Spurs' future draft picks

[Mr. Body]

If Mahinmi doesn't play more with Pau, I hope he will come this summer. But he will go directly to NBDL.

He still takes a roster space if he plays NBDL. I don't see that happening.

[Bruno]

If Mahinmi doesn't play more with Pau, I hope he will come this summer. But he will go directly to NBDL.

It's unlikely that Mahinmi will be with Pau next year.
Mahinmi is the backup C for Pau this year and Pau's staff has still said that next year backup C will be Ludovic Vaty (a promising young player).
I've heard too some rumors that said that Mahinmi will sign with Spurs this summer. We will see what will happen this summer but if I had to bet on something it would be on Mahinmi signing with Spurs this summer.

[TDMVPDPOY]

ian mahinmi looks like n busts now

lets move on...

[AFBlue]

With a draft this deep, it's tough to see how it could be a disaster...

I wouldn't call getting Fernandez, Belinelli, and Tomic (and possibly Batum or Gallinari if they declare), a disaster. The Spurs can keep them overseas for one more year while the contracts of Barry, Finley, and Elson expire and give the Spurs one more year to evaluate their options at whatever position that prospect holds.

On Terry/McGuire, I would consider them good young talents. Terry has the athleticism and shooting touch to play in this league...reminds me of Stephen Jackson without the gun-toting. McGuire doesn't have the constant shooting stroke, but he is a good passer, slasher, and defender. I think both would be "good, young" additions.

[Mr. Body]

'Disaster' is perhaps too strong, but we absolutely need those two young players next year. If we draft Fernandez and keep him overseas a year, draft Derrick Byars with the Milwaukee pick, and bring over Luis Scola, then that will be a success for me. 'Pick-n-stash' to me reads Ian Mahinmi. Taking a guy who doesn't really deserve that pick in order to 'get in front of everyone.' If all we get out of this draft next year is Rashawn Terry, that will be a major -up, even if we do get Fernandez for the future somewhere along the line, though I suppose that could be mollified by trading Barry/etc. for a young guy already in the league.

[AFBlue]

On Mahinmi, I've read that the Spurs will try to bring him over, but he's D-League material and will occupy a potentially valuable slot. Maybe they'll ask Fabbs to opt out of his contract or cut someone...

[AFBlue]

'Disaster' is perhaps too strong, but we absolutely need those two young players next year. If we draft Fernandez and keep him overseas a year, draft Derrick Byars with the Milwaukee pick, and bring over Luis Scola, then that will be a success for me. 'Pick-n-stash' to me reads Ian Mahinmi. Taking a guy who doesn't really deserve that pick in order to 'get in front of everyone.' If all we get out of this draft next year is Rashawn Terry, that will be a major -up, even if we do get Fernandez for the future somewhere along the line, though I suppose that could be mollified by trading Barry/etc. for a young guy already in the league.

The reason I'm not high on Byars (for this squad) is that he's not big enough to play the 4 in small-ball sets because he doesn't rebound enough. As presently constructed, the Spurs don't have a legitimate option for the smallball 4. The "ideal" guy for the job is McGuire.

[Mr. Body]

As many as these will not be Spurs next year: White, Butler, Horry, Udrih, Oberto, Ely, and maybe Barry.

We cannot go through another year without a significant roster overhaul, at least at the bench level. We cannot convince ourselves after another close loss to the Mavericks that this team won't break down from age.

[Mr. Body]

The reason I'm not high on Byars (for this squad) is that he's not big enough to play the 4 in small-ball sets because he doesn't rebound enough. As presently constructed, the Spurs don't have a legitimate option for the smallball 4. The "ideal" guy for the job is McGuire.

Byars would be a great pick in the 2nd round. Not ideal, but very nice should he be there. We need talent in general, even if it is not the optimal SF. If a good player doesn't fit, we can always shop him.

Edited: McGuire and Byars collect the same number of rebounds. Byars did play more minutes, but in a better conference. I'd take McGuire, but to say Byars doesn't rebound is not correct. 4.9/game.

[Mr. Body]

DX says there's a good chance Chase Buddinger declares for the draft. They say he will go Top 10.

[K-State Spur]

Beno Udrih - this is the last time he will have any real value, is a cheap contract, and might still flourish in another system; he will be traded.

I disagree that Beno will have any value this offseason (let alone real value). The only way he gains value is by playing back to somewhere in the same area code as his potential once showed (I know he's been better of late, but that's not saying a lot).

I think he'll be back. He's still got a high ceiling as far as third PGs go.

[AFBlue]

As many as these will not be Spurs in 2008: White, Butler, Horry, Udrih, Oberto, Ely, and Barry.

We cannot go through another year without a significant roster overhaul, at least at the bench level. We cannot convince ourselves after another close loss to the Mavericks that this team won't break down from age.

Fixed that for you. Contractually...Butler, Udrih, Oberto, Barry, and Finley are supposed to be with us next year.

I don't disagree that the Spurs have legitimate concerns (lack of "scorers", no "small-ball 4", solid backup PG, etc.), but it just doesn't look like the Spurs have the roster spaces available. You would have to guarantee that one or more of the personnel mentioned above are traded and/or cut by roster-trimming time, keeping in mind that the Spurs won't just GIVE them away.

[AFBlue]

Byars would be a great pick in the 2nd round. Not ideal, but very nice should he be there. We need talent in general, even if it is not the optimal SF. If a good player doesn't fit, we can always shop him.

Edited: McGuire and Byars collect the same number of rebounds. Byars did play more minutes, but in a better conference. I'd take McGuire, but to say Byars doesn't rebound is not correct. 4.9/game.

Where are you getting your info?

Yes, Byars at 4.9 in 31MPG, but that's where you stop being right.

McGuire's rebound average this year was 9.8RPG in 32min!

And for good measure....Terry's rebound rate in 24 minutes last year was 6.2. This year, slumped to 5.4 in 21 minutes. Sorry Mr, you're wrong.

[AFBlue]

DX says there's a good chance Chase Buddinger declares for the draft. They say he will go Top 10.

One more warm body is good for the Spurs. I wonder if his teammate Marcus Williams follows him out the door.

EDIT: Read the article, and it looks like Williams will indeed be headed to the NBA, though it's not official.

[mountainballer]

If the Spurs wind up draft-n-stashing the first rounder and pulling an only passable player like Rayshawn Terry with the Milwaukee pick, that would IMO be a disaster. In my estimation, this team needs to add two good young talents who are not currently on the roster. Though he isn't exactly 'young', one of those two can be Luis Scola.

There will be a roster crunch, sure. The way I see it:

Robert Horry is retiring, his spot is open.

Beno Udrih - this is the last time he will have any real value, is a cheap contract, and might still flourish in another system; he will be traded.

Jackie Butler - do they want him anymore? I could see him go in a package or to wherever Larry Brown is, etc. He's cheap but doesn't seem to be what the Spurs need. If they can draft a Craig Bradshaw, Butler is absolutely gone.

Melvin Ely - depends on what happens to Butler and other big guys. His spot is essentially open.

Fabricio Oberto - slim chance he opts out and goes overseas, but I don't think so.

James White - that decent performance gave a little pause, although against GSW. Keep, unless a better young SF prospect can be had, which is definitely possible.

Jacque Vaughn - resigned.

Francisco Elson - kept.

So... two spots will open up, at least: Horry's, and either Ely's or Butler's (or both). This could very well be the summer Brent Barry is traded, too, if the Spurs think they can get their young SF packaging him with Scola + picks or something like that, although of course that wouldn't necessarily open a slot.

If I were the Spurs, I would prioritize moving up in the draft. After that, they should have contingencies in place depending on what players become available. I doubt Ian Mahinmi comes over this summer. And again, I think the Spurs need two valuable new players to come in this summer

you forgot Bonner. this would make it 9 question marks.
I think Spurs want to keep Bonner, but for sure this isn't their priority this summer. he is restricted, so Spurs can wait what other teams offer, I assume that the Spurs won't offer him a big contract anyhow.
(likely in the same area what they payed this year. 2 million, maybe slightly more). with Horry likely retiring and Bonner a question mark, it would be even more important to have the Scola option.
IMO Spurs have to see it this way. they likely won't get a player with the same immediat impact potential via free agency or trade, considering the money and/or trade assets they currently have.

on the other mentioned I also agree with your estimation.
Spurs will try to resign Vaughn (which would be a good move), assuming Vaughn signs for the veteran minimum. they won't/can't pay him more.

Beno will be gone, no matter if Vaughn resigns or not. maybe for another underachiever, when both teams hope the players will flourish with the other team. (someone like Julius Hodge, David Harrison, Kirk Snyder, ....just to mention a few names of teams that might be interested in a PG).
Khryapa still as a wish scenario for me, but not likely in a trade just for Beno.
Pavlovic and Delfino are out of reach, but maybe a possibility with some teasers.

word is, they don't want Butler anymore and would love to get rid of him. and I gurss Butler would also love to somehow get out.
as I see it, they will try to trade him (in a package with Beno?), but if this fails, they will buy him out. Butler would accept a buyout, because another year out of the league would hurt his stock more, than accepting a buyout. (half of his contract?). but this would open another roster spot.

I guess Ely will be gone. nothing points towards a resigning. Spurs have his bird rights, so maybe a S&T is a possible scenario, if another team likes Ely.

about White the Spurs will decide when they have learned what they got out of the draft. they might find a SF, who is more NBA ready and has more upside than White, in this case they will either trade him, or just waive him. I don't think that the Spurs use 2 spots for 2 SF rookies. (I call White an as well as rookie, if he was on the roster next year). my guess is, we won't see Whie with the Spurs next year. this draft just looks as if there are better players for his position available.

I really can't see Mahinmi at the roster, would be very surprised.
my guess is, they would rather pick an available big with the Buck's pick (Visser, Hill, Fazekas, Davis?), after they had picked the SF (McGuire) with the 1st rounder.

I think we might see 3 rookies on the roster next year, with Scola as a seasoned one of them.

[AFBlue]

DX says there's a good chance Chase Buddinger declares for the draft. They say he will go Top 10.

Here's the link to that article. It not only talks about Budinger, but about most every prospect likely to go in draft if declaring...a good read if you're interested.

http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=1956

[mardigan]

Everything Ive read from scouting reports, and seen watching him play 6 or 7 times this year, has shown me Byars is a great rebounder. He is 6-7, Finleys size except bigger and stronger, so I dont see how if Finley could play the 4 in small ball, Byars couldnt. 5 rebounds a game from your shooting guard position in 31 minutes a game is pretty damn good Tony. He is about 230, very strong at his position and a good rebounder. He is also a very polished shooter with good range and ball-handling skills. He really does remind me of Josh Howard with his all around game, not to mention that he stayed in school to get his degree, and he was the SEC player of the year. I really think it would be a mistake to not take this guy.

[AFBlue]

you forgot Bonner. this would make it 9 question marks.
I think Spurs want to keep Bonner, but for sure this isn't their priority this summer. he is restricted, so Spurs can wait what other teams offer, I assume that the Spurs won't offer him a big contract anyhow.
(likely in the same area what they payed this year. 2 million, maybe slightly more). with Horry likely retiring and Bonner a question mark, it would be even more important to have the Scola option.

I didn't know that Bonner was a restricted FA....interesting. I definitely think the Spurs will look to re-sign him in the off-season, though you're right about him not being overpaid.

on the other mentioned I also agree with your estimation.
Spurs will try to resign Vaughn (which would be a good move), assuming Vaughn signs for the veteran minimum. they won't/can't pay him more.

Beno will be gone, no matter if Vaughn resigns or not. maybe for another underachiever, when both teams hope the players will flourish with the other team. (someone like Julius Hodge, David Harrison, Kirk Snyder, ....just to mention a few names of teams that might be interested in a PG).
Khryapa still as a wish scenario for me, but not likely in a trade just for Beno.
Pavlovic and Delfino are out of reach, but maybe a possibility with some teasers.

I think Udrih sticks on this team and rides out his contract, unless the Spurs grab a legit point guard prospect via the draft or FA (and I don't mean Vaughn), then they can afford to dump him for nothing. His value just isn't that high and the Spurs aren't willing to let him go for nothing.

word is, they don't want Butler anymore and would love to get rid of him. and I gurss Butler would also love to somehow get out.
as I see it, they will try to trade him (in a package with Beno?), but if this fails, they will buy him out. Butler would accept a buyout, because another year out of the league would hurt his stock more, than accepting a buyout. (half of his contract?). but this would open another roster spot.

I don't know if the Spurs would "love" to get rid of a 22yr old F/C with good post skills. I've read that they've been disappointed with his work ethic and I'm sure they'll look to trade him...but as with Udrih, they won't give him up for scraps, and I steadfastly refuse to believe they'll cut him outright. Someone will bite if they offer him, but I think the Spurs will at least give him the Summer League to see if he can improve/prove his worth to the team.

about White the Spurs will decide when they have learned what they got out of the draft. they might find a SF, who is more NBA ready and has more upside than White, in this case they will either trade him, or just waive him. I don't think that the Spurs use 2 spots for 2 SF rookies. (I call White an as well as rookie, if he was on the roster next year). my guess is, we won't see Whie with the Spurs next year. this draft just looks as if there are better players for his position available.

If the Spurs grab a guy like Byars or Rush, who play the same role (2 or 3 w/ defense), I agree. But, if the Spurs snag a guy like McGuire, Terry, or Dudley...who are more 3/4 combos with different skill sets, I think both can co-exist on the team. Just because they're both labeled "SF" doesn't mean they can't serve different purposes or be on this team.

[AFBlue]

Everything Ive read from scouting reports, and seen watching him play 6 or 7 times this year, has shown me Byars is a great rebounder. He is 6-7, Finleys size except bigger and stronger, so I dont see how if Finley could play the 4 in small ball, Byars couldnt. 5 rebounds a game from your shooting guard position in 31 minutes a game is pretty damn good Tony. He is about 230, very strong at his position and a good rebounder. He is also a very polished shooter with good range and ball-handling skills. He really does remind me of Josh Howard with his all around game, not to mention that he stayed in school to get his degree, and he was the SEC player of the year. I really think it would be a mistake to not take this guy.

I'd say Finley is probably one of the best comparisons you could give to Byars. He's probably not as good of a shooter or athlete, but he's got a better handle and can pass. The Finley comparison as a rebounder is probably pretty accurate...but that doesn't mean much. Byars would be a good/great rebounder as a SG, a passable rebounder as a SF, and a below-average rebounder for a PF. Finley is a horrible small-ball 4...hence the need for a legitimate one.

[Mr. Body]

Where are you getting your info?

Yes, Byars at 4.9 in 31MPG, but that's where you stop being right.

McGuire's rebound average this year was 9.8RPG in 32min!

And for good measure....Terry's rebound rate in 24 minutes last year was 6.2. This year, slumped to 5.4 in 21 minutes. Sorry Mr, you're wrong.

DX, but they were posting his last played year in California (4.9). In Fresno State he did average 9.8, which is very significant, although in a much weaker conference than the PAC-10.

I'm still no fan of Terry. Bleh.

[Mr. Body]

you forgot Bonner. this would make it 9 question marks.
I think Spurs want to keep Bonner, but for sure this isn't their priority this summer. he is restricted, so Spurs can wait what other teams offer, I assume that the Spurs won't offer him a big contract anyhow.

I think Bonner will be a Spur again, and for about $2 million/year. I do think Vaughn will be resigned and will be the back-up PG next year.

Butler and Udrih I see as gone. Udrih, definitely. And yes, he does still have value. He has one more guaranteed year on his contract and has absolutely proven to be an NBA-type talent, despite what naysayers here say. There is a team out there who will like to have a decent back-up type who still has youth and some upside. Look at the Clippers, without Livingston and a craggy, ancient Cassell, or Cleveland, etc. Butler is still a decent prospect, also cheap, with two years left on his contract.

I see 4-5 players on this team who will not be around next year. James White IMO they'll keep, unless something bizarre happens in the draft, etc. That glowing article in re: his at ude and coachability means a lot.

[K-State Spur]

Depends on what you mean by value. Beno MIGHT be able to net a pick in the latter half of the second round to a team starving for PG help or one that has enough depth that they can afford to sit on him and hope he realizes his potential.

[Mr. Body]

That's exactly what I mean. They're not going to get much for him, but they'll get rid of him. Future second will do it.

[Bruno]

Trading Beno will open a roster spot but I don't see Spurs starting next season with only 2 PGs so it will only open a roster spot for another PG. If Spurs don't think there is an interesting PG prospect available via the draft or FA, if they can't get something good for Beno and if they are fine with his salary, trading Beno is pointless.
Dumping Beno won't open a spot for an athletic swingman or a bigman.

[ducks_]

Spurs need help in backcourt
will not be good next year
if no draft picks work out.

[T Park]

order of importance.

Small Forward
Athletic 4
point guard.


You could get by with someone in the NBDL who was considered the "best"