2023 NBA Draft: San Antonio Spurs Edition

[G R E Y]

CASON WALLACE, JARACE WALKER, AND AMEN THOMPSON:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[imagump1313]

Strange that we are meeting with Thompson. Seems like a waste of time unless we are thinking of packaging up something to try to get a 2nd FRP. If we are thinking about that they would have to really, really, really, really, really like him.

[G R E Y]

Strange that we are meeting with Thompson. Seems like a waste of time unless we are thinking of packaging up something to try to get a 2nd FRP. If we are thinking about that they would have to really, really, really, really, really like him.

Yeah there's due diligence (you never know who you may end up with, who may end up being available via trade), and requesting to meet.

Had we not won the #1 pick, and we ended up with, say, #2 or #3, then I'd have loved to have traded Scoot or Miller down the draft for Amen plus assets. I think he's a special talent at the PG and with his size, creativity, court vision, and defensive zeal, he'd be a rock solid pick. I do wonder what assets would need to be included for us to pry him away.

I saw on twitter that it could be a three-way deal, which is an interesting idea. Here are two potential scenarios:

Read on Twitter

I love Keldon and PATFO do, too, but he's the longest serving Spur and outside of Doug (whose D we live with because he's such a good specialist on O), Keldon's D is a clear weak link, this after he expressly stated before this past season began that D would be a focal point of improvement for him. Nope. But in fairness to him he was also tasked and taxed with too heavy and big a role, and was one of our most consistent players. He is also one of the few who provides the kind of physicality we need more of.

If we could pry Amen from whichever team via some draft capital and a great contract or a vet or something without touching any of Wemby (obviously), Sochan, Devin, and Keldon (plus I have a soft spot for Malaki with his streaky shooting and smooth delivery), then I'd be thrilled.

Man, to come away from this draft with Wemby and Amen without touching our young group would be a dream...

[SD2042]

Strange that we are meeting with Thompson. Seems like a waste of time unless we are thinking of packaging up something to try to get a 2nd FRP. If we are thinking about that they would have to really, really, really, really, really like him.

Yeah there's due diligence (you never know who you may end up with, who may end up being available via trade, and requesting to meet.

Had we not won the #1 pick, and we ended up with, say, #2 or #3, then I'd have loved to have traded Scoot or Miller down the draft for Amen plus assets. I think he's a special talent at the PG and with his size, creativity, court vision, and defensive zeal, he'd be a rock solid pick. I do wonder what assets would need to be included for us to pry him away.

I saw on twitter that it could be a three-way deal, which is an interesting idea. Here are two potential scenarios:

Read on Twitter

I love Keldon and PATFO do, too, but he's the longest serving Spur and outside of Doug (whose D we live with because he's such a good specialist on O), Keldon's D is a clear weak link, this after he expressly stated before this past season began that D would be a focal point of improvement for him. Nope. But in fairness to him he was also tasked and taxed with too heavy and big a role, and was one of our most consistent players. He is also one of the few who provides the kind of physicality we need more of.

If we could pry Amen from whichever team via some draft capital and a great contract or a vet or something without touching any of Wemby (obviously), Sochan, Devin, and Keldon (plus I have a soft spot for Malaki with his streaky shooting and smooth delivery), then I'd be thrilled.

Man, to come away from this draft with Wemby and Amen without touching our young group would be a dream...

It would be a hell of a power play for the Spurs to pull such a big move. I know the Pistons were not happy to fallen down the draft the way they did. They could find themselves making a move as they look to improve their standing as they been down in the basement for a while now. Who knows.

My concern would be that Amen may be gone by the Rox pick. So my next thing here is if not Amen, then who will be the guard they could seek in the draft? Knowing the Spurs, it could be someone who's not even on the radar.

[G R E Y]

Strange that we are meeting with Thompson. Seems like a waste of time unless we are thinking of packaging up something to try to get a 2nd FRP. If we are thinking about that they would have to really, really, really, really, really like him.

Yeah there's due diligence (you never know who you may end up with, who may end up being available via trade, and requesting to meet.

Had we not won the #1 pick, and we ended up with, say, #2 or #3, then I'd have loved to have traded Scoot or Miller down the draft for Amen plus assets. I think he's a special talent at the PG and with his size, creativity, court vision, and defensive zeal, he'd be a rock solid pick. I do wonder what assets would need to be included for us to pry him away.

I saw on twitter that it could be a three-way deal, which is an interesting idea. Here are two potential scenarios:

Read on Twitter

I love Keldon and PATFO do, too, but he's the longest serving Spur and outside of Doug (whose D we live with because he's such a good specialist on O), Keldon's D is a clear weak link, this after he expressly stated before this past season began that D would be a focal point of improvement for him. Nope. But in fairness to him he was also tasked and taxed with too heavy and big a role, and was one of our most consistent players. He is also one of the few who provides the kind of physicality we need more of.

If we could pry Amen from whichever team via some draft capital and a great contract or a vet or something without touching any of Wemby (obviously), Sochan, Devin, and Keldon (plus I have a soft spot for Malaki with his streaky shooting and smooth delivery), then I'd be thrilled.

Man, to come away from this draft with Wemby and Amen without touching our young group would be a dream...

It would be a hell of a power play for the Spurs to pull such a big move. I know the Pistons were not happy to fallen down the draft the way they did. They could find themselves making a move as they look to improve their standing as they been down in the basement for a while now. Who knows.

My concern would be that Amen may be gone by the Rox pick. So my next thing here is if not Amen, then who will be the guard they could seek in the draft? Knowing the Spurs, it could be someone who's not even on the radar.

Some caveats: This year in particular I stayed away from any draft info in general and Wemby talk/threads/videos in particular so as to singly focus on the #1 pick. I didn't want any mental energy slowing that down because of course it contributed to the result

I just didn't want to jinx it with reading up on any other prospects or over-desiring a prospect that we had a 14% chance of landing. So I'm behind in looking at prospects and am now both bookmarking tons of info about Wemby and Spurs and starting to look at the players eligible this draft. So my view of Amen is admittedly very cursory, mostly an initial gut liking of his game.

My sense of the Spurs contacting Amen is that it's part of so many overlapping narratives that the desired effect of obfuscating intent while gathering intel are in full force. We may very well be carrying out the laid out plans had we not landed the #1 pick. We may very well still be interested in him. But teams also look at what other teams are doing and I wonder to what extent the smoke and mirrors is in effect as well. It's not a secret that we need a long-term upgrade at PG (with all due respect to Tre who I hope we bring back) but it may be a secret of who we consider top candidates, even if Amen is on the list.

[G R E Y]

RYAN RUPERT and DAVID OKWERA:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[G R E Y]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

""The San Antonio Spurs are said to be working the phones looking for deals to acquire an additional first-round pick, preferably in the lottery, to add a point guard.""

- Rafael Barlowe, NBA Big Board

https://airalamo.com/posts/nba-insider-spurs-targeting-point-guards-as-they-look-to-trade-back-into-lottery

[damanick10]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

""The San Antonio Spurs are said to be working the phones looking for deals to acquire an additional first-round pick, preferably in the lottery, to add a point guard.""

- Rafael Barlowe, NBA Big Board

https://airalamo.com/posts/nba-insider-spurs-targeting-point-guards-as-they-look-to-trade-back-into-lottery

It would be awesome to get a high celing young PG that comes in the same draft as Wemby to grow together. If we can give up some of the protected picks and one of our young players without losing too much else that would be sick. I don't know much about the other prospects in this draft though.

[DayofMourning]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

""The San Antonio Spurs are said to be working the phones looking for deals to acquire an additional first-round pick, preferably in the lottery, to add a point guard.""

- Rafael Barlowe, NBA Big Board

https://airalamo.com/posts/nba-insider-spurs-targeting-point-guards-as-they-look-to-trade-back-into-lottery

It would be awesome to get a high celing young PG that comes in the same draft as Wemby to grow together. If we can give up some of the protected picks and one of our young players without losing too much else that would be sick. I don't know much about the other prospects in this draft though.

If you guys get Victor and pair him with a guy like Cason Wallace....man, thatd be quite a draft haul.

[G R E Y]

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

""The San Antonio Spurs are said to be working the phones looking for deals to acquire an additional first-round pick, preferably in the lottery, to add a point guard.""

- Rafael Barlowe, NBA Big Board

https://airalamo.com/posts/nba-insider-spurs-targeting-point-guards-as-they-look-to-trade-back-into-lottery

It would be awesome to get a high celing young PG that comes in the same draft as Wemby to grow together. If we can give up some of the protected picks and one of our young players without losing too much else that would be sick. I don't know much about the other prospects in this draft though.

Hey, yeah it would depend, I guess, on which young player (or vet?) we'd part with. We do have a lot of draft capital and as in some tweets posted previously, it may be a case of a third team being involved.

Maybe the request to speak to Amen is smoke, maybe genuine (maybe both) to best position ourselves.

Brian Wright did say we'd look to be advantageous (my word from memory) but deliberate (same) basically taking right steps without too big a leap so as to not have to backtrack a rushed mistake.

But the PG upgrade is both an obvious point and the whispers are growing, those of getting one in this draft rather than trading for an established star.

Say we want Amen. If Amen is drafted by Houston, I doubt they want anything to do with us. If by Detroit as BPA, perhaps a deal can be made as they have a franchise PG in place.

If Portland drafts him, things get very interesting...

If it's not Amen, all I know is at the season's end presser, Pop specifically focused on defense needing to be better next year. He's done with crappy D and we need to pair Devin with another quality back court defender. Size, tenacity, knack, BBIQ, willingness to share the ball. There are several PGs who fit the bill, and I think we're preparing for as many variables as possible.

But yes, pairing a generational talent with a quality PG who can grow with our young guys is an intriguing scenario.

So again I guess it depends which young guy, if any, and provided we hang onto the unprotected picks. So many possibilities, so exciting!

[imagump1313]

I'm still hoping we are moving up for Grady Dick. It would just make for the perfect draft

But I honestly think we are going after Rayan Rupert

[damanick10]

I'm still hoping we are moving up for Grady Dick. It would just make for the perfect draft

But I honestly think we are going after Rayan Rupert

I absolutely love Grady Dick as a prospect. We need a PG more than anything, but I wouldn't be mad at all if we made a move for Grady.

[G R E Y]

JARKEL JOINER:

Read on Twitter

[G R E Y]

I've been looking into Amen Thompson a bit more. All the scouting reports talk about his freak athleticism, court vision and creative passing, defensive potential, and wonky shot. I've seen some interviews with him and he has a thoughtful, calm demeaour, is a good listener, and I like how he details the breakdown of his game.

He said he's been reworking his shot and went through some mechanics that are changing and that he sees improvements. That hasn't translated into efficiency, especially with 3s and FTs which were poor this season. Can he improve? Of course. A high lotto pick at age 20 will come with some tantalizing qualities and holes in his game.

The other aspect that some mocks mention is that the Thompson twins have been playing against slightly lesser, younger competition which may have affected their numbers. Still, their physiques and style of play stood out and should translate well.

A couple of things that either feel off in the gut or otherwise don't work in our favour:

The twins are represented by their father. He's their agent, and they are his only clients. I don't know whether this is one of those in-house family exclusivity or whether Troy Thompson is looking to build an agency or what but if it's the former, it can get messy when the lines between family and business get blurred.

In all but two mocks, Amen is projected to be selected with the 4th pick - Houston. They are said to be intrigued by him though there are also whispers of the Rockets listening to trade offers for the pick. Should be some competition for the 3rd (Blazers) and 4th picks.

I don't buy the Miller at #2 mocks what with his not being in good shape (granted he did have mono so that affected preparation) and the interviews leaving teams lacking and unsatisfied. That he underperformed against strong teams and in the NCAA tournament doesn't bode well either.

All of which is to say from #2 on down isn't set for smoke, trade, team intel/need, BPA reasons.

I doubt Amen slips past #6 though, so I wonder who else is in our sights given the whispers we want to acquire another first round pick in the 2023 Draft...

[Baphomet]

I've been looking into Amen Thompson a bit more. All the scouting reports talk about his freak athleticism, court vision and creative passing, defensive potential, and wonky shot. I've seen some interviews with him and he has a thoughtful, calm demeaour, is a good listener, and I like how he details the breakdown of his game.

He said he's been reworking his shot and went through some mechanics that are changing and that he sees improvements. That hasn't translated into efficiency, especially with 3s and FTs which were poor this season. Can he improve? Of course. A high lotto pick at age 20 will come with some tantalizing qualities and holes in his game.

The other aspect that some mocks mention is that the Thompson twins have been playing against slightly lesser, younger competition which may have affected their numbers. Still, their physiques and style of play stood out and should translate well.

A couple of things that either feel off in the gut or otherwise don't work in our favour:

The twins are represented by their father. He's their agent, and they are his only clients. I don't know whether this is one of those in-house family exclusivity or whether Troy Thompson is looking to build an agency or what but if it's the former, it can get messy when the lines between family and business get blurred.

In all but two mocks, Amen is projected to be selected with the 4th pick - Houston. They are said to be intrigued by him though there are also whispers of the Rockets listening to trade offers for the pick. Should be some competition for the 3rd (Blazers) and 4th picks.

I don't buy the Miller at #2 mocks what with his not being in good shape (granted he did have mono so that affected preparation) and the interviews leaving teams lacking and unsatisfied. That he underperformed against strong teams and in the NCAA tournament doesn't bode well either.

All of which is to say from #2 on down isn't set for smoke, trade, team intel/need, BPA reasons.

I doubt Amen slips past #6 though, so I wonder who else is in our sights given the whispers we want to acquire another first round pick in the 2023 Draft...

Something I would add is that, from the footage I've watched of the OTE when scouting the Thompsons, the games play out very haphazardly. There is a real lack of structure - Play calling, boxing out, getting back on defence, and a lack of urgency. It could be argued that Amen has been the biggest beneficiary of this, able to easily slice lax defences up with his insane agility, passing and finishing around the rim.

Honestly, a difficult player to evaluate, but he has a few intrinsic things going in his favour. He has a lithe, agile frame and a 7ft wingspan, and yes his shooting is wonky, but with his explosiveness and touch he should be able to get to the rim at the NBA level, provided he plays with shooters. Has defensive tools but has yet to realise them, gets beaten off the dribble more than I'd like. Critically, it seems like both he and his brother are good kids with great work ethic, which is important considering how much room for growth there is.

Conversely to the previous point about the standard of play in OTE, I think the more structured environment of the NBA would be huge for him. He has a lot of valuable qualities that suggest he could thrive in a well regimented system.

[will]

Going to be a madness once Victor's name is called.

[G R E Y]

I've been looking into Amen Thompson a bit more. All the scouting reports talk about his freak athleticism, court vision and creative passing, defensive potential, and wonky shot. I've seen some interviews with him and he has a thoughtful, calm demeaour, is a good listener, and I like how he details the breakdown of his game.

He said he's been reworking his shot and went through some mechanics that are changing and that he sees improvements. That hasn't translated into efficiency, especially with 3s and FTs which were poor this season. Can he improve? Of course. A high lotto pick at age 20 will come with some tantalizing qualities and holes in his game.

The other aspect that some mocks mention is that the Thompson twins have been playing against slightly lesser, younger competition which may have affected their numbers. Still, their physiques and style of play stood out and should translate well.

A couple of things that either feel off in the gut or otherwise don't work in our favour:

The twins are represented by their father. He's their agent, and they are his only clients. I don't know whether this is one of those in-house family exclusivity or whether Troy Thompson is looking to build an agency or what but if it's the former, it can get messy when the lines between family and business get blurred.

In all but two mocks, Amen is projected to be selected with the 4th pick - Houston. They are said to be intrigued by him though there are also whispers of the Rockets listening to trade offers for the pick. Should be some competition for the 3rd (Blazers) and 4th picks.

I don't buy the Miller at #2 mocks what with his not being in good shape (granted he did have mono so that affected preparation) and the interviews leaving teams lacking and unsatisfied. That he underperformed against strong teams and in the NCAA tournament doesn't bode well either.

All of which is to say from #2 on down isn't set for smoke, trade, team intel/need, BPA reasons.

I doubt Amen slips past #6 though, so I wonder who else is in our sights given the whispers we want to acquire another first round pick in the 2023 Draft...

Something I would add is that, from the footage I've watched of the OTE when scouting the Thompsons, the games play out very haphazardly. There is a real lack of structure - Play calling, boxing out, getting back on defence, and a lack of urgency. It could be argued that Amen has been the biggest beneficiary of this, able to easily slice lax defences up with his insane agility, passing and finishing around the rim.

Honestly, a difficult player to evaluate, but he has a few intrinsic things going in his favour. He has a lithe, agile frame and a 7ft wingspan, and yes his shooting is wonky, but with his explosiveness and touch he should be able to get to the rim at the NBA level, provided he plays with shooters. Has defensive tools but has yet to realise them, gets beaten off the dribble more than I'd like. Critically, it seems like both he and his brother are good kids with great work ethic, which is important considering how much room for growth there is.

Conversely to the previous point about the standard of play in OTE, I think the more structured environment of the NBA would be huge for him. He has a lot of valuable qualities that suggest he could thrive in a well regimented system.

Here's footage (albeit brief) of the shot Amen's said he's been working on improving, including form:

Read on Twitter

I mean it's going in, and there have been players with weird form that made it work for them, but I'm just surprised that that right shoulder dip which causes imbalance the rest of the way down is still there. His release point from in front of his face will get a rude awakening. At least the elbow looks to be aligned with the rim but it's quite low, too.

Fixable, and he's coachable, but this is where it is after improvements.

Also, I wanted to touch on this in another thread for team needs, but as PGs get taller (average now is around 6'4") having a bigger, mobile body at point means we're not as exploited at the position and we can in turn exploit it better. Amen at 6'7" already can guard multiple positions and should be a nightmare in switches. We also need more bulk on the team in addition to Keldon and Bassey. It's always BPA first but you can't teach height and it just so happens he's a physically mature PG who knows how to use his frame and has a broad skill base to hone.

He's working out from #3 on down so I don't know how (or whether) we may even get a shot at him but top 6 and higher would take a lot. There are several good D-out PGs in this draft so it'll be interesting to see whether we address our rumoured explorations for a PG via trade into the draft or outright trade.

Twelve more days to go!

[G R E Y]

New additions to our workout/interview list:

DEXTER DENNIS

Read on Twitter

[GGforever]

Here as a Magic fan. Would you do 6 + 11 for Vassell?

[G R E Y]

Here as a Magic fan. Would you do 6 + 11 for Vassell?

Hey, it's weird how more fans now want some of our players. This one's tough for me because Devin is my favourite player. And every time I've had a favourite Spur they've somehow gotten off the team -- Patty, Derrick... *sigh*

Anyway, this one is also tough because Devin is actually out best two-way player. Frankly, I'd sooner part with Keldon, though I'd be loath to do so as he's a type of player we need more of - bruising, physical body, energetic, who can score in multiple ways inside and out.

And even then, it would only be if Amen (my choice) or someone specific we were targeting were somehow available.

The point being, my sense is that we're not looking for offloading players we've been developing for more picks to then develop future assets. So it's less about both picks, or even #11, and more about not just #6 but who was available then (or if we could use these to get the guy we want).

Devin already emerged as a burgeoning star going from 8PPG to almost 20 before he had to get surgery. He's up for an extension this summer and we have the money.

He's just the type to surround the #1 with. Keldon is, too, but you have to give up something to get a high pick(s). Still, given how PATFO love KJ, they'd rather use a vet and our own draft capital to try and move up.

It would take A LOT a lot to part with guys who we consider part of our core, who are already experienced in our system, who are great compliments around the incoming #1 pick.

Getting the #1 pick expedites our development somewhat in the sense that we're looking less to go on the ongoing flipping of talent for future assets as we have done and more so on the getting everyone to gel together now.

So tl;dr - if who we're targeting is available at #6 or 6 and 11 can be used to get him, we will try first with means outside our core. If it *has* to be one of our core, I *think* we'd sooner part with Keldon first, albeit very reluctantly, though part of the equation is my favouritism toward Devin.

There are likely to be a lot of trades this draft and summer. It's going to be an exciting and nervous time.

(Requisite please keep Devin, PATFO!)