2024 NBA Draft Thread

[CGD]

So this suggests that there's not much difference in the top 5 with regards to talent, which is actually great news. It means that if the spurs do fall in love with someone who's projected to go top 3, it's not only possible, but probable that they have the assets to move up to get him if necessary without sacrificing future unprotected draft picks. Me personally, yes as of now I'd trade the raptors pick and the bulls pick if necessary to get topic, I think he's worth 2 lottery picks. This might change by the end of the season though.

I think fit will matter more in this draft than others. In this world it’s worth seeing who would actually use valuable trade capital to select the first PG. Of the current bottom 5 (I exclude MEM who I think will move up):

DET: won’t use a third draft on a PG; feels like Holland landing place. They have Duren.

WAS: needs everything, so first real threat to take a PG, but could also value Collier higher, and could also go for Sarr.

POR: Has Scoot; could go for Sarr but have Ayton. Good landing place for Matas, Rachecher, Williams, if Holland taken.

CHA: have Melo, which supposedly is why they spurned Scoot. Probably same this draft.

CHI, TOR, UTA: absolute threats for a PG and Topic specifically. But that means they jumped into Top 3. Would the use that chance in him?


Bottom line: based on some of this mapping, there is a good chance Topic (if that’s their guy) can be had at 4, and maybe even later. The real Wild Card are the Wizards if they select before SAS.

This then also begs the question, should the Spurs risk it and wait to take a PG with the TOR pick and pick a big wing with their natural pick?

[SpursBills]

I think fit will matter more in this draft than others. In this world it’s worth seeing who would actually use valuable trade capital to select the first PG. Of the current bottom 5 (I exclude MEM who I think will move up):

DET: won’t use a third draft on a PG; feels like Holland landing place. They have Duren.

WAS: needs everything, so first real threat to take a PG, but could also value Collier higher, and could also go for Sarr.

POR: Has Scoot; could go for Sarr but have Ayton. Good landing place for Matas, Rachecher, Williams, if Holland taken.

CHA: have Melo, which supposedly is why they spurned Scoot. Probably same this draft.

CHI, TOR, UTA: absolute threats for a PG and Topic specifically. But that means they jumped into Top 3. Would the use that chance in him?


Bottom line: based on some of this mapping, there is a good chance Topic (if that’s their guy) can be had at 4, and maybe even later. The real Wild Card are the Wizards if they select before SAS.

This then also begs the question, should the Spurs risk it and wait to take a PG with the TOR pick and pick a big wing with their natural pick?

DET just screams Risacher to me. I don't know, Pistons fans have been screaming about how Cade's in a terrible situation because he's got no spacing and their defense is so terrible, so they probably need spacing outside of Bojan (who they might trade) and defense and Risacher theoretically provides both.

I am hoping that the success of Wemby and Chet entices WAS to go for Sarr but they seem to have a reasonable front office so they will probably draft topic

CHA may actually go for Holland honestly as a miles bridges replacement. A lot depends on if they feel like lamelo would thrive in an off-ball role or whether he's better as the primary initiator.

POR I agree will likely draft a wing. I personally think that Presti is going to trade up if he can for Matas who would be a glove in hand fit and complete his death star lineup of wallace/SGA/JDub/Matas/Chet and win 55 games a year for the next decade.

I would 100% not wait to pick Topic even if you think you can get him lower. In fact if Detroit had 1/2 and the spurs dropped down to 4/5 I'd be willing to offer the Raptors pick to move up so that the pistons could draft Risacher who's a better fit. Realistically you only need to hit on 2-3 great players to create a dynasty. I personally think that Topic is to Luka what Sengun is to Jokic, and that's the kind of talent that you don't try and get cute for, the downside of not getting him is way more than the value lost from drafting another player at 10 vs 3. (This take is definitely going to blow up in my face in 5 years if Topic ends up busting out of the league due to an inability to shoot.)

[SOMA Spur]

DET just screams Risacher to me. I don't know, Pistons fans have been screaming about how Cade's in a terrible situation because he's got no spacing and their defense is so terrible, so they probably need spacing outside of Bojan (who they might trade) and defense and Risacher theoretically provides both.

I am hoping that the success of Wemby and Chet entices WAS to go for Sarr but they seem to have a reasonable front office so they will probably draft topic

CHA may actually go for Holland honestly as a miles bridges replacement. A lot depends on if they feel like lamelo would thrive in an off-ball role or whether he's better as the primary initiator.

POR I agree will likely draft a wing. I personally think that Presti is going to trade up if he can for Matas who would be a glove in hand fit and complete his death star lineup of wallace/SGA/JDub/Matas/Chet and win 55 games a year for the next decade.

I would 100% not wait to pick Topic even if you think you can get him lower. In fact if Detroit had 1/2 and the spurs dropped down to 4/5 I'd be willing to offer the Raptors pick to move up so that the pistons could draft Risacher who's a better fit. Realistically you only need to hit on 2-3 great players to create a dynasty. I personally think that Topic is to Luka what Sengun is to Jokic, and that's the kind of talent that you don't try and get cute for, the downside of not getting him is way more than the value lost from drafting another player at 10 vs 3. (This take is definitely going to blow up in my face in 5 years if Topic ends up busting out of the league due to an inability to shoot.)

Not sure I'd give up the Toronto pick to move up to get Topic. We are so devoid of talent up and down the roster I think I'd rather take our SF (Buzelis/Risacher) with ours, then a PG with Torontos (Dillingham). But I'm hoping it doesn't get to that as I'm a big Topic fan and am feeling better than 50/50 we'll land him, considering our record and the other teams involved.

[CGD]

^ WAS is def the top threat to take the first PG over the Spurs, but they could also value Collier higher than Topic (who knows so may the Spurs btw).

[Ditty]

Washington is probably the least talented team in the league. Bilal might be their only promising player. Their GM used to be in OKC's front office so he knows how valuable 1st round picks can be. If WAS picks a spot or two ahead of the Spurs and TOR pick ends up being one of the best possible picks. I can see the Spurs trading both picks if they love Topic. Even if the Bullets may ask to take on Poole or Kuzma's contract.

[CGD]

Washington is probably the least talented team in the league. Bilal might be their only promising player. Their GM used to be in OKC's front office so he knows how valuable 1st round picks can be. If WAS picks a spot or two ahead of the Spurs and TOR pick ends up being one of the best possible picks. I can see the Spurs trading both picks if they love Topic. Even if the Bullets may ask to take on Poole or Kuzma's contract.

In that scenario they’d have to really love Topic, or think he’s that much more head and shoulders above one of the two Kentucky guards that could be had with the TOR pick. I don’t know either way.

If WAS or even a team like CHI or UTA jumps up and decides to take Topic (over Collier) before the Spurs, I think Spurs should go for the best available wing of Holland-Matas-Riacher-Williams), and then take their PG later at 9 or 10. And, hey, who knows Topic may still be there.

[onechance87]

any point guards similar to morant skill wise in this draft

[BatManu20]

^ WAS is def the top threat to take the first PG over the Spurs, but they could also value Collier higher than Topic (who knows so may the Spurs btw).

No team is taking Collier over Topic tbh. Barring significant improvements to Collier's game over the next 3 months, Topic will be the clear-cut #1 PG prospect in this draft come June imo.

[mo7888]

This then also begs the question, should the Spurs risk it and wait to take a PG with the TOR pick and pick a big wing with their natural pick?

That's the biggest question right now. I think it'll be determined on how Topic is viewed later in the season. Has he completely sepetated himself from the next tier of PG's? He's trending that way... I do like some of the 2nd tier like Dillingham, Castle, and even Proctor. My guess is that Topic will be the guy, but if he's off the board we go big/wing 1st and PG 2nd.

[CorrectCrusader]

any point guards similar to morant skill wise in this draft

Not a lot of those exist in the league at any given point in time.

[CorrectCrusader]

If Topic or Dillingham is off the board at our pick we should go Zacharrie to resolve the pf/sf position then draft a pg with Torontos pick

[TheChillFactor]

Not a lot of those exist in the league at any given point in time.

No, most draft experts are saying that this draft has 3 or 4 Michael Jordans, but no Morants…

[scott]

Still lots of time before draft day, but seems like a terrible year to have a high pick, let alone 2. I’d almost hope that someone falls in love with someone like Sarr and we can flip our pick for a player with a more certain future ahead of him.

[CGD]

^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.

DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)

[spurraider21]

contemplating draft board scenarios before the new year

[BatManu20]

^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.

DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)

Would hate that tbh. Granted Keldon is 2 years older (22 vs. 24), the statistical difference between the two isn't nearly enough to make me give up 3 FRP's tbh.


Keldon:18 ppg, 6.5 rbs, 4 asts, 47% FG, 36% 3PT, .58 TS%, 15.5 PER

Cade: 22 ppg, 4 rbs, 7 asts, 43% FG, 32% 3PT, .53 TS%, 14.3 PER


Both players almost identical in same size at 6'6 220 lbs. Both have defensive shortcomings due to lack of size and athleticism. Of course Cade projects as the better offensive player long-term, but is it enough of a gap to trade 3 FRP's..? Not for me tbh. I'd rather wait and go all in on someone else personally. And I think the PATFO would agree with me on this one.

[CGD]

Would hate that tbh. Granted Keldon is 2 years older (22 vs. 24), the statistical difference between the two isn't nearly enough to make me give up 3 FRP's tbh.


Keldon:18 ppg, 6.5 rbs, 4 asts, 47% FG, 36% 3PT, .58 TS%, 15.5 PER

Cade: 22 ppg, 4 rbs, 7 asts, 43% FG, 32% 3PT, .53 TS%, 14.3 PER


Both players almost identical in same size at 6'6 220 lbs. Both have defensive shortcomings due to lack of size and athleticism. Of course Cade projects as the better offensive player long-term, but is it enough of a gap to trade 3 FRP's..? Not for me tbh. I'd rather wait and go all in on someone else personally. And I think the PATFO would agree with me on this one.

they’re very different players. It’s a bet that Cade could be the PG of the future, and trying to buy low on him now. CHI and CHA picks are also protected, but do think Spurs would have to surrender one unprotected “good” pick.

It’s a long shot obviously, but thought the idea was interesting

[CGD]

contemplating draft board scenarios before the new year

I know… the season is just that painful to watch though! Games like yesterday are particularly brutal

[exstatic]

^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.

DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)

Why would you give up 3 firsts for a clear bust, and I’m not talking about Wiseman. No way Cade is worth that. Saying that he’s underperformed is the charitable way of putting it.

[CGD]

Why would you give up 3 firsts for a clear bust, and I’m not talking about Wiseman. No way Cade is worth that. Saying that he’s underperformed is the charitable way of putting it.

It’s really one good one, a decent one, and the fake CHA one. I think it would take something face saving like that for DET to part with a former number one pick so soon after drafting him.

It’s a buy low situation. I agree he’s underperformed, but that it’s largely situational and injury has delayed his development. It’s still high on Cade.

[JeffDuncan]

^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.

DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)

It makes sense to you to give Keldon and 3 firsts for that horror show crap.

You’ll be interested to hear that some types of brain damage are no longer as hopeless as they once were. See your doctor for the latest information.

[BackHome]

I wouldn't give up any picks if we want a PG we can always just go after Immanuel Quickley after this season.

[SpursBills]

^ Simmons mused on his latest podcast that the spurs should open up their war chest, including this years pick, for Cade. Now that would be something.

DET: Keldon, 3 FRPs (SAS, CHI, CHA)
SAS: Cade; Wiseman (or other filler)

I wouldn't do that trade, but I'd probably consider Vassell for Cade straight up, maybe we throw in the Charlotte pick or something. Cade is not an engine of a good team. He's got enough passing chops to be a secondary playmaker, and he can probably space the floor reasonably well if he's not taking a bunch of off the dribble jumpers. I think defensively it's a wash, trade Vassell's shooting and tough shot making for Cade's creation. Offensive engines and defensive centerpieces are by far the two most valuable roles in the NBA, if you're set at those two positions your franchise is set. Cade's proven that he's not that guy. No use throwing away a shot at actually getting an engine just to acquire a secondary playmaker.

[onechance87]

I wouldn't give up any picks if we want a PG we can always just go after Immanuel Quickley after this season.

yup he should be our main goal this offseason...Dude looks like hes about to explode in s om

[CGD]

I wouldn't do that trade, but I'd probably consider Vassell for Cade straight up, maybe we throw in the Charlotte pick or something. Cade is not an engine of a good team. He's got enough passing chops to be a secondary playmaker, and he can probably space the floor reasonably well if he's not taking a bunch of off the dribble jumpers. I think defensively it's a wash, trade Vassell's shooting and tough shot making for Cade's creation. Offensive engines and defensive centerpieces are by far the two most valuable roles in the NBA, if you're set at those two positions your franchise is set. Cade's proven that he's not that guy. No use throwing away a shot at actually getting an engine just to acquire a secondary playmaker.

I think Cade is quite good, and incidentally just had a career night last night with 43 points and 7 assist. Leader of men type that can orchestrate an offense with time, just a crap situation including a forced paring with Ivy.

Interestingly, I think a Vassell swap may arguably be richer than Keldon and picks trade I propose (we all know the CHA “first” is fake) but in any event in the ball park. If the concern is keeping a 2024 pick, spurs could send something else out.