Spurs' future draft picks

[Darkwaters]

His next contract may be as much as 8M total.

lol, agreed.

I ed all last year about how overpaid he was. But in defense of him, he was a very quality player most of the season. And the Hornets really shouldn't have needed him as much as they did. David West was a scoring machine and led the team again in scoring. Peja chipped in for a while before bowing out with back surgery. Chris Paul facilitated the offense and scored on the side. Even Tyson Chandler averaged about 12 pts a game down the stretch. Desmond should have never been more than the 4th option (maybe 3rd at times) but he was required to play a bigger role.

...I just don't know what I'm going to do with my 3 Desmond Mason bobbleheads that I got this season at the games!

[mountainballer]

All this thought for nothing. I don't see anybody in the 12-16 range needing Scola. Maybe the Wizz at 16 and then New Jersey at 17, but by then all the top notch SFs will be long gone, except if you count Thaddeus Young.

the trade up scenarios by numbers before a draft almost never materialize and in such a deep draft teams will hesitate even more to trade before they pick. they won't sacrifice the chance that a very good player falls to their hands (and in such a draft there will be at least one top player, who falls to mid or end first round)

so we will have to wait what happens at draft night.
the possibility you mention with Nets at 17 might be a good chance, if McRoberts, Jason Smith and Splitter had been picked before 17. (something that might easily happen). in this moment the Nets should be open to talk with the Spurs about Scola and maybe they agree on a deal like: Nets pick Fernandez for the Spurs at 17 (he will be there) and Spurs pick (just guessing) Almond, Byars or Rush for them at 28 and package him with Scola.
IMO a win situation for both teams.
(Spurs might also have some interest in Nachbar, so maybe a bigger deal could happen)

overall I think we will see a lot of activities on draft night.

[Mr. Body]

I'm still looking, alps. I agree the Nets would be very interested in Scola, but the problem is I don't see anybody on the board at 17 that would thrill the Spurs, though there's a chance Thaddeus Young will still be around. I can't say I like the idea of swapping Scola+28 for Fernandez. And right now I see McRoberts still around with their pick.

Philadelphia is still a team that badly needs a PF and there just isn't anybody at #12 that attractive for them. They're in an odd spot where the best PFs are gone and the next rank would be reaching. Unfortunately, I don't see a Scola for #12 swap and they have two late 1sts already. One possibility is that Larry Brown has been said to really like Jackie Butler. Returning Butler to him in order to take, say, Willie Green's 3M/per contract (for too long) could be coupled with the Scola for #12 swap. Sixers are trying to clear cap space for the following year. But of course the Spurs won't take on salary like that. And Scola is 27, which is a big conceptual difference from, say, 25.

The ultimate design, IMO, is to get Jeff Green. I see his 'passiveness' and post-creation skills going against him in any camps he goes to. Of course, some team might just grab him in the first 10 and this is moot.

There are few options in FA and trade and the draft to get our SF.

[Mr. Body]

Added: Chicago at the #9 is an extreme possibility if Hawes and Yi both get nabbed before then (and B. Wright and Horford). They have tons of options, say drafting Julian Wright and working a S&T with Nocioni and other stuff for Zach Randolph, but I can see them wanting to keep Nocioni and trying out the ole Argentinian mind-meld by putting Scola in there, too. Nocioni may be scaring people with some of these reports about his foot lately.

I think Hawes drops to #9, though.

[mountainballer]

just read about the Jared Dudley workout on DX.
DX has always been very high on him (calling him a late 1st-high 2nd rounder, other than nbadraft, they rank him low 2nd round).
the more I read about Dudley, the more I like the idea of drafting him, even if he is the opposite of the "long athletic SF" we have been talking about for years.
they compare him to Gomes (which is a nice outlook) but I also see a lot Battier in him. maybe a poor man's Battier, but this would still be intriguing.
just looked at Battiers last year at Duke:
19.9 PPG (47%FG,42% 3s) 7.3 RPG, 2 APG
Dudley:
19.0 PPG (56%FG, 44% 3s) 8.3 RPG, 3 APG

both are slow and can't jump, both make up for it with very smart play and hard working, very high BBIQ, leadership and intangibles are top-notch.
against Georgetown Dudley showed his defense abilities, when he totally outplayed Jeff Green.
what impresses me most is his constantly improving long range shooting, because this ability would fit perfectly with the Spurs.
I don't think the Spurs should use the 1st rounder on him, but at 33 he isn't a bad idea.
the question is, would the Spurs pick an athletic SF at 28 (McGuire) AND Dudley at 33? seems unlikely.
however. maybe they see Dudley as a repleacement of Bonner, (talking about the roster spot) who's chance to be resigned doesn't look high right now. (and I don't think he likes his current role either)
thoughts?

edit: when I mentioned that Dudley outplayed Green, I of course didn't mean that I would take Dudley if there was a chance to get Green. but I really can't see how we ever could get Green. maybe if we package all we've got together (Scola, 28+33 pick, White)

[TDMVPDPOY]

spurs are crazy if they dont resign bonner

[mountainballer]

Added: Chicago at the #9 is an extreme possibility if Hawes and Yi both get nabbed before then (and B. Wright and Horford). They have tons of options, say drafting Julian Wright and working a S&T with Nocioni and other stuff for Zach Randolph, but I can see them wanting to keep Nocioni and trying out the ole Argentinian mind-meld by putting Scola in there, too. Nocioni may be scaring people with some of these reports about his foot lately.

I think Hawes drops to #9, though.

I have been thinking about the Chicago scenario. the question is, if they can't get Haws or Yi, they still have the option to pick McRoberts or Smith. to get either of them, they could even trade down (Philly 12+30?) and get another player in the first round.
but yes, Chicago is a good option. they have 3 expiring contracts of their bigs (PJ, Allen, Sweetney) and I don't think either will be back.
an expirienced player like Scola would be maybe more intriguing in the current situation than most other rookies.
so an extended offer might get this done.
scenario: Bulls pick Green at 9 and trade him for Scola, the best available wing (at 28) and Visser (who they pick at 33).
doesn't look bad for both IMO.

[yavozerb]

The bulls will not trade any picks prior to the draft. Another young player drafted simply adds another piece to a major trade possible for gasol or some other all-star player who is being shopped. I will say this though, the success nocioni had in chicago will def. help with a possible trade for scola if it does happen after the draft.
I do not see the spurs having two 1st round picks due to the fact these are guranteed contracts and the spurs will not even have that many roster spots available so any trade will involve the 28th pick. I see charlotte and philly as our only real options to trading up (#21 and 22 pick).
I am hoping that next year we could see Rush,White, Mcguire all on the floor together. Damn, somebody wake me up from this dream!!

[Mr. Body]

I have been thinking about the Chicago scenario. the question is, if they can't get Haws or Yi, they still have the option to pick McRoberts or Smith. to get either of them, they could even trade down (Philly 12+30?) and get another player in the first round.
but yes, Chicago is a good option. they have 3 expiring contracts of their bigs (PJ, Allen, Sweetney) and I don't think either will be back.
an expirienced player like Scola would be maybe more intriguing in the current situation than most other rookies.
so an extended offer might get this done.
scenario: Bulls pick Green at 9 and trade him for Scola, the best available wing (at 28) and Visser (who they pick at 33).
doesn't look bad for both IMO.

It would take too long to engineer, since it would depend on what the Spurs get, and for such a long period in between picks it'd be crazy for each team to draft for the other, unless Chicago feels they can use Jeff Green in some way if they don't find what the Spurs get very attractive. The trade would probably have to come after #9 turns up dry for them. Too bad, that this would stand a much better chance of happening if they had the #11 or so.

Chicago has a few options... trade for Randolph, Gasol, or at the outside Garnett. Maybe other post players are available, I don't know. I mean good post players - getting Melvin Ely won't fix much.

In the draft there are so few post players with skill, and it looks like all but one will be gone by #9, and it looks like that guy will be Spencer Hawes. Yi, Horford, and B. Wright will be gone. They could, of course, try to trade higher up, but should be happy to let Hawes fall to them.

[yavozerb]

If the bulls are expecting a rookie pick at #9 to win them a le then they are mistaken and I think they realize this!!This bulls team is very young and to get even younger in my opinion is a mistake. They need not only an inside presence, but also some veteran leadership to take the next step.

[Mr. Body]

If the bulls are expecting a rookie pick at #9 to win them a le then they are mistaken and I think they realize this!!This bulls team is very young and to get even younger in my opinion is a mistake. They need not only an inside presence, but also some veteran leadership to take the next step.

That's the thing. Hawes may take a while to get along, being weak in stature and on defense, and may not pan out. If I were Chicago, and I'm trying to be as objective as possible, I'd prefer Scola. Not to say he's can't-miss, but the cost for him is relatively low compared to, say, Zach Randolph, who has character issues that could totally derail the Bulls for several years.

But that #9 for Scola + #28 is too dear a price, IMO. And it'd be hard for them to pass on Hawes. We could cross our fingers Hawes gets picked before then (as Yi will be), but if Conley goes #3, and it looks stronger he will, Hawes definitely goes at #9.

[TDMVPDPOY]

why dont we just go back at tryin to strike a deal for magette

[Mr. Body]

"Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)"

[Darkwaters]

If we draft a guy like McGuire is it likely that we don't make a play for a veteran SF. I mean, we only have so many roster spots for wings...and with Ginobili, Finley, Barry, Bowen and White all under contract I really don't see a whole lot of room. Of course we could trade Barry and not pick up the option on White... But I think the idea of bailing on White is premature and trading Barry would require taking another player in return (meaning the roster spots don't change). Although, maybe a team like Charlotte who is under the cap wouldn't mind a vet?

Frankly, unless we can get "the answer" by trading up I don't know that its worth it. Nocioni sounds like a really nice addition...but it also sounds unlikely that it will work out. What if we just drafted Brandon Rush and Dominic McGuire and kept Scola? We could bring him over this year and have several nice pieces all under 30 years old.

[yavozerb]

If we draft a guy like McGuire is it likely that we don't make a play for a veteran SF. I mean, we only have so many roster spots for wings...and with Ginobili, Finley, Barry, Bowen and White all under contract I really don't see a whole lot of room. Of course we could trade Barry and not pick up the option on White... But I think the idea of bailing on White is premature and trading Barry would require taking another player in return (meaning the roster spots don't change). Although, maybe a team like Charlotte who is under the cap wouldn't mind a vet?

Frankly, unless we can get "the answer" by trading up I don't know that its worth it. Nocioni sounds like a really nice addition...but it also sounds unlikely that it will work out. What if we just drafted Brandon Rush and Dominic McGuire and kept Scola? We could bring him over this year and have several nice pieces all under 30 years old.

OK, here is the deal. The spurs currently have 12 players under contract (counting player options:finley and oberto, team options: bowen) and also counting beno. So as you can see there really is not much room for many additional players to this roster. Yes, I too want to see new and younger players but who do you take away from a possible championship team without messing up team chemestry. The only players I see possibly being moved moved are Beno, Barry, Butler, and White (possibly not even making team next season) and to move a player usually means to take on another contract so where are the open roster spots??

[Mr. Body]

Ely's departure leaves a spot.

Bonner may leave, but I don't think so.

Now it looks like Horry will stay.

Neither Oberto nor Finely will leave.

Udrih will be traded, IMO, but that will be for another player.

He could be packaged with Butler or Barry for a single other player.

That is the only way I see us having more than one roster spot.

White could be cut, but I don't think they give up on him yet.

[TDMVPDPOY]

OK, here is the deal. The spurs currently have 12 players under contract (counting player options:finley and oberto, team options: bowen) and also counting beno. So as you can see there really is not much room for many additional players to this roster. Yes, I too want to see new and younger players but who do you take away from a possible championship team without messing up team chemestry. The only players I see possibly being moved moved are Beno, Barry, Butler, and White (possibly not even making team next season) and to move a player usually means to take on another contract so where are the open roster spots??

why dont we just trade finley to chicago for someone, thats if we win it all this year, does he mind playin in his hometown chicago? isnt that where his from?

[El_Mago]

After this past lottery, it is going to be extremely hard to really pin-point where people are going.

Portland is ready to unload. They can easily ship away Pryzbilla, Miles, and possibly even Randolph.

Atlanta is looking to move around as well.

The Sixers have 3 1st rounders and I really doubt they use all three because they need to clear out cap and could use some veteran players.

Chicago has also been interested in dealing.

Larry Bird (Indiana) has flat out said he really wants to crack into the 1st round after losing their first to Atlanta this year.

Personally, I don't see the Spurs moving too far into the early stages of the 1st round...they have never really been a team that does that.

However, I can see them swapping picks and sending a player or someone's right to either New Jersey, Philadelphia, or Charlotte....if they see someone slipping like Thad Young, Rudy Fernandez, etc...who they feel they can snag up.

[Mr. Body]

Why do they need Finley?

[T Park]

Why do the Spurs need to get rid of Finley?

[Mr. Body]

Why do the Spurs need to get rid of Finley?

That too.

[yavozerb]

By Matthew Maurer
The Draft Review
2/1/07







As our avid readers know, back in early November I compiled a list of sleepers outside of Division One schools. Avis Wyatt was highlighted as a player who I thought could really make a push to get drafted. Throughout the season I continued to receive reports on how well Wyatt was doing so I decided to take a closer look and see him in person.

North Carolina Central was matched up against Avis’s team, Virginia State. Prior to seeing Wyatt on this night I heard that he had expanded his range and was transforming his game. I was shocked to see how talented and versatile Wyatt is when facing the basket and found it necessary to raise my previous evaluation of him. Rarely does a player with his size have the kind of face-up game he possesses, especially those on the Division II level.

Offensively he possesses excellent mid-range and three-point-range shots. Wyatt’s ball handling is among the best at his position. He’s capable of attacking his man with hesitation moves and crossovers. Court vision is another one of his gifts, which could be due to the fact that Wyatt was a guard for most of his life until his growth spurt in the 11th grade.

While immensely talented there are a few things Wyatt will have to improve upon, most importantly his strength. Developing his upper body strength and adding some bulk to his frame would do wonders. But adding 15-20 pounds shouldn't affect his athleticism because he has an excellent frame with good strength. To some degree, Wyatt’s level of compe ion will cause some to discredit him, as the CIAA is exactly a hotbed of NBA talent. There will also be some concern as to what position he will play.

Despite those issues, Wyatt is a Division I talent playing in Division II. I talked with Wyatt and his coach Tony Collins after the game. Collins has experience in preparing NBA prospects for the draft. Over the past 15 years he was the assistant coach at Austin Peay where NBA draftee’s Bubba Wells and Trenton Hassell played.

Wyatt is blessed with great potential and small forward skills in a power forward’s body. Come April Wyatt will need to have a good showing at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. One thing is for sure: Avis Wyatt is a legitimate prospect despite his small school setting.


*Mathew Maurer is a regular contributer to NBADraft.net and runs the historical draft website TheDraftReview.com

This guy can play with most players in the early 1st round. He will probably middle or early 2nd round so the depth to the draft is there. We do not have to trade up for quality, if anything maybe we can make some trades for future draft picks if our roster size for next year will not allow for many additions. I know some of you hate this idea but it is better than wasting picks this year!!

[Mr. Body]

Portland is ready to unload. They can easily ship away Pryzbilla, Miles, and possibly even Randolph.

The Sixers have 3 1st rounders and I really doubt they use all three because they need to clear out cap and could use some veteran players.

Larry Bird (Indiana) has flat out said he really wants to crack into the 1st round after losing their first to Atlanta this year.

Personally, I don't see the Spurs moving too far into the early stages of the 1st round...they have never really been a team that does that.

Portland will have to eat Darius Miles' contract. I don't think he'll ever play again. Randolph could go to Dallas or Chicago.

I do see the Sixers trading one of those picks away.

Indiana needs help badly but has so few assets. What on that team is valuable other than JON? They shouldn't let go of Danny Granger.

The Spurs do have stodgy drafts where little happens. This needs to be a proactive draft; are they capable of it?

[AFBlue]

Ely's departure leaves a spot.

Bonner may leave, but I don't think so.

Now it looks like Horry will stay.

Neither Oberto nor Finely will leave.

Udrih will be traded, IMO, but that will be for another player.

He could be packaged with Butler or Barry for a single other player.

That is the only way I see us having more than one roster spot.

White could be cut, but I don't think they give up on him yet.

The only thing I'll say about this scenario is that I don't see the Spurs keeping both Horry AND Bonner. I think we've hyped up Bonner's importance to this team a littel too much, and I do think that he would be re-signed if Horry did retire...but there's too much redundency in their games and the Spurs will be looking to add pieces this off-season (Scola, etc.).

[Darkwaters]

The only thing I'll say about this scenario is that I don't see the Spurs keeping both Horry AND Bonner. I think we've hyped up Bonner's importance to this team a littel too much, and I do think that he would be re-signed if Horry did retire...but there's too much redundency in their games and the Spurs will be looking to add pieces this off-season (Scola, etc.).

Agreed. If Horry were leaving then I think Bonner is a no brainer. But with Horry staying Bonner just gets in the way of the youth movement.

That being said, Mahinimi needs to stay in Europe another year so HE doesn't get in the way of that youth movement. While I think he could be a centerpiece of it...I just think his time is a year away.

[coopdogg3]

Agreed. If Horry were leaving then I think Bonner is a no brainer. But with Horry staying Bonner just gets in the way of the youth movement.

That being said, Mahinimi needs to stay in Europe another year so HE doesn't get in the way of that youth movement. While I think he could be a centerpiece of it...I just think his time is a year away.

What about Mahinimi playing the NBDL for a year? I think that could work out well for him and for the team.