Final San Antonio Spurs Big Board for the 2020 NBA Draft

[objective]

My final Spurs-related 1st round board, noting that I didn't bother watching too much Ball or Edwards, so I'm not including them

1a. Wiseman - more of a fun thing, the entertainment factor of having a young huge big goes well with the nostalgia of Robinson, Duncan and A-Train. I doubt he'll ever be an all-star in a conference with Jokic, Gobert, Towns, Ayton, Davis, Porzingis, JJJ, and Nurkic .... but I think it would be fun and if I don't expect them to be contenders anyway, might as well have a team worth watching

1b. Patrick Williams - the world is finally coming around to what I saw in about 5 minutes. Closest thing to a projectable Kawhi (on offense). As the youngest collegian in the draft, he is already so sharp and promising in enough areas that I think he can be projected as one of the best bets to succeed in this draft. Only drawbacks are his unremarkable length, unimpressive lateral speed, curiously low transition effectiveness, and bizarrely large thighs.

3. Okongwu - Probably a better player for the modern NBA than Wiseman. He would be great for the Spurs. Maybe reports of a toe injury get him to slide, and the toe injury gives Pop the perfect excuse for his favorite aspect of coaching: benching young players for entire seasons because it wouldn't be fair to the team that the playoffs aren't for them and they need to get over themselves.

4. Pokusevski. I believe great reward is worth great risk. He might be more likely to bust than succeed, but it's a chance worth taking. I think his body can develop, euros don't usually get much credit for potential to develop their bodies, and I've seen his meaty legs and enough of him to think he can put on weight fine.

Some might think he's redundant with Samanic, and I might agree if I thought Samanic was any good (but I don't). I believe in Poku's potential so much more than Samanic. I trust his shot so much more, he play makes so much better, better potential for using legit length on defense instead of those t-rex sticks Samanic pokes with. And if he busts? Well, 11th picks bust sometime. If it was just the shooting I would pass, but that passing and ballhandling ... that's what is intriguing on a team that doesn't have a lot of projectable creation in the future. He's 2 years away from being 1 year away from not being fair to the team.

5. Vassell - More safe than Poku, less projectable upside. But I loved Thybulle last year and feel I was on the right track with him. Well, Vassell is like a Thybulle-lite but with much better shooting and offensive skill. He's a great team defender with okay size, and team defense still matters.

6. Okoro - I doubt his size, and worry that his lack of length limits his ability to make impact plays. He didn't create too many steals at the college level. And his shooting is trash. But another dog to throw at people, and he's young, so maybe?

And the rest I don't care too much for in no particular order:

Avdija - Evan Turner back in the NBA to disappoint people. But he does play hard.
Halliburton - Something about him rubs me the wrong way with his passing. Don't like his physique.
Hayes - Might not be athletic enough, but at least he has good combo size
Precious - Measured smaller than I expected, but should be a fun hustle player
Jalen Smith - pick and pop big could be useful. Blocks shots with both hands, so I like that.
Kira Lewis Jr - first guy in a long long time to remind me of Tony Parker's speed
Saddiq Bey - Ehhh I guess so. Average player for an average team.

Last - Obi Toppin. I am sick of crap defenders, and Toppin defends like a mix of Joffrey and Bryn. I don't think his offense generation potential is worth the headache. Because I don't believe in his shot, either.

Red Flag - Nesmith and his lower body. For a guy who basically can only shoot, having bad legs is a big problem

Don't care about anyone else at 11 or any pick in the lottery.

[timvp]

timvp : I know you said 30-40% on a trade. But in your own personal opinion if there are going to be trades tonight rank these in order of most likely to be moved:

DDR
LMA
Mills
Rudy

Tonight? I'd rank them:

Mills
Aldridge
DeRozan
Gay

Mills is the easiest to trade. Just about every team could justify a three-point threat who has championship experience. The markets for Aldridge and DeRozan are much more narrow. In a vacuum, the Spurs would prefer to move DeRozan before Aldridge but getting a positive return for DeRozan would almost take a perfect storm -- especially if we're just talking about tonight.

And then maybe list a sneaky candidate to be traded outside of those 4

It's basically those four. Any other player moved tonight would be filler salary-wise, AFAIK.

[DPG21920]

Tonight? I'd rank them:

Mills
Aldridge
DeRozan
Gay

Mills is the easiest to trade. Just about every team could justify a three-point threat who has championship experience. The markets for Aldridge and DeRozan are much more narrow. In a vacuum, the Spurs would prefer to move DeRozan before Aldridge but getting a positive return for DeRozan would almost take a perfect storm -- especially if we're just talking about tonight.



It's basically those four. Any other player moved tonight would be filler salary-wise, AFAIK.

So you don’t think there’s anyone SA likes enough to trade Murray/White/Lonnie/Keldon for in order to move up

[timvp]

So you don’t think there’s anyone SA likes enough to trade Murray/White/Lonnie/Keldon for in order to move up

It's possible but I haven't heard anything regarding those players being used to trade up.

[DPG21920]

It's possible but I haven't heard anything regarding those players being used to trade up.

Sounds good - thanks.

From what I’ve heard and just using logic I have to think LMA and/or Derozan gets moved. There is no better time to do so. If it’s not tonight SA loses what already little leverage and value they have.

[timvp]

He's 2 years away from being 1 year away from not being fair to the team.

5. Vassell - More safe than Poku, less projectable upside. But I loved Thybulle last year and feel I was on the right track with him. Well, Vassell is like a Thybulle-lite but with much better shooting and offensive skill. He's a great team defender with okay size, and team defense still matters.

6. Okoro - I doubt his size, and worry that his lack of length limits his ability to make impact plays. He didn't create too many steals at the college level. And his shooting is trash. But another dog to throw at people, and he's young, so maybe?

Basically agree on both players. I'd be happy with either one for those two for the same reasons.

[timvp]

No more excuses or waiting: Get something of significance done. I don't even particularly care what, just find a way to do it. It's a results oriented business, not a try hard one.

Ah, the ol' Jim Buss philosophy. Interesting.

[Robz4000]

Watch the Spurs attach White and/or KJ to DeRozan just to take back someone like Gordon Hayward.

[timvp]

From what I’ve heard and just using logic I have to think LMA and/or Derozan gets moved. There is no better time to do so. If it’s not tonight SA loses what already little leverage and value they have.

Pretty true, tbh.

If this draft comes and goes, the chances of either (or both ) of those two getting traded takes a big hit. The 2021 and the 2022 drafts look too good for many teams to even consider trading away their picks.

[gospursgojas]

Please God no Poku. Tired of shooting only, frail weak ass, no defense euros.

[timvp]

https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-mock...-cole-anthony/

Pretty interesting look back. Wasn't long ago that Hampton and Maledon were considered top ten picks.

[Mugen]

Ah, the ol' Jim Buss philosophy. Interesting.

How long is the Timmy stamped free pass again? 10 years? 20? Just wanted to confirm tbh.

[DPG21920]

On my personal Big Board without factoring in a team, I'd probably still have Killian 6-to-8 range, FWIW.

This is what I’m talking about. Look at this:

[DPG21920]

Uh oh....

[timvp]

How long is the Timmy stamped free pass again? 10 years? 20? Just wanted to confirm tbh.

BRB, checking the handbook.

[gospursgojas]

Uh oh....

Makes Wiggins more valuable to them? Or makes the need for another vet scorer (LMA) more imminent?

[Mugen]

BRB, checking the handbook.

My man! Glad you're back slumming it with us though tbh. Thanks for the write-up btw, can't be easy researching 60+ dudes especially when 90% of them are going to be irrelevant in a season or two

[BackHome]

DEROZZ to GS rescue.

[DPG21920]

Makes Wiggins more valuable to them? Or makes the need for another vet scorer (LMA) more imminent?

My gut says if it’s serious they are less likely to trade the pick. That would be 2 big injuries to klay and they may elect to rebuild more

[NickiRasgo]

I thought Desmond Bane has a freakish measurement or something but was off when saw that he got a 6'6" height and just only a 6'4" wingspan.

[ZeusWillJudge]

https://www.spurstalk.com/san-antoni...020-nba-draft/

Desmond Bane with the late rise

Should be an interesting night.

I love what you've done with the place, TIMVP. I love the articles and analysis. Even when I disagree, you make it fun. I'm even more anxious now to see how the chips fall.

[TimDunkem]

I love what you've done with the place, TIMVP. I love the articles and analysis. Even when I disagree, you make it fun. I'm even more anxious now to see how the chips fall.

Now just ban tholdren and the site will be perfect.

[emanueldavidginobili]

Either way whoever we pick will be a upgrade, let’s hope at least.

[DPG21920]

timvp are you doing a free agency primer? Strategy, targets & trades?

[tbdog]

My gut says if it’s serious they are less likely to trade the pick. That would be 2 big injuries to klay and they may elect to rebuild more

You can't rebuild with curry earning super max