Lauri is locked in on a 4y/194m deal. Starts at 30% this year and ends at 26% the last two years. No resigning.

Devin became the first Spur to hit 600 threes in fewer than 300 games. 297 games so far.

Devin and Keldon are 6th and 7th all time, right above Sean and below the Red Mamba (656) and Bruce Bowen (661)

Tank status:

Still in 8th place with 26.3% at top 4.

Toronto has 3 fewer wins than us, but the last game of the Season is Raptors-Spurs.

Toronto only has 1 team above .500 on their schedule: DEEEETROIT.

Chicago - playing pretty well lately
Portland - tanking
Detroit
Brooklyn - tanking
Charlotte - tanking
Dallas - 9th in West, 2 games up on 11th
San Antonio

---------------

Spurs remaining:

Orlando - Tied with ATL for 7th/8th. Playing for positioning and mostly healthy
@Denver - 1 game out of 2nd in the West
Cleveland - 2 games from HCA Throughout
@Portland - trying to outtank us
@Clippers - 1 game out from 6th
@GSW - 2 games from 4th, 1 game from 8th
@PHX - 1 game from 10th (playin) They do not own their own pick (Houston)
Toronto - Start Branham

Portland has just 1 more win than us. Chicago and Miami have just 2 more wins than us.

If we somehow got below Toronto, we would have a 32% shot at the top 4 pick. If we tie, we split the 7th and 8th balls and flip a coin on who is 7th and who is 8.

Somehow I missed that the Jazz extended him last August.

With the down year and his 50 million a year cost, I'm much more meh on it now. For 35 million a year it's a no brainer but he doesn't feel like a 50 million a year player.

Zach Lowe is back! In what most of us hoped, he joined the ringer for a new pod called the Zach Lowe Show. Every Monday and Thursday. He was sorely missed.

Too bad ESPN won't let him take The Lowe Post. It's not like they'll be using it.

ESPN took a big downgrade losing Lowe and Woj. Somehow, Kendrick Perkins is still employed.

Enzo The Baker said:

---

ESPN took a big downgrade losing Lowe and Woj. Somehow, Kendrick Perkins is still employed.

---

Perkins even got a raise. Likely because of his resume as leader of the OKC Thunder when they made the Finals.

Castle wins Rookie of the Month for March.

Stacking those up.

FTAG 2000 said:

---

Castle wins Rookie of the Month for March.

Stacking those up.

---

Joins Robinson, Duncan, and Wemby as the only Spurs to win multiple.

Blazers beating the Hawks. Deni destroys Zaccy Racecar with a 32/15/10 triple double.

Yep, good last few days for the tank.

Assuming losses to Denver and Cleveland, a loss at Portland would all but seal that 8 spot. Too bad we beat Toronto last time or we'd have a real shot there, but I expect they will go on a little losing streak here to put our chances to bed.

Feel like we have one of the best young teams in the league. We just need one or two more great players.

The only player I feel strong about is Cooper Flagg. And I know we have a small chance of getting that first pick.

Maybe Ace Bailey but I am warming up to Knueppel and his offensive game after watching Duke. Ace we would have to be in the top four, but he seems like potential that may never be realized. Knueppel can be a flat tire on defense, but he may be the best option at 8 or 9. I also like Noa Essengue. I think he might end up being one of the best 2 or 3 players in this deep draft. I would be happy if we got him at 8 or 9. I like McNeely but I wasn't overly impressed when I watched him play in the tournament.

Right now I like Thomas Sorber, Queen, or Fleming with our second first round pick.

Maxime Raynaud is my out of nowhere Spurs pick.

Earth Rider said:

---

Feel like we have one of the best young teams in the league. We just need one or two more great players.

The only player I feel strong about is Cooper Flagg. And I know we have a small chance of getting that first pick.

Maybe Ace Bailey but I am warming up to Knueppel and his offensive game after watching Duke. Ace we would have to be in the top four, but he seems like potential that may never be realized. Knueppel can be a flat tire on defense, but he may be the best option at 8 or 9.

---

Knueppel is 5th but could rise to 4th on my Spurs-specific Big Board. He does not have the lateral movement we would want (nothing like Castle) but he does play good defense. He is constantly making the right switch, in the right position, making good decisions.

Defensive FG% against:

27% FG on drives (95 total)
30% FG on all jumpers (26% OTD)
33% FG at the rim
27% FG in PnR (70 poss)

Those are great stats. And sure it helps that he has Flagg and Malauch behind him, but those are still great stats.

Quote:

---

I also like Noa Essengue. I think he might end up being one of the best 2 or 3 players in this deep draft. I would be happy if we got him at 8 or 9.

---

He is probably my #2 choice for the #16 pick after Rasheer Fleming. I don't think Noa is a top 10 player. Too raw.

Quote:

---

I like McNeely but I wasn't overly impressed when I watched him play in the tournament.

---

He was a top 10 guy for me a long time, but he really fell off a the end of the season. I wouldn't mind him at 16, but there are other guys I would take over him. Especially if we got Knueppel with the first pick.

Quote:

---

Right now I like Thomas Sorber, Queen, or Fleming with our second first round pick.

---

I am pretty out on Queen now. Just too low motor on defense. Lots of not getting back. I think he could be a really interesting offensive weapon if we were OKC instead of SA because they have more defenders to hide him and more shooters that can defend. I love Fleming with 16 and Sorber is the center I would take there if Fleming and Noa are gone.

Quote:

---

Maxime Raynaud is my out of nowhere Spurs pick.

---

I don't think he is taken in the top 25. I would love him with our ~38th pick.

Earth Rider said:

---

Feel like we have one of the best young teams in the league. We just need one or two more great players.

The only player I feel strong about is Cooper Flagg. And I know we have a small chance of getting that first pick.

Maybe Ace Bailey but I am warming up to Knueppel and his offensive game after watching Duke. Ace we would have to be in the top four, but he seems like potential that may never be realized. Knueppel can be a flat tire on defense, but he may be the best option at 8 or 9. I also like Noa Essengue. I think he might end up being one of the best 2 or 3 players in this deep draft. I would be happy if we got him at 8 or 9. I like McNeely but I wasn't overly impressed when I watched him play in the tournament.

Right now I like Thomas Sorber, Queen, or Fleming with our second first round pick.

Maxime Raynaud is my out of nowhere Spurs pick.

---

They have to build a team around Wemby that can kill the Thunder and Celtics.

FTAG 2000 said:

---

Earth Rider said:

---

Feel like we have one of the best young teams in the league. We just need one or two more great players.

The only player I feel strong about is Cooper Flagg. And I know we have a small chance of getting that first pick.

Maybe Ace Bailey but I am warming up to Knueppel and his offensive game after watching Duke. Ace we would have to be in the top four, but he seems like potential that may never be realized. Knueppel can be a flat tire on defense, but he may be the best option at 8 or 9. I also like Noa Essengue. I think he might end up being one of the best 2 or 3 players in this deep draft. I would be happy if we got him at 8 or 9. I like McNeely but I wasn't overly impressed when I watched him play in the tournament.

Right now I like Thomas Sorber, Queen, or Fleming with our second first round pick.

Maxime Raynaud is my out of nowhere Spurs pick.

---

They have to build a team around Wemby that can kill the Thunder and Celtics.

---

Length on the perimeter and outside shooting.

This is truly a game for sickos

Castle an assist from a Triple Double. 15/15/9.

Miami won and Atlanta lost.

Need Toronto to do us a solid and tank hard against Portland tomorrow.

Guitarsoup said:

---

Earth Rider said:

---

Feel like we have one of the best young teams in the league. We just need one or two more great players.

The only player I feel strong about is Cooper Flagg. And I know we have a small chance of getting that first pick.

Maybe Ace Bailey but I am warming up to Knueppel and his offensive game after watching Duke. Ace we would have to be in the top four, but he seems like potential that may never be realized. Knueppel can be a flat tire on defense, but he may be the best option at 8 or 9.

---

Knueppel is 5th but could rise to 4th on my Spurs-specific Big Board. He does not have the lateral movement we would want (nothing like Castle) but he does play good defense. He is constantly making the right switch, in the right position, making good decisions.

Defensive FG% against:

27% FG on drives (95 total)
30% FG on all jumpers (26% OTD)
33% FG at the rim
27% FG in PnR (70 poss)

Those are great stats. And sure it helps that he has Flagg and Malauch behind him, but those are still great stats.

---

My biggest problem with Knueppel is the Spurs do not need another small wing who is undersized and not that athletic. We need shooters, but we need a 6'8" or above wing and 6'10" or above frontcourt players. we have a lot of smaller guards and wings on our team. Knueppel has positives, like his shooting, high IQ Player,

We have barnes, Keldon Johnson Vassell, Sochan - I don't know that Knueppel is a big upgrade at the Wing. Barnes has quietly put together a solid season this year.

Plus I think the combine might be a big deal with Knueppel. he doesn't look like he has a long wingspan, and I wonder about his true height. Didn't vassell lose like 2" in height at the combine and three inches off his wingspan?

Having said all that, I like Knueppel at 8. Mostly because of his shooting, he might be the best shooter in this draft. High IQ player. But I wouldn't be thrilled with the pick. I don't think he has a high ceiling. Maybe a high floor. I would rather either us go with size as we are killing ourselves giving away 2nd 3rd, 4th chance shots, or go with someone like Essengue who I think has a higher ceiling, and can ride the pine behind Barnes for a couple of years to develop.

Earth Rider said:

---

Guitarsoup said:

---

Earth Rider said:

---

Feel like we have one of the best young teams in the league. We just need one or two more great players.

The only player I feel strong about is Cooper Flagg. And I know we have a small chance of getting that first pick.

Maybe Ace Bailey but I am warming up to Knueppel and his offensive game after watching Duke. Ace we would have to be in the top four, but he seems like potential that may never be realized. Knueppel can be a flat tire on defense, but he may be the best option at 8 or 9.

---

Knueppel is 5th but could rise to 4th on my Spurs-specific Big Board. He does not have the lateral movement we would want (nothing like Castle) but he does play good defense. He is constantly making the right switch, in the right position, making good decisions.

Defensive FG% against:

27% FG on drives (95 total)
30% FG on all jumpers (26% OTD)
33% FG at the rim
27% FG in PnR (70 poss)

Those are great stats. And sure it helps that he has Flagg and Malauch behind him, but those are still great stats.

---

My biggest problem with Knueppel is the Spurs do not need another small wing who is undersized and not that athletic. We need shooters, but we need a 6'8" or above wing and 6'10" or above frontcourt players. we have a lot of smaller guards and wings on our team. Knueppel has positives, like his shooting, high IQ Player,

We have barnes, Keldon Johnson Vassell, Sochan - I don't know that Knueppel is a big upgrade at the Wing. Barnes has quietly put together a solid season this year.

Plus I think the combine might be a big deal with Knueppel. he doesn't look like he has a long wingspan, and I wonder about his true height. Didn't vassell lose like 2" in height at the combine and three inches off his wingspan?

Having said all that, I like Knueppel at 8. Mostly because of his shooting, he might be the best shooter in this draft. High IQ player. But I wouldn't be thrilled with the pick. I don't think he has a high ceiling. Maybe a high floor. I would rather either us go with size as we are killing ourselves giving away 2nd 3rd, 4th chance shots, or go with someone like Essengue who I think has a higher ceiling, and can ride the pine behind Barnes for a couple of years to develop.

---

I totally agree. I would rather have a guy that projects at 3/4 that can shoot at a high level than a guy that projects at 2/3 that can shoot with the first pick.

The problem is this: There isn't a single player in the draft between Ace Bailey (top 3) and Rasheer Fleming (15-25 in most mocks) that is a forward that has a proven shot. Not one. We can't draft a player that doesn't exist. I would love to get a power conference 6'9 guy that rebounds, defends, and shoots 40%, but there isn't one in the draft.

So you end up taking Kon at 8 or 9 then Rasheer Fleming at 16.

Fleming played at a mid-major and is 6'9 240, 7'5 wingspan, 1.5bpg and 1.5spg as he played defense on the perimeter and on the interior, and he put up 15/9 on 53/39/74 shooting with 4.5 threes per game. He's your D&3 PF that fits perfectly. He doesn't go top 10 because he is older (junior, almost 21) and played for a Mid Major.

If Fleming is gone, you go with Noa Essengue (average rebounder, 29% on three on fewer than 2 attempts/game). But Noa is a project and Fleming can probably play now. Fleming has a lower ceiling but higher floor.

We end up with Fleming and Kon and we are in good shape. Add a backup center and PG in free agency, then bring back Mamu or 2nd round pick (Raynaud or Kalkbrenner) as 3rd string and call it a day.

Wemby - Luke Kornet - Maxime Raynaud
Barnes - Fleming
Sochan - Champagnie - Keldon
Vassell - Knueppel - Branham
Fox - Castle - Tre Jones? - Wesley







Forward options on the big board:

Flagg
Bailey
Asa Newell 29% 3pt
Collin Murray Boyles 26% 3pt
Liam McNeeley 38/32 shooting on the season
Noa Essengue 29% 3pt
Hugo Gonzalez 27% 3pt
Rasheer Fleming 53/39 shooting
Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB senior PF 52-36 shooting, 23yo)
Alex Condon 21yo Fla Gator 50/34 shooting


Those are the 1st round big board SF/PF on Tankathon. If CMB learned to shoot, he's my guy over Kon, but he didn't. But I think that Fleming or Noa is the right pick at 16. Just can't pass on a proven shooter and secondary playmaker like Kon because you would rather have a player that doesn't exist.

first stop in San Antonio --> practice at the @spurs HQ pic.twitter.com/R9sfxhZ4Yz

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 2, 2025

Duke practicing at Spurs practice court. First hand look at Flagg and Knueppel

Guitarsoup said:

---

first stop in San Antonio --> practice at the @spurs HQ pic.twitter.com/R9sfxhZ4Yz

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 2, 2025

Duke practicing at Spurs practice court. First hand look at Flagg and Knueppel

---

Realistically what would the Spurs have to give up to go get Flagg? Would he be worth it?

All I do is Nguyen said:

---

Guitarsoup said:

---

first stop in San Antonio --> practice at the @spurs HQ pic.twitter.com/R9sfxhZ4Yz

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 2, 2025

Duke practicing at Spurs practice court. First hand look at Flagg and Knueppel

---

Realistically what would the Spurs have to give up to go get Flagg? Would he be worth it?

---

I don't think anyone would do it.

His fit is absolutely ideal on this team, but I don't think it's realistically possible. Philly only have up a 1 at to go from 3 to 1 to get Fultz over Tatum, but I don't think a team would do even 2 additional firsts to go down to #2 pick and get Harper. And Flagg is was better a prospect than Fultz

Guitarsoup said:

---

first stop in San Antonio --> practice at the @spurs HQ pic.twitter.com/R9sfxhZ4Yz

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 2, 2025

Duke practicing at Spurs practice court. First hand look at Flagg and Knueppel

---

back to the bump in San Antonio pic.twitter.com/IxKgLwqPry

— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) April 3, 2025

The Admiral approves.

Cooper Flagg in the San Antonio Spurs practice facility 👀 pic.twitter.com/7OdIowlWUw

— Lexi Venia (@thegoldstanda15) April 3, 2025

He looks good with those banners behind him.

Agreed. Whoever is getting that first pick will never trade it. First round picks, no matter how many, won't be enough to get a player like Flagg. Especially with a lottery system.

The only player with more upside is Wemby. Maybe they would take somebody like Anthony Edwards or SGA, but I don't know if that would even get it done.

Hawks have lost 4 of their last 5 and Zaccy Racecar has failed to score double digits in 3 of the last 4. The one win there was vs Milwaukee without Dame.

That moves Orlando ahead of them for #7 seed. Orlando and Atlanta play two more times and the Hawks play the Knicks on Saturday.

So if Orlando and Atl make the playoffs, Hawks pick is 15 instead of 16.

But look out because MIami is Heating up. They have won 6 of the last 7 (lone loss was 2pt to Memphis) and their schedule is Milwaukee (without Dame), Chicago, Philly, New Orleans, and Washington.

Miami is 1.5 games back from Atlanta and their entire schedule is tanking teams and Milwaukee without Dame.



Spurs are 4.5 games back from Toronto, so basically can't make that up without an actual miracle. Toronto would essentially have to win out.

Spurs are 1.5 games up on Portland and the two teams still have a game against each other.

Chicago is 2 games back from the Spurs and have won 5 of last 7.


Spurs and Blazers could flip flop or tie 8 and 9, but I think Spurs will hold on to 8.

Sacramento and Atlanta are tied in record and Sacramento has a difficult schedule, with only one tanking team (Charlotte)

------------

best case realistic scenario - Hawks continue to struggle, drop below Miami and Sacramento. Orlando and Miami win the play-in. Hawks pick ends up at 11 or 12 in the lottery (depending on Phoenix), which is 9% or 7% for top 4 and 2% or 1.5% for #1.

Spurs staying at 8 is 26% at top 4 and 6% at #1. So a 35% shot at a top 4 pick and 8% at #1 is in the cards as a realistic option based on remaining schedules and how teams are playing.

This shot drops and we upset the Cavs.

Harrison Barnes NEARLY won the game at the buzzer. That's tough pic.twitter.com/eG2odKBBx4

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) April 5, 2025

Castle with 1 counting stat (rebound) away from a triple-double. 22/9/11

Count this as a shot attempt and rebound and Castle got his triple-double

Shot attempt and rebound! Stephon Castle was just ROBBED of a Triple Double! Score keepers need to fix this!! pic.twitter.com/zfnMVrf3m8

— YBG Christopher (@CeeJFanAccount) April 5, 2025

A very chaotic sequence worthy of a #Shaqtin
Shaedon Sharpe air balls the 3, and Kevin Huerter blows the fastbreak wide open dunk, with force!

Banton gets blocked and then Josh Giddey gets blocked at the other end.
Dalano Banton lobs it way, way too high for Shaedon Sharpe and… pic.twitter.com/ZcuuzPwSmZ

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 5, 2025

It is amazing either of these teams won.

Guitarsoup said:

---

A very chaotic sequence worthy of a #Shaqtin
Shaedon Sharpe air balls the 3, and Kevin Huerter blows the fastbreak wide open dunk, with force!

Banton gets blocked and then Josh Giddey gets blocked at the other end.
Dalano Banton lobs it way, way too high for Shaedon Sharpe and… pic.twitter.com/ZcuuzPwSmZ

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 5, 2025

It is amazing either of these teams won.

---

It was like watching volleyball.

Hawks lose their 3rd straight.

Enzo The Baker said:

---

Hawks lose their 3rd straight.

---

Lost 5 of the last 6. Trae was their only player to top 14 points... with 16.

That brings them just 1 game up on Chicago, Miami, and Phoenix. Chicago and Miami are surging, but Phoenix is blowing goats, Durant is out, and 4 teams better than themselves and us on their schedule.

If Atlanta drops below Chi and Miami, but not Phoenix, they end up at 11th. ~9.5% at top 4, 2% at 1. 78% chance at 11th.

8th and 11th would be pretty sweet.

Since Utah has clinched a bottom 3 record now maybe they will come out to Atlanta and play tomorrow. We can hope right?

Would be glorious to see them tied with Miami in the 9 spot tomorrow (assuming Miami pulls this out vs Milwaukee and Chicago takes care of Charlotte)

flashplayer said:

---

Since Utah has clinched a bottom 3 record now maybe they will come out to Atlanta and play tomorrow. We can hope right?

Would be glorious to see them tied with Miami in the 9 spot tomorrow (assuming Miami pulls this out vs Milwaukee and Chicago takes care of Charlotte)

---

That would be glorious. Utah hasn't won on the road since Jan 5th. I'm not counting on it, but here's to Collier going insane in the game tomorrow.

Trae has been having achilles problems, so 2nd night of a back to back against the worst team in the league would be a good time to rest him.