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I would say the spurs could possibly look to trade the rights to hanga and bertans as well.I would love if the spurs were able to get two athletes out of this draft, something like wroten and Nicholson or Terrence jones.
Armed with only the 59th pick, the San Antonio Spurs don't appear likely to make much noise during the 2012 NBA Draft. However, following last year's surprising trade for Kawhi Leonard on draft night, it's difficult to figure out what the front office has planned for Thursday night.
If the Spurs want to trade up in the draft, they have assets to shop. Tiago Splitter should have first round value if the Spurs want to deal him. DeJuan Blair and Gary Neal are both relatively proven players on cheap deals who could sweeten a potential trade.
Then again, when the Spurs traded away their first round pick in the deal that brought back Stephen Jackson, that could have been a sign they weren't enamored with this draft. If that's the case, San Antonio may opt to simply wait for their selection at 59 or trade out of the draft entirely.
TEAM NEEDS
Backup Point Guard
After TJ Ford was forced to retire, Gary Neal was given the task of being the team's backup point guard. While the effort was there, the results weren't. Neal proved to be too poor of a ball-handler and passer. Defensively, he was horrific. While the Spurs can use an upgrade at this spot on their roster, unfortunately this draft is weak at point guard.
Versatile Bigman
Boris Diaw is a free agent. Potential European import Erazem Lorbek isn't a sure bet to join the team. Matt Bonner has been missing since some point in late March. Splitter and Blair are talented but limited. Today's Spurs function much better with a versatile bigman next to Tim Duncan who can shoot, pass and otherwise thrive outside of the paint. If the Spurs could find such a player in the draft, that could make the rest of the summer easier and less costly.
Perimeter Athlete
When the Spurs were taken down by the Thunder, the difference in athleticism on the perimeter was impossible to ignore. While Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green (if he's re-signed) are a good start, the Spurs probably need a couple other perimeter athletes who can defend and get out and run.
Interior Defender
When Tim Duncan went to the bench -- especially during the playoffs -- San Antonio's defense drastically deteriorated. Acquiring a bigman who can anchor the defense when Duncan isn't on the court would make this team much better. If that bigman can also play next to Duncan, that would be an added bonus.
DRAFT STRATEGY
Last year, the Spurs went the extra mile to keep their draft plans under wraps. When the Spurs traded for Leonard, nobody even knew they were interested in him. In fact, San Antonio never worked him out or interviewed him.
This year, the Spurs have been silent in the days leading up to the draft. They haven't been in any trade rumors and reports of players coming to San Antonio to work out have been few and far between. Links between the Spurs and any first round prospects have been practically non-existent. Draft night will let us know whether the Spurs have gone even further when it comes to obfuscating their true intentions or if they truly aren't interested in this year's proceedings.
THE 2012 NBA DRAFT PROSPECTS
Key
**** - A great fit on the Spurs
*** - A very good fit for the Spurs
** - A decent fit for the Spurs
* - A bad fit for the Spurs
Cream of the Crop
These players are likely to be drafted in the first half of the first round.
Anthony Davis, Kentucky ****
By far the best player in the draft. The Spurs have no chance of landing this defensive stud.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky ****
Although he struggles shooting from the perimeter, MKG does virtually everything else well.
Thomas Robinson, Kansas ****
A rugged bigman who will be ready to contribute on Day 1.
Bradley Beal, Florida ***1/2
Beal is a prototypical shooting guard with a sweet shooting stroke.
Harrison Barnes, North Carolina ***1/2
Talented with an NBA body, Barnes didn't quite live up to the hype at North Carolina.
Andre Drummond, Connecticut ***
The ultimate enigma in this draft. He'll either be very good or a gigantic bust.
Damian Lillard, Weber State ***
An explosive guard with a high ceiling.
Dion Waiters, Syracuse ***
Aggressive natural scorer with a very good feel for the game.
John Henson, North Carolina ***1/2
Long, lean defender who plays hard but needs to add weight.
Austin Rivers, Duke ***
Confident scorer who is never afraid but his accuracy is questionable.
Jeremy Lamb, Connecticut ***
A smooth player with quality instincts but lacks elite skill.
Terrence Ross, Washington ***
Good shooter with an athletic frame.
Tyler Zeller, North Carolina ***
Seven-footer who isn't an exciting prospect but he should be solid for a long time.
Meyers Leonard, Illinois ***
Another seven-footer who is more substance than style.
Other First Rounders
For the Spurs to draft one of these players, they'd likely have to trade up into the first round.
Perry Jones, Baylor ***
Extremely talented but his passiveness can make him disappear.
Moe Harkless, St. John's ***
A long small forward with a lot of athleticism and natural skill.
Terrence Jones, Kentucky ***
A very rangy player who impacts the game all over the court.
Kendall Marshall, North Carolina ***
Probably the truest point guard in the entire draft.
Jared Sullinger, Ohio State **1/2
A potential back injury has Sullinger's stock plummeting.
Arnett Moultrie, Mississippe St. ***
A quick bigman who can get up and down the court.
Royce White, Iowa State **
Very talented but has numerous red flags including a fear of flying.
Fab Melo, Syracuse **1/2
A big Brazilian shotblocker who doesn't do much else well right now.
Quincy Miller, Baylor **1/2
Has a ton of potential but injury woes and rawness have him sliding.
Andrew Nicholson, St. Bonaventure ***
Small school bigman from Canada who played great ball at the end of the season.
Tony Wroten, Jr., Washington **1/2
Wroten can be reckless but his ability is undeniable.
Marquis Teague, Kentucky **1/2
Lightning quick and can pass but his scoring is a question mark.
Draymond Green, Michigan State **1/2
Smart and has a history of winning but he's small for a bigman.
Jeff Taylor, Vanderbilt **1/2
Can't create but he's an athlete who can shoot and defend.
Will Barton, Memphis **1/2
Physically weak but he scores and plays hard.
Second Round Point Guards
Point guards who could be had in the second round.
Tyshawn Taylor, Kansas **1/2
Questionable character but a good athlete who can defend.
Scott Machado, Iona **1/2
Not much of an athlete but might be draft's best passer.
Tu Holloway, Xavier **
Lacks point guard skills but can defend and finish at the rim.
J'Covan Brown, Texas *
Only positive is he's from Port Arthur, Texas.
Casper Ware, Long Beach State *1/2
Quick but not a true point guard and he's tiny.
Terrell Stoglin, Maryland *1/2
He can score but doesn't make plays for others.
Jordan Taylor, Wisconsin *
Maalik Wayns, Villanova *
Second Round Swingmen
Swingmen who could be had in the second round.
Kim English, Missouri **
Very good shooter but that's about the extent of his value.
John Jenkins, Vanderbilt **
See above.
Jared Cunningham, Oregon State **1/2
Good athlete with elite quickness but may be too small.
Orlando Johnson, UC-Santa Barbara **
Can shoot and score but his basketball IQ is questionable.
Doron Lamb, Kentucky **
Silky smooth and can score but he's small and weak.
Kevin Murphy, Tennessee Tech *1/2
Very good shooter but could struggle against NBA athletes.
Darius Miller, Kentucky *1/2
Can knock down open jumpers but D is a question mark.
Robbie Hummel, Purdue *1/2
Two serious knee injuries have really hurt his stock.
Jae Crowder, Marquette **
Short and thick but his strength and motor are weapons.
Chris Johnson, Dayton **
A shooter with good size but his body needs work.
Quincy Acy, Baylor *1/2
Great athlete who plays hard but lacks skill.
Darius Johnson-Odom, Marquette *1/2
Small but he scores and defends.
Hollis Thompson, Georgetown *1/2
Good size. Good stroke. Doesn't bring it consistently.
John Shurna, Northwestern *1/2
Long and can really shoot but has low release point.
Khris Middleton, Texas A&M *
William Buford, Ohio State *
Kris Joseph, Syracuse *
Marcus Denmon, Missouri *
Alex Young, IUPUI *
Tony Mitc , Alabama *
Second Round Bigmen
Bigmen who could be had in the second round.
Bernard James, Florida State **
Quality shotblocker and rebounder but he's 27.
Kyle O'Quinn, Norfolk State *1/2
Strong rebounder who can score but poor basketball IQ.
Festus Ezeli, Vanderbilt *1/2
A long seven-footer who can block shots but does he know how to play?
Miles Plumlee, Duke *1/2
Graded out as an amazing athlete but his production has underwhelmed.
Mike Scott, Virginia *1/2
A bit small and a year older but solid all-around game.
Justin Hamilton, LSU *1/2
He's working out well but his college stats were average.
Henry Sims, Georgetown *1/2
A seven-footer who is definitely a project but might be a late bloomer.
Drew Gordon, New Mexico *1/2
He can really rebound ... but that's about it.
Kevin Jones, West Virginia *1/2
Short and not a very good athlete but he's versatile for a big.
Cameron Moore, UAB *1/2
San Antonio native who can block shots but still raw.
JaMychal Green, Alabama *
Eric Griffin, Campbell *
Mitc Watt, Buffalo *
Ricardo Ratliffe, Missouri *
Herb Pope, Seton Hall *
Robert Sacre, Gonzaga *
Garrett Stutz, Wichita State *
International Prospects
The Spurs love to draft international prospects, especially in the second round. Here are the international players in this year's draft.
Evan Fournier, France **1/2
The highest rated international prospect is swingman who is a pick-and-roll whiz.
Kostas Papanikolaou, Greece **1/2
High basketball IQ. Great compe or. Questionable athleticism.
Tomas Satoransky, Czech Republic **1/2
Talented with and without the ball but needs to add strength.
Furkan Aldemir, Turkey **
Strong rebounder but one-dimensional.
Tornike Shengelia, Rep. of Georgia **
Plays really hard but doesn't space the court.
Josep Franch, Spain *1/2
A big, crafty point guard who might not be athletic enough for the NBA
Nihad Djedovic, Bosnia *1/2
Talented and somewhat athletic but still a project.
Leon Radosevic, Croatia *1/2
Not athletic but he's long and smart.
Paul Lacombe, France *
Kostas Sloukas, Greece *
Tomislav Zubcic, Croatia *
Negueba Samake, France *
Alen Omic, Slovenia *
Dusan Cantekin, Serbia *
Mario Delas, Croatia *
Maik Zirbes, Germany *
Andrew Albicy, France *
Darko Planinic, Bosnia *
Ilkan Karaman, Turkey *
Izzet Turkyilmaz, Turkey *
Ognjen Kuzmic, Bosnia *
THE 2012 NBA MOCK DRAFT
1. Hornets - Anthony Davis
2. Bobcats - Thomas Robinson
3. Wizards - Bradley Beal
4. Cavaliers - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
5. Kings - Andre Drummond
6. Blazers - Damian Lillard
7. Warriors - Dion Waiters
8. Raptors - Harrison Barnes
9. Pistons - John Henson
10. Hornets - Austin Rivers
11. Blazers - Terrence Ross
12. Bucks - Tyler Zeller
13. Suns - Jeremy Lamb
14. Rockets - Meyers Leonard
15. 76ers - Moe Harkless
16. Rockets - Perry Jones
17. Mavericks - Jared Sullinger
18. Rockets - Terrence Jones
19. Magic - Arnett Moultrie
20. Nuggets - Kendall Marshall
21. Celtics - Tony Wroten, Jr.
22. Celtics - Fab Melo
23. Hawks - Andrew Nicholson
24. Cavaliers - Quincy Miller
25. Grizzlies - Royce White
26. Pacers - Jeff Taylor
27. Heat - Draymond Green
28. Thunder - Tomas Satoransky
29. Bulls - Marquis Teague
30. Warriors - Doron Lamb
31. Bobcats - Will Barton
32. Wizards - Kostas Papanikolaou
33. Cavaliers - Evan Fournier
34. Cavaliers - Festus Ezeli
35. Warriors - Kim English
36. Kings - Jared Cunningham
37. Raptors - Kyle O'Quinn
38. Nuggets - John Jenkins
39. Pistons - Scott Machado
40. Blazers - Miles Plumlee
41. Blazers - Tornike Shengelia
42. Bucks - Jae Crowder
43. Hawks - Tyshawn Taylor
44. Pistons - Darius Miller
45. 76ers - Orlando Johnson
46. Hornets - Bernard James
47. Jazz - Robbie Hummel
48. Knicks - Mike Scott
49. Magic - Darius Johnson-Odom
50. Nuggets - Hollis Thompson
51. Celtics - Quincy Acy
52. Warriors - Kevin Murphy
53. Clippers - Kevin Jones
54. 76ers - Nihad Djedovic
55. Mavericks - Furkan Aldemir
56. Raptors - Paul Lacombe
57. Nets - Henry Sims
58. Timberwolves - Leon Radosevic
59. Spurs - Josep Franch
60. Lakers - Cameron Moore
THE CRYSTAL BASKETBALL
I think it will be a quiet night for the Spurs. They'll keep their 59th selection and hope that a European draft-and-stash player falls to them -- namely Satoransky, Papanikolaou, Shengelia or Franch.
I would say the spurs could possibly look to trade the rights to hanga and bertans as well.I would love if the spurs were able to get two athletes out of this draft, something like wroten and Nicholson or Terrence jones.
Looks like another De Colo . . .
I gotta good feeling about Royce White.
Spurs keep 59th and draft-and-stash like with Hanga or Manu.
Moving into the first round requires some combo of Blair/Neal/Bonner or Splitter.
Ya'll have gone sour on Splitter already?
Not all. There's always been a "trade Tony" crowd and another bunch that wants to trade Manu. It's an annual occurrence.
In the same way you've gone sour on Pau.
I'd give him a chance though - he was the hero in game 1 against OKC, and was playing well until Brooks did Hack-A-Tiago.
Pau's given up on basketball though. He's older, won 2 rings, has no motivation left, etc. Splitter just hasn't fully acclimated to the NBA game yet.
He's only four years younger though.
As long as he works on his free throws he should stay a Spur though.
MFer you have Drew Gordon going undrafted!!!!!!
I think anthony davis would be a solid pick for the spurs
Except De Colo is athletic....
Great post timvp, thanks again.
The Spurs wanting to hoist #5 next year, has to have everything work right. Draft comes before free agency. So the draft must assume a great free agency. Therefore I'd draft gambling on that free agency.
Rose glasses on.
Duncan is going to sign, so we have to go for a 2012-2013 roster player.
Suppose the Spurs think Nando is pencilled in, one of Diaw/Lorbeck is highly probable. Hanga is impressing with the extra long workout.
Then, a non-stashed interior defender is need #1.
We haven't heard of any credible NBA FA signees.
We don't trade, so we have to accept with what's available at #59.
I predict Robert Sacre.
BTW, I am not on board that Splitter can't play with Duncan. I bought that Blair can't play with Bonner, and that Diaw played best with Parker. So if any bigman added that can play with either Blair or Bonner, then Splitter can play with Duncan. Lorbeck not having the extra Parker comfort level might pair up as a bench big. Again, at 59, Sacre fits, maybe JaMychal Green.
How does Kyle O'Quinn have low basket ball IQ? Also he is also a quality shot blocker guy is 6'10 with a wingspan of 7'5. His offensive game needs to be polished but his rebounding and shot blocking is good.
Last edited by SamoanTD; 06-27-2012 at 10:17 AM.
Wow, I can't remember ever seeing 20 3*+ prospects on your draft cheat sheets. Blows me away that the Bobcats and Wizards don't look too interested in MKG at 2 or 3 though. A defender like Barnes slipping to 8 would be nuts too.
I like him as well. Watched a lot of his games and I just think he has good basketball smarts.
So I guess three subtext is that the Cory Joseph pick was a huge huge mistake
The Wizards have a decent defensive wing in Ariza. They need a guy who can shoot, and Beal provides it.
Same FO that got Ian Mahinmi tbh
I'm just pissed we traded away out first round draft pick order to get Jackson and get rid of Jefferson. This was a loaded draft. We could have amnestied Jefferson.
Hope the Spurs do something significant to make up for this blunder.
If somehow we swing a trade to land Kendall Marshall, I will be ecstatic. I think he'll be a top 5 PG in a few years, like a Rondo
If they want a guy who could shoot, they should take Barnes and get the elite defense as an added bonus. Not many people are going to stop him from being able to get good jumpshots off at 6'8". I see a lot of Stephen Jackson in Barnes, both the good (long, great defender, can get a jumpshot off anytime he wants, big-time clutch shooter) and the bad (subpar ballhandler).
I would kill to have Marshall on this team, and he'd be who I wanted with a late lottery or later first rounder.
Papanikolaou?
No Greeks, plz.
, seriously...30th pick,
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