SenorSpur
06-15-2008, 09:53 AM
http://www.hoopsworld.com/college/story.asp?story_id=8997
Spurs Need To Change Draft Strategy
Draft Day Preview: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have made a dynasty through their overseas scouting and ability to find players there that eventually develop into NBA stars like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. That strategy paid off greatly in those two cases, but as of late the Spurs haven't had much success. Due to buyout issues the Spurs were forced to trade Luis Scola, who could have helped them tremendously this season, to a division rival for basically nothing. Their first round pick from last year, Tiago Splitter, has decided that he would rather stay where he is at for at least two more years. Along with the current need to add some help to this roster immediately, it's time for the Spurs to change their draft strategy.
Team needs: Depth, scoring, immediate impact.
#26: Usually when you pick this late in the draft you're not looking at getting someone who can help right away, but thanks to the depth in this draft the Spurs have several options at this pick that can do just that. Proven collegiate players like Chris Douglas-Roberts, Mario Chalmers, and Ryan Anderson could all provide a much needed offensive spark. Under Coach Popovich's system Brandon Rush and Kosta Koufos would thrive. The Spurs may have to trade up a couple of spots to get the guy they like the most, but they have to find somebody who they can put in their rotation right away. Rush would be the best fit due to the team first mentality that he has and his versatility.
#57: This is the exact same pick where the Spurs got Manu Ginobili at in the 1999, and if they do indeed go with a collegiate player in the first round it wouldn't be surprising to see them go with someone they can keep overseas for another year or two like a Ronalds Zakis or Goran Dragic. Richard Roby from Colorado would be worth the pick if available here as well. The Spurs have seen him play extensively in the Big XII for four years now and know that he is a very explosive scorer who was once viewed as a first round pick. The most important thing for the Spurs to do in this draft is add some players who can fill it up to help answer some of their offensive woes that cost them a chance at repeating this season, and Roby definitely could help that. While on the court with the big three and single covered, Roby would be able to utilize extensive offensive abilities.
Trade Possibility: High
The Spurs know they need to make some changes to their roster and draft night is one of the best nights to do it. There is a very good chance that at 26 they will have a player they really like and think can help them out, but if they have their eyes set one player in particular like a Brandon Rush or Chris Douglas-Roberts trading up may be a necessity. On the summer as a whole the Spurs will be very active as they know they have to make a couple solid additions to keep pace with the young, up and coming Lakers, Hornets, and Trail Blazers
Spurs Need To Change Draft Strategy
Draft Day Preview: San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs have made a dynasty through their overseas scouting and ability to find players there that eventually develop into NBA stars like Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. That strategy paid off greatly in those two cases, but as of late the Spurs haven't had much success. Due to buyout issues the Spurs were forced to trade Luis Scola, who could have helped them tremendously this season, to a division rival for basically nothing. Their first round pick from last year, Tiago Splitter, has decided that he would rather stay where he is at for at least two more years. Along with the current need to add some help to this roster immediately, it's time for the Spurs to change their draft strategy.
Team needs: Depth, scoring, immediate impact.
#26: Usually when you pick this late in the draft you're not looking at getting someone who can help right away, but thanks to the depth in this draft the Spurs have several options at this pick that can do just that. Proven collegiate players like Chris Douglas-Roberts, Mario Chalmers, and Ryan Anderson could all provide a much needed offensive spark. Under Coach Popovich's system Brandon Rush and Kosta Koufos would thrive. The Spurs may have to trade up a couple of spots to get the guy they like the most, but they have to find somebody who they can put in their rotation right away. Rush would be the best fit due to the team first mentality that he has and his versatility.
#57: This is the exact same pick where the Spurs got Manu Ginobili at in the 1999, and if they do indeed go with a collegiate player in the first round it wouldn't be surprising to see them go with someone they can keep overseas for another year or two like a Ronalds Zakis or Goran Dragic. Richard Roby from Colorado would be worth the pick if available here as well. The Spurs have seen him play extensively in the Big XII for four years now and know that he is a very explosive scorer who was once viewed as a first round pick. The most important thing for the Spurs to do in this draft is add some players who can fill it up to help answer some of their offensive woes that cost them a chance at repeating this season, and Roby definitely could help that. While on the court with the big three and single covered, Roby would be able to utilize extensive offensive abilities.
Trade Possibility: High
The Spurs know they need to make some changes to their roster and draft night is one of the best nights to do it. There is a very good chance that at 26 they will have a player they really like and think can help them out, but if they have their eyes set one player in particular like a Brandon Rush or Chris Douglas-Roberts trading up may be a necessity. On the summer as a whole the Spurs will be very active as they know they have to make a couple solid additions to keep pace with the young, up and coming Lakers, Hornets, and Trail Blazers