Official San Antonio Spurs 2021 NBA Draft Discussion Thread

[rankingtear]

Diaw and Gallinari are both 4s.

a 4 can be a wing. positionless nba = guard , wings, bigmen.

[R. DeMurre]

Players who are out and why:

-Kispert - not really a scorer from mid-range & not a reputable defender
-Usman Garuba - for obvious reasons
-Keon & Springer - shot profile consists mostly of mid-range shots
-Kai Jones - not a mid-range scorer, hardly a 3 pt shooter
-Giddey - Poor defender, work-in-progress shooter
-Sengun & Jalen Johnson - Weak perimeter defender

Obviously, this is all speculation and they could go a different route.

ah, I did it awhile back, that’s why I didn’t bother to do it. Here you go:

65.8% close - 76 attempts
34.9% mid - 106 attempts
43.5% 3’s - 46 attempts

as I mentioned, a very mid-range heavy shooting archetype. Just not convinced that’s the type the Spurs would go for with the current roster construction, but obviously could be wrong.

Shot profiles don’t drastically change overnight. Yes, Springer could increase the volume he takes 3’s, but usually it’s an indicator of what a player is comfortable doing. There will be a learning curve for Springer to feel comfortable shooting 3s at a higher rate on a consistent basis, and I’m not sure Spurs fans would be that patient about it.

Where are you getting your numbers? I'm looking at this article: https://www.prospectiveinsight.com/p...jaden-springer

They have:
118 shots in restricted area
64 shots from midrange
46 three pointers

I know you added the numbers using the diagram in the link but something is off here.

under shooting, it says:
”0.740 PPP on 104 jumpshots in HC (37.0% eFG); currently has heavy preference to mid-range > 3”

which contradicts the numbers you have.

I am in bed already so I’ll have to check tomorrow what’s wrong here.

So I decided to do a deep dive into Springer after watching a little bit of tape and then reading some very contradictory scouting reports on him-- especially one that seemed more thorough than most and said he needed to have more faith in his jump shot. This stood out to me because he's been characterized over and over as a throw back mid range guy. After watching about 8 key games (vs Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, etc) over the course of a couple of hours, I have to say the tag of mid range shooter for Springer is not accurate. The overwhelming majority of his shots are in the paint, from restricted area attempts back out to a step inside the free throw line. If people think he's going to take lots of DeRozan style 15'-20' jumpers, they're going to be surprised by his shot selection. He very rarely takes long twos... almost never.

[Dejounte]

So I decided to do a deep dive into Springer after watching a little bit of tape and then reading some very contradictory scouting reports on him-- especially one that seemed more thorough than most and said he needed to have more faith in his jump shot. This stood out to me because he's been characterized over and over as a throw back mid range guy. After watching about 8 key games (vs Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, etc) over the course of a couple of hours, I have to say the tag of mid range shooter for Springer is not accurate. The overwhelming majority of his shots are in the paint, from restricted area attempts back out to a step inside the free throw line. If people think he's going to take lots of DeRozan style 15'-20' jumpers, they're going to be surprised by his shot selection. He very rarely takes long twos... almost never.

So I’m at work but I’ll give you a quick reply

1) you mentioned you watched eight games. Is that an honest representation of the 22 total games he played? What if in those eight games, he decided he wanted to attack the basket because of the matchup? Just something to consider.
2) we don’t actually know how these shots were counted. It is possible that floaters from away the basket is interpreted by you as a close range shot, meanwhile to them it is a mid range 2.

i will look into this deeper later.

[exstatic]

a 4 can be a wing. positionless nba = guard , wings, bigmen.

The goalposts be amovin’.

[The Truth #6]

So I decided to do a deep dive into Springer after watching a little bit of tape and then reading some very contradictory scouting reports on him-- especially one that seemed more thorough than most and said he needed to have more faith in his jump shot. This stood out to me because he's been characterized over and over as a throw back mid range guy. After watching about 8 key games (vs Georgia, Arkansas, Florida, Alabama, etc) over the course of a couple of hours, I have to say the tag of mid range shooter for Springer is not accurate. The overwhelming majority of his shots are in the paint, from restricted area attempts back out to a step inside the free throw line. If people think he's going to take lots of DeRozan style 15'-20' jumpers, they're going to be surprised by his shot selection. He very rarely takes long twos... almost never.

One thorough online analysis said that much of his mid range came from an initial post up, which is way more enticing than the dreaded Derozan 2’s, and speaks to his label as a power guard, which also sounds enticing.

[Mr. Body]

More I think about Sengun, more I really like the idea of a pick. But ultimately I think Toronto will nab him. Especially if they do the Siakam trade for #7 that's been widely rumored, they get him.

[Dejounte]

if this quote is any indication of future moves, they are not drafting Sengun.

[Dejounte]

Sure thing. From his Wiki page - reputable links at the bottom of the bio.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaden_Springer

A sample of some of his accomplishments:



Prep honors:

• 2017 MaxPreps Freshman All-American second team.
• 2017 Charlotte Observer All-Mecklenburg Team.
• 2017 All-Southwestern 4A Conference.
• 2017 Runna Report Freshman of the Year.
• 2017 UABasketball Elite 24 Rising Freshman Game MVP.
• 2016 Lighthouse Christian School (Tenn.) Most Outstanding Player.

* 2018 Pangos All American Camp Top 30 Cream of The Crop Game - Named Top 5 of Camp by nbadraft.net
* 2020 McDonalds All American (Game cancelled due to Covid)
* 2021 SEC All-Freshman Team

I don’t see anything on here that likely most other prospects also have, but I’ll see if I can pull up those achievements later.

[PhantomDashCam]

The comments of Kai post workout are encouraging. It’s exactly why I would love to bring him in for a session with the Spurs.

[BackHome]

Yeah for me the interview of someone is the key if your a good interviewer you can easily read through the bull and determine if that person will be a good fit.

He seems he is a smart kid and will definitely put in the work and be open to coaching and won't be one of those Drama/News . I would not be mad with the pick in all honesty I don't have a single player that I am married to I trust the organization to pick the right player and I will support who ever is picked.

Now in the second round I do have some pet Cats and they are;
1.Joe Wisekamp - SF
2. Herb Jones - SF
3. Filip Petrusev - PF/C
4. Kessler Edwards - SF

[KobesAchilles]

I either want Springer or Duarte. They are both two completely different players and about as far off as one could be. Duarte looks like a more ready now prospect and has the sweetest jumper in college. He has step back and side step 3s which are very hard for player to learn. Most don’t.

Meanwhile Springer is never gonna be the shooter that Duarte is. But his athleticism and motor are beyond fantastic. He looks hungry and eager to learn. Unlike Lonnie, he doesn’t look scared of contact. He could also become a fantastic defender which is something Duarte really can’t become. I’m fine with either player

[alfahdlan]

3’s? He is already on it.https://twitter.com/draftexpress/sta...33504663097350

[Degoat]

I just can’t see the spurs going with a guard in this draft, it’s either gonna be a big wing or a big man imo

[Degoat]

3’s? He is already on it.https://twitter.com/draftexpress/sta...33504663097350

I think he’s going top 10 for sure, he’s really gifted offensively

[alfahdlan]

I just can’t see the spurs going with a guard in this draft, it’s either gonna be a big wing or a big man imo

I feel you. But it’s hard to pass on a shot creator and has an upside.

[Manu&Duncan fan]

The comments of Kai post workout are encouraging. It’s exactly why I would love to bring him in for a session with the Spurs.

Kai Jones is so soft-spoken and yet so confident. And he is such a warm and mellow guy - a spur type of person. I'll cry if another teams pick up him before San Antonio. If he is available at 12, I don't believe Brian Wright will pass him. He will be a super star. within a few years.

[The Truth #6]

3’s? He is already on it.https://twitter.com/draftexpress/sta...33504663097350

I trust the talent but don’t trust him, basically. I’d rather not risk a pick on him. Just my personal opinion and I think the Spurs might feel the same.

[The Truth #6]

I either want Springer or Duarte. They are both two completely different players and about as far off as one could be. Duarte looks like a more ready now prospect and has the sweetest jumper in college. He has step back and side step 3s which are very hard for player to learn. Most don’t.

Meanwhile Springer is never gonna be the shooter that Duarte is. But his athleticism and motor are beyond fantastic. He looks hungry and eager to learn. Unlike Lonnie, he doesn’t look scared of contact. He could also become a fantastic defender which is something Duarte really can’t become. I’m fine with either player

I agree.

I think which players have a 3/D floor, good character and no obvious holes in their game:

Moody
Springer
Wagner
Duarte

To me, that’s the list.

[Dejounte]

Kai Jones is so soft-spoken and yet so confident. And he is such a warm and mellow guy - a spur type of person. I'll cry if another teams pick up him before San Antonio. If he is available at 12, I don't believe Brian Wright will pass him. He will be a super star. within a few years.

[Dejounte]

I either want Springer or Duarte. They are both two completely different players and about as far off as one could be. Duarte looks like a more ready now prospect and has the sweetest jumper in college. He has step back and side step 3s which are very hard for player to learn. Most don’t.

Meanwhile Springer is never gonna be the shooter that Duarte is. But his athleticism and motor are beyond fantastic. He looks hungry and eager to learn. Unlike Lonnie, he doesn’t look scared of contact. He could also become a fantastic defender which is something Duarte really can’t become. I’m fine with either player

So you go from complaining about current Spurs players who hesitate to take 3s to yet another guy in the draft who hesitates with shooting 3s lmao

[Manu&Duncan fan]

Kai Jones: Play basketball with ferocity; Talks with gentleness and warmth yet with confidence. Tim Duncan II is coming! (even though he is warmer than Duncan and his game is more suitable to modern basketball. I watched so many highlights of scorers and creators, Kai is still my man. Jalen Johnson also has super-star potential, but I like unselfish and friendly guys which is very important for team cohesion.

[Dejounte]

If the Spurs go for yet another guard, let it be for a guard who IS different and not someone who COULD BE different because we believe in our minds they’ll drastically change their style of play overnight.

[R. DeMurre]

The argument of “system” and “player” needs to come in here.
https://statsbywill.com/2021/02/23/t...-jumpers-2021/

Without a doubt Jaden leans into mid range jumpers more than most guards. It’s very much a staple of his game.

I would argue though, if you put him in a system where 3s are required, he’ll make the necessary adjustments.
He’s still developing his range and doing things at 18 years old that most of these prospects will only dream of doing at any stage of their career.

The guy has won at every level, in a variety of roles, always coming in at one of the youngest amongst his peers. Not sure why people should doubt him now. The kid is an absolute stud.

This is getting kinda funny, but looking at this video and three other highlight compilations, plus highlights from eight games, I'm not seeing Springer shoot any mid range shots! Is the entire scouting world trolling me?

I feel like I've now easily seen 100-150 FGA from Springer (he attempted 227 total on the season) and maybe three or four were mid range shots, but one of those was a three point attempt that he made with his toe on the line! From what I've seen he takes almost exclusively shots in the paint and three pointers, and avoids traditional mid range shots like the plague. I'm just not seeing this old school throw back mid range guy that reports are referring to at all.

[PhantomDashCam]

Kai Jones is so soft-spoken and yet so confident. And he is such a warm and mellow guy - a spur type of person. I'll cry if another teams pick up him before San Antonio. If he is available at 12, I don't believe Brian Wright will pass him. He will be a super star. within a few years.

Yeah, my concerns are with Orlando and Charlotte as the likely takers before us.

Having a guy like Jonathon Isaac to learn from and potentially pair with might be too much to pass up on at #8.

[Dejounte]

This is getting kinda funny, but looking at this video and three other highlight compilations, plus highlights from eight games, I'm not seeing Springer shoot any mid range shots! Is the entire scouting world trolling me?

I feel like I've now easily seen 100-150 FGA from Springer (he attempted 227 total on the season) and maybe three or four were mid range shots, but one of those was a three point attempt that he made with his toe on the line! From what I've seen he takes almost exclusively shots in the paint and three pointers, and avoids traditional mid range shots like the plague. I'm just not seeing this old school throw back mid range guy that reports are referring to at all.

a lot of mid range shots here