts/internet forums?

I'll be the first to admit that my opinions are based on reading scouting reports and watching highlights... and for this reason my personal board/opinions aren't worth much (and I recognize as much). Kentucky is the only team I saw a few full games of.

But, since no one asked, this is my current board with the Spurs in mind:

TIER I (Meaning I take any player on this list, regardless of fit, before I take any player in the next tier. Note, players are listed by rank within a tier, but the "tags are all touching" meaning the order is pretty interchangable)

Buzelis
Holland
Dillingham
Sheppard
Castle
Risacher

Tier II

Sarr
Carter
Williams
Clingan
Knecht

Tier III

Salaun
Topic
Collier
Tyler Smith
McCain

Perfectly content with this being considered one of the worst rankings of all time, I make no claims at being an NBA Scouting Professional :lol

[DAF86]

Bub Carrington

I had never heard of this guy untill today.

2JjpUBe73N0?si=3FZMyeNUWFi1VZVK

He seems like everything we are looking for. A tall, 3 level scorer, PG that can create for himself and others. Why isn't he mentioned more as a lottery pick? Has anyone seen this guy play?

[scott]

Where are the posters with the real Intel?

I'm talking about TSpence!

Got to head to Twitter for that. Eric Zhang is your man.

[jjspur]

We’re going to have to disagree on this, because I don’t believe that a “reach” is even possible at 19, and I don’t believe in busts at that slot, either,since so many back half first rounders don’t get to their second contracts. It’s kind of the expected outcome.

I can see your logic, the draft is a crapshoot. Its just that the spurs had such a reputation for drafting decent players even in the mid twenty's to the end of the first round and beyond. Guys like Slo Mo, Murray, Derrick white, Keldon are valuable players still. Even inconsistent Lonnie Walker who was drafted around 18 is still a somewhat viable player. None of these guys were reaches and are still playing, while Samanic and Primo are pretty close to being out of the league. For another perspective, think of how many players drafted after Primo & Samanic are still in the league and doing well.

I would venture to say that several of the above players would be easily welcomed back on the team, Primo and Samanic not so much. So yeah, you can have a bust in the teens even in the top 10 - it happens probably more than teams care to admit, but if the spurs really do their homework or do less reaching especially in the lottery, the chances of drafting guys like Primo and Samanic or busts in general are minimized and we get a valued player for many seasons. Again, its a crapshoot no matter where you draft - but if we minimize the mistakes or reaches, the team will be more successful in less time.

[mo7888]

I'll be the first to admit that my opinions are based on reading scouting reports and watching highlights... and for this reason my personal board/opinions aren't worth much (and I recognize as much). Kentucky is the only team I saw a few full games of.

But, since no one asked, this is my current board with the Spurs in mind:

TIER I (Meaning I take any player on this list, regardless of fit, before I take any player in the next tier. Note, players are listed by rank within a tier, but the "tags are all touching" meaning the order is pretty interchangable)

Buzelis
Holland
Dillingham
Sheppard
Castle
Risacher

Tier II

Sarr
Carter
Williams
Clingan
Knecht

Tier III

Salaun
Topic
Collier
Tyler Smith
McCain

Perfectly content with this being considered one of the worst rankings of all time, I make no claims at being an NBA Scouting Professional :lol

It looks logical to me. Here's where mine currently stands. I rank the top 30 in tiers and then have my Spurs board at the bottom using the Tiers as a guide and then Spurs fit/need within those Tiers to round out my Spurs top 10.

2024 NBA Draft Board
Tier 1:
1. Zaccharie Risacher
2. Alex Sarr
3. Matas Buzelis
Tier 2:
4. Reed Shephard
5. Cody Williams
6. Stephen Castle
7. Dalton Knecht
8. Tidjane Salaun
9. Donovan Clingan
10. Nikola Topic
Tier 3:
11. Isaiah Collier
12. Robert Dillingham
13. JaKobe Walter
14. Kyle Filipowski
15. Ron Holland
16. Johnny Furphy
17. Jared McCain
18. Devin Carter
Tier 4:
19. Tyler Smith
20. Ke'lel Ware
21. Yves Missi
22. Zach Edey
23. Bobi Klintman
24. Kyshawn George
Tier 5:
25. Pacome Dadiet
26. Trevon Brazile
27. Baylor Scheierman
28. Melvin Ajinca
29. Tristan Da Silva
30. Pelle Larsson

My Spurs Board Top 10

1. Zaccharie Risacher
2. Matas Buzelis
3. Alexander Sarr
4. Reed Shephard
5. Stephen Castle
6. Cody Williams
7. Dalton Knecht
8. Donovan Clingan
9. Tidjane Salaun
10. Robert Dillingham

Note- I should have Topic at 10 according to my tiers, but I've kinda got him on a 'do not touch list' for the Spurs until we get more info on those injuries.

[exstatic]

I can see your logic, the draft is a crapshoot. Its just that the spurs had such a reputation for drafting decent players even in the mid twenty's to the end of the first round and beyond. Guys like Slo Mo, Murray, Derrick white, Keldon are valuable players still. Even inconsistent Lonnie Walker who was drafted around 18 is still a somewhat viable player. None of these guys were reaches and are still playing, while Samanic and Primo are pretty close to being out of the league. For another perspective, think of how many players drafted after Primo & Samanic are still in the league and doing well.

I would venture to say that several of the above players would be easily welcomed back on the team, Primo and Samanic not so much. So yeah, you can have a bust in the teens even in the top 10 - it happens probably more than teams care to admit, but if the spurs really do their homework or do less reaching especially in the lottery, the chances of drafting guys like Primo and Samanic or busts in general are minimized and we get a valued player for many seasons. Again, its a crapshoot no matter where you draft - but if we minimize the mistakes or reaches, the team will be more successful in less time.

Oh, I agree with that 100%. There were good reason both were cut loose. I was just discussing semantics of the term bust, and only regarding Samanic.

[scott]

It looks logical to me. Here's where mine currently stands. I rank the top 30 in tiers and then have my Spurs board at the bottom using the Tiers as a guide and then Spurs fit/need within those Tiers to round out my Spurs top 10.



One thing I love about this draft is that I can look at my ranking (which obviously make sense to me, because I made it), and then look at yours and say "yeah - this makes sense to me". This draft is a lot of fun in that regard in that there are fine differences at the margins and reasonable, objective looks at it can come up with very different results as opposed to last couple of years where the Top 3 was definitely locked in stone and there was only slight variation in the Top 10.

For example, in 2022 it was very easy to project Sochan to the Spurs at 9 because the Top 8 ahead of him was a lot more predictable. Murray going at 4 was a little bit of a surprise, but most mocks had nailed some combination of Murray-Ivey-Mathurin at 4-5-6. Banchero was kind of a draft day surprise at #1, but only because the Magic tried to play some weird smokescreen game instead of making their intentions known with the clear #1. (Note, here is the last consensus mock: https://www.nba.com/news/2022-consensus-mock-draft)

Last year, the Top 5 was pretty locked in... Ausar might have been a little bit of a surprise for DET, I guess.

Anyway... just a long winded way of once again saying that this draft is a lot of fun.

[mo7888]

One thing I love about this draft is that I can look at my ranking (which obviously make sense to me, because I made it), and then look at yours and say "yeah - this makes sense to me". This draft is a lot of fun in that regard in that there are fine differences at the margins and reasonable, objective looks at it can come up with very different results as opposed to last couple of years where the Top 3 was definitely locked in stone and there was only slight variation in the Top 10.

For example, in 2022 it was very easy to project Sochan to the Spurs at 9 because the Top 8 ahead of him was a lot more predictable. Murray going at 4 was a little bit of a surprise, but most mocks had nailed some combination of Murray-Ivey-Mathurin at 4-5-6. Banchero was kind of a draft day surprise at #1, but only because the Magic tried to play some weird smokescreen game instead of making their intentions known with the clear #1. (Note, here is the last consensus mock: https://www.nba.com/news/2022-consensus-mock-draft)

Last year, the Top 5 was pretty locked in... Ausar might have been a little bit of a surprise for DET, I guess.

Anyway... just a long winded way of once again saying that this draft is a lot of fun.

That's a great way to look at it. I concur!

[rjv]

I'll be the first to admit that my opinions are based on reading scouting reports and watching highlights... and for this reason my personal board/opinions aren't worth much (and I recognize as much). Kentucky is the only team I saw a few full games of.

But, since no one asked, this is my current board with the Spurs in mind:

TIER I (Meaning I take any player on this list, regardless of fit, before I take any player in the next tier. Note, players are listed by rank within a tier, but the "tags are all touching" meaning the order is pretty interchangable)

Buzelis
Holland
Dillingham
Sheppard
Castle
Risacher

Tier II

Sarr
Carter
Williams
Clingan
Knecht

Tier III

Salaun
Topic
Collier
Tyler Smith
McCain

Perfectly content with this being considered one of the worst rankings of all time, I make no claims at being an NBA Scouting Professional :lol

but at least you call yourself out while putting your opinion out there. some posters on this site act as if they're not only GMs, but also GMs who are batting a thousand. i appreciate your insight and forecasts, for what it's worth.

[TimmyBuckets]

Trade up to #1 and get Risacher. Get Dejounte/Garland and your set.

[rjv]

magic sure did come out a lot better on that draft than the mock had them coming out. jabari smith? yeesh! and lol @ johnny davis. that dude actually had some fans on this site.

[Mr. Body]

Trade up to #1 and get Risacher. Get Dejounte/Garland and your set.

Use the Garland money to trade for an actual SF, draft Dillingham. Far better result.

[TimmyBuckets]

Use the Garland money to trade for an actual SF, draft Dillingham. Far better result.

Dilingham is too small imo. Risacher can be a good 3 and D guy and I think PG is a more important position to fill and Garland/Dejounte would be great without giving up too much. No issue with Garland money as they'll have cap space. KJ will be gone and another Brahnam/Graham and some picks. Spurs would easily be able to pay Garland or Dejounte.

[scott]

Use the Garland money to trade for an actual SF, draft Dillingham. Far better result.

Agree, would much rather have Dillingham + Lauri than Garland + Risacher/Buzelis/Holland/Williams.

[Mr. Body]

Dilingham is too small imo. Risacher can be a good 3 and D guy and I think PG is a more important position to fill and Garland/Dejounte would be great without giving up too much. No issue with Garland money as they'll have cap space. KJ will be gone and another Brahnam/Graham and some picks. Spurs would easily be able to pay Garland or Dejounte.

Garland and Dillingham are pretty much the same size. Dillingham is way quicker and shiftier. Leaving aside that Dillingham is probably a better shooter. There's no question in my mind about using a single pick to get Dillingham than using a package and too much money to get Garland.

[TimmyBuckets]

Garland and Dillingham are pretty much the same size. Dillingham is way quicker and shiftier. Leaving aside that Dillingham is probably a better shooter. There's no question in my mind about using a single pick to get Dillingham than using a package and too much money to get Garland.

Garland is a better facilitator by far and was an Allstar only 2 years ago. Him falling off was because of Mitchell and he's still young enough and good enough to put up all star performances next year. I would prefer Dejounte over him tbh. What you think of Dejounte and Risacher if they move up. That can be pretty enticing defensively.

[KingKev]

Anybody else curious where Joshua Primo would go in this draft?!?

[NASpurs]

Anybody else curious where Joshua Primo would go in this draft?!?


#4 for sure

[wildbill2u]

Ok, if Dillingham has always been a shooter on the teams he played for, he probably never got the word that defense might be a really really good skillset to develop if he wants to survive in the NBA. My feeling is that a really quick and fast athlete can probably be taught the skills of defense pretty quickly. He might need to learn how to flop convincingly if the refs are gonna let bigger guys simply push him around, but he might also develop into a good defensive pest against bigger guys as well, not to mention the ability to use his quickness and speed to be a threat to steal the ball consistently.

Gonna have to be willing to become a player willing to take some bumps and bruises. Spurs have had some of those over the years.

[Mr. Body]

Ok, if Dillingham has always been a shooter on the teams he played for, he probably never got the word that defense might be a really really good skillset to develop if he wants to survive in the NBA. My feeling is that a really quick and fast athlete can probably be taught the skills of defense pretty quickly. He might need to learn how to flop convincingly if the refs are gonna let bigger guys simply push him around, but he might also develop into a good defensive pest against bigger guys as well, not to mention the ability to use his quickness and speed to be a threat to steal the ball consistently.

Gonna have to be willing to become a player willing to take some bumps and bruises. Spurs have had some of those over the years.

Sort of what I've been saying.

In high school, he went to Donda Academy, originated by Kanye West and then shut down just as fast. He then played for Overtime Elite, against players most notably Amen and Ausar Thompson. Then to Kentucky after choosing NC State and then decommitting.

Coming into Kentucky, he had the reputation as a crowd-pleasing shoot first, shoot last chucker with great handles, but impressed at least some observers by playing within the system and becoming a good playmaker, including a 30% assist rate. (The percentage of assists that came from him while he was on the floor.)

I have no idea what workouts and interviews will say, but to me he's a player who was never taught a lick of defense. At times he didn't seem to have any real concept of it. Now, I do question the wisdom of going to Kanye West-ville, but that's another thing. But given his ability to conform to Kentucky's offensive sets and freelance only within his duties, I have optimism that he can learn how to play defense.

And one plus for him is that he's very quick, so has at least some tools to stay with players. Whether he can grasp larger schemes, rotations, shifting assignments on defense, is another matter.

[Knoxxx]

Agree, would much rather have Dillingham + Lauri than Garland + Risacher/Buzelis/Holland/Williams.

Put down your crack pipe we not getting Lauri.

[exstatic]

Put down your crack pipe we not getting Lauri.

Ainge wont send Lauri for anything less than the stash of ATL picks. Do people not understand the way Ainge operates?

[rascal]

Ainge wont send Lauri for anything less than the stash of ATL picks. Do people not understand the way Ainge operates?

Spurstalk thinking teams will send out their best players for low ball Spur offers.

[T Park]

Trade up to #1 and get Risacher. Get Dejounte/Garland and your set.

*shudders*

[T Park]

Agree, would much rather have Dillingham + Lauri than Garland + Risacher/Buzelis/Holland/Williams.

if Lori Markanen wasn't about to get super maxed or maxed and Utah didnt love him that would be great

[baseline bum]

Spurstalk thinking teams will send out their best players for low ball Spur offers.

If he says he isn't re-signing in Utah that's probably what'll happen, just like when the Spurs had to ship Kawhi to Toronto for the lowball offer of DeRozan (who Toronto wanted to salary dump anyways), Poeltl, and Pick #29 for Kawhi + Danny Green.

[BackHome]

Ok, if Dillingham has always been a shooter on the teams he played for, he probably never got the word that defense might be a really really good skillset to develop if he wants to survive in the NBA. My feeling is that a really quick and fast athlete can probably be taught the skills of defense pretty quickly. He might need to learn how to flop convincingly if the refs are gonna let bigger guys simply push him around, but he might also develop into a good defensive pest against bigger guys as well, not to mention the ability to use his quickness and speed to be a threat to steal the ball consistently.

Gonna have to be willing to become a player willing to take some bumps and bruises. Spurs have had some of those over the years.

Yeah, I don't see him willing to take nor do I think his bod can take the hits he would get trying to play good defense

[rascal]

If he says he isn't re-signing in Utah that's probably what'll happen, just like when the Spurs had to ship Kawhi to Toronto for the lowball offer of DeRozan (who Toronto wanted to salary dump anyways), Poeltl, and Pick #29 for Kawhi + Danny Green.

That wasn't considered a low ball offer when it happened. I remember many in here said that was a good trade when it happened.

[mo7888]

If he says he isn't re-signing in Utah that's probably what'll happen, just like when the Spurs had to ship Kawhi to Toronto for the lowball offer of DeRozan (who Toronto wanted to salary dump anyways), Poeltl, and Pick #29 for Kawhi + Danny Green.

That's the bottom line here. All this BS being scared of dealing with Ainge is silly. If Utah decides to max him out he stays, if not and he asks out. They'll take the best offer they can get. It doesn't matter if he wants the Atl stash. it just matters that our offer is better than the rest.

[baseline bum]

That wasn't considered a low ball offer when it happened. I remember many in here said that was a good trade when it happened.

Of course it was a low ball offer. Pick #29 usually doesn't stick around in the league and the Raptors were going to give DeRozan away anyways. From Toronto's perspective the deal was basically Poeltl plus crap for an MVP candidate and one of the top 3 and D role players in the league, an insanely unbalanced trade. The Spurs already had a deal for DeRozan on the table that they tried to sell Kawhi on to convince him to stay, it's not like you needed to give up a star to get Demar at the time.

[SPURt]

I don’t mean to be a negative Nancy, but I’m not too excited for this draft. It’s rolling the dice on whether or not these players can overcome their glaring weaknesses.

[Knoxxx]

Ainge wont send Lauri for anything less than the stash of ATL picks. Do people not understand the way Ainge operates?

Well it’s not fair to expect you police our boards 100% of the time, LOL

[Knoxxx]

https://www.spurstalk.com/spurs-big-board-2-draft-intel/

Be nice to see your full write up on Knecht.

[Knoxxx]

I don’t mean to be a negative Nancy, but I’m not too excited for this draft. It’s rolling the dice on whether or not these players can overcome their glaring weaknesses.

Think of it this way, we at least get two tries to find a player that’s better than our competitors. They only get one pull on the handle.

[SPURt]

Think of it this way, we at least get two tries to find a player that’s better than our competitors. They only get one pull on the handle.

https://media0.giphy.com/media/9t6xpYZ9npJmM/giphy.gif?cid=6c09b9525r3nptt5yll1en0coml7jtojtgri 4ovw41hy3vqc&ep=v1_gifs_search&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[BackHome]

Well it looks Detroit is going to fire there GM

[GAustex]

#4 for sure

Lol

[RC_Drunkford]

Well it looks Detroit is going to fire there GM

maybe he can joint Brian Wright. We like them Detroit GMs

[rankingtear]

We have to get Knecht in this team somehow. We already saw glimpses of the goodness with Dougie. Embiid and Reddick when Embiid is still a raw playmaker and Reddick has a few good years left. How good would it be if their primes align and with years playing together. Is it worth passing up for a Marcus Smart or a Lou Williams.

[Extra Stout]

We have to get Knecht in this team somehow. We already saw glimpses of the goodness with Dougie. Embiid and Reddick when Embiid is still a raw playmaker and Reddick has a few good years left. How good would it be if their primes align and with years playing together. Is it worth passing up for a Marcus Smart or a Lou Williams.
Good chance Knecht is still on the board at 8. Definitely he would bring shooting to the table. He has limited upside though I think. The Spurs might take a flyer on someone like Cody Williams at 8 instead. We’ll see.

[TD 21]

Of course it was a low ball offer. Pick #29 usually doesn't stick around in the league and the Raptors were going to give DeRozan away anyways. From Toronto's perspective the deal was basically Poeltl plus crap for an MVP candidate and one of the top 3 and D role players in the league, an insanely unbalanced trade. The Spurs already had a deal for DeRozan on the table that they tried to sell Kawhi on to convince him to stay, it's not like you needed to give up a star to get Demar at the time.

Which is why I'll always say the credibility of him was shot and by extension the integrity of that championship was compromised.

If Silver had the foresight to see that it'd mean open season for players on franchises and the backbone to put his relationship with that franchise aside, it never would have been allowed to get to that point.

[Extra Stout]

The trade was for a one-year rental of a player with degenerative knees. It worked out for the Raptors that one year as his knees held up, but then he walked. Since then he’s been an albatross for the Clippers.

It sucks the way he did the Spurs dirty, but they would be worse off had he never pulled that BS because he can’t stay on the court.

[TD 21]

It worked out for them the second it was consummated because it put them a Curry/Durant injury away (and if any team was ever due, it was that one) from a championship.

Any team would do that without thinking when the most valuable asset given up was Poeltl (and they already had two other starting C's, Valanciunas and Ibaka).

[exstatic]

Well it looks Detroit is going to fire there GM

This would have been a relevant headline 3 years ago. The horse has been out of the barn since he passed on Mobley,Barnes, and Wagner in one draft.

[exstatic]

It worked out for them the second it was consummated because it put them a Curry/Durant injury away (and if any team was ever due, it was that one) from a championship.

Any team would do that without thinking when the most valuable asset given up was Poeltl (and they already had two other starting C's, Valanciunas and Ibaka).

People shit all over DD, but he’s had two All Star selections and one All NBA selection in Chicago. Not sure Poeltl was the key piece.

[CGD]

Well it looks Detroit is going to fire there GM

First piece that needed to happen. Next is giving that crazy roster shape, including by dealing with the funky Cade-Ivey fit situation

[MaNu4Tres]

Good chance Knecht is still on the board at 8. Definitely he would bring shooting to the table. He has limited upside though I think. The Spurs might take a flyer on someone like Cody Williams at 8 instead. We’ll see.

Why use a high draft pick on a one way player with a very limited upside at 23 going on 24 years old.

Yes he can shoot.

Yes he scored well at Tennessee but he would be a Doug or Cedi type here. If you want that kind of shooter thats average to below average on D with some shot creation in secondary opportunities just bring Cedi back and use the pick on a player with higher upside.

[mo7888]

Why use a high draft pick on a one way player with a very limited upside at 23 going on 24 years old.

Yes he can shoot.

Yes he scored well at Tennessee but he would be a Doug or Cedi type here. If you want that kind of shooter thats average to below average on D with some shot creation in secondary opportunities just bring Cedi back and use the pick on a player with higher upside.

I think he's got a good bit more upside than cedi or doug, especially when you consider his late growth spurt that changed his game. He's closer to a 20 year old experience-wise with the game he plays now.

Let me pose a philosophical question based on your premise that the young guys like Williams have alot more upside. What if Front offices around the league determine that these young guys don't have nearly as much upside as normal drafts? Do they draft them anyway or does it move guys like Knecht, Edey, Tristan Da Silva etc up? And how far?

[rankingtear]

Why use a high draft pick on a one way player with a very limited upside at 23 going on 24 years old.

Yes he can shoot.

Yes he scored well at Tennessee but he would be a Doug or Cedi type here. If you want that kind of shooter thats average to below average on D with some shot creation in secondary opportunities just bring Cedi back and use the pick on a player with higher upside.

I believe a below average on D Dougie is +10 net player when paired with Wemby. I think this is Reddick-Embiid type pairing, they registered the highest net in 18-19 among rotation player who had all-nba guys in Butler, Simons and a borderline sub all star in Harris when they were on opposite sides of their careers, career high for Reddick and best playmaking season of Embiid until Maxey. I believe Knecht is the best non-star outcome prospect in this draft on a team with Wemby. Get Knecht then play find the Giannis with Salaun.

[TD 21]

People shit all over DD, but he’s had two All Star selections and one All NBA selection in Chicago. Not sure Poeltl was the key piece.

You mean the guy who shady Ujiri was shopping for 1-2 years before he found a sucker because he couldn't get value for? The same guy who's teams are almost always better (save 1-2 seasons and even then, it was barely), often significantly so, with him off the floor?

He, like others over time, made it due to circumstances benefitting him more than impact befitting of. His old school persona appealed to coaches and his counting stats and their being mediocre enough in a weak conference paved the way.

[rankingtear]

Salaun and Knecht are top tier fits with Wemby at their median outcome. Timvp got to move them up over these guards that can easily be drafted over.

[drpill]

With the latest Topic measurements news he is out of my top ten altogether. I'm not sure about movement otherwise, this is all gut feeling anyway... I am cooling off on Holland a bit and warming up to Buzelis maybe? I think you take a guard with the first pick so you can take BPA at 8. The Spurs have a lot of needs. But they must draft at least one proven natural shooter so for me if you want a wing player out of the Buzelis/Holland/Williams/God forbid Salaun group, you have to take Sheppard over Castle. Otherwise you are kind of required to draft a Knecht/Carter/McCain at 8 and you could miss out on a more talented player. Or do you just say screw it and add two more crappy shooters to this team? It seems unfathomable.

1. Dilly
2. Risacher
3. Sarr
4. Sheppard
5. Castle
6. Buzelis
7. Williams
8. Holland
9. Clingan
10. Edey

[Biggems]

Good chance Knecht is still on the board at 8. Definitely he would bring shooting to the table. He has limited upside though I think. The Spurs might take a flyer on someone like Cody Williams at 8 instead. We’ll see.

Cody worries me. He seems to be a little fragile. Also, he is not very assertive on either end of the court. It is as if he just goes through the motions. His play makes SloMo seem fast.

[Vienna]

Cody worries me. He seems to be a little fragile. Also, he is not very assertive on either end of the court. It is as if he just goes through the motions. His play makes SloMo seem fast.

just read some rumors about Cody. (take it with a grain of salt, it was from nbadraft.net)
they say there is a lot of interest for Cody in the top region of the lottery. mentioned were Spurs and Hornets, and, that's quite interesting, the Hawks. so there is speculation, that the Hawks might be willing to trade down a bit and get Cody, for example at 4.
so or so, but it's for sure not given, that Cody will still be there at pick 8.
teams might not be worried that much that he can't gain weight. and I don't share the impression, that he is slow (or plays slow). he is very fluid and IMO therefore he doesn't look dynamik, which is sometimes mistaken for being slow.

[CGD]

just read some rumors about Cody. (take it with a grain of salt, it was from nbadraft.net)
they say there is a lot of interest for Cody in the top region of the lottery. mentioned were Spurs and Hornets, and, that's quite interesting, the Hawks. so there is speculation, that the Hawks might be willing to trade down a bit and get Cody, for example at 4.
so or so, but it's for sure not given, that Cody will still be there at pick 8.
teams might not be worried that much that he can't gain weight. and I don't share the impression, that he is slow (or plays slow). he is very fluid and IMO therefore he doesn't look dynamik, which is sometimes mistaken for being slow.

I like Cody but would like them to move back from 8 to grab him later and pick up an asset.

e.g., 8, 35, Wesley for Ayo, 11

[heyheymymy]

gonna be crazy when OKC picks Cody Williams and runs the Williams bros duo lol.

[Splits]

you know what you get with Knecht. It's a know asset, a shooter. If you don't take him at 8 it's malpractice. Dude can pop from 3 anytime you want. Its a no brainer

[tmtcsc]

People shit all over DD, but he’s had two All Star selections and one All NBA selection in Chicago. Not sure Poeltl was the key piece.

DD is shit & always has been. I can’t think of a “star” player who scores more worthless, empty points than DD. I couldn’t stand watching him play for the Spurs.

[mo7888]

just read some rumors about Cody. (take it with a grain of salt, it was from nbadraft.net)
they say there is a lot of interest for Cody in the top region of the lottery. mentioned were Spurs and Hornets, and, that's quite interesting, the Hawks. so there is speculation, that the Hawks might be willing to trade down a bit and get Cody, for example at 4.
so or so, but it's for sure not given, that Cody will still be there at pick 8.
teams might not be worried that much that he can't gain weight. and I don't share the impression, that he is slow (or plays slow). he is very fluid and IMO therefore he doesn't look dynamik, which is sometimes mistaken for being slow.

If he goes that high then somebody's dropping.... I like that...

[Mr. Body]

I can see a taste for Cody Williams. He's long and lanky and moves pretty well. He's a good kid. I think he has a pretty good floor in that he'll keep your structure on the floor and keep mistakes down at an absolute minimum.

[The Truth #6]

If the Spurs don't want a short guard or one with bad knees, then prioritizing size makes sense. I'm still interested in Carter but probably not at 8.

Buzelis
Risacher
Knecht
Cody

Can I get two of those four? Still feel like 8 should be Knecht. Feels like a Spur, and I don't get Dougie vibes, I couldn't stand Dougie.

[Ignazzz]

gonna be crazy when OKC picks Cody Williams and runs the Williams bros duo lol.

with Jaylen Williams as C

[Seventyniner]

If the Spurs don't want a short guard or one with bad knees, then prioritizing size makes sense. I'm still interested in Carter but probably not at 8.

Buzelis
Risacher
Knecht
Cody

Can I get two of those four? Still feel like 8 should be Knecht. Feels like a Spur, and I don't get Dougie vibes, I couldn't stand Dougie.

Risacher will be off the board by #4. The other three will be there at 4 but Buzelis is likely to be gone by 8. If you want two from this list it would most likely have to be Buzelis at 4 and Knecht or Cody at 8.

[The Truth #6]

Risacher will be off the board by #4. The other three will be there at 4 but Buzelis is likely to be gone by 8. If you want two from this list it would most likely have to be Buzelis at 4 and Knecht or Cody at 8.

That's the likely scenario but imo Sarr is the only lock to gone by 4. I think a lot can change.

[Mr. Body]

Media seems to be painting a picture of great volatility.

[KingKev]

DD is shit & always has been. I can’t think of a “star” player who scores more worthless, empty points than DD. I couldn’t stand watching him play for the Spurs.

Hahah seriously. I got a double whammy of DDR shitting the bed as I lived in Toronto during the majority of the Lebronto era and went to a ton of games. DDR is low key clutch in meaningless games however.

[Thomas82]

That's the likely scenario but imo Sarr is the only lock to gone by 4. I think a lot can change.

It wouldn't shock me if he came out and told Atlanta to skip over him, especially after seeing the look on his face when they won the lottery.

[tmtcsc]

DDR is low key clutch in meaningless games however.

I couldn’t have said it better. The first road game DDR & Spurs played against Toronto after the trade, KL stole the ball from DDR for the winning basket. It was the perfect microcosm of their careers. Leonard (when healthy) was a winner while DDR fumbled shit away.

[Gagnrath]

But that's the thing right, he's had a year at a college program that gives students access to great food and great work out facilities and staff to use them and he's still light. The easiest thing to fix also shouldn't be an issue t obegin with given his resources.

For a decent number of guys at (and an even larger percentage under that age wise)18-22 and even a little older if you have an real amount of physical activity, even with unlimited food they simply can't put on weight. I was one of them and was eating 6,000+ kilocalories a day. Almost 3x what the recommended for adult guys is. Most of the guys with metabolism like that age 26 and under are plenty strong, might get moved around due to not having a heavy enough base leverage just losses out, just not worried about weight on guys under 24, unless it's fat and out of shape.

[CGD]

I can see a taste for Cody Williams. He's long and lanky and moves pretty well. He's a good kid. I think he has a pretty good floor in that he'll keep your structure on the floor and keep mistakes down at an absolute minimum.

And he’s from an Airforce family. People were busting nuts about that when we discussed Jalen a few year back.

[exstatic]

For a decent number of guys at (and an even larger percentage under that age wise)18-22 and even a little older if you have an real amount of physical activity, even with unlimited food they simply can't put on weight. I was one of them and was eating 6,000+ kilocalories a day. Almost 3x what the recommended for adult guys is. Most of the guys with metabolism like that age 26 and under are plenty strong, might get moved around due to not having a heavy enough base leverage just losses out, just not worried about weight on guys under 24, unless it's fat and out of shape.

I think that’s why the Spurs asked Wemby to skip FNT bball last summer. They wanted to put some muscle weight on him, and knew they couldn’t during the season.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

If the Spurs don't want a short guard or one with bad knees, then prioritizing size makes sense. I'm still interested in Carter but probably not at 8.

Buzelis
Risacher
Knecht
Cody

Can I get two of those four? Still feel like 8 should be Knecht. Feels like a Spur, and I don't get Dougie vibes, I couldn't stand Dougie.

Knecht would be a waste of a top 10 pick. I watched him a lot this year, he doesn't have enough juice to hang in the pros, even with the lax D rules.