22 Draft

[imagump1313]

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Woah! He would fit right in with our guys then!!!

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Yeah it's tricky:

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By tricky I mean I've seen post-workout interviews and he sounds personable and comes across as comfortable in his own skin.

There was also some talk of Anthony Edwards having a questionable BBIQ:

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There are some interesting comments in this thread above with respect to context. But if in interviews execs get a certain impression either it's smoke or a trend. Reading some comments in the Draft Forum here, several posters who've watched LSU play also point to a questionable decision pattern. Guess it will depend on what teams will see when they work him out. It's definitely out there, though, and we'll see how that affects his stock.

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Spoiler:

It's the first we're hearing of a player being both interviewed by us and working out for us. May just be a scheduling factor from both sides rather than reading anything into his being the first player. I'm sure he'll be one of many others. Still, perhaps something of note:

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A brief look at his skills:

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Here's the link in this thread to a deeper dive into Johnny Davis and his game - https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?p=99384922#p99384922

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have 7 Johnny Davis' on this team already

Well if he or anyone else were head and shoulders better than anyone we had I could justify it. We're not good enough to pass on talent for positional need. But I agree that Davis just isn't that guy. Here are some insights that may support a lower ceiling:

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Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow... a bit delayed but here are the details of the players we have or are scheduled to work out:

WORKOUT: Isaiah Mobley | Our List of Draft Prospects

Isaiah is not as elite as his brother Evan Mobley but he’s still on the NBA draft radar and has all the tools to be a solid pro.

He’s a nimble 6-10 forward who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He’s a fluid and shows great body control and agility in a big lanky frame. Although he’s not the most explosive vertical leaper he does have some quick twitch and burst.

Mobley can score in the paint, although this won’t be his primary role at the next level. He’s got a face up game and can hit shots off the dribble, hit the turnaround jumper and can pull up from 18 feet and beyond. Perfecting the corner 3 and becoming and overall great 3pt shooter will be his keys to success at the next level.

He’s a natural offensive talent who makes it look easy and looks comfortable with the ball in his hands.

Isaiah has a decent frame but lacks strength and gets moved around too easily. He’s not an intimidator in the paint or a standout defender. He needs to get a lot stronger for the next level.

https://nbadraftroom.com/p/isaiah-mobley/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/isaiah-mobley-scouting-report/

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WORKOUT: Andrew Nembhard | Our List of Draft Prospects

Nembhard is a true point guard and one of the best passers in his class. He plays with his head up, sees the floor well and is always thinking pass-first. He’s got good size for the position, decent quickness and can keep the defense honest with his shooting ability.

Size for position
Nice passing and set-up ability
Plays like a coach on the floor and really excels at running the offense
Excellent in transition and with the look-ahead pass
Doesn’t over dribble and keeps the ball moving
An excellent shooter with good form and deep range
A feisty defender who is committed on that end of the floor
Isn’t the most explosive player and has average quickness
Doesn’t have ideal shooting form with sort of a push release

https://nbadraftroom.com/p/andrew-nembhard/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/andrew-nembhard-scouting-report/

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WORKOUT: Marcus Weathers | Our List of Draft Prospects

Played all 33 games with 25 starts... averaged 12.8 points (15th AAC), 7.5 rebounds (2nd AAC), 1.8 assists... shot 50.7% FGs, 33.3% 3FGs, 71.4% FTs (13th AAC)... had 8 double-doubles (2nd AAC)... scored 10+ 24 times, had 8+ rebounds 13 times... led team in scoring 7 tims and rebounds 19 times... GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Totaled 16 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists in NIT First Round win vs Nicholls 3/16...Had 20 points (3-6 3FG, 5-7 FT) with 7 rebounds and 5 assists in the win vs [6/7] Houston 2/9...Game-high 27 points (11-16 FG, 1-2 3FG, 4-4 FT) with 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists and a steal in the win vs Temple 1/29... Game-high 17 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3FG, 4-4 FT) with 4 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in win at USF 1/26... Double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds with 2 assists and a block in the win at Tulane 1/15...Shared team lead of 17 points with 6 rebounds, 2 assists in win vs USF 1/12... Had a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in the AAC opening win at Tulsa 12/29... Added 13 points and 7 rebounds with a steal in the win at New Mexico 12/19... AWARDS: All-AAC Second Team... NABC All-District Second Team... AAC Player of the Week (J31, F14).

was a two-time All-Atlantic 10 honoree and 2019-20 NABC All-District selection at Duquesne. In 2020-21, he averaged a team-high 15.3 points (12th A-10) with 7.5 rebounds (7th A-10) as he recorded five double-doubles. He hit 48.1% from the field (4th A-10) and 31.0% from behind the arc. In 2019-20, he led the team scoring (14.3, 12th A-10) and rebounding (8.1, 6th A-10) as well as free throws made (103) and attempted (153). He shot 55.7% from the field (3rd A-10) and averaged 1.3 blocks (6th A-10). He averaged 10.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and hit 48.9% from the field in 2018-19. As a true freshman at Miami (Ohio) in 2016-17, he averaged 9.7 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while shooting 51.3% from the field.

https://smumustangs.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/marcus-weathers/12408

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Hard to find a lot of info on him...

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WORKOUT: Jalen Williams | Our List of Draft Prospects

Jalen Williams is a strong, solid, well built guard who isn’t a big name prospect but has a lot of fans in NBA circles and is flying up draft boards during the pre-draft process.

Williams is an excellent iso scorer who can get his own offense. He’s very efficient from the field and really knows how to put the ball in the basket.

Doesn’t force the issue, takes good shots.

Has a solid base and a strong frame with exceptional length.

Has very good handles and can beat his man with the dribble and get to this spots. Has a slick crossover and a deceptive first step. Uses inside-out dribbles well.

Has awesome length with a 7-2+ wingspan.

A smooth open court athlete. Doesn’t have elite burst or straight-line speed but more than enough athleticism for the league. His length allows him to finish above the rim with ease. He posted an impressive 39 inch vertical leap at the combine.

Has excellent court vision and passing ability. Plays with his head up. Keeps the ball moving.

https://nbadraftroom.com/jalen-williams/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/jalen-williams-scouting-report/

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WORKOUT: Jabari Walker | Our List of Draft Prospects

Walker is an intriguing combo forward who looks like he’ll have a role in the NBA thanks to his sweet shooting stroke from downtown. If he can develop and round out the rest of his offensive game he’ll be a problem.

Walker had insanely good shooting splits his freshman year (52/52/78) in about 14 minutes a game. This shooting rate might not be sustainable going forward but it’s not a fluke; Walker can really stroke the ball.

He’s not yet much of a play-maker and doesn’t yet have point-forward skills. This will be a big area of development for him.

Walker has decent length and size with good athleticism, but isn’t a freak athlete.

https://nbadraftroom.com/jabari-walker/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/jabari-walker-scouting-report/

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WORKOUT: Dyson Daniels | Our List of Draft Prospects

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After a successful season with the G League Ignite Dyson Daniels has solidified himself as one of the premier talents in this draft class, with mid lottery potential. The big guard/wing from Australia has all the tools, both physically and mentally and very intriguing upside.

At 6-7 1/2 (in shoes) he’s got great size for a guard and very solid athleticism. He’s a quick-twitch athlete, has quick feet and hands and a lot of bounce.

Although he’s not a high volume shot-taker he’s got solid shooting form and should become a knockdown shooter in time.

Has some point-forward abilities and a very good feel for the game and for setting up teammates.

Dyson really stands out on the defensive end and might be the best perimeter defender in this draft class (or at least one of the best). He gets low in his stance, has great footwork, very quick hands and plays with great positioning.

He’s young and has a lot of development left to go but looking ahead a few years he could become one of the standout two-way players in the league.

https://nbadraftroom.com/dyson-daniels/

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Pros and cons:https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/dyson-daniels-scouting-report/

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WORKOUT: Jake LaRavia | Our List of Draft Prospects

A versatile and crafty wide-bodied forward with a high skill level, LaRavia has been rising up draft boards in the months leading up to the draft and is a possible mid to late first round pick.

He had a strong junior season, his first at Wake Forest, after transferring from Indiana State.

LaRavia shoots the ball very well from outside and has a smooth quick release. Hit 38% from 3pt and 78% from the FT this year. After shooting the lights out at the draft combine he seems to have solidified his place as one of the best 3pt shooters in this draft class.

Jake isn’t a plus athlete in terms of speed and vertical but has a lot of strength and power. Has good length and broad shoulders, which helps him hold his own in the lane. He also shows very good positioning and decent lateral agility when guarding in space and is able to switch onto guards. He might not be an elite defender but won’t be a liability on D.

His great 3pt shooting really opens up his offensive game. He’s able to attacks close-outs well and has some creativity with the ball when driving into the lane. He’s more of a below the rim player who uses his broad shoulders to carve out space and shed defenders.

He isn’t a big name prospect but could turn out to be better than a lot of the well known guys.

https://nbadraftroom.com/jake-laravia/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/jake-laravia-scouting-report/

I like him a lot.

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As the draft draws closer, expect more rumours to swirl around, especially for teams like us which have a lot of options with multiple picks and cap space. And here are some seeping through:

The first — and perhaps least surprising — rumor comes from NBA Big Board’s Rafael Barlowe (subscription required), who reports that the Spurs are actively seeking to move up in the draft and are hoping to “consolidate” some of their picks since they do not plan on bringing three or four rookies into training camp. (Note that all three first-round picks would be on guaranteed deals unless they are stashed overseas.)

The draft is (hopefully) one way the Spurs plan on shoring up their forward positions, but if they’re looking for more immediate help, they might have a suitor in Raptors’ OG Anunoby. The 6’7” small forward is coming off a season with averages of 17.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.5 steals but is reportedly unhappy in his role with his current team, which has plenty of depth at the forward positions with an established star in Paskal Siakam and 2022 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes.

One former NBA exec told NBA Analysis Network the following:

“If role is a concern for OG Anunoby as it sounds like it is, the Spurs may be his best bet. They don’t have a superstar taking a ton of shots and they could use a stronger wing to play the four next to Keldon Johnson.”

The Spurs are one of a few teams with cap flexibility this summer, and along with free-agents-to-be Zach LaVine and Deandre Ayton, now Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton has been listed as a potential target for the Spurs. While most Spurs fans might scoff at the idea of another guard, the 6’1” Sexton would provide with the Spurs with the go-to scorer they currently lack. He missed all but 11 games last season with a torn meniscus in his left knee, but before that he averaged a very efficient 24.3 points and 4.4 assists during the 2020-21 season. If doesn’t command too much money, he could be a good get for a Spurs team that needs his scoring skills.

https://www.poundingtherock.com/2022/6/11/23163890/the-latest-spurs-rumors-ahead-of-the-nba-draft

Makes sense for us to try to consolidate our assets for a higher pick. Few see us realistically drafting four players, or at least coming into camp with them. It was prudent of PATFO to acquire multiple picks especially as the season progressed and our chances of staying put at our lotto pick were much higher than were the chances of moving up.

It's an exciting time, a heady one for us to potentially be movers and shakers, but we must not overreact to all the spin.

The OG interest is new and the link in the quote is the only source I've sen of it so far. I have heard of the Sexton interest and still find it puzzling but 'tis the season. Christmas in the summer, please, basketball gods!

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So we reportedly have interest in:

John Butler (I like it)

Patrick Baldwin Jr. (not sure how I feel about this; lots of talent, lots of issues)

Jeremy Sochan (meh)

Jalen Duren (I'm coming around to it)

Dyson Daniels (I like it)

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I'm surprised that our apparent love for Mathurin last year (though I don't recall it, just read about it this year) isn't really talked about this year. Either it's a smokescreen or our interest has cooled off.

[mzfk69]

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow... a bit delayed but here are the details of the players we have or are scheduled to work out:

WORKOUT: Isaiah Mobley

Isaiah is not as elite as his brother Evan Mobley but he’s still on the NBA draft radar and has all the tools to be a solid pro.

He’s a nimble 6-10 forward who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He’s a fluid and shows great body control and agility in a big lanky frame. Although he’s not the most explosive vertical leaper he does have some quick twitch and burst.

Mobley can score in the paint, although this won’t be his primary role at the next level. He’s got a face up game and can hit shots off the dribble, hit the turnaround jumper and can pull up from 18 feet and beyond. Perfecting the corner 3 and becoming and overall great 3pt shooter will be his keys to success at the next level.

He’s a natural offensive talent who makes it look easy and looks comfortable with the ball in his hands.

Isaiah has a decent frame but lacks strength and gets moved around too easily. He’s not an intimidator in the paint or a standout defender. He needs to get a lot stronger for the next level.

https://nbadraftroom.com/p/isaiah-mobley/

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Pros and cons: https://www.nbascoutinglive.com/isaiah-mobley-scouting-report/

What if the story of Pau and Marc Gasol repeats here

[Wizop]

If the Pacers take Maturin or Sharpe at 6 and Dyson Daniels or Sochan is still there at 9, would you give up the 20 to swap? Would it help if we also swapped 31 and 38?

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If the Pacers take Maturin or Sharpe at 6 and Dyson Daniels or Sochan is still there at 9, would you give up the 20 to swap? Would it help if we also swapped 31 and 38?

Hey Wizop. A couple of posts above shows our reported interest in players who are projected at our slots.

Do you mean swap as in 9&20 for 6? We're reportedly interested in moving up but I guess it would depend on who fell to us.

Per that post above, neither Mathurin nor Sharpe is on the interested list but Daniels and Sochan are, for example.

So in theory I'd say yes to a swap to secure who we want at 6 so we'd have to agree on who each team would select for the other if that makes sense.

But if who we love is there at 9 we wouldn't need that particular swap but would likely make others so again it depends on which player is available.

[Wizop]

Per that post above, neither Mathurin nor Sharpe is on the interested list but Daniels and Sochan are, for example.

I wonder if your interested list is based upon lack of appreciation of the particular players or a feeling that those players will not fall to 9. From the Pacers side, Maturin and Daniels have been in town for workouts and Sochan was to come but his flight was cancelled. No word yet on whether Sharpe will come to town. Granted workouts may only reflect due diligence.

I feel comfortable in saying we want an additional pick and you have been reported as wanting to consolidate your picks. Time will tell whether we can help each other either by swapping picks this year, trading a player for a pick, or giving you a future pick for a current one

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Per that post above, neither Mathurin nor Sharpe is on the interested list but Daniels and Sochan are, for example.

I wonder if your interested list is based upon lack of appreciation of the particular players or a feeling that those players will not fall to 9. From the Pacers side, Maturin and Daniels have been in town for workouts and Sochan was to come but his flight was cancelled. No word yet on whether Sharpe will come to town. Granted workouts may only reflect due diligence.

I feel comfortable in saying we want an additional pick and you have been reported as wanting to consolidate your picks. Time will tell whether we can help each other either by swapping picks this year, trading a player for a pick, or giving you a future pick for a current one

Doubt it. Supposedly we loved Mathurin last year but I don't recall that (not saying it's not true just that I don't remember it) and have read someone else stating it in an article about this year's draft.

It would be weird to lose interest considering Mathurin got better so either our previous interest was smoke or our not saying anything about him this year is.

Anyway we've been scouting him for a while and we had one of the largest groups at the Combine.

Whoever it is we have our eye on in particular in moving up will have been looked through thoroughly so that's not a concern.

Just too many variables right now with lots of smokescreens.

Agree with the rest about our consolidation matching your desire for more picks being a good fit.

[imagump1313]

Per that post above, neither Mathurin nor Sharpe is on the interested list but Daniels and Sochan are, for example.

I wonder if your interested list is based upon lack of appreciation of the particular players or a feeling that those players will not fall to 9. From the Pacers side, Maturin and Daniels have been in town for workouts and Sochan was to come but his flight was cancelled. No word yet on whether Sharpe will come to town. Granted workouts may only reflect due diligence.

I feel comfortable in saying we want an additional pick and you have been reported as wanting to consolidate your picks. Time will tell whether we can help each other either by swapping picks this year, trading a player for a pick, or giving you a future pick for a current one

Doubt it. Supposedly we loved Mathurin last year but I don't recall that (not saying it's not true just that I don't remember it) and have read someone else stating it in an article about this year's draft.

It would be weird to lose interest considering Mathurin got better so either our previous interest was smoke or our not saying anything about him this year is.

Anyway we've been scouting him for a while and we had one of the largest groups at the Combine.

Whoever it is we have our eye on in particular in moving up will have been looked through thoroughly so that's not a concern.

Just too many variables right now with lots of smokescreens.

Agree with the rest about our consolidation matching your desire for more picks being a good fit.

In this draft I just really don't see the worth in trading up or down for any of these players. After the 4-5th pick, all these players are the same.
We can get lucky with the 9th pick or we could get just as lucky with 20 or 25. I honestly dont think the potential of anyone projected between 6 and 25 is much different. Its all a matter of who gets lucky.

I like the idea of consolidating our picks but not for assets in this draft. For example, I don't want to swap 9 and 20 for 6 this year. But I would be interested in giving up two picks for Indiana's first next year if they wanted more picks now. That would give them 6-9 and 20 this year in exchange for their 2023 #1.

Not sure if that is something I would do if I was them but from a Spurs perspective I honestly dont think the 9th pick this year is going to have much more potential than 25 this year then in 2023 we have 2 picks in hopefully a deeper draft.

[Wizop]

Not sure if that is something I would do if I was them but from a Spurs perspective I honestly dont think the 9th pick this year is going to have much more potential than 25 this year then in 2023 we have 2 picks in hopefully a deeper draft.

I posted something similar on the Trade Forum using the Cavs pick the Pacers own.

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I wonder if your interested list is based upon lack of appreciation of the particular players or a feeling that those players will not fall to 9. From the Pacers side, Maturin and Daniels have been in town for workouts and Sochan was to come but his flight was cancelled. No word yet on whether Sharpe will come to town. Granted workouts may only reflect due diligence.

I feel comfortable in saying we want an additional pick and you have been reported as wanting to consolidate your picks. Time will tell whether we can help each other either by swapping picks this year, trading a player for a pick, or giving you a future pick for a current one

Doubt it. Supposedly we loved Mathurin last year but I don't recall that (not saying it's not true just that I don't remember it) and have read someone else stating it in an article about this year's draft.

It would be weird to lose interest considering Mathurin got better so either our previous interest was smoke or our not saying anything about him this year is.

Anyway we've been scouting him for a while and we had one of the largest groups at the Combine.

Whoever it is we have our eye on in particular in moving up will have been looked through thoroughly so that's not a concern.

Just too many variables right now with lots of smokescreens.

Agree with the rest about our consolidation matching your desire for more picks being a good fit.

In this draft I just really don't see the worth in trading up or down for any of these players. After the 4-5th pick, all these players are the same.
We can get lucky with the 9th pick or we could get just as lucky with 20 or 25. I honestly dont think the potential of anyone projected between 6 and 25 is much different. Its all a matter of who gets lucky.

I like the idea of consolidating our picks but not for assets in this draft. For example, I don't want to swap 9 and 20 for 6 this year. But I would be interested in giving up two picks for Indiana's first next year if they wanted more picks now. That would give them 6-9 and 20 this year in exchange for their 2023 #1.

Not sure if that is something I would do if I was them but from a Spurs perspective I honestly dont think the 9th pick this year is going to have much more potential than 25 this year then in 2023 we have 2 picks in hopefully a deeper draft.

Trading down or out of this draft may explain why we have interviewed and worked out so many players outside of the projected top 9 in this draft (or whatever our top 9 is) with a little less than two weeks before the draft. So on the one hand we still have time to work out players in our range, on the other, tick tock tick tock...

But we're reportedly interested in trading UP so that's one aspect. It's not going to be for the first four players listed in post 112, but Dyson Daniels... wouldn't surprise me one bit. He's bigger than Mathurin, is a better, more committed defender and passer. Mathurin has create your own scoring upside and an aggressive attitude and I wonder whether he'd be looking more for a team to accommodate him versus us being able to shape a player which I mean in the best way possible.

Another is consolidating whichever picks for a trade (per post 111) or in S&Ts for RFAs/UFAs.

Lots of options...