2018 NBA Draft Combine, Spurs Team Workouts, Potential Picks

[G R E Y]

The NBA Draft Combine is already upon us, so first, some general info for context:

WHEN: Wednesday, May 16 - Sunday, May 20, 2018

WHERE: Quest Multisport, Chicago, IL

Daily schedule:

Monday and Tuesday: Players arrive. Elite prospects conduct physicals/medical testing. Combine participants are invited to watch NBA draft lottery show.

Wednesday: Measurements. Medical testing. First batch of NBA team interviews from 2-8 p.m.

Thursday: Second batch of NBA team interviews (8:30 a.m. to noon). Shooting drills, athletic testing and competitive 5-on-5 scrimmaging (1:45-6:30 p.m.). Elite prospects depart.

Friday: Final NBA team interviews (8:30 a.m. to noon). More drills, testing and scrimmages. In the evening: Remaining combine participants meet with players association (NBPA) representatives.

Saturday: Medical testing. Meeting with NBA player development group and NBPA.

Sunday: Medical testing.

Monday: Players depart, many to NBA team facilities for private workouts.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23515689/2018-nba-draft-combine-help-hurt-their-stock-most

This is a Spurs-focused thread, but since we do not at this point know who PATFO have in their sights, any prospects within our drafting range or interest will be updated.

Once the draft combine is finished, the team workouts will commence up until the draft on June 21st, so feel free to update about our prospects in each stage of the process.

[G R E Y]

The only news I've found so far about a Spurs pre-draft workout has been with Brian Bowen who has an uphill battle in trying to clear his name and getting his game on track.

Villanova national title game hero Donte DiVincenzo and South Carolina wing Brian Bowen are both testing the draft waters without an agent.... Bowen has attended five pre-draft workouts already in Brooklyn, Atlanta, Boston, San Antonio and Utah.

https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865698450/NBA-Draft-prospects-intrigued-by-Utah-Jazz-after-recent-playoff-success.html


However the former will progress, the latter's stuttered a bit in his 5-on-5.

At the NBA draft combine on Thursday, the controversial prospect known as “Player 10” finally got to play.

Brian Bowen II, the former Louisville recruit at the heart of the federal basketball investigation, played his first competitive game in nearly a year. And it just happened to be a job audition in front of hundreds of NBA scouts and executives.

To be blunt, it didn’t go well. Bowen missed both his shots in his opening game, turned the ball over five times and looked like the most overwhelmed player on the floor....

And that puts Bowen in a precarious predicament with the deadline to withdraw from the NBA draft coming on May 30. Does Bowen enter to compete for a spot in a league he’s clearly not ready to play in? Or does he return to school (he transferred to South Carolina) and attempt to gain eligibility via an organization (the NCAA) that’s given him no indication that’s a viable option.

“This is my career on the line, honestly,” Bowen said on Thursday.

https://sports.yahoo.com/star-recruit-tied-college-hoops-scandal-finds-no-mans-land-ncaa-nba-012945296.html

I feel bad for the guy. I hope things work out for him.

Here is a list of the 5-on-5 rosters:

Read on Twitter

[G R E Y]

Draft Combine Anrtho results:

https://stats.nba.com/draft/combine-anthro/

Draft Combine Strength and Agility results:

https://stats.nba.com/draft/combine-strength-agility/#!?sort=MAX_VERTICAL_LEAP&dir=1&SeasonYear=2018-19

Great physical references for an initial list of players that may be available and PATFO may want to draft at our #18 slot, assuming we keep the pick.

In alphabetical order:

Keita Bates-Diop, SF Ohio State, Senior

PTS 19.8 24.0 per 40
REB 8.7 10.6 per 40
AST 1.6 2.0 per 40
EFG% 54.4 515 FGA
STL 0.9 1.1 per 40
BLK 1.6 2.0 per 40
3PT% 35.9 184 3PA
FT% 79.4 141 FTA

Main Selling Point: Glue-guy skills
Age: 22.3
Height/Weight: 6'8.5''/224
Wingspan: 7'3.25''
Standing Reach: 8'10.5'

A combo forward who can space the floor and defend multiple positions.
Shades Of: Jonas Jerebko, Brian Scalabrine, Bobby Simmons

PLUSES

Won Big Ten Player of the Year.
Solid shooter with a high release point and NBA range, though he lacks dynamism taking jumpers off the dribble.
Good touch around the rim on floaters, runners, and layups with either hand.
Skilled post-up player who can score from either block using a multitude of moves.
Knows how to cut, screen, and complete simple passes.
Good instincts chasing rebounds out of his area and using his length to snatch the ball above opponents.
Defends guards on the perimeter as competently as he does big men in the pick-and-roll.
Has the length to protect the rim, block shots from the weak side, and jump passing lanes.

MINUSES

Underwent surgery in 2017 for a stress fracture in his left leg.
Lacks the toughness to regularly play the 4 or 5, and the speed to play the 2 or 3. Does he have an ideal position?
Displays questionable toughness when battling in the post or boxing out for rebounds.
Lacks the quick first step, agility, or ball-handling skills necessary to be a shot creator.
His motor stalls too often; can a team get consistent production out of him?
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

I didn't know about the leg injury, but how he healed and returned to form is also important. On the one hand, I trust our first-rate medical staff; on the other, maybe we look elsewhere if there's a shred of doubt. KBD deserves a fair look, though, so if we're confident in his health and game, so be it.

Yahoo's mock has him highest at #15, the mock above has him at #17, whereas this site has him all the way at #31 (and another has him in the second round as well), so it's quite a wide range.

KBD has shown steady improvement in all aspects of the game, becoming an efficient scorer and solid defender. Has nice length for size. Projects as a solid role player at the next level.

Comp. Jamesy Posey

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-2nd-round.html


Melvin Frazier, SF, Tulane, Junior

PTS 15.9 18.5 per 40
REB 5.6 6.5 per 40
AST 2.9 3.3 per 40
EFG% 61.0 322 FGA
STL 2.1 2.4 per 40
BLK 0.7 0.9 per 40
3PT% 38.5 91 3PA
FT% 71.2 118 FTA

Main Selling Point: Defensive versatility
Age: 21.7
Height/Weight: 6'6''/198
Wingspan: 7'1.75''
Standing Reach: 8'9"

An energetic player with 3-and-D potential who may have untapped scoring upside if he develops his handle.
Shades Of: Bruce Bowen, Kent Bazemore, Patrick McCaw

PLUSES

Hyperactive defender with lightning-quick hands and elite instincts; regularly rips balls from ball handlers and
jumps passing lanes.
Engaged, focused defender who knows when to help and displays an advanced understanding of positioning.
Explosive athlete who can leap over and dunk through length, a lob threat on cuts, and an ambidextrous finisher.
Improved spot-up shooter with good potential if he makes a few mechanical tweaks.
Untapped scoring potential if he refines his skills and fundamentals, especially his footwork.
Flashes great passing upside, though he must improve his vision and feel.

MINUSES

Inconsistent shooter who brings the ball to his set point too early and releases it on the way down, both of which ruin momentum.
Limited ball handler; has a high dribble and doesn’t change directions smoothly.
Currently a nonfactor shooting off the dribble due to handle and shot form.
Attempts too many wild layups and passes; needs to learn how to value every possession.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/


This mock has him at #23:

Is testing the waters but might return to Tulane if he doesn't get a first round promise. Frazier is a defensive menace who can really guard in space. Prototypical 3 and D prospect...

Comp. Ronnie Brewer

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

Frazier has impressed at the Draft Combine

Read on Twitter

This was our first in-person look at Frazier, who stands 6’6” in shoes with a whopping 7’1.75” wingspan and 40.5” vertical. He has clear potential as an athletic, defensive-minded wing with some shooting ability. He’s capable of defending at least three positions, and if he makes enough three-pointers will have a chance to become valuable and stick around. The big question with him is offensive feel as well as eliminating some bad habits: he feels like more of a reactive player than a cerebral player. Frazier had enough strong moments over the course of the day to win over some of the scouts in attendance, with Miami’s Josh Richardson coming up as a comparison. He came into the day sitting on the cusp of the first round.

https://www.si.com/nba/2018/05/17/2018-nba-draft-combine-standouts-measurements-rumors-luka-doncic

Mocks range from 23 to end of round one, like Yahoo's does:

A dynamite 6-6 athlete with length (7-foot wingspan) and three-level scoring ability, Frazier is a rising prospect who should excel at the combine. There is some Gerald Green to his game, but with the potential to refine his pull-up skills and become a stronger on-ball defensive presence. Frazier may also be able to guard both backcourt positions, in addition to bigger wings.

https://sports.yahoo.com/2018-nba-mock-draft-2-0-deandre-ayton-luka-doncic-no-1-174055816.html

But with a solid showing, his stock appears to be rising, not sure if it does to us, though his 3-and-D potential and athleticism are enticing starting points. Maybe someone who's a good defender, but a bit more polished on the offensive end?

[G R E Y]

To that end, enter

Chandler Hutchison, SG, Boise State, Senior

PTS 20.0 25.8 per 40
REB 7.7 9.9 per 40
AST 3.5 4.5 per 40
EFG% 52.8 205 FGA
STL 1.5 1.9 per 40
BLK 0.3 0.3 per 40
3PT% 35.9 128 per 40
FT% 72.8 224 per 40

Main Selling Point: Decisive scoring
Age: 22.1
Height/Weight: 6'7''/193
Wingspan: N/A
Standing Reach: N/A

A late-blooming forward who carried a heavy load in college but projects as more of a 3-and-D role player in the NBA.
Shades Of: Jared Dudley, Ryan Gomes, Justin Anderson

PLUSES

Overhauled his shooting form to become a good spot-up shooter, which shows a willingness to learn and commit to fundamental changes.
Explosive straight-line driver who uses smooth footwork, side steps, and spins to get to the rim and finish ambidextrously with power or touch.
Springy leaper who makes himself available for lobs with cuts and by hustling in transition.
Was asked to carry his offense in college and demonstrated playmaking off the dribble, throwing darts with accuracy to shooters and cutters.
Good team defender who rebounds, communicates, and stays alert. He has good length and quickness, so he’s a threat to intercept passes.

MINUSES

Struggles shooting off the dribble. His form looks more rigid when he’s moving.
Tries to do too much sometimes by driving into traffic, though that could easily be a symptom of his feature role.
Average first step with only basic ball handling moves at his age may suggest limited go-to scoring upside.
Theoretically has defensive versatility, but there are limited examples of him locking down quicker guards, and his lateral quickness is only average.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com

One mock has him at 31, another at 24:

A long, athletic wing who has developed a nice three point shot and plays an efficient game. A defensive menace who can guard multiple positions and would bring depth and athleticism....

Comp. Devean George

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

A third mock has him at 22, and Yahoo's mock has him going to us:

Hutchison is an immediate contributor defensively with his hounding nature and length. Part of the reason he doesn’t slide into the second round, however, is that he can score a bit as well. Hutchison converted 36 percent of his threes as a senior and is a deft finisher at the basket. His athleticism, bounce and quickness will be a welcomed jolt for the aging Spurs.

https://sports.yahoo.com/2018-nba-mock-draft-2-0-deandre-ayton-luka-doncic-no-1-174055816.html

Word spread yesterday of his withdrawing from the combine completely:

There’s a widely-held belief around the league that Hutchison has a first-round promise, with his range likely falling between 18–22 based on our sources. Hutchison, a 22-year-old senior, is viewed as a player who can help immediately, able to play on or off the ball and supply extra scoring on the wing.

https://www.si.com/nba/2018/05/17/2018-nba-draft-combine-standouts-measurements-rumors-luka-doncic

Interesting...

EDITED TO ADD SOME INTERVIEWS WITH AND ABOUT HUTCHISON. He comes across as very well spoken, level-headed, insightful, and personable. I'm impressed by his demeanour and approach to his game and to the team concept:

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Also, a couple of articles about Hutchison's game. The first is a breakdown of his O, in which he's termed a Swiss Army knife:

"Chandler Hutchison: Draft Sleeper and Potential Closeout Killer"
https://www.thestepien.com/2018/01/11/chandler-hutchison-draft-sleeper-potential-closeout-killer/

And this one talks about his stellar work ethic:

"Chandler Hutchison is the NBA Draft’s Hidden Gem"
https://www.si.com/nba/2017/12/13/nba-draft-chandler-hutchison-boise-state-weber-state-damian-lillard


Dzanan Musa, SF, Cedevita / Bosnia and Herzegovina

PTS 12.4 21.7 per 40
REB 3.4 6.0 per 40
AST 1.8 3.2 per 40
EFG% 54.9 551 FGA
STL 1.1 1.9 per 40
BLK 0.2 0.3 per 40
3PT% 32.5 249 3PA
FT% 80.5 246 FTA

Main Selling Point: Scoring
Age: 19.0
Height/Weight: 6'9''/195
Wingspan: 6'8.5"
Standing Reach: 8'9"

A fearless scorer with a slippery style, though he’ll need to learn to play within the confines of an offensive system.
Shades Of: Rodney Hood, jumbo Jordan Crawford, mondo Marco Belinelli

PLUSES

Quick-trigger shooter capable of unloading from tough angles either off screens or off the dribble.
Good pick-and-roll threat because of his ability to pull up from deep, wiggle his way to the paint, or make basic passes off the dribble.
Combination of smooth footwork and use of pace makes him effective attacking the rim, though he needs to get better at finishing against length.
Creative interior finisher who uses either hand at the rim and has a nice, soft floater that’d make Mike Conley Jr. proud.
Advanced ball handler for his age with hesitations, crossovers, and feel for changing speeds.

MINUSES

Stagnates the offense too frequently by falling into isolations, a habit he’ll have to break.
Plays recklessly; often jacks up contested shots and makes risky passes, leading to careless turnovers.
Low release on his jumper and inconsistent roles are worrisome for his chances of developing into a sharpshooter.
Rarely drives to his right, which makes him predictable.
Potential defensive liability; he’s too lean to defend larger players, too slow to defend quicker ones.
Loses focus defending off-ball and doesn’t crash the boards enough.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Outlier Yahoo has him at #28, he is listed at #19 above, another has us taking him with our pick slot, this one has him at #17:

A skilled offensive talent who can light it up from three and has good open court speed. Lacks length and is limited on defense but is young and talented....

Comp. Gordon Hayward, Sam Dekker

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

Streaky lights-out shooter, yes, but his physique - 6'9" and 195lbs. - is one of the three lightest in the whole draft around his height, and the hunch in his back may be nothing to be concerned about, but I'm not sold about his ability to defend and finish strong at the hoop with his frame, so there's an initial trade-off.

[G R E Y]

Zhaire Smith, SF, Texas Tech, Freshman

PTS 11.2 15.8 per 40
REB 4.9 6.9 per 40
AST 1.7 2.4 per 40
EFG% 58.5 277 FGA
STL 1.2 1.6 per 40
BLK 1.0 1.4 per 40
3PT% 45.0 40 3PA
FT% 71.7 127 FTA

Main Selling Point: Athleticism and defense
Age: 18.9
Height/Weight: 6'4''/199
Wingspan: 6'9.75''
Standing Reach: 8'4"

A defensive wing whose explosiveness could hang with the Monstars in 'Space Jam.'
Shades Of: Shorter Andre Roberson, Danny Green, Norman Powell

PLUSES

It looks like he’s flying when he jumps.
Versatile defender with the speed to contain guards and the strength and length to handle bigger players.
Excellent reaction time moving laterally, swiping the ball away in man-to-man situations, or when helping off the weak side.
Active, effective rebounder.
Tends to make the right play as a passer, though he’s no point guard.
Good finisher in the paint off straight-line drives, cuts, lobs, and putbacks.
Willing screener; Texas Tech even used him as an on-ball dive man.

MINUSES

Too undersized to be a four-position defender; he’ll need to pack on a lot of muscle.
Reluctant shooter with funky mechanics. He’ll need to prove he can hit NBA 3s.
Odd tendency to stop the ball and sit in a three-point stance when he should just keep it moving or attack.
Lacks ball-handling and shot-creation skills.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

The mock above has us choosing Zhaire with our slot, but one mock has Zhaire as high at #11, another in the lottery as well but at #16:

A big time athlete with a high motor who fills up the stat sheet. Has big defensive upside, a great understanding of the game and has shown an improved three point shot. Smith would bring a ton of defense and athleticism....
Comp. John Starks

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

Yahoo's mock has him being selected at #17:

Smith is the definition of “upside,” a word used far too often around the draft to describe marginal prospects. To be sure, Smith is not a marginal prospect. A former three-star high school recruit, he is coming off a marvelous freshman season at Texas Tech, where he flashed his otherworldly leaping ability and advanced basketball acumen. “Smith is a future pro,” a Big 12 coach told Yahoo Sports. “He has a really high IQ and feel for the game. He’s an NBA athlete. Just look at how much his skills have improved.” At 6-5 with a 6-9 wingspan, Smith has the raw tools to become a star in this league.

https://sports.yahoo.com/2018-nba-mock-draft-2-0-deandre-ayton-luka-doncic-no-1-174055816.html

I love hearing about the high basketball IQ and legitimate, high upside, but as the youngest player from those listed, he is also more of project, so it's a matter of whether we want someone more polished and NBA ready, or if we want to be more patient with a younger player's development. I'm intrigued, though, at what we can tap into if he were to grow in our system.


Robert Williams, PF, Texas A&M, Sophomore

PTS 10.4 16.2 per 40
REB 9.2 14.4 per 40
AST 1.4 2.2 per 40
EFG% 63.2 220 FGA
STL 0.8 1.2 per 40
BLK 2.5 3.9 per 40
3PT% 0.0 12 3PA
FT% 47.1 70 FTA

Main Selling Point: Lobs on lobs
Age: 20.6
Height/Weight: 6'9''/237
Wingspan: 7'5''
Standing Reach: 9'4"

A supreme dunker who fits the mold of a rim-running center, though he must improve his discipline.
Shades Of: DeAndre Jordan, Clint Capela, Amir Johnson

PLUSES

Elite athlete who is always a threat for lobs via pick-and-roll dives, cuts, or transition rim runs.
Bouncy leaper who keeps balls alive on the offensive boards and can throw down explosive dunks even from a standstill.
Can put the ball on the floor for one or two dribbles, though he must improve his footwork.
Solid passer who recognizes cutters and puts velocity on the ball.
Athletic shot blocker who closes gaps in a flash as a help defender.
Capable of switching onto guards due to his quickness.
Played out of position at Texas A&M in a two-big offense, so will likely produce more effectively in an NBA situation.

MINUSES

Limbs flail when he shoots jumpers. Form and release look different each time.
Needs to overhaul his shot form; he brings the ball up the left side of his body, but shoots with his right hand.
Doesn’t always do the little things; doesn’t show proper screening technique and rarely seals a defender on the post.
Undisciplined defender who reaches too often and falls out of his stance.
Only an average rebounder statistically considering his athleticism, though that may be because he played out of position at A&M.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Yahoo's mock projects him to be selected at #14, and the mock above at #13, but the potential is countered by aspects of his game that need adjusting. It may account for a slightly lower #19 position in this mock:

A very long and powerful forward with a lot of natural talent. A force on the defensive end who can guard at the rim but has a limited offensive game. Has big time leaping ability....
Comps. Antonio Davis, Chris Wilcox

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

To whatever extent he "doesn't always do the little things," he'll learn fairly quickly their importance with Pop, so hopefully he's coachable because his physicality and game could add some athleticism and versatility to our roster.

[G R E Y]

Thanks to stitches from the Jazz board for initially posting this tweet:

Read on Twitter

Due diligence on our part. Best to be prepared...

[G R E Y]

A couple more options for our #18 pick:

JACOB EVANS III, SF, Cincinnati, Junior

PTS 13.0 16.9 per 40
REB 4.7 6.1 per 40
AST 3.1 4.1 per 40
EFG% 50.7 377 FGA
STL 1.3 1.7 per 40
BLK 1.0 1.3 per 40
3PT% 37.0 162 3PA
FT% 75.4 114 FTA

Main Selling Point: Defense
Age: 20.9
Height/Weight: 6'5.5''/200
Wingspan: 6'9.25''
Standing Reach: 8'6.5"

A classic 3-and-D prospect who shoots and defends well, though he’s not a jump-out-of-the-gym athlete.
Shades Of: Wesley Matthews, Jae Crowder, Bogdan Bogdanovic

PLUSES

Spirited defender with the size and length to defend multiple positions.
Advanced off-ball defender; rotates well, communicates, and has good footwork on closeouts.
Makes winning plays with weakside blocks, deflections, and timely rebounds.
High-IQ passer who understands his limitations, moves the ball, and executes well.
Capable of using either hand to score at the rim with touch, though he’s a below-the-rim finisher.
Good spot-up shooter with NBA range.
Has made steady progress over his three collegiate seasons.

MINUSES

Average athlete who will need to prove he can defend the NBA’s elite, which he will be tasked with in his projected role.
Sluggish first step and high dribble limits his shot creation.
Low shooting release affects his ability to shoot off the dribble and when he’s tightly contested.
Lacks dynamic playmaking skill; he tends to pass the ball after he’s stopped his dribble rather than pass in rhythm on the move.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Quite a range for Evans. The one above has him at #20, the highest mock has him at #19, two at #24, another at #27, and the lowest at #29, but they're pretty consistent about his game:

An efficient offensive player and outstanding defender with good size for the SG position. A gamer who plays with intensity and makes good basketball decisions. Evans is a college Junior who is the same age as some Freshman.
Comp. Eric Gordon

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

KHYRI THOMAS, SG, Creighton, Junior

PTS 15.1 19.0 per 40
REB 4.4 5.5 per 40
AST 2.8 3.5 per 40
EFG% 62.9 342 FGA
STL 1.7 2.1 per 40
BLK 0.2 0.3 per 40
3PT% 41.1 151 3PA
FT% 78.8 85 FTA

Main Selling Point: Intense defense
Age: 22.0
Height/Weight: 6'3.75''/199
Wingspan: 6'10.5''
Standing Reach: 8'5"

A defensive menace who offers complementary offense with his shooting, though his ball handling must improve.
Shades Of: Victor Oladipo, Patrick Beverley, small Gerald Wallace

PLUSES

Elite perimeter defender who moves quick laterally, can switch onto wings, and combines good technique with intensity to neutralize opponents.
Strong frame with thick legs and a long wingspan enables him to battle on post switches and rebound at a high level for his position.
Plays and looks like a strong safety off-ball; quickly closes out to intercept passes and pickpocket ball handlers.
Turns defense into offense with steals, deflections, and rebounds.
Knockdown spot-up 3-point shooter who shows flashes of dynamic play off screens and handoffs.
Ambidextrous at-rim finisher who’s at his best when feeding off teammates on straight-line drives, slashes, and cuts.
His quick first step, long strides, and steadily improving handle suggests there’s untapped shot-creation potential.
Skilled post player who can facilitate from the block or beat up on smaller guards.
Puts velocity on passes, tends to make smart plays, and loves to throw long outlet passes.
Models his game after Kawhi Leonard.

MINUSES

High, loose dribble makes it hard for him to create shots against a set defense.
Uncomfortable shooting off the dribble; he needs to work on his footwork and quicken his release.
Already a good shooter, but must extend his range to assure it translates to the NBA level.
Pick-and-roll feel can improve by mixing in different speeds and more hesitations.
Occasionally telegraphs or forces passes that he shouldn’t make.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

This mock has Thomas at #26, and likely mostly because of his size, his position ranges anywhere from #18 to #30:

Combo guard who's a high level athlete and aggressive defender. Has a lot of length and brings a ton of energy on defense. Has become a good three point shooter with some upside as a scorer.
Comp> Avery Bradley

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

I feel like our program could help get the most out of both players, what with each having such a strong D foundation already. Whether we address our wavering O via draft, trades or the FA market, we will still need players whose O upside will have high enough potential, though, with all flowing from the contexts of coachability, and a willingness to play the right way.

[G R E Y]

The Spurs have never been a team wowed by pure athleticism. They are a team built to win championships, not dunk contests.

"Guys who are slow and can't jump, they fit pretty good in San Antonio," general manager R.C. Buford memorably said after the team spent its first-round pick on Kyle "Slo-Mo" Anderson in 2014.

In that sense, Michigan State sophomore Miles Bridges isn't the prototypical Spurs draft prospect.

The Spurs were one of a handful of teams to meet with Bridges. Most mock drafts have Bridges going in the late lottery, meaning he would have to slip a bit in order to reach the Spurs.

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-draft-profile-Miles-Bridges-12931217.php

Well well well... All the mocks I've seen have Miles projected from #7 - #12, a narrow window, so I hadn't even considered him, but if we're doing due diligence on Doncic, it makes sense we're doing the same for players slated to be selected after him. Also, it's been tricky trying to find any info about who we're looking at, working out, and interviewing so to have this tidbit is exciting.

[G R E Y]

Omari Spellman is another player we're apparently looking at. We'll be working him out this weekend:

Villanova's Omari Spellman might not be the next Draymond Green. But he would like to be.

That's the player Spellman told scouts at this month's NBA draft combine he would most like to emulate.

At 6-foot-9, Spellman is a bit taller than Green, but possesses many of the same valuable defensive skills.

With Spellman on the floor last season, Villanova 96.7 points per 100 possessions. Though the comparison is a bit apples-and-oranges, that team defensive rating would have led the NBA by a country mile.

The counting numbers the 21-year-old Spellman amassed in his lone college season don't jump off the page: 10.9 points, 1.5 blocks and eight rebounds per game.

Yet he was the driving force behind Villanova's run to a second national championship in three seasons last spring.

Spellman did shoot 43 percent from 3-point range, an ability that will play well for a big man in the modern NBA.

Teams have expressed late first-round interest in Spellman, including the Spurs. He has a draft workout scheduled with them this weekend.

Whichever team lands Spellman will likely be impressed by his work ethic. Last fall, he arrived at Villanova as a 290-pounder with 24-percent body fat, his physique literally fueled by gummy bears.

By January, he was down to 245 pounds with 10-percent body fat, in prime shape to power Villanova's Final Four run.

Many NBA mock drafts have Spellman landing in the early 20s, so he is likely to be on the board when the Spurs select at No. 18.

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-draft-profile-Omari-Spellman-12937414.php]

I've only seen Spellman (wonderful surname, by the way) on two draft mocks, but perhaps that's splitting hairs as other players have wide variances on mocks anyway. I'm glad to hear about the workout though. Hopefully more news about prospective picks will trickle its way to public knowledge. It's fun to speculate who we may choose based on mocks, but good to get a clearer picture with the players we're working out.

[G R E Y]

The NBA Global Camp is coming up in Treviso, Italy. It will run from June 2-5, 2018 and feature some prospective NBA talent:

Read on Twitter

Updates:

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

[G R E Y]

Approaching a selection from a different perspective, this article outlines best team fit for a player, in this case, one Lonnie Walker:

Often, the team that drafts the prospect is as important as the player’s raw talent. There’s a reason why the worst teams are always picking at the top and their previous picks are considered busts. Walker is an especially unvarnished talent, someone who has a high ceiling if he can put it all together but may struggle if he needs to take on a bigger role right away.

Walker may not wind up being a top ten player but he should mostly likely hear his name called anywhere from the late part of the lottery (picks 11-14) to the latter part of the first round. This works in Walker’s favor; he’ll be able to land with a team where the expectations on him won’t be sky-high and he’ll likely be on a good team that is a playoff competitor.

The Spurs might just be the best team to select Walker and could do the best job of getting his career off the ground. The San Antonio coaching staff is among the best in the entire NBA and their ability to develop prospects is second to none in the Association. Rotational contributors like Dejonte Murray, Kyle Anderson and Davis Bertans have all been a part of the Spurs’ development of young players into difference makers on their roster.

A playoff roster with grizzled vets like Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard would be a perfect place for Walker to hone his craft and learn from players who he should hope to follow in the footsteps of. All three were not highly touted coming out but under the coaching of the GOAT, Gregg Popovich, they developed into championship-caliber players. Clearly Walker has a long way to go before he gets to that level but on the Spurs, the players he would be surrounded by and Popovich’s comfort with playing young players early could allow Walker to shine.

https://www.stateoftheu.com/2018/5/22/17378070/miami-hurricanes-basketball-lonnie-walker-draft-nba-2018-team-drafted-best-team-fit-preview

Most of the mocks I've seen have Lonnie in mid to late lottery, ranging from #8 - #13, with one exception at 26. Some insights into his game that garner the #11 slot at The Ringer:

LONNIE WALKER, SG, Miami, Freshman

PTS 11.5 16.6 per 40
REB 2.6 3.7 per 40
AST 1.9 2.7 per 40
EFG% 50.3 318 FGA
STL 0.9 1.4 per 40
BLK 0.5 0.7 per 40
3PT% 34.6 162 3PA
FT% 73.8 65 FTA

Main Selling Point: Scoring upside
Age: 19.5
Height/Weight: 6'4.5"/196
Wingspan: 6'10.25"
Standing Reach: 8'3.5"

An explosive, shifty guard who showed flashes of go-to scoring skills once his role was increased midseason.
Shades Of: Ben Gordon, Pat McCaw, Corey Brewer

PLUSES

Shows knack for shot creation with hesitations and a smooth shooting release off the dribble, but lacks advanced ball-handling moves.
Good shooting form and touch, though he needs to quicken his release to avoid getting contested.
Miami used him off screens and he displayed advanced footwork, though his shooting percentages on the catch were low.
His length, agility, and lateral quickness allow him to effectively defend both guard spots.
Skilled chasing shooters through screens and tends to rotate well, though he must work at staying more focused.

MINUSES

Underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee in July 2017.
Bad habit of taking off from too far away on layup attempts instead of taking an extra dribble.
Settles for too many contested pull-up jumpers and floaters.
Lacks feel and passing vision when making plays for others.
Doesn’t anticipate cutting lanes or move at an advanced level off-ball.
Too lean to be more than a two-position defender despite his length.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

In slotting Walker at #8, NBA Draft Room describes the following attributes:

Walker is not yet consistent and his game is raw but the upside is undeniable. He can hang in the air and make plays at the rim that few players can make. He's got very good handles and shows some promise as a primary ball handler, not just a wing. The draft is about upside and Walker has a lot of that.
Comp: Brandon Roy

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

94feetreport.com has Lonnie all the way at #26 because he "... is difficult to project...." A breakdown by them of his game:

Synergy

Walker has a lot of versatility as a scorer, as evidenced by the data. He is a good shooter with his feet set and will likely be able to acclimate to the NBA three-point line well. Transitions is where he will thrive the most, because he can use his elite athleticism and bounce to outrange most defenders. He also has experience as a pick-and-roll handler, though he did acquit himself as well in those situations, scoring only the 42nd percentile at 0.72 PPP.

Offense

Walker is a off-ball player who can score in a number of ways, from running of screens to pushing ahead in transition. He has a clean shot and will likely be able to knock down NBA-range threes early. His shot selection
needs work, as he often settles for contested shots against defenders he should blow past. His handles aren’t
where they need to be which might be the underlying cause for the midrange attempts. While he can be an
effective moving without the basketball, he hasn’t shown a real penchant for understanding the intricacies of the
offensive system at Miami, leaving him a subpar slasher despite his physical tools. He has potential to be an
incredibly gifted offensive contributor, but will need time to grow into that role.

Defense

Walker is a good on-ball defender who is willing to move his feet and use his length to stay in front of his man. He
has quick hands, and a strong frame allowing him to contest shots while on the move. While he might not have
the length to defend forwards, he can comfortable guard ones and twos. But the real problem with his defense comes when he is off the ball, where he can get caught ball watching. He isn’t a great rotation defender, and tends to die on
screens, leading to open looks for shooters. Despite boasting a 6’11” wingspan, he isn’t a tremendous shotblocker or rebounder, another area he will have to improve to find minutes in an NBA rotation.

Projection

Walker is a high-ceiling, low-floor player who is difficult to project. In four years, he could be a quality starter
or he could be buried on the end of a bench, all depending on how he develops in his first few seasons. On
offense, he likely will rise or fall with his ability to knock down shots, something of a work in progress.
Defensively, he has the tools but will need to show patience and discipline, especially off-ball.

https://94feetreport.com/the-2018-nba-draft-guide-version-1-2-af49f178b1ff

[G R E Y]

The Spurs do 'keeping it in-house' like no other team. A trickle here, a tidbit there... the most recent is that we worked out Troy Brown, Jr.

At 6-foot-7, with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Brown has the size necessary to play both wing positions at the next level – and most importantly, defend both wing positions at the next level.

Brown's lack of explosion and athleticism keeps him off of most SportsCenter highlight reels, but his ability to do a little bit of everything has many NBA teams intrigued.

In fact, Brown – who has reportedly worked out for the Spurs -- might be the most versatile player in this year's draft field.

He grew up as point guard, which affords him plus ball-handling and playmaking skills for a player of his position. Scouts rave about Brown's innate feel for the game.

This part is not surprising. The son of a former college basketball standout – his father, Troy Sr, played at Texas A&M-Kingsville – Brown was raised on the game.

By most measurements, Troy Brown had a lone college season at Oregon that screams "solid, but not spectacular."

He averaged 11.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists – nice enough numbers for a freshman but none that point to a player ready to make a mark in the NBA this fall.

It has been Brown's performances, individual team workouts and interviews that have him shooting up mock draft boards of late.

The minus that limits Brown's draft stock is a lack of shooting touch.

He was an inconsistent scorer at Oregon, and shot only 29 percent from 3-point distance. He'll need to improve that part of his game to become a rotation piece at the NBA level.

At 18, however, Brown is among the youngest players in the 2018 draft. He clearly has room to improve.

With the intel on Brown limited to one college season, a team that selects him in the middle of the first round will be rolling the dice on his future development.

Brown could wind up a steal for the team with the guts to take him.

https://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-draft-profile-Troy-Brown-Jr-12985225.php?utm_campaign=twitter-mobile&utm_source=CMS%20Sharing%20Button&utm_medium=social

Most recent mocks have Troy Brown, Jr. landing anywhere from #13 to #25, with most having him selected just outside of the lottery, so should the Spurs love his overall game and feel that Chip can improve his shot, we've got a good chance at landing him with our 18th pick.

The Ringer lists him the highest at #13, with these attributes and analysis to explain the slot:

TROY BROWN, JR., SG, Oregon, Freshman

PTS 11.3 14.5 per 40
REB 6.2 7.9 per 40
AST 3.2 4.1 per 40
EFG% 49.4 322 FGA
STL 1.6 2.0 per 40
BLK 0.2 0.3 per 40
3PT% 29.1 110 3PA
FT% 74.3 105 FTA

Main Selling Point: Playmaking and size
Age: 18.8
Height/Weight: 6'6.75''/208
Wingspan: 6'10.25''
Standing Reach: 8'9''

A defensive wing whose skills as a creator add spice to his profile.
Shades Of: Khris Middleton, Evan Turner, DeAndre Bembry

PLUSES

Excellent passer who mixes flash with substance. He puts ideal velocity on his passes, with great accuracy, off the dribble.
Size and ball handling make him an intriguing talent for a positionless league. Could be a matchup issue as a secondary playmaker.
Strong frame and good balance allow him to finish well through contact, though his lack of explosiveness will hurt him when finishing against length.
High-IQ player who cuts, moves the ball, rebounds, communicates on defense, and plays with discipline.
Not the son of ex-NFL player Troy Brown, though he does share his ability to excel on offense and defense.
Good team defender who plays hard, rotates, and has the frame to comfortably switch screens.

MINUSES

Unorthodox jump shot with a catapult release and inconsistent footwork leads to poor results off the catch-and-dribble.
Average touch on floaters and layups plus average free throw percentage don’t inspire optimism for his jump shot.
Needs to expand his repertoire of dribble moves to get to the rim in the NBA. Also needs to get more comfortable driving to his left.
Only an average defender against speedy college guards. He’ll need to get much quicker laterally to defend the NBA’s elite.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

nbadratroom.com has Troy at #21, summarizing:

A big guard with a lot of play-making ability but who is a bit heavy-footed and lacks top end explosion. Has excellent length, good scoring ability and a lot of upside as a defender.
Comp: Morris Peterson

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html


94feetreport.com breaks down Troy's game to show why they have him as the #22 pick:

Strengths

❏ Versatile defender, both on-ball and as help
❏ Good ball handler and playmaker; can be a
secondary creator
❏ Smart passer who will set teammates up for
easy buckets
❏ Above average rebounder for his size
❏ Clean shooting mechanics; shows he has
room to improve

Weaknesses

❏ Poor three-point shooter
❏ Doesn’t hunt for great shots on offense
❏ Good wingspan, but needs to improve his
upper body strength
❏ Doesn’t have an elite first step to blow by
defenders
❏ Occasionally gets lost when he isn’t directly
engaged on offense

Synergy

Troy Brown is a Swiss Army knife on offense, able to fill a variety of roles. He can score well in transition, both
as a ball handler and a cutter. He even ran a fair bit of pick-and-roll as Oregon’s backup point guard, giving him
another tool for NBA teams to utilize. He will need to improve on his spot up efficiency, especially beyond the
arc where he was a 29 percent shooter on 3.1 attempts per game.

Offense

Brown had a disappointing season scoring the basketball, averaging only 11.3 points per game and shooting 44 percent from the floor. If he can make improvements (seems to have clean mechanics which can be improved upon with the right shooting coach), he will find his way into a rotation. While Brown's shooting woes are worrisome, he brings a lot of other offensive talent to the table. At Oregon, he showed that he could run the offense as the
backup point guard. He is a gifted passer who makes difficult reads, and can set teammates up for easy
baskets, making him a potent weapon for more lengthy lineups at 6’6”.

Defense

Brown’s calling card all season has been his defense, allowing only 0.75 points per possession (82nd percentile). He is excellent when using his length to contain pick-and-roll ball handlers as well as locking down scorers in isolation situations. He also has quick hands and good off-ball instincts making him a threat to turn errant passes into easy buckets in an instant. His first step quickness isn’t elite, but he does a satisfactory job using his other tools to
bottle up penetration. He will also need to improve on his upper body strength to contain stronger guards who are more prevalent in the NBA.

Projection

Brown already has the skill set of a high-impact defender and will likely contribute early on that side of the ball.
His high IQ passing ability buoys an otherwise lackluster offensive profile, however if his shot can translate
early on he will find a niche role as a 3&D wing. Although he is low on the draft board, Brown has starter-level
projections, provided he can sharpen his game in a few key areas.

Best Fits

San Antonio loves positionless wings who can create for others and might be in for a small rebuild this offseason.

https://94feetreport.com/the-2018-nba-draft-guide-version-1-2-af49f178b1ff

In a recent video, Troy comes across as well spoken and shows good insight into the strengths and weaknesses in his game which he compares to Iggy because Andre does a bit of everything and does what is necessary:

Read on Twitter

Little things about his movement stand out in that he has good body balance and foot work in setting himself into his shots even if his release looks a touch slow. He sprinkles in words and phrases like "I want a team that I can be in there for a long time and have a good fit with", "discipline", "being able to make the right play at the right time", "I take the most pride in guarding the one", "just playing basketball the right way" which are Spurs sweet spots. It's as if he were catering his responses to us. Troy along with Hutchison and Bamba (who is so poised he could host his own show right now, but who is also so high a prospect that we're most likely not getting him) seem most mature, coachable, and insightful about their games.

[G R E Y]

While we wait for the draft, an interesting read about the impact of R.C. Buford's use of analytics not only on the Spurs, but on the league as a whole.

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey is often given credit for leading the analytics revolution in the NBA, and he has certainly played a major role in utilizing analytics effectively and raising public awareness of it. Quietly, though, in terms of actual use of the tools of analytics, it's hard to overstate the role that San Antonio Spurs GM R.C. Buford has played....

The value of analytics is not all of the fancy math needed to turn the data into information, but rather the productive use of that new information in decision-making. And few have been more effective at doing that and teaching others how to do it than Buford.

One area in which NBA teams apply analytics is the draft. The draft is about projecting the future based on a variety of data sources -- and reducing the risk inherent in the process. As draft analytics have become more available over the past decade, models have become more complex and accurate, with the latest draft model from ESPN's analytics team utilizing five different data sources to create more accurate projections.

Houston and Boston rank one and two, with the Spurs third:

3. San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs were one of the very first teams to employ an analyst to build a draft model and were one of only three teams (the Rockets and Celtics were the others) to have representatives at the very first Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.

But looking at other teams that made the list reveals a deeper influence beyond our club. Fourth are the Thunder, run by Presti, who is "a Buford disciple"; fifth are the Nets, now run by Sean Marks, another "Buford disciple"; sixth are the Jazz whose GM, Dennis Lindsey, took on the role in 2012 after five years as assistant GM for the Spurs.

In a league where, according to the universal agreement of those polled, only 40 percent to 60 percent of teams use analytics in an effective way in the draft, Buford owns the third spot in our "rankings" and trained the next three GMs on the list. Buford has found an effective process for incorporating this information to provide the Spurs (and all of the teams that have been hired out of his front office) a competitive advantage.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23762871/rockets-spurs-celtics-most-analytical-draft-teams-nba

On the one hand, I'd rather R.C. remain the best kept secret in the NBA; on the other, since he never calls attention to his achievements and their influence, he deserves this praise and appreciation for just how good he is, not only at what he does, but also in helping others succeed as well. Rare.

[Dzon Dilindzer]

Im sure hes dreaming about being drafted by San Antonio Spurs

had two impressive workouts with Indiana and Denver

Read on Twitter

[juanc]

Im sure hes dreaming about being drafted by San Antonio Spurs

had two impressive workouts with Indiana and Denver

Read on Twitter

Watch on YouTube

Yes, he is just the right player with the Spurs mentality

[G R E Y]

Im sure hes dreaming about being drafted by San Antonio Spurs

had two impressive workouts with Indiana and Denver

Read on Twitter

Thanks, Dzon! Last night I saw your post about his workout and interview on the Pacers board. The tweet was from June 11 and I'd wondered whether he had already worked out for us. Turns out, he's coming soon!

I like his passion for the game and willingness to improve; he's told what he needs to work on, and just takes it in and gets to it. Lights out shooter, sets up for shots quickly, but his frame is still a negative for him. Maybe he's got that wiry strength, but you can see how he could get muscled out. He'll have to be quick and anticipate to be effective on D; a 6'9" SF can find other ways to disrupt opponents. I like his confidence and eloquence, too. He's focused and specific in his answers. You can tell that he wants to impress, that it means a lot to him to do well. It's endearing, really...

A couple of mocks still have him at #18, but several others have him slipping back a bit to the latter part of the first round. He comes across as the type of player whose drive and determination and hunger will come back to bite teams that pass on him. I hope that whatever team selects Dzanan will be a good fit, and they help him grow. Living on his own since he was 11? What a great story. Looking forward to seeing how it continues as he progresses to the next stage of his life and career.

[G R E Y]

Also from the Indy board (courtesy of Moooose), it looks as if we may have already or will work out Gary Trent, Jr.

Read on Twitter

Most mocks I've seen have Gary being selected late first round to early second. The Ringer, however, still has him at #42 in its latest mock.

GARY TRENT JR., SG, Duke, Freshman

PTS 14.5 17.2 per 40
REB 4.2 5.0 per 40
AST 1.4 1.7 per 40
EFG% 52.8 427 FGA
STL 1.2 1.4 per 40
BLK 0.1 0.2 per 40
3PT% 40.2 241 3PA
FT% 87.6 97 FTA

Main Selling Point: Shooting
Age: 19.4
Height/Weight: 6'5.75''/204
Wingspan: 6'8.75''
Standing Reach: 8'2"

A knockdown shooting wing who needs to become a committed defender in order to stay on the floor.
Shades Of: Doug McDermott, Jeremy Lamb, Hollis Thompson

PLUSES

Great spot-up shooter who can hit from deep even with a defender draped all over him.
Does an excellent job of getting his feet set and balancing mid-air when attempting off-balance shots off screens.
Capable of hitting basic one-two dribble pull ups.
Races up the floor in transition and intelligently fills passing lanes on the wing.

MINUSES

Subpar athlete who doesn’t explode at the rim and easily has his shots altered by the defense.
Doesn’t get to the rim often due to his average handle. Lacks advanced moves, burst, or the first step to create against a set defense.
He displays some chucker habits: he stops the ball instead of just attacking or shooting.
Poor defender who ball-watches, struggles moving laterally to contain quicker players, and lacks the strength to contain bigger ones.
Opponents relentlessly attacked him in college. NBA teams will do the same unless he learns how to defend off-ball as well as he scores.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Tankathon.com has him at #28, and nbadraftroom.com at #26:

A talented scorer with good feel for the game and enough athleticism to get by. Isn't a big upside type of prospect and isn't likely to be a star at the next level but his three point shooting is special.
Comp: Wesley Matthews

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

Yahoo's mock has him at the same spot:

Trent might be similar to former Kentucky star Ron Mercer, which is a huge compliment. A burly wing with three-level scoring ability, Trent can come in immediately and be a difference maker — especially offensively....

https://sports.yahoo.com/2018-nba-mock-draft-3-0-mohamed-bambas-stock-rising-191304899.html

94feetreport.com also has Gary in the second round, but earlier than The Ringer, at #32:

Strengths
❏ NBA-ready body
❏ Good shooter both on the move and with his feet set
❏ Uses his size and strength well on defense
❏ Decent passer
❏ High IQ player with an innate feel for the game

Weaknesses
❏ Only a decent athlete
❏ Doesn’t get to the free throw line often
❏ Might be too slow to stay in front of quicker players
❏ Can be a streaky shooter
❏ Makes bad gambles too often on defense

Synergy

Trent is an efficient spot-up shooter and does a good job using multiple screens to spring himself free. His best
role at the next level will be as a specialist who doesn’t need to put the ball on the floor. His isolation scoring (in
a small sample size) isn’t spectacular and his pick & roll ball handling is in the 5th percentile as he has trouble
shaking defenders without elite quickness.

Offense

Trent can put the ball in the hoop. He has shown a proclivity for knocking down shots while on the move around screens, when handling the ball and when he has his feet set. Not quite an elite shooter, but he has shown that he can develop a hot hand. He is a high IQ player who will grasp the concepts of an NBA offense early. While he can be the focal point of some set plays, he is more of a complementary player. He is more of a shooter than a tried-and-true scorer. In order to improve beyond that situational usage he will need to tighten his handle and look to get teammates involved, both traits which can develop over time.

Defense

Duke’s zone defense didn’t do Trent’s draft stock any favors. Nonetheless, he has a strong body and good length which he can use to stay attached to his man, even if he is a touch slow-footed. He is a smart player who will stay focused on a team defensive scheme and because of that has potential for upward growth as a 3&D guy. He will need to improve on his situational awareness and discipline, as he has a tendency to gamble for steals too often. Much of his playing time will be contingent on his growth as a defender. If he can adjust to the speed of the game and can use his physical tools to defend twos and threes, he can carve out a solid role.

Projection

Trent figures to be a quality shooter who has the body to develop into a NBA-level defender. Teams love
players who fit into the 3&D mold, even if they aren’t premade out of college. While he learns to adjust to the
speed of the NBA game he will likely be a poor defender, but if he can learn to use his strength and length to
contain dribbler he can develop into a solid defensive player. Much of his offensive contribution depends on
how well his team utilizes off-ball screening.

https://94feetreport.com/the-2018-nba-draft-guide-version-1-2-af49f178b1ff

[G R E Y]

It looks as if Omari Spellman will have a second workout with us:

League sources told the Express-News the Spurs are targeting Spellman for a second workout before next Thursday's NBA Draft.

The freshman forward averaged 10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in his only season at Villanova, helping the Wildcats capture their second NCAA men's basketball championship in three years while also being named Big East Rookie of the Year.

Scouts point out Spellman's ability to hit the 3-pointer as a significant strength. He shot 43 percent from beyond the arc; is a solid rebounder, and respectable defender.

"(Spellman) is the new era stretch four," an NBA scout told the Express-News. "He's a little bit undersized (6-foot-9), but has a high basketball IQ. He comes from a pro system so he's a guy that can help you immediately.... He's solid. He'll be a 10-year veteran."

https://www.expressnews.com/spurs-nation/article/Spurs-target-Villanova-s-Spellman-others-for-12994749.php

I'm not sure which round this is meant for as most mocks I've seen have him in late first to mid second round, but then again, it's not as if the actual mock position matters to the Spurs. If the player they want is available and they want him, that'll be that.

The Ringer lists Omari at #43:

OMARI SPELLMAN, PF, Villanova, Freshman

PTS 10.9 15.4 per 40
REB 8.0 11.4 per 40
AST 0.8 1.1 per 40
EFG% 57.3 336 FGA
STL 0.7 0.9 per 40
BLK 1.5 2.1 per 40
3PT% 43.3 150 3PA
FT% 70.0 70 FTA

Main Selling Point: Winning mentality
Age: 20.9
Height/Weight: 6'9.25''/254
Wingspan: 7'2''
Standing Reach: 8'11.5

A stocky big man who plays hard and spaces the floor, but needs to refine the very rough edges of his game and body.
Shades Of: Anthony Mason, Boris Diaw, a studious Mitch McGary

PLUSES

Lost a ton of weight during his redshirt season, which improved his fluidity and quickness.
Set shooter with a funky release, but he has good footwork off of the catch. He’s already a smart screener who can pick-and-pop.
Team player who does all the little things as a cutter, screener, facilitator, and hustler. He’ll dive on the floor or take a charge if he needs to.
Flashes of passing vision are encouraging with the zip he puts on the ball, though he needs to be careful about telegraphing passes.
Competitive rebounder, especially crashing the offensive glass.
Good shot blocker with long reach, though he needs to get out of the habit of biting for pump fakes.
High-effort defender who understands positioning, plus has the strength to body up true bigs.

MINUSES

Rudimentary post game and raw footwork. Despite his size, he often seems more comfortable facing up from the perimeter.
Lacks explosiveness scoring inside. Has Tristan Thompson Syndrome on offensive rebounds, loading up instead of going straight up.
Subpar free throw percentage.
Sluggish defending smaller, quicker players on a switch, though he tries.
He’ll be a 21-year-old rookie with an underdeveloped game and body. He needs to continue getting in better shape to handle the rigors of the NBA.
https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Tankathon.com lists Omari at #40, whereas nbadraftroom.com has him at #29:

A bruiser who controls the paint with his strength and can also step out and make plays on the perimeter. Has a nice mid range game and a lethal three point shot.
Comp. Kris Humphries

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/2018-nba-mock-draft.html

94feetreport.com has him at #30:

Strengths

❏ NBA range 3pt shooting
❏ Defensively versatile with a great frame
❏ Excellent rebounder as a forward
❏ Small-ball center potential

Weaknesses

❏ Doesn’t have great touch around the basket
❏ Sometimes forces shots in pass-out situations
❏ Doesn’t get to the FT line consistently
❏ Not a great athlete

Synergy

Spot-up possessions are likely to continue as Spellman’s most used play type, but he is bound for some sort of
regression just because he was so good. Assuming his shot translates should be able to lean even more heavily
on that aspect of game though. His finishing near the rim wasn’t where it needed to be, and shifting some of his
post-up possessions to other play types should help his efficiency.

Offense

Spellman had immense success in the Villanova offense, particularly behind the arc. His ability to stretch the floor gains value as he is surrounded by greater talent that can both capitalize on that spacing as well as facilitate easy looks for him. If used at the 5 he may be able to utilize his face-up game to get to the rim on dribble penetration, but
will need to improve his handle to do so consistently. He didn’t look to score when attacking closeouts often, but when he did he was effective. Being used as a roller/popper at Villanova didn’t have stellar results for him, particularly rolling, but the increased spacing in the NBA could help.

Defense

Spellman has the frame to wall up against most forwards with the lateral quickness to contain dribble penetration. His 7’2 wingspan should allow him to do a fair job on centers, although the elites will give him trouble with their size. Spellman was asked to switch onto perimeter players regularly at Villanova and did so effectively. Defending 47
isolation possessions he allowed just .596 PPP, ranking in the 79th percentile. He had trouble with some of the quicker guards, but if he is able to stay close his length gives him a decent margin for error. His defensive rebounding is an asset as a forward, but as a small-ball center he may need help there.

Projection

While redshirting a season for academic reasons Spellman put his time off to excellent use, shedding pounds
and adding skills. Continuing this self-improvement would enable him to reach the more optimistic scenarios in
his projection. Should he struggle switching onto perimeter players for even short stretches it would likely be
too big a hurdle for him to overcome unless he becomes an absolute sniper from deep.

https://94feetreport.com/the-2018-nba-draft-guide-version-1-2-af49f178b1ff

Combine interview. I like his even keeled temperament, his drive, and his honest self-assessment:

Watch on YouTube

[G R E Y]

As for the second round, with our 49th pick earlier mocks had us selecting players such as Tyus Battle, but he didn't show well at the Draft Combine so his stock dropped, and Josh Okogie, but he had a solid showing at the Draft Combine and he may go in the first round now. If he's somehow available at our slot, it'll be a minor miracle, but then so was Dejounte. Just saying...

SI outlined some of Battle's struggles :

Battle, in particular, faded into the background this week, struggling to impose his will as a scorer, forcing some shots and displaying very little secondary skill set on offense. He shot well in drills, but the hitch at the top of his shot remains evident. This was a chance for him to show he could be more than an iso-heavy player, and while he did display some aptitude as a man-to-man defender outside of Syracuse’s zone, his floor game leaves a lot to be desired. Battle doesn’t offer much aside from his plus build and athletic tools, and didn’t look like a Top 40 pick.

https://www.si.com/nba/2018/05/18/nba-draft-combine-stock-rise-fall-may-30-deadline-players

He decided to withdraw from this year's draft and return to school. Sound decision.

Read on Twitter

It's a tough choice for a lot of players on the cusp, but it'll test his mettle to come back stronger.

As for Okogie, in late May SI listed him as a rising prospect:

Okogie was better on Thursday than Friday, but on the whole he fortified his case to remain in the draft. His strong build and athletic tools are ideal for his role as an off-guard who plays both ends of the floor and adds a little bit of everything. After spending the season anchoring a struggling Georgia Tech team in a large role, it was positive to see Okogie rise to the level of talent around him. He does have a bit of an on/off switch, particularly on defense, but when engaged he really stood out moving his feet on the perimeter. His shot selection and occasionally wild play is also a concern. Okogie’s not a lock for the first round but you can see it happening, particularly given he doesn’t turn 20 until September.

https://www.si.com/nba/2018/05/18/nba-draft-combine-stock-rise-fall-may-30-deadline-players

Most mocks now have Josh somewhere in the late first to early second round slots. Interesting prospect.

[G R E Y]

Most recent mocks have us using our 49th pick on players such as Kenrich Williams, Kevin Hervey, and Moritz Wagner (though his stock appears to have risen).

As for actual workouts of prospective second rounders, we have taken a deeper look at Elijah Stewart and Trevon Bluiett:

The Spurs are also doing their due diligence with projected second-round picks.

League sources told the Express-News the Spurs worked out 6-foot-5 senior guard Elijah Stewart from USC and 6-foot-6 senior guard-forward Trevon Bluiett from Xavier University.

Stewart, who averaged 11.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in his senior season with the Trojans, is praised for his ability to shoot the 3-pointer. He shot 39 percent in his career at USC and is the school's all-time leader in 3-pointers made with 245. The 22-year-old can also make plays on defense and has a knack for blocking shots (finished second on the team last season with 21).

Bluiett, who finished his final season with the Musketeers averaging 19.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists, is a decent shooter, solid scorer off the dribble and uses his size in the post against smaller defenders.

https://www.expressnews.com/spurs-nation/article/Spurs-target-Villanova-s-Spellman-others-for-12994749.php