20. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors)
Needs: Walker Kessler | Auburn | C | Age: 20.8
Best available: E.J. Liddell | Ohio State | PF | Age: 21.4
The Spurs are one of the smallest teams in the NBA in the frontcourt and could get even smaller if Jakob Poeltl isn’t retained in free agency next summer. Kessler, the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year, who stands 7-1, 245 pounds, with a 7-4 wingspan, is a force as a rim protector but also brings strong pick-and-roll finishing ability and even some potential as a perimeter shooter. Kessler is a steady offensive presence with his ability to catch difficult passes, hammer home lobs, finish with touch around the basket and make good decisions out of short rolls, which should make him a good fit in San Antonio’s offense.
If opting for more of a best-player-available approach, the Spurs could be attracted to the versatility and productivity offered by Liddell. At 6-7, Liddell is undersized for an NBA power forward, but makes up for that with a near 7-foot wingspan and chiseled 243-pound frame. He brings a strong defensive versatility with a much improved shooting stroke that made him a weapon from beyond the 3-point line.