Pick #14 - Strategies

[scott]

OKC is poised to just trade out of the first round completely unless something magical falls right to them, and unfortunately it is feeling like Sorber is going to perfectly fall to them for a redshirt year much like they did with Topic and be able to perfectly backfill iHart the year after.

It will force them to have to release or trade someone though.

[Ice009]

I keep forgetting they got Topic.

[tbdog]

Who's this Liam McNeeley guy that one mock has Spurs taking him at 14.

[exstatic]

Who's this Liam McNeeley guy that one mock has Spurs taking him at 14.

SF from UConn. He was rated higher early, but they lacked PGs, and he had to do more than expected, so his numbers dropped a bit. Dejounte absolutely hates him. Rates him as late first, end of round kind of thing.

I kind of think he has low to medium ceiling, but a high floor. Rotation level to starter.

[Dejounte]

If Sorber’s gone, I say fuck it, take Powell with the 14th pick.

[ginobilized]

If Sorber’s gone, I say fuck it, take Powell with the 14th pick.

I could go with that. Powell's athleticism and defensive upside would be fun to watch. The other available players don't have the upside. If Drake fits within the Spurs personality metrics, I bet they'd do this. He has Kawhi-lite, Bruce Bowen potential.
Still, Sorber seems like the best possible outcome at 14.

[John B]

If Sorber’s gone, I say fuck it, take Powell with the 14th pick.

I like Powell and can work because there’s plenty of Bigs options in the 2nd round. But I think they will go for a defensive SF/PF at #14.

[John B]

Who's this Liam McNeeley guy that one mock has Spurs taking him at 14.He’s a bucket getter. Fans of Austin Reaves would be happy with this pick (sorry for the white guy comparisons). Gutsy, streaky shooter. Watching that 2024 Jordan Classic really gave me the impression that he can roll with the best of them. He’s not shy shooting the basket, a Klay Thompson without the elite defense. But Dylan still stood up as the man among boys, alpha dog who took the limelight away from Flagg on that game.

[scott]

If Sorber’s gone, I say fuck it, take Powell with the 14th pick.

Now this is the spicy shit I'm here for! It would be a bold, long-term thinking pick... but I wouldn't hate it at all. I wonder how much of the recent Drake rise is real and how much is just media hype. We'll find out in a few weeks I guess.

[Russ]

I keep forgetting they got Topic.

Don't worry, you'll be repeatedly reminded of it.

[Bruno]

The latest espn big board around pick #14:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41662748/2025-nba-draft-big-board-rankings-top-100-prospects-players
10: Jakucionis
11: Demin
12: Bryant
13: Queen
14: CMB
15: Beringer
16: McNeeley
17: Riley
18: Sorber
19: Wolf
20: Richardson

To me, these players aren't in the same tier. There is a tier change right around Spurs pick (after CMB).

At #14, there should have a couple of players available that are better than the field.

[Mr. Body]

The latest espn big board around pick #14:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41662748/2025-nba-draft-big-board-rankings-top-100-prospects-players
10: Jakucionis
11: Demin
12: Bryant
13: Queen
14: CMB
15: Beringer
16: McNeeley
17: Riley
18: Sorber
19: Wolf
20: Richardson

To me, these players aren't in the same tier. There is a tier change right around Spurs pick (after CMB).

At #14, there should have a couple of players available that are better than the field.

I think Richardson is going to be a nice player, but can't be the pick with a logjam already.

[Bruno]

I think Richardson is going to be a nice player, but can't be the pick with a logjam already.

Agree, his combine measurements really hurt his draft stock.

[sfernald]

OKC is poised to just trade out of the first round completely unless something magical falls right to them, and unfortunately it is feeling like Sorber is going to perfectly fall to them for a redshirt year much like they did with Topic and be able to perfectly backfill iHart the year after.

It will force them to have to release or trade someone though.

Dang they would have to get rid of Dieng or Dillon Jones. I still think both of those guys have a chance to be players. Dieng was a lottery pick project, g league mvp who is still younger than a lot of the players in this coming draft. With Dillon Jones I think they traded about 5 seconds for him so they must be pretty high on him. If there is someone there at #15 it would have to be a pretty good player. What they probably do is a consolidation trade. The two for one better player maybe? Some floundering teams should jump even if okc’s scraps become available like Charlotte did recently. Those two guys would be rotation players for example on the shitty nets.

[sfernald]

The latest espn big board around pick #14:https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41662748/2025-nba-draft-big-board-rankings-top-100-prospects-players10: Jakucionis11: Demin12: Bryant13: Queen14: CMB15: Beringer16: McNeeley17: Riley18: Sorber19: Wolf20: RichardsonTo me, these players aren't in the same tier. There is a tier change right around Spurs pick (after CMB).At #14, there should have a couple of players available that are better than the field.

Looking at it this way, I think we just have to take whomever drops to us from 1-14 on that list. That player has the best chance of being a legit player in the league regardless of position. Hint, hint: I’m praying for CMB lol.

[Knoxxx]

With the gaping holes in our frontcourt there are a number of forward prospects that appear worth taking a swing at with #14.

[Mr. Body]

Dang they would have to get rid of Dieng or Dillon Jones. I still think both of those guys have a chance to be players. Dieng was a lottery pick project, g league mvp who is still younger than a lot of the players in this coming draft. With Dillon Jones I think they traded about 5 seconds for him so they must be pretty high on him. If there is someone there at #15 it would have to be a pretty good player. What they probably do is a consolidation trade. The two for one better player maybe? Some floundering teams should jump even if okc’s scraps become available like Charlotte did recently. Those two guys would be rotation players for example on the shitty nets.

Dieng has been in the league three years and hasn't improved at all, he's been pretty bad. Not saying there's no chance, but it's not looking good. Jones has only had one year, a not very good one, but he has more time.

Dieng isn't even half as good as Pokusevski was and Poku is out of the league.

[sfernald]

Dieng has been in the league three years and hasn't improved at all, he's been pretty bad. Not saying there's no chance, but it's not looking good. Jones has only had one year, a not very good one, but he has more time.

Dieng isn't even half as good as Pokusevski was and Poku is out of the league.

I mean I get it and I agree. But I feel like the Thunder’s success has hindered him as he’s the type of guy that needs minutes on a bad team to develop. Give him 30 minutes a night on a crappy jazz team and he really might start getting some confidence and play much much better. But yeah I agree he’s the one to go sadly.

[spurraider21]

powell at 14 would be a ridiculous reach

[Splits]

For all the talk about needing a stretch 4 and our shitty 3P%, I can't believe so many people here would take Queen/CMB/Sorber at 14

[sfernald]

For all the talk about needing a stretch 4 and our shitty 3P%, I can't believe so many people here would take Queen/CMB/Sorber at 14

I say solve our inadequacies through free agents or trade and just use draft to get upside. If a pick hits then it become a huge asset worth much more than just a pick.

Like for example let’s say CMB becomes a cost controlled player that is effectively 80% of Draymond Green. Do you realize how much that would be worth on the open market even if we didn’t want to keep him?

[Mr. Body]

I say solve our inadequacies through free agents or trade and just use draft to get upside. If a pick hits then it become a huge asset worth much more than just a pick.

Like for example let’s say CMB becomes a cost controlled player that is effectively 80% of Draymond Green. Do you realize how much that would be worth on the open market even if we didn’t want to keep him?

Definitely agree on upside here, but I don't think they can go with a Jase Richardson if they have Harper. I'm not sure CMB is the guy, either. But if there is a Demin or even a Jakucionis there, I grab them. I don't think KJ falls and I'm pretty sure Demin is picked earlier, too. But those kinds of multi-use, ball-handling dynamic players they should grab regardless of who is already on the team.

[scottspurs]

For all the talk about needing a stretch 4 and our shitty 3P%, I can't believe so many people here would take Queen/CMB/Sorber at 14

Spurs are middle of the pack as a 3-pt shooting team statistically. They are bottom of the league in every rebounding category.

[scottspurs]

Just a reminder where the spurs ranked last season

https://img.sportradar.com/ls/crest/big/3429.png


San Antonio SpursSouthwest Division
Team Info & Stats







rank
stat
nba avg


Team Bench Points per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/3b081680-aa77-11ee-9b2a-fbb5c8aae8ca?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
1
44.1
35.5


Opp. FTA Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/becb5980-c929-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
3
18.5
21.7


Blocks Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/7295c790-c92d-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
4
5.5
4.9


Assists Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/8cfa69a0-c92e-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
6
28.6
26.5


3PA Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/63d5aa10-dd1c-11e8-9c28-570a4b4507de?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
7
39.6
37.6


Opp. Blocks Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/efb26f80-c92d-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
7
4.3
4.9


3PM Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/ef8b2810-dd1b-11e8-9c28-570a4b4507de?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
9
14.1
13.5


Fast Break Points Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/348e38e0-6707-11eb-99e1-07bad8e110a9?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
10
16.1
15.5


Turnovers Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/c67b7b60-c92e-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
10
13.9
14.3


Steals Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/4c692d40-c92e-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
12
8.2
8.2


2PT% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/931c6080-c92a-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
15
.551
.545


Opp. Steals Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/817f58e0-c930-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
15t
8.1
8.2


Team Points per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/995c4290-5cf7-11eb-9199-ed002ba9e83a?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
16
113.9
113.8


Best Record - One-Possession Games (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/33c72f20-5e39-11ea-b11c-e58a9ee0ed6b?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
16t
.500
.500


Offensive Rebounds Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/fcb9be30-c92e-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
17
10.9
11.1


FG% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/69688500-c84b-11e8-9719-97e053d31dff?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
17
.465
.467


Turnover Differential per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/c0fecc50-5cfc-11eb-8482-75364efb27b0?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
17
-0.2
0.0


Points in the Paint Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/8109b0a0-6707-11eb-99e1-07bad8e110a9?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
18
47.8
49.0


True Shooting % (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/90e0c4d0-4d0b-11ea-b4ad-41e5e9899a7b?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
19
.575
.576


Rebounds Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/a55b4c70-c92f-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
19
43.7
44.1


3PT% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/1b1750f0-c84d-11e8-b78f-3586eea95558?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
20
.357
.360


FT% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/fc5dfbe0-c929-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
21
.774
.780


FTA Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/c3ca4cd0-c928-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
21
21.0
21.7


Defensive Rebounds Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/276bcb80-c92c-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
21
32.7
33.0


Point Differential Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/4631a4d0-c92d-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
21
-2.8
0.0


Opp. Points Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/a8181070-c848-11e8-b78f-3586eea95558?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
23
116.7
113.8


Opp. 2PT% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/c7689750-c92a-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
23
.554
.545


Opp. Assists Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/e5789be0-c930-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
23
28.0
26.5


Opp. FG% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/2d334860-c84e-11e8-b78f-3586eea95558?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
24
.474
.467


Opp. 3PT% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/4df72f00-c928-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
24
.365
.360


2nd Chance Points Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/65dfa640-6707-11eb-99e1-07bad8e110a9?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
25
12.6
14.1


Opp. FT% (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/59ca26f0-c92a-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
26
.790
.780


Rebound Differential per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/48bf5bb0-5cf7-11eb-9199-ed002ba9e83a?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
27
-2.5
0.0


Opp. Defensive Rebounds Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/ce8dbea0-c92c-11e8-8f6a-b17c0bda1166?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
27
34.1
33.0


Opp. Offensive Rebounds Per Game (https://radar360.sportradar.com/nba/reports/2eff5a20-c930-11e8-865f-af54ac5e9936?778fd420-2ef5-11e8-af3a-37d0bee476b0=2024)
28
12.1
11.1

[exstatic]

OKC is poised to just trade out of the first round completely unless something magical falls right to them, and unfortunately it is feeling like Sorber is going to perfectly fall to them for a redshirt year much like they did with Topic and be able to perfectly backfill iHart the year after.

It will force them to have to release or trade someone though.

Why not beat them to the punch? We have roster spots, and #14 doesn’t cost much. If there are no offers on the table, there could be worse uses of the pick.

[sfernald]

Spurs are middle of the pack as a 3-pt shooting team statistically. They are bottom of the league in every rebounding category.

Yum CMB is such a great rebounder. His hands are vice like. Always gets the ball in a scuffle. First
one on the floor for the ball.

[Splits]

Spurs are middle of the pack as a 3-pt shooting team statistically. They are bottom of the league in every rebounding category.

So we were 19th in rebounds per game and 20th in 3P% primarily because our far and away best shooter was Barnes and we're going to give some number of his touches to Sorber who shot 18%. So we will nominally improve our rebouding and drastically kill our 3p% unless Sorber is only Wemby's backup

[DPG21920]

I wonder if there is someone who Spurs really like at 7 if there is a deal that can be done with NO? Something around CJ McCollum + 7 for Vassell + 14?

[scottspurs]

So we were 19th in rebounds per game and 20th in 3P% primarily because our far and away best shooter was Barnes and we're going to give some number of his touches to Sorber who shot 18%. So we will nominally improve our rebouding and drastically kill our 3p% unless Sorber is only Wemby's backup

9th in 3-pointers made and 27th in rebound differential is the more telling stat.

Spurs had a winning record when they out rebounded the other team. They actually had a losing record in games where they shot a better 3-pt% than their opponent.

[Seventyniner]

I wouldn't look too much into team stats for the entire season. Wemby played 46 games and Fox played 17. I hope each of them plays at least 70 this season and we get to see this team at full potential.

[BackHome]

But this shows a couple of things we are complete garbage on defense when Wemby, is out which shows we need to get a legit backup for him. It also shows that we need better defensive coaching as far as schemes and holding players accountable for simple things like boxing out. There are so many ways to improve this team from taking all picks or to trading for vets it's just a matter of pick your poison.

[Knoxxx]

I wonder if there is someone who Spurs really like at 7 if there is a deal that can be done with NO? Something around CJ McCollum + 7 for Vassell + 14?

WTF are you smoking!?!

[scott]

Why not beat them to the punch? We have roster spots, and #14 doesn’t cost much. If there are no offers on the table, there could be worse uses of the pick.

That's what I hope we do! Brian Wright doesn't call me anymore to ask my opinion while we are on the clock though :(

[CGD]

The latest espn big board around pick #14:
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/41662748/2025-nba-draft-big-board-rankings-top-100-prospects-players
10: Jakucionis
11: Demin
12: Bryant
13: Queen
14: CMB
15: Beringer
16: McNeeley
17: Riley
18: Sorber
19: Wolf
20: Richardson

To me, these players aren't in the same tier. There is a tier change right around Spurs pick (after CMB).

At #14, there should have a couple of players available that are better than the field.

I think Kasparas has the potential to be the guy in this draft that drops further than he should. Will he make it to 14? Not sure, but weird we haven’t heard much about him.

Wonder if Chicago takes him if he’s there. Another Lithuanian that played in Illinois. All they need to do then is trade for Sabonis, and wait for Val to become a free agent.

[exstatic]

That's what I hope we do! Brian Wright doesn't call me anymore to ask my opinion while we are on the clock though :(

He heard you were discussing unlikely scenarios for #2, and thinks it’s a waste of time…

[scott]

He heard you were discussing unlikely scenarios for #2, and thinks it’s a waste of time…

It's fun to imagine Brian Wright, sitting back late and night in his office with a bowl of M&Ms, reading ST.com, thinking to himself "fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck... these guys are dumb"

[Degoat]

There’s a ton of guys I’d be thrilled with at 14 tbh, it’s definitely that last spot before there’s a tier drop in talent imo… I just wonder if the spurs go best player or Fit?

[sfernald]

It's fun to imagine Brian Wright, sitting back late and night in his office with a bowl of M&Ms, reading ST.com, thinking to himself "fuuuuuuuuuuuuuck... these guys are dumb"

What if he is one of us on here and uses us to run ideas by? Maybe that’s what makes him such a genius?

[PhantomDashCam]

https://youtu.be/wCj62xZcf6s?si=QSJDTZdR3QLvOL5Y

There’s a really nice story on Carter Bryant from ~ 21 min mark. Goes for about 3 minutes. Well worth a listen to that portion.

[scott]

What if he is one of us on here and uses us to run ideas by? Maybe that’s what makes him such a genius?

You caught me… been digging through old threads trying to find the motherfucker who put the idea into my head to pick Primo and Branham

[mudyez]

I'm not totally against trading the pick if we land a nice haul that not just keeps the poweder dry.

But I don't see the argument, that the Spurs wont bring in two Rookies (I thing #38 will be a stash or will be a Gleaguer anyway) because of resources.

It's not like we are a contender yet, so there es room to try some stuff (especially if its a big like Sorber, Maluach or Fleming). And after all we have "The Rock"...if not for that, what then.

IMO it all comes down to who is on the board and if someone gives you more than a first. Especially bigs like the three mentioned and maybe Bryant are way to interesting to pass up just because of "resouces".

[Bruno]

Looking at it this way, I think we just have to take whomever drops to us from 1-14 on that list. That player has the best chance of being a legit player in the league regardless of position. Hint, hint: I’m praying for CMB lol.

There is also the option of trading the pick.

I'm mostly looking at BPA without looking at fits with trades in mind. Players like CMB or Queen might be viewed as top10 by some teams and they should make a good offer for #14 if they haven't be drafted by that pick.

[RC_Drunkford]

trading this pick for KD should be the move if you look at our recent draft history in this range :lol

https://preview.redd.it/thank-god-we-got-lucky-with-ping-pong-balls-building-v0-prbrf3ny7r2f1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&6de86b12
https://i.ibb.co/WNdzwLbj/thank-god-we-got-lucky-with-ping-pong-balls-building-v0-prbrf3ny7r2f1.webp

[ginobilized]

trading this pick for KD should be the move if you look at our recent draft history in this range :lol

https://preview.redd.it/thank-god-we-got-lucky-with-ping-pong-balls-building-v0-prbrf3ny7r2f1.jpeg?width=1080&crop=smart&auto=webp&6de86b12
https://i.ibb.co/WNdzwLbj/thank-god-we-got-lucky-with-ping-pong-balls-building-v0-prbrf3ny7r2f1.webp

That's a painful graphic. 4 of 5 of our misses have made it to the NBA Finals.

[CorrectCrusader]

Every one of those misses led us to wemby I ain't sweating.

We're taking a wing at 14. There's a lot of good prospects in this class that will be available.

[dubross]

I think if we still drafted Sochan and Vassell and hit on 1 or 2 we still would of been sorry enough to get Wemby though.

[RC_Drunkford]

That's a painful graphic. 4 of 5 of our misses have made it to the NBA Finals.

and 2 of our picks are out of the league. With Branham being next in line to make it 3.


Every one of those misses led us to wemby I ain't sweating.

We're taking a wing at 14. There's a lot of good prospects in this class that will be available.

no we're trading it for KD

[Mr. Body]

https://youtu.be/wCj62xZcf6s?si=QSJDTZdR3QLvOL5Y

There’s a really nice story on Carter Bryant from ~ 21 min mark. Goes for about 3 minutes. Well worth a listen to that portion.

The dude that tells that story was part of a group salivating over Cody Williams last year. Absolutely gaga over him, and telling stories about how he was talking and getting along with his teammates during shootaround. Like that's some big selling point? He talks to his teammates? Anyway, they were wildly wrong about Williams, and embarrassingly so (I thought even at the time). I don't think Bryant is on the tier of 'stay away' as Cody Williams, but being impressed by a guy who shoots around and dribbles after a scrimmage is really weird.

[scott]

I think if we still drafted Sochan and Vassell and hit on 1 or 2 we still would of been sorry enough to get Wemby though.

Yeah… even Wemby himself still got us the exact same record as when we got Wemby… so I don’t think Andrew Nembhard would have been the difference maker that pushed us out of tank range :lol

[scottspurs]

The dude that tells that story was part of a group salivating over Cody Williams last year. Absolutely gaga over him, and telling stories about how he was talking and getting along with his teammates during shootaround. Like that's some big selling point? He talks to his teammates? Anyway, they were wildly wrong about Williams, and embarrassingly so (I thought even at the time). I don't think Bryant is on the tier of 'stay away' as Cody Williams, but being impressed by a guy who shoots around and dribbles after a scrimmage is really weird.

Honestly Cody Williams looked better in college than Carter Bryant. I think you can except the same Rookie seasons from Bryant as you saw from Williams lol which is yikes.

[DPG21920]

WTF are you smoking!?!

Elaborate?

[keithington1]

If it’s between Fleming, Wolf, Coward, Newell, and Raynaud, I’m taking Beringer at 14. That’s the freak everyone’s been overlooking. Literally the perfect backup big if he reaches his potential. Showtime Spurs: transition, high-flying, threes, and defense.

[CorrectCrusader]

and 2 of our picks are out of the league. With Branham being next in line to make it 3.



no we're trading it for KD

Hey I mean picking 37 year old KD with #14 isn't too bad

[Ditty]

I could see the Spurs liking Beringer over Sober and Fleming if they decide to go big man and Maluach is gone.

Coward is still my guy if he is there at 14.

Starting to like Essengue who has overtaken Carter Bryant for me.

[sfernald]

The dude that tells that story was part of a group salivating over Cody Williams last year. Absolutely gaga over him, and telling stories about how he was talking and getting along with his teammates during shootaround. Like that's some big selling point? He talks to his teammates? Anyway, they were wildly wrong about Williams, and embarrassingly so (I thought even at the time). I don't think Bryant is on the tier of 'stay away' as Cody Williams, but being impressed by a guy who shoots around and dribbles after a scrimmage is really weird.

Williams was disappointing no doubt but it’s definitely a little early to declare him a bust. Very raw prospect as everyone knew going in. His brother even said he was a late bloomer too. He gets another two years or so before we throw him out with the trash. Still has a ton of potential. Look at someone like Jalen Johnson for example.

i would not trade #14 for him personally though. I like Bryant much better. His athleticism pops to me.

[Mr. Body]

With the buzz around Durant, this thread hasn't been touched in a week. But it looks like he may be too expensive, and now there's rumors that the Spurs might be trying to trade up.

Question of what they would need to give up to move, how far, and who they are looking for.

IMO it's either guards or bigs, with some of those guards being capable of playing wing (maybe). The wings don't seem worth trading up for, in my mind. I have no idea what they would use to trade up. My feeling is no future first round picks. They don't have extras now that they traded for Fox. They're in good shape having one FRP each draft year with some of them being swaps or, in 2027, being ATL's pick, not our own. We have an excess of SRPs (17!) and can possibly take on salary.

The bigs seem to be, pretty much, Maluach, if they're really into him. I don't think you have to trade up for Sorber and I don't think Queen is on the menu. But other teams are diving for Maluach, who seems to be attractive.

The guards, to me, are guys like Jakucionis, who I think is still worth getting even if we're guard heavy, or especially Knueppel if he's still walking around.

An additional problem is who they'd trade up to. Houston I don't think would play ball at 10, for example, and are probably after the same type of player. I think Portland at 11 is a very prime candidate. They probably want a wing and know they can slide back to get one. I feel like sliding up to 8 or 9 would require a future first and that's pretty rich.

[exstatic]

With the buzz around Durant, this thread hasn't been touched in a week. But it looks like he may be too expensive, and now there's rumors that the Spurs might be trying to trade up.

Question of what they would need to give up to move, how far, and who they are looking for.

IMO it's either guards or bigs, with some of those guards being capable of playing wing (maybe). The wings don't seem worth trading up for, in my mind. I have no idea what they would use to trade up. My feeling is no future first round picks. They don't have extras now that they traded for Fox. They're in good shape having one FRP each draft year with some of them being swaps or, in 2027, being ATL's pick, not our own. We have an excess of SRPs (17!) and can possibly take on salary.

The bigs seem to be, pretty much, Maluach, if they're really into him. I don't think you have to trade up for Sorber and I don't think Queen is on the menu. But other teams are diving for Maluach, who seems to be attractive.

The guards, to me, are guys like Jakucionis, who I think is still worth getting even if we're guard heavy, or especially Knueppel if he's still walking around.

An additional problem is who they'd trade up to. Houston I don't think would play ball at 10, for example, and are probably after the same type of player. I think Portland at 11 is a very prime candidate. They probably want a wing and know they can slide back to get one. I feel like sliding up to 8 or 9 would require a future first and that's pretty rich.

If Houston wants the same type of player, why would you trade up to 11, just to watch them pick you player right in front of you?

[Mr. Body]

If Houston wants the same type of player, why would you trade up to 11, just to watch them pick you player right in front of you?

Draft trades are usually contingent on who is available as the draft occurs, as you know.

Houston can only pick one player.

I'm not convinced at all Houston wants to keep that pick anyway.

[RC_Drunkford]

With the buzz around Durant, this thread hasn't been touched in a week. But it looks like he may be too expensive, and now there's rumors that the Spurs might be trying to trade up.

Question of what they would need to give up to move, how far, and who they are looking for.

IMO it's either guards or bigs, with some of those guards being capable of playing wing (maybe). The wings don't seem worth trading up for, in my mind. I have no idea what they would use to trade up. My feeling is no future first round picks. They don't have extras now that they traded for Fox. They're in good shape having one FRP each draft year with some of them being swaps or, in 2027, being ATL's pick, not our own. We have an excess of SRPs (17!) and can possibly take on salary.

The bigs seem to be, pretty much, Maluach, if they're really into him. I don't think you have to trade up for Sorber and I don't think Queen is on the menu. But other teams are diving for Maluach, who seems to be attractive.

The guards, to me, are guys like Jakucionis, who I think is still worth getting even if we're guard heavy, or especially Knueppel if he's still walking around.

An additional problem is who they'd trade up to. Houston I don't think would play ball at 10, for example, and are probably after the same type of player. I think Portland at 11 is a very prime candidate. They probably want a wing and know they can slide back to get one. I feel like sliding up to 8 or 9 would require a future first and that's pretty rich.

I think they really like Maluach. Since teams right ahead of them like ATL are also trying to draft him, trading up makes sense. Other than that my guess would be a forward like Essengue if they indeed trade Jeremy.

[Mr. Body]

I think they really like Maluach. Since teams right ahead of them like ATL are also trying to draft him, trading up makes sense. Other than that my guess would be a forward like Essengue if they indeed trade Jeremy.

If Atlanta is really keen on Maluach, they'll be driving the price up for trading up, which is why I don't think it'll happen. Hawks have two picks this draft and more need than the Spurs to accomplish something. I guess my feeling is that maybe a player drifts past Houston into the 11 or 12 range (POR, CHI) and the Spurs reach a few spots, but I'm not sure who is worth this. My weird feeling is a player like Queen, tbh.

But I think it's likely -- again, if they keep the 14 and don't trade for KD -- then they move back with Brooklyn or another team to maybe take like Maxime and someone else who still has value like McNeeley. With Harper in the fold they don't have to make a big splash, these are almost gravy role player swings.

[Guru of Nothing]

He's not a sexy wing, but unless someone falls unexpectedly to 14 I still like Sorber best. There's a 10 & 15 role here screaming for him.

[Ice009]

He's not a sexy wing, but unless someone falls unexpectedly to 14 I still like Sorber best. There's a 10 & 15 role here screaming for him.

10 & 15 as in 15 rebounds?

[Guru of Nothing]

10 & 15 as in 15 rebounds?

Yes. There's a lot of rebounding opportunity just waiting for him.

[Ice009]

Yes. There's a lot of rebounding opportunity just waiting for him.

OK, wow, I didn't know he's that good of a rebounder, so that is why I asked.

[SpursFan86]

Yeah it’s pretty funny how all the talk of this pick has died down with the KD rumors :lol

I still like Carter Bryant most if we keep this pick. 2nd choice would be Sorber.

[CGD]

Yeah it’s pretty funny how all the talk of this pick has died down with the KD rumors :lol

I still like Carter Bryant most if we keep this pick. 2nd choice would be Sorber.

I think they’ll pick up again with the reports that the Spurs seem to be falling out of contention for him.

[spurraider21]

Yeah it’s pretty funny how all the talk of this pick has died down with the KD rumors :lol

I still like Carter Bryant most if we keep this pick. 2nd choice would be Sorber.
yeah my opinions on this havent changed much. i would prefer a 3&D forward like Fleming, Bryant, Coward.

i like Sorber a pretty good swing on somebody who can solve our backup C issue. i think a big man coming into the league with a foot injury is a red flag worth considering, so depends on how the medical folk feel about him. but i think he has a pretty low chance of not living up to "good backup C" level

If those guys are off the board (or ruled out due to medicals) i still like McNeeley

Essengue is intriguing in a vacuum but i dont think his talent is so obvious that you overlook the shooting question. Im still not sure exactly what he's going to be above average at in the NBA. defensively he's... fine? and offensively he's kind of just a play finisher for his team. isnt much of a ball handler, playmaker, nor do i think he shows anything particularly interesting when it comes to footwork/touch. just seems like a lanky, relatively athletic lump of clay with good insticts and bbiq

[spurraider21]

Yeah it’s pretty funny how all the talk of this pick has died down with the KD rumors :lol

I still like Carter Bryant most if we keep this pick. 2nd choice would be Sorber.
yeah my opinions on this havent changed much. i would prefer a 3&D forward like Fleming, Bryant, Coward.

i like Sorber a pretty good swing on somebody who can solve our backup C issue. i think a big man coming into the league with a foot injury is a red flag worth considering, so depends on how the medical folk feel about him. but i think he has a pretty low chance of not living up to "good backup C" level

If those guys are off the board (or ruled out due to medicals) i still like McNeeley

Essengue is intriguing in a vacuum but i dont think his talent is so obvious that you overlook the shooting question. Im still not sure exactly what he's going to be above average at in the NBA. defensively he's... fine? and offensively he's kind of just a play finisher for his team. isnt much of a ball handler, playmaker, nor do i think he shows anything particularly interesting when it comes to footwork/touch. just seems like a lanky, relatively athletic lump of clay with good instincts and bbiq

[scottspurs]

Guys I like with this pick: Coward, Sorber, Essengue, Demin, Clifford and Noah Penda.

Guys I wouldn’t be excited about but I would understand it: Maluach, Fleming, Raynaud, Newell, Bryant.

Guys I wouldn’t understand the pick but I would remain hopeful spurs have a plan: Richardson, Saraf, CMB, Wolf, Mcneely, Beringer

Would love to trade up for: Knueppel, Tre Johnson, Edgecombe, Bailey

Everyone would hate it but I would be super excited: Kasparas Jakucionis, Derek Queen

Absolutely not: Fears

[scottspurs]

Super Sleeper picks: Drake Powell, Neoklis Avdalas, Adou Thiero, Will Riley

[Knoxxx]

If we trade Vassell/Barnes for KD and somehow keep 14 too we need to be looking at SF/PFs IMO. No guards for sure if we take Harper at 2 as expected.

I could see us trading up in some multi team deal and would not mind that, but it’s pretty wild speculation at this stage to expect it. It feels as probable as how well we did on the Fox or Barnes deals, meaning possible but way too many permutations to even sort out.

[Ice009]

WTF. We're not getting KD and still keeping the number 14 pick. What pick/s are you proposing the Spurs trade instead? That pick almost certainly will be gone.

[Knoxxx]

WTF. We're not getting KD and still keeping the number 14 pick. What pick/s are you proposing the Spurs trade instead? That pick almost certainly will be gone.

We have outgoing Vassell, some other players, need to off load numerous SRPs, and can afford to trade a few of our FRPs. FRPs we could trade include our 26 FRP with ATL swap rights, 27 ATL, 29 SAS.

2028, 2030, 2031 FRPs better to keep since those attached swaps could be teams that crash and burn in the meantime.

While some say we can’t trade the 26/27 ATL picks, ATL has no reason to tank with us controlling those picks so we will be lucky if they are even late lottery.

Unless I am missing something, like us being unable to trade our 26 pick with the ATL swap rights, that is how I see it.

While I understand why some want to have a FRP each season, I’m not sure why that is imperative either.

[Knoxxx]

I saw one wild 3 team trade where we get the 13 from ATL and KD. Outgoing included Vassell and 14. There were some other players mushed in. Didn’t really get why swapping the 14 for 13 was suggested. But, reminds me that ATL may be willing to help us out in a trade to get back control of a FRP, like how CHI did. And being that none of the ATL picks are protected, they may be willing to do us even better than that deal where we gave CHI back their pick while we walked away with Fox and only gave up Collins and Jones.

[BackHome]

Guys I like with this pick: Coward, Sorber, Essengue, Demin, Clifford and Noah Penda.

Guys I wouldn’t be excited about but I would understand it: Maluach, Fleming, Raynaud, Newell, Bryant.

Guys I wouldn’t understand the pick but I would remain hopeful spurs have a plan: Richardson, Saraf, CMB, Wolf, Mcneely, Beringer

Would love to trade up for: Knueppel, Tre Johnson, Edgecombe, Bailey

Everyone would hate it but I would be super excited: Kasparas Jakucionis, Derek Queen

Absolutely not: Fears

Yeah, I am liking Brant and Coward as that would allow us to move on from Vassell contact this season or the following. This would hopefully allow us to target certain bigs or if necessary shooters to start putting final touches to our starting core. If Bryant or Coward are gone I would probably try to trade with Nets and get there 19 and 26th picks.

In trading back that would allow us to looks at getting some good bench players with some upside- Penda, Fleming, Powel, Maxine, Beringer and Wolf.

[Knoxxx]

Yum CMB is such a great rebounder. His hands are vice like. Always gets the ball in a scuffle. First
one on the floor for the ball.

I’d say replace Sochan with CMB in a second, except then we lose our SGA stopper. Not sure I’ve seen anyone stop SGA 1 v 1 as well as Sochan and that feels like a critical need unless SGA goes and plays in China instead of the NBA. In other words, if we trade Sochan it needs to be for a solid return. Tank site has CMB at 10, and does not appear replacing Sochan with him is feasible. Roster both, and it’s two non shooters with somewhat similar skill sets. CMB can do more big man things and Sochan can do more small man things but neither can shoot.

[Ignazzz]

Hahaha

Nembhard vs SGA
127 posessions 21 points 36%FG
Others Pacers
127 poss 75 points 49%FG

[Uriel]

The one thing that has been noted to me by league sources throughout the league is that San Antonio could move this pick if its preferred targets aren’t on the board. The Spurs could take a similar approach as last year, when they traded the No. 8 pick for draft capital down the road. One of my favorite ideas is for the Spurs to trade this pick to New Orleans for some of the Milwaukee Bucks’ draft capital over the next two years in case Antetokounmpo becomes available in a deal in the next 12 months.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6411513/2025/06/12/nba-mock-draft-2025-cooper-flagg-dylan-harper-vj-edgecombe/

[Ice009]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6411513/2025/06/12/nba-mock-draft-2025-cooper-flagg-dylan-harper-vj-edgecombe/

That's an interesting idea. Would you guys trade that 14th pick for some of Milwaukee's draft capital? If Giannis leaves and goes to another team, could end up being good picks. Not sure I want to use them on a trade for him, though, as him being a year or two older doesn't appeal to me.

[Mr. Body]

That's an interesting idea. Would you guys trade that 14th pick for some of Milwaukee's draft capital? If Giannis leaves and goes to another team, could end up being good picks. Not sure I want to use them on a trade for him, though, as him being a year or two older doesn't appeal to me.

I'd be open to trading for future capital with that pick. NOP only has a couple swaps from Milwaukee, I think, though.

[Ice009]

I'd be open to trading for future capital with that pick. NOP only has a couple swaps from Milwaukee, I think, though.

So that article didn't even do their research then? NO doesn't even have outright picks from Milwaukee? Scratch that idea then, but maybe for future draft capital from someone else might be interesting.

[Ice009]

I'd be open to trading for future capital with that pick. NOP only has a couple swaps from Milwaukee, I think, though.

So that article didn't even do their research then? NO doesn't even have outright picks from Milwaukee? Scratch that idea then, but maybe for future draft capital from someone else might be interesting.

[Mr. Body]

I think it's a 2026 swap and 2027 outright to NOP:

More favorable of MIL and NOP to NOP then other to ATL if 5-30 or MIL and NOP to NOP if both 1-4 (via NOP)

That's pretty confusing. Milwaukee doesn't own their pick, it goes to NOP, but one can go to ATL. I don't see how New Orleans can trade what is owed to Atlanta.

[RC_Drunkford]

We have outgoing Vassell, some other players, need to off load numerous SRPs, and can afford to trade a few of our FRPs. FRPs we could trade include our 26 FRP with ATL swap rights, 27 ATL, 29 SAS.

2028, 2030, 2031 FRPs better to keep since those attached swaps could be teams that crash and burn in the meantime.

While some say we can’t trade the 26/27 ATL picks, ATL has no reason to tank with us controlling those picks so we will be lucky if they are even late lottery.

Unless I am missing something, like us being unable to trade our 26 pick with the ATL swap rights, that is how I see it.

While I understand why some want to have a FRP each season, I’m not sure why that is imperative either.

do not trade those picks

1933525504084050291

[Mr. Body]

do not trade those picks

1933525504084050291

Probably should have traded Trae a few years ago when he could have pulled multiple picks.

[spurraider21]

1933630174811087170
Mugen reacting to these measurements like:

1646881770757926912

[keithington1]

It’s pretty easy. Essengue or Beringer and last Raynaud at 14.

[CGD]

It’s pretty easy. Essengue or Beringer and last Raynaud at 14.

I would happily take the swing on Essengue at 14 but I feel he’ll be gone by then. Think 14 is too rich for the other two but what do i know.

[sfernald]

My personal list at #14 is still Essengue/Carter/CMB/Coward.

That’s my preferred order but I’ll take whichever is available and the front office prefers.

I’m very confident at least one of those guys WILL be available at #14 so no need to move to me unless we really do want someone like Maluach who will be long gone by then.

[The Truth #6]

Any compare/contrast short essays on CMB vs Demin that anyone wants to share?

Basically, I'm expecting a skilled non-shooter, but whom?

[R. DeMurre]

Yes. There's a lot of rebounding opportunity just waiting for him.


Raynaud actually has a better rebounding percentage than Sorber, strangely enough. But there's a good chance though that Sorber is gone by #14 and Raynaud is gone before #38...

[Mugen]

I don’t know why Essengue is being brought up here tbh. He needs to be talked about only in the #2 pick thread.

[Bruno]

My little board at #14 for Spurs is currently:
1: Carter Bryant
2: Cedric Coward
3: Noa Essengue
4: Liam McNeeley
5: Collin Murray-Boyles

[DPG21920]

My little board at #14 for Spurs is currently:
1: Carter Bryant
2: Cedric Coward
3: Noa Essengue
4: Liam McNeeley
5: Collin Murray-Boyles

I would put Noa ahead of CB, but would be happy with any of those 3. I really hope SA can find a way to trade up and get Kon though. Not sure how it would be done but I really like him a lot.

[DPG21920]

My 5 is probably (meaning, “realistically without needing to trade up”):

1. Noa
2. Carter Bryant
3. Cedric Coward
4. Noa Penda
5. Sorber

If going in with a mixture of hoping to trade up and/or just who is projected around range:

1. Kon
2. Noa
3.Carter Bryant
4. Coward
5. Penda

Dark Horses: Sorber + Flemming.

[Bruno]

I would put Noa ahead of CB, but would be happy with any of those 3.

I just put a lot of value on shooting for Spurs at #14 but I agree with you that Essengue is the better prospect.

Now, as said above, it seems highly unlikely he would be there at #14. He might be if he sucks in Germany to end his season.

[scottspurs]

My favorite for this pick is Cedric Coward. He will be the best shooter available. Has the frame to put on another 20 pounds of muscle. I legit think he can play some power forward with his strength. 7’2 wingspan. His handle is limited but he is a good passer. His defense is more theoretical than an actual strength but he puts in the effort. I think he will get better at it. High IQ and a high motor. Great story. Was given an award for his contributions to his community with habitat for humanity. Was president of the student council. If you take Kon Knuppel, Tre Johnson (won’t be available), and Koby Brea (more of a 2nd round guy) out of the equation. Coward is the best shooter available. He shows flashes of Kawhi defensively and with his post offense. He shows flashes of Klay Thompson with his ability to move off ball and shoot. Not saying he will be good as those guys but o think his floor is a versatile 3 and D starter.

Love Sorber but I’m concerned about the injury. He would really bring toughness and defense. Would be the perfect backup 5 that you would hope to develop into a 4/5.

Essengue could be great but could also bust. Solid all around but he doesn’t stand out in any one area. Very much a high reward/high risk pick.

Demin could be a steal if you can convince me that he will learn to shoot and play defense. He could play a Diaw type role off the bench. Risky

I would love Nique Clifford but that’s not really Brian Wright’s style to draft a player that will turn 24 this season. He will be a Derek White Swiss Army knife type role player.

I love Derik Queen he is my favorite prospect in this draft but he can only be unlocked with the ball in his hands. He has no shot of that in San Antonio.

Khaman Maluach just feels like a bust to me. He is big but hasn’t shown the ability to use that size other than gimme lobs. Doesn’t rebound or block shots at a high rate. I think he benefited from being on a great Duke team. The learning curve is to much.

Rasheer Fleming could be in play but I’m thinking the Spurs may not want another guy with a funky looking shot. He also can’t dribble or pass so he could kill ball movement.

Liam Mcneely in theory makes sense. He was a great shooter before the injuries and role change. To me it feel like Matt Bonner though. A specialty guy. Can’t really defend. He does rebound well though. I wouldn’t hate it but feels like better options will be there.

Carter Bryant screams bust to me. Patrick Willaims. Great athlete. Not so good basketball player. How can someone with that size and athleticism not dominate and settle for so many jumpers. Why is he getting benched for bad defense over and over. Then other times when facing less gifted players he locks them down. Cody Williams looked like a better prospect than him. Let that settle in.

Asa Newell makes sense low-key because he has the best shot of developing into a 4/5. Could also be a position less player though that struggles to find a role

CMB would be lol. Spurs saying F it Wemby gonna be our only shooter we win with defense.

Maxime Raynaud is a bit of a reach but there are alot of strong connections obviously. The rebounding would be much welcome off the bench. Has the athleticism to play the 4. Does the shot translate? Not sure.

Danny Wolf is obviously in the mix because he visited San Antonio. Curious how that workout went between him and Raynaud. We know the Spurs love to make evaluations based on workouts. If the Spurs are dead set on getting a big that workout may decide who they pick. If they both sucked maybe they say screw it we will risk it with Sorber or Beringer. If one of them showed out they could be the pick. I don’t really like Wolf though because I don’t think his game translates if he can’t hit shots in the NBA. 59% free throw shooter is scary.

The wild cards are the Europeans. Are the spurs high on Penda, Saraf, Gonzalez, Avdalas or Beringer.

Gonzalez is a mystery because of his limited minutes.

Saraf is in play now because he measured at 6’6 barefoot. He can play 1-3. probably best with ball though

Noah Penda would bring some serious defense and toughness. Already built like a tank. Another non shooter though. Better chance at developing that than CMB though.

Beringer could be special. Rare movement skills at his size. Has only played basketball for 3 1/2 years. Can the Spurs actually develop him? So Raw. You would get zero contributions for 2 years. I wouldn’t hate the swing but also this a good draft so do you need to reach?

Avdalas is a player I love but he is getting no 1st round buzz at all. Can shoot and has really good athleticism. Maybe he is more of a 2nd round guy. Could be a steal

This pick could also be Durant but that seems unlikely now. lol suns if they don’t get a deal done before the draft. They will lose all leverage and may not get a 1st at all. What an epic failure that would be. I still think he ends up a Rocket.

[DPG21920]

I just put a lot of value on shooting for Spurs at #14 but I agree with you that Essengue is the better prospect.

Now, as said above, it seems highly unlikely he would be there at #14. He might be if he sucks in Germany to end his season.

For sure - hes someone I wouldn’t mind moving up for IF Spurs value him.

[Degoat]

For 14 I’m at,
1. Rasheer fleming
2. Carter Bryant
3. Noa Essengue
4. Asa Newell
5. CMB

Weird group I know, but I’m really in on the idea of finding a guy who can play the 4 with wemby.

[The Truth #6]

I'm still interested in Coward. Definitely a good shooter. His defense might not be as good as expected, but the athleticism is great to see. Basically, if we get a 3 or 4, they need to be open to doing the dirty work, something that Vassel hopefully rediscovered towards the end of last year. Because we don't need anymore Mamba mentality.

[BackHome]

I could see the Spurs liking Beringer over Sober and Fleming if they decide to go big man and Maluach is gone.

Coward is still my guy if he is there at 14.

Starting to like Essengue who has overtaken Carter Bryant for me.

Yeah, with his measurements HT - 6'11 no shoes - Wing Span - 7'5 - and Standing reach "9'3" - Anyone we pick at 14 is not going to be getting major minutes so I am OK with picking for upside. We still need a Vet big but also having someone on development would be a nice to have.

[Mr. Body]

Saw a mock draft that had Knueppel slip to 11.

I don't think that happens, at all, but it's a reason I don't know why there's a speed to get a Durant trade done. Maybe that's the risk and they have to include the 14.

But it provides the case of what happens when a guy like that starts dropping into range, what the Spurs might put out there to move up. The Spurs treasure trove of FRPs right now isn't really a trove. They have a single pick lined up for every year going forward. That's cool -- they're almost all tagged as linked with another team possibly being bad. Swaps with Dallas, Boston, Sacto, and Atlanta.

So, they can't jump up using FRPs. I don't know if throwing SRPs at, say, Portland, would do it. We saw OKC swap with DAL a few years ago by taking on salary.

But, yeah, I'd absolutely jump to grab a Kon Knueppel if he's dropping.

[rascal]

Saw a mock draft that had Knueppel slip to 11.

I don't think that happens, at all, but it's a reason I don't know why there's a speed to get a Durant trade done. Maybe that's the risk and they have to include the 14.

But it provides the case of what happens when a guy like that starts dropping into range, what the Spurs might put out there to move up. The Spurs treasure trove of FRPs right now isn't really a trove. They have a single pick lined up for every year going forward. That's cool -- they're almost all tagged as linked with another team possibly being bad. Swaps with Dallas, Boston, Sacto, and Atlanta.

So, they can't jump up using FRPs. I don't know if throwing SRPs at, say, Portland, would do it. We saw OKC swap with DAL a few years ago by taking on salary.

But, yeah, I'd absolutely jump to grab a Kon Knueppel if he's dropping.

Why do you want Kon if the Spurs are drafting Harper? Where will he get the minutes? I don't like him at all especially at SF. I want shooters but who are athletic. No more slow play from the Spurs. Need players quick in transistion.

[Mr. Body]

Why do you want Kon if the Spurs are drafting Harper? Where will he get the minutes? I don't like him at all especially at SF. I want shooters but who are athletic. No more slow play from the Spurs. Need players quick in transistion.

You underrate Kon's athleticism, we know that. We don't need transition players - we have plenty of those. Kon can play wing just fine. You're the guy who keeps saying McNeeley is the pick here and Kon is like an actually proven McNeeley.

He's a knock-down shooter with good defense and strong secondary creator capabilities, that's why. Sure, he's probably stuck on the bench for the time being, but that's the fate of anyone we get at 14 anyway. I'd much rather get a Kon than any of the project SFs, easily. And I'm basically assuming that Fox will be moved in two or three years.

[Mr. Body]

The question isn't necessarily Kon himself but 'a Kon Knueppel' -- meaning if there is anyone they want at say 11, what they use to move.

[rascal]

You underrate Kon's athleticism, we know that. We don't need transition players - we have plenty of those. Kon can play wing just fine. You're the guy who keeps saying McNeeley is the pick here and Kon is like an actually proven McNeeley.

He's a knock-down shooter with good defense and strong secondary creator capabilities, that's why. Sure, he's probably stuck on the bench for the time being, but that's the fate of anyone we get at 14 anyway. I'd much rather get a Kon than any of the project SFs, easily. And I'm basically assuming that Fox will be moved in two or three years.

McNeeley is quicker and more athletic than Kon. McNeeley has SF size, Kon doesn't. McNeeley also jumps better and is quicker, generally overall more athletic.

Kon will get eaten alive in the NBA at SF. Too small with no vertical lift. McNeeley will shoot close to as well as Kon. Kon would have done nothing trying to carry that UCONN team. McNeeley would be a top ten pick had he played on Duke.

McNeeley is going to be the pick at 14 for the Spurs. Kon will get drafted earlier than 14 and that's a good thing just like it was a good thing Sheppard was drafted before the Spurs pick last year. Many in here would have drafted Sheppard over Castle.

Kon isn't worth trading any assets for to move up, just draft McNeeley, Fleming, Newell, Sorber, Bryant. There are plenty of better options for SF or PF at 14 than another backup 2 guard.

[mo7888]

McNeeley is quicker and more athletic than Kon. McNeeley has SF size, Kon doesn't. McNeeley also jumps better and is quicker, generally overall more athletic.

Kon will get eaten alive in the NBA at SF. Too small with no vertical lift. McNeeley will shoot close to as well as Kon. Kon would have done nothing trying to carry that UCONN team. McNeeley would be a top ten pick had he played on Duke.

McNeeley is going to be the pick at 14 for the Spurs. Kon will get drafted earlier than 14 and that's a good thing just like it was a good thing Sheppard was drafted before the Spurs pick last year. Many in here would have drafted Sheppard over Castle.

Kon isn't worth trading any assets for to move up, just draft McNeeley, Fleming, Newell, Sorber, Bryant. There are plenty of better options for SF or PF at 14 than another backup 2 guard.

They are literally 1.75" apart in size. The rest is fiction (and that from someone who has Liam top 10 and in the same tier as Kon). You might as well predict that Shaedon is an all-star this year. You'd have as good of a chance of being right.

[scott]

At the risk of coming across as a hater, I also think Kon would get eaten alive as a SF. I’m personally not interested in him… but I’m also not interested in people named Liam. Coward is becoming my dream at 14 if we actually make a pick.

[scottspurs]

Kon is very thick 6’6 and jumped a 36.5 inch vertical at the combine make up. He will be fine playing the 3 and honestly it might be the preferred position for some teams. He should be able to add some serious strength to his frame. He is a 2/3 for me and can probably play some 4 down the line once he puts on strength.

[Degoat]

Nique Clifford is starting to rise up on my board, older prospect but offers a lot

[SpursBills]

Am I missing something with Coward? Seems like he's gotten a ton of hype recently. I get the 7'2" wingspan and the shooting numbers, but the last time the guy played a full season he had a defensive BPR of 0 and his team had a better defensive rating with him on the bench compared to when he was playing as a 20 year old junior against a -1.7 net rating SOS. Admittedly I'm not grinding Eastern Washington tape from last season or anything, but is there anything on film that suggests he's a very good defender? Or does the optimism come from 6 games this year against Eastern Washington, Northern Colorado, Idaho, Bradley, Portland State, and lone power 5 school Iowa where he was terrible?

[Mr. Body]

Am I missing something with Coward? Seems like he's gotten a ton of hype recently. I get the 7'2" wingspan and the shooting numbers, but the last time the guy played a full season he had a defensive BPR of 0 and his team had a better defensive rating with him on the bench compared to when he was playing as a 20 year old junior against a -1.7 net rating SOS. Admittedly I'm not grinding Eastern Washington tape from last season or anything, but is there anything on film that suggests he's a very good defender? Or does the optimism come from 6 games this year against Eastern Washington, Northern Colorado, Idaho, Bradley, Portland State, and lone power 5 school Iowa where he was terrible?

Same. He reads a lot like Primo to me. You have to believe his combine changes everything that came before and I'm not sure about that.

[rascal]

Kon is very thick 6’6 and jumped a 36.5 inch vertical at the combine make up. He will be fine playing the 3 and honestly it might be the preferred position for some teams. He should be able to add some serious strength to his frame. He is a 2/3 for me and can probably play some 4 down the line once he puts on strength.

Kon's lane agility time is the worst among non-frontcourt players in this class and bottom 10 among non-frontcourt players that tested in the past 5 years.

Good luck if you think he's going to be a solid play at SF in the NBA.

[scottspurs]

Kon's lane agility time is the worst among non-frontcourt players in this class and bottom 10 among non-frontcourt players that tested in the past 5 years.

Good luck if you think he's going to be a solid play at SF in the NBA.

He had no problem moving his feet on tape and staying in front of quicker players so I’ll trust the tape. He knows how to position himself. Very high IQ. He is plus defender. A two-way player that impacts winning.

[scottspurs]

Cedric Coward is definitely still learning defense but he has the tools. Great shooter with a perfect release. If the shoulder checks out and you believe he will develop a handle he has super high upside. His floor is very high because of the shooting. 3 and D starter is his floor. Safe pick

[Mr. Body]

Kon's lane agility time is the worst among non-frontcourt players in this class and bottom 10 among non-frontcourt players that tested in the past 5 years.

Good luck if you think he's going to be a solid play at SF in the NBA.

Not gonna say I don't care about the combine, but this stuff is overblown. Queen had horrible athletic measurements, but if you actually watch the games he was shredding players. The combine completely fails to measure basketball qualities.

If TJ McConnell can be a difference maker in the freaking Finals while not being a huge athlete, Kon won't have much problem in the NBA.

[Mr. Body]

Cedric Coward is definitely still learning defense but he has the tools. Great shooter with a perfect release. If the shoulder checks out and you believe he will develop a handle he has super high upside. His floor is very high because of the shooting. 3 and D starter is his floor. Safe pick

So he's good except for having to learn to play defense and learning to dribble the ball.

[scottspurs]

So he's good except for having to learn to play defense and learning to dribble the ball.

not necessarily learn defense just understand it better so he can be better. The defensive schemes he played in were very basic. So it will be a jump in the NBA. He actually was very good as a post defender. He also showed flashes as a ball handler. He just needs to improve. His tape although limited is amazing. He does so much well. There is a reason he is not a top 5 prospect. He does have flaws and you can poke holes but what he does really well translates. 70 true shooting percentage from a wing can’t be ignored. You can poke holes at all these players. I have Coward at 8 on my board. After 1st watching I had him at 23 but he slowly kept creeping up the more I watched and learned.

That said the rumors that he is dominating workouts has me believing he won’t be there at 8. He apparently made Nigue Clifford and Carter Bryant look really bad. I think he goes to the Raptors at 9, Rockets at 10 or Blazers at 11. He won’t make it past that.

[SpursFan86]

How do people here feel about Nique Clifford? I personally think he’s on the same tier as Coward tbh…hardly discussed though which is interesting to me.

I prefer Bryant/Coward but don’t think Nique is super far behind, although he’s being treated like an entirely different level of prospect which I’m not sure about.

[RC_Drunkford]

Coward destroyed prospects in draft workouts last year. He‘s the steal of the draft. I don’t want OKC to get him. He won‘t fall past them at #15

[Mnky]

Saw a mock draft that had Knueppel slip to 11.

I don't think that happens, at all, but it's a reason I don't know why there's a speed to get a Durant trade done. Maybe that's the risk and they have to include the 14.

But it provides the case of what happens when a guy like that starts dropping into range, what the Spurs might put out there to move up. The Spurs treasure trove of FRPs right now isn't really a trove. They have a single pick lined up for every year going forward. That's cool -- they're almost all tagged as linked with another team possibly being bad. Swaps with Dallas, Boston, Sacto, and Atlanta.

So, they can't jump up using FRPs. I don't know if throwing SRPs at, say, Portland, would do it. We saw OKC swap with DAL a few years ago by taking on salary.

But, yeah, I'd absolutely jump to grab a Kon Knueppel if he's dropping.

If you have Fox, Durant and Wemby for the next 3 years, those next 3 picks are absolutely a trove.

[Mr. Body]

If you have Fox, Durant and Wemby for the next 3 years, those next 3 picks are absolutely a trove.

Huh?

[scottspurs]

How do people here feel about Nique Clifford? I personally think he’s on the same tier as Coward tbh…hardly discussed though which is interesting to me.

I prefer Bryant/Coward but don’t think Nique is super far behind, although he’s being treated like an entirely different level of prospect which I’m not sure about.

Derek White vibes! Swiss Army knife

[Vienna]

I like to bring up one aspect, that AFAIK hasn't been discussed yet.

a team can use a 1st round pick for a draft & stash project as well. so Spurs could choose to go the draft&stash route with the #14 pick.

this would make sense, if they have either Essengue, or Beringer as targets.

and it would make a lot of sense. both are a year younger than most college freshmen. both very likely wouldn't get much NBA playing time in their first year. (or first two years)

and the team saves money and a roster spot.

[Ditty]

I love the idea of trading up for Kon for #14 and a 2029 minimum protected 1st round pick to jump a few spots.

I would also be ecstatic with Coward. I believe he is the real deal and agree that his floor is a 3&D player.

However, I did love Devin Carter, and he really struggled in SAC this year, also coming off a shoulder injury.

If they had the choice, I think the Spurs would take the chance on the overall upside with Essengue over Coward.

I don't see us taking a chance on a big man with Sober's foot injury or Fleming's upside.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/uIY1FgUgNrI?si=LECau4pHgrN9qHEr

[Ice009]

He had no problem moving his feet on tape and staying in front of quicker players so I’ll trust the tape. He knows how to position himself. Very high IQ. He is plus defender. A two-way player that impacts winning.

NBA players athletes are going to be a lot harder to stay in front of IMO. That's great he was able to do it in college and has a high IQ, but not sure how much that will help him in the NBA if he's at a big disadvantage athletically. I'm not for or against picking him, but I don't like the sounds of those numbers Rascal mentioned.

[exstatic]

He had no problem moving his feet on tape and staying in front of quicker players so I’ll trust the tape. He knows how to position himself. Very high IQ. He is plus defender. A two-way player that impacts winning.

College players. The NBA is a whole different animal, athlete wise.

[CGD]

https://youtu.be/uIY1FgUgNrI?si=LECau4pHgrN9qHEr

I like him, but i was surprised to see he wasnt a sure thing on defense. That and the age has made me cool on him some, but i still wouldnt mind him at 14

[RC_Drunkford]

Coward is a sleeper. Used to destroy people in draft workouts last year. Huge wingspan and supreme athleticism. Won't fall past OKC at #15. He's a guy I really want, but I'd rather get KD.

[Mr. Body]

Coward is a sleeper. Used to destroy people in draft workouts last year. Huge wingspan and supreme athleticism. Won't fall past OKC at #15. He's a guy I really want, but I'd rather get KD.

I don't understand. He destroyed guys in draft workouts but pulled out of the draft?

[scottspurs]

I don't understand. He destroyed guys in draft workouts but pulled out of the draft?
He believed he could improve his draft position by playing division 1 for a year. He was at Eastern Washington before transferring to Washington State. Then he suffered the injury to his shoulder 6-7 games in. He impressed during the games he did play. 17 pts, 7 rebounds, 3.7 ast, 1.7 blk, 40% from 3. 26 PER. Hit large volume of 3’s, midrange and was a force in the post against smaller players. He was 99th percentile as a 3-pt shooter and 99thr percentile in the post scoring. 1.7 blocks from a wing is elite. Rebounds great for his position. Tested as one of the best athletes at the combine. Interviews well. Dominating Workouts.

[scottspurs]

College players. The NBA is a whole different animal, athlete wise.
He is the same level of athlete that Shane Battier was. Battier was a plus defender for most of his career. Plenty of great athletes are terrible defenders. Effort and IQ matter. Watch the tape. His defense is impressive. Stop making assumptions.

[Ariel]

He believed he could improve his draft position by playing division 1 for a year. He was at Eastern Washington before transferring to Washington State. Then he suffered the injury to his shoulder 6-7 games in. He impressed during the games he did play. 17 pts, 7 rebounds, 3.7 ast, 1.7 blk, 40% from 3. 26 PER. Hit large volume of 3’s, midrange and was a force in the post against smaller players. He was 99th percentile as a 3-pt shooter and 99thr percentile in the post scoring. 1.7 blocks from a wing is elite. Rebounds great for his position. Tested as one of the best athletes at the combine. Interviews well. Dominating Workouts.
Nobody that has a chance to be drafted lottery, even top 20... hell, first round at all, prefers to go back to College to play in Washington State. Maybe he could have taken his chances in the second round, I certainly don't remember him being highlighted at all but he was probably in somebody's radar, but for sure it wasn't a case of him having any sort of guarantees at all or else he'd be in the NBA already.

Also, the hype is out of control, nobody except for the most crazed of draft people knew much about him until a couple of months ago, I had interest in him as a second rounder because of his interesting profile going through draft boards, but there was almost no talk about him and certainly nothing even remotely close to your description. I'm not bashing him, in fact I think he's a solid candidate at 14, but he's almost 22, has had serious injuries (shoulder injury with cartilage damage that required surgery and an entire season to heal, and I don't remember exactly but there were others before that), his lateral mobility isn't great, his defense is mostly theoretical (a lot of it is projection on measurables), etc.

As for his interviews, I watched one and it was ok, it felt a little coached and forced at times, like he was trying to sell himself too hard, but nothing that would have you rave about for a 22 year old. All in all a prospect definitely worth taking a long look at 14, but not someone I'd go crazy about overpaying to secure as he isn't risk free either.

[scottspurs]

Nobody that has a chance to be drafted lottery, even top 20... hell, first round at all, prefers to go back to College to play in Washington State. Maybe he could have taken his chances in the second round, I certainly don't remember him being highlighted at all but he was probably in somebody's radar, but for sure it wasn't a case of him having any sort of guarantees at all or else he'd be in the NBA already.

Also, the hype is out of control, nobody except for the most crazed of draft people knew much about him until a couple of months ago, I had interest in him as a second rounder because of his interesting profile going through draft boards, but there was almost no talk about him and certainly nothing even remotely close to your description. I'm not bashing him, in fact I think he's a solid candidate at 14, but he's almost 22, has had serious injuries (shoulder injury with cartilage damage that required surgery and an entire season to heal, and I don't remember exactly but there were others before that), his lateral mobility isn't great, his defense is mostly theoretical (a lot of it is projection on measurables), etc.

As for his interviews, I watched one and it was ok, it felt a little coached and forced at times, like he was trying to sell himself too hard, but nothing that would have you rave about for a 22 year old. All in all a prospect definitely worth taking a long look at 14, but not someone I'd go crazy about overpaying to secure as he isn't risk free either.

I only discovered him because I love looking at all the advanced analytics and his name kept popping up. I was like who the F is Cedric Coward. I don’t start watching college basketball until football season is over so I didn’t see his early season stuff. When I found the tape I was impressed. I wrote about him being a sleeper on this forum back in March or April. Everyone laughed me and made comments about him not even being draft worthy. His name really started gaining steam in May when he transferred to Duke.

[Bruno]

A reason of the hype around Coward is that this kind of 3&D player is highly valued by NBA teams. He has the length and quickness to defend multiple positions (2 to 4 and even some 1) and he projects as a good off the ball offensive player.
Carter Bryant fit that mold and will likely be a lottery pick despite being a college bench player averaging 6ppg. Last year, Risacher was drafted #1 in a weak draft despite having on the ball limitations.

These players aren't the most talented of the world but they are very important to teams. Spurs badly need one to complement their 4 core players.

[cutewizard]

Question is, they are packaging the 14th as part of a trade

So, where does this leave us?

[Mr. Body]

Question is, they are packaging the 14th as part of a trade

So, where does this leave us?

With Dylan Harper

[exstatic]

He is the same level of athlete that Shane Battier was. Battier was a plus defender for most of his career. Plenty of great athletes are terrible defenders. Effort and IQ matter. Watch the tape. His defense is impressive. Stop making assumptions.

It’s not an sssumption to say that NBA athletes are far better than NCAA athletes, it’s a fact. Just because he can check college guards doesn’t mean that the ability will transfer up a level.

[kobyz]

I like him, but i was surprised to see he wasnt a sure thing on defense. That and the age has made me cool on him some, but i still wouldnt mind him at 14

I compare him to Nic Batum

[RC_Drunkford]

It’s not an sssumption to say that NBA athletes are far better than NCAA athletes, it’s a fact. Just because he can check college guards doesn’t mean that the ability will transfer up a level.

yet when it comes to Dylan Harper y'all think everything will translate. Make it make sense.

[Mr. Body]

yet when it comes to Dylan Harper y'all think everything will translate. Make it make sense.

I'm not sure anyone is saying Coward definitely won't translate. People are saying he played six games this year and that was the cupcake schedule part of the year. People say he creamed the competition in the draft combine last year but somehow stayed in college anyway. It calls for a bit of caution.

We have much more tape of Harper against high level competition of his age. Of course players sometimes don't translate.

[Mr. Body]

I'm getting more curious about trading back in the draft, probably with Brooklyn, who has too many picks. We'd go back to 19 and 26. I'm not a fan of the 14 area right now and believe there will be players like McNeely floating down toward the 20s. I'd be fine with him and like Reynaud at 26. I'm sure other teams will have the same idea, though. And I don't think the team would mind taking three rookies this year.

[Ariel]

I'm getting more curious about trading back in the draft, probably with Brooklyn, who has too many picks. We'd go back to 19 and 26. I'm not a fan of the 14 area right now and believe there will be players like McNeely floating down toward the 20s. I'd be fine with him and like Reynaud at 26. I'm sure other teams will have the same idea, though. And I don't think the team would mind taking three rookies this year.
Yeah, I agree. The more I think about it, the less I'm impressed by the prospects available at 14, they all have plenty of question marks not too different to those you can find in the late 20s and teens. Hopefully someone like Queen slips and that entices a team to move up. Could be for a late first and a future first too. Some scenarios, say if we trade 14 + 38 for 19 + 26:
Beringer + Drake Powell
Liam McNeely + Kalkbrenner
Fleming + Sorber
etc. I'd probably take any 2 man combination out of those than any individual player available at 14.

[exstatic]

yet when it comes to Dylan Harper y'all think everything will translate. Make it make sense.

Dylan Harper is a top prospect with legit lead guard skills. It doesn’t really matter if he can stay in front of guards, because he has a ton of different skills he brings to the table. He also matched the supposedly athletic Edgecomb in all tests except one.

Coward is not. He’s a D3 refugee who played. 6 games in D1. He stayed in front of some college guards. Wow. I’m not saying he won’t make it, but to state unequivocally because he stayed in front of some college guards that he can check NBA guards is foolishness. It’s wishcasting.

[Ariel]

A reason of the hype around Coward is that this kind of 3&D player is highly valued by NBA teams. He has the length and quickness to defend multiple positions (2 to 4 and even some 1) and he projects as a good off the ball offensive player.
Carter Bryant fit that mold and will likely be a lottery pick despite being a college bench player averaging 6ppg. Last year, Risacher was drafted #1 in a weak draft despite having on the ball limitations.

These players aren't the most talented of the world but they are very important to teams. Spurs badly need one to complement their 4 core players.
I agree on the overall point, but I don't think Coward is best suited to guard 1s or even the fastest of 2s, I don't think he has the foot speed to keep up with them, while he seems strong and long enough that he can realistically defend a lot of 4s, except maybe the biggest of the bunch. He's probably better suited to guard 2.5-3.5 if you will.

[scottspurs]

I think with his strength Cedric Coward will end up as a legit power forward. I don’t think he projects as a guard nor would I want him guarding guards unless it’s on switches. He shows great ability to recover but you don’t want him recovering on every possession.

[DPG21920]

A reason of the hype around Coward is that this kind of 3&D player is highly valued by NBA teams. He has the length and quickness to defend multiple positions (2 to 4 and even some 1) and he projects as a good off the ball offensive player.
Carter Bryant fit that mold and will likely be a lottery pick despite being a college bench player averaging 6ppg. Last year, Risacher was drafted #1 in a weak draft despite having on the ball limitations.

These players aren't the most talented of the world but they are very important to teams. Spurs badly need one to complement their 4 core players.

I really hope Spurs are ready to trade up (if possible) from 14 to secure Kon, Noa, Carter Bryant if they have to.

[TekXX]

The chance the Spurs actually pick at 14 is small, this pick is going somewhere.

[cutewizard]

Can we trade Vassell for some picks?

[John B]

The chance the Spurs actually pick at 14 is small, this pick is going somewhere.

If the KD trade is going to cost too much, I’d rather keep #14 pick tbh. There are solid role players on this draft, future TMIII, Herb Jones, long and skilled players. Or if they trade #14, I would like them to trade up #38 plus assets to get to pick 20’s for the same reason.

[Guru of Nothing]

Sorber still my guy if we pick 14, but man Beringer is rising quickly.

[rascal]

Sorber still my guy if we pick 14, but man Beringer is rising quickly.

Beringer has no shot away from the basket and also has a poor ft%.

14 is too high for a backup c whose offensive package is primarily dunks and putbacks at the rim.

There are better prospects at 14

[RC_Drunkford]

word is Spurs had a scout at Georgetown for the entire year to scout Sorber

[LeBowen]

word is Spurs had a scout at Georgetown for the entire year to scout Sorber

I'm not sure what to think of your words anymore. :lol

If Sorber is the real deal, I'd rather have him than any of these wings. It seems that finding a reliable big is way more difficult and he's got that Horford skillset.

[RC_Drunkford]

Dylan Harper is a top prospect with legit lead guard skills. It doesn’t really matter if he can stay in front of guards, because he has a ton of different skills he brings to the table. He also matched the supposedly athletic Edgecomb in all tests except one.

Coward is not. He’s a D3 refugee who played. 6 games in D1. He stayed in front of some college guards. Wow. I’m not saying he won’t make it, but to state unequivocally because he stayed in front of some college guards that he can check NBA guards is foolishness. It’s wishcasting.

Coward is literally top 6 in all athletic categories in the combine. He's as athletic than Edgecomb and more athletic than Harper. Maybe look shit up before you invent narratives

[scottspurs]

word is Spurs had a scout at Georgetown for the entire year to scout Sorber
Teams have regional scouts that watch every game of the top prospects so that’s not really big news.

[objective]

Sorber is slow enough to fill Primo's cement shoes, so I can see it

[CorrectCrusader]

Beringer has no shot away from the basket and also has a poor ft%.

14 is too high for a backup c whose offensive package is primarily dunks and putbacks at the rim.

There are better prospects at 14

There's still a place for those centers. Look at the gaffords and lively's of the world. He'd be a nice lob threat.

[CorrectCrusader]

Worth adding about Beringer, he's not a lumbering big, he looks pretty damn explosive.

[rascal]

Coward is literally top 6 in all athletic categories in the combine. He's as athletic than Edgecomb and more athletic than Harper. Maybe look shit up before you invent narratives

I thought you were talking about Knueppel. How did it change to Coward?

[exstatic]

Coward is literally top 6 in all athletic categories in the combine. He's as athletic than Edgecomb and more athletic than Harper. Maybe look shit up before you invent narratives

I never said he wasn’t athletic. My point was that those guards he was checking in D3 might as well have been high schoolers compared to NBA guards. Maybe read for context and comprehension before you attack.

Every year, there’s a toolsy player that everyone falls in love with that face plants. He’s much more likely to be this year’s Ryan Dunn than Shawn Marion.

[RC_Drunkford]

I thought you were talking about Knueppel. How did it change to Coward?

I talked about Knueppel before the lottery. That's when I started scouting players. Obviously a completely different draft range.

[Spurs Brazil]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45515479/2025-nba-mock-draft-59-picks-trade-talks-heat-30-teams

14. San Antonio Spurs (via Atlanta)
Joan Beringer, C, Cedevita Olimpija
Adriatic | TS%: 61.5

Height without shoes: 6-11 | Weight: 235
Standing reach: 9-3 | Wingspan: 7-4½

The Spurs will likely explore various options with this No. 14 pick, including the possibility of adding a veteran who is more ready to contribute as the team pivots toward playoff contention. Adding frontcourt depth could also be a priority, especially if the Spurs use Victor Wembanyama as more of a power forward alongside another rim protector eventually, which would be very difficult to score against.

With his season in Slovenia finally concluded, Beringer made his way to the United States, starting in Chicago and Brooklyn, New York, where he completed his mandatory NBA combine participation. That included official measurements, which indicate he has grown an inch and a half in the past year, now standing over 7-feet in shoes, 235 pounds with a 7-4½ wingspan and 9-3 standing reach, similar measurements to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Myles Turner at the same age.

The draft's best shot blocker, Beringer has flashed considerable upside all season, which has put him in lottery consideration since January. -- Givony

[benefactor]

There's still a place for those centers. Look at the gaffords and lively's of the world. He'd be a nice lob threat.
Exactly. I would like to get a forward at 14 but Beringer is a good option as a backup for Wemby. He would work well with our guard lineup and would keep the defense from falling off a cliff in the interior when Wemby goes to the bench

[Uriel]

Carter Bryant (http://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/player/_/id/5061568/carter-bryant), Noa Essengue (https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/5242496/noa-essengue) and Joan Beringer (https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/44853028/french-center-joan-beringer-enter-nba-draft) are among the players who should be considered by the Spurs with their second lottery pick. -- Jeremy Woo
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45526277/2025-nba-draft-san-antonio-spurs-keep-no-2-pick-options

[BackHome]

People saying don't draft a Center because they won't get many minutes forget that Wemby is a twig and even before the clot issues he was having major problems finishing games in the fourth quarter and playing back to back. For me I want either a very good 3 point shooter or a very good defender that can block shots and rebound and has good hands.

[Frenchfred]

People saying don't draft a Center because they won't get many minutes forget that Wemby is a twig and even before the clot issues he was having major problems finishing games in the fourth quarter and playing back to back. For me I want either a very good 3 point shooter or a very good defender that can block shots and rebound and has good hands.

I agree. I hope that Wemby can work on his conditioning this summer but that won't solve the fact that he gets tossed around by big centers

[spurraider21]

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45526277/2025-nba-draft-san-antonio-spurs-keep-no-2-pick-options
"should be considered"

useless info

[Ariel]

Exactly. I would like to get a forward at 14 but Beringer is a good option as a backup for Wemby. He would work well with our guard lineup and would keep the defense from falling off a cliff in the interior when Wemby goes to the bench
I'm not usually a fan of rim running centers, but the kid is an athletic freak with massive wingspan and damn near 7' at just 18, on paper I also prefer wings who can shoot but Beringer is really intriguing.

[The Truth #6]

Lots of tangential spitballing here. Half-baked riffing. But a few thoughts:

If they want to improve the second unit defense, rather than a plodding traditional center, I could see a scenario where they consider CMB. Obviously it would be insane to draft a horrible shooter but also completely on brand with prioritizing defense and versatility over simply shooting. I'm not completely advocating for this -- gun to my head, they would prioritize Carter Bryant -- but CMB seems to have a relentless attitude that might endear him to Wright.

I think how they see the #14 pick is really about what stage they feel like they are in. Known for going slow and not rushing things, they might be content with a high IQ prospect who will need a few years to be productive such as CMB.

Demin is another possibility in this general vein of high IQ but needs lots of development.

But despite the Spurs' long track record of drafting white European-esque players, I think Wright has chosen to not pursue this player demographic after the Luka fiasco. I have no proof for this and I'm happy to be convinced I'm wrong on this. But he passed on Sengun. He passed on Matas last year. I'm cherrypicking, but I don't see this as his preferred demographic.

Coward. CMB. Carter Bryant. I see these players as decent shots for the #14 pick.

[Guru of Nothing]

Nice analysis of Beringer's game here. Just stumbled across this guy's new YouTube channel a couple of weeks ago and I'm digging it.

h2OLOBUSNoo

[T Park]

Best player available.

Back up centers can be had in free agency. If you take someone at 14, which I HIGHLY doubt they will, you take BPA.

[Bruno]

If Spurs want a big in this draft, I would rather draft Kalkbrenner with a late first/early second than spend #14 on a backup center. Kalkbrenner has a limited ceiling but a high floor. There is a good chance he turns into a serviceable 15mpg backup center.

[Ditty]

Comparison: Shades of Devin Vassell :(

I would still take the risk. Competition level is my only concern with him.


https://youtu.be/oenDVo2IfWI?si=99mkgugMhaqVpCRh

[Uriel]

Suppose I gave you these three names--Bryant, Essengue, Coward--and told you two of them would bust and one would hit. Who would you think would be the hit?

[Ice009]

Suppose I gave you these three names--Bryant, Essengue, Coward--and told you two of them would bust and one would hit. Who would you think would be the hit?

It sounds like you're asking a question like the outcome has already happened and you know the answer. I don't understand what the point of your question is. We could name any of those players and none of us know which of them will turn out good. They could all be great, or they could all bust. Anything can happen really.
What is the point you're trying to make by asking people to guess?

[Uriel]

It sounds like you're asking a question like the outcome has already happened and you know the answer. I don't understand what the point of your question is. We could name any of those players and none of us know which of them will turn out good. They could all be great, or they could all bust. Anything can happen really.
What is the point you're trying to make by asking people to guess?
To determine which of these players is most likely to succeed?

[Ice009]

So you want a prediction?

[The Truth #6]

I guess Coward, but not a great success. He at least can shoot.

[CGD]

Suppose I gave you these three names--Bryant, Essengue, Coward--and told you two of them would bust and one would hit. Who would you think would be the hit?

My guess: Essengue and Coward bust, Bryant has a solid career as a role player. Reasons being Essengue is a a bad league, and Coward’s “journey” among mid-majors is fools gold.

[Uriel]

So you want a prediction?
Yes.

[scottspurs]

Suppose I gave you these three names--Bryant, Essengue, Coward--and told you two of them would bust and one would hit. Who would you think would be the hit?


Coward hits and the other two bust. I also think Essengue and Bryant have higher ceilings but I’ll take the higher floor of Coward. His shooting stroke is perfectly smooth.

[Eaglenole2002]

After watching Hoop Intellect’s prospect breakdown of Coward… I was really surprised by how meh he was defensively. He can shoot, for sure, but I was underwhelmed. I expected a lot more considering the buzz.

[ulosturedge]

Beringer is too raw for the Spurs right now even with his potential rising atm. Like someone else said his free throw percentage is low which signals he doesn't have a developed shot at this point. Cedric Coward seems too risky and his size is kind of on par with all the other Combo guards we have. I think the Spurs are looking for either more solidified players or bigs.

I see either Bryant, Essengue, Fleming or Reynaud. High likely hood that Bryant or Essengue are gone by the time Spurs pick. I don't know if they would pick Fleming or Reynaud at 14 or pursue a trade back or just a trade in general for a Vet or something.

[exstatic]

After watching Hoop Intellect’s prospect breakdown of Coward… I was really surprised by how meh he was defensively. He can shoot, for sure, but I was underwhelmed. I expected a lot more considering the buzz.

His TaT profile also reflects that.

[mudyez]

Asuming one of the top 8 picks isn't slipping, I think it's either Fleming or Bryant for us. If both are gone just trade for future assets (or at least trade down to get Maxime).

The others are to raw (Berniger, Essengue,...) or lack shooting again (Demin,...)...even though MATFO might see something in one of them.

Sorber would be enticing as well but we might as well sign a guy like Kornet to back up at the big position. If Maluach is slipping that far, it might be another story.

[scott]

I was previously big on Sorber... but I think I'm not fully a Coward.

Still like Penda in a trade down scenario or should he somehow (very unlikely) make it to 38. Fleming if we also traded down into the 20s, but I'm out on him at 14.

Wouldn't be super excited, but would be happy with a Essengue as a project, though I don't see him being there.

[SpursFan86]

Sorber is probably my 2nd favorite guy that seems to be available at #14, but from a game theory perspective I feel like there are more opportunities to get a guy like Sorber (quality backup big - whether it be at 38 or in FA)…whereas landing a solid wing like Bryant/Clifford/Coward might be more difficult.

I’d still be thrilled with Sorber at 14 assuming his foot checks out, but would probably lean towards one of those 3 wings I mentioned if I had my choice.

[The Truth #6]

Haven't seen much discussion of Nique Clifford. His advanced age will scare many, with the concerns of players this age fading quickly. However, for role players who play defense I feel like 4-year players have a better track record. My issue with him is not his age but his height. Seems more like a shooting guard than a wing. But he rebounds well and gets Josh Hart comparisons so I'm intrigued. But the likelihood of drafting him seems low, like they'd need to trade Devin but somehow not the 14th pick. Or. if they are considering Nique they would just rather trade it.

[cutewizard]

https://youtu.be/ouLJxqOfnvM?si=KFfWpoJ-L78e94h9

[RC_Drunkford]

According to David Aldridge, the Spurs have worked out Khaman Maluach twice. Sounds like they are really trying to trade up to get him and thus are reluctant to package #14 for KD.


At Duke, Maluach was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, averaging 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks on 71.2 percent shooting from the field in 39 games. He ranked sixth in the country in offensive rebound percentage (16.5) and 2-point percentage (75.4). There’s a reason the Spurs, per league sources, have already had him in twice for pre-draft visits. It’s not likely San Antonio would take him with its No. 2 overall pick, but the Spurs certainly know that they’ll probably need to secure a second top-10 pick to have a real chance at taking him. Maybe top five.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6435925/2025/06/20/nba-draft-confidential-bigs-centers-2025/

[Dejounte]

Fine, I’ll watch Malauch some more to see if there’s anything there lmao

[RC_Drunkford]

Fine, I’ll watch Malauch some more to see if there’s anything there lmao

College head coach No. 1 (his team played Duke): I actually think he has the biggest upside of anybody in the draft. … He’s huge. And he’s long. He’s a good athlete. And I think he has natural defensive instincts. He shoots the ball better than I think, maybe, he was able to show this year. He’s a live body. He’s enthusiastic about playing. It seems he loves the process, is not afraid of it. He’s competitive. He’s not afraid. He’s ready to mix it up if he needs to. His length, size and athleticism, and then when you add those other things, I think the only thing that could stop him is injury.


Western Conference executive No. 1: Guys like him are only in one place for 11 to 13 years, and they’re starters. What’s the worst scenario he could be? Clint Capela? If you watched him in FIBA, offensively, it’s two completely different talents than he showed at Duke. In FIBA, he’s shooting 3s. At Duke … no. But there were a couple of times where he did do it and you’re like, ah, that’s what I saw at FIBA. He plays hard. He seems like a great kid. Rebounds. And Duke bigs — (Dereck) Lively was undervalued, and he’s turned out to be damned good. Mark Williams. The general manager who has enough (guts) to take him earlier than Tre, maybe even Edgecombe, I could see him being the under the radar (pick) that nobody’s really pinpointing to maybe screw up the (draft) order a little bit.


College assistant coach No. 1 (his team played Duke): I got up next to the kid. He’s huge. And he’s untapped. He’s got a world of potential. He goes after everything. He rebounds. And offensively, he’s untapped.

[scottspurs]

Fine, I’ll watch Malauch some more to see if there’s anything there lmao

Smokescreen season! Make everyone believe you are hunting bigs.

[Mr. Body]

Smokescreen season! Make everyone believe you are hunting bigs.

The Spurs badly need bigs. Wemby is a walking injury risk and our next big is a not really a big in Sochan.

I don't care about wings at this point, they badly, badly need a couple bigs at least.

[Degoat]

I’ve been curious to do some digging, obviously stats help determine this but which bigs in this draft are legitimately good rebounders?

[scottspurs]

The Spurs badly need bigs. Wemby is a walking injury risk and our next big is a not really a big in Sochan.

I don't care about wings at this point, they badly, badly need a couple bigs at least.

You are preaching to the Choir. I’ve been screaming for rebounding all offseason.

[scottspurs]

I’ve been curious to do some digging, obviously stats help determine this but which bigs in this draft are legitimately good rebounders?
I have some analytics I can re-dump here if you like

[BackHome]

Off the top of my head I would say Wolf and Maxine

[spurraider21]

as much as i like the idea of Fleming, i dont think he feels very spurs-y at 14. he's still my preferred guy of the players expected to be available at 14

[Ice009]

Smokescreen season! Make everyone believe you are hunting bigs.

What is the smokescreen, though? Spurs do need bigs.

[scottspurs]

What is the smokescreen, though? Spurs do need bigs.
That they are interested in Maluach. Not necessarily bigs. Spurs have nothing to trade up with unless they want to give future draft capital. Unless you believe they are trading back from 2? Or if you think Maluach makes it to 14

[Mr. Body]

My guess would be that they may try to poach him if he lasts past ten. That's unlikely, plus it's rumored that Atlanta is very interested even if he didn't go earlier.

Having two workouts is unusual, though.

[scottspurs]

I myself am not as high on Maluach. I don’t think he is one of the best 14 prospects in this class. He gets moved off his spots to easily. The same trait that made Hasheem Thabeet fail in the league

[scottspurs]

My guess would be that they may try to poach him if he lasts past ten. That's unlikely, plus it's rumored that Atlanta is very interested even if he didn't go earlier.

Having two workouts is unusual, though.

Maybe the 1st one went so bad they needed a 2nd one. That’s how things went with Tony Parker

[mo7888]

What is the smokescreen, though? Spurs do need bigs.

The smokescreen could be Sorber. Leak how bad we want Maluach and gey Sorber at 14.

[RC_Drunkford]

The smokescreen could be Sorber. Leak how bad we want Maluach and gey Sorber at 14.

they scouted Sorber like they scouted Castle last year. I think they are clearly looking at centers with that pick.

[baseline bum]

as much as i like the idea of Fleming, i dont think he feels very spurs-y at 14. he's still my preferred guy of the players expected to be available at 14

Saw this on r/NBA_Draft. That's a pretty wild hit rate.



Wings with a 7'2 Wingspan Taken In The First Round Since 2016

The List:

Pascal Siakam
OG Anunoby
Mikal Bridges
PJ Washington
Rui Hachimura
Scottie Barnes
Jalen Williams
Tari Eason
Bilal Coulibaly
Jarace Walker

TBD on those last two, but the hit rate is INSANE.

So, who will meet the criteria this year?

Cedric Coward
Rasheer Fleming

Even more intriguing, both hit close to 40% from 3 this year while also averaging super solid steal/block stats. I think both of these guys are worthy of top ten selections, even in such a good draft.

[baseline bum]

they scouted Sorber like they scouted Castle last year. I think they are clearly looking at centers with that pick.

Nah we looking KD with that pick. Details tomorrow.

[baseline bum]

According to David Aldridge, the Spurs have worked out Khaman Maluach twice. Sounds like they are really trying to trade up to get him and thus are reluctant to package #14 for KD.



https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6435925/2025/06/20/nba-draft-confidential-bigs-centers-2025/[/I]

Just like how Devin Carter wrecked Steph in the Spurs workout and how they were so in love with Salaun. I don't believe anything coming from the Spurs in draft season after they lost Nenad Krstic in the 02 draft. It was funny we all knew how desperately they wanted Tony in 2001 and I remember being excited they got their man watching that draft but also thinking this little fucker is going to the Spurs future PG? :lol

[spurraider21]

Saw this on r/NBA_Draft. That's a pretty wild hit rate.
positionally, he's closest to Siakam on Jarace Walker on that list. the other guys are 2/3/4 types while Fleming to me just seems like a 4 if not a 4/5 for some limited small ball stuff

and siakam is incredibly skilled and well rounded while Walker is very much TBD at best.

im not THAT confident in Fleming, but i do like the archetype and tools

[LeBowen]

positionally, he's closest to Siakam on Jarace Walker on that list. the other guys are 2/3/4 types while Fleming to me just seems like a 4 if not a 4/5 for some limited small ball stuff

and siakam is incredibly skilled and well rounded while Walker is very much TBD at best.

im not THAT confident in Fleming, but i do like the archetype and tools

There was also a list of wings with 7ft+ wingspan and very few didn't turn out to be good contributors.

Imo, Fleming's measurements in combination with what looks like a reliable 3pt shoot make him the most intriguing wing prospect of the bunch in that range.

[spurraider21]

There was also a list of wings with 7ft+ wingspan and very few didn't turn out to be good contributors.

Imo, Fleming's measurements in combination with what looks like a reliable 3pt shoot make him the most intriguing wing prospect of the bunch in that range.
i see the impact Toppin is having for Indiana and i envision some similar things with Fleming

[sfernald]

Beringer has no shot away from the basket and also has a poor ft%.

14 is too high for a backup c whose offensive package is primarily dunks and putbacks at the rim.

There are better prospects at 14

After his measurements were released, Vecenie has him higher on his board than Maluach now. Has the height and size of JJJ at his age.

[RC_Drunkford]

positionally, he's closest to Siakam on Jarace Walker on that list. the other guys are 2/3/4 types while Fleming to me just seems like a 4 if not a 4/5 for some limited small ball stuff

and siakam is incredibly skilled and well rounded while Walker is very much TBD at best.

im not THAT confident in Fleming, but i do like the archetype and tools

Fleming would actually fit like a glove on this Indy team. I understand why they traded their pick, but he would've been perfect for them.

[spurraider21]

Fleming would actually fit like a glove on this Indy team. I understand why they traded their pick, but he would've been perfect for them.
between Turner and Toppin we know they like the archetype (and jarace walker)

[Mr. Body]

Saw this on r/NBA_Draft. That's a pretty wild hit rate.

It's cherry picked and doesn't include foreign players.

[CorrectCrusader]

I don't want Sorber, too slow.

[Ocotillo]

I just came from looking at a mock that had OKC taking Coward and Fleming with their picks. SA took Joan at 14, shaking my head. But it's a mock so who cares.

[ulosturedge]

That 14th pick is in a tough spot. Considering the Spurs would probably want to try and get an immediate contributor. To me the 14th is the beginning of the 2nd tier prospects in the First Round. I think they would love to get a player that is at the end of the 1st tier but it would probably cost too much to move up for that. I mean atleast at 14 they will have their choice of all those 2nd tiers, but could end up being a crapshoot how it works out. A complete miss with a 14th pick would seem like quite the waste. Seems like all options are on the table with that pick. move up, move down, stay pat, or trade it.

[scottspurs]

I think we may be overlooking Will Riley to the Spurs. Another guy that is rumored be killing it in workouts. We know how the Spurs love their workouts

[itzsoweezee]

Maluach will probably be gone. So I’m hoping for Reynard then, Coward, or Bryant.

[RC_Drunkford]

I just came from looking at a mock that had OKC taking Coward and Fleming with their picks. SA took Joan at 14, shaking my head. But it's a mock so who cares.

Players I don't want OKC to get:

Maluach
Sorber
Fleming
Coward

[scott]

Players I don't want OKC to get:

Maluach
Sorber
Fleming
Coward

I have a gut feeling that we're going to have our choice of Sorber or Coward at 14, meaning OKC will at least get the choice of the other (hopefully we take one of them if we are picking). Sorber on a redshirt year just seems too perfect for OKC.

I feel like Fleming is headed towards the 20s.

[PhantomDashCam]

1936104406002356688

If we’re still holding 14 by the time the draft rolls around, if he’s on the board, could be BPA

[CGD]

According to David Aldridge, the Spurs have worked out Khaman Maluach twice. Sounds like they are really trying to trade up to get him and thus are reluctant to package #14 for KD.



https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6435925/2025/06/20/nba-draft-confidential-bigs-centers-2025/[/I]

Now this is super interesting

[CGD]

The smokescreen could be Sorber. Leak how bad we want Maluach and gey Sorber at 14.

Or Beringer who has a closer profile to Maluach?

[mystargtr34]

Yeah the story about Spurs working out Maluach twice feels like a smoke screen for Beringer to drop to them.

But who knows im pretty confident Maluach is going top 10. Maybe the Spurs are hoping to make Atlanta move up for Maluach so Beringer falls to them at 14.

[Mr. Body]

Why would you need a smokescreen for Beringer to drop? He's already not really a lottery pick.

[Degoat]

Every situation is different but I will say just because a player works out twice for a team doesn’t necessarily mean that the team is extremely interested… Malachi could have had a terrible first workout and wanted a chance to show his skills again in a 2nd workout, or maybe he rolled an ankle or something in the first workout and had to end it early.

I remember several years ago the spurs working Isaiah Roby out twice and they didn’t draft him lol

[Uriel]

Funny how I’ve been the biggest Maluach booster on this board and the front office is right there with me :lol

[objective]

Aldridge is a media dinosaur, he's not positioned to get Shams or Fischer style scoops, but he is still useful to old school executives who go back 30+ years with him to put out whatever narratives they want

[Bruno]

I would understand Spurs taking a backup C at #14 like Sorber or Beringer.

Trading up to get Maluach and having him starting alongside Wemby is way harder to understand for at least 3 reasons:
- Wemby has been better at C (see Gobert with FNT).
- Spurs would be horrible shooting the ball.
- Spurs should push the tempo with their guards and it wouldn't make sense to slow it down with a Wembanyama/Maluach frontcourt.

[RC_Drunkford]

I would understand Spurs taking a backup C at #14 like Sorber or Beringer.

Trading up to get Maluach and having him starting alongside Wemby is way harder to understand for at least 3 reasons:
- Wemby has been better at C (see Gobert with FNT).
- Spurs would be horrible shooting the ball.
- Spurs should push the tempo with their guards and it wouldn't make sense to slow it down with a Wembanyama/Maluach frontcourt.

-Maluach has almost the same standing reach as Wemby
-Maluach has huge upside shooting wise
-High floor high ceiling prospect

That line up good be lethal especially with KD at the 3, just because of length alone

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Maluach is a horrible fit with Wemby and even more so adding Castle in the mix.

Offensively he occupies the space that Webmy would attack off the dribble from the top of the key, reducing him to a Myler Turner. He also can’t shoot at all and lacks touch. Worst of all he’d allow any team to match up their center with Maluach and put a PF on Wemby. Horrible to say the least.

Also imagine Fox and Wemby running a PnR with Maluach clogging the lane in front of them. Laughable.

Defensively Maluach isn’t very switchable, he’s at his best protecting the rim, which is where Wemby is a GOAT candidate, so it makes zero sense to move him away from the basket to accommodate a Clint Capela.

I don’t believe the Spurs are interested in Maluach in the slightest. If they want a 15 minute per game back up rim runner they can get one who’d be more ready to contribute immediately in free agency.

[Uriel]

A Maluach-Wembanyama frontcourt could, without exaggeration, become the greatest rim protecting front court in NBA history.

[Dejounte]

A Maluach-Wembanyama frontcourt could, without exaggeration, become the greatest rim protecting front court in NBA history.
And the worst perimeter defending team in the country. Neither are as nimble as Evan Mobley to make two lumbering bigs work.

[CGD]

Why would you need a smokescreen for Beringer to drop? He's already not really a lottery pick.

He’s been linked to ATL at 13. He’s rising after his measurements.

[CGD]

Aldridge is a media dinosaur, he's not positioned to get Shams or Fischer style scoops, but he is still useful to old school executives who go back 30+ years with him to put out whatever narratives they want

So basically he’s Shams and Fischer? All those dudes is mouthpiece lol.

[CGD]

I would understand Spurs taking a backup C at #14 like Sorber or Beringer.

Trading up to get Maluach and having him starting alongside Wemby is way harder to understand for at least 3 reasons:
- Wemby has been better at C (see Gobert with FNT).
- Spurs would be horrible shooting the ball.
- Spurs should push the tempo with their guards and it wouldn't make sense to slow it down with a Wembanyama/Maluach frontcourt.

Im buying the idea that they’ll draft a C. That part of the draft doesn’t seem great for wings, especially if Bryant and Coward are gone.

[RC_Drunkford]

Maluach is a horrible fit with Wemby and even more so adding Castle in the mix.

Offensively he occupies the space that Webmy would attack off the dribble from the top of the key, reducing him to a Myler Turner.

Why would you want Wemby to dribble? Wemby wants to shoot 3s and commits turnovers when he's trying to dribble. If Wemby shoots 9 threes per game, you might want to have somebody on the offensive glass who can rebound those misses.


He also can’t shoot at all and lacks touch. Worst of all he’d allow any team to match up their center with Maluach and put a PF on Wemby. Horrible to say the least.

He clearly has touch, shoots a better FT% than Dylan Harper and showed promise when it comes to shooting. Which is exactly why he's mocked that high.


Also imagine Fox and Wemby running a PnR with Maluach clogging the lane in front of them. Laughable.

Imagine a 7'6'' guy running a PnR with a 7'2'' guy. That's so easy to defend...


Defensively Maluach isn’t very switchable, he’s at his best protecting the rim, which is where Wemby is a GOAT candidate, so it makes zero sense to move him away from the basket to accommodate a Clint Capela.

Maluach's standing reach is 1 inch shorter than Wemby's. He offers similar rim protection and that's the exact reason why he can recover even when he's getting beat


I don’t believe the Spurs are interested in Maluach in the slightest. If they want a 15 minute per game back up rim runner they can get one who’d be more ready to contribute immediately in free agency.



Maybe they don't want a back up. Maybe they want a starting caliber center.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Why would you want Wemby to dribble? Wemby wants to shoot 3s and commits turnovers when he's trying to dribble. If Wemby shoots 9 threes per game, you might want to have somebody on the offensive glass who can rebound those misses.

Because Wemby's offensive game is much more expansive that being a 3 point shooter. His 3 pointers help unlock it, especially when he's matched up with the opposing center. This has to be first priority for the Spurs - get a PF that other teams can't cross match their centers against. It's also why Durant will fit so wonderfully.


He clearly has touch, shoots a better FT% than Dylan Harper and showed promise when it comes to shooting. Which is exactly why he's mocked that high.

I don't see no touch and his hands are really bad.


Imagine a 7'6'' guy running a PnR with a 7'2'' guy. That's so easy to defend...

I can't imagine any coach would care to use such gimmicks when he has a top 5 PnR PG.


Maluach's standing reach is 1 inch shorter than Wemby's. He offers similar rim protection and that's the exact reason why he can recover even when he's getting beat

It's not 1995 anymore, you don't need 2 centers to protect the rim. One of them will be pulled away. Maluach isn't very good guarding in space and it'd be a waste if Wemby is the one having to defend away from the basket.


Maybe they don't want a back up. Maybe they want a starting caliber center.

I doubt they're this dumb. At least one or two assistants surely watch actual basketball in 2025.

[itzsoweezee]

And the worst perimeter defending team in the country. Neither are as nimble as Evan Mobley to make two lumbering bigs work.

Wemby is lumbering? This might be the worst take I've ever seen on spurstalk, ever. The guy can literally guard 1/2 of the court by himself. Wemby is by far the best defender on the court, anywhere on the court.

[Dejounte]

Wemby is lumbering? This might be the worst take I've ever seen on spurstalk, ever. The guy can literally guard 1/2 of the court by himself. Wemby is by far the best defender on the court, anywhere on the court.

Lol here comes the sniffers. This is a crazy sniffer take. Y’all make me laugh always thinking the spurms have the best players ever. John b, come get your man

[itzsoweezee]

Lol here comes the sniffers. This is a crazy sniffer take. Y’all make me laugh always thinking the spurms have the best players ever. John b, come get your man

Please repeat to everyone how you think wemby is lumbering.

I'm as far from a sniffer as you can get. Wemby is the best defender in the NBA. It's not even close. And it doesn't matter where he is on the court. I'll take him over anyone else guarding a player on the perimeter.

[The Truth #6]

Malauch wouldn't have to start. He could or should be our backup center to fill in the gaps while Wemby sits. Our bench falling to shambles is a big issue.

Having said that, I'm not actually proposing they prioritize him.

[scottspurs]

Maluach would be a tough sell for me. What exactly is he going to help the Spurs with? Much better rebounding can be had. He gets moved off his spots with ease. He gets lost at times on both sides of the ball. He is very athletic for his size but what does he use that athleticism for? Block and steal rate is not very high. He is a rim running big that in theory you hope becomes a lot more. I don’t see the fit with Wemby. So you are drafting a backup center. Backup centers need to do the dirty work for 15-18 minutes a night. Maluach isn’t that type. If the Spurs are going backup center I would much rather have Sorber. Asa Newell and Maxime Raynaud would be better fits. They could play spot minutes with Wemby. Drafting Maluach to me would signal to me the Spurs are worried about Wemby’s long term health.

[sfernald]

Maluach would be a tough sell for me. What exactly is he going to help the Spurs with? Much better rebounding can be had. He gets moved off his spots with ease. He gets lost at times on both sides of the ball. He is very athletic for his size but what does he use that athleticism for? Block and steal rate is not very high. He is a rim running big that in theory you hope becomes a lot more. I don’t see the fit with Wemby. So you are drafting a backup center. Backup centers need to do the dirty work for 15-18 minutes a night. Maluach isn’t that type. If the Spurs are going backup center I would much rather have Sorber. Asa Newell and Maxime Raynaud would be better fits. They could play spot minutes with Wemby. Drafting Maluach to me would signal to me the Spurs are worried about Wemby’s long term health.

For backup center honestly I would much rather them grab someone like Clint Capella or even Al Hartford. You could get them for less than mle and they will be better than any rook this year at the position. Hortford isn’t done yet, he would be a great mentor for Wemby too and would be so cheap at this point.

In terms of bigs in general, all of them except for Queen look like big stiffs to me so I wouldn’t really draft any of them. If BW falls in love with one, fine I’ll go along.

[sfernald]

My current list:

essengue/carter/cmb/coward

i was thinking about what do I consider most important in prospects.

Sure I look at stats and some advanced stats (can be very misleading). But mostly I like watching them playing games, important games against good competition while focusing on just them the entire time. I consider most important 1) their minds, which is [inf]x the best tool they have. Guys like Larry Bird and Tim Duncan were all time great because of their minds ultimately. And then I like seeing their gait or movements. It tells you so much about a player, including their bball intelligence, confidence and skill.

I feel like I can always see the nba player in them if it’s there. I think if I was into horse racing I would be one of those betters who just watches the horses race and even trot around the course. That’s always the big thing they stand out to me.

1) Essengue - fluid as fuck. I think if he manages to beef up he has really all star potential. Think Pascal Siakam or even Giannis Lite at the high side.

2) Carter - flows with such conviction and strength. His slams and blocks portend of much unused power there waiting if needed.

3) CMB - I think he’s the best defensive prospect (college) since Chet. I love me some strong defenders. Comparisons to DG are actually apt in this case. And he has a true 1A star baller mind, so yes even if he can’t hit threes yet.

4) Coward - love his game and his shot, so pure. He moves like a gazelle out there. Love it. I think he can bulk up and play the four next to Wemby eventually.