Who's available around the 20th Pick?

[Chinook]

Anderson = Not worth keeping for over 5 mils per year.
Blossomgame = unproven. Can't count on him panning out.
White = Should play PG.
Paul = Scrub
Danny = will leave
Manu = will probably opt in.

So, if Kawhi stays (not a very likely "if") you only have him and a 42 year old as your only two wings. And you don't feel like getting more wings.

Spurs need to get as many athletic, tall wings that can shoot as possible, tbh. The Spurs already have their bigmen inked for the next season: Aldridge, Gasol and Lauvergne, with Costello as a roster injury replacement. In today's NBA you don't need more than 3 or 4 bigs in your roster and like it or not, the Spurs already have those spots secured. They made their sandwich and now they have to eat it. Sure, if you can get other big by somehow trading Gasol it would be awesome. But if Gasol stays put, the Spurs can't afford wasting more roster spots on bigs.

Seriously son, get with the times already.

Typical " Aldridge ball isn't winning ball " take. The Spurs had eight players who switched between SG, SF and PF this year, and that's not including Forbes, Murray or LMA. Kawhi and his 30-plus mpg were missing, which made it look like wing depth was a problem. I've nothing against the idea of letting go of guys like Bryn and getting bigger dudes in there, or the idea of moving on from guys who can't shoot and getting guys who can. But ultimately, the lack of bigs hurt the team more, and it could have been even worse had LMA not been such an iron man.

You've continued to erroneously paint me as this traditionalist, anti-analytics guy, and I'll resist refuting that again for the sake of not derailing the thread. However, the team is going to play big from time to time to maximize their advantage, so strictly counting on three bigs isn't going to work, especially seeing as the top two are getting up there in age. That's also ignoring that Joff could well opt out of a min deal and Costello may not have to take a two-way deal again. Getting a) Fresh blood to groom for Pau's rotation spot in 2019 and b) a big who can play with the bench better than Joff is important. None of the "modern" NBA teams have shied away from bolstering their front courts recently. The Spurs would be dumb to not do the same.

There's a good chance that the team returns six of the eight "middle guys", which Manu and one of Bertans/Forbes being the only likely departures. Manu doesn't have an option, as far as I know. So if he plays next year, it will essentially be for free. That's why I don't think he'll be back. Blossom will fill one of those spots, and Porter/whatever big they draft will fill the other. So they're really looking at hoping one of Green/Anderson/the other of the Forbes-Bertans pair having to leave to get anyone else. That could happen, but even if it does, there's no reason to believe it has to be anyone special. There's always a pretty large number of those guys who end up in the d-league or at low-salary guys.

I agree with DPG that they'll be looking for overall talent more than just a position. But they'll need to build a roster both for next year and the future. When I look at current fits next to LMA and long-term fits with Murray and White, I see guys like Williams and Porter far and away better choices.

[objective]

Even if the Spurs got the #1 pick for Kawhi, they lose the trade. Kawhi is that good.

But if it has to be done, it has to be done.

Hopefully some team realizes how good he is and how much of a risk draft picks are.

Maybe McDunnough in Phoenix wins #1, realizes his job security isn't too hot, and trusts the Suns medical staff to fix the phantom pain Kawhi has (which would probably be fine wherever he goes). Guaranteed playoffs. I'd take #1 and filler like Jared Dudley, maybe Jackson has to be a part of it.

Because for as much hype as #1 picks get:

Towns just barely got into the playoffs and that's with two max money wings (including a #1 pick) and a big money prime point guard and a big name coach.

Davis has barely been enough to squeak in twice in all his years.

Kyrie was nothing before Lebron.

As a Spur fan I would be devastated because Kawhi is that top tier superstar, but I get sick of seeing the media puke out that these crap trades like a mid-lotto and trash for Kawhi. Kevin Love got the #1 pick, and that pick hasn't done anything but make money.

[duncan2150]

Here are some guys that may go around that time . . .

Khyri Thomas 6-3 210 PG/SG Creighton Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. 6-6 215 SG Duke Fr.
Lonnie Walker 6-4 200 SG Miami Fr.
Robert Williams 6-9 240 PF/C Texas A&M So.

Walker looks kind of interesting as a shooter. Williams has been commented on above.

I like thos guys except Gary Trent, Walker looks like a good energizing guard and Thomas is a very good defender who can score. But some people believe we can draft another PG/SG with murray or white on the roster ?

same thing i don't think we'll draft a center with mulitinov maybe coming next summer.

[BackHome]

We would all like the nightmare to end and Kawhi come back like nothing happened. But I just don’t see it happening his Uncle is pissing Pop off and we know Pop does not play welll with player agents who play games. So while it may suck if we have to trade him we should get a very high draft picks plus one or two skilled players. I can live with that and if this has to happen you get the best deal for the Spurs not for Kawhi.

If we do the trade we need wings who can handle the ball create offense and play defense. So right off the bat I am looking at releasing or trading Forbes, Green, Tony, and Mills. So that leaves us with White, Murray, and Manu and maybe Hillard at PG/SG position. So hopefully through trade or draft we can shore up the PG/SG position.

The next biggest need is offcourse SF so either draft and trade we can shore up this position. We could also bring in Hanga or Nemanja for tryouts this summer see if they might work out. And no Blossom is not even close to being NBA ready he needs one year.

Now moving to bigs PF hopefully Rudy Opts in and we still have Anderson I can play defense just don’t ask me to shoot the ball. Or Bertans I’ll shoot the ball biut weak on defense. Again have to be smart with what we can get for Kawhi trade. So for sure got LMA and Rudy, and maybe Anderson if he learns how to score.

Next is Center if I have to I can live with Gasol for one more year but no way am I keeping Joffrey. For this position I am would just bring Nikola over he has had a good year and getting better each year.

[cd98]

Spurs need to draft a new starting small forward.

[davi78239]

They'll waste it on Eurotrash

[MannyIsGod]

As for the actual tank - yes, I am in a rush to get there. The sooner the process starts, the sooner it ends. But that's also because I have higher standards than mediocrity. Sadly, that's not a value shared with many posters.

Only if you find a franchise player. I know that the Spurs have been insanely lucky with that, but it's not always going to be a David Robinson or Tim Ducan. There are far more Greg Odens and the like out there than franchise players.

Where's the franchise player at 14?

This also currently ignores that the Spurs can definitely stay compe ive as built. You can deny that, but the results on the court show that's the case.

[Kawhitstorm]

we need a modern center tbh... right now we're looking at Pau and Joff. just no

They have one on the roster, his name is Aldridge (the team needs a modern day 4 like PJ Tucker)

[ElNono]

Typical " Aldridge ball isn't winning ball " take. The Spurs had eight players who switched between SG, SF and PF this year, and that's not including Forbes, Murray or LMA. Kawhi and his 30-plus mpg were missing, which made it look like wing depth was a problem. I've nothing against the idea of letting go of guys like Bryn and getting bigger dudes in there, or the idea of moving on from guys who can't shoot and getting guys who can. But ultimately, the lack of bigs hurt the team more, and it could have been even worse had LMA not been such an iron man.

You've continued to erroneously paint me as this traditionalist, anti-analytics guy, and I'll resist refuting that again for the sake of not derailing the thread. However, the team is going to play big from time to time to maximize their advantage, so strictly counting on three bigs isn't going to work, especially seeing as the top two are getting up there in age. That's also ignoring that Joff could well opt out of a min deal and Costello may not have to take a two-way deal again. Getting a) Fresh blood to groom for Pau's rotation spot in 2019 and b) a big who can play with the bench better than Joff is important. None of the "modern" NBA teams have shied away from bolstering their front courts recently. The Spurs would be dumb to not do the same.

There's a good chance that the team returns six of the eight "middle guys", which Manu and one of Bertans/Forbes being the only likely departures. Manu doesn't have an option, as far as I know. So if he plays next year, it will essentially be for free. That's why I don't think he'll be back. Blossom will fill one of those spots, and Porter/whatever big they draft will fill the other. So they're really looking at hoping one of Green/Anderson/the other of the Forbes-Bertans pair having to leave to get anyone else. That could happen, but even if it does, there's no reason to believe it has to be anyone special. There's always a pretty large number of those guys who end up in the d-league or at low-salary guys.

I agree with DPG that they'll be looking for overall talent more than just a position. But they'll need to build a roster both for next year and the future. When I look at current fits next to LMA and long-term fits with Murray and White, I see guys like Williams and Porter far and away better choices.

Manu signed a two year deal last summer, so he has a guaranteed $2.5m contract for next season (18-19), unless he retires.

[Thomas82]

Mitc Robinson has to be the guy. 7'1 with shoes. 5-star recruit who didn't go to college, therefore will most likely be there at 18/19. Experts rate him as the best rim protector in his class and he's great at running the floor. The foundation for having a jumpshot is there too.

Just hope it's not Grayson Allen, DiVincenzo, or Dzanan Musa. Gross....

I'm with you 100% on that one!!

[Chinook]

Manu signed a two year deal last summer, so he has a guaranteed $2.5m contract for next season (18-19), unless he retires.

He has that guaranteed even if he retires (just like Tim did). That's why it seems he's going to hang them up. He'll get the same money either way.

[BD24]

havent been following college basketball this year and draftexpress is gone...

Someone may have already posted this, but don't really care to read through the whole thread. Here you go though OP

http://www.nbadraft.net/

[BD24]

Alot of good bigs in this draft, unfortunately most of them will be gone by the time we pick. Lottery, especially the top 10 is full of them.

[Thomas82]

Alot of good bigs in this draft, unfortunately most of them will be gone by the time we pick. Lottery, especially the top 10 is full of them.

I really hope we can get our hands on one. I would be pissed if we took another guard this year.

[keithington1]

I really hope we can get our hands on one. I would be pissed if we took another guard this year.

We need players who can put the ball in the basket. We should probably draft a SG, SF.

[Thomas82]

We need players who can put the ball in the basket. We should probably draft a SG, SF.

We also need somebody to protect the basket.

[BD24]

I really hope we can get our hands on one. I would be pissed if we took another guard this year.

Maybe we get lucky and one of them drops, pretty doubtful though.

Ayton, Bagley, Porter, Jaren Jackson, and Bamba are all really good bigs. Unfourtanetly they will all most likely be picked in the top 10. We might get lucky and have Robert Williams or Mitc Robinson drop to us though. Given Robinson is very high risk - high reward. Williams is more of the sure thing and could probably contribute fairly early, at least on the defensive end, his huge wingspan would pair nicely with our other players as well.

[keithington1]

We also need somebody to protect the basket.

We have Militunnov overseas. The Spurs problem really is scoring and playmaking. Keep an eye on Mitc Robinson

[Thomas82]

We have Militunnov overseas. The Spurs problem really is scoring and playmaking. Keep an eye on Mitc Robinson

Mitc Robinson is actually who I want us to draft.

[keithington1]

Mitc Robinson is actually who I want us to draft.

my worry is he hasn't played any college ball. He's not NBA ready more than likely and it's hard to see Pop draft someone like that.

[BatManu20]

Mitc Robinson is actually who I want us to draft.

I think he goes in the Top 16 before it’s all said and done.

[BatManu20]

Anfernee Simmons is my guy. Wouldn’t be ready for a couple years though.

[coachmac87]

*IF Kawhi doesn't sign an extension this offseason and the Spurs decide to start taking offers, then I think this would be the best case scenario for Spurs fans...

Sixers get: Kawhi Leonard

Spurs get: Lakers pick (Mikal Bridges), Markelle Fultz, and Dario Saric

Then with the 18/19th pick they can draft Mitc Robinson who is the perfect modern day Center and exactly what the Spurs need. In this scenario Murray would have to be human sacrifice in any deal to salary dump Gasol or Mills.

Next year's roster would look like this, hopefully.

Aldridge/Robinson
Saric/Gay
Bridges/Ginobili
Green/White
Fultz/Parker

This post just proves you’re an idiot...

[DAF86]

Typical " Aldridge ball isn't winning ball " take. The Spurs had eight players who switched between SG, SF and PF this year, and that's not including Forbes, Murray or LMA. Kawhi and his 30-plus mpg were missing, which made it look like wing depth was a problem. I've nothing against the idea of letting go of guys like Bryn and getting bigger dudes in there, or the idea of moving on from guys who can't shoot and getting guys who can. But ultimately, the lack of bigs hurt the team more, and it could have been even worse had LMA not been such an iron man.

You've continued to erroneously paint me as this traditionalist, anti-analytics guy, and I'll resist refuting that again for the sake of not derailing the thread. However, the team is going to play big from time to time to maximize their advantage, so strictly counting on three bigs isn't going to work, especially seeing as the top two are getting up there in age. That's also ignoring that Joff could well opt out of a min deal and Costello may not have to take a two-way deal again. Getting a) Fresh blood to groom for Pau's rotation spot in 2019 and b) a big who can play with the bench better than Joff is important. None of the "modern" NBA teams have shied away from bolstering their front courts recently. The Spurs would be dumb to not do the same.

There's a good chance that the team returns six of the eight "middle guys", which Manu and one of Bertans/Forbes being the only likely departures. Manu doesn't have an option, as far as I know. So if he plays next year, it will essentially be for free. That's why I don't think he'll be back. Blossom will fill one of those spots, and Porter/whatever big they draft will fill the other. So they're really looking at hoping one of Green/Anderson/the other of the Forbes-Bertans pair having to leave to get anyone else. That could happen, but even if it does, there's no reason to believe it has to be anyone special. There's always a pretty large number of those guys who end up in the d-league or at low-salary guys.

I agree with DPG that they'll be looking for overall talent more than just a position. But they'll need to build a roster both for next year and the future. When I look at current fits next to LMA and long-term fits with Murray and White, I see guys like Williams and Porter far and away better choices.

You really don't know Manu if you think money will be the deciding factor for him to keep playing or not. Unless his game completely vanishes during these playoffs, he will probably come back for one more year considering how he did this year and the things he said he felt about his game. So no, I don't think Manu is a likely departure.

Bertans probably is, unfortunately.

Forbes should be.

If Green doesn't opt in (which is far from a given, imho), he is probably out too.

Anderson depends on his price tag, I don't know why you paint his stay as a sure thing. And like I said: anything above 5 mil per year would be overpaying, imho. But PATFO gave Mills 10 mil per and Gasol 17, so you never know with them.

Heck, even Rudy could be gone.

On top of that, the collection of wings that the Spurs have is subpar, every single one of them has a major flaw. The one that can't shoot is a midget, the one that can't move laterally can't dribble, the one that isn't 42 years old is a scrub that doesn't even get minutes. The Spurs FO needs to take advantage of the fact that most of them are free agents, or potential free agents, and let them go. Signing Forbes to any kind of deal, or overpaying for Anderson, would be a huge mistake.

[keithington1]

Anfernee Simmons is my guy. Wouldn’t be ready for a couple years though.

I like him too even thought he's a PG. I don't think Pop would draft someone who didn't play in college. I was looking at the stats and Freshman Lonnie Walker is comoztable to Sop re Donovan Mitc . All three guys are around 6'4"