A few thoughts on this year's draft:
We all want to hit a home run with our (potentially 2) top ten pick. But we've already got Wemby, so this draft won't make or break us the same way it could the wizards. Because of that we could approach this draft a couple different ways; swing for a high boom/bust prospect, or pick a lower ceiling guy that is more likely to fit in next to Wemby. I don't think there's a wrong answer to which philosophy you choose, it's such a weak draft and no one sticks out that it's not worth getting upset about if someone disagrees. I've been looking at guys that are projected in the top half of the lottery as fitting into one of those two categories instead of a traditional ranking. I think a case could be made for any of these guys to be the Spurs pick.
High ceiling guys:
-Alex Sarr- size and athleticism should make him a solid defender, but lacks a lot of polish offensively. I think best case scenario he's somewhere between Jaren Jackson Jr and Evan Mobley.
-Stephon Castle- also looks like he should be a solid defender, but does he have enough play making to be a full time PG or is he another 6'5" off ball guard? His shooting needs work, but if he can get a reliable jumper he'll have a long career as a high end 3 and D player with potential for more.
-Nikola Topic- he's been discussed a lot lately
-Matas Buzelis- 6'10" with guard skills and is pretty good at everything. However, he's not elite at anything.
-Ron Holland- super athletic and competitive, should be a solid defender, can't shoot and hasn't shown a ton of shot creation or play making.
Safer prospects, lower ceilings:
-Zaccharie Risacher- 6'10" who can shoot on the move as well as catch and shoot. Had a rough slump towards the end of his season, but you're buying his long term shooting and defensive versatility with his size. Not going to create his own shot. Best case is he's Michael Porter 2.0.
-Reed Sheppard- unbelievable shooting numbers, elite feel for the game on both ends of the court, plays hard and unselfishly and I think is destined for a long career. He's listed at 6'3" (may be smaller), not an elite athlete so he'll struggle at the rim, and doesn't appear to be a true PG. I think he'll be a better defending Patty Mills that can handle some secondary point duties, but is best as a spark plug shooter.
-Cody Williams- another guy with really good basketball IQ on both ends of the court, but nothing pops that says he's gonna be an all star. I think he'll be a decent defender, the ball won't stick, and he'll shoot it well enough that people have to respect him.
-Dalton Knecht- guys that can shoot always have a role in the league. Looks like another Dougie McBuckets and he's older.
-Donovan Clingan- I think he's got a lot of Jakob Poeltl qualities to his game and will be a solid big in the league. Hate his fit next to Wemby though.
-Rob Dillingham- microwave scorer but will get picked on defensively. Reminds me of Lou Williams.
