Comprehensive Thoughts on San Antonio's Two Lottery Picks

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/thoughts-spurs-lottery-picks-2024-nba-draft/

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Good stuff. Predictions? Or is that another thread?

I agree the two fastest droppers are Topic and Dillingham. I wouldn't be shocked to see one of both go in the late teens to early 20s.

Disappointing draft is disappointing. And as others have noted that is often said, I think this year it rings especially true. I think the Spurs tend to shine in drafts like this though so ideally that bears out. Maybe 4, but especially 8 are likely to spend time in the G League and that seems quite uncommon for top twn picks.

[spurraider21]

thanks for the article. really bummed that dilly has fallen as much as he has.

for a while now ive said the disaster scenario is one where we whiff on risacher and both kentucky guards. based on the tea leaves, thats becoming more and more likely.

[DPG21920]

timvp I just want to know how likely it is SA moves up if it means securing 2 of Reed Castle Risacher?

[ginobilized]

Thanks for the deep thoughts!

One of Sarr, Risacher, Sheppard or Castle sounds pretty good at #4. #8 could be very interesting between the raw and flawed wings or a wildcard like Topic. Might be a record-setting number of draft day trades this year.

Wake me up when it's Thursday.

[PhantomDashCam]

Timvp is so far the only source I’ve found that states the Spurs worked out Cody Williams.
I think it’ll be him at #4 and Carter at #8.

[Dejounte]

Thanks for the deep thoughts!

One of Sarr, Risacher, Sheppard or Castle sounds pretty good at #4. #8 could be very interesting between the raw and flawed wings or a wildcard like Topic. Might be a record-setting number of draft day trades this year.

Wake me up when it's Thursday.


Wednesday…unless you’re on the other side of the world

[scott]

Thanks OP

[Spurs Homer]

I dont know why or if i am off…but there is ONE player that i feel really really unexcited AT ALL about….
i mean just meh…

and that is Castle
everyone seems to be so enamored of the spurs picking him at #4…
and i go back and watch more film….bleh

nothing…dude cant shoot, doesnt seem to be uber athletic, is not really a pg but seems to feel he can dictate that he IS a pg…

ill take dilly or sheppard - by A LOT over this guy….

i guess if the spurs get him i really hope i am proven wrong and he becomes an all star but i get no excitement watching him play.

[Mr. Body]

Stephon Castle is going to be like a vaccine for the measles or polio. People aren't going to even think about how we're not getting wrecked by high-scoring guards like we used to. And then they're still gonna say, "Stephon Castle?? What does this guy even do??"

[DPG21920]

And timvp I know you are busy cranking out articles and Imma let you finish but it pisses me off that you dont stick around to elaborate :lol

[DPG21920]

Stephon Castle is going to be like a vaccine for the measles or polio. People aren't going to even think about how we're not getting wrecked by high-scoring guards like we used to. And then they're still gonna say, "Stephon Castle?? What does this guy even do??"

Im excited for him. Unlike so many others (maybe not here but on X) that seem so set on saddling Wemby with all defensive responsibilities and saying “who cares if they suck on defense we have Wemby!” I would prefer to make defense a real strength

Of course theres a balance and can have trash non-shooting lineups but I am looking forward to multiple good defenders. MINNY, Dallas, OKC and BOS all had great defensive depth especially at guard/wing and Spurs need that too. Of course like BOS having 4 guys who all defend at high levels and can all shoot and play point guard and create for themselves is wonderful :lol but just something like that (which is what SA is clearly going for)

[scott]

Stephon Castle is going to be like a vaccine for the measles or polio. People aren't going to even think about how we're not getting wrecked by high-scoring guards like we used to. And then they're still gonna say, "Stephon Castle?? What does this guy even do??"

Not getting 50 bombs dropped on us?

:pop: That's not who we are

[DAF86]

Stephon Castle is going to be like a vaccine for the measles or polio. People aren't going to even think about how we're not getting wrecked by high-scoring guards like we used to. And then they're still gonna say, "Stephon Castle?? What does this guy even do??"

I hope you are right, but I really doubt that's the case, specially on his rookie season. Defense is the toughest skill to translate to the NBA, the folks you have to guard are immensely more skilled and there's a lot more space to cover. Castle wouldn't be the first defensive prospect coming out of college that would get humbled on the NBA, tbh.

And on the other side of the ball, it will be FUGLY with a capital FUDGE. The kid isn't even remotely close to developing a reliable jumper. Folks will be here freaking out about how bad Castle looks early on and asking for PATFO's head. The spacing will be so bad that the usual suspects will be here declaring doomsday and Wemby's trade demand.

I'm not saying it can't work on the long run, but I just don't see Castle being good early on, tbh.

[objective]

If Castle and Sochan are starting, that's going to be pure comedy seeing defenses create huge dead zones around them

[Mr. Body]

I hope you are right, but I really doubt that's the case, specially on his rookie season. Defense is the toughest skill to translate to the NBA, the folks you have to guard are immensely more skilled and there's a lot more space to cover. Castle wouldn't be the first defensive prospect coming out of college that would get humbled on the NBA, tbh.

And on the other side of the ball, it will be FUGLY with a capital FUDGE. The kid isn't even remotely close to developing a reliable jumper. Folks will be here freaking out about how bad Castle looks early on and asking for PATFO's head. The spacing will be so bad that the usual suspects will be here declaring doomsday and Wemby's trade demand.

I'm not saying it can't work on the long run, but I just don't see Castle being good early on, tbh.

Yeah. He's nineteen years old. He's going to be a rookie.

Here's a place where rules are selectively applied. Stephon Castle is treated like he's twenty-seven years old and a grizzled vet who is who he is. Whereas, dunno, the guys from his same high school class - which is everyone else - are given extensive room to grow into themselves and their games. Kid is nineteen. Of course he has to get used to things.

[DAF86]

If Castle and Sochan are starting, that's going to be pure comedy seeing defenses create huge dead zones around them

Wemby could literally see a regression in production if that happens. I see folks freely predicting a lineup of Tre, Vassell, Castle, Sochan and Wemby as if such lineup had any chance of working in today's NBA. :lol

[DAF86]

Yeah. He's nineteen years old. He's going to be a rookie.

Here's a place where rules are selectively applied. Stephon Castle is treated like he's twenty-seven years old and a grizzled vet who is who he is. Whereas, dunno, the guys from his same high school class - which is everyone else - are given extensive room to grow into themselves and their games. Kid is nineteen. Of course he has to get used to things.

Well, your previous post made it seem like you were expecting Castle to make a difference fairly early on, that's why I replied, tbh.

[Chinook]

thanks for the article. really bummed that dilly has fallen as much as he has.

for a while now ive said the disaster scenario is one where we whiff on risacher and both kentucky guards. based on the tea leaves, thats becoming more and more likely.

It's hard to me to believe any player has risen or fallen all that much. If guys like Dilly and Holland are now thought of as late-lotto picks, they were likely always thought of that way by teams. If teams liked those players, they probably aren't freaking out about them not blowing up the combine or even if their workout didn't go well. It's unlikely that any FO has only experienced bad workouts leading to bad prospects. A team like the Spurs certainly shouldn't be caught flat-footed where they loved a guy for years only to dump him because he gave a bad interview. Add in that we don't even know what reports are even true, and I don't put much stock into any of this board movement.

But assuming it's true, I wonder if the Spurs will behave differently in their position. Let's just say that Dillingham, Holland or Collier is about to experience a slide similar to Murray in 2016. The Spurs scooped up DJM because they still had a high grade on him. But it's easy to make that argument when you have a late-first. Had the Spurs had, say, the 10th pick instead, would they have taken Murray? We may find out that the Spurs might have been telling the truth and snatch up a guy who would've fallen much further down otherwise. Or we might find that that talk is spin, and they'll pick someone mocked in their area of the draft and let the fallers go to later teams.

[DPG21920]

It's hard to me to believe any player has risen or fallen all that much. If guys like Dilly and Holland are now thought of as late-lotto picks, they were likely always thought of that way by teams. If teams liked those players, they probably aren't freaking out about them not blowing up the combine or even if their workout didn't go well. It's unlikely that any FO has only experienced bad workouts leading to bad prospects. A team like the Spurs certainly shouldn't be caught flat-footed where they loved a guy for years only to dump him because he gave a bad interview. Add in that we don't even know what reports are even true, and I don't put much stock into any of this board movement.

But assuming it's true, I wonder if the Spurs will behave differently in their position. Let's just say that Dillingham, Holland or Collier is about to experience a slide similar to Murray in 2016. The Spurs scooped up DJM because they still had a high grade on him. But it's easy to make that argument when you have a late-first. Had the Spurs had, say, the 10th pick instead, would they have taken Murray? We may find out that the Spurs might have been telling the truth and snatch up a guy who would've fallen much further down otherwise. Or we might find that that talk is spin, and they'll pick someone mocked in their area of the draft and let the fallers go to later teams.

This is sort of why I mocked so many “rookie wave” scenarios. I know it’s supposed to be a crappy draft but if we are to believe SA is higher on this than most, why couldn’t SA walk away with 3 guys in the first round of this draft if someone they really like falls and its cheaper than usual to trade up?

[Blizzardwizard]

Stephon Castle is going to be like a vaccine for the measles or polio. People aren't going to even think about how we're not getting wrecked by high-scoring guards like we used to. And then they're still gonna say, "Stephon Castle?? What does this guy even do??"


Yeah I think anyone discounting defense from the argument needs to go back and watch every defensive possession in the second-half of the Knicks home win on repeat.

Brunson scored 38 points in the half mostly from just walking past Tre Jones who offered as much resistance on the perimeter as most ST users would muster after 15 minutes of stretching. Wemby could do nothing as he was busy dealing with Hartenstein and Hart. It was the only reason that game was close in what would otherwise have been a blowout victory.

Don't see how you could watch that horrifying footage then want someone like Rob Dillingham as the lead PG and point-of-attack defender (who's the same height as Jones and at least 10 lbs lighter) over Castle. Especially after seeing maybe the league's best scorer become pretty useless in the finals because they were a non-factor defensively and getting targeted on every possession.

I'll take Castle's on-ball defense over Dillingham's shot-making because you can at least try and surround Castle with wing shooters to mask some of his floor-stretching deficiencies. Could even do it immediately with Dalton Knecht at pick 8 for example.

Conversely you could add the best wing-defender in the NBA to the Spurs tomorrow but it won't matter if your feature guard is being ass-blasted at the top of the key every time the other team brings it up the floor.

[spurraider21]

It's hard to me to believe any player has risen or fallen all that much. If guys like Dilly and Holland are now thought of as late-lotto picks, they were likely always thought of that way by teams. If teams liked those players, they probably aren't freaking out about them not blowing up the combine or even if their workout didn't go well. It's unlikely that any FO has only experienced bad workouts leading to bad prospects. A team like the Spurs certainly shouldn't be caught flat-footed where they loved a guy for years only to dump him because he gave a bad interview. Add in that we don't even know what reports are even true, and I don't put much stock into any of this board movement.

But assuming it's true, I wonder if the Spurs will behave differently in their position. Let's just say that Dillingham, Holland or Collier is about to experience a slide similar to Murray in 2016. The Spurs scooped up DJM because they still had a high grade on him. But it's easy to make that argument when you have a late-first. Had the Spurs had, say, the 10th pick instead, would they have taken Murray? We may find out that the Spurs might have been telling the truth and snatch up a guy who would've fallen much further down otherwise. Or we might find that that talk is spin, and they'll pick someone mocked in their area of the draft and let the fallers go to later teams.
yeah, i agree that players dont really "rise" and "fall" all that much (happens to some extent, but not dramatically), but rather the media comes in with their pre-conceived notions and over time adjust their mocks to reflect actual intel, which creates an illusion of players rising/falling when its just the media catching up to the teams

its almost like when results flow in on election day and one of the candidates is "behind by x votes and now has rallied to only be y votes behind" when in reality thats just the order in which the votes were counted, doesnt reflect anybody actually "leading" or "trailing" at any given time

so in this context when i say dilly has fallen... my amateur ass has him ranked 3rd in the draft, and a couple of months ago, that seemed to be somewhat in line with expectations. while i still have him that high, as more intel has come in, it now appears that teams havent been as fond of him as we had thought.

[DAF86]

Yeah I think anyone discounting defense from the argument needs to go back and watch every defensive possession in the second-half of the Knicks home win on repeat.

Brunson scored 38 points in the half mostly from just walking past Tre Jones who offered as much resistance on the perimeter as most ST users would muster after 15 minutes of stretching. Wemby could do nothing as he was busy dealing with Hartenstein and Hart. It was the only reason that game was close in what would otherwise have been a blowout victory.

Don't see how you could watch that horrifying footage then want someone like Rob Dillingham as the lead PG and point-of-attack defender (who's the same height as Jones and at least 10 lbs lighter) over Castle. Especially after seeing maybe the league's best scorer become pretty useless in the finals because they were a non-factor defensively and getting targeted on every possession.

I'll take Castle's on-ball defense over Dillingham's shot-making because you can at least try and surround Castle with wing shooters to mask some of his floor-stretching deficiencies. Could even do it immediately with Dalton Knecht at pick 8 for example.

Conversely you could add the best wing-defender in the NBA to the Spurs tomorrow but it won't matter if your feature guard is being ass-blasted at the top of the key every time the other team brings it up the floor.

How do you expect to do that with a core that heavily relies on players like Tre Jones and Jeremy Sochan?

[AFBlue]

Was digging the point where one of Sheppard, Castle, Risacher or Sarr will be available at 4, then you said you could see the Spurs taking Salaun, Williams, Holland or Buzelis even with one of those guys on the board...and I threw up in my mouth a little.

[Dejounte]

Was digging the point where one of Sheppard, Castle, Risacher or Sarr will be available at 4, then you said you could see the Spurs taking Salaun, Williams, Holland or Buzelis even with one of those guys on the board...and I threw up in my mouth a little.

Maybe it’s because draft pundits have never earned the reputation they carry for anyone to believe the prospects should be drafted according to the order they laid out… since time and time again they get it wrong. I will never understand people’s rigid thinking when it comes to teams having to draft the group of prospects they think are better than the rest.

[Blizzardwizard]

How do you expect to do that with a core that heavily relies on players like Tre Jones and Jeremy Sochan?


You don't. I was talking more long-term. 'The core' likely won't be much better next year realistically - no matter what they do in the draft and won't be for at least two more draft/free-agent cycles when you can get those guys off the roster or at least into heavily-diminished roles within the rotation.

Fact of the matter is there's still gonna be a lot of borderline NBA players getting a ton of minutes next season and if it's a case of 'who's going to plug the biggest hole' I'll take Castle's supposed defense upside and work-in-progress shooting over the sobering thought of one of Jones or Dillingham being on the floor for every single defensive possession all year long.

That's just my opinion though. Taking Castle and Dillingham and using the latter in a limited bench role could work I guess.

[DAF86]

You don't. I was talking more long-term. 'The core' likely won't be much better next year realistically - no matter what they do in the draft and won't be for at least two more draft/free-agent cycles when you can get those guys off the roster or at least into heavily-diminished roles within the rotation.

Fact of the matter is there's still gonna be a lot of borderline NBA players getting a ton of minutes next season and if it's a case of 'who's going to plug the biggest hole' I'll take Castle's supposed defense upside and work-in-progress shooting over the sobering thought of one of Jones and Dillingham being on the floor for every single defensive possession all year long.

That's just my opinion though. Taking Castle and Dillingham and using the latter in a limited bench role could work I guess.

So let me get this straight, we need to get rid or diminish the role of a player like Sochan, who was drafted despite his poor shooting, because of his size, defensive versatility, and connective playmaking, to make room to draft a player, despite his poor shooting, because of his size, defensive versatility and connective playmaking. Got it.

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Not getting 50 bombs dropped on us?

:pop: That's not who we are

didn't we give up 60 once?

[SpursFan86]

Sorry, but put me firmly in the camp of freaking the fuck out if the Spurs go with Salaun at #4 over Castle or Sheppard :lol Drafting him at 8 is bad enough; 4 would be malpractice.

[scott]

didn't we give up 60 once?

50 is just a starting place. Completely content giving up 70 if the situation calls for it!

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Wemby could literally see a regression in production if that happens. I see folks freely predicting a lineup of Tre, Vassell, Castle, Sochan and Wemby as if such lineup had any chance of working in today's NBA. :lol

Yup. We lost by what 8 or 9 points per game in PF/PA last year? Castle might improve that 3 or 4 PA but cost us 1 or 2 on PF. Push player, imo. Certainly not a top 4 pick at least in my book.

[playbonner15]

All I know is Wemby needs a Red Rocket to play with him - a guy who can shoot 3s and defend 5s. Wemby's still having trouble with Embiid, Davis, Lively

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50 is just a starting place. Completely content giving up 70 if the situation calls for it!

Yup. I think I tried to forget about the 70 piece Embiid dropped on us. The other game I was thinking about came from Brunson during Spring Break last year when he rubbed his 61 points and his scrotum all over the floor

[offset formation]

All I know is Wemby needs a Red Rocket to play with him - a guy who can shoot 3s and defend 5s. Wemby's still having trouble with Embiid, Davis, Lively

User name checks out. Bonner was definitely an under appreciated asset to our success with precisely what you said though. Manning up 5s in small ball or on defensive rotations was huge.

[VBM]

All I know is Wemby needs a Red Rocket to play with him - a guy who can shoot 3s and defend 5s. Wemby's still having trouble with Embiid, Davis, Lively

Good thing Zollins got a shit-ton of money to do just that

[Blizzardwizard]

So let me get this straight, we need to get rid or diminish the role of a player like Sochan, who was drafted despite his poor shooting, because of his size, defensive versatility, and connective playmaking, to make room to draft a player, despite his poor shooting, because of his size, defensive versatility and connective playmaking. Got it.


I was talking about Tre Jones/Stephon Castle/Rob Dillingham. You brought up Sochan not me.

Where did I say Castle would be replacing Sochan? The guy has minimal playmaking upside on the perimeter (despite what PATFO thought going into last season) and is somewhat overrated defensively especially when he's matched up against smaller players.

He's better off defending wings or smaller bigs and can't be left on an island at the top of the key. A lot of people seem to think Castle can be. They're not the same player and wouldn't/shouldn't be occupying the same spaces on the court.

[DAF86]

I was talking about Tre Jones/Stephon Castle/Rob Dillingham. You brought up Sochan not me.

We were definitely talking about Sochan and Jones.


How do you expect to do that with a core that heavily relies on players like Tre Jones and Jeremy Sochan?


The core' likely won't be much better next year realistically - no matter what they do in the draft and won't be for at least two more draft/free-agent cycles when you can get those guys off the roster or at least into heavily-diminished roles within the rotation.

[DAF86]

Where did I say Castle would be replacing Sochan? The guy has minimal playmaking upside on the perimeter (despite what PATFO thought going into last season) and is somewhat overrated defensively especially when he's matched up against smaller players.

He's better off defending wings or smaller bigs and can't be left on an island at the top of the key. A lot of people seem to think Castle can be. They're not the same player and wouldn't/shouldn't be occupying the same spaces on the court.

It is easy to say that with hindsight, in reality this was what was thought of Sochan as a prospect:


Baylor forward Jeremy Sochan, who is one of the best defensive players in the 2022 NBA draft pool, will be heading to San Antonio to play for the Spurs after going ninth overall.

Scouting Report: Sochan's versatility checks a valuable mix of boxes that allows scouts to overlook his lack of scoring firepower. At 6'10", he's a passer, cutter and capable open shooter who has the size, mobility and IQ to defend guards, wings and bigs.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/10032639-jeremy-sochan-draft-scouting-report-pro-comparison-updated-spurs-roster.amp.html


Built with a huge frame at 6’9”, 230-lbs and possessing a 7’0” wingspan, he has good measurables and an NBA ready body to compete with professional athletes.

His calling card is his ability to guard just about all five positions, and create deflections and transition opportunities in off ball situations. He keeps his hands active hands and feet ready to pounce on any loose handle or lazy pass. Sochan’s excellent motor and hustle are immediately evident upon putting on tape of him this past season. In the clip below, he shows the ability to step out to the perimeter, recover to fight in the paint, and erase an attempt at the rim in one possession.

While he’s very much unrefined on the opposite end of the court, Sochan has some real ability to handle the ball in space. In transition, he does a good job of looking up the floor and finding streaking teammates ahead. He could be a dribble handoff operator in short spurts or even a pick-and-roll operator in time in the half court game as well. His best threat at this stage in his development, however, is attacking closeouts and dribble driving from the top of the key.

While his shooting range is yet very limited, Sochan finishes near the rim fairly well. He’s able to use his dribble in limited face up opportunities, and has a high release on his short turnaround jump shots.


https://www.peachtreehoops.com/2022/6/21/23176341/2022-nba-draft-scouting-report-jeremy-sochan-offense-defense-video-analysis-fit-atlanta-hawks

Those are a lot of the same things people are saying about Castle, tbh.

[bevo]

2 more days ...

[SpurSpike]

This reads so strange... our top target in this draft has a Danny Green role player ceiling and the best fit next to Wemby, Dillingham is sliding because he's 10 lbs lighter than we thought... Dilly might not have many defensive tools but that doesn't mean he can't learn to be a pest on that end, right?

[Blizzardwizard]

We were definitely talking about Sochan and Jones.

Once again I simply never mentioned Sochan in my original post. There's just no debate to be had here but ok lol.

And the 'NBA player X had a similar scouting report and isn't/wasn't good' logic could be equally used to eliminate every single player in this draft from the Spurs' board - especially 6'1" 164 lbs guards.

[DAF86]

Once again I simply never mentioned Sochan in my original post. There's just no debate to be had here but ok lol.

I did, so if you didn't want to be missinterpreted, you should have said you weren't talking about Sochan. Although I don't know who else you could have been talking about since you were talking in plural and I only mentioned two guys: Sochan and Jones.


And the 'NBA player X had a similar scouting report and isn't/wasn't good' logic could be equally used to eliminate every single player in this draft from the Spurs' board - especially 6'1" 164 lbs guards.

Sure, I just posted that so that you couldn't re-write history about Sochan's scouting report coming out of college, tbh.

[objective]

How in earth would Sochan NOT be considered part of the core but Tre Jones is?

Jones is on an expiring deal and they had their chance to sign him for longer but they didn't want it.

Sochan is the highest drafted player besides Wemby and has started 126 of 130 games played.

[Mr. Body]

Sochan just ended his second season in the league and was only legally allowed to drink a beer a month ago. A huge part of the season he was asked to play out of position and you motherfuckers are still blaming him for it. :lol

I can't wait until this fanbase starts hating on whoever we draft this year.

[DAF86]

Sochan just ended his second season in the league and was only legally allowed to drink a beer a month ago. A huge part of the season he was asked to play out of position and you motherfuckers are still blaming him for it. :lol

I can't wait until this fanbase starts hating on whoever we draft this year.

I actually like Sochan and I consider him part of the core moving forward, that's precisely why I'm not of fan of keep adding prospects with a high risk of never developing a reliable jumper, tbh.

[Obstructed_View]

didn't we give up 60 once?

70?

[Mr. Body]

I actually like Sochan and I consider him part of the core moving forward, that's precisely why I'm not of fan of keep adding prospects with a high risk of never developing a reliable jumper, tbh.

The alternatives are small guards or wings that aren't very good. The fit between Castle and Sochan is definitely a problem. In the end I just want the best player and figure it out.

[Uriel]

Reading your thoughts on Risacher reminds me a lot of Hollinger’s controversial article on him several weeks ago that generated a mixed response here on SpursTalk. While I also have Risacher #1 on my big board, his shortcomings do give me plenty of pause, and I worry that we might be falling into groupthink having him #1 when he could be a bust hiding in plain sight.

[objective]

Givony on Windhorst's podcast claimed that part of why Risacher was at the top of teams boards was them realizing in workouts that he could really pass. Givony also said that he played point guard in the French second division and averaged 5 assists a game there, making him a much more complete player than his role for Bourg let on.

If he really does have some playmaking skills as in connective passing then I can see the appeal.

[Uriel]

I’m sure most Spurs fans would be upset if the Spurs pick someone like Salaun over someone like Sheppard but I’d trust their judgment. The hope is that the front office has been able to pinpoint a potential star. I don’t care if that player doesn’t happen to be one of the prospects anointed by draft pundits as a top player in the draft.
https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/10/i_a1_80_f6_josh-primo.png?w=1000&h=600&crop=1

[Ef-man]

And who will SA pick and stash for picks 35 and 48?

[KobesAchilles]

If Reed really is the Rockets pick, and all reports on clutch fans say he is, then I want the Spurs to draft Matas 4th and Knect 8th. You get your defensive improvement with Matas, actual size instead of a small 6’6 guard, and if we teach him how to shoot then his shot will be unblockable. If you want to play switch defense then you need bigs capable of switching and Buzz is capable of that.

Knect will play an athletic Marco role and to me that is worth the 8th pick. Unselfish, moves well without the ball, smart and quick on offense. Lights out shooter. What’s not to like about him?

[John B]

Any of Risacher, Sarr, Reed or Castle at 4 is great, especially with Clingan’s rise to top 3.
I’d take Sarr at the BPA and let them figure it out.

Any of Salaun, Williams, Dilly or Carter at 8. It defends who Spurs picked at 4. If Sarr, I’d take Dilly or Carter. If Reed, I’d take either Salaun/Williams. If Castle, I’d take either any.

It’s intriguing that Timvp thinks any of Salaun, Williams, Buzelis or Holland can be an All-Star. I think it could be either Williams or Salaun. Salaun having higher standing reach that AD and Adebayo is crazy. If he continues to grow, he could be a brute force in the paint.

My ideal is Sarr and Dilly/Carter. I can be excited with Castle and Dilly/Carter/Salaun. Maybe Reed and Salaun could be high ceiling picks.

Spursy could be Castle and Knecht which will be meh. Topic at 8 means the Spurs really like what they saw and willing to wait, and could be a source of excitement if they’re right.

For a thin draft, it’s exciting to see how many combinations of players Spurs can choose from. I can’t wait!

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[/FONT][/COLOR]https://hoopshype.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/92/2022/10/i_a1_80_f6_josh-primo.png?w=1000&h=600&crop=1



This is a perfect response to the quoted material...but in the words of Stephen A Smith...HOWEVAH, nobody to my knowledge said Primo was potentially the highest cieling player in the draft nor would his selection put jaws on the floor as did Primo's selection. So in this one particular case, I'd say that your response is off vis-a-vis Salaun.

[Brazil]

Hopefully Risacher will be gone before Spurs pick tbh

[Mr. Body]

Still can't believe they passed on Sengun. I'm prepared for any kind of foolishness.

[LeBowen]

Still can't believe they passed on Sengun. I'm prepared for any kind of foolishness.

Tbh, I hope their recent failures have steered them away from theoretical players.
What happened to Spurs drafting players based on their basketball ability, not just physical talent?

I've been changing my mind daily, but it's the draft day and I want Dillingham at #8.

[Mr. Body]

Tbh, I hope their recent failures have steered them away from theoretical players.
What happened to Spurs drafting players based on their basketball ability, not just physical talent?

I've been changing my mind daily, but it's the draft day and I want Dillingham at #8.

I hope Wemby changes things. Wesley and Branham weren't bad picks considering that draft was not deep. The team had time to work on players at that point.

Things have changed. Dillingham will be able to score. He'll be ready to be on the court in some fashion from the start.

[baseline bum]

Yikes on that writeup of Risacher

[exstatic]

This reads so strange... our top target in this draft has a Danny Green role player ceiling and the best fit next to Wemby, Dillingham is sliding because he's 10 lbs lighter than we thought... Dilly might not have many defensive tools but that doesn't mean he can't learn to be a pest on that end, right?

Dillingham is sliding because a national audience just watched Boston hunt and destroy players of his type in an epic playoff run.

[exstatic]

Tbh, I hope their recent failures have steered them away from theoretical players.
What happened to Spurs drafting players based on their basketball ability, not just physical talent?

I've been changing my mind daily, but it's the draft day and I want Dillingham at #8.

Everyone in this draft is theoretical.

[LeBowen]

Dillingham is sliding because a national audience just watched Boston hunt and destroy players of his type in an epic playoff run.

Luka didn't do much better on defense than Dillingham would.
These playoffs have shown us that size narrative for bad defenders doesn't really matter, they still get hunted.


Everyone in this draft is theoretical.

Dillingham at least has a developed skillset.
Everyone else except Risacher and Clingan will be a bust if they don't fix their fundamental flaws.

[exstatic]

And who will SA pick and stash for picks 35 and 48?

They’ll probably be sold.

[Mr. Body]

Dillingham is sliding because a national audience just watched Boston hunt and destroy players of his type in an epic playoff run.

Yeah, it's recency bias. Everyone was extolling how great Maxey was a couple months ago. Dallas just can't cover their players, and honesty, talking about Boston's 'epic playoff run' is kind of dumb considering they had no opposition whatsoever with all the injured teams they faced. So destroying teams without their best players. Alright. That's something to build a draft strategy around: "Only play injured teams."

[exstatic]

Luka didn't do much better on defense than Dillingham would.
These playoffs have shown us that size narrative for bad defenders doesn't really matter, they still get hunted.



Dillingham at least has a developed skillset.
Everyone else except Risacher and Clingan will be a bust if they don't fix their fundamental flaws.

Luka’s team lost. Theoretically, Dilly might learn enough defense to stay on the floor. Theoretically.

[LeBowen]

Luka’s team lost. Theoretically, Dilly might learn enough defense to stay on the floor. Theoretically.

Luka's team lost mainly because he played some of the worst defense ever seen in the finals for a player his size.
He was as useless as Trae would've been on that end.
That was my point. Not that Dillingham could ever get even close to Luka's impact.
Kyrie was actually a better defender than Luka.

Conley did fine.
So did Brunson and Maxey.

Would I prefer a 6'5, two-way point guard? Obviously.
But I'd also rather get a 6'2 point guard who can actually play basketball than someone who's entire development depends on developing a functional jumpshot.
Even then, Castle is my preference for #4, but I want at least one legit shooter with gravity in this draft.
Can be Sheppard at #4 or Dillingham at #8.
I don't think Sheppard is worth #4 pick because he'll also be a negative defender and his self-creation is nowhere near Dillingham's.

[poopbox]

All this talk of what the Celtics did in the finals is useless. You won't see any other team in the league be able to build a team like that. You would have to draft, sign, or trade for two all star caliber do everything wings AND THEN you would have to draft, sign or trade for two all star caliber do everything guards. Nobody is going to get that lucky or be able to build a team like that from scratch.

Spurs pass on Dillingham and he lights it up wherever he guys while Castle is shooting 23% on wide open 3's and I will want the entire front office fired.

[ChumpDumper]

Dillingham is sliding because a national audience just watched Boston hunt and destroy players of his type in an epic playoff run.

I guess. I do remember T.J. McConnell's wreaking havoc off the bench against Boston with mostly waterbug baseline drives. Comparisons to Dilly aren't 1:1 but things might have been more interesting if were T.J. also an elite three point shooter like Dilly might be.


Luka’s team lost. Theoretically, Dilly might learn enough defense to stay on the floor. Theoretically.
Well...yeah. All draft talk is theoretical.

[south side spur]

Vegas Odds
2024 NBA Draft #1 Overall Pick
Risacher -340
Clingan +200

2024 NBA Draft #2 Overall Pick
Sarr -850

2024 NBA Draft #3 Overall Pick
Sheppard -240
Clingan +350

2024 NBA Draft #4 Overall Pick
Castle -110
Sheppard +400
Risacher +400

2024 NBA Draft #5 Overall Pick
Buzelis -170
Williams +250

2024 NBA Draft Position
Carter U10.5 -165

McCain O15.5 -130

Buzelis U5.5 -130

Sheppard U3.5 -190

Castle U5.5 -160

Salaun U10.5 -140

Williams U8.5 -130

[Mr. Body]

Castle has really firmed up at 4 lately. Really sunk down those foundations. Laid down the masonry. Rose the battlements.

[mudyez]

I'm not a betting man, but that "Castle U5.5 -160" looks tasty. Only way it's not happenig is if
a) Clingan jumps into the top3 (less than a 50% chance of happening)
AND
b) Spurs value him less than the one of Reed/Zacc/Sarr that slips. (depending on who it is, I think it's also about 50%)
AND
c) Detroit really loves Buzz that much. (thats probable)
OR
d) There is a huge trade cluster f*** happening (I guess thats where the odds come from)

[offset formation]

Still can't believe they passed on Sengun. I'm prepared for any kind of foolishness.

Sticks in my craw till today.

[offset formation]

If Reed really is the Rockets pick, and all reports on clutch fans say he is, then I want the Spurs to draft Matas 4th and Knect 8th. You get your defensive improvement with Matas, actual size instead of a small 6’6 guard, and if we teach him how to shoot then his shot will be unblockable. If you want to play switch defense then you need bigs capable of switching and Buzz is capable of that.

Knect will play an athletic Marco role and to me that is worth the 8th pick. Unselfish, moves well without the ball, smart and quick on offense. Lights out shooter. What’s not to like about him?

[south side spur]

Vegas Odds Update

2024 NBA Draft #1 Overall Pick

Risacher -500
Clingan +375

2024 NBA Draft #2 Overall Pick
Sarr -850

2024 NBA Draft #3 Overall Pick
Sheppard -280
Clingan +190

2024 NBA Draft #4 Overall Pick
Castle -250
Clingan +375

2024 NBA Draft #5 Overall Pick
Buzelis -180
Clingan +375

[SpursGenius]

Vegas Odds Update

2024 NBA Draft #1 Overall Pick

Risacher -500
Clingan +375

2024 NBA Draft #2 Overall Pick
Sarr -850

2024 NBA Draft #3 Overall Pick
Sheppard -280
Clingan +190

2024 NBA Draft #4 Overall Pick
Castle -250
Clingan +375

2024 NBA Draft #5 Overall Pick
Buzelis -180
Clingan +375
love it then get carter at 8 trade kj, collins two seconds for pick 11 then get Saluan

[rascal]

Vegas Odds
2024 NBA Draft #1 Overall Pick
Risacher -340
Clingan +200

2024 NBA Draft #2 Overall Pick
Sarr -850

2024 NBA Draft #3 Overall Pick
Sheppard -240
Clingan +350

2024 NBA Draft #4 Overall Pick
Castle -110
Sheppard +400
Risacher +400

2024 NBA Draft #5 Overall Pick
Buzelis -170
Williams +250

2024 NBA Draft Position
Carter U10.5 -165

McCain O15.5 -130

Buzelis U5.5 -130

Sheppard U3.5 -190

Castle U5.5 -160

Salaun U10.5 -140

Williams U8.5 -130

Sheppard over, Castle and Salaun under

[DPG21920]

Seeing movement on Buzelis at 4?

[south side spur]

Seeing movement on Buzelis at 4?

Buzelis at 4 is +850

[Pauleta14]

Seeing movement on Buzelis at 4?

Don't scare me like that mate... :lol