Spurs Draft Discussion: 2019 NBA Draft

[Drom John]

CBS Sports: 2019 NBA Mock Draft: Top three of Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, Ja Morant a virtual lock, and then things get interesting
Reid Forgrave says the 2019 draft will get really intriguing after the obvious three names go off the board first
by Reid Forgrave @ReidForgrave 1 hr ago [AKA 20 March 2019]

19
team logo
Spurs

Cameron Johnson | North Carolina | Sr | SF | 6-9

Maybe the best 3-point shooter in this draft, making shots on high volume -- nearly 50 percent on nearly six 3s a game -- and with a quick release. His lack of strength and elite athleticism could hold down his ceiling, but Johnson has lots of the tools -- size, versatility, shooting -- that are most valued in today's NBA. Perhaps you heard that the Spurs lack 3-point shooting. No, he's not the greatest shot creator. But he's one of the best shot makers in this draft. "What do you need to do?" one scout told me. "He's 6-9 and shoots the heck out of it."

28
team logo
Spurs

Jontay Porter | Missouri | Soph | C | 6-11

Porter's torn ACL in October meant he didn't play a minute for Missouri his sop re year -- which is a shame, because this is a player who could have shot up the board with a strong sop re campaign. He's a very different player than his older brother, Michael Porter Jr. The younger brother has a bigger body and is a less explosive athlete, but Jontay is a strong, versatile and smart big man who can score in a variety of ways -- including from 3, where he shot 36.7 percent as a freshman. Perhaps his biggest strength is his natural feel for the game.

[Drom John]

Sportning News: NBA Mock Draft 2019: Knicks land Zion Williamson; Duke dominates lottery
By Chris Stone [20 March 2019]

20. Spurs — Grant Williams, Forward, Tennessee

Age: 20.3 | Height: 6-7 | Weight: 241

This is probably a touch high for Williams, but the Tennessee junior fits the bill in terms of the high character and basketball IQ San Antonio has traditionally valued.

The 6-7 forward is a versatile threat offensively who should shoot a bit more often from deep. He can help facilitate in dribble handoff and post actions. Defensively, his feel for the game is an big asset.

29. Spurs (via Raptors) — Bruno Fernando, Big, Maryland

Age: 20.6 | Height: 6-10 | Weight: 245

Fernando could go higher on draft night, but NBA teams have the ability to find replacement-level bigs all over the place. Still, the 20-year-old can score efficiently around the basket, has improved as a passer and is comfortable cleaning up on the defensive glass.

[Drom John]

Fansided: Smoking the Cuban: NBA Draft: 2019 Mock 1.0: Can the Dallas Mavericks keep their pick?
by Tyler Watts 6 hours ago [AKA 20 March 2019]

20. San Antonio Spurs- Brandon Clarke- PF- Gonzaga

Brandon Clarke turns 23 in September which makes him one of the older players in this class. He played two years at San Jose State before transferring to Gonzaga. Clarke lists at 6’8 and 213 pounds.

He produced well in his 33 games for the Bulldogs. Clarke averages 16.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and a massive 3.0 blocks per game in 27.6 minutes a night. He is shooting 69.3 percent from the field and 69.1 percent on his free throws.
Must Read: Which current Mavs return next season?

Clarke’s shot blocking and defense will bring NBA teams to the table. He is also a high energy player who is a fantastic finisher around the rim. Clarke should bring some defensive versatility that teams covet and could transform into an above average defender quickly in the right system.

His 3-point shooting was non-existent in college. Over three seasons, Clarke took 23 3-point attempts. That is not enough to draw any conclusions about his skill other than he is an unwilling shooter.

The Spurs seem like a stellar fit as they can play to Brandon Clarke’s strengths and allow him to be a pesky defender that protects the rim and finishes around the basket.

29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors)- Matisse Thybulle- SF- Washington

*The Raptors protected the pick one through 20, so it is currently heading to the Spurs.

The Spurs add Matisse Thybulle out of Washington for his defensive chops. The 6’5 and 195-pound wing may be the best defender in the 2019 NBA Draft class. He set the NCAA record for steals in a career. Thybulle is already 22 years old and figures to be ready for an NBA role immediately.

The Huskies senior started all four seasons. He played 30.9 minutes a game this season. Thybulle averaged 9.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 3-pointers made, 3.4 steals, and 2.2 blocks per night. None of those are typos. Thybulle is a monster defensive stats producer.

He also shot 36.0 percent on his 525 career college 3-point attempts. That will have teams excited about his 3-and-D potential in the NBA. Thybulle hit just 31.0 percent as a senior, though.

He is a ball of energy on the court. Fans wanting to know more about Matisse Thybulle should check out this feature by Greg Bishop from Sports Illustrated.

The San Antonio Spurs take Thybulle with the plan of grooming into a 3-and-D threat that scares the opposition. If anybody can do it, Coach Pop is the one.

[Drom John]

UpRoxx: Dime Magazine: NBA Mock Draft 2019: What The First Round Looks Like Before The NCAA Tournament
Brad Rowland 03.20.19

19. San Antonio Spurs – Talen Horton-Tucker (G/F, Iowa State)

There are a few players with big-time evaluation splits in 2019 and Horton-Tucker is definitely one of them. My personal board has the Iowa State standout as more of a late first round type but, in contrast, there are people I trust that see Horton-Tucker as a lottery pick. I’ll split the difference for now, as he really understands how to play the game and brings a legitimate 7’1 wingspan to the table at a (very) young age. There are questions but he does feel Spurs-y.

28. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto) – Cameron Johnson (F, North Carolina)

Like Brandon Clarke earlier, Johnson is going to fall because of his age. He’s already 23 years old after transferring from Pittsburgh but, in the past, the Spurs haven’t cared much about that (i.e. Derrick White) and he’d be a great fit there. Johnson’s shooting is going to translate anywhere he goes and San Antonio can scheme around his limitations.

[Drom John]

Fansided: Sir Charles in Charge: 2019 NBA Mock Draft: Zion Williamson, Ja Morant lead the way as March Madness begins
by Michael Saenz 6 hours ago [AKA 20 March 2019]

21. San Antonio Spurs – Bruno Fernando, C, Maryland

The San Antonio Spurs are in somewhat of a transition phase, and who knows when Gregg Popovich is going to call it quits, but if there has always been one consistent over the last two decades for this team it’s been a dominant big.

From David Robinson to Tim Duncan to (now, somewhat) LaMarcus Aldridge, there has always been a big to somewhat calm the team. The Spurs don’t have anyone that could provide that for the team moving forward, nor do they have a franchise player on their roster.

Taking a chance on Bruno Fernando could open the door for that possibility for this team moving toward. Fernando is averaging 14 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks per game this season.

29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto) – Darius Bazley, F, N/A

At this point in the NBA Draft, it’s all about selecting the best talent available and hoping that they blossom under your team’s development program. This is the exact area where a player like Darius Bazley could come into play.

And if there’s any team that will get the most out of a player, it’s Gregg Popovich and the Spurs. Bazley is an interesting prospect, but didn’t play college basketball. That’s probably the reason why he won’t be taken in the top 20.

After passing on playing in college and in the G-League, Bazley trained all year for this very moment – his shot at the NBA Draft. Will it pay off? If so, will more future high school prospects take this route?

[Drom John]

Supposedly ESPN: 2019 ESPN NBA Mock Draft - Post Selection Sunday
[19 March 2019?]

19. SAS - Cam Johnson, SF, UNC

29. SAS - Luguentz Dort, SG, Arizona State

49. SAS - Amir Hinton, PG, Shaw

[picnroll]

As I said before I think Cameron Johnson looks good and fits a Spurs need.

[BackHome]

Kudos to Picnroll in promoting Cameron Johnson nice find for some reason he was off my radar. The mocks have also started to catch on one has him going 20 to Oklahoma just before our pick. I would not mind this pick as we will need 3 shooters in 2021 when Forbes and Beli contract are up. Saric and Johnson I would be happy with.

If we don’t draft Goga and if SG Porter doesn’t fall to us then I think our first would be one of the followings SF.

1. Cameron sweet three point shooter a slightly more athletic Bonner.
2. Louis King has a pretty good outside shoot and can D up.
3. Okeke great athletic defensive player has potential to be a shooter- very similar to Ben Moore.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Fansided: Sir Charles in Charge: 2019 NBA Mock Draft: Zion Williamson, Ja Morant lead the way as March Madness begins
by Michael Saenz 6 hours ago [AKA 20 March 2019]

Oh Darius Bazley. All the baggage and drama of LeBron, without the talent. Everybody knew LeBron was a generational talent when he was in high school, and that he was going to be the 1st pick. If he had graduated high school last year, I wouldn't blame him for pulling that . But then again, he would have gotten a lot more than a $200K a year conditional "internship" from New Balance, because he was that damn good. Bazley was ranked something like 17 or 18 coming out of high school. If you're going to put on the king's new cloths, you better damn well be the king. He isn't.

LOL at people here ing about DeJounte's tweets. But Darius Bazley is going to make DJ look like Tim Duncan when it comes to attention seeking.

[objective]

Injuries might let Toronto overtake Milwaukee, might only be pick 30 for the Spurs. Bucks lost to the Cavs tonight

[alpha_HaZE]

As much as I want to get excited, for the draft, I don't see us bringing any one too exciting. And we already have many young players on the roster; Dejounte, Derrick, Poeltl, and Lonnie should take most of the minutes next season.so, I guess, only if we can bring someone like Hunter or Huchimara, then I would be excited

[BackHome]

Be prepared not to be excited lol. But seriously I think this draft is going to be kinda crazy in that players are going to be rated very different by a lot of teams. I am hoping we find a Murray and White type of player drop down to us.

One thing I want is to bring over Nikola I like Poodle but I have noticed he does not play good against physical centers. With Nikola we bring in a very tough/enforcer type of player who is experienced and can get minutes with second team right away. I know some people say we don’t need another big but if Poodle or LMA get hurt for a long period there goes the season. So I am good bringing him over which would then allow us to draft a SF and PF.

[BackHome]

I can't say that I love your list. I see a lot of mocks throwing PJ Washington at the Spurs, but I think he's the worst kind of tweener. He's got a Dejuan Blair ceiling - if he puts on 40 lbs.

But you're the first person I've seen mention Okeke. I wouldn't cry if they drafted Okeke, even though he'd likely spend the first year in Austin. (Same with Sirvydis.) But Okeke can shoot, and if he could get some time with Chip, I think he might be a damn good pickup. Right now I see too many other players ahead of him to go in the first round, but with the demand for SF's, who knows? I really like Thybulle's D, but he would be yet another 6'5" player on the roster - and Okeke is a good defender as well.

Neemias Queta? Seriously?

lol latest mock has us drafting Neemias with our Raptors pick.

[exstatic]

I can't say that I love your list. I see a lot of mocks throwing PJ Washington at the Spurs, but I think he's the worst kind of tweener. He's got a Dejuan Blair ceiling - if he puts on 40 lbs.

But you're the first person I've seen mention Okeke. I wouldn't cry if they drafted Okeke, even though he'd likely spend the first year in Austin. (Same with Sirvydis.) But Okeke can shoot, and if he could get some time with Chip, I think he might be a damn good pickup. Right now I see too many other players ahead of him to go in the first round, but with the demand for SF's, who knows? I really like Thybulle's D, but he would be yet another 6'5" player on the roster - and Okeke is a good defender as well.

Neemias Queta? Seriously?

Thybulle is more than a good defender. He's a generational defender, likely to be the most versatile, smothering defender since Rodman. I'm not sure people understand how INSANE it is for a player to average 3 steals AND 2 blocks per game, even at the D1 college level. As for the 6'5" thing, both Beli and Forbes contracts are up in 2021, and there will be a couple of guard slots open.

[Drom John]

Bleacher Report: NBA Draft 2019: Final Mock Draft Before March Madness
Zach Buckley
March 21, 2019

19. San Antonio Spurs: Jontay Porter, C, Missouri

29. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors): Talen Horton-Tucker, SF, Iowa State

[Drom John]

Fansided: Pippen Ain't Easy: 2019 NBA Draft: Pre-NCAA Tournament Mock Draft 2.0
by Aaron Peterson 2 hours ago [AKA 21 March 2019]

20: San Antonio Spurs- Jontay Porter, F, Missouri

Jontay surprised many last season by choosing to forgo the NBA draft and stay another season in Columbia. This plan did not work out too well for him, as he was sidelined for all of this season and ended up being projected around the same spot as he was in 2018 mocks.

However, the brother of Michael Porter Jr. will land with Gregg Popovich at the Riverwalk. Avergaing 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, .8 steals, and 1.7 blocks, he is surely talented enough to land in the first round this season. Some concerns for Porter include the ACL tear he suffered this year and also his lack of ability to make good shot selections. He shot a mere 43 percent form the field in his freshman season at Missouri.

However, Porter’s all-around abilities and his physical attributes will make up for some of these question marks.

29: San Antonio Spurs- Ty Jerome, G, Virginia

The second UVA player off the board heads to San Antonio with the team’s second first-round selection. Jerome in his junior season has averaged 13 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.5 steals. With great size at his position, standing at 6-foot-5, the Spurs draft a player in which they know what they are going to get – a distributor and a shooter.

Although his field goal percentage is not great, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Nearly half of his shots made are from range, which he shoots at a nice 39%. Shooting is the most important aspect of modern basketball, and Jerome would be a nice bench piece in San Antonio.

[Drom John]

Fansided: College Basketball: 2019 NBA Mock Draft: March is here
by Brendon Kleen 1 hour ago [AKA 21 March 2019]

28
Dylan Windler
F, Belmont
Belmont

This pick comes via the Raptors, giving the Spurs another two-way piece for their player development machine. Against Temple on Tuesday night, Windler struggled as a scorer and his lack of athleticism showed up, but he is a dogged, smart rebounder and instinctive multi-positional defender at 6-8.

18
Jontay Porter
F/C, Missouri
Missouri

The perfect Spur, Porter would slide right into the Pau Gasol/Tim Duncan role as an elbow playmaker and stationary rim protector.

[Dejounte]

I think the Spurs signing both Huestis and Ben Moore will allow them to see who is actually a good prospect that will fluorish and who looks promising but will likely bust. Sometimes I think that's their purpose for signing these players like these two, just to distinguish fools gold. I feel bad for them, but at least they got to showcase to other teams what they got.

[Trill Clinton]

Thybulle is more than a good defender. He's a generational defender, likely to be the most versatile, smothering defender since Rodman. I'm not sure people understand how INSANE it is for a player to average 3 steals AND 2 blocks per game, even at the D1 college level. As for the 6'5" thing, both Beli and Forbes contracts are up in 2021, and there will be a couple of guard slots open.

Yup. I'm on the Matisse bandwagon.

[ZeusWillJudge]

lol latest mock has us drafting Neemias with our Raptors pick.

"The Latest Mock Draft"? Do you have any idea what a ridiculous statement that is? Whose latest mock draft? There are a zillion of them, and they are everywhere. Most of them like to throw a lot of poop at the wall and see if any sticks. If any of them happen to come true, they spend the next two years crowing about it, and using it to try to get jobs for being such great analysts. The Spurs aren't drafting Queta unless they have serious roster congestion and want someone they can stash for a couple of years. Even then, I don't think it would be him.

Look, I gave you credit for being the first other person I've heard talk about Okeke. I think he has to be a serious contender to be on the Spurs' roster next year. I said above that I thought he would spend the first year in Austin, like so many of the Spurs' recent draft picks. But the more I see of him, the more I think he could actually be on the roster his first year.

You like Queta, fine. You're on record and I'll give credit if that happens. But don't give me "latest mock draft". Tell us why you think he's getting drafted by the Spurs, other than the fact that he's got a 9'6" standing reach. Boban could dunk without jumping, and Pop wasn't in any hurry to give him minutes.

[ZeusWillJudge]

Thybulle is more than a good defender. He's a generational defender, likely to be the most versatile, smothering defender since Rodman. I'm not sure people understand how INSANE it is for a player to average 3 steals AND 2 blocks per game, even at the D1 college level. As for the 6'5" thing, both Beli and Forbes contracts are up in 2021, and there will be a couple of guard slots open.

Well he has the potential to be. He's going to be playing here in a few minutes. I'm afraid I may have underestimated NM State - it should be quite a game.

My thought is that even if they had Thybulle, they would need someone Okeke's size. I'd like to think they could land both, but it doesn't seem likely. If they go with Thybulle, I think it's a sign that they've committed to being contrarian and getting back to winning with defense. If they get either one, I'll be happy.

[MaNu4Tres]

Thybulle is more than a good defender. He's a generational defender, likely to be the most versatile, smothering defender since Rodman. I'm not sure people understand how INSANE it is for a player to average 3 steals AND 2 blocks per game, even at the D1 college level. As for the 6'5" thing, both Beli and Forbes contracts are up in 2021, and there will be a couple of guard slots open.

Beli & Forbes contracts will be up in 2020, not 2021.

Spurs are going to be committed to Derrick, Dejounte, and Lonnie next year so both may become expendable quickly.

[Mugen]

Beli & Forbes contracts will be up in 2020, not 2021.

Spurs are going to be committed to Derrick, Dejounte, and Lonnie next year so both may become expendable quickly.

Forbes has the makings of another lifer unless Pop hopefully retires at the end of next year. Factor in Patty's upcoming max extension after his current contract and I wouldn't be surprised if DWhite is the odd man out (again hopefully not if Pop retires soon).

[ZeusWillJudge]

Forbes has the makings of another lifer unless Pop hopefully retires at the end of next year. Factor in Patty's upcoming max extension after his current contract and I wouldn't be surprised if DWhite is the odd man out (again hopefully not if Pop retires soon).

Bryn will eventually be the one that carries the Spurs Way from Patty to the next generation.

[exstatic]

Beli & Forbes contracts will be up in 2020, not 2021.

Spurs are going to be committed to Derrick, Dejounte, and Lonnie next year so both may become expendable quickly.

You are correct, sir.

As for the three young guards, I agree. If LW IV does well, that alone could make both expendable.