Draft Courtney Lee!!

Please Popovich, stop drafting foreign players that you send overseas for 25 years. And dont draft goons like Marcus Williams. Draft Courtney Lee, he is what the Spurs need. An athletic 2 who is big at 6-5 and can score at will. he would BE THE PERFECT replacement for ginobli in the long run and wants to be a team player. He was the 3rd leading scorer in the nation for 3 straight years. He also knows his place and wants to be a role player until groomed until a big time player. He also has amazing work ethic and attitude.

Here is a clipping of what Courtney Lee brings to the table:

If you ask Courtney Lee how he can help an NBA franchise next season, his initial answer might surprise you.

“Off the court I believe I have good character, I carry myself well and I don’t have any baggage.”

That is exactly what Pops looks for and how can you ask for anything more. Here is another excerpt on his game at the predraft camps so far.

From what we could see here, Courtney Lee is very likely going to impress a lot of people with the way he’ll look in private workouts. Physically, he’s in excellent shape, with a superb frame, excellent fluidity, and looking very impressive getting off his feet with his extremely quick initial bounce. We’ve raised some question marks about his overall athleticism in the past—but that did not seem to look like much of an issue here—especially with the way he was jumping. He was the most natural player of the bunch in everything related to the jab-steps and shot-creating tools, able to sell his moves almost effortlessly and looking extremely polished in all the various skill-work he did.

He shot the ball extremely well in the drills, displaying picture perfect form and no longer bringing the ball down before going into his shot the way he had a tendency to do during the season. Off the court, he’s almost just as impressive—well-spoken, humble, confident, and obviously very intelligent. We couldn’t really evaluate some of the things we have question marks about—for example how he will fare in a pure one on one setting against a long, athletic defender having to create his own shot excessively using advanced ball-handling moves, as well as some of the issues regarding the passivity he displays from time to time—but he showed enough in other areas here to have left an extremely strong impression.

the draft ain't gonna save the spurs, they need to start trading.

I think Lee could step into the rotation sooner rather than later.

IMHO, he makes more sense than a guy like Bill Walker - who probably won't be ready to contribute to a playoff team for 3-4 years.

I know Waker is too raw, but Lee is nba ready

Walker ain't ready and isn't a Spurs player.

Lee is. I like the pick, if it happens.

Lee looks good and has promise. I think DX has the Spurs picking him at 26. I definitely wouldn't mind the Spurs taking him, rather than the pick and stash tatic that hasn't worked out well. I think the only way to take a foreign player is to not draft them in the first round. Of course, Splitter isn't the only case of a player not coming over, but it's just one example of a wasted first round draft pick. Although, I'm not sure who they would have taken instead. Kopenen? Regardless, Lee looks good.

If they knew Splitter wasn't coming, they probably would have gone with their second best pick at that point, which was Marcus Williams (sad, I know). Really, though, with guaranteed money in the first round, they would have traded out. They've said there were only two players they were looking at there - the other apparently was Daequan Cook.

not many rookies make an impact in todays nba game....ive seen many names in many yrs that end up not even making the roster.....but ya never know....go spurs go

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Walker ain't ready and isn't a Spurs player.

Lee is. I like the pick, if it happens.

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Agreed again. Although I think Walker would fit in better personality wise with the Spurs than he is often portrayed.

But Lee and CDR are my preferences.

Of all the guys who we have a reasonable chance of falling to 26, I think Lee would crack the rotation the fastest.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

If they knew Splitter wasn't coming, they probably would have gone with their second best pick at that point, which was Marcus Williams (sad, I know). Really, though, with guaranteed money in the first round, they would have traded out. They've said there were only two players they were looking at there - the other apparently was Daequan Cook.

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I think they would have traded out of the first before taking Williams on a guaranteed contract. With the second round pick, they didn't mind taking a risk on a guy with supposed character issues who played out of position in college. Wish it had worked out better.

I think Lee would be a stellar choice at 26. Unfortunately, I think the Spurs might stay away from mid-major talent, and prefer to work with players from a known system at a larger school. But he seems like a good fit at a need position who can step in early.

In the tournament against UCLA Lee didn't shoot particularly well (7-29), but had 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 4 steals.

Well, RC/Pop have drafted a guy from Xavier before, that's a mid-major.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

In the tournament against UCLA Lee didn't shoot particularly well (7-29), but had 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks and 4 steals.

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It didn't feel like he played that badly in that game. UCLA was a really good defensive club throwing everything they had at him as well, forcing the other guys to beat them.

Other than Beasley, I don't think there was a player in the NCAA last year who could still be effective facing consistent triple teams.

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Originally Posted by K-State Spur

Well, RC/Pop have drafted a guy from Xavier before, that's a mid-major.

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Xavier is a bit more established as a program than your run of the mill mid-major, but point taken.

I'm thinking it will be Chalmers if he's there in the first round.

K-S: absolutely, UCLA was a dynamite defensive team. No shame in not shooting well against them. It's the rebounds and stat stuffing that appeals there; he played well against major conference teams his junior year, too, including Florida.

Although he's not a slasher, Lee is an exceptional shooter who knows how to create space for himself. Is also a good mid-range shooter. He'd be an excellent pick.

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Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Xavier is a bit more established as a program than your run of the mill mid-major, but point taken.

I'm thinking it will be Chalmers if he's there in the first round.

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I like Chalmers (actually, i detest him, he's a jayhawk - but I like his game). But not at #26. If we trade down because some other names are gone or somehow trade up with our second round picks higher in that round to get Mario - I wouldn't necessarily disagree with that strategy (depending on how the rest of the draft panned out - and what our FA plans are).

He's shown the ability to hit big shots. He's got a good chance to defend Paul/Williams better than Parker. Despite being a definition tweener, he's actually fairly long for his height. But you're also talking about a guy who struggled to run the point at KU. And when if you pair him alongside Parker (instead of backing him up), that's an awfully small NBA backcourt. Chalmers is a better fit for a team with a big PG that can afford to play a smaller guy off the ball.

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Originally Posted by K-State Spur

I like Chalmers (actually, i detest him, he's a jayhawk - but I like his game). But not at #26. If we trade down because some other names are gone or somehow trade up with our second round picks higher in that round to get Mario - I wouldn't necessarily disagree with that strategy (depending on how the rest of the draft panned out - and what our FA plans are).

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Chalmers wouldn't upset me at 26 if the Spurs were confident in his ability to back up Parker. He could provide that spark and shooting touch off the bench they sorely lack, and maybe play off-guard with Parker in small-ball situations. Not to mention, he's one of the few guys who slowed Derrick Rose. That's a hell of an endorsement.

Ford mentioned the Spurs met with Lester Hudson. Maybe they address back-up PG at 45.

God, I'd hope to trade for two early 2nds (Wolves or Blazers) and get Lee and Chalmers/Dorsey. Lee could still be around. That'd be incredible, but that first part probably won't happen.

I edited the post after you replied.

But Chalmers would certainly be intriguing as an option to defend the new breed of PGs. He's actually long for his height.

But it should also be noted that KU tried him as PG and it was mildly disastrous. He struggled to get his teammates involved and lost his own offense in the process. He worked much better off the ball. Now, he is more mature now and has shown development in both his court vision and passing since the PG experiment.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

God, I'd hope to trade for two early 2nds (Wolves or Blazers) and get Lee and Chalmers/Dorsey. Lee could still be around. That'd be incredible, but that first part probably won't happen.

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Lee + Chalmers + reasonable FA who is a fit for this squad + Mahinmi and/or Splitter = me calling this offseason a rousing success.

Hudson at 45 could be a steal. Sounds like tremendous scoring potential (Vinnie Johnson-type?) but will need work.

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Originally Posted by Mr. Body

Hudson at 45 could be a steal. Sounds like tremendous scoring potential (Vinnie Johnson-type?) but will need work.

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He's losing some luster at the pre-draft camps. I'm not surprised he's struggling initially against a jump in the talent level, and that could send him tumbling towards the Spurs. My question is: how much of an upgrade would he be over pursuing Darius Washington?

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Originally Posted by K-State Spur

I edited the post after you replied.

But Chalmers would certainly be intriguing as an option to defend the new breed of PGs. He's actually long for his height.

But it should also be noted that KU tried him as PG and it was mildly disastrous. He struggled to get his teammates involved and lost his own offense in the process. He worked much better off the ball. Now, he is more mature now and has shown development in both his court vision and passing since the PG experiment.

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I was wondering if he could work off the ball with Ginobili in the second unit. And, as mentioned, go small with Parker when Pop feels the need. Even though he's not a true point, he could be a more stable option than Darius Washington or Lester Hudson.

Chalmers is a far better option than Hudson or Washington, I'd say. Worth our first? I don't know.

Basically, the Spurs need to draft at #26 someone who can put points on the board. Someone who's been the first option on their last team.

Courtney Lee and Will Daniels. Spurs need young aggressive scorers on the perimeter. Daniels can play the 3.

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Originally Posted by TheProfessor

I was wondering if he could work off the ball with Ginobili in the second unit. And, as mentioned, go small with Parker when Pop feels the need. Even though he's not a true point, he could be a more stable option than Darius Washington or Lester Hudson.

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Oh, no doubt. Chalmers is a legit NBA talent - that still remains to be seen for Washington/Hudson.

Damnit, the thing is, we all know pop isnt going to draft Lee. I see him going foreign or that goon from Rider College. but Lee would be an excellent pick

Davon Jefferson, anyone?

6'8" SF U.S.C.

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Originally Posted by RenaldoBalkman

Damnit, the thing is, we all know pop isnt going to draft Lee. I see him going foreign or that goon from Rider College. but Lee would be an excellent pick

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I don't know why we would know that.

In recent years - the draft & stash strategy made a lot of sense for the Spurs. There just weren't really any rookies available at the end of the round who looked like they were likely to crack the rotation of a team that was competing for a championship.

This year, I think even Pop is well aware of the need to add some youth to the team. That doesn't mean championship aspirations go out the window, but you can't just maintain the status quo when getting knocked out in 5 games before the Finals.

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Originally Posted by exstatic

Davon Jefferson, anyone?

6'8" SF U.S.C.

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I actually like his game as well. Not my favorite guy, but let's just say that it would be a better pick-up than Marcus Williams.

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Originally Posted by exstatic

Davon Jefferson, anyone?

6'8" SF U.S.C.

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Eh.. 2nd round pick? Sure.

interesting prospect forsure, if hes the best player available at 26 then lets draft him, but if there is a better talent, more nba ready player we need to take that.

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Originally Posted by exstatic

Davon Jefferson, anyone?

6'8" SF U.S.C.

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+ Will Daniels + Courtney Lee.

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Originally Posted by TheProfessor

Xavier is a bit more established as a program than your run of the mill mid-major, but point taken.

I'm thinking it will be Chalmers if he's there in the first round.

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actually looking at history WKU is well more established then Xavier. Xavier has just had a more success as of late. WKU is one of the top college programs of all time. But I will stop with the history lesson.

I attended WKU. I would love for Courtney to get on a championship calibur team that he could play a major role on. However I honestly do not think he will drop past the #22 pick. Orlando has been hot after him for sometime. And they had atleast 1 scout at almost every one of our games last season. There are some other clubs that like Lee as well. If he somehow were to fall to #26 then I hope the Spurs scoop him up. A team with Parker, Lee, Ginobli, and Duncan would be a great combo.


--Rojogrande

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Originally Posted by rojogrande

actually looking at history WKU is well more established then Xavier. Xavier has just had a more success as of late. WKU is one of the top college programs of all time. But I will stop with the history lesson.

I attended WKU. I would love for Courtney to get on a championship calibur team that he could play a major role on. However I honestly do not think he will drop past the #22 pick. Orlando has been hot after him for sometime. And they had atleast 1 scout at almost every one of our games last season. There are some other clubs that like Lee as well. If he somehow were to fall to #26 then I hope the Spurs scoop him up. A team with Parker, Lee, Ginobli, and Duncan would be a great combo.


--Rojogrande

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Didn't mean to insult your school, you clarified it nicely. And that's great information, thanks!

Let's say the Spurs drafted Ajinca at 26......and then they were able to somehow trade to up to the top of the 2nd round and get Lee, who was luckily still on the board, and then used 57 on Keith Brumbaugh....would anyone be upset with that draft?

26 Ajinca
early 2nd Lee
57 Brumbaugh

If Rush and Roberts are gone, I want Lee. Based on his most recent workout its starting to sound like Lee won't even be there at 26.

draft lee!!!!!!!!! DX has him going pretty early though in their new addition, and i understand they are usually the most accurate right?

Weaknesses: Not a physical marvel with average athletic ability (by NBA standards) ... He's small for the 2-guard position at between 6-4 and 6-5 with short arms ... Gets a little careless with the ball off the dribble ... Can be a little overaggressive defensively resulting in foul trouble ... Playing at a mid-major, his level of competition gets questioned. 20 ppg doesn't have the same "bling" in the Sun Belt Conference, and in a high octane offense ... Has good quickness, but will struggle to create shots as effectively against bigger and more athletic defenders ... While he is more NBA ready than most, he lacks the upside of a number of the other 2-guard prospects available ... His passing ability is neither great nor terrible. If a teammate is open, he find him, but rarely makes plays to create scoring opportunities for others ... A solid defender but his lack of length and great athleticism will make defending a chore for him at the next level ... Would probably be a better defender if he wasn't forced to spend so much energy on the offensive end ...


Those supposedly are his weaknesses according to NBAdraft.net

Draft him, he will be a steal in the draft. A Complete player, a natural SG that can play the 3 and Point. Can play D and is an unselfish scorer. A poor man's Brandon Roy.

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Originally Posted by outmap

Draft him, he will be a steal in the draft. A Complete player, a natural SG that can play the 3 and Point. Can play D and is an unselfish scorer. A poor man's Brandon Roy.

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Stock rising, looks like a late teens/early 20's pick at this point. Spurs would have to trade up, and for a guy who is limited to SG (despite what you say), that's probably not worth it.

Looking like Lee might not drop to 26... his stock is on the rise.

nm

Recent mock drafts I've looked at have Lee going anywhere from 20 to low 30s...
I think the Spurs should make an offer for Kyle Lowry too. Memphis has three point guards and Lowry has been mentioned in quite a few rumors. I still don't know if the team that traded Gasol is more interested in winning than it is in cutting payroll. Might be a long shot, but then what would anyone have said if I suggested 6 months ago that Gasol could be had for Kwame's expiring contract and a few other things?