12 Thoughts After the Spurs Draft Stephon Castle, Trade Rob Dillingham

[heyheymymy]

can we just all agree that a black shouldn't be a GM in the NBA?


Seriously dude this crosses a line. I'm asking you to please cease the casual racism. Cmon man.

I'll also apologize for my inappropriate comments about the prospect's sisters.

[heyheymymy]

and women in France lol

[Splits]

Seriously dude this crosses a line. I'm asking you to please cease the casual racism. Cmon man.

I'll also apologize for my inappropriate comments about the prospect's sisters.

https://media2.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExMDJnODMwd2hseGZ0d3J2cG10eGZlaGc 4dDdoNnIzNmZhd2ZoNGpneCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/LqIaWdZgKw29vCQu3D/giphy.webp

now go fuck your prospect's sister some more and get back to me in 2031

[Splits]

and women in France lol

look, I'm trying to institute a culture of hygiene and downstairs baldness here, but it takes time. Paris wasn't built in a day

[My Fault]

can we just all agree that a black shouldn't be a GM in the NBA?
I know there isn’t much rules on this forum but this blatant racism should result in a ban timvp

[Splits]

I know there isn’t much rules on this forum but this blatant racism should result in a ban timvp (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8)

"Many", not "much" you english-speaking second hand.

You could go fuck your mother some more with your wasted 10 posts per year. There's that.

[heyheymymy]

look, I'm trying to institute a culture of hygiene and downstairs baldness here, but it takes time. Paris wasn't built in a day

c'est la vie

:bobo:

[Strategic]

Hopefully they’re planning on picking up an experienced wing this off season that can shoot. I wouldn’t be unhappy if they took a run at Aaron Wiggins. Presti likes future draft picks.

[Splits]

c'est la vie

:bobo:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7B_NmZ01f4


https://www.tiktok.com/@sagevanalstine/video/7383727545751162158

[vy65]

https://x.com/tom_orsborn/status/1806458837890720149

“I’ve been rewatching Billions and yah, while Dillingham would have increased the overall talent level of the team, I just put myself in Dollar Bill’s shoes and thought about some crazy idea I could pitch to Axe while completely coked out and said … 11 year olds are like the Euro League from 25 years ago. So we’re ahead of the curve, again.”

[exstatic]

I agree with whoever said they panicked after Salaun got picked. Duncan himself almost left much earlier than year 8. Even as a trade asset, who is trading for it ? Who has enough job security to trade for this pick ? If you want to see the glass half full they maybe have everything lined up to get a very good starter this summer and they don't need anything short term.

That was under a much older version of the CBA, where you were unrestricted after 3 years. There was also no super max, which only your drafting team, or a team that trades for you on your rookie contract can give.

[Mr. Body]

Too bad Timvp is too busy being cute with his supposed contacts to moderate this place.

[Pauleta14]

I’m sure this has been mentioned a bunch times on this site, but I’d love to know how that Castle-Carter workout truly went.

Spurs staff spread the fact that Carter killed it (genuine or the lower Castle's stock?)

Just heard yesterday (forgot the source, live?) Castle played with a torn labrum without telling anyone

[objective]

I think I heard somewhere that Castle had a meniscus surgery during the season and only missed a month? How are his knees? That short a time frame suggests a removal and not a repair, I wonder how much had to be taken out.

[ace3g]

Spurs staff spread the fact that Carter killed it (genuine or the lower Castle's stock?)

Just heard yesterday (forgot the source, live?) Castle played with a torn labrum without telling anyone


That was Devin Carter

https://x.com/EricSal_7/status/1806117676902686862

[Dejounte]

Splits is the biggest dumbass on this board and seeks attention so hard on this board with his edgy comments and misguided attempts to rile people up based on who he thinks are fans of specific players, teams, anything. Dude doesn’t have an original thought to save his life and his whole existence is based on only trying to get your attention if he doesn’t like you, also using probably other accounts to do it, through whatever sad means necessary. If that isn’t a serious case of mental illness, then I don’t know what is.

The guy is hardcore compensating for something missing in his personal life, that is why he dedicates so much time to get a rise out of people, even when a lot of people (including myself) have grown to ignore his attention seeking posts. Don’t know why anyone expects anything better from a racist, homophobic, and who knows what else man-child that Splits is. This human garbage is the lowest of the low and you can’t help but feel sorry for his pathetic life.

[vy65]

Splits is the biggest dumbass on this board and seeks attention so hard on this board with his edgy comments and misguided attempts to rile people up based on who he thinks are fans of specific players, teams, anything. Dude doesn’t have an original thought to save his life and his whole existence is based on only trying to get your attention if he doesn’t like you, also using probably other accounts to do it, through whatever sad means necessary. If that isn’t a serious case of mental illness, then I don’t know what is.

The guy is hardcore compensating for something missing in his personal life, that is why he dedicates so much time to get a rise out of people, even when a lot of people (including myself) have grown to ignore his attention seeking posts. Don’t know why anyone expects anything better from a racist, homophobic, and who knows what else man-child that Splits is. This human garbage is the lowest of the low and you can’t help but feel sorry for his pathetic life.

The race baiting stuff is retarded, mouthbreathing nonsense that should never see the light of day for sure. 100%. There should be no debate there.

That being said, the most generous view of Splits comments deal with Brian’s qualifications and competency to perform the job - again - which should be divorced from his race. Taking that charitable view, Splits is absolutely right. This supposed GM does not know how to build a team. Like, at all. He’s had years to demonstrate the slightest proficiency in that regard, and all we’ve seen is the skill level of a teenager thinking the actual NBA is like 2k. In that sense, you have to ask yourself, why is it that this guy got the job from seemingly nowhere, and escapes any level of scrutiny when it comes to his qualifications for the job.

To be clear, there is no place to say someone is unqualified for a job solely on the basis of their race, orientation, religion, etc. But the converse should also be true: idiots who can’t perform their job should not be insulated from criticism solely on the basis of their race, orientation, etc. in this sense, Splits does a disservice in preventing people from saying this Wright is utterly unqualified to do his job, because his race baiting devolves the conversation into a broader issue of race as opposed to the matter at hand which is, the current GM is a fucking moron.

[Obstructed_View]

If someone tries to be edgy, and you clutch your pearls over it, you're giving them what they want.

[Mr. Body]

If someone tries to be edgy, and you clutch your pearls over it, you're giving them what they want.

Nah fuck that. You got to chase these fuckers off. That's how ST got its reputation for being a swamp of shit. It's gotten better, but like it or not assholes like Splits represent this forum as much as anybody else. It's okay to fight and flame each other. Racism? Nah, man, and shame on you for being okay with it.

[SpursGenius]

Link? I wasn't allowed to post during the draft and I didn't post after the draft.

Homeboy seeing ghosts :lol

I might have mistaken Chinook post for yours

[thOOdee]

Everybody is Rueing the Dilly trade, but I’m really hating the fact we didn’t get Cody Williams or Carter.


i think this would be a better measurement for failure or success. If williams, buzelis, or topic come out as a 6th man at minimum, I think of your in support of this move, you’d have to eat crow.

[DPG21920]

Loser: The San Antonio Spurs’ Decision to Trade Out
Stephon Castle is one hell of a choice for the Spurs with the fourth pick. He has the upside to handle all the normal point guard duties, but he’s also a scrappy dude who sets screens, rebounds, and defends. There’s a chance that he and Victor Wembanyama will become an incredible duo for years in San Antonio, especially on defense.

But I don’t agree with San Antonio’s decision to trade the no. 8 pick to the Timberwolves for a protected swap six years from now and an unprotected first seven years from now. Why they did it is simple to understand, though: Edwards can become a free agent in 2029, the year before the Spurs receive a swap and two years before they get an unprotected first. So the Spurs are betting that the Timberwolves will eventually implode. No titles. A rising salary cap. Limited assets. And Edwards walks.

Wemby will be in the middle of his second contract by then. The Spurs may value those picks significantly at that point. Cheap rookie-scale contracts can be key to building a competitive roster. They are taking the long view.

But moving the eighth pick in a draft filled with prospects who could be great fits with Wembanyama, players he could grow with over the years to come, just seems like a high price to pay when those picks are so far down the line. And Edwards will still be in his prime in 2030. The Timberwolves will still want to be competitive—especially considering that they won’t have their picks. It’s just a weird deal, and I wish that the Spurs had instead taken one of the remaining players available on the board or kept Dillingham.

Ringer POV: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/6/27/24187198/nba-draft-2024-winners-losers-zaccharie-risacher-los-angeles-lakers

[Obstructed_View]

Nah fuck that. You got to chase these fuckers off. That's how ST got its reputation for being a swamp of shit. It's gotten better, but like it or not assholes like Splits represent this forum as much as anybody else. It's okay to fight and flame each other. Racism? Nah, man, and shame on you for being okay with it.
Lol ironic since, of the two of you, he is the one who isn't on my ignore list.

:lmao "chase these fuckers off". Get off your high horse, internet tough guy. The ignore list is there for a reason. Back onto mine you go.

[DPG21920]

I’m still laughing at the Wright interview

Question to Wright: “Do you think this clears a path for you to make some noise in free agency?
Wright: “I don’t know about all that.”

:lol

[Ice009]

I think I heard somewhere that Castle had a meniscus surgery during the season and only missed a month? How are his knees? That short a time frame suggests a removal and not a repair, I wonder how much had to be taken out.

Darn, is this true? I hope it's not an issue going forward.


That was under a much older version of the CBA, where you were unrestricted after 3 years. There was also no super max, which only your drafting team, or a team that trades for you on your rookie contract can give.

How do we know Victor even cares about the supermax if it doesn't come with a legit chance to win? I don't think he's your typical NBA player that only cares about getting the max possible amount he can get. If the Spurs have done nothing, he might decline any kind of extension and just sign a max with another team that is actually going to try and put a great team around him.

[Vienna]

overall I like what they did. I'm a bit disappointed, that they didn't take Cody at 8, but ok, obviously they didn't believe he will be good enough.

when I read about all the criticism that they traded away the pick, I think most miss the bigger picture. Spurs need to manage minimum 5, or 6, or 7 FRP over the upcoming 3 drafts. you don't want an expensive #8 pick on your roster, when you are confident to get a better (probably less expensive) player in the next 1-3 years.
yes, the pick would only be guarranteed 2 years. but frankly, imagine the criticism from the same people, if Spurs would need to cut a #8 pick before the rookie contract is done.....

trading the pick means some 6 or 7 million more in cap space, right? it might be needed for a FA, or, maybe even more likely, it could be used to absorb salary in a trade. so or so, if they had kept the pick, it would have had an influence about further moves this summer and over the next years. and if the didn't think Dillingham, or Cody, or Carter, or whoever was worth this handicap for the next moves, it was the right move to trade the pick.

this doesn't mean they have a trade or FA signing already in place (maybe they have), but it of course does make a difference when starting negotiations, if you for example can offer a FA about 30 million more over 4 years. that's a do or die number for many deals.

the 2nd rounders I like, after thinking about it. we all knew that the Spurs won't bring in 4 rookies next season. we were all talking about at a good chance of one stash pick. so Nunez is the one.
Nunez is a great passer and definitely has some NBA skills. Spurs can watch him in Europe for some seasons. if he develops enough quality, he will be brought over, no matter what people here say. or he is a nice trade asset.

and Ingram on a 2-way is also a good move with some upside. Sidy and Champagnie don't look like certain pieces of a future team. Ingram could take their spot after this season, if he develops more game than they did.

[TheBallsbreakers]

This exactly!

[tonight...you]

I’m still laughing at the Wright interview

Question to Wright: “Do you think this clears a path for you to make some noise in free agency?
Wright: “I don’t know about all that.”

:lol
I may be giving him too much credit, but I've always observed that Wright is always super-cagey with all of his answers to just about everything.

[benefactor]

I’m still laughing at the Wright interview

Question to Wright: “Do you think this clears a path for you to make some noise in free agency?
Wright: “I don’t know about all that.”

:lol
It just proves what we all already know... they're going to roll with what they have plus Castle. With our luck they will barely make the playoffs and get ejected in the first round.

[ginobilized]

https://x.com/tom_orsborn/status/1806458837890720149

Wright's self-stimming knee rubbing is very weird. He seems like a conflicted man.
I noticed the Spurs war room vibe had some stiff and odd body language on the 8th pick. Pop seemed especially frozen and TD standing in the doorway seemed strange to me.
I'll try to resist reading too much into it, but, only Detroit seemed to have a worse war room vibe.

[Eaglenole2002]

I may be giving him too much credit, but I've always observed that Wright is always super-cagey with all of his answers to just about everything.

Yeah, just a week ago he loved the draft, so much so he punted the 8th pick to the moon. At first I was disappointed in his comment about the money saved, but then I realized he probably isn’t being particularly forthright with his thoughts.

[Pauleta14]

That was Devin Carter

https://x.com/EricSal_7/status/1806117676902686862

Oh thx, I misunderstood

So Carter beat the crap out of Castle with a torn labrum??

That not good... for us

[Pauleta14]

Nah fuck that. You got to chase these fuckers off. That's how ST got its reputation for being a swamp of shit. It's gotten better, but like it or not assholes like Splits represent this forum as much as anybody else. It's okay to fight and flame each other. Racism? Nah, man, and shame on you for being okay with it.

Who cares about ST's reputations?

I disagree with half of the posters and been insulted by the other one :lol

If he's racist that's his problem, not our, let him be and just put him on ignore if it bothers you so much.

I love ST bc there's no filter or taboo, let's keep it that way.

What do you want? pretend there are no idiots and racists in the world or among the Spurs fans?

Look at yourself inviting regularly ppl to "kill themselves"... :lol

Let's leave opinons/words at their place. They're not hurting anyone

[Ice009]

I think I heard somewhere that Castle had a meniscus surgery during the season and only missed a month? How are his knees? That short a time frame suggests a removal and not a repair, I wonder how much had to be taken out.

Anyone have any further info on this? Is his knee/s OK?

[exstatic]

Wonder what the spurs free agency plans will be? They have to add some shooting.

My pet cat is getting in on Brooklyn’s inevitable fire sale to snag Cam Johnson.

[Pauleta14]

I'll wait before judging this draft.

Castle isn't an exciting prospect tbh but he makes sense in a lot of ways so I'm cool with it.

I'm still not over the 60" excitement I had at the idea of having Dilly. That trade to a West oppoent still upsets me a lot.

It's either insane or very smart if it's to save cap space and add assets for a trade THIS SUMMER

I can't really believe it will happen but who knows? Hence the wait before judging for me.

[Mr. Body]

Who cares about ST's reputations?

I disagree with half of the posters and been insulted by the other one :lol

If he's racist that's his problem, not our, let him be and just put him on ignore if it bothers you so much.

I love ST bc there's no filter or taboo, let's keep it that way.

What do you want? pretend there are no idiots and racists in the world or among the Spurs fans?

Look at yourself inviting regularly ppl to "kill themselves"... :lol

Let's leave opinons/words at their place. They're not hurting anyone

Oh, another person who loves racism. Fuck off, twat.

[Mr. Body]

I'll wait before judging this draft.

Castle isn't an exciting prospect tbh but he makes sense in a lot of ways so I'm cool with it.

I'm still not over the 60" excitement I had at the idea of having Dilly. That trade to a West oppoent still upsets me a lot.

It's either insane or very smart if it's to save cap space and add assets for a trade THIS SUMMER

I can't really believe it will happen but who knows? Hence the wait before judging for me.

No one cares what you have to say.

[exstatic]

Wright's self-stimming knee rubbing is very weird. He seems like a conflicted man.
I noticed the Spurs war room vibe had some stiff and odd body language on the 8th pick. Pop seemed especially frozen and TD standing in the doorway seemed strange to me.
I'll try to resist reading too much into it, but, only Detroit seemed to have a worse war room vibe.

Their pet cat got picked at #7. Did you expect jubilation?

[LeBowen]

Their pet cat got picked at #7. Did you expect jubilation?

Clingan?
You mean #6?
One would think they had a deal in place if Salaun gets picked and they didn't like anyone else.

[Pauleta14]

Anyone have any further info on this? Is his knee/s OK?

Only found articles that said it was a "minor procedure" and that his rehab had gone "quicker than expected"

[Pauleta14]

Oh, another person who loves racism. Fuck off, twat.

Do you have reading difficulties?

Where do I say I love racism?

I love freedom of speach and to know who I'm dealing with

I'm making a huge diffeence between opinions/words and actions, that obviously I don't condone

Keep living in your bubble and inviting people to kill themselves bro, it such a better way to live your life.

[Pauleta14]

No one cares what you have to say.

See? You're making my point again.

Just put me on ignore

[My Fault]

"Many", not "much" you english-speaking second hand.

You could go fuck your mother some more with your wasted 10 posts per year. There's that.
Too busy fucking your mom to post much more :lol Imagine a grown man spending as much time as you posting on a board, no life loser :lol

[ginobilized]

Their pet cat got picked at #7. Did you expect jubilation?

I didn't have expectations, just noticed the weirdness of the vibe.

I didn't expect professionals to telegraph their confusion, disappointment and/or disagreements in front of millions of people.

[benefactor]

No one cares what you have to say.
:lol...rich coming from you

No one loves hearing himself talk more than you do and 90% of your takes are dog shit. Every now and then I'll stop and read one and realize I made a mistake. I never can understand why I do it. You are the personification of a "keep scrolling" poster. Lots of words with nothing to say...because your nothing but a whiny faggot who thinks he's somebody important here.

[Joseph Kony]

:lol...rich coming from you

No one loves hearing himself talk more than you do and 90% of your takes are dog shit. Every now and then I'll stop and read one and realize I made a mistake. I never can understand why I do it. You are the personification of a "keep scrolling" poster. Lots of words with nothing to say...because your nothing but a whiny faggot who thinks he's somebody important here.
dude claims to hate ST yet posts here 24/7 like his opinions mean anything :lol

[spursparker9]

Somehow I got the feel like that OKC getting Nikola Topic will come back to bite SA. OKC always had some Spurs killer.

[Mr. Body]

Somehow I got the feel like that OKC getting Nikola Topic will come back to bite SA. OKC always had some Spurs killer.

If he takes the ball out of SGA's hands, that will be a good thing. He sort of plays the same way, which is good, but has the same problems as Giddey. Seems more of a stash than anything.

Later they spent five SRPs to get a player who was widely mocked to be in the mid-second round.

Their approach seemed to be similar to the Spurs overall: We don't like this draft. They haven't solved the big problems they had in the playoffs, but this draft wasn't going to do it.

[ChumpDumper]

Yeah, just a week ago he loved the draft, so much so he punted the 8th pick to the moon. At first I was disappointed in his comment about the money saved, but then I realized he probably isn’t being particularly forthright with his thoughts.

I think talk of not spending the owners' money at this point is being very forthright.

[scott]

I’m still laughing at the Wright interview

Question to Wright: “Do you think this clears a path for you to make some noise in free agency?
Wright: “I don’t know about all that.”

:lol

This, after the slurping local Spurs media spent the immediate time after we made the trade to talk about how this gives us more cap space.

Any fan who's been here awhile knows what cap space amounts to...

[scott]

overall I like what they did. I'm a bit disappointed, that they didn't take Cody at 8, but ok, obviously they didn't believe he will be good enough.

when I read about all the criticism that they traded away the pick, I think most miss the bigger picture. Spurs need to manage minimum 5, or 6, or 7 FRP over the upcoming 3 drafts. you don't want an expensive #8 pick on your roster, when you are confident to get a better (probably less expensive) player in the next 1-3 years.
yes, the pick would only be guarranteed 2 years. but frankly, imagine the criticism from the same people, if Spurs would need to cut a #8 pick before the rookie contract is done.....

trading the pick means some 6 or 7 million more in cap space, right? it might be needed for a FA, or, maybe even more likely, it could be used to absorb salary in a trade. so or so, if they had kept the pick, it would have had an influence about further moves this summer and over the next years. and if the didn't think Dillingham, or Cody, or Carter, or whoever was worth this handicap for the next moves, it was the right move to trade the pick.

this doesn't mean they have a trade or FA signing already in place (maybe they have), but it of course does make a difference when starting negotiations, if you for example can offer a FA about 30 million more over 4 years. that's a do or die number for many deals.

the 2nd rounders I like, after thinking about it. we all knew that the Spurs won't bring in 4 rookies next season. we were all talking about at a good chance of one stash pick. so Nunez is the one.
Nunez is a great passer and definitely has some NBA skills. Spurs can watch him in Europe for some seasons. if he develops enough quality, he will be brought over, no matter what people here say. or he is a nice trade asset.

and Ingram on a 2-way is also a good move with some upside. Sidy and Champagnie don't look like certain pieces of a future team. Ingram could take their spot after this season, if he develops more game than they did.

The #8 pick will make $6.2MM in year 1, or about half of the MLE. This is not an expensive pick on your roster that you need to be concerned about, in fact this is one of the cheapest roster slots there is.

This is pure copium.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Yeah, I get that we get the best out of the three picks in '30, but if both of the DAL+MEM picks are better than ours, the lesser one just does nothing.

Actually, you can still get some value. Take the example where Minnesota gets the 2nd pick and Doncic is gone and Dallas gets the 4th pick. You go to Minnesota and say we'll let you keep your pick for another 1st and swap with Dallas. Nothing says they have to take the best pick if they can get compensated for choosing the other.

[duncan2150]

The #8 pick will make $6.2MM in year 1, or about half of the MLE. This is not an expensive pick on your roster that you need to be concerned about, in fact this is one of the cheapest roster slots there is.This is pure copium.Agreed it's not expensive unless you pick the wrong guy, in this situation we also need to think that this 6 mo are a plus for the free agencywe know that the spurs don't want to invest in another young they're not convince about, that's it. I was frustrated by the draft but we'll see what happens next tough i think the spurs will just ressign osman and add a guy inside ( more a pf than a c) for cheap.

[scott]

Agreed it's not expensive unless you pick the wrong guy, in this situation we also need to think that this 6 mo are a plus for the free agencywe know that the spurs don't want to invest in another young they're not convince about, that's it. I was frustrated by the draft but we'll see what happens next tough i think the spurs will just ressign osman and add a guy inside ( more a pf than a c) for cheap.

Every contract is too expensive when you pick/sign the wrong guy. The FO is paid to not pick the wrong guys.

Trading out because you're afraid of adding someone making $6.2MM for two years to your roster is some poverty level shit.

[Mr. Body]

Yeah, it seems glaringly clear they didn't like anybody at that range. They probably liked Carter but still thought the Wolves package was better.

Strange to be 'keep the powder dry' when the roster is so weak, but that's their decision. They didn't want to pick a player just because they had to.

[z0sa]

Every contract is too expensive when you pick/sign the wrong guy. The FO is paid to not pick the wrong guys.

Trading out because you're afraid of adding someone making $6.2MM for two years to your roster is some poverty level shit.

It's pre-excusing the FO for not doing anything. It's completely gaslighting/copping out, and since we have Wemby, the carrot dangling is going to possibly continue for years since asses will be in seats.

[duncan2150]

Every contract is too expensive when you pick/sign the wrong guy. The FO is paid to not pick the wrong guys.Trading out because you're afraid of adding someone making $6.2MM for two years to your roster is some poverty level shit.Why afraid ? they just don't like the guys in this context, they don't want to develop another guy they don't really trust.Offcourse that's not what you, me and a lot of posters would have done but i respect the idea. I just feel the deal was average but i can understand the thing.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I'm not sure why everyone is so surprised. When asked at the end of the season about improving around Wemby the response was that they were focused on the 2025 draft. They seem to be sticking to that plan. This is one reason I was hoping that the Toronto pick did not convey this year (although in a sense it is not conveying until 2031 now). We will see a midling FA pick up a la Toby Harris. We'll see improvement from our young players with 3 players entering the magical 3rd year that seems the blossum time for past players. Plus huge improvement from Wemby and have a shot at the play in probably falling 4 or 5 games short. Big improvement and likely 2, maybe 3 shots at long term pieces in the draft. The Spurs process...

[duncan2150]

another thing is comparing us to houston or okc who are more active but we're not on the same page. the shai project or the green-sengun one have more years behind them. Next year i see the team being more active. And btw that kills this narrative of victor wants to win now , yes he wants to win but he respects the step by strep strategy of the spurs.

[thOOdee]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEoGlhf1XbM&t=53s

random throwing stuff on the wall post, but what if spurs were able to turn a few picks in their pocket (lets say a 1st and a pickswap) for someone like trey murphy, who would probably cost less than bridges. Would a hypo trade like this change some of yalls opinions on the handling of the 8th pick?

[scott]

Why afraid ? they just don't like the guys in this context, they don't want to develop another guy they don't really trust.Offcourse that's not what you, me and a lot of posters would have done but i respect the idea. I just feel the deal was average but i can understand the thing.

I don't disagree with this. If they don't like the prospects as much as they like a 2031 pick, then that's fine. I was merely responding to the idea that they didn't want to add a $6.2MM/yr contract to the books.

Edit: I'll just add that I think it's weird that they felt there was no talent at 8 that was worth adding to this current roster, given that this current roster isn't very good. But they get paid the big bucks, not me.

[LeBowen]

random throwing stuff on the wall post, but what if spurs were able to turn a few picks in their pocket (lets say a 1st and a pickswap) for someone like trey murphy, who would probably cost less than bridges. Would a hypo trade like this change some of yalls opinions on the handling of the 8th pick?

Obviously.
Trey Murphy is exactly the type of wing we need, but they're not letting him go.
NOLA is set on keeping Murphy and Herb. Ingram is the odd man out.
And Naji Marshall.

Basically, I'd take any wing with consistent shot and average or positive defense.
Fontecchio still hasn't signed an extension with Detroit, he'd also be a solid rotation option.

Sounds unrealistic right now, but Minnesota can't keep both Naz and McDaniels on the roster after Naz's extension kicks in the next summer.
Unless they trade KAT/Gobert, one of those two has to go. McDaniels is on more or less the same money as Devin and it's not in the realm of possibility we get him the next summer by returning those Minnesota picks we got.
It would basically be Dillingham for McDaniels with one year delay on getting McDaniels.

MPJ seems to be the problem for Detroit, they have no way of getting any depth if he's still on the roster.
Idk what's their asking price going to be, but if it's cheap, I'd take him. His contract ends before Wemby's extension kicks in, he's a 6'10 elite shooter and a good rebounder.
We simply have to get one of those guys.

Even a veteran like Bogdanovic would go a long way. We can't start the season without at least one good wing shooter.

[Ice009]

Only found articles that said it was a "minor procedure" and that his rehab had gone "quicker than expected"

That sounds good, thanks.

[TD 21]

I don't disagree with this. If they don't like the prospects as much as they like a 2031 pick, then that's fine. I was merely responding to the idea that they didn't want to add a $6.2MM/yr contract to the books.

Edit: I'll just add that I think it's weird that they felt there was no talent at 8 that was worth adding to this current roster, given that this current roster isn't very good. But they get paid the big bucks, not me.

You can't possibly have such luminaries as Bassey, Cissoko and Wesley competing for roster spots. This cheap organization might have to swallow the NBA equivalent of a cent to eat their contracts.

Wouldn't want to stop running a culture club atmosphere and fostering competition on a roster that features 3 positive impact players (Wembanyama, Vassell), 2 of which are legit starters (Jones) and the remainder of the returning rotation ranging from net negative backups (Johnson, Collins) to replacement players (Sochan, Branham, Champagnie).

[SpursGenius]

I think its obvious spurs want to tank for the strong 25 draft, they knew D Carter probably adds 5 plus wins as starting PG.

[Vienna]

The #8 pick will make $6.2MM in year 1, or about half of the MLE. This is not an expensive pick on your roster that you need to be concerned about, in fact this is one of the cheapest roster slots there is.

This is pure copium.

you totally missed my point. I know that 6 million in todays NBA are not a rich contract. Jesus, don‘t assume people don‘t know Spotrac whatsoever.
6 million can become a significant number when managing your cap space and considering your options. 6 million bound in a player you see in the g league rather than on your regular rotation, is an issue, especially if you want to be able to play your cards in free agency, or you want to able to absorb salary in a trade. it‘s not rocket science.

[scott]

you totally missed my point. I know that 6 million in todays NBA are not a rich contract. Jesus, don‘t assume people don‘t know Spotrac whatsoever.
6 million can become a significant number when managing your cap space and considering your options. 6 million bound in a player you see in the g league rather than on your regular rotation, is an issue, especially if you want to be able to play your cards in free agency, or you want to able to absorb salary in a trade. it‘s not rocket science.

If we don't think that any of the players are good enough, that's one thing. But if you're afraid of paying a guy you pick at #8 because he is nothing more than a G-leaguer... well, then maybe you just suck at drafting? I promise you, many of the players picked from 8-30 in this draft will have productive NBA careers and not merely be G-leaguers.

I love this annual exercise we go through where we pretend like the Spurs have cap constraints.

[ChumpDumper]

If we don't think that any of the players are good enough, that's one thing. But if you're afraid of paying a guy you pick at #8 because he is nothing more than a G-leaguer... well, then maybe you just suck at drafting? I promise you, many of the players picked from 8-30 in this draft will have productive NBA careers and not merely be G-leaguers.

I love this annual exercise we go through where we pretend like the Spurs have cap constraints.

Not cap restraints -- spending restraints.

[scott]

Not cap restraints -- spending restraints.

Like I said... poverty franchise shit. Call up the Oakland A's and talk shop with them, if for no other reason than to not repeat their relocation blunders.

[ChumpDumper]

Like I said... poverty franchise shit. Call up the Oakland A's and talk shop with them, if for no other reason than to not repeat their relocation blunders.They're not going anywhere.

Now what?

[Mr. Body]

Express-News with an article about the 8th pick.

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

Spurs had a come to a consensus on a player a few days before, but Minnesota came in with the deal they were looking for. Night of (if I read right, kind of unclear), Minnesota called in Dillingham.

Explains what many of us have suggested, that they didn't really value a second player in the draft more than the flexibility of 1) using the incoming pick in a future trade, or 2) a possibly good young player at a time when adding talent is hard.

[objective]

Is Brian Wright the new Billy King?

King once only protected a first round pick 1-3 because he allegedly said it was only a '3 player draft'. Pick went 6 and was Lillard

This draft was RC and gm Brian Wright basically saying this draft was a 7 player or less draft. If just one player hits....

[benefactor]

Is Brian Wright the new Billy King?

King once only protected a first round pick 1-3 because he allegedly said it was only a '3 player draft'. Pick went 6 and was Lillard

This draft was RC and gm Brian Wright basically saying this draft was a 7 player or less draft. If just one player hits....
People are quick to blame Wright. He's just a man behind a microphone. Pop and RC are still calling all the shots.

[south side spur]

If we don't think that any of the players are good enough, that's one thing. But if you're afraid of paying a guy you pick at #8 because he is nothing more than a G-leaguer... well, then maybe you just suck at drafting? I promise you, many of the players picked from 8-30 in this draft will have productive NBA careers and not merely be G-leaguers.

I love this annual exercise we go through where we pretend like the Spurs have cap constraints.

Now compare keeping #8 with the 3 possible lottery picks the Spurs might be drafting next season. Was keeping #8 worth having any influence on next year’s picks? Was #8 a more valuable prospect than any of next season’s potential lottery picks? This has to be taken into account.

[RC_Drunkford]

it's like none of y'all watch any interviews or read articles. Wright said this was one of the most collective efforts ever when it came to the draft.

[scott]

Now compare keeping #8 with the 3 possible lottery picks the Spurs might be drafting next season. Was keeping #8 worth having any influence on next year’s picks? Was #8 a more valuable prospect than any of next season’s potential lottery picks? This has to be taken into account.

It's just like any player on your roster - if there is an opportunity to draft a better one, you just do that and deal with it. The same way Blake Wesley didn't stop them from drafting Steph Castle, whoever they picked at #8 wouldn't stop them from taking a good prospect next year.

Think about it.

Let's say we took Cody Williams at #8:

1) he has a great year and looks like a budding star. Perfect! You can use your picks next year to continue to build around him.
2) he looks okay, but needs more time to develop. Cool, draft who you're going to draft and maybe Cody ends up the better player, or maybe he ends up a backup. He's on a cheap rookie deal, it's fine either way.
3) he fucking sucks. Okay, you took a swing and it didn't work out. He's on a cheap rookie deal. You can trade him, or you can not pick up his 3rd year option, or you can hope he at least is a deep bench guy. It doesn't hamstring us anyway than two of the three guys in your Avatar are hamstringing us.

Before the team worries about some 4D chess move where they load up picks when we'll be good and have late picks... we actually have to be good first, which will require adding talent to this team.

[Uriel]

Express-News with an article about the 8th pick.

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

Spurs had a come to a consensus on a player a few days before, but Minnesota came in with the deal they were looking for. Night of (if I read right, kind of unclear), Minnesota called in Dillingham.

Explains what many of us have suggested, that they didn't really value a second player in the draft more than the flexibility of 1) using the incoming pick in a future trade, or 2) a possibly good young player at a time when adding talent is hard.
I hate that the article doesn’t mention whether that player (whom we all assume was Salaun) was already picked or not when it was the Spurs’ turn to make their selection. It seems to imply that he wasn’t, but doesn’t say so directly, which leaves the door open that he was. Perhaps it was purposefully vague because the author himself didn’t know.

Because if it wasn’t Salaun, I’m dying to know who it was.

[Mr. Body]

I hate that the article doesn’t mention whether that player (whom we all assume was Salaun) was already picked or not when it was the Spurs’ turn to make their selection. It seems to imply that he wasn’t, but doesn’t say so directly, which leaves the door open that he was. Perhaps it was purposefully vague because the author himself didn’t know.

It appears the trade offer came in from Minnesota when the Spurs were on the clock, so it wasn't Salaun.

[Uriel]

Also, all those rumors about the Spurs loving Carter, Williams, Buzelis, Knecht, etc. All lies. All smokescreen. The front office didn’t like any of them.

[Uriel]

It appears the trade offer came in from Minnesota when the Spurs were on the clock, so it wasn't Salaun.
That is how the article does make it sound, yes. Which begs the question: who was supposed to be their pick at #8?

[Mr. Body]

Also, all those rumors about the Spurs loving Carter, Williams, Buzelis, Knecht, etc. All lies. All smokescreen. The front office didn’t like any of them.

I wouldn't say that. They had a pick decided. The timeline seems to be, three days before the brain trust sat together and hashed things out. There might have been a number of angles and opinions. They decided who they wanted. (I guess they had alternatives in case their player was gone.) On the clock for 8, they were ready to turn their decision in when Minnesota called and gave them an offer. They decided to take it.

So, it's not to say they didn't like any of these players. They had one they were about to pick. It's that they valued the Wolves package more.

But it does sound like they were never totally sold on their 8 pick. There was news that they were putting it up on the market the day before the draft, which is why Minnesota called. Minnesota probably watching the draft and saw their guy Dillingham still available.

[Mr. Body]

If I had a guess as to what player the Spurs would have picked:

Carter
Williams
Buzelis

[Mr. Body]

A headache to consider, after all this: maybe it was better if Toronto hadn't conveyed this year after all.

[baseline bum]

It appears the trade offer came in from Minnesota when the Spurs were on the clock, so it wasn't Salaun.

Def makes Salaun sound like another smokescreen. ROFL Charlotte pissing away their #6 pick on him when they could have had Clingan.

[south side spur]

It's just like any player on your roster - if there is an opportunity to draft a better one, you just do that and deal with it. The same way Blake Wesley didn't stop them from drafting Steph Castle, whoever they picked at #8 wouldn't stop them from taking a good prospect next year.

Think about it.

Let's say we took Cody Williams at #8:

1) he has a great year and looks like a budding star. Perfect! You can use your picks next year to continue to build around him.
2) he looks okay, but needs more time to develop. Cool, draft who you're going to draft and maybe Cody ends up the better player, or maybe he ends up a backup. He's on a cheap rookie deal, it's fine either way.
3) he fucking sucks. Okay, you took a swing and it didn't work out. He's on a cheap rookie deal. You can trade him, or you can not pick up his 3rd year option, or you can hope he at least is a deep bench guy. It doesn't hamstring us anyway than two of the three guys in your Avatar are hamstringing us.

Before the team worries about some 4D chess move where they load up picks when we'll be good and have late picks... we actually have to be good first, which will require adding talent to this team.

That’s interesting that you mention Williams because that’s who I wanted at #8. However, I understand that next draft is the framework for whatever the Spurs build around Wembanyama. Do I know all these potential prospects? Not at all. Although, all I keep hearing is how loaded the draft class of ‘25 is and I’d rather the smoke clear on whatever decisions are made afterwards. I wouldn’t want keeping #8 to have any negative impact on whatever PATFO decide then. Also, Charlotte might even move ahead of Atlanta and that might potentially be ANOTHER draft pick. Is it likely? No but I’m perfectly content keeping that salary open for a draft pick in the late teens who might be more valuable than whoever we would’ve kept at #8 and like I said I wanted Williams, bro. I just don’t know if there are so many more draft prospects more valuable in next year’s draft. Why risk having to go through trading a pick that’s only 1 year in development? We as Spurs fans always feel we can trade whoever we don’t want and end up with a more ideal roster construction but it never materializes.

[Mr. Body]

For the record, the only player I sort of regret on passing right now is Carter, if Dillingham wasn't on the radar.

Buzelis is questionable and you'd have to dig out room just to try to get him to learn basic basketball and I think the team is tired of those sorts of players.

Cody Williams, I'm not kidding, I see as possibly becoming Keita Bates-Diop someday. If things go well. Here's the comparison coming out of college. KBD was iirc something like Big Ten player of the year and Cody Williams was this wallflower whose minutes kept getting cut as the important games continued to get played.

https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=cody-williams--keita-bates-diop

Things can always change, but throwing off the #8 was not a bad decision in itself.

[Uriel]

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.

Over the phone, the Timberwolves gave the Spurs a name — Rob Dillingham of Kentucky. Just beating the buzzer, the Spurs passed Dillingham’s name along to the league.
Again, the way the article is worded, it sounds like it’s not Salaun, but you can’t rule out Salaun either.

[Mr. Body]

[/FONT][/COLOR]
Again, the way the article is worded, it sounds like it’s not Salaun, but you can’t rule out Salaun either.

It was impossible for the Spurs to pick Salaun at 8 since he was already picked at 6. Yes, though, Salaun could have been higher on their board going in. However, the first paragraph you quoted suggests they'd picked their candidate three days before and this was the one they were prepared to pick the night of. Ergo, it wasn't ever Salaun.

[scott]

That’s interesting that you mention Williams because that’s who I wanted at #8. However, I understand that next draft is the framework for whatever the Spurs build around Wembanyama. Do I know all these potential prospects? Not at all. Although, all I keep hearing is how loaded the draft class of ‘25 is and I’d rather the smoke clear on whatever decisions are made afterwards. I wouldn’t want keeping #8 to have any negative impact on whatever PATFO decide then. Also, Charlotte might even move ahead of Atlanta and that might potentially be ANOTHER draft pick. Is it likely? No but I’m perfectly content keeping that salary open for a draft pick in the late teens who might be more valuable than whoever we would’ve kept at #8 and like I said I wanted Williams, bro. I just don’t know if there are so many more draft prospects more valuable in next year’s draft. Why risk having to go through trading a pick that’s only 1 year in development? We as Spurs fans always feel we can trade whoever we don’t want and end up with a more ideal roster construction but it never materializes.

I mean, why ever draft at all? There is always a risk that there is a better option next year, right?

[south side spur]

I mean, why ever draft at all? There is always a risk that there is a better option next year, right?

That’s definitely a valid point with basically every draft EXCEPT next year’s since we’ll possibly have 3 maybe even 4 draft picks.

[scott]

That’s definitely a valid point with basically every draft EXCEPT next year’s since we’ll possibly have 3 maybe even 4 draft picks.

We may have as few as two. And as we've proven... you don't actually need to make those picks. 2032 here we come!

[exstatic]

A headache to consider, after all this: maybe it was better if Toronto hadn't conveyed this year after all.

No, because we got the best of both worlds. A deferral, but a sure thing in the form of an unprotected pick. Throw in a swap on top.

[south side spur]

We may have as few as two. And as we've proven... you don't actually need to make those picks. 2032 here we come!

Then 2 draft picks will definitely be made. While the Spurs did trade this year’s pick they did just draft all 3 picks the prior year. Just curious where do you stand with those 3 picks 2 years in?

[CGD]

Charlotte screwed up Plan A, Spurs really didn’t like what was left enough to pay the premium price, and MIN walked in with an other that was too good to pass up.

This is not hard guys.

[scott]

Then 2 draft picks will definitely be made. While the Spurs did trade this year’s pick they did just draft all 3 picks the prior year. Just curious where do you stand with those 3 picks 2 years in?

Sochan I think has been okay. The areas he needs to improve are obvious. But he's shown enough for me to want to continue on. I don't think he'll ever be a star, but he doesn't need to be in order to be a successful player. He's definitely not untouchable, but he's not someone I feel like we need to go out of our way to get rid of.

Wesley and Branham, on the other hand, are at a point where they should have to compete for a roster spot. This is what makes passing on the #8 pick so baffling to me, and even more so punting on #35 and only getting a two way player in the second. I think we have 6 guys who should feel confident in their place on this roster (Wemby, Devin, Tre, Sochan, Keldon, Collins. Well, Castle too, so 7). Everyone else should be earning their place on this roster. But by not bringing in players, you're effectively giving a slot to Wesley, Branham, Champ, etc. It's not that I think those players MUST be replaced, but rather than they aren't good enough to avoid replacing should the right player come around.

This is where the argument that a #8 pick somehow blocks picks next year falls apart. Like I said, we only have 7 guys who (until they are moved) are solid players. Plenty of room for rookies, especially since guys like Tre, Keldon and Collins may or may not move on at some point. Personally, I would have taken Buzelis at 8, but honestly any of the guys who were talked about in that range would have been fine with me. We need talent EVERYWHERE on this roster, and that will still be the case next year unless we go through a major reshaping of the roster via trades this summer (which I seriously doubt).

[scott]

Charlotte screwed up Plan A, Spurs really didn’t like what was left enough to pay the premium price, and MIN walked in with an other that was too good to pass up.

This is not hard guys.

I definitely think this is partially true.

1) I think the Spurs feel like $6.2MM/yr is a "premium price" (because they are cheapskates. This is half of the MLE, for Pete's sake)
2) I think the Spurs feel really good about their talent poor roster (because they aren't very good at this anymore)

[CGD]

Again, the way the article is worded, it sounds like it’s not Salaun, but you can’t rule out Salaun either.

It also reads like they settled on a prospect, despite not wanting to draft him. Like it was forced. Then MIN came in and saved the day (from their perspective).

[Uriel]

Charlotte screwed up Plan A, Spurs really didn’t like what was left enough to pay the premium price, and MIN walked in with an other that was too good to pass up.

This is not hard guys.
So you’re saying Plan A was Salaun?

[heyheymymy]

If the Spurs view Dillingham inferior as evidenced by him being there and them not selecting him / preferring the trade instead, Spurs maybe see flinging Dilly onto MIN as part of the perceived value of the deal.

Encumber this perceived albatross upon a potential conference obstacle and erode their flexibility to compliment or repair their roster while doing so. Then reap the value of the exchanged picks via trades or selections as they crystalize in worth from the damage.

[Obstructed_View]

I hate that the article doesn’t mention whether that player (whom we all assume was Salaun) was already picked or not when it was the Spurs’ turn to make their selection. It seems to imply that he wasn’t, but doesn’t say so directly, which leaves the door open that he was. Perhaps it was purposefully vague because the author himself didn’t know.

Because if it wasn’t Salaun, I’m dying to know who it was.
The worst part is, that's the deal they were looking for? :lol

[Obstructed_View]

Then 2 draft picks will definitely be made. While the Spurs did trade this year’s pick they did just draft all 3 picks the prior year. Just curious where do you stand with those 3 picks 2 years in?

Clearly the Spurs are extremely happy with their off-season development from the three-point line, because they went through the draft valuing picks more than a single person who could shoot.

[Vienna]

Things can always change, but throwing off the #8 was not a bad decision in itself.

this. End of the day it might turn into literally two unprotected top picks, when Wemby is just entering his prime.
and no matter how much some ridicule the fact that the picks won‘t materialize in this decade, it was the right decission to go for 2030 and 31. Might have been the Spurs to demand exactly those two drafts. they just needed to look at the moment, when Ant‘s contract is over (2029). There is a good chance the Wolves will screw this once more, like they did with KG, like they did with Butler, Thibs, Kat and Wiggins.
So when will the train derail?
it will happen when they start talking about the extension in 2028 (or is it already 2027?) and a possibly unhappy Ant doesn‘t want to take it. Then they will have to trade him and start from ground zero. That will be 2028 or 2029. So, there is a good chance that 2030 they are one of the worst teams in the league.
And the best thing would be this: Spurs might be the team that could offer the best package for Ant, because they can offer control over the Wolves own picks in 30 and 31.
yes, this is just a fantasy, that the Spurs already work on the possibility to trade for Ant in 2029. but you might also call it a plan.
and just for the sake of discussion……..what would it be called if it did work out five years from now and Spurs turned an 8th pick, they didn‘t even like what it would have got them, into a Superstar to team up with Wemby? best investment of all time?

[Mr. Body]

A nbaspurs reddit thread on who the Spurs might have wanted at 8 had they not traded:

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/1ds32eg/before_the_draft_lj_ellis_mentioned_four_players/

Not sure if the writer is anyone here, but this is really provocative. Works from LJ's own article here that mentions the four players the Spurs never said anything about: Risacher, Sheppard, Castle, Knecht. Suggesting that these were their targets.

Since Knecht was the only one still available at 8, by this logical elimination, that could be who they were prepared to take before Minnesota swooped in.

[Tyronn Lue]

Spurs lucked out with Victor. Their subsequent moves indicate they weren't planning on being serious yet, even as much as some media folks seem to think it was a CIA Pop moment. It's like winning a new sports car in a drawing and not being able to even pay the taxes, needing to sell it and taking half price.

[heyheymymy]

Starting to wonder if that one consensus pick at # 8 the brain trust decided on days before the draft was Clingan instead of Salaun

Salaun was already gone by 6 but Clingan went right before 8 and the express news article says they took MINs call while on the clock.

CHA and POR wipe out potential SAS targets for 8.

[Mr. Body]

Starting to wonder if that one consensus pick at # 8 the brain trust decided on days before the draft was Clingan instead of Salaun

Salaun was already gone by 6 but Clingan went right before 8 and the express news article says they took MINs call while on the clock.

CHA and POR wipe out potential SAS targets for 8.

The recent article says that the player they decided on three days before the draft was the one they were prepared to take on the clock at 8. We can call that into question, of course, but judging by that , the player they picked three days in advance was not taken yet.

[scott]

Seems weird to enter a draft with such a narrow focus on one player at #8 *UNLESS* that one player was a Primo-level reach and they had a super high level of confidence that he'd be there. Given our history, this would make a lot of sense. Which in itself causes its own concern. Why does this FO get so laser focused on guys that they just dismiss the possibility of opportunistically adding other talent as well?

Let's just imagine for a moment that the other guy they liked and were prepared to take at 8 was Ja'Kobe Walter (who wouldn't quite be a Primo-level reach, but they would probably have a high level of confidence would be there at 8). The cost of moving back in was relatively low if you have that much a hard-on for Walter (which obviously, they didn't, since they were fine with taking no one).

They just didn't prioritize adding talent this year... which isn't the direction I like, but it's not an unreasonable direction (I've been consistent in that I don't hate the idea to move out of the draft in a vacuum, I just hate the return we got).

[Mr. Body]

Seems weird to enter a draft with such a narrow focus on one player at #8 *UNLESS* that one player was a Primo-level reach and they had a super high level of confidence that he'd be there. Given our history, this would make a lot of sense. Which in itself causes its own concern. Why does this FO get so laser focused on guys that they just dismiss the possibility of opportunistically adding other talent as well?

Let's just imagine for a moment that the other guy they liked and were prepared to take at 8 was Ja'Kobe Walter (who wouldn't quite be a Primo-level reach, but they would probably have a high level of confidence would be there at 8). The cost of moving back in was relatively low if you have that much a hard-on for Walter (which obviously, they didn't, since they were fine with taking no one).

They just didn't prioritize adding talent this year... which isn't the direction I like, but it's not an unreasonable direction (I've been consistent in that I don't hate the idea to move out of the draft in a vacuum, I just hate the return we got).

They didn't prioritize adding talent and that's a good question why. Whether they should have used the 8 is a separate, if related, question.

It looks like the #8 player they settled on was Dalton Knecht. I find this a reasonable deduction, as discussed in another thread. They were prepared to take him, but the MN package attracted them more. I don't think it's unbelievable that two years from now they'd rather have the MN package instead of Dalton Knecht. Nothing against him, but his scoring boost would probably be short-term while he doesn't do much else and they're trying to move players past him into the lineup who are younger and have multiple skills. More, when Dalton Knecht is 30 and is a good scorer but his value has (likely) never improved, would they rather have that MN swap and the next year the MN unprotected? I would say almost assuredly.

I think they liked Knecht's hard work, determination, size, skillset, scoring, but they opted for the longterm and saw the mid-term with him as just okay.

I'm okay with all that.

My question is why they effed around with the early 2nd. My guess it gets into cap stuff. And it could get into not wanting to futz around with starting from scratch with yet another very young guy who needs a lot of bringing-up-to-speed. That's a fine player to get down the line, but not now. I guess.

[Mr. Body]

I'd reverse it, perhaps. At no point in Dalton Knecht's career would you be able to get an unprotected first round pick and an unprotected swap for him.

[scott]

They didn't prioritize adding talent and that's a good question why. Whether they should have used the 8 is a separate, if related, question.

It looks like the #8 player they settled on was Dalton Knecht. I find this a reasonable deduction, as discussed in another thread. They were prepared to take him, but the MN package attracted them more. I don't think it's unbelievable that two years from now they'd rather have the MN package instead of Dalton Knecht. Nothing against him, but his scoring boost would probably be short-term while he doesn't do much else and they're trying to move players past him into the lineup who are younger and have multiple skills. More, when Dalton Knecht is 30 and is a good scorer but his value has (likely) never improved, would they rather have that MN swap and the next year the MN unprotected? I would say almost assuredly.

I think they liked Knecht's hard work, determination, size, skillset, scoring, but they opted for the longterm and saw the mid-term with him as just okay.

I'm okay with all that.

My question is why they effed around with the early 2nd. My guess it gets into cap stuff. And it could get into not wanting to futz around with starting from scratch with yet another very young guy who needs a lot of bringing-up-to-speed. That's a fine player to get down the line, but not now. I guess.

Knecht is a good hypothesis, and the only real speculation that he would go before #8 was to to CHA, so if he went there, then Salaun would be available... though there are scenarios where Clingan goes before 7, CHA takes Knecht and Portland takes Salaun...

What throws me off is this idea that the Spurs had decided who they'd take at 8, as though they were certain he'd be available. Was the backup plan to just punt at that point? What if the MIN deal doesn't materialize? Do they just take anything?

Ultimately, none of this actually matters - it's just interesting to speculate.

Maybe the MIN offer was the only one on the table and PAFTO tried to squeeze everything they could out of MIN and this is it... we'll never know. Just feels like we could have gotten more. Wright's comment that "MIN offered the deal we were looking for" is just weird, almost like the Spurs had set a super low bar and jumped as soon as someone met it. But again, all speculation because none of us were in the room.

[heyheymymy]

It's just so crazy to me to scrutinize over these prospects for so long and then to be right there to add Carter/Williams/Dilly but to punt out.

Like the level of discipline it took not to just grab one of those names and give it a go is off the charts. I'm not crazy about the BPAs at 8 but there was some good shit still left.

Talk about Brian Wright but he is not some buster.

[MultiTroll]

Seems weird to enter a draft with such a narrow focus....

They just didn't prioritize adding talent this year... which isn't the direction I like, but it's not an unreasonable direction (I've been consistent in that I don't hate the idea to move out of the draft in a vacuum, I just hate the return we got).
I find it damn near impossible that Wolves 2031 was the best offer they could get for 8.

Did they really offer it to all NBA teams? No one wanted to move up to 8 or trade other then the Wolfies for 2031?
Or more gross incompetence by PATFO?

[Mr. Body]

Knecht is a good hypothesis, and the only real speculation that he would go before #8 was to to CHA, so if he went there, then Salaun would be available... though there are scenarios where Clingan goes before 7, CHA takes Knecht and Portland takes Salaun...

What throws me off is this idea that the Spurs had decided who they'd take at 8, as though they were certain he'd be available. Was the backup plan to just punt at that point? What if the MIN deal doesn't materialize? Do they just take anything?

Ultimately, none of this actually matters - it's just interesting to speculate.

Maybe the MIN offer was the only one on the table and PAFTO tried to squeeze everything they could out of MIN and this is it... we'll never know. Just feels like we could have gotten more. Wright's comment that "MIN offered the deal we were looking for" is just weird, almost like the Spurs had set a super low bar and jumped as soon as someone met it. But again, all speculation because none of us were in the room.

Oh, I'm sure they had a second or third choices. And you're right, they could have had Salaun or another player before Knecht. I'm only going by the article that seems to lay out that the player they decided on three days prior was the same player they were going to pick when Minnesota called on the clock. That's all we have for now, as far as I know.

And it's not to say a lot of people in that three-day-before room had different favorites. It's (again judging by the article) they came to a consensus that might have been Knecht.

[Mr. Body]

Thinking about the article more (and too lazy to look it up), theoretically there's a phrase that's left out like "who they decided on if their other favorites were gone."

Dunno. There are mysteries. I do find the theory that it was Knecht as their target at that point pretty convincing. The overall point I was making a few posts ago still stands as far as that goes: that he's not a bad pick, but not really a long-term pick, and as he'd get older, that Minnesota package left behind would get more and more attractive.

[heyheymymy]

What a roller coaster for the TOR pick to start off top 6 protected, to hit 8 on lotto, to convert into unprotected first + a swap

Starts off as a pick you might not even get and turns into one you're guaranteed to get plus another swap

That's a bountiful conversion and would definitely be the deal I was looking for if I was SA

[heyheymymy]

Spurs might've directly asked for the delayed pick date from MIN

We talked a lot about development logjams and spacing out some of these FRPs and then the team did that and everyones mad lol. Not sure I'd use a #8 for that purpose lol, but it being a valuable #8 was probably what earned SA the nice unprotected status plus a swap.

We've got at least 2 FRPs again next year so be ready for the same thing.

[Mr. Body]

Spurs might've directly asked for the delayed pick date from MIN

We talked a lot about development logjams and spacing out some of these FRPs and then the team did that and everyones mad lol. Not sure I'd use a #8 for that purpose lol, but it being a valuable #8 was probably what earned SA the nice unprotected status plus a swap.

We've got at least 2 FRPs again next year so be ready for the same thing.

Those are the first picks MN can trade, if I have that right. Everything up to then belongs to Utah as swaps or outright.

[scott]

Thinking about the article more (and too lazy to look it up), theoretically there's a phrase that's left out like "who they decided on if their other favorites were gone."

Dunno. There are mysteries. I do find the theory that it was Knecht as their target at that point pretty convincing. The overall point I was making a few posts ago still stands as far as that goes: that he's not a bad pick, but not really a long-term pick, and as he'd get older, that Minnesota package left behind would get more and more attractive.

Like you mention, there are multiple layers to this, and I don't think it matters if it's Knecht, Dilly, or anyone else. It still comes down to prioritizing that draft capital (whether its to use it in a trade or to have to use in 2030/31). There are plenty of reasonable rationalizations for doing that. But whether to take a player now or punt is layer 1.

Layer 2a is what's the return on punting, with Layer 2b being what player you would have taken. I won't focus on just Knecht, because if any player(s) they passed on turns out to be an all-star (maybe one that could return better than a 2030 swap and a 2031 pick), then you have to ask why the Spurs didn't see that... the same way we'd ask questions if they took Knecht and someone else behind them turns out to be an All-Star (it's be the same Primo-Sengun/Bowie-Jordan conversation).

It's all just message board fodder at this point... all we can do is judge this FO on the paths they do take.

[scott]

What a roller coaster for the TOR pick to start off top 6 protected, to hit 8 on lotto, to convert into unprotected first + a swap

Starts off as a pick you might not even get and turns into one you're guaranteed to get plus another swap

That's a bountiful conversion and would definitely be the deal I was looking for if I was SA

IMO this is flawed thinking. It doesn't matter that the TOR pick once had (low, tbh) potential of not conveying. Once it conveyed, that history is forever irrelevant to its value going forward. That would be like the Nuggets taking one FRP in return for Jokic and saying "we turned a SRP into a FRP, what a great return!"

[Uriel]

A nbaspurs reddit thread on who the Spurs might have wanted at 8 had they not traded:

https://www.reddit.com/r/NBASpurs/comments/1ds32eg/before_the_draft_lj_ellis_mentioned_four_players/

Not sure if the writer is anyone here, but this is really provocative. Works from LJ's own article here that mentions the four players the Spurs never said anything about: Risacher, Sheppard, Castle, Knecht. Suggesting that these were their targets.

Since Knecht was the only one still available at 8, by this logical elimination, that could be who they were prepared to take before Minnesota swooped in.
They didn’t say anything about Buzelis either. And it was later confirmed that he worked out for the Spurs.

[Mr. Body]

Like you mention, there are multiple layers to this, and I don't think it matters if it's Knecht, Dilly, or anyone else. It still comes down to prioritizing that draft capital (whether its to use it in a trade or to have to use in 2030/31). There are plenty of reasonable rationalizations for doing that. But whether to take a player now or punt is layer 1.

Layer 2a is what's the return on punting, with Layer 2b being what player you would have taken. I won't focus on just Knecht, because if any player(s) they passed on turns out to be an all-star (maybe one that could return better than a 2030 swap and a 2031 pick), then you have to ask why the Spurs didn't see that... the same way we'd ask questions if they took Knecht and someone else behind them turns out to be an All-Star (it's be the same Primo-Sengun/Bowie-Jordan conversation).

It's all just message board fodder at this point... all we can do is judge this FO on the paths they do take.

Sure. The one flaw I'd say in your thinking here is that you're balancing the entire field of the 2024 draft after pick 7 against the Minnesota package.

That's a small fallacy. The Spurs had to make a selection of only one player. They did, whether it's Knecht or not.

The Minnesota package only has to beat the Knecht pick in their estimation. It's impossible to beat the field because it's impossible to draft everyone.

Of course they may not have come to the right consensus on a player, but that's a different question.

[RC_Drunkford]

one thing people forget is that the 8th pick in this draft is like the 15th in a regular draft and we got an unprotected pick and additional swap for that. It's not that bad although I also think that there were some players available who would've helped our team right away. On the other hand we might also draft 2-3 guys in the loaded 2025 draft, in that case it would make sense to trade this one.

[scott]

Sure. The one flaw I'd say in your thinking here is that you're balancing the entire field of the 2024 draft after pick 7 against the Minnesota package.

That's a small fallacy. The Spurs had to make a selection of only one player. They did, whether it's Knecht or not.

The Minnesota package only has to beat the Knecht pick in their estimation. It's impossible to beat the field because it's impossible to draft everyone.

Of course they may not have come to the right consensus on a player, but that's a different question.

For the Spurs, that's the only comparison they need to make at the time... but for a post hoc evaluation of the FO, then you do have to compare it against the entire field. It's the same as criticizing the FO for taking Primo over Sengun. Maybe the Spurs had zero interest in Sengun and their next choice was Kai Jones. The FO still gets criticism for passing on Sengun, not Kai Jones.

[CGD]

So you’re saying Plan A was Salaun?

It’s hard to avoid the conclusion that Salaun was not the Spurs’ Plan A, yes.

[Knoxxx]

This has been identified and discussed. But here is an article about how the Spurs may be making MIN 2030-31 as crazy as ATL 25-27:

Did the Spurs make a genius trade with the Timberwolves? (msn.com) (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/did-the-spurs-make-a-genius-trade-with-the-timberwolves/ar-BB1p52ar?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=7a44b149c00e41dea177d833576b3794&ei=30)

Minnesota star Anthony Edwards’ contract runs through the 2028-29 season, so he could leave small-market Minnesota as an unrestricted free agent by 2029. This potential departure could lead to the T-Wolves plummeting in the standings and turn the 2030 first-round pick into a lottery pick, adding significant value to the Spurs' future draft assets.

[heyheymymy]

Crazy how much we Spurs fans fussed on draft night when considering Castles potential it could be a night we all look back on fondly

[Uriel]

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.

Over the phone, the Timberwolves gave the Spurs a name — Rob Dillingham of Kentucky. Just beating the buzzer, the Spurs passed Dillingham’s name along to the league.
With Don Harris reporting that the target at 8 was Salaun all along, it confirms what I had said previously. This article merely states that a decision about who to pick at 8 was made; it doesn’t state that the player had already been selected prior to the Spurs’ turn to pick. Therefore, what happened was that Charlotte picked Salaun, San Antonio was unhappy with the selections left on the board, and Minnesota came calling to save the day.

[spurraider21]

No, because we got the best of both worlds. A deferral, but a sure thing in the form of an unprotected pick. Throw in a swap on top.
The sure thing was the #8 pick. That unprotected pick might be outside the top 20 or even top 30 by the time that draft rolls around after a potential expansion

[Mr. Body]

With Don Harris reporting that the target at 8 was Salaun all along, it confirms what I had said previously. This article merely states that a decision about who to pick at 8 was made; it doesn’t state that the player had already been selected prior to the Spurs’ turn to pick. Therefore, what happened was that Charlotte picked Salaun, San Antonio was unhappy with the selections left on the board, and Minnesota came calling to save the day.

I don't agree with that interpretation. It's unclearly written or designed to make things unclear, but it does say the prospect they agreed on three days prior was the one they were about to pick when the #8 slot came up. There's really no other way to read it as it's spelled out here.

Adding to this, why would it be written this way if Salaun, or any other pick they wanted, was not available at #8? This is not how it would be recounted, and straight up saying that their preference was gone would have assuaged readers more. Instead, the timeline is laid out: in their war room, they decided on a player and were "prepared to keep him." Then, the Minnesota offer came in.

There's no indication here that Salaun was their pick at 8. In fact, it says otherwise. I don't remember what Harris said, but iirc it was different: that they wanted Salaun at 4 and Castle at 8. This seems incredible, as it was widely reported that Charlotte wanted Salaun. But just focusing on the E-N article, Salaun was not their pick at 8. It was someone else.

[LeBowen]

The sure thing was the #8 pick. That unprotected pick might be outside the top 20 or even top 30 by the time that draft rolls around after a potential expansion

To me there are two options for Minnesota's pick and swap to have guaranteed higher value than #8.
Either trade those picks to Jazz since they own Minnesota's future already or give it back to Timberwolves in a year or two when cap hell kicks in and they can't keep their entire rotation.

Obviously Markkanen would be my preference, but I wouldn't oppose giving that pick and swap back in a year in exchange for McDaniels, no chance they keep both him and Naz.

[drpill]

If we're really trying to read between the lines of the article, another possible interpretation is that they "came to a consensus" on their overall draft board three days earlier, and, based on that, they were prepared to select someone with the 8th pick. This interpretation allows for Salaun being their first choice but off the board when their pick was up.

[Mr. Body]

If we are really trying to read between the lines of the article, it's possible that another interpretation is that they "came to a consensus" on their overall draft board, and, based on that, they were prepared to select someone with the 8th pick. This interpretation allows for Salaun being their first choice but off the board when their pick was up.

It's academic at this point, but this:

"They’d agreed on a prospect. And they were prepared to keep him."

And the choice of this player is never changed in the article. As it's written, the only way it can be interpreted is that the player they reached a consensus on and were prepared to pick is the one they were about to select when Minnesota called. Anything else is adding implausible scenarios, like "What if they didn't pick a player, but instead it was a dinosaur?" I admit I had to read the paragraphs a few times when it came out, it's not that well written.

We can definitely think Salaun was high on the list, but at least by those paragraphs the #8 pick was not going to be Salaun.

(Elsewhere, someone hashed out that it might have been Knecht.)

[scott]

The sure thing was the #8 pick. That unprotected pick might be outside the top 20 or even top 30 by the time that draft rolls around after a potential expansion

We got an unrotected FRP for the #8 pick! If we're lucky, that pick may end up as high as #8!!!

[drpill]

My bad, I was missing the context from the original article... The "three days earlier" WAS draft night, not some brainstorming session three days prior to the draft. My contributions were meaningless and I'm never going to think about this again.


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.

[exstatic]

Spurs might've directly asked for the delayed pick date from MIN

We talked a lot about development logjams and spacing out some of these FRPs and then the team did that and everyones mad lol. Not sure I'd use a #8 for that purpose lol, but it being a valuable #8 was probably what earned SA the nice unprotected status plus a swap.

We've got at least 2 FRPs again next year so be ready for the same thing.

It’s a better draft. If we have like 4 and 8 next year, we’ll either pick both, or use both to trade up.

[Pauleta14]

Not sure why Don Harris is used as a source of information...

Not only he's quite clear evertime he speaks that he's basically guessing but I'm pretty sure he must not be appreciated among the Spurs familly after the way he went at Vassell many times during the season...

Nobody knows shit

[Mr. Body]

My bad, I was missing the context from the original article... The "three days earlier" WAS draft night, not some brainstorming session three days prior to the draft. My contributions were meaningless and I'm never going to think about this again.

No, you were right. The three days earlier was the meeting before the draft when they decided who they would pick. The paragraphs you quoted start with draft night, where there's a jersey ready for who they picked at 8, then the fifth paragraph ("Three nights earlier") it goes back in time, and then the following paragraph ("But with seconds ticking away") it bounces back to the 'present' of draft night.

[scott]

I wouldn't discount the fact that whoever wrote that doesn't have all their own facts straight, in addition to being a poor writer.

[drpill]

No, you were right. The three days earlier was the meeting before the draft when they decided who they would pick. The paragraphs you quoted start with draft night, where there's a jersey ready for who they picked at 8, then the fifth paragraph ("Three nights earlier") it goes back in time, and then the following paragraph ("But with seconds ticking away") it bounces back to the 'present' of draft night.

Just when I think I'm out...

Are you sure? Here's the timeline as I understand it:

OPENING SCENE -- morning of Saturday, June 29, Spurs rookie media day:


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.


CUT TO -- draft night, Wednesday, June 26, Spurs war room:


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.

I'm embarrassed to admit I don't know where the Spurs team was during the draft... I'm guessing they were in San Antonio, right, in a room not far from the practice court, and they phoned in their picks form there?

Anyway, if so, there is no pre-draft consensus mentioned here, just the consensus reached on draft night in the heat of the moment with the clock ticking, based on the players available at the time.

Or... maybe I am wrong, yet again.