Spurstalk Draft Board Poll(For the lurking Spurs FO)

[thOOdee]

With this year's draft class looking underwhelming, who should the spurs prioritize in this year's draft. Also, with March Madness here, who should we have our eyes on and rooting for.

[BacktoBasics]

If you want Sarr wouldn’t you just go get Drummond? Seems Sarr is basically the same thing.

[stnick2261]

I'm voting for the biggest question mark right now (Topic).... because if he's legit, he's exactly what we need.

[spurraider21]

torn between risacher and dillingham. voted risacher despite his stretch of slow games. but dillingham becomes more and more tempting every time he plays

[sfernald]

If there’s even just 10% chance Cody becomes his brother Jalen, draft Cody!

[LeBowen]

I want the best player available, regardless of fit. Sarr being the obvious example.
If that player is actually the real deal, we can always flip him for another great player, like what Kings and Pacers did.

I wrote about it many times and explained why, I don't want Topic.
If they're to gamble and get a point guard, rather get Dillingham. Maybe we get the new Iverson, who knows. Others don't have star potential.

But I'd rather get wings. Even if we get the Raptors pick, just draft two wings, our current wings are atrocious.

[CorrectCrusader]

Every night I dream of Reed Shepphard in Silver and black coming around a screen and bottoming a three.
Haven't seen that on the spurs roster in years

[thOOdee]

Haven't watched mutch of their game, but from the limited highlights I've seen and with their body frame, ron holland and cody williams look like you could make something out of them. Although I wouldn't be unhappy with a gamble at risacher.

Although, we are in desperate need of a point guard, I think FA, sign and trade, or gamble at next year's draft is the better option. Will reserve the option to change my mind once I see kentucky play thursday.

[baseline bum]

torn between risacher and dillingham. voted risacher despite his stretch of slow games. but dillingham becomes more and more tempting every time he plays

Dillingham and Sheppard are the only players in this class I can watch a full game of and not be disgusted at the thought of the Spurs using a top 7 pick on them. :lol

[itzsoweezee]

I haven’t watched any of these guys this year (other than the Kentucky duo), but the idea of the spurs drafting topic is frightening. A teenager that has barely even played, who adds another non-shooter to this roster full of non-shooters makes no sense. If we’re going to gamble, id rather gamble on dillingham or reed, or even Risacher

[spurraider21]

lol at non-public polls

[exstatic]

lol at non-public polls

You get more honest answers.

[spurraider21]

Dillingham and Sheppard are the only players in this class I can watch a full game of and not be disgusted at the thought of the Spurs using a top 7 pick on them. :lol
topic scares me but i also think he's the natural guy to pair sheppard with

[scott]

I voted Matas. I just feel like he is the best combination of floor, upside and fit.

[buttsR4rebounding]

I think they should use the pick to trade for a wing, PG, or PF that can shoot the 3.

[baseline bum]

I voted Matas. I just feel like he is the best combination of floor, upside and fit.

Well his three point shooting this year definitely fits with this roster

[spurraider21]

Well his three point shooting this year definitely fits with this roster
right now he's brandon ingram without a jumper :lol

[baseline bum]

topic scares me but i also think he's the natural guy to pair sheppard with

I'd be ok taking Topic 7-10 because who the fuck else is there :lol

[spurraider21]

I'd be ok taking Topic 7-10 because who the fuck else is there :lol
yeah if we're picking, say, 6 and 7 or 6 and 8, would be a spot to take sheppard/topic duo if they're there

[LeBowen]

Only two votes for Sarr, including myself.

Do you guys think that he's not that good of a prospect or?
To me he looks like the safest pick out of the bunch and it's not like he doesn't have good upside.

Hypothetically, if we could draft Bam Adebayo, are you telling me that you'd pass on him because of questionable fit with Wemby?

We need BPA. If they don't want Sarr, we need to get some additional assets and trade down.

I'd go for Sarr because he'd guarantee 48 minutes of elite rim protection. If we had him instead of Collins this season, we'd easily have 5 more wins due to how bad our rim protection has been when Wemby sits.
If he never develops a jumpshot, just trade him for a better fit before he's up for extension.

It's not like there's anyone else in the draft who's a safe pick.
Risacher won't even be in the discussion for a pick over Brandon Miller, for example.

[baseline bum]

yeah if we're picking, say, 6 and 7 or 6 and 8, would be a spot to take sheppard/topic duo if they're there

I'd be floored to see Sheppard still on the board at 6. I was thinking more like if the Spurs got the #4 and the #7 so miss out on Risacher, Sarr, and Dillingham.

[scott]

Only two votes for Sarr, including myself.

Do you guys think that he's not that good of a prospect or?
To me he looks like the safest pick out of the bunch and it's not like he doesn't have good upside.

Hypothetically, if we could draft Bam Adebayo, are you telling me that you'd pass on him because of questionable fit with Wemby?

We need BPA. If they don't want Sarr, we need to get some additional assets and trade down.

I'd go for Sarr because he'd guarantee 48 minutes of elite rim protection. If we had him instead of Collins this season, we'd easily have 5 more wins due to how bad our rim protection has been when Wemby sits.
If he never develops a jumpshot, just trade him for a better fit before he's up for extension.

It's not like there's anyone else in the draft who's a safe pick.
Risacher won't even be in the discussion for a pick over Brandon Miller, for example.

I acknowledge up front I might just be undereducated on Sarr, but he doesn’t sound like any better of a prospect than Jalen Duren, who wasn’t exciting enough to take late lotto when it would have been a better fit (pre-Wemby)

[Mr. Body]

Only two votes for Sarr, including myself.

Do you guys think that he's not that good of a prospect or?
To me he looks like the safest pick out of the bunch and it's not like he doesn't have good upside.

Hypothetically, if we could draft Bam Adebayo, are you telling me that you'd pass on him because of questionable fit with Wemby?

We need BPA. If they don't want Sarr, we need to get some additional assets and trade down.

I'd go for Sarr because he'd guarantee 48 minutes of elite rim protection. If we had him instead of Collins this season, we'd easily have 5 more wins due to how bad our rim protection has been when Wemby sits.
If he never develops a jumpshot, just trade him for a better fit before he's up for extension.

It's not like there's anyone else in the draft who's a safe pick.
Risacher won't even be in the discussion for a pick over Brandon Miller, for example.

We already know Wembanyama doesn't work with a big. That's a rather large question going forward, but there was information we got from all those losses when the Spurs tried a super-jumbo lineup. It doesn't work.

And why is Sarr the BPA? I'd say it's Dillingham, as the most talented player in the draft. Are you just assuming he's BPA because some people started putting him on the top of the draft board? Two years ago everyone started putting Jabari Smith Jr on the top of the draft boards and he's definitely not the best player in that draft. He wasn't even best back then.

[LeBowen]

I acknowledge up front I might just be undereducated on Sarr, but he doesn’t sound like any better of a prospect than Jalen Duren, who wasn’t exciting enough to take late lotto when it would have been a better fit (pre-Wemby)

I'm not going to say I'm an expert, but Sarr looks like a way better defensive prospect and a sure thing on that end.
Duren is just a great rebounder and a subpar defender.



We already know Wembanyama doesn't work with a big. That's a rather large question going forward, but there was information we got from all those losses when the Spurs tried a super-jumbo lineup. It doesn't work.

Agreed. That's why rookie Sarr wouldn't start.
Big lineups don't work if the big playing next to Wemby is an awful defender and can't switch.
Sarr is projected to be an Adebayo-like defender and he'd be playing the PF role on defense if needed.

Offense would be a rough fit early on, but Wemby won't play more than 30mpg anytime soon and those backup minutes would be plenty for him to develop.
I think you underrate the impact of having elite rim protection all game long, I'd say that would be as good as having a legit 20ppg scorer off the bench.

Then a few years down the road, trade him for a great return if he doesn't improve his range.



And why is Sarr the BPA? Are you just assuming he's BPA because some people started putting him on the top of the draft board? Two years ago everyone started putting Jabari Smith Jr on the top of the draft boards and he's definitely not the best player in that draft. He wasn't even best back then.

I said he's the safest pick. Even if he doesn't live up to the hype of being the next Adebayo, he'd be a great defensive big and we wouldn't have to worry about our bigs for the next decade.
Meanwhile, all those wings have fundamental flaws and question marks. Unlike Miller last year, none of them are guaranteed to be good shooters.
What then? As you said, not having range is a big issue. But unlike Sarr, those other prospects can't play backup C and aren't projected to be elite defenders.


I'd say it's Dillingham, as the most talented player in the draft.

Easily. But you're also adamant about not wanting Trae because he's an undersized chucker and a traffic cone on defense. Which is a fair take.
Dillingham obviously has star potential, but it's also really hard to evaluate how will his skillset translate to the NBA since he's so undersized and weak.
He could be the next Iverson. Or Maxey. Or Jordan Clarkson. Or Trey Burke. Or Isaiah Canaan.
If he's Isaiah Canaan, congrats, we wasted another lottery pick. Second one in four years.

Still, Dillingham is the only point guard I'd use a top5 pick on. Not Topic and not Sheppard.

[manufan10]

Voted for Risacher and a Trae Young trade.

[thOOdee]

There sure are a lot of silent topic supporters.

[buttsR4rebounding]

Only two votes for Sarr, including myself.

Do you guys think that he's not that good of a prospect or?
To me he looks like the safest pick out of the bunch and it's not like he doesn't have good upside.

Hypothetically, if we could draft Bam Adebayo, are you telling me that you'd pass on him because of questionable fit with Wemby?

We need BPA. If they don't want Sarr, we need to get some additional assets and trade down.

I'd go for Sarr because he'd guarantee 48 minutes of elite rim protection. If we had him instead of Collins this season, we'd easily have 5 more wins due to how bad our rim protection has been when Wemby sits.
If he never develops a jumpshot, just trade him for a better fit before he's up for extension.

It's not like there's anyone else in the draft who's a safe pick.
Risacher won't even be in the discussion for a pick over Brandon Miller, for example.

I was the other vote for Sarr, but my preference is to trade the pick. If you’re taking Sarr you likely have either the 1st or 2nd pick. That could a strong enticement for Atlanta. I’d go for the gusto:
Atlanta gets SA 24, Chi 25, SA 24 SRP, Atl 27, Charlotte 25, Keldon, Zollins, Graham guaranteed
SA gets: Young and Naz Reid
Minny gets Sac 24 (from Atl) and 3 future SRPs from Spurs stash.

Minny goes over the 2nd apron next year without trimming payroll. The draft picks give them cost controlled players that they will desperately need.
Whether Atl does it depends on what they think of their favorite draft pick.

Spurs starting lineup is
Young
Vassel
Reid
Sochan at the 3
Wemby

I know the Spurs would never do such a big trade, but I can dream.

[Thomas82]

Only two votes for Sarr, including myself.

Do you guys think that he's not that good of a prospect or?
To me he looks like the safest pick out of the bunch and it's not like he doesn't have good upside.

Hypothetically, if we could draft Bam Adebayo, are you telling me that you'd pass on him because of questionable fit with Wemby?

We need BPA. If they don't want Sarr, we need to get some additional assets and trade down.

I'd go for Sarr because he'd guarantee 48 minutes of elite rim protection. If we had him instead of Collins this season, we'd easily have 5 more wins due to how bad our rim protection has been when Wemby sits.
If he never develops a jumpshot, just trade him for a better fit before he's up for extension.

It's not like there's anyone else in the draft who's a safe pick.
Risacher won't even be in the discussion for a pick over Brandon Miller, for example.

Sarr is my top choice too.

[Pauleta14]

Voted Cody Williams

perfect body type, love his wingspan, can shoot the 3, good court vision/passing

Longer project but higher upside imo

[Slippy]

If you want Sarr wouldn’t you just go get Drummond? Seems Sarr is basically the same thing.

I'm assuming you havnt seen Sarr in action? He had number of nbl games where he came in to hit consecutive threes or a three to turn games around for the perth wildcats . They were completely comfortable him.shootimg it. During pre game warm-up for his last cats game that i attended, he was swishing threes from Top of the key . When I started watching he hit 3 in a row.

Defensively when switched on a small on perimeter. . He had no problem staying in front , not getting beat. Again the cats were comfortable with him on switches. He was a constant presence in the paint too.

Does Drummond do any of that? Don't watch enough of him to know. Not recently that is.

[Slippy]

Drummond is more of a enforcer inside and a lot better rebounder than Sarr . So not sure of the comparison.

Sarr bulked up during the season which I think is good sign. He got pushed around or bumped off from mostly shorter bigs but with more size/ base.

Unfortunately for Sarr during the playoffs cats coach tightened the leash meaning he saw less mins and usage. Keep in mind Sarr came off bench as first string big.

Where in college. He would probably start , get more usage and put up better numbers

[spursparker9]

Rolling the dice with Topic

[R. DeMurre]

We already know Wembanyama doesn't work with a big.

I'm still on the fence for the draft and waiting for all the info to come in, but still wonder why you'd say Wemby can't be paired with another big. Zach Collins is, at best, an average journeyman at this point, so I wouldn't say the experiment to pair him with Victor proved anything except that Collins is average. I still think the potential to pair Wemby with a defensive minded switchable three point shooting big could be successful.

[Silverheart80]

I've watched almost every Spurs game this year, but so far, only highlights of this year's draft lottery candidates.

Question for anyone who has been watching more than just highlights -- who is the best prospect that's 6'6" or taller that plays the best perimeter defense, especially on switches?

[Mr. Body]

I'm still on the fence for the draft and waiting for all the info to come in, but still wonder why you'd say Wemby can't be paired with another big. Zach Collins is, at best, an average journeyman at this point, so I wouldn't say the experiment to pair him with Victor proved anything except that Collins is average. I still think the potential to pair Wemby with a defensive minded switchable three point shooting big could be successful.

I'm not saying he can't play with Zach Collins. I'm saying he can't play well with bigs. Maybe this changes in the future, but they tried the jumbo lineup and it just brings another big defender in and gums up the spaces Victor likes to operate. Who the big was isn't the point.

[onechance87]

Do yall think topic will be better then scoot

[rascal]

I'm assuming you havnt seen Sarr in action? He had number of nbl games where he came in to hit consecutive threes or a three to turn games around for the perth wildcats . They were completely comfortable him.shootimg it. During pre game warm-up for his last cats game that i attended, he was swishing threes from Top of the key . When I started watching he hit 3 in a row.

Defensively when switched on a small on perimeter. . He had no problem staying in front , not getting beat. Again the cats were comfortable with him on switches. He was a constant presence in the paint too.

Does Drummond do any of that? Don't watch enough of him to know. Not recently that is.

I voted for Sarr

Sarr has the most upside star potential of any player in this draft. That's why he is going to be the first player drafted.

[exstatic]

Do yall think topic will be better then scoot

Oh, hell yeah. Scoot played and finished worse in a worse league.

[BacktoBasics]

I'm assuming you havnt seen Sarr in action? He had number of nbl games where he came in to hit consecutive threes or a three to turn games around for the perth wildcats . They were completely comfortable him.shootimg it. During pre game warm-up for his last cats game that i attended, he was swishing threes from Top of the key . When I started watching he hit 3 in a row.

Defensively when switched on a small on perimeter. . He had no problem staying in front , not getting beat. Again the cats were comfortable with him on switches. He was a constant presence in the paint too.

Does Drummond do any of that? Don't watch enough of him to know. Not recently that is.
You're correct. I haven't seen much of him. The comp had been Duren. A more atheletic Drummond. I figured for a lot less just get Drummond. But I haven't seen a lot in the way of Sarr information and breakdowns. I was under the assumption that he was a 10 foot and in player. If he's knocking down 3's that's a lot more interesting.

I do think a paint enforcer next to Wemby is probably better than another stretch big.

[Limguogolo]

(Haven't logged in here for 15 years. I see you missed me. There's a lack of fantasy around here.)


Voted Sarr. The draft is like musical or cinematographic preferences: we always pick what we know. I am a Parisian delicatessen. So I only know the French "appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC)" products.


Why Sarr? Because we should not underestimate the faith of the Spurs administrators (or what remains of it from the time when I last logged in here) to reproduce a dynasty on the model of the previous one.


I have been reading you since La Parisian Patisserie was delivered to San Antonio. And I don't follow you when some of you claim that Victor can't play with another interior. From what I understand, he always preferred to play alongside another big. This made sense: Victor is a fine Patisserie, like whipped cream, he liked to play lightly on the surface of the cake, and he thus distributed powdered sugar and candy from mid-range. And then, with the Sohan experiment, with Victor's inaccuracies, there was no longer any question of icing on the cake. Victor wanted to win, and to do so, he agreed to put lightness aside. The defeats were bitter, he had to play salty and put an end to the sweet sniper shots.


"In the paint, young whisk! Go get your points under the basket, Bambi!", the OKC Thumper said.


And Vic went in the paint. Without interior next to him. Bambi is done with icing. The percentages are increasing. He comes to rub shoulders with the interiors who chase him, who double him. They, the deer hunters.


But, don't expect Bambi to bulk up. Certainly, he will drive in the paint, but a fawn remains a fawn. Victor will never become a Buck and will wait for help from an interior worthy of him.


"Sarr, yes Sarr!"


A pretty similar interior: excellent handler, capable of playing hard in the paint as well as sending three-point shots (perhaps more of a rebounder instinct than Victor naturally inclined toward offense). If the Parisian Patisserie is destined to become a superhero, a super Bruce Bro-Wayne, Sarr, "yes Sarr", is destined to be his Robin, son.


The Twin Towels are back! (Sorry, it's "Twin Towers", I'm so whipped. Cream slipped on my mouth.)


(I'm not a fan of Saccharose Riz-au-lait. As for Tidjane Salaün, his name means "salty", so I guess it's sweet.)

[rascal]

You're correct. I haven't seen much of him. The comp had been Duren. A more atheletic Drummond. I figured for a lot less just get Drummond. But I haven't seen a lot in the way of Sarr information and breakdowns. I was under the assumption that he was a 10 foot and in player. If he's knocking down 3's that's a lot more interesting.

I do think a paint enforcer next to Wemby is probably better than another stretch big.

Sochan is suppose to be that stretch big because he is not a paint defender.

If Sochan can't be that stretch big then he is a poor fit for the roster.

[baseline bum]

Voted Cody Williams

perfect body type, love his wingspan, can shoot the 3, good court vision/passing

Longer project but higher upside imo

The guy's three point shooting for the season dropped from 48% to 42% just over the last five games or so.

[spurraider21]

The guy's three point shooting for the season dropped from 48% to 42% just over the last five games or so.
he has made 16 three pointers in 21 games

https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4E22AQGXMT4sogy-oQ/feedshare-shrink_2048_1536/0/1707333461454?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=Jw4eBGbGBH5VzHzInEOyyhhwPDiaDdJItJQQktzsdC4

[baseline bum]

I've watched almost every Spurs game this year, but so far, only highlights of this year's draft lottery candidates.

Question for anyone who has been watching more than just highlights -- who is the best prospect that's 6'6" or taller that plays the best perimeter defense, especially on switches?

Castle looks pretty elite defensively on the perimeter. Great at fighting over screens and keeping glued onto his man and is 6'6". He also cannot shoot and is a role player offensively on UConn so he's not likely to provide much offensively in the NBA either.

[baseline bum]

he has made 16 three pointers in 21 games

https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/D4E22AQGXMT4sogy-oQ/feedshare-shrink_2048_1536/0/1707333461454?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=Jw4eBGbGBH5VzHzInEOyyhhwPDiaDdJItJQQktzsdC4

Yeah five games going 0-1 dragged his percentage down pretty far :lol

[Pauleta14]

The guy's three point shooting for the season dropped from 48% to 42% just over the last five games or so.

Didn’t say he was a 3pts threat, just that he can, he’s got a good shooting motion and still a freshman. I don’t see why he couldn’t be good at it. It’s something u can learn

You can’t teach/learn his body type tho, his length is amazing and exactly what the Spurs need on the wing.

he’s a good and wiling passer, attacks the rim …

In a draft with very little certainties, he’s to me the best bet since Topic has been injured (who’d have been my 1st choice otherwise)

[TD 21]

It boggles my mind that people keep advocating for limited to non shooters, who don't possess primary creation upside either as well as bigs with limited ball skills to play alongside Wembanyama.

Completely ignorant to today's game and what, among other things, has been killing this team for going on a decade.



Didn’t say he was a 3pts threat, just that he can, he’s got a good shooting motion and still a freshman. I don’t see why he couldn’t be good at it. It’s something u can learn

This mentality is the reason why this organization has been behind the curve in an evolution that's going on 9 years old.

By far the most likely outcome with that is to get someone who's borderline competent but limited to spot ups that the defense pays little to no mind.

[Mr. Body]

Cody Williams has such a slow shot, it's easy to guard. Beyond this, he barely takes any, maybe to save his percentage or whatever. Beyond this, he's taken exactly one for each of his last five games and has missed every single one.

Really isn't looking great lately either. Didn't play down the stretch in the conference tourney championship because he was so ineffective. He has a long, long way to go.

[Frenchfred]

It boggles my mind that people keep advocating for limited to non shooters, who don't possess primary creation upside either as well as bigs with limited ball skills to play alongside Wembanyama.

Completely ignorant to today's game and what, among other things, has been killing this team for going on a decade.




This mentality is the reason why this organization has been behind the curve in an evolution that's going on 9 years old.

By far the most likely outcome with that is to get someone who's borderline competent but limited to spot ups that the defense pays little to no mind.

but who are the shooters in this draft without being a liability in defense?

[Dex]

I've given up on trying to read the draft tea leaves. I'll just wait until draft day to be disappointed.

[spurraider21]

but who are the shooters in this draft without being a liability in defense?
Sheppard has some defensive limitations but seems to make up for it through his effort and instincts on that end

Risacher supposedly is regularly tasked with defending the top options on opposing teams

im not that high on him, but Salaun is supposedly a competitive/athletic defender who also has a promising 3 point shot

Devin Carter can shoot and play D

[Knoxxx]

I like Risacher, Buzelis, and Topic in that order. I’m having trouble accepting how below the rim Topic plays. Risacher shooting seems like one of our top needs. Buzelis looks great attacking the rim, not the shooter maybe he develops into a Sabonis type. Any of those players also available at 7, two of the three would be a nice haul for us.

[SpursBills]

but who are the shooters in this draft without being a liability in defense?

The only realistic answer is probably Risacher who's decent at both.

Sheppard has less POA defense, Devin Carter has an ugly looking shot. Cam Spencer is really old but he fits the bill too.

I haven't watched any of these guys personally, but if you want to get into the weeds, may want to look into guys like Nique Clifford or Dylan Disu. Maybe Chad Baker-Mazara.

EDIT: Also Johnny Furphy is a good shooter and a passable defender

[spurraider21]

imo theres reason for optimism that buzelis' shooting will come around, and he's already a solid defender.

[TimmehC]

Of all the guys in this draft who can't shoot threes, Castle looks like the one most likely to be able to "fix" his shot(weird hitch in his motion). And if he does, he becomes an incredible two-way guy. This draft is so full of role players, might as well gamble on upside.

[Frenchfred]

Sheppard has some defensive limitations but seems to make up for it through his effort and instincts on that end

Risacher supposedly is regularly tasked with defending the top options on opposing teams

im not that high on him, but Salaun is supposedly a competitive/athletic defender who also has a promising 3 point shot

Devin Carter can shoot and play D

Sheppard is really undersized for a SG and not athletic enough. If he could play PG full time, then I think that he would be my pick; his defense could be covered by Wemby. Risacher has some upside but I’m not sold. This is a difficult draft, I’m not expecting any of the draftees to be anything better than Branham or Wesley.

[spurraider21]

Sheppard is really undersized for a SG and not athletic enough. If he could play PG full time, then I think that he would be my pick; his defense could be covered by Wemby. Risacher has some upside but I’m not sold. This is a difficult draft, I’m not expecting any of the draftees to be anything better than Branham or Wesley.
i dont think you understand how poorly branham/wesley have played :lol

[rankingtear]

Topic should be the cleanest fit after Zacch. After that just swing away with a development guy.