It's a fair question. My assumption was that Johnson would be gone before we picked.
I would like him personally, and because he (on paper) projects to do a lot of what Dev does, it could be a way to reset the Dev contract if they opt to move him.
IQ, defense and the ability to be a connective piece.
I like Johnson more than the non-shooting prospects bandied about but his defense is atrocious and it’s not even that he’s lazy, he’s just really bad. Watching him try to defend is like watching Sochan shoot it’s painful.
Is Knueppel good on defense? I haven't seen him much, but he seems pretty flat footed. Is he a smart team defender?
I've checked Tre Johnson some and yeah, he screams low IQ, style over substance, one trick pony.
I'm really not that high on either and that's saying something since I'm the #1 advocate in adding some more shooting.
Last edited by DAF86; 04-20-2025 at 11:59 PM.
Knueppel is not necessarily a good defender but he understands positioning and knows how to use his large frame. He will get beat a lot in the NBA by quicker more athletic players but he does a really good job of knowing where to be when he recovers. He will know how to funnel people to Wemby. But by no means will be be a good defender. Feet are to slow and he lacks the athleticism. He will get by and be average because of his IQ
Tre J is not necessarily a bad defender but Texas hid him because he did so much on offense at Texas. He can definitely be coached up to be a better defender in the NBA because he slides his feet well, is long and has much better athleticism than Kon.
The more footage I see of Fleming, the more I'm convincing myself that he should be the guy with our first pick.
The doubts come from him being a 3 year prospect, but his improvements seem for real. It's not just that he's shooting 39% from 3 on 5 attempts per game, he passes the eye test too. He shoots it with confidence and not only on spot ups, coming off screens too.
Then, there's the defense. He's more of a 4/5 than a 4/3 and probably won't be able to hang with NBA guards, but what 6'10" forward really does? With his physical build and athletic traits he's always gonna be a plus on the defensive end. 7'5" wingspan, imagine pairing that with Wemby. Folks would need the Godfather of pitch sales to sell me that Kon ing Knueppel is a better get at our range.
I like Fleming a lot too because of his tools but it's not a given that everything will translate to the NBA. Look at Davion Mitc 's college career - obviously totally different players, but similar statistical output - both had a significant shooting improvement in year three, while not being great free throw shooters throughout. Mitc 's shot didn't translate, nor did his stellar defense. It's not impossible to project the same for Fleming, especially since he's played against much worse compe ion. Fleming isn't exactly nimble, so if he ends up an undersized center with a questionable shot he'd have like a 9th man ceiling.
As for Knueppel, scottspurs explained it well. He's a smart defender who knows where to be, the question is whether he'd be able to do it against good athletes. His ceiling is high not because of defense but because he has shown high level of creation.
Last edited by BG_Spurs_Fan; 04-21-2025 at 02:32 AM.
What are your reasonable hopes for the lotterie, ...aka if you had a chance to take another roll but if so had to take the later one matter what...at what point would you stick with the former rather than risking it?
For me:
(1) We jump into the top4
(2) OKC doesn't get the 76ers pick
(3) Flagg goes East
...I'd take anything that is (1) and/or (2)+(3) as long as we stay at #8.
I don't understand your question. Take another roll? Can you please rephrase it?
With what result you would be ok...not calling it bad luck?
Eg I would be ok with us not jumping as long as OKC doesn't get the 76ers pick and Flagg goes east.
If these three teams are in the top 4 and Houston isn’t, I’m happy:
Spurs
Philly (no OKC pick)
Sacto (no ATL pick)
OK, got it. Thanks. Rather than focus solely on the Spurs, interesting to think about this stuff too.
I wouldn't care too much if OKC got that pick if the Spurs got into the top 4, but if they don't, and OKC get that pick, it would be a bit devastating (I don't even want to talk/think about this).
I'd also much rather Cooper go East like you said, as some of those East teams really need to improve. I don't want him on a WC team (unless the basketball gods somehow get him to the Spurs). The balance of power needs a shift over to the East as I think that would be good for the league as a whole.
Edit : What Exstatic said. I forgot about Houston. I don't want Houston getting in there under any cir stance.
I like Jase and Fleming. Though I'm curious who may fall with our second pick.
So time is this 13/14 pick coin flip?
Same time as the 9/10 and 11/12 flips.
No one has guaranteed to translate his play to NBA. But FLeming's transition should be the easiest. Here are the reaons:
1. He will be used as a role player and play the same role as college: shoot 3s; cut, defend bigs.
2. He already has NBA frame and don't need to gain weight which could slow him down.
3. He is already long arms and raise his long arms high when he shoot 3s. Hard to closeout in NBA, just like college.
A note on Fleming. I’m also high on him but he does have a slow delivery and a hitch to his jump shot. It may not translate to the NBA. He starts the ball at his left hip, comes across his body and then leans back a little when he shoots. Takes a long time for him to get his shot up because of that. Also jumps into his shot before the ball gets there which is unnecessary. He may need to be wide open in the NBA to be able to do all that. An NBA shooting coach will be able to fix all of that but it may take time.
He was a Junior this past year and got better every year in college so that shows he will put in the work. That’s the main reason I remain high on him being able to shoot in the NBA. I just don’t think his shot will translate right away as you move further away from the basket in the NBA. He will bring energy, defense, steals and blocked shots right away though. He can play the 4/5 and maybe even the 3. He showed ability to guard on the perimeter in college but the level of compe ion was not good. Will his perimeter defense translate to the NBA? If it doesn’t and the shots don’t fall he will end up being over drafted. Even then he could play a role but maybe not have the starter upside.
A note on Fleming. I’m also high on him but he does have a slow delivery and a hitch to his jump shot. It may not translate to the NBA. He starts the ball at his left hip, comes across his body and then leans back a little when he shoots. Takes a long time for him to get his shot up because of that. Also jumps into his shot before the ball gets there which is unnecessary. He may need to be wide open in the NBA to be able to do all that. An NBA shooting coach will be able to fix all of that but it may take time.
He was a Junior this past year and got better every year in college so that shows he will put in the work. That’s the main reason I remain high on him being able to shoot in the NBA. I just don’t think his shot will translate right away as you move further away from the basket in the NBA. He will bring energy, defense, steals and blocked shots right away though. He can play the 4/5 and maybe even the 3. He showed ability to guard on the perimeter in college but the level of compe ion was not good. Will his perimeter defense translate to the NBA? If it doesn’t and the shots don’t fall he will end up being over drafted. Even then he could play a role but maybe not have the starter upside.
Nice observation Scottspurs!
I just saw his quick and high release. But you have expert eyes!
It’s not quick it all. He does have a high release but he does like 10 things before he gets it up
He also showed no really issue getting contested shots off and seemed comfortable shooting with a hand in his face.
the form can be cleaned up a bit
The coin toss for lottery picks is happening right now. Not sure if it’s televised anywhere or when the results will be announced
RF seems to gather the shot too low, but I wouldn't say it's slow. His shot looks confident and mechanically consistent. Slow would be Jeremy imho.
Yeah I couldn't find where it would be reported either. Probably announce it during one of the games or something this evening.
Tails never fails
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