Since there's nothing better to talk about . . .

[Dre_7]

Say what you want, but when he becomes a stud in a few years, Im gonna rub it in all your faces!!

[Mr. Body]

Devin Harris or not, the last position the Spurs needs anything at right now is Point Guard.

[dn0774]

Devin Harris is gonna be a good player for sure, which is why the Mavs wont trade him barring some ridiculous offer. Besides, there wouldn't be any room on our roster for Harris to blossom, so its moot anyway.

If we are to move Rasho, then Ronny Turiaf could be a good pick up. He is an athletic big (similar in size to Nazr, but more athletic) who can really protect the rim. I am interested to see where Scola would fit in if Horry stays another year. I just dont see a consistent role for Scola if Horry stays. Think Rose/Horry all over again.

Normally I would say trade down like usual unless there is a gem left, but considering we aren't trying to save capspace anymore we may as well draft someone with our 1st.

[Dre_7]

I too have liked Turiaf and wanted the Spurs to draft him since the middle of the season. For some reason I really like that guy, I think he can be a solid backup big!

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Turiaf is destined to be one of those guys who was fun to watch in college but ends up in the Euro league in the pros.

we've already got the rights to a bigger, better version of Turiaf in Scola.

The only thing this team needs for the remainder of the Tim Duncan era (besides better FT shooting ) is a SF.

[Mr. Body]

Draft for Small Forward, the only position that doesn't go legitimately two-deep on the roster.

I've liked Francisco Garcia for some time. He's versatile, has handles, can become a very good defender, and has a huge passion for the game, though he might be too slight for the position and can get erased as the go-to guy in a big game, as he did in his last game during the Tournament.

[WalterBenitez]

I don't know but rumor has it it'll be another great sleeper pick by the Spurs.

Correct me if I am wrong, but Spurs are great in that category

[Guru of Nothing]

I sure wish we could someone more athletic for Rasho. The 28th pick is pretty hard to call right now. Someone yesterday mentioned Julius Hodge as our pick. That sounds pretty damn good to me. It would be nice to stay young throughout the rest of the Duncan era. Or at least, not too old. A good balance just like they have now.

I think Julius Hodge would be an interesting pick for the Spurs. With question marks surrounding Devin Brown's health, it is certainly in the interest of the Spurs to consider someone who can fill his role. On one site I saw him projected late in the second round, so it might be a reach to take him in the first. Ideally (perhaps), the Spurs could deal their first round pick for a 2nd this year and another second in the future.

ETA: NBADraft.net has him projected at #53; Draft Daily has him at #31.

For all you people that place emphasis on character, he did remain in school and got his degree, as he promised his mom he would. If he can add some muscle, he might turn out to be a very good pickup.

Here's a scouting report from DraftDaily.com

6-7, 205, SG/SF/PG, NC State, Senior, 11/18/83

Strengths: Julius Hodge is an extremely versatile swingman who has the all-around skills to be an impact player at any level. He has the skills, size, and agility to play anywhere from the point guard, shooting guard, to small forward position in the NBA. He does a little bit of everything on the court - he can handle the ball very well, create shots for himself and his teammates, rebound, and defend.



Hodge is a natural slasher who gets to the rim as well as any player in the NCAA. He has a long wiry build and impressive first step quickness. His quickness combined with his excellent ball handling skills make him difficult to defend off the dribble. Hodge honed his skills on the playgrounds of New York City and it is evident in his game. He has some very flashy and creative moves that are straight out of Rucker Park. He is fearless going to the rack and absorbs contact well despite his lack of strength. Hodge is capable of crossing a defender over, blowing past him, getting to the lane even in traffic, and finishing strong. Once he gets to the basket he has the creativity to make spectacular plays due to his incredible body control.

(Does that remind you of anyone?)


Not just a slasher, Hodge has developed into a decent shooter from 18-20 feet. He is fluid going into his shot off the dribble and is also a good standstill shooter. His improved shooting touch is enough to keep defenders honest, and makes him even more difficult to defend. He can also post up decently well for his size.



At 6-7, Hodge made the transition to point guard for the Wolfpack his junior year, and did a terrific job. He has no problem bringing the ball up the court and is a capable distributor. He has good passing skills and court vision, and loves to make the fancy pass. Hodge is also a great rebounder for a guard who averaged over six rebounds per game, despite playing mostly on the perimeter. He is very active on both ends and is always going after the ball. Hodge is an improving defender who uses his long arms well to play the passing lanes and block shots.



Hodge also possesses an outstanding work ethic. He is truly dedicated to becoming the best basketball player he can be. He has made significant improvements to his game each year and continues to put on more and more weight. He used to be rail thin, but now he is up to a respectable 205 pounds. With his incredible work ethic, at ude toward the game, and all-around skills, it is hard to see Hodge not becoming at least a solid role player in the NBA.



Weaknesses: Hodge’s ball handling and passing skills are outstanding for a swingman, but he will have to work on both to be a good NBA point guard. His passing instincts are pretty good, but he too often gets careless with the ball. He commits too many turnovers trying to make the fancy play over the simple one. He is also too skinny to play significant minutes at small forward in the NBA, although he has done a good job gaining almost 30 pounds since his freshman year. Hodge will still get overpowered by the much stronger small forwards of the NBA. For these reasons, Hodge should be primarily a shooting guard in the NBA, with the ability to play the point guard and small forward positions in spurts.



Hodge must develop a reliable outside jump-shot. His jumper has some three-point range, but it is horribly inconsistent. It has become especially terrible this season, as he is shooting under 20% from the college three-point line. His free throw percentage has also regressed by nearly 20%. He must improve on his shooting ability significantly in the NBA. He also has a tendency to let his emotions take over his game. He has to play more in control both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. On defense, Hodge tends to be too aggressive and he will commit some unnecessary fouls.

He also is not an explosive athlete, he will have much more difficulty slashing to the basket and finishing against NBA level athletes. Hodge lacks the supreme leaping ability and quickness that so many elite NBA swingmen possess. He might not be able to make the same incredible finishes he does at the college level against the bigger, stronger, more athletic players of the NBA.

Optimistic Outlook: Jalen Rose

Pessimistic Outlook: John Salmons

[Guru of Nothing]

Bump.

I'd like to hear more prognostications on the upcoming draft.

[ShoogarBear]

I think Julius Hodge would be an interesting pick for the Spurs.

The Wit and Wisdom of Julius Hodge

[Guru of Nothing]

I like him even more after reading those quotes (which I vaguely remember). I have a hunch though, that his stock will rise before the draft.

[Dre_7]

Last time I checked, we shut his @$$ down in the NCAA Tourney!

[Guru of Nothing]

Last time I checked, we shut his @$$ down in the NCAA Tourney!

Who the F* is WE, oh vicarious one?

[T Park]

6'7 plays like Ginobili, can play D???

Bring him in.

[Guru of Nothing]

i want francisco, jarrett jack, hodge, turiaf, or hakim warrick....if not, i wont be happy. i dont want a foreigner this year, even though it has worked excellent in the past

jingobili_is_god.