Pick #2 - Strategies

[couchman]

As for actual generational prospects:

Wilt - 1959
Kareem - 1969
Ralph Sampson - 1983
Shaq - 1992
LeBron - 2003
Wemby - 2023

That's it! Maybe Zion but I never thought a 6'5" power forward could be considered a generational talent

[TD 21]

As for actual generational prospects:

Wilt - 1959
Kareem - 1969
Ralph Sampson - 1983
Shaq - 1992
LeBron - 2003
Wemby - 2023

That's it! Maybe Zion but I never thought a 6'5" power forward could be considered a generational talent

Mostly agree with your ideology, but when even BSPN has Duncan, I think it's safe to say he belongs.

Comparing the best draft prospects in (recent) history - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37996676/best-draft-prospect-bracket-nfl-nba-mlb-nhl-wnba)

[Guru of Nothing]

As for actual generational prospects:

Wilt - 1959
Kareem - 1969
Ralph Sampson - 1983
Shaq - 1992
LeBron - 2003
Wemby - 2023

That's it! Maybe Zion but I never thought a 6'5" power forward could be considered a generational talent

No David Thompson? I honestly have no recollection, just know that he's highly regarded by lots.

[Russ]

No David Thompson? I honestly have no recollection, just know that he's highly regarded by lots.

Bill Walton would be ahead of David Thompson as a generational talent in that same time.

[Biggems]

Any thoughts on the trade rumor of Brooklyn getting our 2 for their 8, 19, and 26? I think it is just another hot take trade idea, simply cause of Sean Mark's. I feel it holds no water whatsoever.

[RC_Drunkford]

We‘re not trading #2

[Guru of Nothing]

Bill Walton would be ahead of David Thompson as a generational talent in that same time.

There was that one time, in band camp (Double-OT win for NC State in 1974 Final Four). I had to look that up. For a minute, I thought they also ended UCLA's 88 game winning streak too, but that would be Notre Dame.

[Ice009]

Any thoughts on the trade rumor of Brooklyn getting our 2 for their 8, 19, and 26? I think it is just another hot take trade idea, simply cause of Sean Mark's. I feel it holds no water whatsoever.

There's less than zero percent chance of that. there's a big gap between 2 and 3 value wise, no way the Spurs are trading that for at best an 8th pick.

[Guru of Nothing]

Any thoughts on the trade rumor of Brooklyn getting our 2 for their 8, 19, and 26? I think it is just another hot take trade idea, simply cause of Sean Mark's. I feel it holds no water whatsoever.

Is there a source for this rumor?

[scott]

Any thoughts on the trade rumor of Brooklyn getting our 2 for their 8, 19, and 26? I think it is just another hot take trade idea, simply cause of Sean Mark's. I feel it holds no water whatsoever.

The very idea of the Spurs ending up in a situation with 4 FRP is what makes this unrealistic and easy to dismiss out of hand

[exstatic]

1927773022426984557

Not that Don Harris is Shams or anything, but figured I’d post nevertheless.

As well they should. The Spurs aren’t rash or capricious. They’ll make the high percentage move. SA just got a jump on the summer by grabbing Fox early.

[stnick2261]

Generational getting used every 3 years isn't really meeting the definition of the word.
People should just wash that word out they mouth until they really think about it.

In societal terms, a generation is usually every 20-25 years.
If we're generous, we can rename it in basketball terms to say every ten years.
I know we're talking about generational PROSPECTS, but when it comes to actual players in NBA history the generational list is very short.

I agree with you in theory, but in basketball terms, the average nba player career length is only 4.8 years... so there is an argument that "generational" could mean every 5 years.

[rascal]

As for actual generational prospects:

Wilt - 1959
Kareem - 1969
Ralph Sampson - 1983
Shaq - 1992
LeBron - 2003
Wemby - 2023

That's it! Maybe Zion but I never thought a 6'5" power forward could be considered a generational talent

You have Sampson but no Duncan and Robinson?

[CGD]

I was sure one of you gratuitous contrarians would be calling for VJ in here, but seems like everyone’s fallen in line. Good here

[benefactor]

back in the 00s I absolutely hated the Lakers, Mavs and Suns.
There was no reason to hate the Suns. They were the Spurs favorite Whipping Boy

[scott]

I might even have more pent up hatred for the Jazz leftover from the 90s and Malone's bitch ass elbows than I do for Dallas.

[benefactor]

I might even have more pent up hatred for the Jazz leftover from the 90s and Malone's bitch ass elbows than I do for Dallas.
During the nineties my cousin and I used to play find the black man in the Utah crowds:lol

[heyheymymy]

There was no reason to hate the Suns. They were the Spurs favorite Whipping Boy

the fanbase if they count was loathsome and I know I said 00s but that little doozy of a sweep from Dragic was hard to watch even if we weren't going anywhere anyway that year. The 07 series was a rollercoaster too. But yeah in hindsight they never really threatened yet I still hated them lol

[ambchang]

I might even have more pent up hatred for the Jazz leftover from the 90s and Malone's bitch ass elbows than I do for Dallas.

Thank God finally someone mentioned jazz. For me it’s lakers and jazz, I’m of sure who I hate more but probably jazz. I don’t really care too much about rockets, mavs, blazers. Kings, heat, pistons, grizzlies or anymore else.

[T Park]

To me it's the Rockets because of 1995.

2006 we gifted them their trip to the finals by Manu having the biggest brain fart of his career. 2009 I honestly barely even remember to be honest.

Ive put 09-11 out of my mind tbh

[scott]

Getting nostalgic over rivalries and what I coincidence I just saw the saddest thing ever on my Reddit feed.

While we over here like to remember about the Memorial Day Miracle, any of our 5 titles, or Manu's block on Harden, etc...

Over on the Kings subreddit they are waxing nostalgic about their 2002 WCF Game 5 win against the Lakers (23 years ago today)... a series they fucking lost :lol

[SpursGenius]

The playoffs proved you need big PG who can create his own shot and distribute. I have said all along Harper is the next coming of SGA, Cade, Harden or Halliburton. All 6'5 and up creating big PG.

[Bruno]

To me, in a trade, Quality >>> Quantity.

Trading Harper for 3 or 4 lower level players/picks would likely be a bad deal for Spurs. In a 1 for 1 trade, there are maybe something like 20 players I would trade Harper for.

So, unless a great and relatively young player becomes available at a good price, Spurs should keep Harper.

[spursistan]

Mostly agree with your ideology, but when even BSPN has Duncan, I think it's safe to say he belongs.

Comparing the best draft prospects in (recent) history - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37996676/best-draft-prospect-bracket-nfl-nba-mlb-nhl-wnba)
I think the reason nowadays Duncan isn't pegged 'generational' is because his player archetype was prevalent at the time (back-to-the-basket, fundamentally-sound big)..But if you read the press clippings pre-1997 draft he was definitely considered the next big, sure-thing. "Teams are tanking for him" was a well documented chatter during that season. But I agree with the poster above, that the term 'generational' gets thrown around too liberally these days. Look no further than the Flagg case whose (over)hype reeks of typical "America next great white hope" discourse. Maybe I'm wrong because i'm not well versed in college hoops, but from what've watched I saw a Tatum-like well-rounded package, but nothing gets an (A+) in his game (at least so far). I don't think Flagg will be nearly as impactful as Doncic was for Dallas in his first six seasons (the latter was a generational offensive wizard/engine from the get go)..

[dn0774]

The playoffs proved you need big PG who can create his own shot and distribute. I have said all along Harper is the next coming of SGA, Cade, Harden or Halliburton. All 6'5 and up creating big PG.

I certainly hope he can hit the level of any of those guys. Harper isn't immune to being a bust (nobody is, even Flagg) but he certainly projects to be a very good player even if he doesn't hit his ceiling. If he does hit that ceiling, though? We can be OKC Thunder 2.0. Harper being cost controlled for 4 seasons is also incredibly valuable from a team building perspective which is why I would never move him/the pick for an overpaid (relative to a rookie deal) star in the Markkanen/JBrown/Durant mold.

Would I consider moving Harper for a true superstar in the vein of Giannis? Technically yes, but the price beyond just the #2 would be so prohibitive (leaves us gutted outside of Wemby/Fox) that it essentially becomes a pointless discussion.

[dn0774]

I think the reason nowadays Duncan isn't pegged 'generational' is because his player archetype was prevalent at the time (back-to-the-basket, fundamentally-sound big)..But if you read the press clippings pre-1997 draft he was definitely considered the next big, sure-thing. "Teams are tanking for him" was a well documented chatter during that season. But I agree with the poster above, that the term 'generational' gets thrown around too liberally these days. Look no further than the Flagg case whose (over)hype reeks of typical "America next great white hope" discourse. Maybe I'm wrong because i'm not well versed in college hoops, but from what've watched I saw a Tatum-like well-rounded package, but nothing gets an (A+) in his game (at least so far). I don't think Flagg will be nearly as impactful as Doncic was for Dallas in his first six seasons (the latter was a generational offensive wizard/engine from the get go)..

In discussions with the most pro-Flagg people i've come across who claim he is generational and will be a superstar on both sides of the ball, I like to ask "what skill is he elite at?". The answer is almost always "well, his motor" and I can't help but laugh. I think he is an awesome overall prospect to be sure, very high floor, would've loved to have gotten the 1st pick to take him. But people saying he projects as a superstar offensively? No matter how hard I squint I just don't see it. I actually think Tatum level offense is an absolute best case scenario that I don't think he'll hit. I could absolutely be wrong and I look forward to watching every second he's on the floor in summer league/preseason/reg season because it promises to be entertaining.

[jesterbobman]

The Flagg case for generational is that he put up one of the best ever statistical seasons by a freshman in College, and was basically a full year younger than the others having reclassified. Pretty efficient as a wing, really good steal and block numbers, fine rebounding, really good passing numbers for a wing / forward.

He was under control in College, he made a bunch of spectacular help plays as a HS player.

I think generational gets thrown around too much, and as much as anything it's a hype / scouting / stats hybrid, but there is a case for Flagg belonging.

[pad300]

Well on the offensive end of the floor, Flagg is better than Tatum (when he came out of Duke) at just about everything.
https://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=cooper-flagg--jayson-tatum
In particular, Flagg is a significantly better and more willing passer than Duke Tatum...
On the defensive end, Tatum (at Duke) is just blown away...
Also, Flagg is also slightly bigger, 3/4 of a year younger, and (I suspect) a slightly better athlete (Tatum didn't do the combine testing, so that's my eye test...).

[exstatic]

To me, people are mixing and conflating the terms ‘generational’ and ‘clear cut #1 pick’.

The consensus ‘generational’ prospects of roughly the last 25 years were LeBron, Zion, and Wemby. Notice that Anthony Davis is not on that list. If he isn’t, then Flagg doesn’t belong, either. They are about the same level of prospect, although they are positionally different, or would be if AD weren’t such a pussy refusing to play center.

[szkorhetz]

To me, people are mixing and conflating the terms ‘generational’ and ‘clear cut #1 pick’.

The consensus ‘generational’ prospects of roughly the last 25 years were LeBron, Zion, and Wemby. Notice that Anthony Davis is not on that list. If he isn’t, then Flagg doesn’t belong, either. They are about the same level of prospect, although they are positionally different, or would be if AD weren’t such a pussy refusing to play center.
Davis was considered a generational.

[couchman]

I never considered AD a generational prospect but certainly some people did.

[couchman]

Mostly agree with your ideology, but when even BSPN has Duncan, I think it's safe to say he belongs.

Comparing the best draft prospects in (recent) history - ESPN (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37996676/best-draft-prospect-bracket-nfl-nba-mlb-nhl-wnba)

Duncan as a generational prospect is a borderline case for me.Theres a good case to be made that he was.
Expectations were very high for him.
But did people expect him to be better than Shaq (he was) and a top 10 all time player?
I don’t think they were quite that high and that’s why he barely missed the cut for me.

To be clear, I have TD as the 5th best player all time, and I had huge expectations when we won that lottery, so I get that perhaps I’m landing on the wrong side here

[Guru of Nothing]

I never considered AD a generational prospect but certainly some people did.

I hear Avery Johnson's voice when I read your posts. May I interest you in a new avatar. :lol

[couchman]

Also, put me on the list of Karl Malone haters.
Jazz and Lakers are still the teams I hate most.

[exstatic]

Davis was considered a generational.

Even now, he isn’t usually spoken of in that conversation.

[CGD]

The playoffs proved you need big PG who can create his own shot and distribute. I have said all along Harper is the next coming of SGA, Cade, Harden or Halliburton. All 6'5 and up creating big PG.

I dont see that as the lesson of the playoffs at all. I see it more as successful teams have multiple creators on the floor at the same time, so when the first action blows up you have another outlet. Just see Ant and Brunson in this round.

In any case, that is precisely the case for taking Harper despite having the our guards.

[CGD]

Also, put me on the list of Karl Malone haters.
Jazz and Lakers are still the teams I hate most.

Karl Malone is a piece of crap.

As a player, he's in the same sad category as Melo, Dwight, Harden, LMA.

[LeBowen]

Karl Malone is a piece of crap.

True.


As a player, he's in the same sad category as Melo, Dwight, Harden, LMA.

Come on now, he's one of the best players ever regardless of the fact that he's a garbage human being.
Had 14 peak seasons, 154 playoff games with 27/11/3 average, not many players can compare with that.

LMA and Melo most definitely aren't in the same tier as Malone and Harden. Dwight is also better than them, it's just that his peak was way too short.

[rascal]

Karl Malone is a piece of crap.

As a player, he's in the same sad category as Melo, Dwight, Harden, LMA.

If you like Bowen then you should have no problem with Malone. Malone had an offensive game and was an all star.

Both known for cheap dirty play, Bowen even moreso because he would have out of the league had he relied on his offensive skills.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

If you like Bowen then you should have no problem with Malone.

This is the dumbest shit I’ve seen this year and I’ve been to reddit.

FFS.

[exstatic]

If you like Bowen then you should have no problem with Malone. Malone had an offensive game and was an all star.

Both known for cheap dirty play, Bowen even moreso because he would have out of the league had he relied on his offensive skills.

With Malone, it’s not only the on court stuff. He raped a 13 YO girl, and then denied paternity and ignores the daughter to this day. He’s a piece of shit.

[rascal]

This is the dumbest shit I’ve seen this year and I’ve been to reddit.

FFS.

For sure to a Homer Spur fan.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

For sure to a Homer Spur fan.

Proudly. Certainly better than a closet Laker fan.

[rascal]

Proudly. Certainly better than a closet Laker fan.

Not into the Lakers

[Ice009]

With Malone, it’s not only the on court stuff. He raped a 13 YO girl, and then denied paternity and ignores the daughter to this day. He’s a piece of shit.

Was it proven that it was rape, or was it consensual? Either way, that is not good at all.

[exstatic]

Was it proven that it was rape, or was it consensual? Either way, that is not good at all.

By law, a 13 YO cannot consent in any state.

[Ice009]

By law, a 13 YO cannot consent in any state.

Yeah, don't know what I was thinking (I've never thought about anything like this). I guess what I was getting at, even if the person can't legally consent at that age, if she did or didn't, but really, it's wrong any way you look at it.

[objective]

She gave birth at 13. It's possible she became pregnant at 12.

[Mr. Body]

And Karl Malone is a republican. Checks out. They're always molesting kids or covering for those who do.

[BackHome]

Epstein and Diddy - Just saying two proud Democrats

[Guru of Nothing]

Go Spurs Go!

[Mr. Body]

Epstein and Diddy - Just saying two proud Democrats

Lol Diddy ain't nothing and Epstein was Trump's best friend for like two decades.

[baseline bum]

With Malone, it’s not only the on court stuff. He raped a 13 YO girl, and then denied paternity and ignores the daughter to this day. He’s a piece of shit.

Nah it was a son, Demetress Bell, who played four years in the NFL. Warm Karl spent years fighting paying child support to that poor girl he raped, the millionaire shitbag he is.

[baseline bum]

Pick #2 strategy:

1. Tell Brooklyn to go fuck their mothers some more when they call offering #8 and Cam
2. Draft Harper

[TD 21]

I think the reason nowadays Duncan isn't pegged 'generational' is because his player archetype was prevalent at the time (back-to-the-basket, fundamentally-sound big)..But if you read the press clippings pre-1997 draft he was definitely considered the next big, sure-thing. "Teams are tanking for him" was a well documented chatter during that season. But I agree with the poster above, that the term 'generational' gets thrown around too liberally these days. Look no further than the Flagg case whose (over)hype reeks of typical "America next great white hope" discourse. Maybe I'm wrong because i'm not well versed in college hoops, but from what've watched I saw a Tatum-like well-rounded package, but nothing gets an (A+) in his game (at least so far). I don't think Flagg will be nearly as impactful as Doncic was for Dallas in his first six seasons (the latter was a generational offensive wizard/engine from the get go)..

Agreed on all counts. I see Flagg as probably being All-NBA caliber, but I don't see an offensive "engine" in the making and while he'll probably be All-Defensive team caliber, as a 4/3 he can't be a defensive anchor either, so MVP caliber, let alone "generational" talent seems a bridge too far.



Duncan as a generational prospect is a borderline case for me.Theres a good case to be made that he was.
Expectations were very high for him.
But did people expect him to be better than Shaq (he was) and a top 10 all time player?
I don’t think they were quite that high and that’s why he barely missed the cut for me.

To be clear, I have TD as the 5th best player all time, and I had huge expectations when we won that lottery, so I get that perhaps I’m landing on the wrong side here

Fair enough. I'm not old enough to speak to whether the consensus was that Duncan would be better than O'Neal or a top 10 player of all time and don't recall ever hearing or reading anything of that sort.

[rankingtear]

the zion news makes giannis in play again, with NOP holding 3 years of draft pick control of MIL and a desperate GM and franchise, getting Scoot would save their jobs tbh.

[mo7888]

the zion news makes giannis in play again, with NOP holding 3 years of draft pick control of MIL and a desperate GM and franchise, getting Scoot would save their jobs tbh.

The GM isn't desperate. He's brand new. He's got time.

[rankingtear]

The GM isn't desperate. He's brand new. He's got time.
This is the new GM of the Pels after the zion allegations.
https://www.streetroots.org/sites/default/files/styles/article_image_full/public/SR_The%20meme-ing%20of%20life_2_0.png?itok=je_khE_i

[DAF86]

Z1Z0u09Awe8?si=kYMBKqqsnrcZyEEh

[rankingtear]

The smokescreens might confuse the casuals but Scoot 2.0 for Giannis has always been the play after the lottery win. The West is too stacked to play dynasty fantasy basketball. We are going to exhaust all our assets just to get a playoff berth and field a non contender if we draft Scoot 2.0.

[Ice009]

The smokescreens might confuse the casuals but Scoot 2.0 for Giannis has always been the play after the lottery win. The West is too stacked to play dynasty fantasy basketball. We are going to exhaust all our assets just to get a playoff berth and field a non contender if we draft Scoot 2.0.

How are we going to exhaust all our assets if we don't make a trade? Are you saying if the Spurs take Harper, they won't be able to get as much for him at a later date in trade?

[PhantomDashCam]

1929558479276011984

[scott]

1929558479276011984

Similar to how Nico would be stupid to actually take anyone other than Flagg @ #1 (meaning if he wants someone else, he should trade down)... I hope if we don't want Harper we are trading down and getting paid (but mostly I hope we just take Harper).

[exstatic]

The smokescreens might confuse the casuals but Scoot 2.0 for Giannis has always been the play after the lottery win. The West is too stacked to play dynasty fantasy basketball. We are going to exhaust all our assets just to get a playoff berth and field a non contender if we draft Scoot 2.0.
I’m not sure why you call him Scoot 2.0, but I am sure it’s a dumb take. Harper is bigger, a better distributor, and unlike Scoot in a gleague devoid of shot blockers, Harper finishes at an elite 77% in the restricted area. He’s kind of the anti-Scoot.

[Mr. Body]

1929558479276011984

I fully believe the Spurs were keen on trading up fairly aggressively had they stayed at 8/9, targeting Edgecombe or Johnson. I'm sure they're ecstatic to be where they are, but also very surprised. Landing 1 or 3 or 4 gave them players who more or less fit while 2 is pretty weird.

[PhantomDashCam]

Similar to how Nico would be stupid to actually take anyone other than Flagg @ #1 (meaning if he wants someone else, he should trade down)... I hope if we don't want Harper we are trading down and getting paid (but mostly I hope we just take Harper).

Agreed. I know the Spurs work within their own bubble but they would surely be aware of how highly rated Harper is overall with respect to this class. They are in the driver’s seat with #2 which usually has boded well for them if such negotiations were to transpire eg. George Hill, Dejounte, Fox trades

[Ice009]

Isn't VJ supposedly not a very good ball handler? I thought I read his ball handling isn't great, so not sure why they would pass up Harper for him. VJ could end up being great, but unless they trade down and get a good package, not sure why the article says they'd consider picking him at no. 2.

[Mr. Body]

Isn't VJ supposedly not a very good ball handler? I thought I read his ball handling isn't great, so not sure why they would pass up Harper for him. VJ could end up being great, but unless they trade down and get a good package, not sure why the article says they'd consider picking him at no. 2.

This is something that confuses me most about draft evaluations, ball handling. If there's any skill that can be most improved in the NBA, it's ball handling.

[RC_Drunkford]

the only way I could see the Spurs entertaining a Harper trade is if:

1: there is concern with his role coming off the bench and his dad in his ear (Uncle Dennis 2.0?)

2: Spurs view multiple players mocked in the top 10 as potential All-Stars


In that case they might entertain a #2 to the Nets for #8, #19, Knicks 2027 and maybe one more pick. Send Phoenix the Knicks pick for KD and package #14 and #19 to get another pick in the top 10.

Like if their scouting department is sure a player like Essengue is a future All-Star or Maluach is Gobert 2.0 (insert any other players you want), then they might go for it. Still seems far fetched though.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/ghOkU21Nilw?si=mhfyrnM_I3-UHllr

[DAF86]

9h06__U91NY?si=lxh3sYiA8RDB9vs_

[scott]

the only way I could see the Spurs entertaining a Harper trade is if:

1: there is concern with his role coming off the bench and his dad in his ear (Uncle Dennis 2.0?)

2: Spurs view multiple players mocked in the top 10 as potential All-Stars


In that case they might entertain a #2 to the Nets for #8, #19, Knicks 2027 and maybe one more pick. Send Phoenix the Knicks pick for KD and package #14 and #19 to get another pick in the top 10.

Like if their scouting department is sure a player like Essengue is a future All-Star or Maluach is Gobert 2.0 (insert any other players you want), then they might go for it. Still seems far fetched though.

Agreed. The Spurs have at times been known to march to the beat of their own drum... they may come up with an opinion on their board that differs from "the consensus" and that is where a trade down scenario starts to come into play. I sure as hell hope it's not for fucking Cam Johnson though.

From my own personal POV... I hope they just land on Harper being clearly above everyone else and just take him. I've fallen in love with concept of this 3-headed guard monster.

[Blizzardwizard]

or Maluach is Gobert 2.0 (insert any other players you want), then they might go for it. Still seems far fetched though.


even if they believed maluach has a gobert kind of ceiling i still don't see why PATFO would be interested. this whole 'twin towers' concept is incredibly outdated and there isn't much evidence of it working in the league today. it'd only make sense to draft him to fill the back-up big void which, while important, feels like a waste at two.

i doubt he's on the board beyond pick five or six so trading down with someone like BKN doesn't seem like much of a viable option either.

wemby is the team's center. he has been statistically far better at the five on both ends on the floor and evidence shows that pairing him with another seven-footer severely cramps his style and diminishes his effectiveness. he took a massive production leap when the team kicked collins to the bench and moved wemby from PF to C early in his rookie season.


the french national team didn't learn from this and initially kicked wemby to PF to accommodate gobert at the olympics. the result being wemby was anonymous and france barely scraped through the group stages. their coach finally saw sense, dropped gobert and moved wemby back to center which transformed the team's fortunes. they go from nearly losing to brazil in the groups to almost taking down the greatest basketball team ever assembled in the gold-medal game.


what the team needs in the frontcourt to pair with wemby long-term is a stretch four of sochan's size that can actually shoot. i hope that krysten peek report is just speculation. unless they're coming off the bench a paint-clogging big is the last thing the team needs IMO.

[RC_Drunkford]

even if they believed maluach has a gobert kind of ceiling i still don't see why PATFO would be interested. this whole 'twin towers' concept is incredibly outdated and there isn't much evidence of it working in the league today. it'd only make sense to draft him to fill the back-up big void which, while important, feels like a waste at two.

i doubt he's on the board beyond pick five or six so trading down with someone like BKN doesn't seem like much of a viable option either.

wemby is the team's center. he has been statistically far better at the five on both ends on the floor and evidence shows that pairing him with another seven-footer severely cramps his style and diminishes his effectiveness. he took a massive production leap when the team kicked collins to the bench and moved wemby from PF to C early in his rookie season.


the french national team didn't learn from this and initially kicked wemby to PF to accommodate gobert at the olympics. the result being wemby was anonymous and france barely scraped through the group stages. their coach finally saw sense, dropped gobert and moved wemby back to center which transformed the team's fortunes. they go from nearly losing to brazil in the groups to almost taking down the greatest basketball team ever assembled in the gold-medal game.


what the team needs in the frontcourt to pair with wemby long-term is a stretch four of sochan's size that can actually shoot. i hope that krysten peek report is just speculation. unless they're coming off the bench a paint-clogging big is the last thing the team needs IMO.

It was just an example tbh. I agree, but having Maluach off the bench would give us elite rim protection for 48 minutes. If they could play double big for 5 min. each half, he would average enough minutes. I also prefer more of a real PF to pair with Wemby though.

[RC_Drunkford]

just curious, who would y'all draft if we trade the #2 pick for either #5 (Jazz), #7 (NOLA) or #8 (Nets) and add KD?

I'm probably thinking Essengue. Maybe Tre Johnson if it's #5. Jakucionas at #8 possibly. Would be out on Knueppel since his ceiling is starter, need more upside if that's the play.

[LeBowen]

just curious, who would y'all draft if we trade the #2 pick for either #5 (Jazz), #7 (NOLA) or #8 (Nets) and add KD?

I'm probably thinking Essengue. Maybe Tre Johnson if it's #5. Jakucionas at #8 possibly. Would be out on Knueppel since his ceiling is starter, need more upside if that's the play.

I wouldn't draft anyone because giving up on what seems to be a sure thing prospect to move down in the lottery would be incredibly dumb.
As would giving up a #2 pick for KD even if it's to just move down a few spots in a bigger trade.

This team isn't anywhere near contention and there's no chance we throw away Harper just like that.

[mo7888]

just curious, who would y'all draft if we trade the #2 pick for either #5 (Jazz), #7 (NOLA) or #8 (Nets) and add KD?

I'm probably thinking Essengue. Maybe Tre Johnson if it's #5. Jakucionas at #8 possibly. Would be out on Knueppel since his ceiling is starter, need more upside if that's the play.

For me it depends on who falls. I'd say VJ, Ace, Tre, Knueppel, and Jackucionis, in that order. If I really wanted to swing for upside Essengue would have to be in the mix.

[scottspurs]

just curious, who would y'all draft if we trade the #2 pick for either #5 (Jazz), #7 (NOLA) or #8 (Nets) and add KD?

I'm probably thinking Essengue. Maybe Tre Johnson if it's #5. Jakucionas at #8 possibly. Would be out on Knueppel since his ceiling is starter, need more upside if that's the play.

At #5 Spurs probably pick whoever is left between Tre Johnson, Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe.

At 7/8 they could go with Jakucionis, Queen, Sorber (if the toe/foot checks out long term) or whichever shooter they like best between Knueppel, Coward or Clifford. That would be a bit too high for Essengue. Apparently they are also high on Maluach.

Ultimately I would go with Harper if he is best player available, but in a world where I’m GM and I don’t think he fits the Spurs culture or Mitch Johnson relays to me he is not sure how it will work I would trade with the Nets. Get future picks and send the premium prospect east instead of possibly having to play against him for the next 8 years. It would take 3-4 1st round picks and 2-3 pick swaps for me to trade that far back though. Otherwise I would just trade down one spot with the 76ers for a future 1st and pick the next highest player on my board. I would take Tre Johnson 3rd. At 7/8 I’m targeting Jakucionis or Derik Queen. If Mitch tells me again they don’t fit with what he envisions I’ll get annoyed and decide between firing him on the spot or drafting Sorber or Knueppel.

[scott]

At #5 Spurs probably pick whoever is left between Tre Johnson, Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe.

At 7/8 they could go with Jakucionis, Queen, Sorber (if the toe/foot checks out long term) or whichever shooter they like best between Knueppel, Coward or Clifford. That would be a bit too high for Essengue. Apparently they are also high on Maluach.

Ultimately I would go with Harper if he is best player available, but in a world where I’m GM and I don’t think he fits the Spurs culture or Mitch Johnson relays to me he is not sure how it will work I would trade with the Nets. Get future picks and send the premium prospect east instead of possibly having to play against him for the next 8 years. It would take 3-4 1st round picks and 2-3 pick swaps for me to trade that far back though. Otherwise I would just trade down one spot with the 76ers for a future 1st and pick the next highest player on my board. I would take Tre Johnson 3rd. At 7/8 I’m targeting Jakucionis or Derik Queen. If Mitch tells me again they don’t fit with what he envisions I’ll get annoyed and decide between firing him on the spot or drafting Sorber or Knueppel.

In the scenario where the organization has decided that Harper isn't our guy (for whatever reason)... I think they should look at it not so much as "who can we get if we trade down to these spots" and more "where can I trade down and get the guy I actually want"

If that guy is specifically one of Ace, VJ or Tre... you really can only move down 1 or 2 spots (depending on your intel on what is happening at 3). If you're happy with any of those three guys, then Utah is an option. If you actually really want Kon or Jaku... a lot more options become available, etc.

I'd hope that if we trade #2, it is only because they've identified a prospect they like better and not because someone offered what seems like a good deal and we've decided we'll just figure it out.

[Splits]

Agreed. The Spurs have at times been known to march to the beat of their own drum... they may come up with an opinion on their board that differs from "the consensus" and that is where a trade down scenario starts to come into play. I sure as hell hope it's not for fucking Cam Johnson though.

From my own personal POV... I hope they just land on Harper being clearly above everyone else and just take him. I've fallen in love with concept of this 3-headed guard monster.

Castle is a SF

[scott]

Castle is a SF

The momentum builds...

[scottspurs]

I think most of this is us being bored and doubt naturally creeping in. The Spurs will Draft Dylan Harper and we will all feel lucky to have him. The bigger question is what happens the rest of the off-season.

[DAF86]

I think most of this is us being bored and doubt naturally creeping in. The Spurs will Draft Dylan Harper and we will all feel lucky to have him. The bigger question is what happens the rest of the off-season.

What are the best possible gets around a Fox, Harper, Castle, Wemby core?

-Brook Lopez to play center on D and wing on offense?
-a knockdown shooter?
-a 6'9" ish 3 and D guy?

Probably all of the above, but which should be prioratized and which are some names that are available?

[scottspurs]

What are the best possible gets around a Fox, Harper, Castle, Wemby core?

-Brook Lopez to play center on D and wing on offense?
-a knockdown shooter?
-a 6'9" ish 3 and D guy?

Probably all of the above, but which should be prioratized and which are some names that are available?

For me rebounding Is the top priority.

[Ice009]

What are the best possible gets around a Fox, Harper, Castle, Wemby core?

-Brook Lopez to play center on D and wing on offense?
-a knockdown shooter?
-a 6'9" ish 3 and D guy?

Probably all of the above, but which should be prioratized and which are some names that are available?

Brook Lopez's rebounding stats are shit, but another poster said that is because boxes out really well (not sure how true that is?), so if that is the case, maybe he'd be OK. But like Scottspurs said, we need rebounding and if he can't rebound, not sure if it's worth it. Adams would be much better as far as rebounding goes. Not sure if they'd both cost the same.

[RC_Drunkford]

What are the best possible gets around a Fox, Harper, Castle, Wemby core?

-Brook Lopez to play center on D and wing on offense?
-a knockdown shooter?
-a 6'9" ish 3 and D guy?

Probably all of the above, but which should be prioratized and which are some names that are available?

we gon get KD and you'll like it :lol

As I said in another thread, rumor is the Spurs want Okongwu from ATL. I'm also fully on board to sign Jake LaRavia with the MLE. We'd have our PF spots and back up C minutes covered, since Okongwu can play both positions.

[DAF86]

For me rebounding Is the top priority.


Brook Lopez's rebounding stats are shit, but another poster said that is because boxes out really well (not sure how true that is?), so if that is the case, maybe he'd be OK. But like Scottspurs said, we need rebounding and if he can't rebound, not sure if it's worth it. Adams would be much better as far as rebounding goes. Not sure if they'd both cost the same.

The Spurs are 9th in adjusted rb chances %, while they are 20th in 3pt %. Their top priority is 3pt shooting, 2nd priority is some more 3pt shooting, 3rd is defense and then can come rebounding, tbh.

[Ice009]

Nah, rebounding is a big issue with the team, defense, then 3-point shooting as far as I'm concerned.

[rankingtear]

we gon get KD and you'll like it :lol

As I said in another thread, rumor is the Spurs want Okongwu from ATL. I'm also fully on board to sign Jake LaRavia with the MLE. We'd have our PF spots and back up C minutes covered, since Okongwu can play both positions.

Why do you keep saying okongwu can play both positions, your spreading lies in this forum emoji guy. He has not played a minute in his lifetime at the 4. Being 6'6 does not mean you can play PF.

[Ice009]

Why do you keep saying okongwu can play both positions, your spreading lies in this forum emoji guy. He has not played a minute in his lifetime at the 4. Being 6'6 does not mean you can play PF.

So what position are you saying he's played? Center only?

[LeBowen]

Rankingtear reminding us he'll never run out of horrible takes.

[RC_Drunkford]

Why do you keep saying okongwu can play both positions, your spreading lies in this forum emoji guy. He has not played a minute in his lifetime at the 4. Being 6'6 does not mean you can play PF.

:lol @ thinking Okongwu is 6‘6“

he can shoot 3s. He can play PF. Wemby can play PF. They can play together.

[rankingtear]

:lol @ thinking Okongwu is 6‘6“

he can shoot 3s. He can play PF. Wemby can play PF. They can play together.

How can he play PF when he has not played PF ever.

[TrainOfThought5]

This is something that confuses me most about draft evaluations, ball handling. If there's any skill that can be most improved in the NBA, it's ball handling.

Danny Green still exists.

[RC_Drunkford]

How can he play PF when he has not played PF ever.

how can he play C if he's only 6'6'' according to you?

[rankingtear]

how can he play C if he's only 6'6'' according to you?

Lol i am exaggerating your serious.

[rankingtear]

Since Gambo has already spoken and we are get KD, trade down is the likeliest and smartest scenario to provide immediate value on the gaps and have asset flexibility to retool the wings in 3 years. Defense first players with room to grow on offense, Malauch, Edgecomb, defense first high character intangibles, next tier more development types you can put on an initiator for a couple of minutes CMB, Bryant, Essengue. regular season for Wemby's health back up bigs Sorber ( KG 2.0 ).

[rankingtear]

Best case scenario trade down 2 to 4 VJ drops and still get the best player in all-star Alex Caruso and get any combination of Mark Williams or our boy Salaun and picks/swaps. Fans shrugged off Lonzo coments but it is too non vanilla to not have some legs to it. CHA resets the timeline, LAC has their ticket seller for their new arena, the ball brothers go home, scoot 2.0 gets the keys to a franchise, we get our BPA.

[Ice009]

Best case scenario trade down 2 to 4 VJ drops and still get the best player in all-star Alex Caruso and get any combination of Mark Williams or our boy Salaun and picks/swaps. Fans shrugged off Lonzo coments but it is too non vanilla to not have some legs to it. CHA resets the timeline, LAC has their ticket seller for their new arena, the ball brothers go home, scoot 2.0 gets the keys to a franchise, we get our BPA.

Can you elaborate on what you're talking about? All-star Alex Caruso? what are you referring to there? Why would the Spurs want Salaun?

What are the Lonzo comments you're referring to?

[mo7888]

Can you elaborate on what you're talking about? All-star Alex Caruso? what are you referring to there? Why would the Spurs want Salaun?

What are the Lonzo comments you're referring to?

He and Kevin are trying to compete for the "troll of the month" award. Don't take it to seriously....

PS- they are both doing a great job and it's a close race...

[Ice009]

He and Kevin are trying to compete for the "troll of the month" award. Don't take it to seriously....

PS- they are both doing a great job and it's a close race...

Yeah, OK, none of it made any sense and I didn't want any of those players he's mentioned.

[Ice009]

He and Kevin are trying to compete for the "troll of the month" award. Don't take it to seriously....

PS- they are both doing a great job and it's a close race...

Yeah, OK, none of it made any sense and I didn't want any of those players he's mentioned.

[exstatic]

Pick #2 strategy

Pick Dylan Harper
Keep Dylan Harper

[Ice009]

That's the only strategy I'd want. The only way I'd want to send it out is if it was in a trade for only a few select players (Giannis, Luka, Cooper etc. edit : completely forgot about Jokic). Really, I'm not even sure what players I'd trade it for. As for future picks, they'd have to be from a team that is bad and it has to be multiple lottery picks as some drafts the top player might not even be as good as Dylan projects to be (like last year's draft).

[rankingtear]

I probably confuse the posters with limited ball knowledge thinking I am a troll. You don't see the smart ones complaining about me. Scoot 2.0 is the archetype that needs the team build around him and it is never going to happen in a team built around Wembanans. VJ can shine through and be the better player on the gaps between Wemby - Fox - Castle and maybe Durant. Caruso is positionless player can fit on every team and provide high impact even though he is 6'5 185 due to elite athleticism + intangibles. Scoot 2.0 did not want to fit on his coach system and decided to play AAU ball with his butt buddy, deciding to play defense only when a decision maker from the NBA is in attendance. VJ is going to be the better player in perpetuity for this team as long as Wembananas is here.

[mo7888]

I probably confuse the posters with limited ball knowledge thinking I am a troll. You don't see the smart ones complaining about me. Scoot 2.0 is the archetype that needs the team build around him and it is never going to happen in a team built around Wembanans. VJ can shine through and be the better player on the gaps between Wemby - Fox - Castle and maybe Durant. Caruso is positionless player can fit on every team and provide high impact even though he is 6'5 185 due to elite athleticism + intangibles. Scoot 2.0 did not want to fit on his coach system and decided to play AAU ball with his butt buddy, deciding to play defense only when a decision maker from the NBA is in attendance. VJ is going to be the better player in perpetuity for this team as long as Wembananas is here.

Beautiful!

[Rosewood]

jesus, after reading through this thread I really hope we just pick Harper and don’t do any trade shenanigans. This thread is giving me anxiety :lol

There are two options here - trade the pick for a superstar player, or choose the clear second best player in the draft. Some of these takes are nightmare scenarios for me.

[scottspurs]

This has been the best thread for a daily laugh.

[sfernald]

I probably confuse the posters with limited ball knowledge thinking I am a troll. You don't see the smart ones complaining about me. Scoot 2.0 is the archetype that needs the team build around him and it is never going to happen in a team built around Wembanans. VJ can shine through and be the better player on the gaps between Wemby - Fox - Castle and maybe Durant. Caruso is positionless player can fit on every team and provide high impact even though he is 6'5 185 due to elite athleticism + intangibles. Scoot 2.0 did not want to fit on his coach system and decided to play AAU ball with his butt buddy, deciding to play defense only when a decision maker from the NBA is in attendance. VJ is going to be the better player in perpetuity for this team as long as Wembananas is here.

I just never get past when you call
him scoot 2.0 cause I’m thinking u must be retarded.

[exstatic]

I just never get past when you call
him scoot 2.0 cause I’m thinking u must be retarded.

He is retarded. No team would build its structure around scoot Henderson.

[Spurs Brazil]

KOC: 2025 NBA Draft: Why all eyes are on Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs and the No. 2 pick

Victor Wembanyama is a 7-foot-5 alien who warps the court on both ends and might be the most important draft pick since LeBron James. The San Antonio Spurs have one job: don’t screw it up. The modern blueprint is crystal clear: space the floor, play with pace and surround your star with shooters and decision-makers. Instead, they’re on track to stack three shaky-shooting ball-handlers like it’s still 2005.

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/2025-nba-draft-why-all-eyes-are-on-victor-wembanyama-the-spurs-and-the-no-2-pick-184723353.html

[Duncan2177]

https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/2025-nba-draft-why-all-eyes-are-on-victor-wembanyama-the-spurs-and-the-no-2-pick-184723353.html

[DAF86]

The strategy is clear: just draft Harper and see how it unfolds. There's always time to make trades after actually seeing the fit on the court.

[Baam]

Anyone can see it. Trading the pick makes much more sense.

[Baam]

Only question is the trade partner and the package.

I still think Pels with Trey Murphy and 7. But maybe they need to pick higher to get their guy.

[RC_Drunkford]

Only question is the trade partner and the package.

I still think Pels with Trey Murphy and 7. But maybe they need to pick higher to get their guy.

Jazz at #5, NOLA at #7 and Brooklyn at #8

[Ice009]

Stupid, stupid move if they're considering it. I really don't know what kind of package would be good enough to consider it being a win trading the pick.

[Degoat]

I don’t necessarily want us to trade #2 (I don’t think we will) but let’s just enjoy the ride this draft season. I like Harper with the spurs but if the spurs brass see otherwise I’ll listen for now.

I’m not totally against them trading it for a player + lottery pick.

[benefactor]

It's not getting traded

[sfernald]

Please let this be a joke. Trading Shai/harden 2.0 cause we have fox will complete the trinity of stupidity that Sacramento started by trading Luka (pick) cause they had fox and then trading Haliburton cause they had fox.

[scottspurs]

Spurs are keeping the pick and Drafting Dylan Harper! It has been reported. No more Strategies. Close Thread

[Adam21]

Please stop making threads. Harper is a Spur. He will have the starting PG duties when he is 22. Good day.

[spurraider21]

bilal?

1936140255775638008


if only bilal had better shooting signals this would actually become an interesting conversation between this and the #6 pick in the knueppel/tre johnson range

i dont think the spurs should be considering this, but its noteworthy to see how highly teams are regarding the #2 pick

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Nah give me Harper. On ball creators who have plus positional size are the holy grail in today’s NBA.

At 6 Spurs would not draft Bailey. VJ and Kon will be gone so it’d be someone like Jaku or Essengue. No thanks.

Also Bilal is nice but much of muchness. Lots of Bilals, not so many Harpers around.

[Ice009]

Pretty much what BG_Spurs_Fan said. Bilal isn't anywhere near good enough and the players left wouldn't be worth it.

[Seventyniner]

#2 for #6 + Bilal + 6 future firsts (they have some incoming picks) + swaps in all the other years is the min to not make me hang up instantly.

[vy65]

2+14 for 6 + Sarr + Bilal.

[td4mvp2k]

#2 for #6 + Bilal + 6 future firsts (they have some incoming picks) + swaps in all the other years is the min to not make me hang up instantly.thats what im hoping for tbh

[baseline bum]

2+14 for 6 + Sarr + Bilal.

:vomit:

[dn0774]

2+14 for 6 + Sarr + Bilal.

Wemby/Bilal & Castle/Sarr extensions in consecutive summers sounds awful. That's if Sarr/Bilal/Castle pan out. Jeez Castle might be the best shooter of those 3 lol.

[scottspurs]

lol y’all still trying to trade Harper lmao

[KobesAchilles]

Is Edgecomb worse than Harper? Am I the only one who sees Anthony Edwards in Edgecomb and his demeanor and athleticism? Harper is much better skilled at this point. I’m not denying his finishing ability is elite. But I’m like if Harper hits he kinda plays like Castle. And if Edgecomb hits then he plays like Edward’s. I’m not so sure it’s as cut and dry as Harper being the second guy

[couchman]

Edgecombe has not shown the handle to ever get close to being Edwards or anything even close to that as an on-ball creator. His handle and poor finishing at the rim (when not dunking) are two of his biggest areas for critique.

[Mr. Body]

Edgecombe has not shown the handle to ever get close to being Edwards or anything even close to that as an on-ball creator. His handle and poor finishing at the rim (when not dunking) are two of his biggest areas for critique.

Edwards wasn't really the greatest prospect coming out of college. Edgecombe kinda blows him away across the board pretty much:

https://tankathon.com/players/compare?players=v-j-edgecombe--anthony-edwards

[scottspurs]

Is Edgecomb worse than Harper? Am I the only one who sees Anthony Edwards in Edgecomb and his demeanor and athleticism? Harper is much better skilled at this point. I’m not denying his finishing ability is elite. But I’m like if Harper hits he kinda plays like Castle. And if Edgecomb hits then he plays like Edward’s. I’m not so sure it’s as cut and dry as Harper being the second guy

my problem with Edgecombe is him shooting just over 40% at the rim. He is not a very good finisher despite the leaping ability. He also doesn’t have a very good handle but that can be fixed.

[scottspurs]

Comparing Edwards and Edgecombe. Edwards was a guy they questioned whether he actually liked basketball. Edgecombe is one of the most competitive prospects in this class

[ulosturedge]

Is Edgecomb worse than Harper? Am I the only one who sees Anthony Edwards in Edgecomb and his demeanor and athleticism? Harper is much better skilled at this point. I’m not denying his finishing ability is elite. But I’m like if Harper hits he kinda plays like Castle. And if Edgecomb hits then he plays like Edward’s. I’m not so sure it’s as cut and dry as Harper being the second guy

Harper has better handles, is a better finisher, has a higher basketball IQ. Harper is getting it done with skill where as Edgecombe is more reliant on athleticism. I would say Harper has a much higher floor. And as if having another Castle would be a problem :lol. I don't even think Castle is Castle yet. Was just his rookie year.

[RC_Drunkford]

you pick Harper cause he's the most complete player and the safest pick out of the bunch. There are a few players behind him who could become better than him down the line. Would you bet money on it? I wouldn't.

The worst thing you can do with #2 is fuck up the pick. So you take Harper and figure it out later.

[mo7888]

I take Harper, but I do think that Edgecombe is closer to Harper than Harper is to Flagg. I also think there's more upside potential with Edgecombe, but his floor is much lower.

[KobesAchilles]

I take Harper, but I do think that Edgecombe is closer to Harper than Harper is to Flagg. I also think there's more upside potential with Edgecombe, but his floor is much lower.
Yeah I’m not saying Harper isn’t better right now. He clearly is better at many things like finishing at the rim and dribbling. I’m just saying that at their peak I can see Edgecomb being the better player. Like the dude (to me) looks like a clone of AE and if everything works out and he develops to the best of his ability then I can see him being a top 10 player in the league.

Anyways just my two cents. I can see why we take Harper over him but if I’m Philly I am taking Edgecomb and not looking back. He might be the best player of the draft the way that Tatum was in his draft.

[exstatic]

I take Harper, but I do think that Edgecombe is closer to Harper than Harper is to Flagg. I also think there's more upside potential with Edgecombe, but his floor is much lower.

That’s what differentiates prospects. You can’t wishcast their highest outcome. High ceiling/high floor guys are in a completely different category from high ceiling/low-mid floor guys. That’s why the consensus is that there is a bigger gap between 2 and 3 than 1 and 2.

[sfernald]

So it seems like many teams are trying to trade up to get Harper, making crazy offers even.

Somewhere I read that something like #2 + keldon for #6, #18, bilal and Sarr (lol) is actually an offer that wizards fans would consider. They feel that Harper would be their foundational player they could build the whole team around.

That’s pretty exciting. Definitely a keeper.

[Ice009]

I don't actually like that offer. Needs draft picks added for me to even consider it. The 6th pick is a nothing pick and I'm not big on Sarr at all. That brings it down to Bilal, and Bilal ain't anywhere near enough. Nah, Giannis would be one of the only trades I'd be interested in.

[sfernald]

I don't actually like that offer. Needs draft picks added for me to even consider it. The 6th pick is a nothing pick and I'm not big on Sarr at all. That brings it down to Bilal, and Bilal ain't anywhere near enough. Nah, Giannis would be one of the only trades I'd be interested in.

Sure I wouldn’t do it. But Sarr was a #2 pick and they moved up to draft bilal so I think that would be a haul and it means they are offering their Crown Jewels which to me means we definitely are about to draft a future super star.

[exstatic]

Sure I wouldn’t do it. But Sarr was a #2 pick and they moved up to draft bilal so I think that would be a haul and it means they are offering their Crown Jewels which to me means we definitely are about to draft a future super star.

You can’t compare a high pick in a shit draft with a high pick in a good draft. Wiseman is still in the league, and he was a #2 pick. Why not just take a package from Detroit built around him?

[mo7888]

That’s what differentiates prospects. You can’t wishcast their highest outcome. High ceiling/high floor guys are in a completely different category from high ceiling/low-mid floor guys. That’s why the consensus is that there is a bigger gap between 2 and 3 than 1 and 2.

Yep...that's why I started with "I take Harper"

[baseline bum]

So it seems like many teams are trying to trade up to get Harper, making crazy offers even.

Somewhere I read that something like #2 + keldon for #6, #18, bilal and Sarr (lol) is actually an offer that wizards fans would consider. They feel that Harper would be their foundational player they could build the whole team around.

That’s pretty exciting. Definitely a keeper.

So we can get two prospects I hate in Bailey and Sarr :lol

No fucking thanks Washington, go fuck your mother some more

[sfernald]

So we can get two prospects I hate in Bailey and Sarr :lol

No fucking thanks Washington, go fuck your mother some more

Sadly that’s all they got. Thems the Crown Jewels. But to me this just confirms that Harper is gonna be the harden/shai 2.0 that we believe. Those Washington execs are all presti acolytes who know their shit. Can’t wait for the draft.

[Spursfanfromafar]

Lol at most of these takes in this stupid thread.

Harper is the expected number 2 pick not just because of hypotheticals but actual production and clear cut abilities. There is no rationale but to draft him after Flagg. It's that simple.

The only way the Spurs trade Harper is if they get an All NBA 1st teamer to complement Wemby and even that is only correct if the Spurs don't lose too much depth in that process. No possibility of that exists - Giannis isn't quite available and even if he is, the Bucks will get a ransom hurting the Spurs future.

All these stupid Wizards trade for their young talent - a bunch of above average prospects makes no sense to give up a potential home run who can grow with Wemby as the Spurs transit to a contender.

The Spurs and their fans should focus on the 14th pick and it offers more rationales and scenarios than 2.

[RC_Drunkford]

None of those Wizards players can shoot. They can package their 4 best rookies and I'd still say no. Where the fuck are you going to play those guys?

[scott]

None of those Wizards players can shoot. They can package their 4 best rookies and I'd still say no. Where the fuck are you going to play those guys?

You have Brian Wright's attention...

[sfernald]

None of those Wizards players can shoot. They can package their 4 best rookies and I'd still say no. Where the fuck are you going to play those guys?

We play them with our guys who can’t shoot. That’s what we do.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Is Edgecomb worse than Harper? Am I the only one who sees Anthony Edwards in Edgecomb and his demeanor and athleticism? Harper is much better skilled at this point. I’m not denying his finishing ability is elite. But I’m like if Harper hits he kinda plays like Castle. And if Edgecomb hits then he plays like Edward’s. I’m not so sure it’s as cut and dry as Harper being the second guy

I see the same. I wrote previously that I thought there is a chance VJ ends up as the best player in this draft. If you can extract enough additional collateral I think you have to think hard about a Philly trade.

[exstatic]

I see the same. I wrote previously that I thought there is a chance VJ ends up as the best player in this draft. If you can extract enough additional collateral I think you have to think hard about a Philly trade.

VJ would have to hit his 95% outcome to match Harper’s 75% outcome. It’s a huge gamble that you don’t need to take.

[buttsR4rebounding]

VJ would have to hit his 95% outcome to match Harper’s 75% outcome. It’s a huge gamble that you don’t need to take.

It’s not as simple as that. How about factoring overlap with Fox, overlap with Castle, value of other assets received which I said was key.

[baseline bum]

It’s not as simple as that. How about factoring overlap with Fox, overlap with Castle, value of other assets received which I said was key.

There isn't overlap with Fox and Castle taking Edgecombe? He doesn't have the size to play the SF. There is no forward worth taking in the top 7 or 8 outside of Flagg.

[exstatic]

Here’s my bottom line: you take the best talent, the best prospect, and you figure it out. I honestly don’t see Fox here beyond his next contract, so then you’re left with a kick ass outsized mirror image backcourt in their early 20s. How awful.

[rascal]

It’s not as simple as that. How about factoring overlap with Fox, overlap with Castle, value of other assets received which I said was key.

I can't believe people are still arguing against drafting Harper.

Spurs have said a month ago they are drafting Harper.

[Ice009]

It seems to me people are just simply going against Harper for no good reason and I don't understand why.

When using examples like VJ Edgecomb, that straight out says to me that you don't want Harper. It's not like VJ is a small forward that fits the team better. I just don't understand it. He's more limited and has a lower floor, and his fit also isn't the best. Sure, I would be very happy to take him if the Spurs had the 3rd pick, but we don't, the Spurs have the second pick. There really is no need to be talking about taking VJ Edgecomb or anyone else not named Cooper Flagg ahead of Harper.

[Guru of Nothing]

It seems to me people are just simply going against Harper for no good reason and I don't understand why.

When using examples like VJ Edgecomb, that straight out says to me that you don't want Harper. It's not like VJ is a small forward that fits the team better. I just don't understand it. He's more limited and has a lower floor, and his fit also isn't the best. Sure, I would be very happy to take him if the Spurs had the 3rd pick, but we don't, the Spurs have the second pick. There really is no need to be talking about taking VJ Edgecomb or anyone else not named Cooper Flagg ahead of Harper.

Overwhelming majority here are on Team Harper, but it would be message board malfeasance not to throw shit into the grist mill for discussion's sake. It reinforces the obvious - draft Harper

[Baam]

We know how far this roster is from being great.

Only way to make a quick turnaround is trading this pick. Draft is a crapshoot anyway. Zion, Fultz, Lonzo, Morant, Scoot were all just as highly rated as Harper and didn't turn out as expected.

Get the extra assets, draft the under the radar star at 7, 8 or 9, and make the team actually better next year. Drafting Harper won't do that.

[Ice009]

We know how far this roster is from being great.

Only way to make a quick turnaround is trading this pick. Draft is a crapshoot anyway. Zion, Fultz, Lonzo, Morant, Scoot were all just as highly rated as Harper and didn't turn out as expected.

Get the extra assets, draft the under the radar star at 7, 8 or 9, and make the team actually better next year. Drafting Harper won't do that.

No thanks. After missing out on Durant, if the Spurs were to trade the number 2 pick on top of that for anything less than Giannis, this would be one of the worst off-seasons ever.

[Joseph Kony]

1937263520690643123

Spurs are at least listening to offers and have apparently communicated a steep asking price for #2. Still expected to keep the pick though

[Holt's Cat]

Listen of course maybe someone makes a stupid offer but otherwise not hard decision to keep and draft Harper

[Eaglenole2002]

Listen of course maybe someone makes a stupid offer but otherwise not hard decision to keep and draft Harper
Yep. You’re ding yourself and the franchise a disservice by not listening because you just never know…

[T Park]

We know how far this roster is from being great.

Only way to make a quick turnaround is trading this pick. Draft is a crapshoot anyway. Zion, Fultz, Lonzo, Morant, Scoot were all just as highly rated as Harper and didn't turn out as expected.

Get the extra assets, draft the under the radar star at 7, 8 or 9, and make the team actually better next year. Drafting Harper won't do that.

Yeah drafting a future all star all world guard wont make them better.

Sure lol

[Holt's Cat]

NBA media certainly wants the Spurs to trade the pick.

Sure trade speculation draws more traffic but still.

[BackHome]

The fake news is dying for a big time player to land in a big media market like LA or NY.

[T Park]

The strategy is you pick the best player. You’ve got smart assistants and a smart O Coordinator in Johnson that can make it work.

[Holt's Cat]

Yeah, Spurs are gonna solve whatever problems for East Coast team out of simple kindness, apparently

[Baam]

Yeah drafting a future all star all world guard wont make them better.

Sure lol
You don't know what he is in the NBA like you didn't know what Zion was gonna be. Halliburton wasn't drafted at 2 and didn't get a fraction of the draft hype Fultz, Lonzo and Scoot got yet he turned out much better. Bottom line you're guessing like any casual.

[Ice009]

You don't know what he is in the NBA like you didn't know what Zion was gonna be. Halliburton wasn't drafted at 2 and didn't get a fraction of the draft hype Fultz, Lonzo and Scoot got yet he turned out much better. Bottom line you're guessing like any casual.

From what I've gathered, he's got a higher floor than all those guys you just listed. That's why. And it seems a lot of teams think so, not just the Spurs.

[T Park]

You don't know what he is in the NBA like you didn't know what Zion was gonna be. Halliburton wasn't drafted at 2 and didn't get a fraction of the draft hype Fultz, Lonzo and Scoot got yet he turned out much better. Bottom line you're guessing like any casual.


��

[poopbox]

It seems to me people are just simply going against Harper for no good reason and I don't understand why.

When using examples like VJ Edgecomb, that straight out says to me that you don't want Harper. It's not like VJ is a small forward that fits the team better. I just don't understand it. He's more limited and has a lower floor, and his fit also isn't the best. Sure, I would be very happy to take him if the Spurs had the 3rd pick, but we don't, the Spurs have the second pick. There really is no need to be talking about taking VJ Edgecomb or anyone else not named Cooper Flagg ahead of Harper.

I actually go the opposite way. I don't understand how Harper, a guy who wasn't good enough to even get his college team a .500 record, is some can't miss prospect. I've watched over 10 hours of film and draft talk about this guy. There is no doubt he is good. But I don't at all view him as he is so good there is no way I am trading for him. On top of that, if he gets drafted by the Spurs, right off the bat he will NOT be able to put his best skill to use, coming off screens and getting to the rim, to it's fullest because our best guard has that as his best trait and our second best guard has it as his second best trait. I don't see any other part of Harpers game that is even nba average outside of him getting to the rim with the ball in his hands. When I watch him do that I think to myself "well we won't see much of that when he is on the floor with Fox cause that is what Fox does. Might not see much of that when he is on the floor with Castle cause that is what Castle does."

I view that as the spurs tripling down on a skillset. So then I say will maybe these other perennial playoff teams are doing that, let me go look at their roster. Outside of 3 point shooting and defense, I don't see one playoff team trying to triple down on a skillset. Celtics have Tatum and Brown to create isolation offense I don't see them trying to go get KD or Dame to be the 3rd person to do it. Knicks has Kat and Brunson I don't see them trying to go get a 3rd guy to do it. I guess maybe you could say the Clippers with Kawhi Norm and Harden but they went home in the first round. And then I say to myself if all these other teams who are the 6th seed or higher for years in a row, make the playoffs for years in a row, and actually win playoffs series aren't doing it, then why is the team with 6 consecutive losing seasons who never make the playoffs and never win anything or even remotely compete for anything doing it?

To me that is the main point. The teams that are good and compete do not have 3 guards who number one skill set is getting to the rim and try to shoe horn them together. But the team who has had exactly 0 success at pretty much anything in 6 years is? Skeptical poopbox is skeptical.

[RC_Drunkford]

1937263520690643123

Spurs are at least listening to offers and have apparently communicated a steep asking price for #2. Still expected to keep the pick though

that's what they should be doing. If a team is willing to give up the farm you can take the deal. If not draft Harper. They will only trade it for a massive overpay.

[Ice009]

I actually go the opposite way. I don't understand how Harper, a guy who wasn't good enough to even get his college team a .500 record, is some can't miss prospect. I've watched over 10 hours of film and draft talk about this guy. There is no doubt he is good. But I don't at all view him as he is so good there is no way I am trading for him. On top of that, if he gets drafted by the Spurs, right off the bat he will NOT be able to put his best skill to use, coming off screens and getting to the rim, to it's fullest because our best guard has that as his best trait and our second best guard has it as his second best trait. I don't see any other part of Harpers game that is even nba average outside of him getting to the rim with the ball in his hands. When I watch him do that I think to myself "well we won't see much of that when he is on the floor with Fox cause that is what Fox does. Might not see much of that when he is on the floor with Castle cause that is what Castle does."

I view that as the spurs tripling down on a skillset. So then I say will maybe these other perennial playoff teams are doing that, let me go look at their roster. Outside of 3 point shooting and defense, I don't see one playoff team trying to triple down on a skillset. Celtics have Tatum and Brown to create isolation offense I don't see them trying to go get KD or Dame to be the 3rd person to do it. Knicks has Kat and Brunson I don't see them trying to go get a 3rd guy to do it. I guess maybe you could say the Clippers with Kawhi Norm and Harden but they went home in the first round. And then I say to myself if all these other teams who are the 6th seed or higher for years in a row, make the playoffs for years in a row, and actually win playoffs series aren't doing it, then why is the team with 6 consecutive losing seasons who never make the playoffs and never win anything or even remotely compete for anything doing it?

To me that is the main point. The teams that are good and compete do not have 3 guards who number one skill set is getting to the rim and try to shoe horn them together. But the team who has had exactly 0 success at pretty much anything in 6 years is? Skeptical poopbox is skeptical.

Where have you watched the 10 hours of film on him? Is there full games or something somewhere? I wouldn't think there is 10 hours of highlights.

Also, it doesn't hurt to have guys that can get to the rim and draw defenders in to create for others. Harper seems to be elite at getting to the rim. Most teams don't have that. They don't choose to not have that which is what you're making it sound like. The Spurs would probably like Cooper Flagg more as he fits better, but since that is not at option, it looks like they will take the next best pick. None of the other players are good enough prospects to choose over Harper, so the Spurs will likely take Harper (unless a last minute insane offer comes in that might make them rethink that) and see how it works. I'd much rather the better player that has franchise potential than taking someone that has a lower floor and is a bigger gamble.

The Knicks are a bad example. I am sure they'd love to have another player like Harper to help Brunson. Brunson was worn down, fatigued and f#cked up trying to carry the load by himself at the end of the playoffs for the Knicks.