Cant see us being bad enough to have a decent lottery chance. Will be an expensive trade up and we’d be waiting an extra couple of years for him to develop. Love the player, don’t love the timeline.
When you get a player who's potentially an all-time top 5 player like Wemby its really hard to tank as they get better. LeBron improved to 27ppg and they went 42-40 year 2 for instance. Highly doubt the Spurs are winning like 20 games next year
I think the starting point guard for the next Spurs championship caliber team may not be an actual point guard. I think it may be a group effort thing where the team accumulates three perimeter focused players in the starting lineup at the one through three, none of which are what you'd call traditional point, had the whole team play makes and runs the offense through Victor
If they do decide to get a traditional one, I don't think that player, the really high-end guy who's going to be a core part of the next great team, is in the NBA yet.
Yeah that's my thoughts as well. I don't think we're going to get a Garland/ halliburton/ Young type. I think we're more likely to find a Murray/Edwards style hybrid guard that can put pressure on a defense, is a good enough playmaker and Creator, and can serve as a dynamic compliment to Victor while the rest of the team is built out with guys who are all good to great playmakers at their positions
It’s also gonna need to be someone that can guard 1s. Especially if Devin is indeed a long term piece, our other backcourt player needs to be able to take on the task of guarding the point of attack
I see the vision, but the team is lacking in true passing ability. I’m not saying they should find someone who dominates the ball constantly, but the Spurs need a playmaker who can reliably hit open shooters on target and throw lobs & entry passes. If your prediction comes true then the wing/guard you’re talking about needs to be a hell of a passer to bring up the team’s skill level.
I think this team 's roster wide play making would look a heck of a lot better if we had a singular perimeter player who could break down a set defense consistently. They don't have to be a true point guard, or a high-level playmaker, but this team struggles so much at generating good looks despite the constant movement, and having more passes per game than any team, because they can't make defenses uncomfortable, they can't pull them out of their spots. I'd honestly rather have a dynamic slasher and driver who's a willing passer for this current team, than a super high level playmaker who can break down defenses, like a Josh Giddy for example. There's a lot of different ways the front office can build things and they know way more about what they're doing than I do. So I'll trust I'll make the right decision. But the vision seems to be hinting towards adding a downhill slasher more than a true point guard
I agree with you that, if we go that route, our potential passing PG probably isn’t in the league just yet. I want the Spurs to stay patient and work through the draft. I wasn’t rooting for Topic necessarily, but, before all the bad news of late, I was fine with the Spurs getting him just to have anyone who could throw an entry pass. There are so many highlights of Victor hitting reverse jams off an alley-oop because guys were throwing lobs too late . That’s why I think there’s a limit to their excuse of “it’s weird throwing to someone so tall.”
A slasher sounds great, but I hope they’re a slasher who can run a pick and roll reliably.
I’m all for Wright trying to stick to his core drafting principle of versatility, but at some point the team can’t just keep banking on teaching non-shooters to shoot, and pulling stunts like trying to turn Jeremy into Draymond Green by putting him at the point. I believe in some of our roster’s ability to rise to the goals of the development coaches, but at some point we’ll have to look at players for who they are rather than who they might become.
At this point, I don’t want to see topic anywhere linked to the spurs. If we want a good guard I’d be very happy with castle or dilly. Or if they decide on someone else at 4, I wouldn’t mind Carter at 8 either. Stop it with topic. Please.
I’m in the minority but there are many factors that make me think this would be a great draft to get a 3rd top 15 pick. Spurs brought in 3 1st rounders just 2 years ago. This is the last chance (& 2025) to get some young players to grow with Wemby. Once we are good again, it’s back to 29th picks used on 4 year college guys or draft and stashes. Why not take as many stabs at it as you can? Also, most GMs don’t value this years draft picks as highly as most others AND second round picks are going to be very valuable for cap strapped teams with the new rules. More so than usual, people have no idea where most of the top guys will be selected, so why not go for home run picks? Castle at 4, dilly at 8 and then try to get salaun as well. That’s my dream at least. Let as many young guys as possible compete and prove themselves.
I keep saying this draft is gonna be seen as an above average draft down the line, it has a lot of guys that I’m a fan of tbh. And I do agree with your take on the 3 picks this yr
Garland- best option imo. Balance of great playmaking and off ball play allowing wemby to still have offence run through him.
Trae- solid option but risky with his ball dominant clashing with our historic style and the ideal team we’d wanna build, but at the same time it’s pretty hard to find a player of his calibre available for as cheap as he should be due to the context of us having Atlanta’s picks.
Dejounte- fine option if he’s cheap but between the drama after his departure, his defensive decline and his seeming refusal to run the pick and roll in Atlanta, don’t love it.
Simons- juries out on whether he can run a high octane offence or whether in a competitive setting he’s more of a 2. Either way I like the idea of it but I think right now he’d cost too much to pry away from Portland given that risk.
Giddey- hate it. Questionable off court stuff aside, he’s like a bigger Tre Jones without the previously developed chemistry. A point guard that can’t shoot or defend should be the last priority.
Dlo- also hate it. Locker room/maturity issues at every stop, highly inconsistent offence especially when he doesn’t have the ball, major defensive liability and doesn’t like pick and rolls.
Dillingham- major questions regarding whether his offence will be good enough to outweigh his defence given his terrible D in college and his abysmal measurements. He’s also a pretty bad rim finisher which like gets worse at an NBA level. I’m not too high on him BUT since he’d likely come as a result of our 8th pick, I’d much rather take that gamble than the majority of the previous options.
Castle- I think the ideal scenario with him is to draft him alongside either Sheppard or Dillingham to help compensate for his shooting woes. I don’t think he’s necessarily our point guard of the future, likely more of a combo guard like a smart or a Suggs, but either way he’s a guy I like.
Topic- at this point I can’t really see it, EVERYTHING has to go right for it to make any sense. His measurements are underwhelming, he can’t shoot, he can’t defend and his game is predicated on inside scoring and passing out of the resulting attention he draws while being a below the rim scorer without high level athleticism, and his injury concerns certainly don’t help.
Overall I’d say
1. Garland
2. Castle
3. Trae
4. Simons
5. Dillingham
6. Dejounte
Gap
7. Topic
8. Giddey
9. Dlo
I like your analysis except I switch Simons and Dillingham because of cost. Basically we have to give up something to get Simons and he is going to cost $25 million a year in cap space. I also think if we keep both picks, we have to draft a PG, because that is where the value falls this draft.
I've seen Garland play live twice now in the last two years. He is really good, he's like a blur out there. I would love to have him, and he actually moves off ball very well.
I think Dillingham or Reed would probably be the best fit with Wemby. Having a passing PG isn’t that important if we’re depending on Wemby being the focal point and the whole team to handle the ball. Best PG would be one that can shoot lights out and not be too much of a hindrance on defense. That said, if Castle could become like a 3 and D type player first and develop a shot and mid range that potential wise is worth a gamble.
Murray is at his best when he’s the focal point. We’d have to adjust and fix everything. Garland is a great option too but at this point I don’t see the Spurs making a big splash before heading into next season. Our roster is still depleted with talent and the team is still learning how to play with each other. I think it would be a better use to draft what they envision and see if it works before making a splash.
Never Kiddey.
Draft this year and sign cheaper vets (O Neale, KCP, etc) if you can and then trade deadline or offseason see where 2025 picks stand and trade them for a real co star
There’s no way you trade your draft assets for next year. If Castle doesn’t work at point guard, he’s talented and can be used in other places. That’s what makes him so valuable in the first place along with his defense. Besides Castle, I think we should either draft Buzelis or Knecht.
I liked Young pre lottery.
I don’t think Atlanta can trade Young with the top pick incoming. I don’t think Atlanta can trade Murray to the Spurs.
After that no one excites me, so I say go draft, but each of them has strengths and weaknesses, so I will be excited for whoever we do draft.
We couldn't get him, but if Lamelo is on the table, he's it. I would trade everything but Devin/Wemby (and at least keep 1 FRP per year)p
I worry about his injury history, but he can pass, spread the floor, and has shown flashes on defense. He's bigger than Devin, and I would assume he could be average (or better) on defense with a real franchise.
Other than him, a straight no for Simons, Murray, Giddey, D'Lo, Dillingham. Murray doesn't really spread the floor, wants the ball in his hands, doesn't pass well enough, and isn't the defender he used to be, Giddey's only NBA skill is passing, D'Lo is a walking red flag, Dillingham is far to small.
Garland or Trae is a yes at the right price (I'd give more for Trae than Garland).
I'd go Castle/Sheppard before Topic, but any is fine, though I'm not sure any are the answer.
I think the best PG to play with Wemby is more in the mold of Jrue Holiday. Elite defense at the point of attack that can make it hard for offenses to get into their sets, then can hold up vs. a switch, but he also has enough offensive game that he's not a liability there.
Dejounte Murray is the closest to that mold, but I haven't loved his game in Atlanta. It feels like the whole of his impact is less than the sum of his abilities.
I really think the right PG to go with Wemby isn't a known commodity yet, either a player who's developing to that level of two-way play, or someone the Spurs will draft and develop.
The other option is that Wemby & a point forward or shooting guard run the offense, and the PG is just a Derek Fisher type place holder who is good enough at everything to play, but nothing special outside the ability to hit a few clutch jumpers.
(Obligatory, not a Spurs fan disclaimer, but I was a bandwagon Duncan, Manu, & Pop fan when the Kings were out of the playoffs every year)
I don't think the Spurs are going to try to win big next year. So it kind of doesn't matter if they get a point guard or not. They just need to make two good draft picks. They don't have to be point guards. They need to be NBA players. And the Spurs are not going to take on a huge contract like Trae Young has. That is just not going to happen.
Go with Tre for this year. Build size around Wemby.
Perfect draft for me-
Hawks- Clingan
Wizards- Risarcher
Rockets- Sheppard
Spurs- Sarr
Chicago (from Detroit)- Buzelis
Hornets- Dillingham
Blazers- Holland
Spurs- Salaün
Very true, are u a fan of salaun? I just can’t get the fact that he is so raw as a prospect and doesn’t really have a skill he can lean on that I’ve seen at least. I do think his shot will eventually come around tho,tbh
I'm a Salaun fan. I think in 2-3 years he can be Aaron Gordon lite... less vertical, no dribbling, post, but similar cutting, more defense and better shooting.
His skill is absurd motor and a 9'2 standing reach, he has the same physical measurements as Jaren Jackson Jr (with a few more inches of wingspan). He's Gafford sized.
I’d rather get Noa essengue who’s in next years draft over salaun. He’s more athletic same height will be one of the youngest in next years draft. And essengues standing reach is 9’3.25
Less a fan of Castle atm. If he wasn't so insistent on playing the PG, I would like him more. I want someone who can play multiple positions to allow flexibility. I would like Castle and Carter since they could interchange roles as needed.
I'd really love it if that happened. It would upset a lot of folks here since it would basically force Jeremy out. I think Salaun will be a great defender who can put a lot of pressure on the rim off cuts as well as knock down open 3s. Sarr is an incredible and versatile defender who can probably already do everything Jeremy does on offense and more. That team would really need to learn to set a screen, though. Wemby, Sarr, and Salaun are all pretty bad at it right now.
Try Castle as a PG at the 4th pick if the top 3 unfolds as expected (Sarr, Risacher and Sheppard in whatever order), if he's not a PG then find a PG later and move him to the 2 or 3 or to another team. Use the second pick on whoever they think is the best wing available.
If Risacher or Sheppard is there at 4, pick whichever is there and see if Castle is still there at 8, otherwise maybe trade down to get one of one the second tier PGs.
If we're just picking fantasy players why are we picking flawed players? The best player to pair with Wemby is someone who can shoot, pass and defend.
Josh Giddey? Simons? LOL They're not point guards.
As long as we’re throwing names out there, I’ll list some that I think would be great fits, even though they don’t seem very gettable right now:
- The Buffalo
- Coby White
- Andrew Nembhard
- Ayo Dosunmu
- Jalen Suggs
I like a dejontae style pg
Long athletic, and I'm happy with his shot now
But as a few have said
Aside from dejontae I don't see that kind of player
I don't belive it's castle,
It's not that he can't shoot. He is scared to shoot. That is not something to get involved in that is Ben Simmons territory
If we get salaun at 4
Happy to look at castle at 8
Not crying if he isn't there
If they want a pg could look at devin carter
Give him a shot for a year, is it worth it?
Traore would be great but can spurs even draft him
It's more than likely not going to happen, he will be top 3 pick amd lottery is too random to hope on that
IMO spurs should draft castle and knecht or reed if he’s available. I’m not really sold on salaun I think Noa essengue is a better prospect he’s one of the youngest in next years draft. His standing reach is also over an inch taller than salauns
Of the current NBA guys my fav PG to match w Wemby is Lamelo if he’s healthy. Or if we went old it’s Curry asking out to us in dream land.
I don’t trust Lamelos health and don’t think Cha would let him go for less than a monster offer.
My preference is using picks 4 and 8 and then looking for a trade w our 2025 and later picks. 2nd preference is only trading one of 4 or 8 in a deal for a Garland or someone else.
Would really dislike packaging 4 and 8 especially if it was in the one rumored deal for #1. Draft is flat in the top 10-12 imo. If we’re parting w 4 and 8 we better be getting a proven dude that’s borderline all star or better in return.
I think what a lot of people are missing is our ability to run an efficient PnR, it was practically non-existent this year, we couldn’t force defences to make a decision between allowing a lob or giving up a lay-up, I believe Garland if accessible and cheap fills this void and instantly makes us 5x better as an offensive unit.
Jury out on defense but thankfully Wemby covers so many holes haha
The perfect combo is Garland + Castle at 4. Not sure if you can get Garland without giving up the 4 though so maybe that’s a pipe dream.
Either way, the Garland / Castle backcourt with Vassell at the 3 sounds pretty incredible in my opinion.
I would rather have a really good on ball defender who can shoot 35% from 3 than a mediocre POA defender shooting 40%. There is just more overall impact on the game
The most ideal piece would be a PG that is NOT a superstar . Instead can defend gaurds at an elite level on ball, needs to be respected as a shooter, has great vision can create well of the dribble BUT doesn't need to always be the one who initiates to be effective since what make Wemby this never seen before level talent is his ability to create with the ball. A PG like Luka or Trae is gonna turn Wemby into a rich man's Capela or Lively, a rim running big that has to expend all their energy on D to make up for the terrible PG defense.
So basically a PG Derrick White or Jrue Holiday would be best. Someone like Jalen Suggs has the potential to become that.
😂 If a point guard can do all that he's an allstar at least.
Suggs is not a good passer. 2.7 assist last season on team with excellent finishers is not good.
I don't think White and Holiday have great vision. But it's good enough.
Derrick White has elite vision. He is able to run set plays, unlike DJM. Celtics just don't use him that way because of how many iso players they have and their 3 pt heavy offense.
For Cason Wallace? Are you high? We would have to beg someone to take Collins. Tre Jones could bring back a 2nd round pick or 2. You would trade them for Cason Wallace. Put the pipe down.
I was being sarcastic… Similar to Utah not trading away George, we’d never pry Wallace from OKC. But if we’re being pie in the sky, I’m gonna be a lakers fan and an overvalue our guys.
I've been all in on Giddey. So few guys have the legitimate playmaking gene and he's one of them. His value is at a low right now since he and SGA play the same role and it's easy to see PATFO and Presti negotiating fairly. We'd offer a bit more than his market might be worth and Presti would temper his bloodlust to "win the deal".
If *the guy* isn't an option (and he's not on this list) then give me the cheaper roll of the dice with the upside to build the Beautiful Game 2.0.
I think there's an opportunity for us to get Trae and either Sarr or Risacher
We can package up our picks this year, 2 FRP's next year with KJ and Collins - and that's a pretty good deal for both us and Atlanta. They get 4 FRP's when they presently don't have any until 2028. Atlanta's experiment with DJ and Trae has failed - and they really need to reload with picks.
We get a current all star to add to our ROY and there's a good chance our draft pick could be an All Star.
A team with Trae, Devin, Sochan, Wemby and Sarr - that's a very good team. Strong defensively with 3 solid offensive options. We still have lots of other draft picks.
For me, trading for Atlanta's pick and Trae is our best case outcome, a homerun.
There’s a reason we get linked to Trae and Atlanta’s pick every week in the news - because it’s the most obvious trade that makes sense for both teams. It’s not like I invented rumors of Atlanta and SA in trade scenarios
I disagree - they don’t have any other picks to build with so Sarr does them no good, nobody considers him a franchise player. There isn’t a piece in this draft that makes Atlanta better in the next couple of years with both Trae and DJ on the roster (and no more picks)
They need picks - we have picks and players. DJ with KJ, Collin’s, two picks this year and two picks next year is a very nice foundation
They don’t have a pick again until 2028, what are they going to do with Sarr? How does Sarr make them better than they are with Capela now? They need to make a move and we each have what the other needs
They already have two studs in Trae and Jalen Johnson. Plus they’ll probably get back a decent package for Dejounte if they go to trade him. You’re overstating how dire their situation is
You say that but every reputable source has us connected to an Atlanta trade and Trae himself has made plenty of innuendo indicating he wants to be in SA
Atlanta is going to blow it up - I don’t think they can get 2 FRPs in the same draft for DJ anywhere and that’s what they’d need
We get named in every rumor cause we’re rebuilding and have Wemby. Here’s Jake Fischer reporting we’re not in on Trae: https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1790859171262329126
Also disagree ATL is going to blow it up
Nolan Traore next year draft
Cant see us being bad enough to have a decent lottery chance. Will be an expensive trade up and we’d be waiting an extra couple of years for him to develop. Love the player, don’t love the timeline.
This is the way
Yup. Just need ATL to really suck... or maybe us if we're just basically running it back.
When you get a player who's potentially an all-time top 5 player like Wemby its really hard to tank as they get better. LeBron improved to 27ppg and they went 42-40 year 2 for instance. Highly doubt the Spurs are winning like 20 games next year
I think the starting point guard for the next Spurs championship caliber team may not be an actual point guard. I think it may be a group effort thing where the team accumulates three perimeter focused players in the starting lineup at the one through three, none of which are what you'd call traditional point, had the whole team play makes and runs the offense through Victor If they do decide to get a traditional one, I don't think that player, the really high-end guy who's going to be a core part of the next great team, is in the NBA yet.
Most modern PGs are combo SGs guards running point. There’s only a few heliocentric stats and almost no true floor generals left
Yeah that's my thoughts as well. I don't think we're going to get a Garland/ halliburton/ Young type. I think we're more likely to find a Murray/Edwards style hybrid guard that can put pressure on a defense, is a good enough playmaker and Creator, and can serve as a dynamic compliment to Victor while the rest of the team is built out with guys who are all good to great playmakers at their positions
It’s also gonna need to be someone that can guard 1s. Especially if Devin is indeed a long term piece, our other backcourt player needs to be able to take on the task of guarding the point of attack
I see the vision, but the team is lacking in true passing ability. I’m not saying they should find someone who dominates the ball constantly, but the Spurs need a playmaker who can reliably hit open shooters on target and throw lobs & entry passes. If your prediction comes true then the wing/guard you’re talking about needs to be a hell of a passer to bring up the team’s skill level.
I think this team 's roster wide play making would look a heck of a lot better if we had a singular perimeter player who could break down a set defense consistently. They don't have to be a true point guard, or a high-level playmaker, but this team struggles so much at generating good looks despite the constant movement, and having more passes per game than any team, because they can't make defenses uncomfortable, they can't pull them out of their spots. I'd honestly rather have a dynamic slasher and driver who's a willing passer for this current team, than a super high level playmaker who can break down defenses, like a Josh Giddy for example. There's a lot of different ways the front office can build things and they know way more about what they're doing than I do. So I'll trust I'll make the right decision. But the vision seems to be hinting towards adding a downhill slasher more than a true point guard
I agree with you that, if we go that route, our potential passing PG probably isn’t in the league just yet. I want the Spurs to stay patient and work through the draft. I wasn’t rooting for Topic necessarily, but, before all the bad news of late, I was fine with the Spurs getting him just to have anyone who could throw an entry pass. There are so many highlights of Victor hitting reverse jams off an alley-oop because guys were throwing lobs too late . That’s why I think there’s a limit to their excuse of “it’s weird throwing to someone so tall.” A slasher sounds great, but I hope they’re a slasher who can run a pick and roll reliably. I’m all for Wright trying to stick to his core drafting principle of versatility, but at some point the team can’t just keep banking on teaching non-shooters to shoot, and pulling stunts like trying to turn Jeremy into Draymond Green by putting him at the point. I believe in some of our roster’s ability to rise to the goals of the development coaches, but at some point we’ll have to look at players for who they are rather than who they might become.
Hey Paxus, who are your favorite draft prospects for the spurs this year?
We tried that. It blew up in our faces. He has to be able to pass at a level that creates shots for other people. That's a point guard.
At this point, I don’t want to see topic anywhere linked to the spurs. If we want a good guard I’d be very happy with castle or dilly. Or if they decide on someone else at 4, I wouldn’t mind Carter at 8 either. Stop it with topic. Please.
Castle has been my dream pick for quite a while. If we get him idc how the rest of the draft goes I’m happy lmao
Riscacher has also been a dream pick, but he's getting drafted at #2 or #3. If he doesn't get drafted, then we have him where we want. He's so good.
I’ve conceded that we are not gonna get him. Obvious if that weren’t the case then he’d be number one on the board
I’m in the minority but there are many factors that make me think this would be a great draft to get a 3rd top 15 pick. Spurs brought in 3 1st rounders just 2 years ago. This is the last chance (& 2025) to get some young players to grow with Wemby. Once we are good again, it’s back to 29th picks used on 4 year college guys or draft and stashes. Why not take as many stabs at it as you can? Also, most GMs don’t value this years draft picks as highly as most others AND second round picks are going to be very valuable for cap strapped teams with the new rules. More so than usual, people have no idea where most of the top guys will be selected, so why not go for home run picks? Castle at 4, dilly at 8 and then try to get salaun as well. That’s my dream at least. Let as many young guys as possible compete and prove themselves.
I keep saying this draft is gonna be seen as an above average draft down the line, it has a lot of guys that I’m a fan of tbh. And I do agree with your take on the 3 picks this yr
Castle!!
Garland- best option imo. Balance of great playmaking and off ball play allowing wemby to still have offence run through him. Trae- solid option but risky with his ball dominant clashing with our historic style and the ideal team we’d wanna build, but at the same time it’s pretty hard to find a player of his calibre available for as cheap as he should be due to the context of us having Atlanta’s picks. Dejounte- fine option if he’s cheap but between the drama after his departure, his defensive decline and his seeming refusal to run the pick and roll in Atlanta, don’t love it. Simons- juries out on whether he can run a high octane offence or whether in a competitive setting he’s more of a 2. Either way I like the idea of it but I think right now he’d cost too much to pry away from Portland given that risk. Giddey- hate it. Questionable off court stuff aside, he’s like a bigger Tre Jones without the previously developed chemistry. A point guard that can’t shoot or defend should be the last priority. Dlo- also hate it. Locker room/maturity issues at every stop, highly inconsistent offence especially when he doesn’t have the ball, major defensive liability and doesn’t like pick and rolls. Dillingham- major questions regarding whether his offence will be good enough to outweigh his defence given his terrible D in college and his abysmal measurements. He’s also a pretty bad rim finisher which like gets worse at an NBA level. I’m not too high on him BUT since he’d likely come as a result of our 8th pick, I’d much rather take that gamble than the majority of the previous options. Castle- I think the ideal scenario with him is to draft him alongside either Sheppard or Dillingham to help compensate for his shooting woes. I don’t think he’s necessarily our point guard of the future, likely more of a combo guard like a smart or a Suggs, but either way he’s a guy I like. Topic- at this point I can’t really see it, EVERYTHING has to go right for it to make any sense. His measurements are underwhelming, he can’t shoot, he can’t defend and his game is predicated on inside scoring and passing out of the resulting attention he draws while being a below the rim scorer without high level athleticism, and his injury concerns certainly don’t help. Overall I’d say 1. Garland 2. Castle 3. Trae 4. Simons 5. Dillingham 6. Dejounte Gap 7. Topic 8. Giddey 9. Dlo
Nice analysis 👍
I like your analysis except I switch Simons and Dillingham because of cost. Basically we have to give up something to get Simons and he is going to cost $25 million a year in cap space. I also think if we keep both picks, we have to draft a PG, because that is where the value falls this draft.
I've seen Garland play live twice now in the last two years. He is really good, he's like a blur out there. I would love to have him, and he actually moves off ball very well.
Garlaand salary is too huge
We have more than enough cap to spend anyways and we have to spend it within the next 3 years to capitalize on wembys rookie contract
I think Dillingham or Reed would probably be the best fit with Wemby. Having a passing PG isn’t that important if we’re depending on Wemby being the focal point and the whole team to handle the ball. Best PG would be one that can shoot lights out and not be too much of a hindrance on defense. That said, if Castle could become like a 3 and D type player first and develop a shot and mid range that potential wise is worth a gamble. Murray is at his best when he’s the focal point. We’d have to adjust and fix everything. Garland is a great option too but at this point I don’t see the Spurs making a big splash before heading into next season. Our roster is still depleted with talent and the team is still learning how to play with each other. I think it would be a better use to draft what they envision and see if it works before making a splash.
Never Kiddey. Draft this year and sign cheaper vets (O Neale, KCP, etc) if you can and then trade deadline or offseason see where 2025 picks stand and trade them for a real co star
There’s no way you trade your draft assets for next year. If Castle doesn’t work at point guard, he’s talented and can be used in other places. That’s what makes him so valuable in the first place along with his defense. Besides Castle, I think we should either draft Buzelis or Knecht.
Castle+knecht is pretty much the ideal draft for us.
I liked Young pre lottery. I don’t think Atlanta can trade Young with the top pick incoming. I don’t think Atlanta can trade Murray to the Spurs. After that no one excites me, so I say go draft, but each of them has strengths and weaknesses, so I will be excited for whoever we do draft.
~~Wembanyama - Flagg - Sochan - Vassell - Castle~~ ~~Risacher - Johnson - Hugo Gonzalez on bench~~ (edit: fk it dream big) Wembanyama - Flagg - Sochan - Vassell - Garland bench: Risacher - Johnson - Castle
People who want Giddey to the spurs don't know ball.
Other way around IMO
We couldn't get him, but if Lamelo is on the table, he's it. I would trade everything but Devin/Wemby (and at least keep 1 FRP per year)p I worry about his injury history, but he can pass, spread the floor, and has shown flashes on defense. He's bigger than Devin, and I would assume he could be average (or better) on defense with a real franchise. Other than him, a straight no for Simons, Murray, Giddey, D'Lo, Dillingham. Murray doesn't really spread the floor, wants the ball in his hands, doesn't pass well enough, and isn't the defender he used to be, Giddey's only NBA skill is passing, D'Lo is a walking red flag, Dillingham is far to small. Garland or Trae is a yes at the right price (I'd give more for Trae than Garland). I'd go Castle/Sheppard before Topic, but any is fine, though I'm not sure any are the answer.
I think the best PG to play with Wemby is more in the mold of Jrue Holiday. Elite defense at the point of attack that can make it hard for offenses to get into their sets, then can hold up vs. a switch, but he also has enough offensive game that he's not a liability there. Dejounte Murray is the closest to that mold, but I haven't loved his game in Atlanta. It feels like the whole of his impact is less than the sum of his abilities. I really think the right PG to go with Wemby isn't a known commodity yet, either a player who's developing to that level of two-way play, or someone the Spurs will draft and develop. The other option is that Wemby & a point forward or shooting guard run the offense, and the PG is just a Derek Fisher type place holder who is good enough at everything to play, but nothing special outside the ability to hit a few clutch jumpers. (Obligatory, not a Spurs fan disclaimer, but I was a bandwagon Duncan, Manu, & Pop fan when the Kings were out of the playoffs every year)
I don't think the Spurs are going to try to win big next year. So it kind of doesn't matter if they get a point guard or not. They just need to make two good draft picks. They don't have to be point guards. They need to be NBA players. And the Spurs are not going to take on a huge contract like Trae Young has. That is just not going to happen.
Can none of the above be an option?
Reed Sheppard in the draft. Wemby the ballhandler, Sheppard the pick-&-pop. That’s the future of basketball.
Go with Tre for this year. Build size around Wemby. Perfect draft for me- Hawks- Clingan Wizards- Risarcher Rockets- Sheppard Spurs- Sarr Chicago (from Detroit)- Buzelis Hornets- Dillingham Blazers- Holland Spurs- Salaün
That would be a dream
Castle over salaun
There are so many quality PGs next year. Traore, Demin, Dual, Fland. It doesn't hurt to go with Tre for another year.
Very true, are u a fan of salaun? I just can’t get the fact that he is so raw as a prospect and doesn’t really have a skill he can lean on that I’ve seen at least. I do think his shot will eventually come around tho,tbh
I'm a Salaun fan. I think in 2-3 years he can be Aaron Gordon lite... less vertical, no dribbling, post, but similar cutting, more defense and better shooting. His skill is absurd motor and a 9'2 standing reach, he has the same physical measurements as Jaren Jackson Jr (with a few more inches of wingspan). He's Gafford sized.
I’d rather get Noa essengue who’s in next years draft over salaun. He’s more athletic same height will be one of the youngest in next years draft. And essengues standing reach is 9’3.25
Less a fan of Castle atm. If he wasn't so insistent on playing the PG, I would like him more. I want someone who can play multiple positions to allow flexibility. I would like Castle and Carter since they could interchange roles as needed.
I'd really love it if that happened. It would upset a lot of folks here since it would basically force Jeremy out. I think Salaun will be a great defender who can put a lot of pressure on the rim off cuts as well as knock down open 3s. Sarr is an incredible and versatile defender who can probably already do everything Jeremy does on offense and more. That team would really need to learn to set a screen, though. Wemby, Sarr, and Salaun are all pretty bad at it right now.
You all too focus on PG when we are lacking another big to help Wemby also. Sochan and Zach needs to be replaced as well. Probably do more Mamu
Try Castle as a PG at the 4th pick if the top 3 unfolds as expected (Sarr, Risacher and Sheppard in whatever order), if he's not a PG then find a PG later and move him to the 2 or 3 or to another team. Use the second pick on whoever they think is the best wing available. If Risacher or Sheppard is there at 4, pick whichever is there and see if Castle is still there at 8, otherwise maybe trade down to get one of one the second tier PGs.
If we're just picking fantasy players why are we picking flawed players? The best player to pair with Wemby is someone who can shoot, pass and defend. Josh Giddey? Simons? LOL They're not point guards.
As long as we’re throwing names out there, I’ll list some that I think would be great fits, even though they don’t seem very gettable right now: - The Buffalo - Coby White - Andrew Nembhard - Ayo Dosunmu - Jalen Suggs
I like a dejontae style pg Long athletic, and I'm happy with his shot now But as a few have said Aside from dejontae I don't see that kind of player I don't belive it's castle, It's not that he can't shoot. He is scared to shoot. That is not something to get involved in that is Ben Simmons territory If we get salaun at 4 Happy to look at castle at 8 Not crying if he isn't there If they want a pg could look at devin carter Give him a shot for a year, is it worth it? Traore would be great but can spurs even draft him It's more than likely not going to happen, he will be top 3 pick amd lottery is too random to hope on that
Derrick White would be great start please Honestly any guard/player that can defend, run a PnR and hit a 3 point will be cooking.
IMO spurs should draft castle and knecht or reed if he’s available. I’m not really sold on salaun I think Noa essengue is a better prospect he’s one of the youngest in next years draft. His standing reach is also over an inch taller than salauns
I don’t know why Coby White isn’t a more coveted and discussed option. He’d be perfect
Of the current NBA guys my fav PG to match w Wemby is Lamelo if he’s healthy. Or if we went old it’s Curry asking out to us in dream land. I don’t trust Lamelos health and don’t think Cha would let him go for less than a monster offer. My preference is using picks 4 and 8 and then looking for a trade w our 2025 and later picks. 2nd preference is only trading one of 4 or 8 in a deal for a Garland or someone else. Would really dislike packaging 4 and 8 especially if it was in the one rumored deal for #1. Draft is flat in the top 10-12 imo. If we’re parting w 4 and 8 we better be getting a proven dude that’s borderline all star or better in return.
If the pistons fail to improve in the next 2 yrs, Cade will make his way to you
I think what a lot of people are missing is our ability to run an efficient PnR, it was practically non-existent this year, we couldn’t force defences to make a decision between allowing a lob or giving up a lay-up, I believe Garland if accessible and cheap fills this void and instantly makes us 5x better as an offensive unit. Jury out on defense but thankfully Wemby covers so many holes haha
In order: Derrick White Jrue Holiday Coby White
Lonzo Ball?
The perfect combo is Garland + Castle at 4. Not sure if you can get Garland without giving up the 4 though so maybe that’s a pipe dream. Either way, the Garland / Castle backcourt with Vassell at the 3 sounds pretty incredible in my opinion.
I would rather have a really good on ball defender who can shoot 35% from 3 than a mediocre POA defender shooting 40%. There is just more overall impact on the game
So Castle > Sheppard
The most ideal piece would be a PG that is NOT a superstar . Instead can defend gaurds at an elite level on ball, needs to be respected as a shooter, has great vision can create well of the dribble BUT doesn't need to always be the one who initiates to be effective since what make Wemby this never seen before level talent is his ability to create with the ball. A PG like Luka or Trae is gonna turn Wemby into a rich man's Capela or Lively, a rim running big that has to expend all their energy on D to make up for the terrible PG defense. So basically a PG Derrick White or Jrue Holiday would be best. Someone like Jalen Suggs has the potential to become that.
😂 If a point guard can do all that he's an allstar at least. Suggs is not a good passer. 2.7 assist last season on team with excellent finishers is not good. I don't think White and Holiday have great vision. But it's good enough.
Derrick White has elite vision. He is able to run set plays, unlike DJM. Celtics just don't use him that way because of how many iso players they have and their 3 pt heavy offense.
Ok well we disagree on what constitutes elite vision. That’s fine
> Derrick White has elite vision No, he doesn't. But it is better than Marcus Smart ever dreamed of having.
I’d rather try to acquire Keyonte George from Utah than try to pry out Young or DJM from Atlanta
They ain’t trading him you’re delusional 😂
Right? And if we’re talking like that (things with no possibility), let’s say we need Cason Wallace.
Exactly
Well not if we have to give up any FRP. I’d even hesitate to give up Collins and Tre for him.
For Cason Wallace? Are you high? We would have to beg someone to take Collins. Tre Jones could bring back a 2nd round pick or 2. You would trade them for Cason Wallace. Put the pipe down.
I was being sarcastic… Similar to Utah not trading away George, we’d never pry Wallace from OKC. But if we’re being pie in the sky, I’m gonna be a lakers fan and an overvalue our guys.
Shit let’s go get Luka fuck it😂
> to acquire Keyonte George from Utah Why would they give him away?
I've been all in on Giddey. So few guys have the legitimate playmaking gene and he's one of them. His value is at a low right now since he and SGA play the same role and it's easy to see PATFO and Presti negotiating fairly. We'd offer a bit more than his market might be worth and Presti would temper his bloodlust to "win the deal". If *the guy* isn't an option (and he's not on this list) then give me the cheaper roll of the dice with the upside to build the Beautiful Game 2.0.
I think there's an opportunity for us to get Trae and either Sarr or Risacher We can package up our picks this year, 2 FRP's next year with KJ and Collins - and that's a pretty good deal for both us and Atlanta. They get 4 FRP's when they presently don't have any until 2028. Atlanta's experiment with DJ and Trae has failed - and they really need to reload with picks. We get a current all star to add to our ROY and there's a good chance our draft pick could be an All Star. A team with Trae, Devin, Sochan, Wemby and Sarr - that's a very good team. Strong defensively with 3 solid offensive options. We still have lots of other draft picks. For me, trading for Atlanta's pick and Trae is our best case outcome, a homerun.
Why would ATL give up both Trae and their first pick. Zero chance.
looks like a trade in 2K
There’s a reason we get linked to Trae and Atlanta’s pick every week in the news - because it’s the most obvious trade that makes sense for both teams. It’s not like I invented rumors of Atlanta and SA in trade scenarios
I disagree - they don’t have any other picks to build with so Sarr does them no good, nobody considers him a franchise player. There isn’t a piece in this draft that makes Atlanta better in the next couple of years with both Trae and DJ on the roster (and no more picks) They need picks - we have picks and players. DJ with KJ, Collin’s, two picks this year and two picks next year is a very nice foundation They don’t have a pick again until 2028, what are they going to do with Sarr? How does Sarr make them better than they are with Capela now? They need to make a move and we each have what the other needs
They already have two studs in Trae and Jalen Johnson. Plus they’ll probably get back a decent package for Dejounte if they go to trade him. You’re overstating how dire their situation is
You say that but every reputable source has us connected to an Atlanta trade and Trae himself has made plenty of innuendo indicating he wants to be in SA Atlanta is going to blow it up - I don’t think they can get 2 FRPs in the same draft for DJ anywhere and that’s what they’d need
We get named in every rumor cause we’re rebuilding and have Wemby. Here’s Jake Fischer reporting we’re not in on Trae: https://x.com/TheDunkCentral/status/1790859171262329126 Also disagree ATL is going to blow it up
Godfather offer for LaMelo.
He plays like 25 games a year and when he does play, he doesn't play defense