Spurs Select Rob Dillingham 8th Overall in the 2024 NBA Draft

[djohn2oo8]

Yes master, I dare not talk to you with attitude. :lmao you deserve all the praise in the world for having a front office who is building around sengun and amen Thompson.
The Spurs, even with Victor are operating like a small market entity.

[ambchang]

The Spurs, even with Victor are operating like a small market entity.

Even in Houston the rockets are operating like a middling go nowhere team.

[djohn2oo8]

Even in Houston the rockets are operating like a middling go nowhere team.
You’re coping. Rockets FO have the balls to make a pick and live with the results, which have been more good than not. Your GM panicked.

[ambchang]

You’re coping. Rockets FO have the balls to make a pick and live with the results, which have been more good than not. Your GM panicked.

That’s your rationale? Rather have a pick you don’t really want than to punt it down the line for something they would? That’s a pretty stupid thought process. If you can even call that a thought process at all.

[djohn2oo8]

That’s your rationale? Rather have a pick you don’t really want than to punt it down the line for something they would? That’s a pretty stupid thought process. If you can even call that a thought process at all.
Down the line when Victor may not even be there is absolutely stupid. Was there not another prospect they liked? What happens in next year’s draft if a player they really like is sniped and gone?

[Bill_Brasky]

Down the line when Victor may not even be there is absolutely stupid. Was there not another prospect they liked? What happens in next year’s draft if a player they really like is sniped and gone?

Were you dropped on the head as a child? Is there a rule that once you trade for a pick its yours forever and there's no possibility of flipping it for someone else? Do you really think a team should give a fuck about drafting some scrub at 8 in a bad draft class after they already took the best player in the draft?

[djohn2oo8]

Were you dropped on the head as a child? Is there a rule that once you trade for a pick it’s yours forever and there's no possibility of flipping it for someone else? Do you really think a team should give a fuck about drafting some scrub at 8 in a bad draft class after they already took the best player in the draft?
Dillingham won’t be a scrub. :lmao

[CitizenDwayne]

Were you dropped on the head as a child? Is there a rule that once you trade for a pick its yours forever and there's no possibility of flipping it for someone else? Do you really think a team should give a fuck about drafting some scrub at 8 in a bad draft class after they already took the best player in the draft?

The team lost 60 games. Everything outside of Wemby needs improvement. Can't afford to stand pat. If Dilly's a scrub then what are Wesley, Graham, Branham?

[Truckules]

I don't think there's any reason to love or hate this trade. It's just fine, but I think what's really made people upset is that it's the opposite of an aggressive move. It's a classic conservative Spurs move, but there were expectations that the team was moving to be more aggressive because of statements Wright made. Maybe Wright indicating they were going to be more aggressive was a smokescreen?

[RC_Drunkford]

I wonder if Salaun was their guy at 8 and once he was gone they were trading the pick.

100%

[rjv]

https://www.livescience.com/15821-cookie-test-control.html

This thread perfectly explains why most of yall didnt finish college

not to mention mass hysteria 🙄.

[rjv]

The team lost 60 games. Everything outside of Wemby needs improvement. Can't afford to stand pat. If Dilly's a scrub then what are Wesley, Graham, Branham?

bigger, and older scrubs.

[SpurSpike]

https://youtu.be/B3W2D9DkWWw?si=qB9TBkbfLC2TpLAR

[Spurs Homer]

Time to face facts.

Spurs are now a watered-down incompetent franchise who got really really lucky to land vw.

Coaches are watered down. From fiery "5 rings bitches" Pop - to Pop "I just want to hug superstars on tv after my team gets smoked by them because they played the right way and made shots" 80 year old tired pop.

All the actual coaches that contributed are now coaching other teams - which is a big kudos to the pop culture - but also means we have nothing but apprentice film room gophers doing basketball "coaching."

RC BUFORD and Presti being the genius "find diamond in the rough" masters is a nice memory.

Chip Engelland doing magic and allowing the spurs to mold non-shooters into snipers is a nice fond memory - even though the film cutter coaches never got the memo that we have shit-shooting players and shit-shooting coaches now.

Sorry Victor. It was a fairy tale that you grew up and got drafted by the best organization in sports and master-jedi Pop is a tired unmotivated senior lustily eyeing that comfortable chair instead of being motivated to win a title even after being gifted the unicorn of all unicorns.

Was a nice run though.

[ambchang]

Down the line when Victor may not even be there is absolutely stupid. Was there not another prospect they liked? What happens in next year’s draft if a player they really like is sniped and gone?

So you should build a franchise by assuming your franchise player won’t be here? How does that work?

What does this have to do with next year? What are you even talking about?

[Drewlius]

A lot of people ITT just blindly assuming the Spurs would have even picked Dillingham if they stayed at #8. A lot of "deep thoughts" about his fit when it was highly unlikely to be the Spurs pick anyways.

[Uriel]

Wright did a great job. The entertainment value of the meltdown in this thread alone was worth the trade. :lol

[djohn2oo8]

So you should build a franchise by assuming your franchise player won’t be here? How does that work?

What does this have to do with next year? What are you even talking about?
Because if the Spurs tank again next year with no visible plan forward, Victor will not be there in seven years. You don’t trade that pick out of the draft because you aren’t sure who to take. You do it for cost saving measures, and THAT is not how you build a team around him. They are NOW going to need to make a move soon.

[Allan Rowe vs Wade]

but-but-but they saved $7M !

[Tyronn Lue]

Spurs will get Dillingham once he's done several all star game stops and wants to retire in a quiet town.

[Tyronn Lue]

The Spurs, even with Victor are operating like a small market entity.
If you understood market you'd know how silly that sounds. Of course they operate that way. Market isn't about popularity of a player.

[djohn2oo8]

If you understood market you'd know how silly that sounds. Of course they operate that way. Market isn't about popularity of a player.
Then watch Victor leave with the help of ESPN. They will drag the Spurs. A second season of tanking will have them crying bloody murder to get him out of SA.

[kxs783kms]

Crazy how y'all let the Spurs front office and organization send y'all into an emotional tail spin lol. No matter how much they come out and say they're going to be patient and not rush this process, it's like some of you let it go in one ear and out the other.

[ambchang]

Because if the Spurs tank again next year with no visible plan forward, Victor will not be there in seven years. You don’t trade that pick out of the draft because you aren’t sure who to take. You do it for cost saving measures, and THAT is not how you build a team around him. They are NOW going to need to make a move soon.

How do you know that? Did you talk to him? His agent? His cousins butler?

[lefty20]

Ppl in this thread.

No way Victor will be here in 2030 & 2031.

Ant will for sure be winning with the T'Pups in 2030 & 2031.

You prescient mfs need to give me the lotto numbers, tbh.

[Tyronn Lue]

Then watch Victor leave with the help of ESPN. They will drag the Spurs. A second season of tanking will have them crying bloody murder to get him out of SA.
Regardless of Victor's decisions, San Antonio is a small market franchise. They could win 5 in a row, it wouldn't change that.

[FireMicoHalili]

For perspective, do a rewatch of the 2021 NBA Finals. As good as CP3 was, his size made him an easy target on defense. Not a lot of people raved about Dilly’s defense.

[spurraider21]

It still hurts

[spurraider21]

For perspective, do a rewatch of the 2021 NBA Finals. As good as CP3 was, his size made him an easy target on defense. Not a lot of people raved about Dilly’s defense.
Without Paul they don’t sniff the finals

[poopbox]

For perspective, do a rewatch of the 2021 NBA Finals. As good as CP3 was, his size made him an easy target on defense. Not a lot of people raved about Dilly’s defense.

For perspective...the Suns were a lottery team until Chris Paul got there. And soon as he left they were back to getting swept in the 1st round.

[slick'81]

As long as dilli doesn't become Halliburton or sengun spurs should be ok:lol

[ChumpDumper]

They should’ve just moved to VegasThey aren't here to make you happy.

[FireMicoHalili]

For perspective...the Suns were a lottery team until Chris Paul got there. And soon as he left they were back to getting swept in the 1st round.
yes because they are the same size and have similar talent. unserious

[spurraider21]

They aren't here to make you happy.
Oh, ok

[mystargtr34]

When you think about the Spurs haul of picks though, they could probably trade for any player in the NBA outside the top 5 guys.

There own 4 FRP + 3 FRP swaps out to 2031.
2 FRP and 1 FRP swap unprotected from Atlanta
Chicago 2025-27 FRP
Minny 2031 FRP and 2030 swap
Boston 2028 swap
Dallas 2030 swap

That’s 8 outright FRP almost all unprotected + 6 swaps (7 if you count Minny and Dallas 2030 together).

That’s without touching any of the core trio of Wemby, Vassell, Castle.

That package probably gets you anyone outside Jokic, Luka, maybe SGA/Ant/Tatum.

I think it gets you Giannis tbh :lol

[kobyz]

Rob Dillingham is the next Troy Hudson

[spurraider21]

it still hurts

1810381097274061168

[ChumpDumper]

I guess. I wanted Dilly to the Spurs as well but there's no real indication they would have taken him for themselves at 8 after already picking their big point guard of the future.

[exstatic]

When you think about the Spurs haul of picks though, they could probably trade for any player in the NBA outside the top 5 guys.

There own 4 FRP + 3 FRP swaps out to 2031.
2 FRP and 1 FRP swap unprotected from Atlanta
Chicago 2025-27 FRP
Minny 2031 FRP and 2030 swap
Boston 2028 swap
Dallas 2030 swap

That’s 8 outright FRP almost all unprotected + 6 swaps (7 if you count Minny and Dallas 2030 together).

That’s without touching any of the core trio of Wemby, Vassell, Castle.

That package probably gets you anyone outside Jokic, Luka, maybe SGA/Ant/Tatum.

I think it gets you Giannis tbh :lol

Our own 2030 pick might be the best pick we hold, with both Dallas and Minny swaps attached, a best of 3 pick.

[ambchang]

He will be good. His floor is a Ben Gordan, but he’d likely have a Jamal Crawford path. His ceiling could be a healthy kemba walker, Kyrie Irving type.

[exstatic]

He will be good. His floor is a Ben Gordan, but he’d likely have a Jamal Crawford path. His ceiling could be a healthy kemba walker, Kyrie Irving type.

They’re nothing alike. That isn’t a type.

[DPG21920]

He’s going to absolutely crush the Summer League and this will be a very fun thread :lol

[couchman]

No one has ever doubted Dilly’s offense.
He’ll have some scoring games that will cause this thread to pop up.
Won’t matter unless he learns to play defense at least a little bit.

[ambchang]

They’re nothing alike. That isn’t a type.

Both ball on a string scoring PG.

[kobyz]

https://youtu.be/i8Zspmh90dY?si=qoNPJ_hzr605-dMN

[kobyz]

He will be good. His floor is a Ben Gordan, but he’d likely have a Jamal Crawford path. His ceiling could be a healthy kemba walker, Kyrie Irving type.
Hes nothing like Ben Gordon who had great upper body strength

[ambchang]

Hes nothing like Ben Gordon who had great upper body strength

Not really looking at body types but as a player. Scoring right off the bench, can handle the ball, little defence. Dillingham will be a better passer though.

[Obstructed_View]

If the Spurs had kept the pick, I'm pretty sure Dillingham wasn't going to be their selection.

[Dejounte]

If the Spurs had kept the pick, I'm pretty sure Dillingham wasn't going to be their selection.


Yep, they wanted Salaun but he wasn’t there anymore.

[Obstructed_View]

Yep, they wanted Salaun but he wasn’t there anymore.
I'm sure that's correct. My point was that he wasn't at the top of their list of who was available. They made that pick for someone else.

[Mr. Body]

Yep, they wanted Salaun but he wasn’t there anymore.

Nope, been over this too many times. The Express News spelled out that it was NOT Salaun.

[spurraider21]

Nope, been over this too many times. The Express News spelled out that it was NOT Salaun.
link?

[Mugen]

Saluan was too good for you nerds, anyways.

[Mr. Body]

It's this one. They came to a consensus on a player in their war room three days before the draft. They were about to take this player when Minnesota called. It's impossible that it was Salaun as he was already picked.

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-draft-night-trade-says-refusal-think-small-19547166.php

[spurraider21]

It's this one. They came to a consensus on a player in their war room three days before the draft. They were about to take this player when Minnesota called. It's impossible that it was Salaun as he was already picked.

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-draft-night-trade-says-refusal-think-small-19547166.php
thanks. it doesnt necessarily mean that salaun wouldnt have been atop their board if he was available. but with the knowledge that he was gone, they had to decide who to take at 8 in the event a trade didnt materialize. then when a trade presented itself they took it.

[Dejounte]

thanks. it doesnt necessarily mean that salaun wouldnt have been atop their board if he was available. but with the knowledge that he was gone, they had to decide who to take at 8 in the event a trade didnt materialize. then when a trade presented itself they took it.


Yes, exactly. They wanted Salaun and he wasn’t available. Period.

[Mr. Body]

thanks. it doesnt necessarily mean that salaun wouldnt have been atop their board if he was available. but with the knowledge that he was gone, they had to decide who to take at 8 in the event a trade didnt materialize. then when a trade presented itself they took it.

No, it literally says that the player they picked three days before was the one they were going to pick at 8. It cannot be Salaun. You can choose not to believe the article. That's one thing. But the information it provides is not debatable. It straightaway says that the player they decided on was available and they were going to take him.

[Mr. Body]

Yes, exactly. They wanted Salaun and he wasn’t available. Period.

Like, no. It's impossible unless you're just adding wild scenarios that are not in the text. The text, as is, is 100% clear. It CANNOT have been Salaun. You're just making things up. If I was your freshman teacher, I'd fail you.

[spurraider21]

No, it literally says that the player they picked three days before was the one they were going to pick at 8. It cannot be Salaun. You can choose not to believe the article. That's one thing. But the information it provides is not debatable. It straightaway says that the player they decided on was available and they were going to take him.
nah, you are misreading the article


Underneath a table on the practice court at Victory Capital Performance Center on Saturday morning, two crisp new white jerseys sat folded and waiting for the fourth and 48th overall selections in the 2024 NBA draft.

There was not a jersey for the No. 8 pick.

But there could have been one. And there almost was.

Three nights earlier, in a room not far from that practice court, all the members of the Spurs’ brain trust sat around a different table and came to a consensus. They were ready to draft a player at No. 8. They’d agreed on a prospect. And they were prepared to keep him. But with seconds ticking away just before their pick was due, they received exactly the kind of offer they hoped would materialize Wednesday. The Minnesota Timberwolves wanted the Spurs’ selection, and they were willing to give up an unprotected 2031 first-rounder and the right to swap first-rounders in 2030 to get it.
3 nights earlier from saturday... aka the night of the draft. not 3 nights before the draft. they couldnt decide 3 nights before the draft who would or wouldnt be available at 8 :lol

[scott]

It's this one. They came to a consensus on a player in their war room three days before the draft. They were about to take this player when Minnesota called. It's impossible that it was Salaun as he was already picked.

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-draft-night-trade-says-refusal-think-small-19547166.php

Someone already pointed out to your dumb, illiterate ass that you are reading this incorrectly, which you are.

Here is what the article says:


Underneath a table on the practice court at Victory Capital Performance Center on Saturday morning, two crisp new white jerseys sat folded and waiting for the fourth and 48th overall selections in the 2024 NBA draft.
There was not a jersey for the No. 8 pick.

But there could have been one.

And there almost was.

Three nights earlier, in a room not far from that practice court, all the members of the Spurs’ brain trust sat around a different table and came to a consensus. They were ready to draft a player at No. 8. They’d agreed on a prospect. And they were prepared to keep him.

But with seconds ticking away just before their pick was due, they received exactly the kind of offer they hoped would materialize Wednesday. The Minnesota Timberwolves wanted the Spurs’ selection, and they were willing to give up an unprotected 2031 first-rounder and the right to swap first-rounders in 2030 to get it.


They are talking about 3 nights earlier from Saturday... which was Wednesday, when the draft took place.

Anyone with a third grade education can interpret this: On Draft night, they came to a consensus on who to pick at #8, but right before their pick was due, the offer from MIN came in. None of this has anything to do with Salaun.

[Dejounte]

Like, no. It's impossible unless you're just adding wild scenarios that are not in the text. The text, as is, is 100% clear. It CANNOT have been Salaun. You're just making things up. If I was your freshman teacher, I'd fail you.

Uhh yeah you’re not convincing anybody with this. I don’t know why you intend on misleading people with this misinformation.

[Mr. Body]

Someone already pointed out to your dumb, illiterate ass that you are reading this incorrectly, which you are.

Here is what the article says:



They are talking about 3 nights earlier from Saturday... which was Wednesday, when the draft took place.

Anyone with a third grade education can interpret this: On Draft night, they came to a consensus on who to pick at #8, but right before their pick was due, the offer from MIN came in. None of this has anything to do with Salaun.

Damn, that's right. The whole thing is so badly written. I didn't think of what days the draft actually was.

So, yeah, there's some possibility that they wanted Salaun, but that's not indicated here. Anyone who makes claims that they wanted Salaun is just making their own assumptions. They could have just as easily have wanted Holland or Clingan. Most likely they were just making sure they agreed on the pick and none of those three players were it.

[Mr. Body]

It's important to remember that the Spurs put the #8 pick up for sale well before the draft happened. They weren't in love with anyone they thought would be available.

[Chinook]

It's important to know teams secure trades in principle before the draft so they don't have to work on a framework during the 10-minute period. The Spurs probably had trade contingencies we couldn't even imagine, whether that be trading up, down, into or out of. It's true that the Spurs likely had an idea they'd trade the pick unless something unlikely occurred. That doesn't mean they didn't have guys they liked. They seemed to really value the return they got. I imagine if their only trade option involved them accepting a lesser package might've looked at their board more favorably.

[spurraider21]

It's important to know teams secure trades in principle before the draft so they don't have to work on a framework during the 10-minute period. The Spurs probably had trade contingencies we couldn't even imagine, whether that be trading up, down, into or out of. It's true that the Spurs likely had an idea they'd trade the pick unless something unlikely occurred. That doesn't mean they didn't have guys they liked. They seemed to really value the return they got. I imagine if their only trade option involved them accepting a lesser package might've looked at their board more favorably.
https://y.yarn.co/d8c4004e-8885-4524-b5cd-0a426d7fc16e_text.gif

[Seventyniner]

It would be interesting to hear from someone in the room all the wargaming scenarios they came up with.

[Chinook]

Yep, there are very likely some potential major trades that we don't realize were really close to happening. I don't believe anyone thought Minny had any chance of a top-10 pick. If Salaun or whomever did fall to eight, and the Spurs picked them, and the later we heard some Minny beat writer suggest there was a trade discussed for the Wolves to jump up into the top 10, we'd probably roll our eyes. I believe there are similar trades like that discussed all the time that end up not happening, and we usually have no idea what they entail and what conditions would have made them happen.

It's been suggested the Spurs and Pacers had a trade planned out in 2010 but that Indy backed out after Granger gave his endorsement to George. That rumor only doesn't seem dumb because the Spurs moved up the next year for Kawhi with the same team.

During the "Muh Touches" era, we heard the Spurs had discussions about trading Aldridge but couldn't get a top 10 pick for him. Is that because Aldridge never had that value or because the 2017 draft (which was full of trades) didn't break down in a way that the planned trades happened?

As an example of a hypothetical scenario: The Spurs had a deal in place with Miami that they'd draft Buzelis or Williams at 15 and the Spurs would send CHA25, CHI25 and take back Duncan Robinson. However, since neither of those guys made it to Miami's pick, the Spurs decided to forgo getting back into the first, and the Heat ended up taking Ware. I have no evidence that occurred and am not suggesting it was ever discussed. It's just an example of a path that could've led to a very different off-season that would be completely hard to tell ever had a chance to exist because we didn't hear it was a possibility.

A second example: The Spurs and Kings worked out a deal for the Spurs to drop from 8 to 13 and take on Barnes in exchange for a 2031 unprotected first. The plan was for the Spurs to take Da Silva or Knecht (whom they liked at 8 in this scenario but valued the Minny package more than) at 13. But then the Kings heard through the grapevine that no one between 8 and 12 wanted Carter and decided to back out and risk it.

The draft is just filled with stuff like that. The GM's will often say "We had offers to move but decided to stand pat", and this is what that talk often means.

[venitian navigator]

Of the article Is reliable, what Is written, plain and simple, Is that:
A) not before the draft but during the draft, when was their turn to communicate the player of their choice, they all had decided the player number 8;
B) before the draft they made know tò the Nba world the Price of the Number 8 pick;
C) seconds before they called Nba for the choice they received the Minnesota call the the wolves agreed tò the price;
D) so Spurs called Nba and told them about the tradend the name that Minnesota wanted (Dillingham);
E) the Minnesota name was probably different from the name Spurs had in mind to call for themselves;
F) obviously the name Spurs were about tò call was the one of a player available seconds before their pick;
G) this means said player wasnt someone already drafted (so its impossibile the article was talking of Salaun, Clingan or Holland);
H) the player SA would have drafted for themselves was probably someone drafted Just some picks later (chences are on names like Edey, Carter, Buzelis, Topic or Williams).

[exstatic]

It's important to remember that the Spurs put the #8 pick up for sale well before the draft happened. They weren't in love with anyone they thought would be available.

I think they always talk to teams about their picks. Wouldn’t surprise me if they talked to teams about #4. The important thing to remember is that this was not a pre-arranged deal where SA would trade the pick if the player Minny wanted was there. The Spurs were on the clock, and by all accounts had a player they were ready to select when Minnesota called with the offer.

[CitizenDwayne]

I think they always talk to teams about their picks. Wouldn’t surprise me if they talked to teams about #4. The important thing to remember is that this was not a pre-arranged deal where SA would trade the pick if the player Minny wanted was there. The Spurs were on the clock, and by all accounts had a player they were ready to select when Minnesota called with the offer.

And who could refuse such an offer! Minny really backed up the Brinks truck for Dilly lol

[exstatic]

And who could refuse such an offer! Minny really backed up the Brinks truck for Dilly lol

One of the things in the new CBA that is causing the demise of super teams is their lack of ability to acquire good cheap talent. That good cheap talent comes from high draft picks. Minnesota has been a poverty franchise for most of their existence, and Gobert, Conley will age out, and they’ve been shopping KAT for 2-3 years so he’ll be gone, too. They’ll likely offload Ant when he comes up for a Supermax, and be back to their normal hot garbage selves.

Our 2030 pick has both the Minnesota and Dallas swaps attached, so it will be a best pick of three. That will be when Wemby is 26. The 20131 pick will be when Wemby is 27. That’s the exact time we’ll need a fresh infusion of talent. Even if we pull a trade for Markannen, we won’t want to pay him at that point. He’ll be 34, and eligible for a zillion dollars, which would gut your roster and drop you out of contention for a title.

Young cheap talent. That’s the key to a sustainable run.

[exstatic]

Yes, exactly. They wanted Salaun and he wasn’t available. Period.

No. They had decided on a player to pick and keep WITH SALAUN ALREADY OFF THE BOARD, and then Minny called. Period.

[CitizenDwayne]

One of the things in the new CBA that is causing the demise of super teams is their lack of ability to acquire good cheap talent. That good cheap talent comes from high draft picks. Minnesota has been a poverty franchise for most of their existence, and Gobert, Conley will age out, and they’ve been shopping KAT for 2-3 years so he’ll be gone, too. They’ll likely offload Ant when he comes up for a Supermax, and be back to their normal hot garbage selves.

Our 2030 pick has both the Minnesota and Dallas swaps attached, so it will be a best pick of three. That will be when Wemby is 26. The 20131 pick will be when Wemby is 27. That’s the exact time we’ll need a fresh infusion of talent. Even if we pull a trade for Markannen, we won’t want to pay him at that point. He’ll be 34, and eligible for a zillion dollars, which would gut your roster and drop you out of contention for a title.

Young cheap talent. That’s the key to a sustainable run.

I see Dilly as young cheap talent. I understand a lot of people arent sold on him. We shall see soon enough.

Hypothetically, couldn't they have offloaded Wesley and Branham in a trade, and been able to still acquire Paul/Barnes while also picking someone at 8?

[Uriel]

Someone already pointed out to your dumb, illiterate ass that you are reading this incorrectly, which you are.

Here is what the article says:



They are talking about 3 nights earlier from Saturday... which was Wednesday, when the draft took place.

Anyone with a third grade education can interpret this: On Draft night, they came to a consensus on who to pick at #8, but right before their pick was due, the offer from MIN came in. None of this has anything to do with Salaun.

nah, you are misreading the article


3 nights earlier from saturday... aka the night of the draft. not 3 nights before the draft. they couldnt decide 3 nights before the draft who would or wouldnt be available at 8 :lol

Of the article Is reliable, what Is written, plain and simple, Is that:
A) not before the draft but during the draft, when was their turn to communicate the player of their choice, they all had decided the player number 8;
B) before the draft they made know tò the Nba world the Price of the Number 8 pick;
C) seconds before they called Nba for the choice they received the Minnesota call the the wolves agreed tò the price;
D) so Spurs called Nba and told them about the tradend the name that Minnesota wanted (Dillingham);
E) the Minnesota name was probably different from the name Spurs had in mind to call for themselves;
F) obviously the name Spurs were about tò call was the one of a player available seconds before their pick;
G) this means said player wasnt someone already drafted (so its impossibile the article was talking of Salaun, Clingan or Holland);
H) the player SA would have drafted for themselves was probably someone drafted Just some picks later (chences are on names like Edey, Carter, Buzelis, Topic or Williams).
I'm confused. If you guys are right, then doesn't that mean that it couldn't have been Salaun, which means that Mr. Body, even if he didn't get the timing right, was correct it wasn't Salaun? :wtf


It's this one. They came to a consensus on a player in their war room three days before the draft. They were about to take this player when Minnesota called. It's impossible that it was Salaun as he was already picked.

https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-draft-night-trade-says-refusal-think-small-19547166.php

[Uriel]

But yes, I agree, that article was vaguely worded and poorly written (although I suspect quite deliberately).

[rascal]

No. They had decided on a player to pick and keep WITH SALAUN ALREADY OFF THE BOARD, and then Minny called. Period.

Why couldn't it have been both.

Spurs would have drafted salaun and kept him with no trade with Minn had he been there at 8 but since he wasn't there they had another player in mind, then Minn called and the Spurs liked the trade offer more than the player they were ready to draft or any other available player.

[spurraider21]

I'm confused. If you guys are right, then doesn't that mean that it couldn't have been Salaun, which means that Mr. Body, even if he didn't get the timing right, was correct it wasn't Salaun? :wtf
No

[spurraider21]

No. They had decided on a player to pick and keep WITH SALAUN ALREADY OFF THE BOARD, and then Minny called. Period.
Theoretical spurs board

Salaun
Wolves package
Player they were otherwise prepared to pick at 8

in that order

[CitizenDwayne]

They didn't really "want" anyone available at 8 if they'd rather take that minny offer so this argument is pointless

[Chinook]

Theoretical spurs board

Salaun
Wolves package
Player they were otherwise prepared to pick at 8

in that order

This happens all the time. Like their board at 4 was probably

Castle
Some package for 4
Their next player
Some other package for 4
Another player

Without a trade the Spurs were going to have to take a player at 8, so of course they knew who they would pick in that event. It's not weird or some revelation that they had a draft board. But they did the work early and set up trades before the draft. Minny was willing to meet the Spurs' price (perhaps out of fear that Dilly go would before the first team they worked a deal out with that would've accepted a lesser package than SA required), and so the trade was struck. Now you can criticize the Spurs for having that priority list -- and I have -- but there's no contradiction here.

[RC_Drunkford]

Theoretical spurs board

Salaun
Clingan
Wolves package
Player they were otherwise prepared to pick at 8

in that order

FIFY

[Ariel]

Theoretical spurs board

Salaun
Wolves package
Player they were otherwise prepared to pick at 8

in that order
If Salaun indeed was their top choice at 8 (very possible), an unprotected pick and 2 unprotected swaps sound like a great deal, even if they won't convey in this decade.

[Uriel]

So who is this mystery “Player they were otherwise prepared to pick at 8?”

[shaq_h8ter]

Should of just pulled the trigger on Edey @ the 8 pick.
Edey's going to be a problem and Wemby still doesn't have credible a backup for when he's not on the floor.
May have to wait till the 2025 draft to get that.

[The Truth #6]

Why would we trust what the FO is saying in this situation? Sounds like spin that teams say in these situations. Spurs are always tight lipped. And they're trying to make the trade seem convincing.

[exstatic]

Why would we trust what the FO is saying in this situation? Sounds like spin that teams say in these situations. Spurs are always tight lipped. And they're trying to make the trade seem convincing.

This is one FO that doesn’t have to try to “sell” anything. They have no reason to blow sunshine up your ass, because I don’t think they care what you or I think.

[The Truth #6]

I agree they don't care what we think, but I also think they're always tight-lipped as a matter of principle, so yes, I think they obfuscate in these situations.

[SpursFan86]

Dillingham with the +9 in his first Summer League outing. Proving himself to already be a high positive impact player tbh.

[rjv]

Dillingham with the +9 in his first Summer League outing. Proving himself to already be a high positive impact player tbh.

well, if we're going to overreact to one summer game we can also say he can't shoot for shit.

[Obstructed_View]

well, if we're going to overreact to one summer game we can also say he can't shoot for shit.

And he's better than Joe Wieskamp.

[ulosturedge]

I feel like they would have been happy with Holland, Salaun, or Clingan at 8. But once those 3 guys were off the board like Spurraider was saying the next best thing became the Wolves deal over the next best available player at 8. Did y'all see the way Brian Wright tossed the phone after doing the deal with the Wolves. Seems like he wasn't exactly happy about it. Could just be reading into it too much, but that's what it felt like. Seems like this was that last outcome they expected to play out and they had to roll with it.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Ouch 2-12 shooting but definitely some potential

[heyheymymy]

It's funny because 2-12 is probably the range that MIN 20131 FRP will fall in

[SpursDynasty85]

How does he look?

[Knoxxx]

How does he look?

Only highlight I saw GOOD. Dunked on a fast break with ease and hung on the rim. You have to be a really good athlete to do that so easily at his height.

[Mr. Body]

Dillingham puts up a lot of shots, probably instructed to. Has picked up nice assists. He's the anti-Castle in how guards bounce off Stephon on his drives; Dillingham bounces off anyone when he takes it in.

He's a wreck on defense, unsurprisingly. It's not the size so much as getting constantly lost. Fails to pick out an open man under the basket who should be his, caught watching the ball letting Furphy go touchdown pass for a dunk. Maybe this is fixable, but it will take a long time and change of mindset.

[Mr. Body]

Furphy, man, still wish we could have picked him up. I guess they needed the cap free for their plans and dumping salary otherwise would have taken another SRP if at all possible, and not like he's a worldbeater, but he's very active, moves well, good hands, rebounds. My guess is they think using resources to marginally upgrade Julian Champagnie, the median outcome, wasn't worth it. I see the rationale for not paying another marginal wing guaranteed salary.

[ulosturedge]

He is just too small. It's just too much of a risk to gamble on him overcoming that in the NBA. Even if he ends up good on the offensive end he is always going to be a liability on defense. Can't survive in the NBA being one dimensional. You have to atleast be serviceable on the opposite end.

[BatManu20]

1815128665014882404

[Chinook]

It's important to point out that the NBA is a league of margins. There are guys who can't make it in the NBA but who dominate in lower leagues. It's why folks who think good d-league or international players are obviously better than whatever Spurs player they hate are usually off base. We see that most often with guys who have a ton of talent but are too small or slow. Dillingham might be one of those guys who will turn out of be unplayable in the NBA but dominate in the d-league, like Alondes Williams is doing. He certainly had some plays in those highlights which wouldn't work against a real NBA defense.

That said, ugh. If Castle doesn't become a very good offensive player, it should cost the front office their jobs. They've gone to this "positionless" well so many times with little to show for it. At some point they need to start scouting for talent then coaching that talent rather than trying to revolutionize the game.

[onechance87]

It's important to point out that the NBA is a league of margins. There are guys who can't make it in the NBA but who dominate in lower leagues. It's why folks who think good d-league or international players are obviously better than whatever Spurs player they hate are usually off base. We see that most often with guys who have a ton of talent but are too small or slow. Dillingham might be one of those guys who will turn out of be unplayable in the NBA but dominate in the d-league, like Alondes Williams is doing. He certainly had some plays in those highlights which wouldn't work against a real NBA defense.

That said, ugh. If Castle doesn't become a very good offensive player, it should cost the front office their jobs. They've gone to this "positionless" well so many times with little to show for it. At some point they need to start scouting for talent then coaching that talent rather than trying to revolutionize the game.

man if dilly becomes a better player then castle

[poopbox]

It's important to point out that the NBA is a league of margins. There are guys who can't make it in the NBA but who dominate in lower leagues. It's why folks who think good d-league or international players are obviously better than whatever Spurs player they hate are usually off base. We see that most often with guys who have a ton of talent but are too small or slow. Dillingham might be one of those guys who will turn out of be unplayable in the NBA but dominate in the d-league, like Alondes Williams is doing. He certainly had some plays in those highlights which wouldn't work against a real NBA defense.

That said, ugh. If Castle doesn't become a very good offensive player, it should cost the front office their jobs. They've gone to this "positionless" well so many times with little to show for it. At some point they need to start scouting for talent then coaching that talent rather than trying to revolutionize the game.

Zero percent chance this happens. He is to talented.

Dillingham and Castle are perfect flashpoint players for where the Spurs...who are NOT a modern basketball team and have had absolutely no success in the last few years, and the Wolves, how ARE a modern basketball team and has gotten better for 3 straight years, are.

The modern basketball team coming off a conference finals appearance takes this supposed unplayable to small guard, since they understand that their season ended because they didn't have enough perimeter players who could break down a half court defense and create some offense for themselves and the team. Since they are a good team and well ran organization they made a no brainer move in sacrificing a future first round pick that in the end might not mean anything to them because they still end up being a better team than the Spurs and/or whatever player they draft 7 years from now isn't as good as Dillingham. There is a greater than 50% chance that they sacrificed exactly nothing to get the player that they needed for their team to take the next step.

The non modern basketball team drafted a player who can't shoot at number 4, after having years of data that shows players who do not shoot well don't last in this league very long no matter what they do. Dunn is a great defender and decent passer but for most of his career can't shoot so he is on a different team every year. Westbrook is a great rebounder and great at pushing the pace in transition but he is an awful shooter so he is on a different team every year. Thybulle is one of the 15 best defenders in the nba but he can't shoot for shit so he is on his 3rd team in 4 years. KCP was great for Denver...until the playoffs this year where he forgot how to shoot and so they let him walk to Orlando. And yet, with all this data, the non modern basketball team still selects a non shooter with the number 4 pick and I guess just hopes he figures it out because the rest of his game will mean exactly nothing if other teams get to play 5 on 4 when he is on the court.

Due to Castle's inability to shoot I feel he has WAY more bust potential than Dillingham. The nba has been trending for years toward "shooting over everything" and yet the Spurs choose a player who at least out of the gate can't do it. But only awful basketball organizations go 5 straight years with losing records, and thus it makes perfect since that a awful organization like the Spurs would make a hilariously bad mistake in the draft, because well, you can't lose as much as the Spurs have for as long as the Spurs have if you don't make a lot of mistakes in the draft. Highly likely that the team that drafted and got nothing out of Luka, Primo, Branhim, Wessley, and Sochan, have fucked it up again and won't get much out of Castle, while the player they gave away plays on better teams and wins more games and competes for more titles.

2k25 can't get here fast enough so I can correct this mistake.

[playblair]

That said, ugh. If Castle doesn't become a very good offensive player, it should cost the front office their jobs. They've gone to this "positionless" well so many times with little to show for it. At some point they need to start scouting for talent then coaching that talent rather than trying to revolutionize the game.

brian wrong has been picking positonless players his entire nba tenure from scout to gm.........every pick he has ever been involved with from magic to pistons to spurs has been the exact same positonless archetype & they all have busted in the nba..........

[exstatic]

Zero percent chance this happens. He is to talented.

Dillingham and Castle are perfect flashpoint players for where the Spurs...who are NOT a modern basketball team and have had absolutely no success in the last few years, and the Wolves, how ARE a modern basketball team and has gotten better for 3 straight years, are.

The modern basketball team coming off a conference finals appearance takes this supposed unplayable to small guard, since they understand that their season ended because they didn't have enough perimeter players who could break down a half court defense and create some offense for themselves and the team. Since they are a good team and well ran organization they made a no brainer move in sacrificing a future first round pick that in the end might not mean anything to them because they still end up being a better team than the Spurs and/or whatever player they draft 7 years from now isn't as good as Dillingham. There is a greater than 50% chance that they sacrificed exactly nothing to get the player that they needed for their team to take the next step.

The non modern basketball team drafted a player who can't shoot at number 4, after having years of data that shows players who do not shoot well don't last in this league very long no matter what they do. Dunn is a great defender and decent passer but for most of his career can't shoot so he is on a different team every year. Westbrook is a great rebounder and great at pushing the pace in transition but he is an awful shooter so he is on a different team every year. Thybulle is one of the 15 best defenders in the nba but he can't shoot for shit so he is on his 3rd team in 4 years. KCP was great for Denver...until the playoffs this year where he forgot how to shoot and so they let him walk to Orlando. And yet, with all this data, the non modern basketball team still selects a non shooter with the number 4 pick and I guess just hopes he figures it out because the rest of his game will mean exactly nothing if other teams get to play 5 on 4 when he is on the court.

Due to Castle's inability to shoot I feel he has WAY more bust potential than Dillingham. The nba has been trending for years toward "shooting over everything" and yet the Spurs choose a player who at least out of the gate can't do it. But only awful basketball organizations go 5 straight years with losing records, and thus it makes perfect since that a awful organization like the Spurs would make a hilariously bad mistake in the draft, because well, you can't lose as much as the Spurs have for as long as the Spurs have if you don't make a lot of mistakes in the draft. Highly likely that the team that drafted and got nothing out of Luka, Primo, Branhim, Wessley, and Sochan, have fucked it up again and won't get much out of Castle, while the player they gave away plays on better teams and wins more games and competes for more titles.

2k25 can't get here fast enough so I can correct this mistake.

The right of way along the NBA highway is littered with talented players who didn’t make it.

[Mr. Body]

There may not have been a bigger supporter of Dillingham on this site throughout the season than me. He's going to be really good on offense and is going to be perfect for Minnesota. I don't know if he's going to be able to play all the time, they'll need to hide him. I think if he needs to play lots of minutes or even start, that's a huge issue. His defense isn't a matter of size, which is a problem, it's that he just seems to have no concept of what he's doing.

The SL games I've watched, he's given up full court fast breaks when he was last man back - just watching someone else shoot, watching the rebounding scrum, and some player leaks out for a touchdown pass over him. I've seen him completely lose his man on basic actions of two players changing position. These aren't single plays, they're constant.

I've long maintained that he'd need these things coached out of him. My fear is that he thinks he's actually playing pretty good defense, that he's working hard and doing well. There was already a risk that he'd get targeted mercilessly due to size and poor fundamentals. If he doesn't get these basics cleaned up, just ordinary high school level of understanding the game, teams won't even have to be merciless, they'll just get automatic scores.

[Mr. Body]

As for Castle vs. Dillingham.

My desire from the draft was to take both of them, but once I realized they weren't going to take RD, I understood why. As for success, I think Dillingham is one of the most talented guys in this class. There's a pretty good chance that Sheppard tops out as a superior role-player and Dillingham surpasses him.

I think Dillingham can be a star in the Tray Young/Maxey/Garland mold, offense that's tough to cover, absolutely awful defense. Or around Tyler Herro or topping at a Booker level, which are various degrees of eye-popping offensively but never really moving the needle by themselves.

That's not a bad thing in itself.

Castle, I have more faith in him. Kind of laughing at people shitting themselves over his shooting. It's just... not seeing what's going on with him. I've grown to be very bullish on his package, the size, smarts, skills, work ethic. There's a lot of outcomes where Dillingham is drawing the attention for his electric scoring, where Castle is the Jrue Holiday type who keeps getting to the Finals and deep into the playoffs.

[Spurs Homer]

man if dilly becomes a better player then castle

but but

we gotz chris pauls hammies!

[JPB]

It's important to point out that the NBA is a league of margins. There are guys who can't make it in the NBA but who dominate in lower leagues. It's why folks who think good d-league or international players are obviously better than whatever Spurs player they hate are usually off base. We see that most often with guys who have a ton of talent but are too small or slow. Dillingham might be one of those guys who will turn out of be unplayable in the NBA but dominate in the d-league, like Alondes Williams is doing. He certainly had some plays in those highlights which wouldn't work against a real NBA defense.

That said, ugh. If Castle doesn't become a very good offensive player, it should cost the front office their jobs. They've gone to this "positionless" well so many times with little to show for it. At some point they need to start scouting for talent then coaching that talent rather than trying to revolutionize the game.

They need to get over themselves.

[rankingtear]

brian wrong has been picking positonless players his entire nba tenure from scout to gm.........every pick he has ever been involved with from magic to pistons to spurs has been the exact same positonless archetype & they all have busted in the nba..........

Aaron Gordon and Victor Oladipo are his guys too.

[exstatic]

Aaron Gordon and Victor Oladipo are his guys too.

And Aaron, who doesn’t shoot well, was the #3 guy on a title team.

[Raven]

when summerleague is at the end, players always go bonkers, i wouldn't make too much of this garbage time special

[spursparker9]

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

[Pauleta14]

It's important to point out that the NBA is a league of margins. There are guys who can't make it in the NBA but who dominate in lower leagues. It's why folks who think good d-league or international players are obviously better than whatever Spurs player they hate are usually off base. We see that most often with guys who have a ton of talent but are too small or slow. Dillingham might be one of those guys who will turn out of be unplayable in the NBA but dominate in the d-league, like Alondes Williams is doing. He certainly had some plays in those highlights which wouldn't work against a real NBA defense.

That said, ugh. If Castle doesn't become a very good offensive player, it should cost the front office their jobs. They've gone to this "positionless" well so many times with little to show for it. At some point they need to start scouting for talent then coaching that talent rather than trying to revolutionize the game.

There's NO WAY Dilligham doesn't succeed in the NBA

He can't be guarded easy bc of his quick feet, he can create separation easily. And he'll get better with time

On defense Wolves defense will compensate his size the same way Spurs's would have

Worse mistake than Scola.

[Pauleta14]

man if dilly becomes a better player then castle

In RG there's a chance, at least in terms of fans perception bc of Dilli's offensive game

The POs is when Dilli might bc more a liability imo

Also the issue isn't either Castle or Dilli, it's getting rid of the 8th pick.

[exstatic]

There's NO WAY Dilligham doesn't succeed in the NBA

He can't be guarded easy bc of his quick feet, he can create separation easily. And he'll get better with time

On defense Wolves defense will compensate his size the same way Spurs's would have

Worse mistake than Scola.

There’s multiple ways that could happen.

[Chomag]

I like that Scola reference. Its looking exactly like that imo

[montgod]

I like that Scola reference. Its looking exactly like that imo

True cause neither of them play defense and would be in Pop's doghouse lol

[JPB]

Scola thread!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

They need to get over themselves.

When you're led by a narcissist like Pop, there's little expectation anyone reporting to him will be anything but as well.

No one's getting over themselves as long as he's at the top. It's true in business.

Was true with the Patriots and we get another glaring example year in and out with the Cowboys and Jerry as well.

[KobesAchilles]

Imagine if Castles defense isn’t any good. The board will have a meltdown

[scott]

Rob Dillingham, a player the Spurs probably weren't even slightly interested in, will hang like a Scola-sized noose around PATFO's neck

[Knoxxx]

Champagnie had a 30- point game last year summer league. Branham and Barlow had some big games as well. I would kept Dilly and replaced Wesley with him tho

[K...]

Champagnie had a 30- point game last year summer league. Branham and Barlow had some big games as well. I would kept Dilly and replaced Wesley with him tho

that costs $$$ tho

[poopbox]

The right of way along the NBA highway is littered with talented players who didn’t make it.

It's also littered with players who can't shoot.

Like Castle

[exstatic]

It's also littered with players who can't shoot.

Like Castle

And guys who can’t guard, like _illingham.

[The Truth #6]

There were plenty of players they could have picked that would be reasonable bets. I understand the pipeline and patience but it still feels like they set the team back by not getting some help at 8.

[rankingtear]

Alot of 90 percentile scoring guards are rotting on a lot of rebuilding teams roster. His value to MIN is he is on a rookie scale for 4 more years.

[thOOdee]

I like that Scola reference. Its looking exactly like that imo


but we went to 5 finals and won 4 chips after not drafting him. Would anybody really risk all that success by going back and picking scola instead with the hope of getting even more rings?

Even if Dilly becomes the next Trae and Castle becomes the next Dennis Smith Jr. (not going to happen), if spurs walk away with even half of the those rings, not picking Dilly would have been the right choice.

[xellos88330]

Scola thread!

This brings back memories. Ahhh... nostalgia! :bobo

[scott]

but we went to 5 finals and won 4 chips after not drafting him. Would anybody really risk all that success by going back and picking scola instead with the hope of getting even more rings?

Even if Dilly becomes the next Trae and Castle becomes the next Dennis Smith Jr. (not going to happen), if spurs walk away with even half of the those rings, not picking Dilly would have been the right choice.

This is a minor detail that's really irrelevant to your point, but just wanted to clarify that the Spurs did pick him - they just never could sign him. A banger of a 56th pick after taking Manu 57. Early 2000s Spurs scouting department was a different level.

[thOOdee]

This is a minor detail that's really irrelevant to your point, but just wanted to clarify that the Spurs did pick him - they just never could sign him. A banger of a 56th pick after taking Manu 57. Early 2000s Spurs scouting department was a different level.


ahh your right! I completely forgot. It's been awhile since reading a scola post, and when these blemishes were viewed as total collapses during the golden age. Hope to have these nba first world problems again soon.

[z0sa]

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

:pctoss

[RC_Drunkford]

Sheppard scores 25 in Summer League, spurstalk: „He might be the best shooter in NBA history.“

Dillingham scores 25 in Summer League, spurstalk: „Players always go off at the end of Summer League. I wouldn‘t make too much of it.“

:lol

[kobyz]

Look like he has the frame to put on some weight, I think he'll become a Nick Van Exel type player

[spursparker9]

He gonna haunt us like Scola and Josh Howard

[spurraider21]

It still hurts

[Pauleta14]

It still hurts

It's going to hurt for a while I'm afraid, the kid is young and super talented

FU PATFO

[Spurs Homer]

It's going to hurt for a while I'm afraid, the kid is young and super talented

FU PATFO

it is so obvious..i mean - if you have a pair of functioning eyes-
you can see he will be good by watching a game or two…

he is a player and it was obvious but this fucked up front ofc gifted him to a western conf RIVAL!

[Mr. Body]

I watched the game. I'm also a fan of Dillingham.

He's going to be a big threat to score. Last night wasn't good as a lead guard setting people up. He's also like a way worse Blake Wesley around the rim. Absolutely no chance.

For the Wolves, he's going to help when their offense stagnates and they need a punch off the bench. Not sure he's that necessary now that they have DiVincenzio, but Conley won't be around forever.

The big problem with him is defense. It's not his size, where he's tiny. It's that he gives up soooooo much on that end. Dalton Knecht got an easy dunk because Dillingham had no idea how to read a screen. During Summer League he was giving up stuff because of little to no concept of defense.

None of this really matters, because the Spurs weren't going to take him. He wasn't their guy. The reason why? Is because he would crater their plans to have versatile players in a strong defensive scheme. Dillingham is not versatile. And he's absolutely awful at defense.

[Mr. Body]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR0Ls6CSRzY

2:52 for the blown defense.

It didnt happen much this game, because the young Lakers didn't know how to exploit it, but unless Dillingham is able to ramp up his awareness, this is going to become a big issue. I saw this a lot even in SL. Minnesota has a strong defensive core and so has the luxury of playing a negative there, but it's going to be a longterm problem. He's going to get torched.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR0Ls6CSRzY

2:52 for the blown defense.

It didnt happen much this game, because the young Lakers didn't know how to exploit it, but unless Dillingham is able to ramp up his awareness, this is going to become a big issue. I saw this a lot even in SL. Minnesota has a strong defensive core and so has the luxury of playing a negative there, but it's going to be a longterm problem. He's going to get torched.

Still wish we picked someone at #8, not him but even Knicecht or some sharp shooter

[TekXX]

Wright is bad at his job....but we already knew that.

[timtonymanu]

Mr Body on that strong copium right now

[timtonymanu]

Branham is an even worse version of Dillingham but let’s make excuses for branham being young etc etc.

[sickdsm]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR0Ls6CSRzY

2:52 for the blown defense.

It didnt happen much this game, because the young Lakers didn't know how to exploit it, but unless Dillingham is able to ramp up his awareness, this is going to become a big issue. I saw this a lot even in SL. Minnesota has a strong defensive core and so has the luxury of playing a negative there, but it's going to be a longterm problem. He's going to get torched.

It was crazy to me as a Wolves fan to watch how Rudy started to shape that team's defense and basically became the playcaller/qb/etc defensively. He had KAT of all people play not only the best defense he's ever played all season and being called the Jokic stopper after a career of mediocrity. Your'e crazy if you think that team of perimeter ball hawks won't have him playing at least average D within 12 months.

Offensively last night he looked as explosive as Ja Morant.

[exstatic]

It was crazy to me as a Wolves fan to watch how Rudy started to shape that team's defense and basically became the playcaller/qb/etc defensively. He had KAT of all people play not only the best defense he's ever played all season and being called the Jokic stopper after a career of mediocrity. Your'e crazy if you think that team of perimeter ball hawks won't have him playing at least average D within 12 months.

Offensively last night he looked as explosive as Ja Morant.

And people call us sniffers. I was a fan of Rob for most of the season, and I can tell you that while he can dunk, he’s nowhere near as explosive as Ja, not even close. Ja is DRose/John Wall level, a guard that comes around about once a decade. Ja goes right AT 7 footers, and dunks OVER them.

[Mr. Body]

Branham is an even worse version of Dillingham but let’s make excuses for branham being young etc etc.

Nah, man, Branham is like Gary Payton compared to Dillingham.

I think the cope is all on the side of the pissbabies.

The Spurs weren't drafting him anyway, it was someone else.

[Mr. Body]

It was crazy to me as a Wolves fan to watch how Rudy started to shape that team's defense and basically became the playcaller/qb/etc defensively. He had KAT of all people play not only the best defense he's ever played all season and being called the Jokic stopper after a career of mediocrity. Your'e crazy if you think that team of perimeter ball hawks won't have him playing at least average D within 12 months.

Offensively last night he looked as explosive as Ja Morant.

Explosive? No, not physically. Dillingham is quick but he's not actually that fast. He's like a Maxey who can't finish, or he's pretty similar to an Anfernee Simons. I think he could have played a role on the Spurs, definitely. But good God does he suck on defense. It's not his stature, it's that he has no freaking clue about even some of the basics. He may be even worse than Trae. Minnesota will have to account for him all the time and I wonder how he can do in a playoff series when a team is targeting him over and over for 4-7 games. Good luck to him.

[goliath]

I remember an interview with dillingham pre draft. He was asked what his weakness as a player was. He said he had two. He wasn’t good defensively and he didn’t all ways understand, or work hard to understand, his teams schemes. Right then knew there was no way Pop would ever draft him

[poopbox]

And people call us sniffers. I was a fan of Rob for most of the season, and I can tell you that while he can dunk, he’s nowhere near as explosive as Ja, not even close. Ja is DRose/John Wall level, a guard that comes around about once a decade. Ja goes right AT 7 footers, and dunks OVER them.

Sure. When he's not tearing his labrum and waving guns around in cars and strip clubs.

[Chinook]

I've made peace with Dillingham. I'm bummed they couldn't find a way to pick up TSJ. He seems to be the guy PATFO wants Branham to be but bigger and more athletic. Obviously you can't completely ignore the allegations, but a guy being legally exonerated has to mean something too.

[poopbox]

Who cares about his defense. This guy walked into the league with one of the most sought after skillsets in the nba, dribble penetration by a guard.

We don't have one guard on our entire roster who can consistently get from the 3 point line to the rim using only one or 0 screens. It's not possible to be an elite team without at least 2 players who can do it and we have exactly 0.

By the time we play The Wolves for the second time CP will be hurt, we will have stupidly moved Castle to the 3 for exactly 0 reasons, Devin will be hurt again, and we'll be trotting Branhim and Wessly out against Ant and Rob :lol

They will probably drop 40 a piece on us :lol

[LeBowen]

Who cares about his defense. This guy walked into the league with one of the most sought after skillsets in the nba, dribble penetration by a guard.

And how many undersized, awful defenders have we seen in these past playoffs?
Players 6'2 and under get DNPs in the playoffs if they're not either 25ppg scorers or solid defensively.
If Dillingham becomes a 25ppg scorer, then we can shit on PATFO.
If he's another one in the long line of zero defense, average scorers, then you have nothing to complain about.


We don't have one guard on our entire roster who can consistently get from the 3 point line to the rim using only one or 0 screens. It's not possible to be an elite team without at least 2 players who can do it and we have exactly 0.

Sorry to disappoint you, but Dillingham's finishing around the rim will be non-existant in the NBA. He can get there, but that's about it.
Nuggets won a ring with just one offensively good guard.

The thing I'd be worried about more is if one of those wings who were available at #8 turn out to be legit players.
Our wing rotation is Barnes, Keldon, Jeremy and scrubs. Even Jeremy is a scrub.
Unlike guards, good wings are really hard to get these days, so if Williams or Buzelis develop, that's when I'll start shitting on PATFO.
Not because of a flashy 6'1 no-defense guard.

Also, some of you still come here just to shit on everything, regardless of if there's a reason for it or not.

[MarCowMar]

Who cares about his defense. This guy walked into the league with one of the most sought after skillsets in the nba, dribble penetration by a guard.

We don't have one guard on our entire roster who can consistently get from the 3 point line to the rim using only one or 0 screens. It's not possible to be an elite team without at least 2 players who can do it and we have exactly 0.

By the time we play The Wolves for the second time CP will be hurt, we will have stupidly moved Castle to the 3 for exactly 0 reasons, Devin will be hurt again, and we'll be trotting Branhim and Wessly out against Ant and Rob :lol

They will probably drop 40 a piece on us :lol

This is Pop playing 5D chess. Let Dillingham run up the stat sheet on us. Grumble a bit about how maybe we screwed up that trade, etc.

Make the public think the Wolves won the trade so more teams will trade future picks & swaps to the Spurs.

[Splits]

who was that Dilly fluffer turned pro-trade-for-nothing poster? Mister something

[baseline bum]

And people call us sniffers. I was a fan of Rob for most of the season, and I can tell you that while he can dunk, he’s nowhere near as explosive as Ja, not even close. Ja is DRose/John Wall level, a guard that comes around about once a decade. Ja goes right AT 7 footers, and dunks OVER them.

Gotta disagree, Ja's not a Rose level athlete. Not even Westbrook was. Pre injury Derrick Rose was one of a kind.

[BackHome]

Dilly is a perfect fit if your a playoff team wanting an offensive spark leading the second unit. Also, and we are not a legit playoff type of team as we have way to many wholes requiring upgrade in talent

[dn0774]

Gotta disagree, Ja's not a Rose level athlete. Not even Westbrook was. Pre injury Derrick Rose was one of a kind.

Yea I still watch his old high school mix on youtube every year or so, insane leaper. Too bad he was a terrible lander.

[scott]

Presumed #8 Pick Tiddy Salaun actually looked pretty good for CHA today.

[BackHome]

Ron Holland looks like he had a good game 10pts, 6 rebounds, 5 assists

[onechance87]

Presumed #8 Pick Tiddy Salaun actually looked pretty good for CHA today.

yup knocking down 3s and hustling...Hoping sochan knocks down 3s this year,Major fail if he still struggles.

[Pauleta14]

Presumed #8 Pick Tiddy Salaun actually looked pretty good for CHA today.

I hope there's a good development team in CHA, any time I watch him I just see his stupid potential with his size strength and length

He can become a (vesatile) monster defensively

[John B]

Nah Dillingham is another empty calorie player like Trae. But yeah I would’ve gambled on Buzelis or Williams.

[exstatic]

Nah Dillingham is another empty calorie player like Trae. But yeah I would’ve gambled on Buzelis or Williams.

I think a gamble on Minny being crap by 2030-20131 is a better gamble. Your mileage may vary, but that could be a fresh infusion of talent right when we need it at rookie scale pricing. You’ve got two shots, both the swap and the pick.

Out at the current edge of tradeability:

2030: double swap option, Dallas and Minny 2-30
2031: Minny pick, unprotected, and Sacto swap unprotected

[rankingtear]

All roster decisions is with the assumption Wemby is the no. 1 option so great perimeter defenders around him to lighten his load on the defensive side of the ball and a good screener at the guard spot when he assumes ball handling duties. Trae and Dilly are the guys you target if you think Wemby is more of a second option like AD. FO is operating with the assumption that he is a championship level 1st option in a few years.

[TheChillFactor]

All roster decisions is with the assumption Wemby is the no. 1 option so great perimeter defenders around him to lighten his load on the defensive side of the ball and a good screener at the guard spot when he assumes ball handling duties. Trae and Dilly are the guys you target if you think Wemby is more of a second option like AD. FO is operating with the assumption that he is a championship level 1st option in a few years.

Exactly this. If we didn't have Wemby, I'm all for being up in arms about not taking a specific player.

But the entire team is built around Wemby, and we have to look at how these guys fit around him. PATFO seem to be prioritizing (and I agree) having switchable players on defense that can be effective on offense without the ball.

Who cares what Dillingham does? He ain't going to be doing it here and he ain't going to be doing it in a way that Wemby needs around him. If you're bringing this up as part of a larger point that the way PATFO do things needs to be totally revamped, lol sure buddy.

[Mr. Body]

I gotta laugh at those who say "who cares about defense?" Just go play the latest NBA2K or whatever, you clearly don't care about trying to get a winning team together.

Again, I wish Dillingham the best. I think he can be a flamethrower, but there are serious drawbacks. With how bad the current squad is at many basics, adding a player who is even worse at fundamentals like defense would be severe. He could have been a boost this year, but as the years went on, I could see the team needing to draft over or replace him. He's perfect for Minny right now, though.

The better question to me is who the Spurs were actually targeting at #8 before the Wolves gave them a non-refusable offer. Buzelis? Carter? Knecht? Cody Williams? Tbh, any of them would be nice to have, but none of them really move the needle for me long-term.

[ambchang]

Wish Dillingham the best, he is going to be buckets going forward, maybe a Jamal Crawford or Ben Gordon type player, but I am not going to miss a player like that.

I was hoping of getting Williams, but oh well, we will see.

That said, trading a #8 for a chance at a future #2 and a swap is just hard to turn down, especially with the 2nd apron era.

[spurraider21]

I think a gamble on Minny being crap by 2030-20131 is a better gamble. Your mileage may vary, but that could be a fresh infusion of talent right when we need it at rookie scale pricing. You’ve got two shots, both the swap and the pick.

Out at the current edge of tradeability:

2030: double swap option, Dallas and Minny 2-30
2031: Minny pick, unprotected, and Sacto swap unprotected
to be fair the team needs an infusion of talent now as well

if the bulls pick conveys this year and we wanted to send out one of our three 2025 picks for a future pick, that would make more sense than drafting 3 more guys (let alone if the CHA pick conveys)

felt like a squandered opportunity and borderline panic move to me. and yeah minny might be bad in 2030. they might be good. they might be fine. but we had a #8 pick looking us in the face.

[LeBowen]

The better question to me is who the Spurs were actually targeting at #8 before the Wolves gave them a non-refusable offer. Buzelis? Carter? Knecht? Cody Williams? Tbh, any of them would be nice to have, but none of them really move the needle for me long-term.

I wasn't high on any of them, but we can't know for sure. If Buzelis or Williams turn out to be legit starters, Spurs scouting department will have to answer some questions.
Versatile wings are hard to get and I'm not sure not taking a chance on one of those two was the right call. I wasn't high on either of them, but I'm no expert.
Considering that Mamu and Sidy will be fighting to get minutes on wing positions, we definitely had a roster sport for a rookie wing and they surely could've done something to work the salaries out.

[Mr. Body]

I wasn't high on any of them, but we can't know for sure. If Buzelis or Williams turn out to be legit starters, Spurs scouting department will have to answer some questions.
Versatile wings are hard to get and I'm not sure not taking a chance on one of those two was the right call. I wasn't high on either of them, but I'm no expert.
Considering that Mamu and Sidy will be fighting to get minutes on wing positions, we definitely had a roster sport for a rookie wing and they surely could've done something to work the salaries out.

I would take Harrison Barnes for two years over Cody Williams or Buzelis.

I'll be happy to be proven wrong - they league always needs more talent. Right now Cody Williams doesn't seem any better than Keita Bates-Diop to me and Buzelis is like a Franz Wagner who cannot shoot to save his life and has no creation skills.

The team definitely needs wing help, but that's Barnes for now.

[exstatic]

to be fair the team needs an infusion of talent now as well

if the bulls pick conveys this year and we wanted to send out one of our three 2025 picks for a future pick, that would make more sense than drafting 3 more guys (let alone if the CHA pick conveys)

felt like a squandered opportunity and borderline panic move to me. and yeah minny might be bad in 2030. they might be good. they might be fine. but we had a #8 pick looking us in the face.

A #8 pick in a crap draft. The consensus so far this year is that the top 7 picks in 25 would ALL have been #1 last year.

Spreading the talent acquisition out is the key. We have 5 FRPs from the last 3 drafts, plus two more next year. We’re not lacking for development projects.

[Seventyniner]

I wasn't high on any of them, but we can't know for sure. If Buzelis or Williams turn out to be legit starters, Spurs scouting department will have to answer some questions.
Versatile wings are hard to get and I'm not sure not taking a chance on one of those two was the right call. I wasn't high on either of them, but I'm no expert.
Considering that Mamu and Sidy will be fighting to get minutes on wing positions, we definitely had a roster sport for a rookie wing and they surely could've done something to work the salaries out.

I think the salary angle is more about potentially having to sign the #8 pick to an extension in 2028 when the Spurs already have so many other near-term draft picks coming, rather than the #8 pick's rookie scale contract between now and then.

Still, having a player be good enough to command a big extension is generally more good than bad.

[Mr. Body]

A #8 pick in a crap draft. The consensus so far this year is that the top 7 picks in 25 would ALL have been #1 last year.

Spreading the talent acquisition out is the key. We have 5 FRPs from the last 3 drafts, plus two more next year. We’re not lacking for development projects.

Yeah, on the one hand trading away a mid-lottery pick is ballsy as fuck. I don't remember this happening before. On the other, you gotta look at who is actually there. If that was their only pick, that's one thing, but they already pulled one of the top players in the draft (imo).

1. Would I do the opposite? Would I trade the future Minny pick and swap for Buzelis? No, I would not.

2. Would I trade the chance to get Harrison Barnes plus a Sacramento swap for Buzelis? Probably not.

3. Would I trade the future Minny pick and swap, the future Sacramento swap, and Harrison Barnes for Matas Buzelis? Definitely not.

[LeBowen]

I would take Harrison Barnes for two years over Cody Williams or Buzelis.

Me too, but the thing is that our wing rotation is really thin.
Barnes and Keldon are the only guarantees.
Jeremy needs to make some big improvements or he won't be a part of long-term plans.
Others are just filler at this point. I guess Castle will spend some time at SF.


Right now Cody Williams doesn't seem any better than Keita Bates-Diop to me and Buzelis is like a Franz Wagner who cannot shoot to save his life and has no creation skills.

Yeah, I'm not that high on either of them, but if you remember I made an in-depth list of potential wings we can get from around the league and it's slim pickings. Taking a swing with #8 pick when we have so many already wouldn't be the end of the world because this season is the last one where we should be taking swings. And I guess the upcoming draft. Then it's going to be about winning.

I'm fully aware that Minnesota picks could be really valuable and I understand the path they took.
It's just that we have to wait and see if the path they took was the right one.



I think the salary angle is more about potentially having to sign the #8 pick to an extension in 2028 when the Spurs already have so many other near-term draft picks coming, rather than the #8 pick's rookie scale contract between now and then.

Still, having a player be good enough to command a big extension is generally more good than bad.


Yeah, if you draft a good player it can't be a negative. Can easily trade him if he doesn't fit the roster or salaries are an issue.

[Atl Spur]

We’ll keep trading players / picks that doesn’t fit long term for assets as we should! 2030 will be here before you know it .

[KobesAchilles]

I wanted Ron Holland. I mean since we are already making Castle magically become a shooter, imagine if this guy became a shooter. Dude would be unreal as a player.

[BackHome]

I also wanted Holland his play kind of reminds me of DeMar

[Rosewood]

Edey should have been the pick. Backup center is better than a pick 6 years in the future IMO.

[mudyez]

After watching the first few episodes of starting 5, I can't imagine Ant staying in Minny until our stuff is up. He will probably end up in LA.

[exstatic]

After watching the first few episodes of starting 5, I can't imagine Ant staying in Minny until our stuff is up. He will probably end up in LA.

KG 12 years
KAT 8 years
KLove 6 years
Ant 4 years and counting

I don’t see him sticking, either. Gobert, who’s the hub of their defense, is as old as dirt, and when he’s gone, they’re back to first round fodder.

[Pauleta14]

https://x.com/esidery/status/1844917491514081655

[jeebus]

Why are we posting stats about a player the spurs were never interested in in the Spurs forum? Are we going to be posting Bronny stats in here as well?

[Ice009]

It reminds me a little bit of the Goran Dragic draft. Didn't the Spurs draft him and trade him (like Dillingham) because the other team wanted him that they were trading to?

[J_Paco]

It reminds me a little bit of the Goran Dragic draft. Didn't the Spurs draft him and trade him (like Dillingham) because the other team wanted him that they were trading to?

It's very similar to that situation and the Dragic trade burned them, somewhat, since they goy bounced (in a sweep) by Phoenix in 2010 partly thanks to him.

Then he went on to have solid and length NBA career.

[spurraider21]

It wouldn’t have been fair to Wesley

[Ice009]

It's very similar to that situation and the Dragic trade burned them, somewhat, since they goy bounced (in a sweep) by Phoenix in 2010 partly thanks to him.

Then he went on to have solid and length NBA career.

Yeah, I shouldn't have bought it up as I was kind of pissed off that he torched us (I did like his game at the time before he went off in that series - he finally got Nash, Amare and those guys over the Spurs hump - too bad they choked against the Lakers), but the point is, I don't think the Spurs had any interest in drafting him for themselves, did they?

[jeebus]

It's very similar to that situation and the Dragic trade burned them, somewhat, since they goy bounced (in a sweep) by Phoenix in 2010 partly thanks to him.

Then he went on to have solid and length NBA career.

Yup. That one would've never worked even if the Spurs did want to keep him. He was too good to just be a backup to Tony and some team would've snatched him away after year 4.

[MultiTroll]

Zack Edey already doing game winning chit.

https://media.video-cdn.espn.com/motion/fastclipper/2024/0708/evc_NBA_20240708_no_event_name_05dd9a80_5a9f_4288_ a89f_e5857047e8ff_3542/evc_NBA_20240708_no_event_name_05dd9a80_5a9f_4288_ a89f_e5857047e8ff_3542_360p30_1464k.mp4

[scott]

Reinforcements coming in 20131 though.

[Ice009]

Why were the Spurs not interested in Edey? I thought he was an interesting prospect that was still on the board. Too slow/immobile for what they want to do on defense? Having said that, on offense I think it could have definitely worked. I'm guessing defense is the reason they weren't interested.

[Mr. Body]

Why were the Spurs not interested in Edey? I thought he was an interesting prospect that was still on the board. Too slow/immobile for what they want to do on defense? Having said that, on offense I think it could have definitely worked. I'm guessing defense is the reason they weren't interested.

Right now it seems like Wemby gets too clogged up next to a big center, so they'd be using a mid-lottery pick on an exclusively bench player.

[exstatic]

Why were the Spurs not interested in Edey? I thought he was an interesting prospect that was still on the board. Too slow/immobile for what they want to do on defense? Having said that, on offense I think it could have definitely worked. I'm guessing defense is the reason they weren't interested.
So far, zero games have counted in the standings, so teams aren’t game planning. As soon as the games count, he will be put in pick and roll after pick and roll after pick and roll, exposing his inability to switch and guard the perimeter. Teams have tried and tried since the 2015 rule change making any attempt to fight through a screen an automatic foul to do the OTHER mismatch, big exploiting small, but numbers never lie, and 3 will always be > 2.

[DAF86]

sL1avVxSw2U?si=wWZK_MQ52zRkOoly

[playbonner15]

Why were the Spurs not interested in Edey? I thought he was an interesting prospect that was still on the board. Too slow/immobile for what they want to do on defense? Having said that, on offense I think it could have definitely worked. I'm guessing defense is the reason they weren't interested.

I would personally like Edey on the team to guard bigger, stronger centers. I think he's an upgrade compared to Collins and Bassey

[8FOR!3]

Relistically in the next 5 years or so there is going to be a major superstar at some point that wants out. I'm sure the Spurs FO is thinking ok by then Wemby will hopefully be a top 3 player or the best player in the league and we trade the house 5+ picks and whatever players for whatever big superstar it is. If Dillingham really becomes as good as prime Kyrie then maybe he should've been the pick to invest in (but then he'd also go #1 in every redraft and pretty much everyone was at least somewhat wrong about him.) But the odds are we'll be able to make a run at someone who is a top 10-20 player in the league to put next to Wemby.

[LeBowen]

Relistically in the next 5 years or so there is going to be a major superstar at some point that wants out. I'm sure the Spurs FO is thinking ok by then Wemby will hopefully be a top 3 player or the best player in the league and we trade the house 5+ picks and whatever players for whatever big superstar it is. If Dillingham really becomes as good as prime Kyrie then maybe he should've been the pick to invest in (but then he'd also go #1 in every redraft and pretty much everyone was at least somewhat wrong about him.) But the odds are we'll be able to make a run at someone who is a top 10-20 player in the league to put next to Wemby.

We'll definitely be able to make a run, but the question is will it be worth it with CBA in it's current state?
Getting another max player when Wemby's extension kicks in would put us in a bad situation. That other star would have to be worth the money they're getting and not and most all-stars aren't.

For example, yesterday there was a report of Fox rejecting to sign an extension now because he'll be eligible for 345/5 deal next summer if he makes all-NBA this season.
Good player, but nowhere near worth supermax.

With Wemby guaranteed to be the best player in the league, we'll be in a huge advantage since superteams have been dealt with and knowing PATFO they won't waste cap space on an overpaid second option.
We can just hope Devin takes the next step and Castle becomes Jrue 2.0, then we got ourselves Bucks 2.0 at home. With two more FRPs this year.
And plenty more FRPs to trade for elite role players.

If Castle/Devin/'25 FRP/Wemby is the core, with Jeremy and some more pieces being useful off the bench, then trading 2 FRPs for a great role player on team-friendly deal wouldn't be an issue with so many picks available.
And very few teams have FRPs to trade, meaning ours will be even more valuable.

[poopbox]

Why were the Spurs not interested in Edey? I thought he was an interesting prospect that was still on the board. Too slow/immobile for what they want to do on defense? Having said that, on offense I think it could have definitely worked. I'm guessing defense is the reason they weren't interested.

He's going to get smoked in the pick and roll as time goes on because he is to slow and lumbering when he has to guard in space. Pairing him with Wemby would have been a disaster. He's only in Memphis because they have 0 real centers on the roster.

[rankingtear]

To Rob Dilly experts here why is this guy struggling to score when not guarded by Bronny.

[exstatic]

He's going to get smoked in the pick and roll as time goes on because he is to slow and lumbering when he has to guard in space. Pairing him with Wemby would have been a disaster. He's only in Memphis because they have 0 real centers on the roster.

We actually agree on something. No one game plans in the pre season, so he looks great. They’re going to isolate and attack him when it counts. It doesn’t matter if he can overwhelm teams in the paint, because 3 will always be > 2. Do these Edey Stan’s think that zero teams tried the reverse exploit, big over small, after the 2015 rule changes? The best comp IS Boban. He’s a big paint scorer with a nice jumper, and can block shots. His career PER is 25, All star level, so why are his career minutes under 10 per game? He gets played off the floor in any meaningful minutes, leading to a role as a backup change of pace guy and a garbage time minutes eater. I’m not using a lottery pick on that role.

[Mr. Body]

We'll definitely be able to make a run, but the question is will it be worth it with CBA in it's current state?
Getting another max player when Wemby's extension kicks in would put us in a bad situation. That other star would have to be worth the money they're getting and not and most all-stars aren't.

For example, yesterday there was a report of Fox rejecting to sign an extension now because he'll be eligible for 345/5 deal next summer if he makes all-NBA this season.
Good player, but nowhere near worth supermax.

With Wemby guaranteed to be the best player in the league, we'll be in a huge advantage since superteams have been dealt with and knowing PATFO they won't waste cap space on an overpaid second option.
We can just hope Devin takes the next step and Castle becomes Jrue 2.0, then we got ourselves Bucks 2.0 at home. With two more FRPs this year.
And plenty more FRPs to trade for elite role players.

If Castle/Devin/'25 FRP/Wemby is the core, with Jeremy and some more pieces being useful off the bench, then trading 2 FRPs for a great role player on team-friendly deal wouldn't be an issue with so many picks available.
And very few teams have FRPs to trade, meaning ours will be even more valuable.

That Fox extension has to be terrifying for Sacramento. It's nuts. Also, might be added, Klutch. Here is where things either bend or break, with teams denying those gargantuan extensions at risk of grumpy players/agents, because who else is going to pay them? It's the Brandon Ingram thing all over again, and we're going to see it a lot. The CBA is trying to create a healthier ecosystem but I don't think it will.

As for backup bigs, Edey doesn't seem like the right fit. Sure, it'd be great to have a player like him, but for cheaper. Wembanyama is so unique, it's hard to know what kind of bigs work next to him. Maybe a Brook Lopez type, who can hit lots of threes, but even this may not work. Then there are Sarr/Kal'el Ware types (assuming they're good), swift shotblockers who can potentially stretch the floor. But then you need size just straight off the bench.

Collins is the right type. If he could get back on track, that would be great.

This is why they may target guards who can rebound defensively and have strength to at least bang around. Castle fits that bill, at least for one of them. He was laying his body against Kessler on switches pretty well.

[z0sa]

If Wesley’s trajectory is anything like the first 3 games of pre season, Dilly is simply extraneous (to our current roster).

I’d rather speed in the open court (the ultimate weapon in basketball is the fast break IMHO) than relatively low efficiency work in the halfcourt. Castle also looks considerably more robust overall so we just wouldn’t be able to develop him well. Ot is what it is - I really liked him at 8 but we got plenty of consolation prizes to root for this season.

[LeBowen]

As for backup bigs, Edey doesn't seem like the right fit. Sure, it'd be great to have a player like him, but for cheaper. Wembanyama is so unique, it's hard to know what kind of bigs work next to him. Maybe a Brook Lopez type, who can hit lots of threes, but even this may not work. Then there are Sarr/Kal'el Ware types (assuming they're good), swift shotblockers who can potentially stretch the floor. But then you need size just straight off the bench.

Imo, it's really hard to find stretch bigs who are also positive rim protectors. You either draft one or get an overpaid veteran late in his career.
Everyone else with that skillset is a starter.


Collins is the right type. If he could get back on track, that would be great.

He's a good offensive player, but I'd honestly prefer a rim-running rim protector. Bassey was supposed to be one before his knees decided to fall apart.

[8FOR!3]

We'll definitely be able to make a run, but the question is will it be worth it with CBA in it's current state?
Getting another max player when Wemby's extension kicks in would put us in a bad situation. That other star would have to be worth the money they're getting and not and most all-stars aren't.

For example, yesterday there was a report of Fox rejecting to sign an extension now because he'll be eligible for 345/5 deal next summer if he makes all-NBA this season.
Good player, but nowhere near worth supermax.

With Wemby guaranteed to be the best player in the league, we'll be in a huge advantage since superteams have been dealt with and knowing PATFO they won't waste cap space on an overpaid second option.
We can just hope Devin takes the next step and Castle becomes Jrue 2.0, then we got ourselves Bucks 2.0 at home. With two more FRPs this year.
And plenty more FRPs to trade for elite role players.

If Castle/Devin/'25 FRP/Wemby is the core, with Jeremy and some more pieces being useful off the bench, then trading 2 FRPs for a great role player on team-friendly deal wouldn't be an issue with so many picks available.
And very few teams have FRPs to trade, meaning ours will be even more valuable.

Ok but say this is true, we can still use those picks if we want to OR make trades that will make the team better (trade up in future drafts, trade for non max players, etc.).

You see teams like OKC right now are still landing really talented players in the draft and they're joining an already stacked team.

[scott]

Relistically in the next 5 years or so there is going to be a major superstar at some point that wants out. I'm sure the Spurs FO is thinking ok by then Wemby will hopefully be a top 3 player or the best player in the league and we trade the house 5+ picks and whatever players for whatever big superstar it is. If Dillingham really becomes as good as prime Kyrie then maybe he should've been the pick to invest in (but then he'd also go #1 in every redraft and pretty much everyone was at least somewhat wrong about him.) But the odds are we'll be able to make a run at someone who is a top 10-20 player in the league to put next to Wemby.

Hopefully it's anyone but Victor Wembanyama.

[KingKev]

^ Pop considered a superstar now? Maybe he will want out?

[Mr. Body]

The Spurs look like they're switching a ton. Having players with good size and defensive acumen are what works in that kind of scheme.

Wesley is a really promising open court defender, but he got bulldozed by a strong Isaiah Collier last game on one possession. (Collier didn't play again, iirc, not sure what was up there.) Dillingham would be significantly worse. The Spurs just can't have someone get picked on in the defensive rotation.

I'm going to keep my eye on Cody Williams. If he plays with some urgency and lack of lethargy, he could be a good multi-use player. He didn't show those things in college. Buzelis's shooting I think is never getting fixed.

[DAF86]

So is Dilly getting DNPs to start the season or is he injured?

[objective]

So is Dilly getting DNPs to start the season or is he injured?

They decided to play DiVencenzo as the backup point guard after they made the Towns trade, both because of trusting vets over a rookie but it keeps DiVencenzo from cannibalizing the minutes of Alexander-Walker and McDaniels.

[DAF86]

They decided to play DiVencenzo as the backup point guard after they made the Towns trade, both because of trusting vets over a rookie but it keeps DiVencenzo from cannibalizing the minutes of Alexander-Walker and McDaniels.

Weird to trade all the way up to 8 and not play the guy.

[objective]

Weird to trade all the way up to 8 and not play the guy.

There was months in between the 2 trades. They didn't expect they could get anyone else to be a ball handler

[exstatic]

:rollin

All of that wailing and gnashing of teeth, and the fucker isn’t even in the rotation for Minny.

[KingKev]

:rollin

All of that wailing and gnashing of teeth, and the fucker isn’t even in the rotation for Minny.

Minnesota has the luxury of bringing their rookie along slowly. They are a competitive team with championship aspriations.

[The Truth #6]

Minnesota has the luxury of bringing their rookie along slowly. They are a competitive team with championship aspriations.

...and we're a team where the only player who can drive into the paint is Blake Wesley. Nah, we're fine!

[KingKev]

...and we're a team where the only player who can drive into the paint is Blake Wesley. Nah, we're fine!

Haha I remain very intrigued by Wesley’s skill set given his quick first step, length and defensive ability. Dilly will eventually become an automatic bucket for years to come though. Him playing behind Conley and Donte was always a given and will only make him better.

[jeebus]

Break out the lube, Dillingham ball lickers, your savior is on the court

[exstatic]

Rob squad gets a sighting of Dilly at the FBC.

[CGD]

Damn, didn’t realize these were his first NBA minutes. His outlook changed so much the moment of the KAT trade.

[jeebus]

Damn, didn’t realize these were his first NBA minutes. His outlook changed so much the moment of the KAT trade.

There's a reason why this rookie class is universally known as being fucking awful. Even Castle needs a ton of work. The people seething and frothing at the mouth, thinking he'd be a game changer this year, is beyond hilarious.

[John B]

Dilly seems to have gotten bigger not looking like a stick next to CP3

[exstatic]

Damn, didn’t realize these were his first NBA minutes. His outlook changed so much the moment of the KAT trade.

Yeah, if they make the KAT trade any time between the deadline and the draft, Spurs probably draft at #8. Once they got DiVi, he was going to be chained to the bench.

[spursgu]

Spurs fans crying over him :lmao

[baseline bum]

There's a reason why this rookie class is universally known as being fucking awful. Even Castle needs a ton of work. The people seething and frothing at the mouth, thinking he'd be a game changer this year, is beyond hilarious.

TBH I was quite pissed seeing Branham playing PG over Castle in the third, but thankfully Mitch pulled the plug after two disastrous possessions of Branham at point and Castle came in and steadied the ship. The old man would have let the Spurs blow their entire 15 point lead first.

[J_Paco]

There's a reason why this rookie class is universally known as being fucking awful. Even Castle needs a ton of work. The people seething and frothing at the mouth, thinking he'd be a game changer this year, is beyond hilarious.

Yeah, going crazy and ranting about trading out of a historically bad draft - for a guy that is at best a poor man's Jeff Teague (who was himself a poor man's Tony Parker, IMO) - is par for the course in these parts.

I do agree that trading out for a pick (or pick swap) so far in the future is questionable, but you have to factor in all the picks they are still owed from Charlotte, Atlanta and I believe Chicago.

[J_Paco]

TBH I was quite pissed seeing Branham playing PG over Castle in the third, but thankfully Mitch pulled the plug after two disastrous possessions of Branham at point and Castle came in and steadied the ship. The old man would have let the Spurs blow their entire 15 point lead first.

Nah, Pop learned that lesson last season when he made the mistake of giving Branham PG duties. That's why Wesley was given back up PG duties to close out last season. He has some secondary ball handling skills and chops to play emergency PG, still.

Unfortunately, his piss poor offense and outside shooting is gonna have him glued to the bench for awhile.

[spursparker9]

He did played some serious D on CP3 on the last few possessions

[rankingtear]

PATFO was destroyed for not picking this kid. He is not even in the rotation.

[LeBowen]

PATFO was destroyed for not picking this kid. He is not even in the rotation.

PATFO was destroyed for kicking a pick 7 years down the road while having a severe lack of talent on the roster. Not because they didn't pick Dillingham.
I still think they should've picked another wing and gotten rid of a few scrubs.

[exstatic]

PATFO was destroyed for kicking a pick 7 years down the road while having a severe lack of talent on the roster. Not because they didn't pick Dillingham.
I still think they should've picked another wing and gotten rid of a few scrubs.

Not that they have one, but you’d honestly rather have a near term Minny pick and swap than one at the edge of the horizon when this version of the TWolves is done? We have essentially six FRPs over the next 3 drafts. After that, there’s a dry spell until the 2030 and 20131 drafts, when we have accumulated 2 swaps in 2030 and a swap and extra unprotected FRP in 20131.

At some point in the near future, we will lack the salary cap room and extra FRPs to accumulate these types of picks, and we’ll have to ride with what we have for the remainder of Wemby’s career.

Imagine if the Spurs had accumulated a nice stash of swaps and FRPs in 2004 and 2005 to keep Tim’s window open longer instead of having that dead playoff period from 2008 to 2012? Well, we have that for Wemby.

[LeBowen]

Not that they have one, but you’d honestly rather have a near term Minny pick and swap than one at the edge of the horizon when this version of the TWolves is done? We have essentially six FRPs over the next 3 drafts. After that, there’s a dry spell until the 2030 and 20131 drafts, when we have accumulated 2 swaps in 2030 and a swap and extra unprotected FRP in 20131.

Honest answer? We can't know yet.
If one of the wings PATFO decided to pass on turns out to be a legit starter, then yeah, they fucked up.
If noone develops, it was a good decision.


At some point in the near future, we will lack the salary cap room and extra FRPs to accumulate these types of picks, and we’ll have to ride with what we have for the remainder of Wemby’s career.

Obviously, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't pass on talent now while we're still a lottery roster.


Imagine if the Spurs had accumulated a nice stash of swaps and FRPs in 2004 and 2005 to keep Tim’s window open longer instead of having that dead playoff period from 2008 to 2012? Well, we have that for Wemby.

Difference being that Tim had enough help from the start of his career. Wemby doesn't.
Right now it doesn't look like we'll be a serious playoff threat before his fourth season.

[Mr. Body]

PATFO was destroyed for kicking a pick 7 years down the road while having a severe lack of talent on the roster. Not because they didn't pick Dillingham.
I still think they should've picked another wing and gotten rid of a few scrubs.

Who, though?

Not saying it doesn't change but it would be Buzelis who isn't playing or Cody who has a long way to go.

And if you take that pick you likely have no Harrison Barnes and perhaps no Paul.

Again, time will tell but I don't think we'll ever really miss Buzelis or Cody Williams. Especially as much as Barnes will help.

[J_Paco]

Who, though?

Not saying it doesn't change but it would be Buzelis who isn't playing or Cody who has a long way to go.

And if you take that pick you likely have no Harrison Barnes and perhaps no Paul.

Again, time will tell but I don't think we'll ever really miss Buzelis or Cody Williams. Especially as much as Barnes will help.

Yeah, all those wing players are projects and weren't going to help right away.

Adding the veteran presences of Barnes and Paul, plus allowing Champagnie more time to develop (with minutes) is/was the better move. Shit, Champagnie's ceiling is much lower but he's already a rotation piece and can help now unlike Williams and Buzelis.

[The Truth #6]

I was intrigued by Dalton Knecht at 8. It was a reach for that position, but liked his athleticism, scoring, and composure. I saw that he had one really great game in preseason but haven't kept up with him since the season started.

[LeBowen]

Yeah, all those wing players are projects and weren't going to help right away.

Adding the veteran presences of Barnes and Paul, plus allowing Champagnie more time to develop (with minutes) is/was the better move. Shit, Champagnie's ceiling is much lower but he's already a rotation piece and can help now unlike Williams and Buzelis.

The problem is that good wings are really difficult to find and we'll definitely need a wing that's at least an elite role player level.
There was a topic this summer where we listed all the possible targets and it's really slim pickings. Some trades and extensions happened after that and the situation is even worse.

We'll most likely have to draft that wing or trade for a player who develops way better than the expectations. That's why taking a swing on one of these wings wasn't such a bad idea.

[J_Paco]

I was intrigued by Dalton Knecht at 8. It was a reach for that position, but liked his athleticism, scoring, and composure. I saw that he had one really great game in preseason but haven't kept up with him since the season started.

Yeah, he's the one exception amongst the wings available.

I thought he'd be a good fit with his solid frame, above average athleticism, and multifaceted scoring ability, but there were huge questions about his defense and how much 'potential' he had left.

Lakers got a steal that a lot of teams - Spurs included - might regret passing on.

[exstatic]

I was intrigued by Dalton Knecht at 8. It was a reach for that position, but liked his athleticism, scoring, and composure. I saw that he had one really great game in preseason but haven't kept up with him since the season started.

17 minutes, 7.7 pts .348 on 3s. Not bad, but nothing special for a specialist.

[LeBowen]

Tristan da Silva finally got minutes after Banchero's injury and did well in his first relevant game.
17/5/2 with 0 turnovers, 6/8 FG and 3/3 from deep.

He's 23 already, but could be a servicable 3-D wing in a few years.

[J_Paco]

The problem is that good wings are really difficult to find and we'll definitely need a wing that's at least an elite role player level.
There was a topic this summer where we listed all the possible targets and it's really slim pickings. Some trades and extensions happened after that and the situation is even worse.

We'll most likely have to draft that wing or trade for a player who develops way better than the expectations. That's why taking a swing on one of these wings wasn't such a bad idea.

Williams and Buzelis are huge projects like Blake Wesley was coming out of Notre Dame. Either one would be two or three years away from really contributing.

There will be a lot better wing (and PG) prospects at the top of the '25 board, while the Spurs could potentially have multiple bites at the apple (again).

If they don't acquire a high-end prospect (or two) at either spot, then I'll be pissed with everyone else that they shipped out the #8 pick.

[Mr. Body]

I think Knecht is going to be pretty good at least, but he's not really a multi-faceted player. As others have said, he's not a defender, although I don't think he's terrible on that end.

It seems like the team is trying to get those multi-skill guys - dribble, initiate, make multiple reads, pass.

While Knecht may certainly top out higher, I don't think he's a different type than Julian Champagnie. I do think Knecht has more exceptional shooting ability. He can pop quickly and without much space, and is probably a better athlete. But they're both doing the same thing on the court, waiting to get the ball and standing on the three-point line. JC is a better defender and perhaps a better passer.

This was all part of the calculus, I'm sure. They mulled through the options, had plus opinions and minus, and maybe they did come down to Knecht (for example). They had put the #8 up for sale, though, knowing they weren't sold on any player (assuming #2 and #3 options at that spot, too), and then Minny came in with a deal that tipped things. It's not to say they didn't like who they might have selected.

In the end, Knecht to me is the same archetype as Julian. Maybe better in the long run, but to me spending a #8 draft pick to upgrade Julian a notch or two is expensive. Would we see Dalton Knecht as a long-term piece? No. That's not the player we really want as a starter.

[Mr. Body]

Also, I fear Knecht is more of a volume scorer. Works best when getting many shots, and that's not what a really good team will want from him. Maybe he doesn't fit that Julian mold (corner shooter) at all.

[couchman]

I didn’t want Dilly but passing on Knecht and pushing the pick to the distant future was weird at best.
I like Castle but his shooting remains atrocious with no signs of improvement.
He's just a bad fit until he learns to shoot.
I also thought passing on Furphy in the 2nd made no sense.
In general I’m not loving our draft strategy unless we plan to hire a better shooting coach.

[RC_Drunkford]

in hindsight they probably should've drafted Ryan Dunn. He's killing it on the Suns right now.

[exstatic]

in hindsight they probably should've drafted Ryan Dunn. He's killing it on the Suns right now.

People would have bitched, because he was a way worse NCAA shooter than Castle. What we should really be interested in is the Suns shooting coach.

[playblair]

People would have bitched, because he was a way worse NCAA shooter than Castle. What we should really be interested in is the Suns shooting coach.
it was not the suns shooting coach it was phil beckner who improved his shot.........suns sent him to beckner after the draft he worked with becker shooting 500 3s a day all summer........beckner is lillards shooting coach
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1757815590939734018/EmrEy_7J_400x400.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKpulDJaEAA3F2l?format=jpg&name=large

[LeBowen]

Btw, the only rookie that's averaging double digit points right now is Jaylen Wells, #39 pick.
Grizzlies keep finding these prospects.

6'7, 21 years old.
38% from deep on 4.4 attempts, 25mpg.

[exstatic]

Btw, the only rookie that's averaging double digit points right now is Jaylen Wells, #39 pick.
Grizzlies keep finding these prospects.

6'7, 21 years old.
38% from deep on 4.4 attempts, 25mpg.

The Grizzlies keep finding these guys because no one is healthy on that team,ever, and they have to play someone.

[spurraider21]

People would have bitched, because he was a way worse NCAA shooter than Castle. What we should really be interested in is the Suns shooting coach.
and their head coach while we're at it

[CorrectCrusader]

it was not the suns shooting coach it was phil beckner who improved his shot.........suns sent him to beckner after the draft he worked with becker shooting 500 3s a day all summer........beckner is lillards shooting coach
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1757815590939734018/EmrEy_7J_400x400.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GKpulDJaEAA3F2l?format=jpg&name=large

It really blows my mind NBA players don't just chuck threes in their off time. Like if you can't shoot this is the difference between millions of dollars in raises, get to fucking work (sochan)

[Mr. Body]

It really blows my mind NBA players don't just chuck threes in their off time. Like if you can't shoot this is the difference between millions of dollars in raises, get to fucking work (sochan)

They do. What exactly do you think is going on here?

[scott]

PATFO was destroyed for kicking a pick 7 years down the road while having a severe lack of talent on the roster. Not because they didn't pick Dillingham.
I still think they should've picked another wing and gotten rid of a few scrubs.


Not that they have one, but you’d honestly rather have a near term Minny pick and swap than one at the edge of the horizon when this version of the TWolves is done? We have essentially six FRPs over the next 3 drafts. After that, there’s a dry spell until the 2030 and 20131 drafts, when we have accumulated 2 swaps in 2030 and a swap and extra unprotected FRP in 20131.

At some point in the near future, we will lack the salary cap room and extra FRPs to accumulate these types of picks, and we’ll have to ride with what we have for the remainder of Wemby’s career.

Imagine if the Spurs had accumulated a nice stash of swaps and FRPs in 2004 and 2005 to keep Tim’s window open longer instead of having that dead playoff period from 2008 to 2012? Well, we have that for Wemby.

I’ve said this before, probably in this thread, but my biggest beef has been - and continues to be - that we just generally got a poor return on the trade. No one will ever be able to convince me that the 8th pick in ANY draft is only worth an unprotected pick in 7 years and an unprotected swap in 6 years. Assuming a completely random distribution of outcomes that far out in the future, there is only a 25% chance the pick will be as high or better than 8th, and only a 50% chance the swap conveys in the money. Yes, it was perceived (and early is very much proving) as a weak draft, but that still doesn’t make this a good ROI.

The logic behind punting the pick is generally fine, even if I agree with LeBowen that we should have taken a swing on some wing depth. I don’t agree with it, but it’s fine. Just get a better return for the pick.

Dillingham is irrelevant to that discussion, and it’s worth continuing to immediately discount anyone who brings him in up in reference to this trade.