Grades: Spurs Draft Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant and Trade No. 38

[timvp]

https://www.spurstalk.com/grades-spurs-draft-dylan-harper-carter-bryant/

[FlAVaK]

great draft

thx

[benefactor]

Thanks. Good to hear they might try to get back into the second. No reason not to with the prospects available.

[Robz4000]

If the Spurs could flip some future seconds into Fleming/Kalkbrenner/Raynaud, this draft becomes an A+ tbh.

[cutewizard]

Thank you Sir

[exstatic]

He
Is
ALIVE!

[mudyez]

I agree on #38.

At first I was totally fine with trading it. But since the three guys mentioned are still on the board (plus Broome), I have a bad feeling we will regret it. At least one of them should slide to #38.

[Ignazzz]

Or price should be higher for #38 pick

[Eaglenole2002]

If the Spurs had gotten an insane overpay for pick 38 I could understand taking the offer and running. Even if you don’t love the players ranked in the 30s on your board, you owe it to yourself to wait it out and see what happens. Weight mentioned trying to trade up for Bryant last night. Would 38 have been useful? Maybe not. And now he’s talking about trading into round 2, and that just seems so absurd and just unbelievably bad process.

[Davidicus]

Hoping we trade back in without too much embarrassment. Too easy to find a backup C.

[benefactor]

The fact it's been mentioned that they might trade back in shows Wright knows he jumped too quickly to trade that pick away. Let's see if the mistake gets rectified

[Uriel]

I don’t see the point in trading back into the second round if the target is Raynaud / Kalkbrenner. Those guys will be gone by 38, especially Raynaud.

[Ice009]

I don’t see the point in trading back into the second round if the target is Raynaud / Kalkbrenner. Those guys will be gone by 38, especially Raynaud.

What you said doesn't make sense. The Spurs wouldn't be trading to get back pick 38, they'd be trading for an earlier second round pick to try and get Raynaud, Kalkbrenner or someone like Flemming even. They can try trading for an earlier 30's pick if one of the guys they want is still there.

Having said that, since Charlotte traded Mark Williams, is it likely they pick a center with one or both of their picks? Spurs might miss out due to team needs of the teams with those early second round picks. I think one of those Charlotte picks is worth trying to get, but that depends on who Charlotte wants to draft. They might take one or both of the guys the Spurs want.

[K...]

I just want to point out that the spurs often say "we had this guy higher and were shocked we got him" on non core lottery picks. it could be true in every situation but it also could be nice lie to boost the players confidence.

[CGD]

What you said doesn't make sense. The Spurs wouldn't be trading to get back pick 38, they'd be trading for an earlier second round pick to try and get Raynaud, Kalkbrenner or someone like Flemming even. They can try trading for an earlier 30's pick if one of the guys they want is still there.

Having said that, since Charlotte traded Mark Williams, is it likely they pick a center with one or both of their picks? Spurs might miss out due to team needs of the teams with those early second round picks. I think one of those Charlotte picks is worth trying to get, but that depends on who Charlotte wants to draft. They might take one or both of the guys the Spurs want.

Interestingly CHA has 33 and 34. I’m watching those picks.

[Ice009]

One of those Charlotte picks would be the one the Spurs should try and get IMO. I just don't know who Charlotte want with them. I think they're going to want to take at least 1 center with one of them, maybe even keep both and take two centers/players :(.

If not, pick 36 from Brooklyn could be in play as I doubt Brooklyn need anymore rookies, right? Surely they wouldn't want to use it? Not sure if any of the Spurs' targets slide that far, though.

[Dex]

The fact it's been mentioned that they might trade back in shows Wright knows he jumped too quickly to trade that pick away. Let's see if the mistake gets rectified

Either that or they already have a different plan to fill backup C...but yeah, whispers that they are trying to get back in at least signals an "oh shit" moment. Only reasonable conclusion would be if they are actually trying to move up in the second round, especially now knowing three options are on the board.

Bismack Biyombo, you are STILL a Spur!

[drpill]

I just want to point out that the spurs often say "we had this guy higher and were shocked we got him" on non core lottery picks. it could be true in every situation but it also could be nice lie to boost the players confidence.

I'm pretty sure it's true in this case. Bryant's projected skillset is exactly what the Spurs should be looking for, he has sky-high potential as an elite wing role player if not better, and his personality and background seem to be as Spursy as it gets. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he was one of the very highest rated wings on their board going into the draft. I've seen at least one analyst who had him #3 overall on his personal board, and most had him in or near the top ten.

That said, I agree with those saying he is going to need some time. I won't be surprised to see a lot of g-league minutes throughout the season depending on what happens with the rest of the roster. That too, makes him a good fit in the front office's eyes, as it feels unlikely that they really are prepared to move on from Keldon or Devin and they will definitely want to give Jeremy ample opportunity to prove he can work on this team.

[Guru of Nothing]

I won't hate bringing Biyombo back. He was able to fit into his role immediately last year, and if he's in for a full camp he should be adequate+.

[LeBowen]

That said, I agree with those saying he is going to need some time.

He obviously needs time to get to his projected level, but if he's a positive defender right away and is able to consistently hit open corner 3s, he should get 10 to 15mpg at the start of the season, which gets adjusted accordingly depending on his growth.


I won't be surprised to see a lot of g-league minutes throughout the season depending on what happens with the rest of the roster.

I think this depends on what the front office sees in him.
Do they think he can actually develop his self-creation that is non-existant now or they're fine with him becoming the next Bowen/Green?

[John B]

He
Is
ALIVE!

ChatTimvp :lol

Spurs got really lucky with Bryant, but at the cost of Sorber. #13 pick would’ve been the perfect opportunity to give Hawks back their future pick, and grabbed both Carter and Sorber.

Harper - A
Bryant - A
Trading 2nd round before the Draft started - F. You don’t leave money on the table, not knowing what the future holds.

Overall grade B. I think there was opportunity also to grab Sorber if Hawks was open to trading their pick #13.

[Ice009]

Do you mean they send him to the G-League if they think he can develop self-creation to work on that kind of stuff there?

Kawhi didn't go to the G-League to develop his game. He can still do it playing for the Spurs if he wants it enough and works his ass off on it (Sounds like he is going to try really hard to become a better player because he mentioned Kawhi by name and pointed out Kawhi's work ethic and self improvement on his game, so I think he's going to look to do something similar). He can start showing it in games little by little. I don't think he needs to go to the G-League to do that. Either way it can be done IMO (G-League or while playing on the Spurs).


ChatTimvp :lol

Spurs got really lucky with Bryant, but at the cost of Sorber. #13 pick would’ve been the perfect opportunity to give Hawks back their future pick, and grabbed both Carter and Sorber.

Darn, that would have been a great opportunity to give an Atlanta pick back, then the Spurs could have had the option to not use it and traded that pick to NO for a better pick like Atlanta did. having said that, if both the Spurs and NO offered their trade at the same time, the Hawks wouldn't take their own pick back over what NO traded them. They Spurs would have had to get in before the NO offer.

[onechance87]

Get back in the second round and get fleming or penda.There defence along with bryant and wemby.That could be amazing.

[onechance87]

Do you mean they send him to the G-League if they think he can develop self-creation to work on that kind of stuff there?

Kawhi didn't go to the G-League to develop his game. He can still do it playing for the Spurs if he wants it enough and works his ass off on it. He can start showing it in games.

Yup hes not competing against guys that are not great.Guys like champ,sochan,vassell and keldon can get pushed back
cause sometimes they just aint that good.

[RC_Drunkford]

I'm pretty sure it's true in this case. Bryant's projected skillset is exactly what the Spurs should be looking for, he has sky-high potential as an elite wing role player if not better, and his personality and background seem to be as Spursy as it gets. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he was one of the very highest rated wings on their board going into the draft. I've seen at least one analyst who had him #3 overall on his personal board, and most had him in or near the top ten.

That said, I agree with those saying he is going to need some time. I won't be surprised to see a lot of g-league minutes throughout the season depending on what happens with the rest of the roster. That too, makes him a good fit in the front office's eyes, as it feels unlikely that they really are prepared to move on from Keldon or Devin and they will definitely want to give Jeremy ample opportunity to prove he can work on this team.

he most likely was high on their board, given they turned the pick in within 30 seconds. Seemed like a no-brainer move.

[Spurs9]

I don't understand trading that 2nd round pick so early before seeing who was even available.

[DesignatedT]

Ehh I think Fleming, Kalkbrenner and Raynaud are the only 3 guys that have plus value. Doubt any of the 3 make it to pick 38 anyway. If the Spurs want one of those guys they can still go get them.

[John B]

I don't understand trading that 2nd round pick so early before seeing who was even available.

That move sure earns the Westbrook reaction face. You don’t leave money on the table like that not knowing what opportunities still available. Unless the offer was better before the Draft.

[buttsR4rebounding]

The fact it's been mentioned that they might trade back in shows Wright knows he jumped too quickly to trade that pick away. Let's see if the mistake gets rectified

The Spurs have 4 2nd round picks next year. If they trade 2 of them for pick 34 that would be great. You effectively improve 4 places to get your guy and move one of the 4 picks next year to 2030 for the cost of 1 second round pick. No one would say it was a bad trade if they traded 38 plus a 2026 SRP for 34 and then traded a 2026 SRP for a 2030 SRP to reduce the 2026 surplus. Plus whatever cash was involved.

[spurraider21]

The problem with the trade wasn’t necessarily the value it was the premature nature of it

[Seventyniner]

The Spurs have the MIN30 swap, but that's too much to give up for just #31. I don't think future seconds would do it either because why would MIN give up the best possible second round pick for ones that couldn't possibly be any better?

[exstatic]

I don’t see the point in trading back into the second round if the target is Raynaud / Kalkbrenner. Those guys will be gone by 38, especially Raynaud.

?? They wouldn’t be getting 38 back, they’d probably trade into the range of those players.

[picnroll]

That move sure earns the Westbrook reaction face. You don’t leave money on the table like that not knowing what opportunities still available. Unless the offer was better before the Draft.
Still a bad move. They jumped the gun, could have waited until today to see what was still on the table. Even if they decided to trade it that pick is a lot more valuable today than it was yesterday.

[exstatic]

Either that or they already have a different plan to fill backup C...but yeah, whispers that they are trying to get back in at least signals an "oh shit" moment. Only reasonable conclusion would be if they are actually trying to move up in the second round, especially now knowing three options are on the board.

Bismack Biyombo, you are STILL a Spur!

No one good is dropping to 38, so they were right to get out of that pick. They’ll probably try to re-enter in the 31-33 range.

[exstatic]

ChatTimvp :lol

Spurs got really lucky with Bryant, but at the cost of Sorber. #13 pick would’ve been the perfect opportunity to give Hawks back their future pick, and grabbed both Carter and Sorber.

Harper - A
Bryant - A
Trading 2nd round before the Draft started - F. You don’t leave money on the table, not knowing what the future holds.

Overall grade B. I think there was opportunity also to grab Sorber if Hawks was open to trading their pick #13.

Atlanta did trade their pick to New Orleans for the NO pick, plus a future pick.

[exstatic]

Ehh I think Fleming, Kalkbrenner and Raynaud are the only 3 guys that have plus value. Doubt any of the 3 make it to pick 38 anyway. If the Spurs want one of those guys they can still go get them.

CHA owns 33 and 34. I would imagine one of those could be had.

[exstatic]

The problem with the trade wasn’t necessarily the value it was the premature nature of it

I’m thinking they evaluated the talent, and decided that it tailed off well before 38.

[Ice009]

Atlanta did trade their pick to New Orleans for the NO pick, plus a future pick.

I think he's saying the Spurs should have offered the Hawks one of their picks back to take Atlanta's 2025 #13 before they traded it to NO. If they got in before NO got in on it, maybe the Hawks would have considered it?

Spurs could have then used it to draft both Bryant and Sorber, or who knows, maybe NO call and offer the same deal to the Spurs for either 13 or 14. In hindsight, would have been a good move if NO offered the Spurs the same offer.

[Dex]

No one good is dropping to 38, so they were right to get out of that pick. They’ll probably try to re-enter in the 31-33 range.

My thinking as well. Maybe unload 2 SRPs (and the cash they just received) to jump up a few spots.

[exstatic]

I think he's saying the Spurs should have offered the Hawks one of their picks back to take Atlanta's 2025 #13 before they traded it to NO. If they got in before NO got in on it, maybe the Hawks would have considered it?

He seemed like he wanted both Bryant, and Sorber. So, with not swapping, the price would have been two other FRPs, because NO gave them two, including their pick in this draft. I also think ATL is probably pissed at our position that they’re not getting their picks back. The price might have been higher than they charged NO.

[Brazil]

Spurs are full of player to develop, trading the #38 is a good move, no need to have another one.
I like Bryant pick because he can contribute without having the ball in his hands... and with Harper, castle, Fox and Wemby that's a lot of high usage players to accomodate tbh

[John B]

Atlanta did trade their pick to New Orleans for the NO pick, plus a future pick.

Exactly Hawks was trading that #13 pick. What would’ve taken to get it and grab both Carter and Sorber? ATL picks back? Those are becoming garbage, but not to ATL who are Trae injury away from back to mediocrity. Harper, Bryant and Sorber plus using ATL garbage picks in the process would be huge

[Ice009]

He seemed like he wanted both Bryant, and Sorber. So, with not swapping, the price would have been two other FRPs, because NO gave them two, including their pick in this draft. I also think ATL is probably pissed at our position that they’re not getting their picks back. The price might have been higher than they charged NO.

Yeah, fair enough. Not as simple as he made it seem.

[R. DeMurre]

It really is so fascinating to watch NBA development over a long period of time. On draft day in 2018, the vast majority of scouts and analysts thought Doncic was a bigger prize than SGA. After their first year, Doncic wins ROY by a large margin, and then finishes 4th in the MVP vote in just his second season-- and after years 1, 2, 3, & 4 he's the obvious choice... but fast forward to year 7 for both of them, and SGA is MVP of the league and is celebrating his first championship (albeit with a much better team than Luka), and now if the Lakers offered a trade between the two, OKC almost certainly says no thanks. This is why so many people love the NBA. The unfolding drama is endless, and the character development through the years is as interesting as in any great novel.

[LeBowen]

It really is so fascinating to watch NBA development over a long period of time. On draft day in 2018, the vast majority of scouts and analysts thought Doncic was a bigger prize than SGA. After their first year, Doncic wins ROY by a large margin, and then finishes 4th in the MVP vote in just his second season-- and after years 1, 2, 3, & 4 he's the obvious choice... but fast forward to year 7 for both of them, and SGA is MVP of the league and is celebrating his first championship (albeit with a much better team than Luka), and now if the Lakers offered a trade between the two, OKC almost certainly says no thanks. This is why so many people love the NBA. the unfolding drama is endless, and the character development through the years is as interesting as any great novel.

To add to that, last year Mavs beat the OKC without much trouble, but certain things happened and they weren't in position to give it another go.
Mavs fans have every reason to be upset because this could've been their year, both Nuggets and Pacers have shown OKC were far from a perfect roster.

[Rocalcio]

No one good is dropping to 38, so they were right to get out of that pick. They’ll probably try to re-enter in the 31-33 range.


This

[R. DeMurre]

To add to that, last year Mavs beat the OKC without much trouble, but certain things happened and they weren't in position to give it another go.
Mavs fans have every reason to be upset because this could've been their year, both Nuggets and Pacers have shown OKC were far from a perfect roster.


And to add to that, Dallas falls on the greatest imaginable good luck, landing the #1 pick with a 1.8% chance, and gets to fulfill Nico's wish of building a defensive minded team by adding Flagg! But I think this also shows that as a GM, you've got to make the most of unforeseen opportunities. Presti is good at his job, but one could argue that the best day in recent Thunder history was the day Paul George demanded a trade to the Clippers.

[couchman]

Demin and Coward went higher than most expected, so it’s not a stretch to say that Carter Bryant went lower than expected

[daslicer]

It really is so fascinating to watch NBA development over a long period of time. On draft day in 2018, the vast majority of scouts and analysts thought Doncic was a bigger prize than SGA. After their first year, Doncic wins ROY by a large margin, and then finishes 4th in the MVP vote in just his second season-- and after years 1, 2, 3, & 4 he's the obvious choice... but fast forward to year 7 for both of them, and SGA is MVP of the league and is celebrating his first championship (albeit with a much better team than Luka), and now if the Lakers offered a trade between the two, OKC almost certainly says no thanks. This is why so many people love the NBA. The unfolding drama is endless, and the character development through the years is as interesting as in any great novel.

Agreed another example that illustrates your point is the 2009 NBA draft. Blake Griffin and James Harden were drafted a lot higher than Stephen Curry and were better players than him from '09-'14 and then after '14 Curry leapfrogs both players as the best player from that draft.

[R. DeMurre]

Agreed another example that illustrates your point is the 2009 NBA draft. Blake Griffin and James Harden were drafted a lot higher than Stephen Curry and were better players than him from '09-'14 and then after '14 Curry leapfrogs both players as the best player from that draft.


And Curry was drafted behind two other PGs in Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn!

[cutewizard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxhWL5b454c

[Chinook]

I wonder if 32 is for sale if the Spurs can get Boston the rest of the salary relief they need. I'm not as convinced as some others that Hauser had positive value. Maybe Boston would do 32 and Hauser for a protected first from SA.

[LeBowen]

Technically, if Spurs think Raynaud, Kalkbrenner or Fleming are worth it, we can easily get that #31 by just giving Minnesota their '30 swap back.
We'd still be left with best of SAS/DAL in '30 draft, I don't think it would be that bad of a deal. Minnesota just changed ownership, I can't see that pick getting us a top lottery talent.

[Mr. Body]

The Fox-Castle-Harper trio is not going to be easy to figure out, and we know Fox already had trouble getting things to work with Halliburton. That max contract is going to be a headache, making it harder to make more moves or even to move Fox eventually. I fear that eventually it will be Castle that will have to go. But for now let's enjoy a constant three-pronged attack in whatever combos it comes.

Bryant is a project. His minutes were astonishingly low for a lottery pick. Can he ramp up his production in more minutes? How will he handle greater responsibilities? He has a lot to clean up about defense alone, but I like his steal and block rate, activity level, his love for defense, he seems to have a shot, and his character is superlative.

Very nice draft. The team isn't there yet, not at the moment nor going forward, but imo they're going to be fearsome to handle for a lot of teams.

[spurraider21]

I’m thinking they evaluated the talent, and decided that it tailed off well before 38.


The problem with the trade wasn’t necessarily the value it was the premature nature of it

[Das Texan]

I dont think they will have one of the targets they would like fall to 38 so its moot.

Using some of the 14 million second round picks to strategically go get someone would be smart.

[LeBowen]

The Fox-Castle-Harper trio is not going to be easy to figure out, and we know Fox already had trouble getting things to work with Halliburton. That max contract is going to be a headache, making it harder to make more moves or even to move Fox eventually. I fear that eventually it will be Castle that will have to go. But for now let's enjoy a constant three-pronged attack in whatever combos it comes.

I'm not sure Castle will earn a max extension with the reduced role making cap situation easier to deal with.

As for Fox, this will be his age 28 season and the last of his current contract.
Him taking a 3+1 deal, opting out and giving us some discount after that would be ideal. That will be the summer when Harper's extension kicks in.
Fox will be turning 32 and will know that Spurs won't hesitate to trade him if Harper is the real deal unless he helps us with the cap situation.

I'm sure that everything will fall in place as long as Wemby is healthy and we're a top contender.


Bryant is a project. His minutes were astonishingly low for a lottery pick. Can he ramp up his production in more minutes? How will he handle greater responsibilities? He has a lot to clean up about defense alone, but I like his steal and block rate, activity level, his love for defense, he seems to have a shot, and his character is superlative.

Would it be optimistic to say that he's already the third best defender on the team after Sochan and Castle?
If his corner 3pt is reliable, he'll have an easy time finding minutes. His growth after that will determine where he ends up in the rotation in a few years. Could be anywhere from a starting wing to 10th man.


Very nice draft. The team isn't there yet, not at the moment nor going forward, but imo they're going to be fearsome to handle for a lot of teams.

I'm actually really optimistic about the regular season because young teams tend to overperform and veteran teams coast.
We could easily be next season's Rockets if we get a legit PF and backup C while shipping out a couple of players that outlived their purpose.

[exstatic]

Still a bad move. They jumped the gun, could have waited until today to see what was still on the table. Even if they decided to trade it that pick is a lot more valuable today than it was yesterday.

No, it’s not. There are 3 decent players left, and 8 picks until 38. They’d be lucky to find a taker that would swap a future pick with no cash involved.

[rascal]

Other teams will also be trying to move into the 31-34 range. Spurs will have to put up the most attractive offer to beat others and move into that range.

Those 31-34 slots are going to be the most sought after picks of the round and the teams holding these picks know it.

Is it worth trading a protected first to move into the 31-34 range if a package of 2nds isn't enough to move into the 31-34 range?

[rascal]

Technically, if Spurs think Raynaud, Kalkbrenner or Fleming are worth it, we can easily get that #31 by just giving Minnesota their '30 swap back.
We'd still be left with best of SAS/DAL in '30 draft, I don't think it would be that bad of a deal. Minnesota just changed ownership, I can't see that pick getting us a top lottery talent.

This may be able to get that 31 pick.

[LeBowen]

Is it worth trading a protected first to move into the 31-34 range if a package of 2nds isn't enough to move into the 31-34 range?

We own swaps with both MIN and BOS.

'28 BOS
'30 SAS/DAL/MIN

Easy to move up by effectively trading down in one of those drafts.
I personally thinks Stevens is a top2 GM with Presti, there's no way Celtics aren't good in '28. That swap has very little value.
Most of it's value is tied to Celtics' flexibility if they get it back.

Minnesota one is more valuable, but they changed ownership and surely won't have a major meltdown. Not to mention we'd keep the Mavs swap which is still probably better because their veteran stars will be gone.

[rascal]

We own swaps with both MIN and BOS.

'28 BOS
'30 SAS/DAL/MIN

Easy to move up by effectively trading down in one of those drafts.
I personally thinks Stevens is a top2 GM with Presti, there's no way Celtics aren't good in '28. That swap has very little value.
Most of it's value is tied to Celtics' flexibility if they get it back.

Minnesota one is more valuable, but they changed ownership and surely won't have a major meltdown. Not to mention we'd keep the Mavs swap which is still probably better because their veteran stars will be gone.

Boston will be tough to trade with. They need to fill some of their roster with young cheap talent and they have a chance here to grab a solid cheap player.

[Tyrone Jenkins]

I'm of the opinion the Spurs don't need another rookie. They need vets. Experience. I'm fine w/ trading 38 but they certainly must get a stretch-4 backup C who can space the floor and hit 3s.

[exstatic]

I wonder if 32 is for sale if the Spurs can get Boston the rest of the salary relief they need. I'm not as convinced as some others that Hauser had positive value. Maybe Boston would do 32 and Hauser for a protected first from SA.

F that. We’ve got a ton of SRPs. Flip them a couple, and save our firsts.

[LeBowen]

Boston will be tough to trade with. They need to fill some of their roster with young cheap talent and they have a chance here to grab a solid cheap player.

We can include Wesley<->Hauser swap in the deal if they want.

[spurraider21]

I'm of the opinion the Spurs don't need another rookie. They need vets. Experience. I'm fine w/ trading 38 but they certainly must get a stretch-4 backup C who can space the floor and hit 3s.
rasheer fleming

[Marcus Bryant]

Landing Harper and Bryant is such an unexpected windfall and opportunity to be a transformative draft.

Between free agency and trades now you can fill out the rest of your roster.

For Castle and Fox the Spurs paid for those acquisitions.

Harper and Bryant are just gifts.

As for future picks and swaps we’ll see, not ready to write off the value of those.

[Mr. Body]

I'm not sure Castle will earn a max extension with the reduced role making cap situation easier to deal with.

As for Fox, this will be his age 28 season and the last of his current contract.
Him taking a 3+1 deal, opting out and giving us some discount after that would be ideal. That will be the summer when Harper's extension kicks in.
Fox will be turning 32 and will know that Spurs won't hesitate to trade him if Harper is the real deal unless he helps us with the cap situation.

I'm sure that everything will fall in place as long as Wemby is healthy and we're a top contender.



Would it be optimistic to say that he's already the third best defender on the team after Sochan and Castle?
If his corner 3pt is reliable, he'll have an easy time finding minutes. His growth after that will determine where he ends up in the rotation in a few years. Could be anywhere from a starting wing to 10th man.



I'm actually really optimistic about the regular season because young teams tend to overperform and veteran teams coast.
We could easily be next season's Rockets if we get a legit PF and backup C while shipping out a couple of players that outlived their purpose.

With the trio, my concerns are touches and egos, and I'm not necessary sure they're related. Touches to develop Harper properly and Castle to his own degree while maintaining what Fox is good at, which is being on-ball. I think this could be really difficult, but the Spurs have precedent for active, complex offenses. And then ego. At some point Castle may feel he can become the player he can become elsewhere, or Fox realizes the young guys are nipping at his heels. Castle wouldn't want to go into his mid-20s stuck behind other players, Fox wouldn't want to look at his 30s contracts stuck behind these other guys.

Bryant looks like a really disruptive team defender but I think needs seasoning as an on-ball defender. I do think he'll get reps on the main team, but it'll be a growth thing. Balance this with needing a lot of offensive reps, so I think he may be back and forth to Austin to get the ball in his hands.

Agree, if they can get some beef, this team is going to wreck a lot of teams. If Wemby is healthy, that guard corps could be nasty.

[Mr. Body]

Landing Harper and Bryant is such an unexpected windfall and opportunity to be a transformative draft.

Between free agency and trades now you can fill out the rest of your roster.

For Castle and Fox the Spurs paid for those acquisitions.

Harper and Bryant are just gifts.

As for future picks and swaps we’ll see, not ready to write off the value of those.

A day before last year's draft the team had Tre Jones and... that was basically it as far as ball-handling guards. Now they have Fox, Castle, and Harper.

[Chinook]

F that. We’ve got a ton of SRPs. Flip them a couple, and save our firsts.

I too like getting things without paying them.

[Marcus Bryant]

A couple future SRPs and maybe cash for an early pick today?

Spurs have a few of these in future drafts but don’t really seem to value them.

Might as well get some value.

[exstatic]

I too like getting things without paying them.

Paying two for one is not not paying.

[Ice009]

F that. We’ve got a ton of SRPs. Flip them a couple, and save our firsts.

I'm not willing to give up a first to get Kalkbrenner, Raynaud or Fleming, but I'm OK with multiple seconds.

[jmard5]

With Harper and CB already on the roster, will we have enough minutes to effectively develop a third rookie? An experienced, established center from free agency might be the route to go.

[Mr. Body]

With Harper and CB already on the roster, will we have enough minutes to effectively develop a third rookie? An experienced, established center from free agency might be the route to go.

Probably against team philosophy, but they took three rooks a few years ago -- although their timeline was very different then. I do think grabbing a rookie big and getting a veteran big in FA can work. The cost isn't very high, they start seeing what works right away, and they have the spots.

[Ice009]

Probably against team philosophy, but they took three rooks a few years ago -- although their timeline was very different then. I do think grabbing a rookie big and getting a veteran big in FA can work. The cost isn't very high, they start seeing what works right away, and they have the spots.

I like your idea of getting both a veteran big and a rookie big. I think that could work.

[mo7888]

Re: trading up tonight. I don't think a couple 2nd's would get us the Boston pick + Hauser. Hauser isn't a negative asset, so I think the protected 1st or returning their swap is what it would take. To get the Minnesota pick i think it would take a return of their swap. For one of the Charlotte picks I think we are looking at two or three future 2nd's. I'd personally target Charlotte.

[Chinook]

Paying two for one is not not paying.

It's not not not paying. Just because the Spurs love to give up picks in the 30s for seconds doesn't mean other teams will. By all means, make that offer, but they should be prepared to up their offer somehow. It would be nice if they could absorb a useful salary as part of the deal.

[Ice009]

Come on Spurs, three picks in this draft, I think it will be a great draft. It's already been great, but a third pick with one of the bigs or Fleming could make it even better, or maybe Noah Penda if they think he could be worth it.

[picnroll]

No, it’s not. There are 3 decent players left, and 8 picks until 38. They’d be lucky to find a taker that would swap a future pick with no cash involved.
They’ll be more than 8 teams that think they’ve seen the next Joker, Middleton, Marc Gasol or Draymond Green.

[scott]

Grade is an A+

The criticism over the 38 trade is all valid, but at the end of the day it's just missing the bonus question after you nailed the rest of the test

Well done, Brian. Now it's up to the developmental staff to do their jobs

[SpursFan86]

First round pretty much went perfectly. Somehow trading into the 2nd to grab Raynaud or Kalkbrenner would legitimately make this the best-case scenario I could've imagined, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

[Spurs Brazil]

https://x.com/JacobRTobey/status/1938317263234375727

[T Park]

Re: trading up tonight. I don't think a couple 2nd's would get us the Boston pick + Hauser. Hauser isn't a negative asset, so I think the protected 1st or returning their swap is what it would take. To get the Minnesota pick i think it would take a return of their swap. For one of the Charlotte picks I think we are looking at two or three future 2nd's. I'd personally target Charlotte.

barnes plus the Atlanta 26 swap for Hauser and 32 works for me

[T Park]

Grade is an A+

The criticism over the 38 trade is all valid, but at the end of the day it's just missing the bonus question after you nailed the rest of the test

Well done, Brian. Now it's up to the developmental staff to do their jobs

thats Sean sweet's music I hear

[ChumpDumper]

Not seeing the need for Hauser after this draft.