The 2008 NBA Draft

[AFBlue]

PT - I think that'd be pretty good.

Honestly I'd prefer...

#26 - Chalmers

#45 (trade up to early 2nd) - Walker

#57 - Plaisted/Kaun

But, I think that's too far-fetched at this point. And, I wouldn't be unhappy about the outcome I suggested at first.

[AFBlue]

If Chalmers was not available, then I could see them taking JJ Hickson (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97921) at 26 and then using 45 on a point guard like George Hill (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98483) or a combo guard like Jamont Gordon (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97931).

Point guard and power forward are positions for which the Spurs can find some suitable young talent in this draft, and are ones for which the free agent selection will be slim in free agency this summer.

I think the Spurs will use free agency to find the replacement for Finley. None of the swingman talent available in the low 1st round or mid-2nd round is ready to start in the NBA next season.

Are you assuming CDR will be gone?

I don't think he's going to be able to get into the lane or get his shot off as effectively as he did in college, but the Spurs could do alot worse than him at the #26 pick.

[Marcus Bryant]

Are you assuming CDR will be gone?

I don't think he's going to be able to get into the lane or get his shot off as effectively as he did in college, but the Spurs could do alot worse than him at the #26 pick.

I think the Spurs will take Chalmers if he's on the board. We are thinking about what the Spurs will do with the pick, no?

[AFBlue]

I think the Spurs will take Chalmers if he's on the board. We are thinking about what the Spurs will do with the pick, no?

You made the case in your quote that if Chalmers were off the board, the Spurs would go with a PF, like Hickson. You then said that no wing prospect was worthy of a late first-round pick.

I was just trying to clarify if CDR was still on the board in your scenario and whether or not you think the Spurs will look at him seriously if Chalmers is gone.

[AFBlue]

I think the Spurs will take Chalmers if he's on the board. We are thinking about what the Spurs will do with the pick, no?

BTW, I also think the Spurs will take Chalmers if he's on the board.

[Marcus Bryant]

If Chalmers is off the board, then they will go with a young athletic 4 at #26, IMO. At #45 I would expect them to pick up a PG then. If Chalmers is available at #26, then they'll go with an athletic 4 at #45.

[Marcus Bryant]

Hickson (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=97921) would make a lot of sense for the Spurs at #26 if Chalmers is not there. 19 year old athletic bigman with a good wingspan and with some offensive moves who can also shoot the rock? Take him, give him a year in Austin and then start to work him into the rotation maybe in 2009-10.

[Marcus Bryant]

General Question: do you guys (and gals) think that internationals who seek to be drafted in the 2nd round rather than the 1st have much hope of persauding teams to pass them by. In other words, Serge Ibaka would rather be drafted in the 2nd round, but does he have any leverage to prevent a team like Seatte from taking him late in the first?

He could always let it be known that he is going to sign another deal in Europe if he's taken in the 1st. But then again, that could be counterproductive. And the Fed could always start to tighten...

[AFBlue]

He could always let it be known that he is going to sign another deal in Europe if he's taken in the 1st. But then again, that could be counterproductive. And the Fed could always start to tighten...

That and Ibaka really has no bargaining position. He doesn't play for a major team and isn't a superstar....so he's not going to get the kind of money overseas that would justify him not taking the rookie payscale, even if it relatively small at the end of the first round.

The only potential "Splitter" issue occurs with Tomic in a year or two, IMO.

[MannyIsGod]

Man I wish the draft was tomorrow. Been a long time since we've had any draft excitement like this.

[AFBlue]

Overall, I'm excited at the opportunity the Spurs have to grab legitimate contributors to the team, whether they be immediate or projection picks. Unlike in previous years, however, I also think the Spurs have a mind to improve via the draft and not trade out of their picks or draft-n-stash a player not likely to come over.

Those are my thoughts ten days out....not sure how it'll end up, but I think it could be good.

[SPURSGOAT]

Man I wish the draft was tomorrow. Been a long time since we've had any draft excitement like this.

I hear ya... I can't wait for the draft to get here... the 26th seems like a loooong time away still.

[AFBlue]

Man I wish the draft was tomorrow. Been a long time since we've had any draft excitement like this.

:tu

Manny stop hacking into my computer and reading my posts while I write them...:lol

[Marcus Bryant]

Overall, I'm excited at the opportunity the Spurs have to grab legitimate contributors to the team, whether they be immediate or projection picks. Unlike in previous years, however, I also think the Spurs have a mind to improve via the draft and not trade out of their picks or draft-n-stash a player not likely to come over.

Those are my thoughts ten days out....not sure how it'll end up, but I think it could be good.

I think they are more likely to pull a contributor out of this draft as that is the focus now. Before, it was all about potential and finding someone who could develop into something special in Europe in a few years. Everyone's bent about Splitter, but that pick was a gamble when the Spurs didn't want to bring in a player the next season. The only player who really amounted to anything the next season who was drafted after him was Landry. Sure, decisions made once he was drafted can be questioned, and have been ad nauseum in this forum.

Parker and Beno were the last two Spurs' picks who were drafted by the Spurs in the first round and who joined the team the following season. Yes, Beno didn't work in the Spurs' system, but he's still in the league today.

They're drafting for a contributor with #26, not a prospect who's 3 years away. I feel good about their chances heading into this draft.

[timvp]

What is the opinion on these players if they fall:

JaVale McGee
DeAndre Jordan
Darrell Arthur
Kosta Koufus

McGee and Jordan seem to be losing steam as the draft nears. They were top 15 not too long ago and they seem to be dropping toward 20. If one of them is on the board at 26, do the Spurs have to take 'em? It'd be really hard to pass on Jordan at 26, even if he looks like a bust. McGee at 26 is also really good value.

Arthur at 26 is a no-brainer. He's hurt and he has his mom handling his business affairs right now so he might tumble down the first round. But he's too good to go too much past 20, I'd imagine.

Koufus I'd pass on ... I think. He's talented but I think eventually he ends up in Greece.

What sucks for the Spurs right now is the big centers are dropping and the perimeter players they need are rising. Rush, CDR, Lee, Batum and Chalmers all seem to be creeping up, while McGee, Jordan, Koufus, Hickson and Ibaka are falling. :depressed

[Mr. Body]

What is the opinion on these players if they fall:

JaVale McGee
DeAndre Jordan
Darrell Arthur
Kosta Koufus

McGee and Jordan seem to be losing steam as the draft nears. They were top 15 not too long ago and they seem to be dropping toward 20. If one of them is on the board at 26, do the Spurs have to take 'em? It'd be really hard to pass on Jordan at 26, even if he looks like a bust. McGee at 26 is also really good value.

Arthur at 26 is a no-brainer. He's hurt and he has his mom handling his business affairs right now so he might tumble down the first round. But he's too good to go too much past 20, I'd imagine.

Koufus I'd pass on ... I think. He's talented but I think eventually he ends up in Greece.

What sucks for the Spurs right now is the big centers are dropping and the perimeter players they need are rising. Rush, CDR, Lee, Batum and Chalmers all seem to be creeping up, while McGee, Jordan, Koufus, Hickson and Ibaka are falling. :depressed

After the lottery many teams aren't looking for guys to step in just yet. Most of those teams have been hovering around playoff contention for a while and have a number of young players moving into starting and rotation roles already, so they are more likely to be interested in scooping up the prospects that have for some reason fallen out of the higher spots. Big men, especially, teams are willing to wait on, since a good big man changes everything. I'm not sure about McGee, but Jordan won't go very far if he's not a lottery pick. New Jersey could snap him up if he's gone that long.

Arthur is the most skilled of the bunch but I think he goes to a west coast team that likes athleticism. Hickson may be rising, instead of falling (or Hendrix is): for a while some didn't consider them first rounders, or fringe, and now they're possibly finding teams earlier in the round. Koufos I don't know about; Ibaka has too many questions, as you say. Ajinca may find a spot in the round. Hibbert is highly attractive to slower paced teams and I'd be slightly surprised if he falls past Utah or Houston.

I think it still looks good for CDR, Lee, or Chalmers, if not two of them, to be present with the pick. Rumors have it Orlando will take Lee; regardless there should be one of the guys we've been yammering about available.

[A.H 21-50]

What is the opinion on these players if they fall:

JaVale McGee
DeAndre Jordan
Darrell Arthur
Kosta Koufus

McGee and Jordan seem to be losing steam as the draft nears. They were top 15 not too long ago and they seem to be dropping toward 20. If one of them is on the board at 26, do the Spurs have to take 'em? It'd be really hard to pass on Jordan at 26, even if he looks like a bust. McGee at 26 is also really good value.

Arthur at 26 is a no-brainer. He's hurt and he has his mom handling his business affairs right now so he might tumble down the first round. But he's too good to go too much past 20, I'd imagine.

Koufus I'd pass on ... I think. He's talented but I think eventually he ends up in Greece.

What sucks for the Spurs right now is the big centers are dropping and the perimeter players they need are rising. Rush, CDR, Lee, Batum and Chalmers all seem to be creeping up, while McGee, Jordan, Koufus, Hickson and Ibaka are falling. :depressed


i don't think it's that bad , it depends wich big the spurs take with #26 If they make the right choice and if potential lottery fall like arthur why not but i doubt it

if they could land someone who can provide quality minutes inside that's not a bad idea and then adjust during the fa with wing players or trading for an early second round
but the best scenario imo is to draft a wing player and move up( 2nd round) to add a youg big like hendrix , hardin , dorsey ......

[Bruno]

This draft is heavily bigmen oriented.
In DX mock draft, between the 21th and the 38th, there are 14 PF/C and only 4 perimeters players. :wow
These 4 perimeter players are CDR, Chalmers, Lee and Walker. You can imagine a scenario where Chalmers and CDR are taken before the 26th, Spurs being scared of Walker injuries and Spurs not liking on Lee.
What Spurs will do in this scenario ?
Draft a big ?
Trade the pick ?
Draft Lee or Walker even if they didn't like him ?
Draft a player who is project as a mid second round pick (Weaver, Giddens, Forbes...) ?

Depending on how the draft goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs drafting a big at #26.

[Mr. Body]

This draft is heavily bigmen oriented.
In DX mock draft, between the 21th and the 38th, there are 14 PF/C and only 4 perimeters players. :wow
These 4 perimeter players are CDR, Chalmers, Lee and Walker. You can imagine a scenario where Chalmers and CDR are taken before the 26th, Spurs being scared of Walker injuries and Spurs not liking on Lee.
What Spurs will do in this scenario ?
Draft a big ?
Trade the pick ?
Draft Lee or Walker even if they didn't like him ?
Draft a player who is project as a mid second round pick (Weaver, Giddens, Forbes...) ?

Depending on how the draft goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs drafting a big at #26.

I can't imagine the Spurs not liking Lee, to be honest. They'd pick him if available, I'd say, over Walker and any big man, if available. If for some reason all those guys (Chalmers, Lee, CDR) are off the board, they'll trade out of the round. Historically they only have a few players in mind for guaranteed money.

[Marcus Bryant]

This draft is heavily bigmen oriented.
In DX mock draft, between the 21th and the 38th, there are 14 PF/C and only 4 perimeters players. :wow
These 4 perimeter players are CDR, Chalmers, Lee and Walker. You can imagine a scenario where Chalmers and CDR are taken before the 26th, Spurs being scared of Walker injuries and Spurs not liking on Lee.
What Spurs will do in this scenario ?
Draft a big ?
Trade the pick ?
Draft Lee or Walker even if they didn't like him ?
Draft a player who is project as a mid second round pick (Weaver, Giddens, Forbes...) ?

Depending on how the draft goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs drafting a big at #26.

Exactly.

[wildbill2u]

This draft is heavily bigmen oriented.
In DX mock draft, between the 21th and the 38th, there are 14 PF/C and only 4 perimeters players. :wow
These 4 perimeter players are CDR, Chalmers, Lee and Walker. You can imagine a scenario where Chalmers and CDR are taken before the 26th, Spurs being scared of Walker injuries and Spurs not liking on Lee.
What Spurs will do in this scenario ?
Draft a big ?
Trade the pick ?
Draft Lee or Walker even if they didn't like him ?
Draft a player who is project as a mid second round pick (Weaver, Giddens, Forbes...) ?

Depending on how the draft goes, I wouldn't be surprised to see Spurs drafting a big at #26.

Take the best player available--if they can make immediate contribution. We aren't so deep at any position that we can afford to be choosy.

[TDMVPDPOY]

you draft a big

and there are plenty of smalls FA

use the MLE + LLE on smalls

[El Jefe]

McGee at 26 is also really good value.

I agree that a player with that size and level of athleticism would be a steal at 26, but McGee is the quintessential athlete with amazing potential who is a terrible basketball player.

He's a true 7 footer with solid hops, and can be a spectacular shot blocker. However he is often out of position defensively, and his lateral quickness is poor. On offense it's a chicken or the egg problem. Does he shoot every time he touches the ball because his teammates never give him a look? Or do his teammates never pass him the ball because every time they do he forces an off balance shot?

Most damning of all, he's an occasional rebounder. Sometimes after a spectacular block, or a vicious dunk in transition, he'll be engaged for the next couple of possessions and will actually fight for a rebound. But most of the time he's just looking for anything that comes off the rim his way, and doesn't show much interest in going to get anything too far away. If he was a defensive terror and a monster on the boards, I'd be willing to overlook the selfishness on offense and the sleight frame. Of course if that were the case he wouldn't fall to 26 either.

[A.H 21-50]

you draft a big

and there are plenty of smalls FA

use the MLE + LLE on smalls

i have the same idea
it appears that the're more good wing players than bigs during the fa
so drafting someone inside is'nt bad , it depends who will be there at #26 but imo there's some good big mans who can give us minutes , rebounds , blocks ......

[AA2120]

why would koufus end up in greece?

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Did Keith Brumbaugh stay in?

[T Park]

I don't see the sense in drafting a big when your needs are swings and points.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

I don't see the sense in drafting a big when your needs are swings and points.

It could be possible that the Spurs have decided to look for their young swingman through free agency, thus knocking that position out of draft consideration. Which means we'll be drafting a point and a big with the 26 and 45.

[Marcus Bryant]

I don't see the sense in drafting a big when your needs are swings and points.

Why pass on athletic NBA bigman talent for sketchy perimeter talent? There's no guarantee that Chalmers or some of these swingmen everyone wants will even be available at #26.

You still have the MLE to address the swingman spot, and you have a much better chance of landing a player who is ready to start and score next season in free agency than in the draft.

The Spurs' goal in this draft, especially at #26, is to find someone who is likely to be able to make your rotation within a year or two.

[Mr. Body]

Why pass on athletic NBA bigman talent for sketchy perimeter talent?

Because the big men are at least as sketchy?

[T Park]

The swingman FA market is thin, and the draft is pretty solid with good swings in CDR, Lee and others.

Chalmers also fixes the problem of the backup point position wich has been a probem since 2003.


IMO, the bigman position is lower on the rung, than the above MUCH more needed areas.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

The swingman FA market is thin, and the draft is pretty solid with good swings in CDR, Lee and others.

Chalmers also fixes the problem of the backup point position wich has been a probem since 2003.


IMO, the bigman position is lower on the rung, than the above MUCH more needed areas.

Yes, but it's very possible that those swingmen could be gone by the time we pick.

[Marcus Bryant]

Because the big men are at least as sketchy?

Let's see, you have one guy with two bad knees who might be something some day. CDR, Rush, and Lee can each easily go before #26 and at best in SA would be spending time in Austin next season. None of them are close to being able to start in the NBA next season, which, if you look at how the roster is set for next season, is what they would have to do to be able to make the active roster. Chalmers would be ideal but with Lawson pulling out he could very well be gone before #26.

Out of all of those Chalmers has the best chance to actually be in the NBA 3 years from now.

[T Park]

Yes, but it's very possible that those swingmen could be gone by the time we pick.

I highly doubt that.

We shall see.

Once again, I think the bigmen that would potentially available at that position, they are gonna be crap.

The only bigmen I would take a flyer on, would be at the 45 position, and someone you can have down in Austin.

[T Park]

Let's see, you have one guy with two bad knees who might be something some day. CDR, Rush, and Lee can each easily go before #26 and at best in SA would be spending time in Austin next season. Chalmers would be ideal but with Lawson pulling out he could very well be gone before #26.

Out of all of those Chalmers has the best chance to actually be in the NBA 3 years from now.

I disagree.

I think any shooting guards drafted or signed, will immediately get into the rotation, depending on health and or effort.

[Marcus Bryant]

I highly doubt that.

We shall see.

Once again, I think the bigmen that would potentially available at that position, they are gonna be crap.

The only bigmen I would take a flyer on, would be at the 45 position, and someone you can have down in Austin.

The Spurs are looking for a swingman who can start and score this offseason to replace Finley. What player in this draft who could be available at #26 is going to be able to do that?

[Marcus Bryant]

I disagree.

I think any shooting guards drafted or signed, will immediately get into the rotation, depending on health and or effort.

Then the Spurs are fucked.

[Marcus Bryant]

At best the Spurs are able to draft Chalmers and he's their backup point next season.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

There's nothing much in arguing this.
Just gotta wait for the draft to come around. :(

[T Park]

Then the Spurs are fucked.

Yeah a JR Smith, Azubuike, Lee or CDR would mean the Spurs are horrible.

Your replacing Michael Finley?

Whos on the team now that would be ahead of anyone thats drafted and or signed?

Udoka?

I don't think so.

[Marcus Bryant]

Smith is in the draft?

If the Spurs signed him, any swingman drafted would be a Toro for sure.

[Marcus Bryant]

Whos on the team now that would be ahead of anyone thats drafted

Ginobili
Bowen
Udoka
Barry

[T Park]

At best the Spurs are able to draft Chalmers and he's their backup point next season.

If hes as good as they say he is, that will be a darn good draft pick.

You'd have a need position filled for the next 4 years, easily.

While I'd prefer a swingman that can take over for Finley and give them some athleticism with Parker and Mahinmi, you take the best player available.

I just don't think the bigmen in the draft, AND who would be at the 26th, is good enough to play on the team or be worthy of the roster spot needed all season.

[T Park]

Smith is in the draft?

If the Spurs signed him, any swingman drafted would be a Toro for sure.

Agreed.

If thats what you meant, then I apologize.

[Marcus Bryant]

Who's taking the 6th big spot today?

[T Park]

Ginobili
Bowen
Udoka
Barry


Im sorry, but if You draft someone that has the scoring ability and athleticism, then you have to give them minutes ahead of Udoka. Barry is old enough and fragile enough to have to have his minutes cut down on.

[Marcus Bryant]

Who is this magical player? It never fails that talented bigs who can play in the NBA fall in the draft because they fail to have the magical height of 6'10". The Spurs need to pull a guy who can make it in the league at #26 and be a part of their rotation. Chalmers is the best bet to make the rotation next season. Outside of him, I think the bigman crop is much more attractive than the swingmen. Marcus Williams seemed to fit the swingman profile coming out of college and we saw how that turned out.

[T Park]

Who is this magical player? It never fails that talented bigs who can play in the NBA fall in the draft because they fail to have the magical height of 6'10". The Spurs need to pull a guy who can make it in the league at #26 and be a part of their rotation. Chalmers is the best bet to make the rotation next season. Outside of him, I think the bigman crop is much more attractive than the swingmen. Marcus Williams seemed to fit the swingman profile coming out of college and we saw how that turned out.


You think the bigmen in the draft can supplant Kurt Thomas and Oberto along with Mahinmi needing minutes?

[Mr. Body]

Who is this magical player? It never fails that talented bigs who can play in the NBA fall in the draft because they fail to have the magical height of 6'10". The Spurs need to pull a guy who can make it in the league at #26 and be a part of their rotation. Chalmers is the best bet to make the rotation next season. Outside of him, I think the bigman crop is much more attractive than the swingmen. Marcus Williams seemed to fit the swingman profile coming out of college and we saw how that turned out.

What's the magical list of better big men? You saying Javale McGee or DeVon Hardin are better prospects than CDR or Lee? That's a laugh. Only Hibbert has that polish at that point, and he's rising. Ajinca and Ibaka are only distant prospects. I think you're quite wrong here.

[T Park]

Roy Hibbert is rising, and hes crap.

exactly my point.

[Marcus Bryant]

What's the magical list of better big men? You saying Javale McGee or DeVon Hardin are better prospects than CDR or Lee? That's a laugh. Only Hibbert has that polish at that point, and he's rising. Ajinca and Ibaka are only distant prospects. I think you're quite wrong here.

Thompson
Hendrix
White
Hickson
Hardin

will amount to more as pros than any of the swingmen likely available to the Spurs at #26.

Spurs need a starting quality swingman who can score, so naturally all of the available prospects are potential superstars on this board.

And naturally when the Spurs pass on those swingmen and opt for Chalmers or a big then this board will melt down.

[T Park]

Thompson
Hendrix
White
Hickson
Hardin

will amount to more as pros than any of the swingmen likely available to the Spurs at #26.

Spurs need a swingman, so naturally all of the available prospects are potential superstars on this board.

And naturally when the Spurs pass on those swingmen and opt for Chalmers or a big then this board will melt down.

I've stated, if the Spurs pick Chalmers at this point, Im 100% behind it, I think it would be fantastic to get a smart great point guard such as himself.

If they draft a big instead of a CDR or Lee, then yes, I would have a serious problem with that.

[timvp]

Thompson
Hendrix
White
Hickson
Hardin

I think chances are one of these players is going to end up being really good. Which one? It's tough to say. Do I think the Spurs and their less than stellar domestic scouts can figure it out? Probably not ... but hopefully.

This draft isn't getting much pub about being deep but it's one of the deepest drafts I remember. It has decent players up until about pick number 40.

The list of players I'd be fine with the Spurs drafting at 26 is huge. Usually it's only a couple players but this year I'd be happy if the at 26 Spurs draft Chalmers, Rush, CDR, Lee, Batum, Walker, Arthur, Jordan, Speights, Hickson, Hendrix, Thompson, R. Lopez and even Dorsey.

All those players are so close in potential that it really comes down to individual workouts. If they think a rebounding and shotblocking big like Thompson or Hickson is the best player on the board, I'll be fine with the pick -- even if someone like CDR or Lee is still on the board.

Only reason I'd be mad this year is if the Spurs pick someone who doesn't fit (think Hibbert), someone that is a Splitter-esque flight risk (think Koufus), someone who is a reach at 26 (think Forbes) or someone who is too raw (think Jawai).

Position doesn't matter as long as it makes sense. I also wouldn't mind a draft day trade like the Spurs did with Felipe Lopez for Antonio Daniels, John Salmons for Speedy Claxton and Tracy Murray for Dale Ellis.

I just hope the Spurs don't do something bat sh!t crazy ... which is possible after seeing some of the moves RC has made in the last year.

[Marcus Bryant]

Looking at the roster, backup point is the one spot where the #26 pick could end up in the rotation next season. I don't see the Spurs using their MLE to target a backup point.

Plus, we are currently assuming that Kurt Thomas will be back. I'd say that's a good assumption, but you never know. I think it will look like a wiser use of draft picks from the Spurs' perspective to use #26 on a point guard or a big. For whatever reason, those are the positions where it can be costly to find quality talent in the NBA.

[T Park]

Jason Thompson is a legit pick?

Wasnt he a couple months ago considered lucky to be drafted at all?

[T Park]

TIMVP, out of all those players which do you think helps out the quickest and improves the Spurs the most.

In other words, the ideal pick.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Jason Thompson is a legit pick?

Yes.

[T Park]

Yes.

He must have done something between now and February to become that.

[Marcus Bryant]

I think chances are one of these players is going to end up being really good. Which one? It's tough to say. Do I think the Spurs and their less than stellar domestic scouts can figure it out? Probably not ... but hopefully.

Now is the time for Dennis to step up.




This draft isn't getting much pub about being deep but it's one of the deepest drafts I remember. It has decent players up until about pick number 40.

The list of players I'd be fine with the Spurs drafting at 26 is huge. Usually it's only a couple players but this year I'd be happy if the at 26 Spurs draft Chalmers, Rush, CDR, Lee, Batum, Walker, Arthur, Jordan, Speights, Hickson, Hendrix, Thompson, R. Lopez and even Dorsey.

All those players are so close in potential that it really comes down to individual workouts. If they think a rebounding and shotblocking big like Thompson or Hickson is the best player on the board, I'll be fine with the pick -- even if someone like CDR or Lee is still on the board.

Only reason I'd be mad this year is if the Spurs pick someone who doesn't fit (think Hibbert), someone that is a Splitter-esque flight risk (think Koufus), someone who is a reach at 26 (think Forbes) or someone who is too raw (think Jawai).

Agreed. I can see them falling into the trap of thinking that everyone is wrong about one of those players and that they really can make it in the league.



Position doesn't matter as long as it makes sense. I also wouldn't mind a draft day trade like the Spurs did with Felipe Lopez for Antonio Daniels, John Salmons for Speedy Claxton and Tracy Murray for Dale Ellis.

With their trade exceptions, that is entirely possible. What would be nice would be if they could end up with a decent player using a combo of their TE and #26 and move up enough to ensure they nab a solid player out of the draft, like Chalmers. Pulling two rotation worthy players with a low first round pick and Beno would help them a bit with replenishing the supporting cast.



I just hope the Spurs don't do something bat sh!t crazy ... which is possible after seeing some of the moves RC has made in the last year.

No doubt. Picking Jawai or Hibbert would certainly qualify. The scary thing is, they have seemed to be on the hunt for that prototypical center (7' 250 lbs) over the last 5 years, regardless of actual ability.

You can chalk up the Scola move to being squeezed by the Lux Tax. Hopefully someone else is forced to make a bad basketball move this offseason due to the Lux Tax Monster that benefits the Spurs.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

He must have done something between now and February to become that.

He vastly improved in workouts.

[timvp]

Jason Thompson is a legit pick?

Wasnt he a couple months ago considered lucky to be drafted at all?He's been in the 25-30 range since about the beginning of the year. He's on the lower end of the players I'd be happy about since he went Rider and it's hard to say whether his stellar stats mean anything.


TIMVP, out of all those players which do you think helps out the quickest and improves the Spurs the most.

In other words, the ideal pick.
Players who could help right away would be Chalmers at point, CDR and probably Lee at shooting guard and Rush at SG/SF. As far as bigs, I think R. Lopez could help right away. Bigs Hendrix and Dorsey could probably help quickly.

But I don't think most ready necessarily equals ideal pick. Chances are one of those "high potential" guys will become really good. The tough thing is picking out which one and whether the Spurs want to wait for the potential to arrive.

[T Park]

He vastly improved in workouts.

Hes screaming Beno Udrih.

[Marcus Bryant]

Here's a list of 4s who were chosen in the low 1st/early to mid 2nd of the past 3 drafts who have made a rotation in the NBA. I'm sure a number of them fell because of their height, or lack thereof. And of course there was Carlos Boozer, who was taken with the 35th pick in the '02 Draft.

2007
31. Carl Landry

2006
47. Paul Millsap

2005
26. Jason Maxiell
30. David Lee
33. Brandon Bass
37. Ronny Turiaf

[Marcus Bryant]

You can get good value between 25-40 from selecting an "undersized" 4 because they're often overlooked in favor of centers or, well, guys who are 7 foot tall and can fog up a mirror. This year there seems to be a fair number of such 4s in the draft.

Ideally, I think the Spurs would be able to pick Chalmers at #26 and then a Hendrix or White at #45.

[K-State Spur]

Roy Hibbert is rising, and hes crap.

exactly my point.

Hibbert's not crap. On a different team and offense, he's close to a 20/10 guy in college.

But I don't like him for this team just the same.

[timvp]

I think right now, the best valued pick in the draft is CDR. A high percentage shooter who doesn't take bad shots, is pretty athletic, has an improving three-point shot and doesn't turn the ball over. I'm starting to like him even more than Rush, even though Rush can probably help right away and gets bonus points his defense and for being able to survive at small forward. The Spurs need a fourth scorer and CDR is a scorer ... Rush is more of a guy who relies on other players for his offense.

Chalmers still makes a lot of sense at 26. I like Lee but I think he's suddenly overrated. 20-22 is awfully high for a 6-foot-5 small school guard who didn't exactly blow the doors off. I'd take him at 26 if Rush and CDR were off the board. Lee vs. Chalmers basically just depends on what the Spurs think they need.

As far as Batum ... eh, I'm starting to lose interest. He's hyped mostly due to his one game in the Nike Hoops Summit. Could be really good but he's a couple years away. I think he could eventually average something like 16, 5 and 5 ... but I don't think the Spurs have time to wait him out. He also has a moderately high chance of busting.

Of the bigs at 26, I Thompson or Hickson may be worth the gamble ... but it'd probably be a better idea to trade down and get either Hendrix or Dorsey.

[polandprzem]

Is there a chance to see those guys in action.

To me right now it's just names and stats. And I don't give much of a intrest to stats.

More then anything spurs needs a good slasher and a guy with good shot, Fook rebounds and D is also very much needed ...

[A.H 21-50]

Is there a chance to see those guys in action.

To me right now it's just names and stats. And I don't give much of a intrest to stats.

More then anything spurs needs a good slasher and a guy with good shot, Fook rebounds and D is also very much needed ...


there're some one minute videos on youtube

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QCNHZAHk28M you have other prospect videos on the related videos

[timvp]

I'm starting to like the idea of drafting a big at 45. Picking one of:

Richard Hendrix
Joey Dorsey
DeVon Hardin
DJ White
Ryan Anderson
Darnell Jackson
Trent Plaisted
Nathan Jawai

Stock the player in Austin. Force feed him for a year a la Mahinmi and perhaps you have a steal when it's all said and done. Even if the Spurs go big at 26, the best value at 45 could very well be another big.

[Marcus Bryant]

Yeah, if the Spurs don't make a move to acquire another 1st round pick, they could take CDR or Greene with #26, a big with #45, and then use #57 on an international who will stay abroad for a while.

[Spurs Brazil]

The latest mock draft have the Spurs going big

So Spurs are going big in the draft and are confident they can find the swingman at FA

[Marcus Bryant]

The latest mock draft have the Spurs going big

So Spurs are going big and the draft and are confident they can find the swingman at FA

They might. If they go with a swingman at #26 it's unlikely he'd be ready for the rotation. It definitely wouldn't preclude them from going after a starting ready swingman in free agency.

[oligarchy]

I'm starting to like the idea of drafting a big at 45. Picking one of:

Richard Hendrix
Joey Dorsey
DeVon Hardin
DJ White
Ryan Anderson
Darnell Jackson
Trent Plaisted
Nathan Jawai

Stock the player in Austin. Force feed him for a year a la Mahinmi and perhaps you have a steal when it's all said and done. Even if the Spurs go big at 26, the best value at 45 could very well be another big.

I like the order, but most likely to be left at 45 would be Plaisted, Jackson, and maybe Anderson. I think you might be able to get those at 57, so it might be better trying to find a value wing/guard like Giddens. It's all positional on who is taken and what's left that would be the best prospect at the point. With the 26, I would probably target Hendrix as he has more upside if you are looking for a big and other targets are off the board.

[Mr. Body]

The idea of going big with 45 is a good one, but I wouldn't hold hard and fast to it. A guy like Weaver, Foster, or Giddens as guards could be every bit as good as those listed.

[wildbill2u]

calthes graded out well in many categories and has shown good BB IQ in camps. I wouldn't rule him out at 45 if he is still there.

[kobyz]

in the 26 pick i want one of those players(swingman - in that order): Brandon Rush, Nicolas Batum, C.Douglas-Roberts - i hope one of them will be available

in the 45 pick i want one of those players(a big - in that order): Nathan Jawai, DJ White, Richard Hendrix, DeVon Hardin, Joey Dorsey

in the 57 pick i want the best player available