The 2008 NBA Draft

Spurs' 08 draft picks :

Spurs first round pick
Raptors second round pick (from the Printezis trade)
Spurs second round pick

Spurs have the 26th, 45th and 57th picks


Player available for the 08 draft :
International players born in 1986 and college senior are automatically eligible.
College underclassmen and international players born in 87,88 or 89 can enter in the draft.

Links :

Draftexpress
Nbadraft
A blog on European prospects
Espn draft page
Wiki on the lottery
Future draft picks
NCAA players stats
Euroleague players stats
CBA faq

It's a little soon but since people start to talk about some draft projects, I started this thread to have the whole discussion in a single place.

On nbadraft.net the Bobcats have an alternate logo. I didn't know they had one.

Nbadraft.net has Marcus Dove at the Toronto pick. He has some attitude problems but is really big and long as a SF, 6'9", is very athletic, and a hell of a defender. I'd be very happy to get him in the second round and feel he has some untapped offensive capabilities. He decided early on to be defense-first and is great at it.

For the first round, this is an interesting year. There are very few good SF prospects this year not Nicholas Batum (out of our range). Practically none who are not just swingmen/tall SGs. Brandon Rush could be available late in the first round; the year is young and he's playing well but not setting the world on fire.

With young big men prospects already handled, we can look at shooting guards at this point, especially since no SFs will really be there. We need to replace Finley and Barry soon.

The 3 players I want out of this draft are Goran Dragic, Marcus Dove, and Brandon Rush but I doubt we would be able to pull off these picks.

Er, let that be, Marcus Dove WAS at the Toronto pick but has fallen. I haven't seen him play this year, but he used to fit the profile.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DraftExpress on Dragic

Comparisons:
Best Case: Euro Smush Parker

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:(

I got to see this game live early last year at the Garden. It was a pretty lousy game, very sloppy, but that's where a good defender can shine. Marcus Dove, two dunks in 17 seconds:

youtube link

He does this dumbass 'dove' thing over his head after every play.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

He does this dumbass 'dove' thing over his head after every play.

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What a douche... Def not Spurs Material.

Reviving this thread to add a new person. There has been discussion elsewhere that may someday be patched in. Here is Pat Calethes , 6 foot 10 inch guy from St. Joseph who is getting attention only from draftexpress, but is a smart, versatile player who definitely fits a long three profile. Even as a Derrick McKey type - McKey was not terribly gifted as an athlete.

Dove is the exact same player as Melvin Sanders except Dove has a bit more offense and Melvin has a bit more D. Melvin was the best defender in the B12 on a Final Four team and Dove is the best defender in the B12 on a team that won't make the NIT.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

It's a little soon but since people start to talk about some draft projects, I started this thread to have the whole discussion in a single place.

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Great idea and none too soon. I hope we can avoid all the threads for individual potential draftees put up by their proponents and keep the discussion confined here--but I doubt it since Kori is so accomodating that she lets the inmates run the asylum.

I'm hoping for us to get more athletic on the wings. Unfortunately, I put in my dream specs for a SF into the Draft Express search engine--shooter, rebounder, perimeter defender, athletic--and came up with "no such animal, pardner". In fact, you don't get much until you start putting only one item, such as perimeter defender, into the search.

Either all this year's crop of NCAA players is one dimensional or DE hasn''t loaded much info into the machine about the potential draftees.

Pretty easy to predict this.

If you can't pronounce the name and he isn't ready to play the Spurs will draft him. I'm sure that narrows it down to a handful.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr.Bottomtooth

On nbadraft.net the Bobcats have an alternate logo. I didn't know they had one.

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That is their logo.

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c..._1981_10590670

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CaptMike

Dove is the exact same player as Melvin Sanders except Dove has a bit more offense and Melvin has a bit more D. Melvin was the best defender in the B12 on a Final Four team and Dove is the best defender in the B12 on a team that won't make the NIT.

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Marcus Dove destroys Melvin Sanders on defense. He is much bigger, much better. Sanders is perhaps more offensively capable.

But nice false equivalence. You should go into politics. The old OK State team was peppered with some future pros, the current team is not. The old OK state team was coached by a prospective HOF coach. The current team is coached by that prospective HOF coachhś son.

I also like to add a player, who is far under the radar, regarding draft talks
(draftexpress and nbadraft don't even have a profile)

Novica Velickovic, 1986, 6-9 PF
smart player, plays hard, very good rebounder, has some range.
(best case IMO: David Lee)
made a huge step this season. last night a 17points/13 rebounds game in the Euroleague.
maybe not strong and athletic enough for NBA play, but might be worth this late 2nd rounder and wait how he improves the next 2 years in Europe.
a bit of a bigmouth, but this usually isn't a problem in the NBA. (since Euro player are often labeled as to quiet)

http://www.euroleague.net/competitio...=156&pcode=JNN
http://www.adriaticbasket.com/player.php?id=607

I not sure if they be which draft year, but at #27 draft pick Spurs should be interest in player calls Nikola Peckovic also maybe with #58 draft pick Spurs should be interest in player calls Milos Teodosic but maybe he not draft yet he only 20 years I think. This player good potentials as Spurs point guard after Vaughn leave if Spanoulis not decide come back.

Has anyone heard anything on Sandizke?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kill_Bill_Pana

I not sure if they be which draft year, but at #27 draft pick Spurs should be interest in player calls Nikola Peckovic also maybe with #58 draft pick Spurs should be interest in player calls Milos Teodosic but maybe he not draft yet he only 20 years I think. This player good potentials as Spurs point guard after Vaughn leave if Spanoulis not decide come back.

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jesus, I thought you are a Panthinaikos fan?
Nikola Pekovic has reached an agreement with Pana for the next 3 years (for rumored 6+ million $ net)!!!
no team will draft him in the 1st round. maybe use a 2nd rounder on him and gamble if he wants to come over in 3 years and then sign him for MLE money. (if he has improved to a premium player in Europe)

The pool of Euro players looks quite bad. Aside of Batum and Gallinari, I don't think there is someone worth being a first round pick. Maybe it could change if some young players enter in the draft but, right now, I don't really see an Euro worth being Spurs first round pick.

Quote:

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but I doubt it since Kori is so accomodating that she lets the inmates run the asylum.

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Seeing as her husband participates in it, I'd say its ok :rolleyes

A little bump to update picks.

About 2009 picks :
- The first round pick traded to Seattle is lottery protected. ( link )
- The second round pick traded to Charlotte in the Ely trade is the worst of Spurs and Hornets second round pick. ( link )

In 2009, Spurs will likely have no first round pick and 2 second round picks : Rockets' one and the best of Spurs' and Hornets' one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

It's a little soon but since people start to talk about some draft projects, I started this thread to have the whole discussion in a single place.

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Au contraire! With the NCAA tourneys starting, we need some guidance on who to watch.

I've been hoping someone would start one that everyone would use. I didnt do it because I'm not a draft wizzard like some of you guys. Thanks for starting it.:clap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wildbill2u

Great idea and none too soon. I hope we can avoid all the threads for individual potential draftees put up by their proponents and keep the discussion confined here--but I doubt it since Kori is so accomodating that she lets the inmates run the asylum.

I'm hoping for us to get more athletic on the wings. Unfortunately, I put in my dream specs for a SF into the Draft Express search engine--shooter, rebounder, perimeter defender, athletic--and came up with "no such animal, pardner". In fact, you don't get much until you start putting only one item, such as perimeter defender, into the search.

Either all this year's crop of NCAA players is one dimensional or DE hasn''t loaded much info into the machine about the potential draftees.

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You need to lower your expectations about what players can do and load in only one or two. For a long SF I put in "perimeter defender" and "athletic" and it came up Terry Tyler.

I don't think he's got much of a shot. And we may not have a shot at him if we are down at--or near--our ususal place in the draft.

It's a little too early for me to pick my horses, but I'm wondering if Bruno could give me his take on Anton Ponkrashov. I've watched him play a couple of times and was impressed with what I saw. Could we get him in the second round? DX says he can't go right, but I still think he's worth an 2nd rd flier and assignment in Austin.

And, do you think Batum is a lottery lock?

Is Phoenix raffling off both of their draft picks this season? If so...oh scrap it. They'd never sell to the Spurs.

Is this draft class going to be as awesome and full of impact players as the last one?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tav1

It's a little too early for me to pick my horses, but I'm wondering if Bruno could give me his take on Anton Ponkrashov. I've watched him play a couple of times and was impressed with what I saw. Could we get him in the second round? DX says he can't go right, but I still think he's worth an 2nd rd flier and assignment in Austin.

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I don't like Ponkrashov.
Tall PGs like him usually failed in NBA. They can't play PG because they are to slow to defined this position and they end up as average SG/SF.
I don't think Spurs should spend their first round pick on him but with a mid to late second round pick, why not.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tav1

And, do you think Batum is a lottery lock?

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He has a so-so season. He has some troubles to be a truly dominant player in French league.
I don't know NCAA players but if a lot of good NCAA underclassmen enter in the draft after march madness and if Batum isn't better and more consistent, he could slip.
Given his upside, he shouldn't slip too far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tav1

Is Phoenix raffling off both of their draft picks this season? If so...oh scrap it. They'd never sell to the Spurs.

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They only have one first round pick this year that should be around the 15th pick. I doubt they will trade a pick that high only for some cash.

My updated wants from the draft:
Alexis Ajinca
Lester Hudson
Marcus Dove

Pekovic is worth a 1st, hell, statistically he's as good as Pau Gasol was in Euroleague. How many 22 year olds manage that. (also, he's currently doing better than Splitter...). However, with the contract he signed with Panathaikos, I can't see him going in the 1st.

I think our first round pick should probably be a wing, as I have expressed in other posts. There are going to be several possibilities around where we will draft (22-27). Tyler Smith, Bill Walker, Brandon Rush, Kyle Weaver are all names to look at.

As far as our 2nd round picks, if Pekovic is available at the Toronto pick take him!! However, I expect him to go high in the 2nd. We will have very little roster room for rookies - what with having Splitter, Mahinmi, and our 1st round pick on the team, we will likely need to either trade or draft and stash our 2nd round picks.

Bigs (6) - Duncan, Bonner, Oberto, Mahinmi, Splitter, +1 Veteran (no way pop is going with 3 rooks in his big rotation; I'd guess a resigned Kurt Thomas).
Wings (6) - Manu, Bowen, Udoka, 1st Round Pick, FA, Barry
PGs (3) - Parker,Vaughn, Vet FA.

Therefore, I would consider drafting a Euro with Toronto's pick, and trying to trade forward with our pick. As mentioned above, if Pekovic is there, take him. If not, I would definately consider Ponkrashov; he's shown some real promise. Goran Dragic is another possible, as is Joe Ingles.

As far as American second round picks, I would keep an eye on the following names, Pat Calathes, Shawn James, Marcus Dove. The only way I see for making a spare roster spot for another young player is to consider Barry 3ed PG. I don't expect us to do that, as Pop prefers veteran heavy rosters. I might try that to make room for Shawn James, but I don't think I would bother for Calathes or Dove.

Tyler Smith
Kyle Weaver
Brandon Rush

as pad said above, with Courtney Lee added. It seems they have to use their pick this year, can't trade away subsequent years (2009 is gone). I'd think they have to go for a SG or SF or SG/SF.

The team is stacked with big men already, but this draft seems chunky with big men, both PFs and C prospects, everywhere.

As always, the best SF prospects will all be gone - Gallinari, Batum, Budinger, the younger guys like the Syracuse and the LSU guys. If Joe Alexander does well in the tournament he might come out. None of them are knockouts, but several are lottery picks. They should all be gone before the Spurs pick.

I'd expect Dove, Calathes, and that type to probably not be that great of players.

That Raptors pick is looking better and better everyday.

nbadraft.net has Roy Hibbert (Georgetown) sliding to 19th pick, I'd love to see him slip but it's a reach. More realistically I'd love to see Tyler Smith of Tennessee, or a nice young wide body like Joey Dorsey (Memphis) or DJ White (Indiana). We need to replace Horry and Thomas, with some youthful yet experienced bigs that can contribute, but they aren't internationals so we probably haven't noticed them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tav1

And, do you think Batum is a lottery lock?

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Batum spent the first part of the season to play for the scouts in the audience.
He particulary wanted to showcase his skills in euroleague, but without much success. He tried to prove he could do all the things scouts were searching.

All in all, I think he put too much pressure on him instead of just playing ball.

As Bruno mentioned he still has some upset and is still young but even whithout considering the NCAA reservoire, I think his value has decrease a bit or hasn't increase anyway.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

It seems they have to use their pick this year, can't trade away subsequent years (2009 is gone).

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Spurs can't trade their first round pick before the draft but they can trade it during the draft.
Spurs can draft a specific player for another team and immediately trade his draft rights to another team (like they did with Barbosa, Markota or Printezis). By doing that, they doesn't trade consecutive first round picks since they don't trade a first round pick but draft rights to a player.

I quite agree with pad300 analysis. Drafting a domestic SG or SF with their first round pick seems to be the most logical choice for Spurs. Overseas players or trade seems to be the most logical option for their second round picks. I also can see Spurs trying to get a young PG as 3rd string PG.

Batum has dissapointed me so far this season, he hasn't improved his game or his way to play the game enough to be considered a lottery pick imo.
I've seen him going against Budinger 2years ago at the Douai tournament and Batum had clearly way more upside than Chase. But as far as I can tell Batum is soft and despite the upside he has due to his skills and athleticism he got to change the way he plays to succeed in the nba.
On the other hand, in Gallinari you know you have someone who will succeed. The boy has star written all over him.

http://www.draftexpress.com/article/...ne-Dragicevic/

Draftexpress is reporting that Omri Casspi will put his name in the draft and that Spurs have send two scouts in Israel last week.

He is a really interesting solution for Spurs first round pick.

Bruno, have you seen this dragic kid play before? I have seen his name come up before and was just wondering if you thought he would make a decent NBA pg...Smith or Rush would be a nice 1st rd pick..

Quote:

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Originally Posted by yavozerb

Bruno, have you seen this dragic kid play before? I have seen his name come up before and was just wondering if you thought he would make a decent NBA pg.

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I saw him playing with Slovenian NT last summer. He isn't the most talented player of the world but he played with a lot of energy and is a good defender.

Slovenian posters should know him way better than me and should give you a better answer about him.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mountainballer

I also like to add a player, who is far under the radar, regarding draft talks
(draftexpress and nbadraft don't even have a profile)

Novica Velickovic, 1986, 6-9 PF
smart player, plays hard, very good rebounder, has some range.
(best case IMO: David Lee)
made a huge step this season. last night a 17points/13 rebounds game in the Euroleague.
maybe not strong and athletic enough for NBA play, but might be worth this late 2nd rounder and wait how he improves the next 2 years in Europe.
a bit of a bigmouth, but this usually isn't a problem in the NBA. (since Euro player are often labeled as to quiet)

http://www.euroleague.net/competitio...=156&pcode=JNN
http://www.adriaticbasket.com/player.php?id=607

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Great pick, also hit cluch 3 pointer yesterday. There are quite feew players of Partizan that might play big roles in NBA teams in future. Peković is great pick, better then Veličković.

About Dragić, remember how he played last year agains TP in Spain? TP was quite nervous and Dragić did grat job defending him. He is great defender, weak shoter, but definitely someone to look at. He is Tau Ceramica(Scola, Splitter) player and if he will play next year for them(this year he played in Olimpija Ljubljana), make some progress i believe he can play on NBA level.

Batum should still go in the lottery. If not, he'll be snapped up by 20.

Casspi looks like a long-term prospect at the very least. It'd be a mistake to draft him before the 2nd round.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hsxvvd

nbadraft.net has Roy Hibbert (Georgetown) sliding to 19th pick, I'd love to see him slip but it's a reach. More realistically I'd love to see Tyler Smith of Tennessee, or a nice young wide body like Joey Dorsey (Memphis) or DJ White (Indiana). We need to replace Horry and Thomas, with some youthful yet experienced bigs that can contribute, but they aren't internationals so we probably haven't noticed them.

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i don;t see the Spurs going for Hibbert... we al;ready have the bigs we need for a couple of seasons and plus he needs lots of development... he does have the size... but i dunno about his all around skills...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Spurs can't trade their first round pick before the draft but they can trade it during the draft.
Spurs can draft a specific player for another team and immediately trade his draft rights to another team (like they did with Barbosa, Markota or Printezis). By doing that, they doesn't trade consecutive first round picks since they don't trade a first round pick but draft rights to a player.

I quite agree with pad300 analysis. Drafting a domestic SG or SF with their first round pick seems to be the most logical choice for Spurs. Overseas players or trade seems to be the most logical option for their second round picks. I also can see Spurs trying to get a young PG as 3rd string PG.

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Draft strategy question. Pekovic is a very good talent; that much is obvious. However, with his contract in Europe, many think he will drop to the 2nd round. Would it be worth locking him up with a late 1st round pick, thereby locking him in for X years at a low salary? (Bruno, is a 1st round pick now locked in for a max of 5 years, and a min of 2?).

Pros - His contract is locked in, and if he comes after his current contract, at 25, he would be in his prime at very cheap.

Cons - he might stay in Europe for his career, as a 1st round pick salary might be considerably less than what he could get in Europe. It might result in another Scola situation; however, we would have more leverage, as his contract terms would already be fixed...

Such a move would open a roster spot (likely at the wings), giving us a chance to look at assorted D-leaguers, cheap/overlooked players(eg. Kelenna Azuibuike ?sp?, Dahntay Jones), and the possibilities of our second round picks open up a lot.

PS. another name to add to the list of possible US secound round players - Luc Richard Mbah a Moute...

I does not totaly agree on opinions about Batum. It is true he does not dominate the French league as he should. But when he is on, he can completely dominate the game on offense and defense. He had a bunch of outstanding performance to prove he is completely unguardable at this level when he uses all his weapons.

With 12 ppg (54 %, 36 3P%) / 5rpg / 3 apg/ 1 stl / 1 bpg in 29 minutes Batum is arguably the best player in Le Mans and Le Mans leads the French league with 17W/6L.
Batum is not soft... he has already posterized a bunch of players in the French and Euro leagues. I agree he sometime passive but he isn't soft.
His best game in the french league is a 25 pts/ 9rbds /5 ast win over Nancy one of the best french team... Batum already proves he can take over in the important games.
His worst games? against HTV, Dijon, Pau , Orléans... 4 team that should not make the playoffs

IMO, Batum is having a great season... and it is scary when you realise he still have so much room fo improvment.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

I saw him playing with Slovenian NT last summer. He isn't the most talented player of the world but he played with a lot of energy and is a good defender.

Slovenian posters should know him way better than me and should give you a better answer about him.

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Well Draft Express has him described quite well.

I have not followed Union Olimpija much lately... (so i cant really say much about his last 6 months improvement)

Anyways, i can surely say he is a tougher player and way better defensively than per say Udrih. (worse shooter, worse court vision, Dragič is faster and more athletic)

Can finish with both hands, streaky shooter. I saw him do some airballs when completely open from 3pt range but not that bad that he could not shoot a decent %. He is good at driving where he is a crafty finisher.

He could be a GREAT defender in the NBA if he would be dedicated to work.

He demolished Tony Parker on defence in Euro. (seriously... i dont know if it was also a bad day for Parker or maybe he underestimated Dragič...)

Good size for a PG. 6-4


I think it would be worth picking him early second round or even late first round. And lets say im not being a homer... :toast


p.s.

oh... i also remembered that i wowed t him quite a few times when he wasnt afraid to go flying into the 7 footers for a rebound; fought really hard...

And... What about Ibaka?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kamnik

Well Draft Express has him described quite well.

I have not followed Union Olimpija much lately... (so i cant really say much about his last 6 months improvement)

Anyways, i can surely say he is a tougher player and way better defensively than per say Udrih. (worse shooter, worse court vision, Dragič is faster and more athletic)

Can finish with both hands, streaky shooter. I saw him do some airballs when completely open from 3pt range but not that bad that he could not shoot a decent %. He is good at driving where he is a crafty finisher.

He could be a GREAT defender in the NBA if he would be dedicated to work.

He demolished Tony Parker on defence in Euro. (seriously... i dont know if it was also a bad day for Parker or maybe he underestimated Dragič...)

Good size for a PG. 6-4


I think it would be worth picking him early second round or even late first round. And lets say im not being a homer... :toast


p.s.

oh... i also remembered that i wowed t him quite a few times when he wasnt afraid to go flying into the 7 footers for a rebound; fought really hard...

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http://www.adriaticbasket.com/player.php?id=614

his stats in the Adriatic league this year

12 ppg, 70% 2pt shooting !! 44% 3pt shooting 3 assists per game

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/...ingletary-448/
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/prof...ingletary.html
http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/...aftyear%3d2008
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player...playerId=22208

The next Speedy Claxton?

-Mars

I can see Batum dropping, especially with Joe Alexander coming on super strong and moving up the SF ranks. Again, though, pick 20 is kind of an arbitrary cut-off point, where you get solid playoff teams without huge needs snapping up guys who have dropped. The only reason we got a late lottery-type talent in Splitter last year was because of the one-year buyout thing.

If there is no one for the Spurs to pick, I'd like to see them package the pick with Matt Bonner's contract for someone who could crack the rotation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Casspi looks like a long-term prospect at the very least. It'd be a mistake to draft him before the 2nd round.

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well, we're probably going to draft and stash our second pick anyway. Might as well take a shot at another development prospect, but I don't know if he's the guy.

Nike hoops summit will be on April 12 in Portland.
HS players can' enter in this year draft but international players can do it like Koponen did last year.

rosters

Serge Ibaka, Alexis Ajinça and Zygimantas Janavicius are names to follow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Nike hoops summit will be on April 12 in Portland.
HS players can' enter in this year draft but international players can do it like Koponen did last year.

rosters

Serge Ibaka, Alexis Ajinça and Zygimantas Janavicius are names to follow.

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I'm very intrigued by Ajinça.

He first looked just like a big body to me, one or two year ago but then began to develop and show interesting things and good mobility fo a 7 footer.

Funny to know that he wants to see himself as a 4 more than a 5, ala Stoudemire or Garnett...

For the record, he was a french and european BMX champion, and also a world vice-champion !

It will be interesting to see how he'll do in the NHS.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Nike hoops summit will be on April 12 in Portland.
HS players can' enter in this year draft but international players can do it like Koponen did last year.

rosters

Serge Ibaka, Alexis Ajinça and Zygimantas Janavicius are names to follow.

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Speaking of Kaponen, what happened to the Flying Finn? I haven't heard a word about him since last year's draft.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JPB

Funny to know that he wants to see himself as a 4 more than a 5, ala Stoudemire or Garnett...

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Imagine Ajinca trying to fight with D12 and you will understand why he wants to see himself as a 4 and not a 5.

I don't think he's coming out this year (soph), but did anyone else pick up on Damion James from Texas playing against the two behemoth Lopez twins from Stanford.

He was terrific in rebounding against these taller players and showed quickness on defense and offense as well as the ability to hit the three from the perimeter.

If he were to come out, where do you think he would go in the draft? I really think this guy could be a NBA SF.

Damion James is probably 2nd round at this point, if drafted. Not saying he can't be a good player.

A little update on Spurs' picks.
Spurs first round pick : 27th. It could end up between 23rd and 29th.
Raptors second round pick : 47th. It could end up between 46th and 48th.
Spurs second round pick : 57th. It could end up between 53rd and 59th.

Chad Ford thinks that Batum will be picked between 15th and 25th. If he is right, Spurs' pick could be quite close to him. Trading up is really difficult and costly but if Spurs could end up with Batum, it would be a huge steal.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hsxvvd

nbadraft.net has Roy Hibbert (Georgetown) sliding to 19th pick, I'd love to see him slip but it's a reach. More realistically I'd love to see Tyler Smith of Tennessee, or a nice young wide body like Joey Dorsey (Memphis) or DJ White (Indiana). We need to replace Horry and Thomas, with some youthful yet experienced bigs that can contribute, but they aren't internationals so we probably haven't noticed them.

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The latest mock has him at 23. OF course, since we jumped from #5 in the WC to #2 overnight, our draft position is dropping too. :dizzy

An unknown player that could make some noise before the draft is Giorgi Shermadini. He is a 7'1" georgian center and is born in 1989.
Sometimes birth dates are false about players from this area so take it with a grain of salt.
He is now working out in California for the draft. He is said to be skilled and quite athletic. He could end up as a surprise pick.

draftexpress has us taking hansbrough in the first round

Batum pulls out if it has him dropping into the 20s, right?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gmanrulz

draftexpress has us taking hansbrough in the first round

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i think he'd be a great bench player for a burst of energy, Malik Rose esque.

-Mars

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Batum pulls out if it has him dropping into the 20s, right?

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I think he will stay in the draft even if he isn't in the lottery.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ClingingMars

i think he'd be a great bench player for a burst of energy, Malik Rose esque.

-Mars

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Hansbrough is tougher and smarter (on the court) than Malik, but not as smart and effective as Luis Scola.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Hansbrough is tougher and smarter (on the court) than Malik, but not as smart and effective as Luis Scola.

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the key will be his post D, which is good, but not the best.

-Mars

Do the spurs have a first round pick this year...

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Originally Posted by Bruno

A little update on Spurs' picks.
Spurs first round pick : 27th. It could end up between 23rd and 29th.
Raptors second round pick : 47th. It could end up between 46th and 48th.
Spurs second round pick : 57th. It could end up between 53rd and 59th.

Chad Ford thinks that Batum will be picked between 15th and 25th. If he is right, Spurs' pick could be quite close to him. Trading up is really difficult and costly but if Spurs could end up with Batum, it would be a huge steal.

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BIG z read this post

The draftexpress mock draft doesn't even have him going, but from what I've seen of Earl Clark during march madness we could do a lot worse than him. Love the way he took over the Tennessee game in the second half.

With Pop's fascination for chucking point guards, I like the idea of Stephen Curry. Dell's son can light it up. Play him next to Manu and they can handle the guard duties.

Right now I think the Spurs' offense is fine but as Duncan and Ginobili age, they'll need a fourth scorer eventually. Curry is a flawed prospect ... but he can score. I could see him tumbling into the end of the first round just because most teams won't have a position for him to play.

I like Kyle Weaver in the 2nd round. Could be an interesting pick - can guard 3 positions, though he needs to work on his shot. But that's what Chip is for.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nbadraft/...draftyear=2008

Draft Projection: Second round to undrafted

Positives: Slashing, athletic combo guard who has a very good feel for the game. High basketball IQ. Ultimate team player. Excellent, tenacious defender. His long arms and quickness allow him to really disrupt the passing lanes. Has improved his three point shooting tremendously this season.

Negatives: His shooting is still suspect. He doesn't have much of a mid range game and before this year he wasn't hitting threes. Doesn't seem to want to shoot the ball. Averages only around eight shots a game.

Summary: Offensively he's got a long way to go, but his basketball IQ is so high and his defense so good, more than one scout has projected him as a potential Bruce Bowen type player in the pros. He's a likely second round selection depending on how he plays in the pre-draft camps.

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Kyle-Weaver-1253/

ESPN has him at #68, Draft Express has him going in the 2nd round - pick 7.

This weekend Batum proved one more time he is there during big games. He was the best player on the court in a duel at the top of the French league between Le Mans and ASVEL. NBA scouts (KNICKS) saw Le Mans winning the game (86-75) and Batum putting down 23 pts/6rbds/2blks in 33 minutes.

Even if Batum doesn't receive the same hype this year, I can't see him being out of the top 20 picks.

I am all over Hansborough with the first rounder. He would make a great guy off the bench and I don't care about any questions about his athleticism, he can play at the next level.

I take it that Rush and CDR of Memphis will be gone by time the Spurs pick, so how about the Cal guys Hardin and Anderson ?? I like Kyle Weaver as well but don't see us taking him. I woul;d imagine we take two young Euro's in the second round and stash them for a few seasons.

If I see Joey Fuckin Dorsey's name called out by the Spurs then draft day 2008 will be my last day as a Spurs fan until he is gone.

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Originally Posted by timvp

With Pop's fascination for chucking point guards, I like the idea of Stephen Curry. Dell's son can light it up. Play him next to Manu and they can handle the guard duties.

Right now I think the Spurs' offense is fine but as Duncan and Ginobili age, they'll need a fourth scorer eventually. Curry is a flawed prospect ... but he can score. I could see him tumbling into the end of the first round just because most teams won't have a position for him to play.

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Curry's has already said he's going back to Davidson for another year. He'd make a great understudy to Manu, he is MANUesque.

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Originally Posted by ducks

BIG z read this post

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Did we not trade our first round pick to seattle..

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Originally Posted by BIG z

Did we not trade our first round pick to seattle..

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2009

Seems to be a lot of discussion about big men and PGs, but how about drafting a long wing?

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Originally Posted by RuffnReadyOzStyle

Seems to be a lot of discussion about big men and PGs, but how about drafting a long wing?

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Drafting a Wing Forum.

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Originally Posted by timvp

With Pop's fascination for chucking point guards, I like the idea of Stephen Curry. Dell's son can light it up. Play him next to Manu and they can handle the guard duties.

Right now I think the Spurs' offense is fine but as Duncan and Ginobili age, they'll need a fourth scorer eventually. Curry is a flawed prospect ... but he can score. I could see him tumbling into the end of the first round just because most teams won't have a position for him to play.

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Methinks he's too flawed. I don't think he could play defense at the pro level. But I think a 2nd round flier wouldn't be so bad. At that point, though, I'd prefer Ponkrashov. But that's my hobby horse...

I like Josh Duncan (Xavier - 6'9" ~230). Although he can step out and shoot it, he seems to play more like a PF, so he probably won't fit. But if he can show some quickness on the defensive end, his size will be great against the stronger SFs like James and Anthony, and shooting PFs like Dirk.

We need to go all out to get Batum

from all accounts Batum won't be available when we pick (29th i hope?). I don't think we can package anything to move up that many slots.

And even if we could, the FO hasn't shown much willingness to do that in the past.

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Originally Posted by wildbill2u

from all accounts Batum won't be available when we pick (29th i hope?). I don't think we can package anything to move up that many slots.

And even if we could, the FO hasn't shown much willingness to do that in the past.

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Chad Ford mentioned in his chat today that he expects Batum to drop to the late first round. Though I wouldn't call him the most credible source on foreign prospects.

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Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Chad Ford mentioned in his chat today that he expects Batum to drop to the late first round. Though I wouldn't call him the most credible source on foreign prospects.

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International prospects the world over are on the slide. The Darko knee jerk might have relaxed if not for Andrea Bargnani, whose suckage casts a shadow over the rest of the world.

I say good for the Spurs. Maybe they can get Batum and Casspi, in that order, 1, 2. Odds are strong that one of the two will develop into a servicable wing. This is why Holt owns the Toros, right?

Perhaps this is the year to pick up another late first/early second and take a flier on a sliding player or two, such as the aforementioned or someone like Bill Walker or Brandon Rush. I know four picks would be a lot, but given the team's age and unique relationship to Austin, why not?

I wonder if Bonner could bring a pair of 2nd round picks?

Darko and Bargs have nothing to do with this year's international draft class, which just isn't that great.

Batum will not slide all the way to the Spurs.

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Originally Posted by tav1

I wonder if Bonner could bring a pair of 2nd round picks?

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Which two picks would the Spurs give up? 2008, 2009?

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Darko and Bargs have nothing to do with this year's international draft class, which just isn't that great.

Batum will not slide all the way to the Spurs.

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Ford had Dumars on his podcast a few months back and Joe D said just the opposite--that recent international draft pick failures had given many of the GMs in the league cold feet. They'd rather wait and see on the internationals and pick 'em up later as free agents.

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Originally Posted by tav1

Ford had Dumars on his podcast a few months back and Joe D said just the opposite--that recent international draft pick failures had given many of the GMs in the league cold feet. They'd rather wait and see on the internationals and pick 'em up later as free agents.

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Pretty handy to say, since the current generation is considered tapped out.

Casspi : 18 points and 10 rebounds in Euroleague quarter final.
Not bad for a 19 years old player. :smokin

If Spurs want to move up or to get another pick, their best assets are Splitter, Mahinmi or cash.
I think Spurs are quite high on Mahinmi and Splitter, so cash is Spurs best asset.
Throwing cash isn't Spurs way but Holt could be ready to do that given that Spurs payroll will be about $10M lower next year than this year.
With $3M in cash, Spurs could get another late first/early.
With $3M in cash and their pick, Spurs could move up in the early 20's.

Goran Dragič is playing great lately in Adriatic league Playoffs...

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Originally Posted by Bruno

With $3M in cash, Spurs could get another late first/early.
With $3M in cash and their pick, Spurs could move up in the early 20's.

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Other teams see the Spurs' run coming to a close, but will still be unlikely to trade draft picks to them. And do you truly think the Spurs would pay $3 million for an untested rookie, even before his salary?

The Spurs supposedly have tried to trade up every year in the draft and never have. Teams are usually never likely to trade down late in the draft, even for several places. They have their short lists of players and stick by those instead. A drop of five places, from 23 to 28, can mean their pet guy is gone. If the Spurs couldn't trade up using Scola last year, they're not moving up this year.

Most likely they have their 2 or 3 guys they like and if those guys drop off the board, they'll draft for someone else and trade out of the first round. Last year they liked Splitter and Daequan Cook; if both were gone (one was), they would have dumped the pick.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Other teams see the Spurs' run coming to a close, but will still be unlikely to trade draft picks to them. And do you truly think the Spurs would pay $3 million for an untested rookie, even before his salary?

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Spurs cap situation is quite different next year. If they like a player, i can see them spending $3M to get his rights.
It depends on the situation of the other team. A rebuilding team or an ECF team, has no serious reason to avoid a trade with Spurs. And it's not like the team trade the first overall pick to Spurs.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

The Spurs supposedly have tried to trade up every year in the draft and never have. Teams are usually never likely to trade down late in the draft, even for several places.

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Agree on that.
Trading up almost never happen.
I'm just saying that if Spurs want to trade up their best assets to do it is cash.

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Agree on that.
Trading up almost never happen.
I'm just saying that if Spurs want to trade up their best assets to do it is cash.

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I'd be stunned to see the Spurs spend money to buy up or buy a draft pick, especially since they'd need that money to sell Bonner's contract to someone. I could see them make a push if Batum falls, however.

I believe Minnesota has the 1st and 3rd picks in the second round. I wonder if a 2 for 2 pick swap could be done there, as someone mentioned - our first and one second for those two. I see the Spurs wanting to get away from guaranteed salary to get themselves off the hook.

Draftexpress reports that a rule change has come into effect: underclassmen can be sponsored to travel to NBA sites for workouts. Before, they were on the hook for expenses, which made it hard for a lot of athletes to get themselves seen. DX suggests this will lead to more underclassmen testing the waters, with the benefit of getting seen by teams who want to see them. The impact will be on seniors, who cannot test the water and face increased crowding for spots and attention.

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Originally Posted by Bruno

Casspi : 18 points and 10 rebounds in Euroleague quarter final.
Not bad for a 19 years old player. :smokin

If Spurs want to move up or to get another pick, their best assets are Splitter, Mahinmi or cash.
I think Spurs are quite high on Mahinmi and Splitter, so cash is Spurs best asset.
Throwing cash isn't Spurs way but Holt could be ready to do that given that Spurs payroll will be about $10M lower next year than this year.
With $3M in cash, Spurs could get another late first/early.
With $3M in cash and their pick, Spurs could move up in the early 20's.

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I think the Suns have posted their pick on ebay. I wonder if the Blazers have multiple picks this year--if so, they might be willing to sell. I like your thinking here Bruno.

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Originally Posted by tav1

I think the Suns have posted their pick on ebay. I wonder if the Blazers have multiple picks this year--if so, they might be willing to sell. I like your thinking here Bruno.

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Phoenix gets Atlanta's first round pick this year from the Joe Johnson trade. It will be late lottery, but most assuredly they'll use it. They most assuredly would not let the Spurs have it, if they wanted to let it go.

Portland has multiple 2nd round picks, but their first rounder is about #13, which they would not sell outright. They might sell 2nd rounders or package them for something else.

So... try again.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Phoenix gets Atlanta's first round pick this year from the Joe Johnson trade. It will be late lottery, but most assuredly they'll use it. They most assuredly would not let the Spurs have it, if they wanted to let it go.

Portland has multiple 2nd round picks, but their first rounder is about #13, which they would not sell outright. They might sell 2nd rounders or package them for something else.

So... try again.

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Point taken. But the Atlanta pick will not be a lottery pick. Atlanta is in the playoffs. They'll pick 14 or 15.

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Originally Posted by tav1

Point taken. But the Atlanta pick will not be a lottery pick. Atlanta is in the playoffs. They'll pick 14 or 15.

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I need to check the standings. For some reason both nbadraft and DX list it as a lottery pick. Sucks to be Phoenix, actually. The one year Atlanta is any good, they got their pick.

I'd love for Holt to open his checkbook and buy a ticket to get Batum, but I doubt it happens on either end.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

I need to check the standings. For some reason both nbadraft and DX list it as a lottery pick. Sucks to be Phoenix, actually. The one year Atlanta is any good, they got their pick.

I'd love for Holt to open his checkbook and buy a ticket to get Batum, but I doubt it happens on either end.

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Atlanta being out of the lottery and teams like Golden State and Portland being in is the best argument for reformatting the playoffs. If it were simply the best 16 teams then this wouldn't be a problem. The current system will actually help the Western conference become better. I'll laugh for a month if a team like Portland winds up with a top 5 pick. And then I'll cry when I start to project their line up going forward.

I suggested Caspi as a second round pick before. He's very young and raw, but has some talent and is projected as a long SF I think so he wouldn't be competing against Splitter or Ian in the organization.

Not that competition within the org based on talent is a bad thing.