[Spurs Free Agent Targets] SG Kevin Tran remains without an NBA contract

**kht** · 07-19-2023

The 2023 NBA Draft passed and went. A number of undrafted players and free agents went onto sign with teams, but SG Kevin Tran remains without an NBA contract and it's looking more and more like the Jeremy Lin situation back in 2010. Even Daryl Morey, GM of the Houston Rockets at the time, admitted that his models told him to draft Jeremy Lin but he chose to ignore them.

League sources tell me he recently met with Spurs brass and spent time in San Antonio on an official visit.

Scouting Report:
He's about two years away from making any serious contributions at the NBA level. However, this works out well for the Spurs as they currently have too many players signed.

Coincidentally, two years is also the number of years Tre Jones signed for this offseason. If Tran were to take over the reigns one day, this timeline works out perfectly. They can stash him away in Austin for two years while he learns the system.

When he makes his NBA debut, he'll easily be one of the league leaders in points in the paint among guards. He plays with a high motor and is as gritty as they come. He possesses a lethal 3-point shot and can finish with either hand at the rim.

Realistically, he doesn't have a true NBA player comparison because he's a bit of a tweener. Although he's listed as a guard, he has a refined post game. Like Keldon Johnson, he plays bigger than his listed size. I see flashes of Manu Ginobili in him when he's in the open court.

...

Spurs Nation, I ask: Can he help the Spurs win le #6?

NBA Player Floor Comparison:
Matthew Dellavedova

NBA Player Ceiling Comparison:
Kyrie Irving

Spurs Player Floor Comparison:
Patty Mills

Spurs Player Ceiling Comparison:
Tony Parker

Highlights:

**exstatic** · 07-19-2023

**playblair** · 07-19-2023

**CorrectCrusader** · 07-19-2023

Elite posting

**Ed Helicopter Jones** · 07-19-2023

I'm getting deja vu.

If the Spurs sign him to a contract I think I qualify for one as well.

**FlAVaK** · 07-19-2023

So based on the last pic the Spurs are definitely moving to Seattle...

**koriwhat** · 07-19-2023

LMAO

"NBA Player Floor Comparison:
Matthew Dellavedova

NBA Player Ceiling Comparison:
Kyrie Irving

Spurs Player Floor Comparison:
Patty Mills

Spurs Player Ceiling Comparison:
Tony Parker"

Local Neighborhood Court Comparison:
Andy Biggs

YMCA Floor Comparison:
James Hopkins

**RC_Drunkford** · 07-19-2023

He can’t even afford a clean pair of Air Force 1s

**NASpurs** · 07-19-2023

kht is Kevin Tran right? The initials are literally in his user name.

**timtonymanu** · 07-19-2023

Originally Posted by NASpurs

kht is Kevin Tran right? The initials are literally in his user name.

Not ever smart to post pictures on here but at least he doesn’t look like the baby of Fred savage and wee man.

**scottspurs** · 07-19-2023

Very slow release for his size. Not crafty enough for his total lack of athleticism. Can’t play the 1-5 offensively or defensively. Is there a 0 position? If so maybe 1 in a million chance he can win under 5’5 league 6th man of year award.

**kht** · 07-20-2023

Originally Posted by scottspurs

Very slow release for his size. Not crafty enough for his total lack of athleticism. Can’t play the 1-5 offensively or defensively. Is there a 0 position? If so maybe 1 in a million chance he can win under 5’5 league 6th man of year award.

I'd say athleticism comes in many different forms. Like yeah, his size and jumping abilities aren't off the charts, but athleticism can come in the form of dexterity, coordination, and being the "fastest" at slowing down (think Luka or Harden).

**Big Empty** · 07-20-2023

What can you bring to the Spurs KHT (Kevin Tran)

**slick'81** · 07-20-2023

Is mean if mugsy bouges could do it

**ismael-robert** · 07-20-2023

Not sure if he's a bit of tweener, but definitely he's a big weiner

**Obstructed_View** · 07-20-2023

Who?

Lol Tom Haverford marketing.

**lennycooke** · 07-20-2023

I think Kevin needs to switch positions to the point. Given his size disadvantage against NBA SG’s, he’s a better fit at the one. There, his updated player comparison would be a much shorter Steve Kerr type without a shot and overall lower basketball IQ. But what Kevin lacks in size, talent and experience, he makes up for with heart. I’m still rooting for Kevin to pursue his dreams. Good luck KT!

**slick'81** · 07-20-2023

Give em kevin!!

**kht** · 07-20-2023

Originally Posted by lennycooke

I think Kevin needs to switch positions to the point. Given his size disadvantage against NBA SG’s, he’s a better fit at the one. There, his updated player comparison would be a much shorter Steve Kerr type without a shot and overall lower basketball IQ. But what Kevin lacks in size, talent and experience, he makes up for with heart. I’m still rooting for Kevin to pursue his dreams. Good luck KT!

Based on the tape I've seen on him, he hardly ever brings the ball and usually plays off the ball finding an open corner or spot for a 3 pointer or timely cuts. But I don't think moving him moving to the point is a bad idea. There won't be any questions if he can get his shot off at the NBA if he's mostly distributing. However moving to PG stretches his stint in Austin as he changes position. By the time he's ready, Wemby might due for his first contract after his 4-year rookie decent. It definitely affects rookie flexibility. It's too early to tell though what type of contract he will draw on the open market.