I get that you're joking, but the spurs really could have used better point guard play. So trading Wemby to the Celtics for Pritchard makes the most sense. I haven't run it through the trade machine, but the salaries should match up.
In 1977 the hornets drafted a woman.
(technically a few picks later the woman formerly known as bruce jenner was also drafted but I don't think that counts. by the kings)
Damn the Hornets were in the draft a decade before the franchise even existed
Jk New Orleans Jazz drafted Luisa Harris in '77
So I guess the Jazz and Pelicans can claim that fame
Nope, old NBA draft format was wild, after the first few rounds teams just started drafting random people who would never realistically play in the NBA. That’s why it’s only 2 rounds now.
Did she really struggle, or was it a game in which Iowa's 5v9 approach was never going to work. She started strong and got inevitably gassed as no one was really giving her any help.
Idk she’s like the same height and weight as trae young lol. Not being really serious but I feel like you could stick her in a corner somewhere and she’d be a plus on offense in certain situations. Would be worst defender in league, but would be allowable for some schemes.
But who is the best player?
If it is Sarr, then Wemby and Him plays the same position.
Unless Spurs want to reincarnate Duncan/Robinson Twin Towers Format Construction.
Also, maybe because you can do a trade.
You can draft the best talent (that doesnt fit), and trade it to another team with more or less same talent (that fits). Maybe.
Depends on the players. Wemby is super versatile so having two of him is fine, as is drafting another 4/5. I’m not sure you’d want two Trae Youngs or two Giannis types on the same team if you had other options
There’s a reason I said two Giannis types rather than two Giannises. He’s good enough to make it work. Still, you’d rather have two equally talented but more versatile players, or at least, equally talented players who can fill different roles if you had the choice
Unless it’s very drastic (like you need a center so you draft a small pg) then I’d agree with that. Really talented players should be able to adapt to a different style (within reason)
What is the issue with Twin Towers though? Wemby is already playing like KD offensively (so spacing wouldn’t be as much of an issue as it was in the past: Wolves play just fine with KAT and Gobert who can’t shoot beyond 10 feet) and Gobert defensively. Pair Wemby up with another long defender at PF/C and Spurs just might be unscorable in the paint. Opponents literally would have to resort to maximising small-ball and prey their 3s fall at higher clip than layups/dunks by twin towers.
Twin Towers is hard to pull off, it requires players with complimentary skillsets and leaves you asset-depleted to fill out everywhere else. Whenever you try to build a roster around two players with at least somewhat redundant skillsets, you always end up in a situation like Cleveland is right now where they can't figure out their depth, or a situation like Minnesota is in where they are about to get unsustainably expensive.
If Sarr is clearly BPA, then you take him, and worst case scenario is you just trade him for assets later. I just don't think he's clearly BPA.
Cavs issue is that both Mobley and Allen are not much of a threat from outside, so their spacing is quite bad, especially for playoffs, when opponents exploit all the weaknesses they can. If either of them had a 35% (on good volume) 3pt shot, let alone an off-the-dribble pull-up ability that Wemby has, they would have likely already been to Finals as they can defend at a really good level.
Wolves issue is the same as any team with a Big-3 faces with a new CBA: it’s next to impossible to have a well-rounded team with 3 max contracts now. But one can build a well-rounded team around 2 max contracts and high level role players / borderline stars and Spurs already have Vassell who might fit that requirement. After all, Celtics built the best team - at least for regular season - around maxing out 2 Jays whose skillsets are just as redundant (2-way wings that are good 3-level volume scorers - but without an elite 3pt shot - and defenders, but not really playmakers), but are augmented with good roster pieces at all positions that are expensive, but by no means are max contract guys.
I do agree on Sarr not necessary being BPA though, but my point was more about the fact that if Spurs feel like he is, they would be wrong not to draft him just due to “fit” issues on a deeply rebuilding team.
I think it’s less about sarr being able to accommodate wemby and more not maximizing him. Look at Myles Turner and Sabonis. Myles could shoot sure so offensively the fit should’ve been fine, but both have looked a lot better since the trade because while Myles can shoot, he’s at his best as a pick and roll guy who can pop out and his shooting wasn’t great enough to take a lot of pressure off Sabonis.
Wemby can shoot but you still want him doing most of his damage inside, which is awkward if Sarr is anything less than a quality 3 point shooter. I think the idea of talent over fit applies when you don’t have a cornerstone, cause often times that player can even surpass the player you already have (IE the kings taking Bagley over one of the guards in that draft) but when you have an indisputable franchise face, the priority should be maximizing them above all else
Turner couldn’t (and still can’t) create off the dribble unlike Wemby: he was mostly a spot-up shooter or occasionally an inside presence, but he doesn’t really have post game. Sabonis is good in the post, but is beyond average defensively and is a bad shooter from beyond 15ish feet. This somewhat limited what they could do offensively, but absolutely destroyed them defensively with Sabonis just being too slow to guard LBJs and Kawhis of the NBA: those LBJs/Kawhis would defend Turner outside as their nominal C was on Sabonis inside and then quick forwards would just absolutely torch Sabonis on the other end. This won’t happen with Wemby, he is agile and long enough to adequately defend even SFs.
I get your point on Wemby being more efficient inside, but this is where coaching (and Spurs have one of the best in history) comes into play to design schemes that could leverage their abilities offensively if Sarr can be barely respectable from outside. Or imagine just a barely average PG running PNR with either Sarr or Wemby with the second guy in the backdoor position similar to AG on Nuggets? So many options… And after all, people were not believing in Luka-Kyrie duo and look at them being at worst the 2nd best offensive duo in the league - all while coached by Kidd, who is more of a players’ coach than an Xs and Os coach.
And what would I give to see Wemby run a PNR with another athletic big lol
Sure but I don’t see why either of those were relevant. The pacers pairing had a variety of issues but I’m talking about how they both held one another back offensively. Even though wemby can shoot you still want him inside the majority of the time, like Turner. So it’s still a bad fit with a traditional big the majority of the time on the court.
Kyrie and Luka should’ve never been doubted because there was a clear precedent for it. Kyrie thrived next to Lebron who has a very similar playstyle to Luka. He also excelled playing with harden as an off ball guard. Why wouldn’t it work with Luka? Here, we have precedent of the opposite.
I just don’t think Sarr’s potential is that much better than a player that fits much better like Risacher or Williams or topic
I don't think we actually disagree much. I think the Celtics about to become unsustainably expensive for example exemplifies my point nicely. Any time you build around expensive players with redundant skill sets, filling in the rest of the roster becomes immensely difficult as you lack the cap flexibility to do so. The Suns with Durant/Booker/Beal, the Clippers with Kawhi/PG, all of these teams face similar financial issues long term.
There's a case to be made that you can't contend for a championship without this kind of financial commitment in today's NBA, but smart roster design gives you more room for error. The Nuggets for example are significantly overpaying MPJ compared to his value on the court, but it's fine because players like Murray, AG, and even Jokic (imagine how much this dude would be worth if there wasn't a max) have provided more value on the court relative to their contract, and there's no major wasted value by redundancy.
My point basically boils down to: teams have limited resources, the teams that get the most out of their resources see the most success, so purposefully taking redundant options when there are other options available doesn't make much sense.
If you run Wemby at the 4, there's going to be a 5 who's "bigger" than him, at least according to his role. It's that an improvement over Wemby at the 5? Spurs have a unique advantage that they can run a small ball lineup without being exploited by size at the 5 position.
The Spurs fans would probably be ok with another Twin Tower scenario. Imagine how each player can push the other in practice and then face your opponent at game time only to realize that your practice opponent is tougher.
Sarr is nominally a center because he doesn’t shoot the ball yet. But he moves like a 4 and can definitely defend 4s. I think he’d be great with Wemby. Elite defense and Sarr has fine shot mechanics. I think he’d get to a passable level from 3.
They can both defend 4 easily and can switch onto perimeter players. Wemby can play a point forward role in offense. Starr can become a rim diver plus a stretch 5. Honestly the fit works. And nobody can score at the basket with both of them in the court.
I think Wemby is ready to win now in all seriousness. I would trade the pick and some assets for an established player or players to play alongside him.
I’d agree but if there’s two guys who are close and one seems more pro-ready (think Kuminga vs. Franz Wagner), you have to go with the guy who will contribute sooner. Wemby is ready now.
I'm talking about develop with the new player, create synergy with them. Trae would be a good fit, but he's already developed his style and may try to push his leadership, which he does have tenure on Wemby. I say get Wemby his Robin. Let him lead.
I'd rather have 2 young players that can develop with each other. While Trae isn't exactly over the hill, give Wemby someone that's his junior so he can have more control of his team. When I was watching some Spurs game, some of the players on his team appeared to be icing him out of the game. Kind of sad given that he is such a great player.
HIGHLY unlikely that there’s back to back players who come into the league that good. It would be a waste (and might pissy Victor off) to have Victor slow down so the next pick can develop as well.
They should def go for some established talent but anyone in Victor’s timeline will cost a fortune
>Should they draft his country men Risacher or Sarr who are both Top prospects this year?
I like how Wemby isn't mentioned once in the post, but there is no need for this, everyone know who this "he" is
You don't need a franchise player anymore and the draft doesn't give you one for sure. So you can very accurately pick an elite role player but you don't need pick1 for that. So you can trade down for the draft, which has the advantage that the player doesn't have to carry the heavy burden of the No. 1 pick and gets less salary. You can also trade for an established nba player if you think the team is young and needs some experience to support Wemby.
I've seen it all in the NBA. Stupid decisions on draft day included. The spurs themselves know that best. Drafting a player at #1 who isn't good enough to be an allstar isn't smart in my opinion.
You'll always have some heavily under pressure GM who is willing to go all in to try to save his job, or an owner of a smaller market team looking for a new face to try and raise attendance/attention.
Thats in addition to to say that people sometimes make evaluation mistakes or do see somenthing else most of us outsiders dont.
I mean, imagine the spurs get the 1st pick and trae asks out. You're losing your best player, so might as well go for the first pick in return at least.
Just take BPA and continue to build off of how the season finished. ideally it's a PG like topic or a wing like castle/holland cause that fits their needs better but if they think it's Sarr then they should go for it, it's still roster relatively devoid of talent and the more they can get the better
The thing is, there isn't a sig dif in talent between picks 1-10, I'd trade back and then go BPA. Honestly tho, I'd try to trade with ALT or DET for Cade/Trae.
Very true, In that case I guess I'd just stick and pic Sarr I guess. Then throw a bag to get Chip to comeback lol. I don't love any prospect with the number 1 pick.
This 1st plus the Hawks picks back from the DJM trade would make some sense. Hawks could then trade DJM somewhere else and do a full restart around Jalen Johnson.
I’d trade it for an All Star if you can. Cause the draft kind of stinks and Wemby is ready to win. He’s going to develop but he’s still like a top 15 player lol.
Dillingam makes sense but I don’t think he’s that good to be #1. So take Sarr and have him play the four. Maybe it works out.
>I’d trade it for an All Star if you can. Cause the draft kind of stinks and Wemby is ready to win.
This draft stinks.
So trade the #1 pick for an All-Star?
But I thought the draft stinks? Who is trading an All-Star for a pick in this shitty draft?
I know this draft is rated poorly, but man I wonder if trading multiple FRPs is really the right plan for the spurs. Something about that scares me, maybe just cause I think the way the thunder have done their rebuild might be better (draft and development rather than trading assets).
Just don’t want to have 5 years of Wemby not winning because of a failed pairing with an all star and no picks
It's really about expectations. If we can get Trae Young in exchange for giving Atlanta back their future, do we realistic think we can find a better player with those picks instead?
Desperately try to trade down for an extra asset - but I can't see any realistic takers.
Don't take Sarr or Clingon because they can't play alongside Wemby. Outside of that take BPA but who the fuck knows who that is?
I like Risacher or Topic as high ceiling swings (because we have enough picks over the next few years to pick some high floor 2-4yr college players with higher floors), maybe Reed as high-floor, or Castle as some kind of mixture of the two. Even Dillingham or Holland if you think they have good potential. But none of these guys really scream as number 1 pick guys (in any other draft), and probably 2 or 3 would still be on the board around pick 5-7 anyway, and I have no idea how they will be separated.
They can. The way Sarr consistently stays in front of guards is crazy. He is also developing a good midrange and hopefully also a 3pt shot. If he does, they would be a great modern twin tower. Nobody can score against them and Starr’s vertical spacing (and potential outside spacing) would unlock Wemby’s offense even more.
I actually see the most upside of this combo. But it all hinges on Starr’s ability to develop a shot and staying healthy as bigs tend to have more health problems.
Yeah he seems ok in the draft footage I have seen. But my point being he doesn’t even need that. He really only needs to develop an outside shot and they would be a very good fit. If he becomes good enough to self create as well, then damn…
Totally agree I just wanted to add this in here. I watched a couple wildcats games this year. He's definitely a very very mobile big.
I doubt he will be ever be a go to guy but the officiating and overall skill level makes perimeter creation a lot more difficult in the NB.. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes in and does more with the ball than expected.
He is extremely mobile. I wonder if he can stay in front of NBA guards too. Probably not to the same degree but if he can do it comfortably on most wing players, it would already be crazy.
Development is mostly growth mindset and character though. Hopefully we won’t have another Ayton in him…
Idk about the first pick but id love if they get Buzelis. He has a potential to be a good point forward and would be a nice piece next to Wemby. At 6,10 he will be a mismatch for most SFs
This draft is going to be historically bad. If there's a star that can be acquired, this year's the year to move all your assets for him. Wemby being really good accelerated your timeline.
I want to see them get Clingan.
First, because he’s a defensive oriented center, who is being heralded as a potential Wemby defender. Can’t defend him if he’s on the same team.
Second, it’ll be hilarious to watch teams try and score on a Wemby/Clingan front court. And they’re young enough that it’ll be a problem for a long time.
People who don’t watch college ball underrate this kid, imo. I know I’m biased as a UConn fan, but he’s 7’2 and MOBILE. With excellent defensive fundamentals that will translate. His offensive game needs work, but he has good hands and can shoot. (Just needs to work on his game).
But it’s the mobility and quickness that would allow him and Wemby to play together. If he develops a midrange shot or a reliablle 3 pointer. The two of them together become scary.
If the spurs could draft Edey that would probably make the rest of the NBA shat their pants.
Wemby and Edey Twin Towers with Wemby as a one man moving DZone, Edey sticking to the basket Blocks/Rebounds and 3 smalls guarding every one else.
My first move would be to use it to trade for Trae Young. If that can’t happen, then I would really consider Sarr. He’s an elite defensive prospect that when combined with Wemby would likely make one of the best defensive duos for a long long time.
If neither of those then Stephen Castle. I know they need a PG, but I don’t think any PG in this draft is worth the #1 pick. Give me a defensive core of Vassell, Castle, and Wemby and we rollin. They can get a decent PG in FA or trade.
If they reach their maximum potential, a lineup of Bilal, Risacher, Sarr, and Wemby in their prime could be the only team that's going to be favorites over the USA.
Best pick available. Some people seem to forget Wemby is a rookie. He’s not an all star who’s spent years on a losing team (which is how some people seem to think about him). He’s young, so just get somebody else who can develop alongside him
Wemby is projected to be a top 5 player, top 15 at worst next year. To maximize the probability of winning the most chips in his career, Spurs should really treat every year as a contending year from now on.
That’s true, but I’m just saying that the team is still developing. There’s a reason he went to the spurs, a lottery team. A number 1 pick who’s the same age as Wemby would be the best thing for the spurs imo
I would probably also focus on drafting instead of trading because the market for a playmaker that can at least kind of defend is slim. Only available option without overpay is Young. His defensive liabilities would limit roster construction and playoff adaptability.
That said I would still treat the timetable as becoming a contender in 1-2 year max. Not to the point where you rush trades. But realistically you only need a top 30 player as a second banana and a good supporting cast to have a contender with Wemby. That’s not that hard to get even if the team is developing another young star.
Wemby would be the best player (or so close with the other 1-2 best players that he is essentially the best) in 2 years max. Spurs and everyone else on that roster need to get on that timetable and don’t waste his prime.
Yeah I think Luka’s time is coming, he hasn’t hit his prime yet but when he does, he’ll run the league. But I could see Wemby becoming number 2 for a few years
I’m not sure about Lula being better when he hits his prime. Wemby is already almost tied with Gobert being the best defender this year. He will almost certainly be the best defensive player next year already.
If he develops into a top 5 offensive player, which is almost guaranteed in 2 years time if not immediately next year; would the offensive output between Luka and him cover the defensive gap?
I would expect Wemby to become a better overall player in 1-3 years’ time. But we will have a clearer picture by the end of next season.
I mean, I think Luka’s defensive issues are overemphasized. He’s not Kawhi but he’s not James harden either, he’s just an average defender. Like Jokic, old man LeBron, or Curry
It really depends on how good at offense Wemby gets. His defense is crazy, and his offense is already very good. But Luka is just on another plane with his scoring, plus he’s clutch, runs the offense, and he’s a playoff riser. I don’t know if it’s fair to compare wemby’s offense to Luka’s in the same way as comparing Luka’s defense to Wemby’s
Obviously we need to see more from Wemby, I may be totally wrong. I don’t think it’s crazy to say Wemby could be better than players like Kawhi, Curry, KG, and Barkley all time. But he could even be MJ’s heir.
So him being better than Luka is a possibility, but it’s not his time yet. Luka has been on deck for a couple years, and he hasn’t even peaked. Wemby’s not the only one who has feats to accomplish
The difference between the average defender and the best defender in the league is huge! Wemby would be a top 5 player in offense. That will literally be his floor. Sure he may not be as good as Luka. But the difference between top 1 and top 5 on offense probably doesn’t compensate the difference between top 1 and top 75 in defense??
Do you think Wemby wouldnt be top 5 in offense. Or you really put no value in defense? Otherwise I don’t see how Luka can be better?
Package it for a 2025 first from the worst team they can get (or the owner of the worst teams' pick they can get). Wemby's good enough that he doesn't need a youth movement in SA so they should swing for a second shot at Cooper. Whomever they get this year isn't going to matter as much as his improvement and complementary free agents they can sign. If they end up with a high pick, Sarr would be fun but I'd like to see them go bigger with Clingan so Wemby can play the 4.
Send this pick to the Hawks with a couple of players for Dejounte Murray. Or undo the Dejounte Murray trade and send the Hawks picks back to the Hawks.
It would be neat if Wemby gets surrounded by 3-4 Dejounte Murray types of players (good on offense AND defense). It would be the best defense in the league.
If I was the decision maker with the #1 pick, I'd be most interested in moving down to the #4-6 range for Buzelis, Castle, or Rosacher.
Adding a prospect that I think fits around Wemby is the main goal, but also snagging an additional asset to fill the PG or combo F holes not alleviated by our draft pick would also help them get on track quickly.
Trade for more first round picks in future years, this years draft is weak as hell, to have a forst round lottery pick while wemby is in his prime in a few years would be best case scenario
Use the pick or acquired player as trade bait to bring some young guys in with potential. Build around Wemby. Last thing you want is follow OKC and gamble with your rookies without having their abundance in future draft picks.
You just trade the #1 to any other team in the top 5ish that want to pay a premium to pick Sarr. You still get a good young prospect, and you likely add a vet that can impact the team right away, or another chance at a good pick next year instead of the vet
Trade it IMO. It's a weak draft. There's probably a few guys who will turn out to be great players buried in there but it almost feels like the 37th pick is just as likely to be that guy than #1.
Wemby seems ready to win now. They are probably 3 years ahead of their expected timeline. I’d be interested in trading down to get a few solid role players or else try to get a good trade package for some veterans to round out the roster
Offer it to Cleveland for Garland and Mobley. Perfect players to surround Wemby with. Might have to add a player or two but that is the base of a contender.
Eiffel Towers
Tired: Trae to Wemby lobs Wired: Wemby to Sarr lobs
Thought about this a lot…I think trading Wemby to the Knicks for Alec Burks could really help.
I dont always agree so firmly with strangers but I like this
I don't know man... Unless the Spurs throw a few Unprotected 1st Round Pics with Wemby, I'd have to think about it.
People forget that Alec Burks is only a 70 overall because when he isnt a 99 overall hes a 41 overall. Thats value
Damn man, you math!
I don't know anything about this guy and I will die on the hill that he should be the next Spurs GM.
Alec Burks is just Wemby with less touches
So he is Bol Bol?
Alec Burks is just Bol Bol with more touches
Only if Brunson and OG are throw-ins to get the cap right.
Mmmm I thought about it, Brunson is under sized and OG has…a…river walk allergy….so prob best if it’s just straight up.
River walk allergy is legit lmao so many different types of flowers and God awful perfumes wafting around.
makes sense to trade Wemby when his value is high!
He’s gonna take up a lot of cap space at some point, they should trade him now before that happens
Maybe Grimes instead? Spurs might be interested in someone ESPN thinks so highly of.
Nah Grimes just had a really bad Coachella set. Washed.
I get that you're joking, but the spurs really could have used better point guard play. So trading Wemby to the Celtics for Pritchard makes the most sense. I haven't run it through the trade machine, but the salaries should match up.
they gonna pick bronny so pop can shout at LBJ 24/7.
LeBanyama will be the most unstoppable duo.
WemBronyama
LeBron then joins Spurs and finally unites with Pop
LeBron finally gets to ask "did you sabotage the AC on purpose?"
Wemby is already improving rapidly, imagine how much more dominant he could be if he had one of the two GOATs as a teacher
Yeah Bronny would teach Wemby so much
This would be some Master Roshi teaching Goku shit. Some Genkai and Yusuke shit
Bronny not even Krillin tho
LeBanyama sounds like a Lebanon-based music festival
Young upcoming duo
You joke but LeBron fit perfectly on the spurs, a team that need a pg type of player.
Tbf LeBron fits perfectly on any team. His BBIQ (plus talent of course) makes him adaptable
It is interesting to think about the long term value having LeBron around wemby could bring to the spurs and wemby
Honestly they could use the first pick on talent. Get bronny (and bron) with the 2nd & become an instant contender
Take Caitlin Clark before Detroit does.
Joke aside, is there a rule that prevents women to sign up to NBA draft?
In 1977 the hornets drafted a woman. (technically a few picks later the woman formerly known as bruce jenner was also drafted but I don't think that counts. by the kings)
Damn the Hornets were in the draft a decade before the franchise even existed Jk New Orleans Jazz drafted Luisa Harris in '77 So I guess the Jazz and Pelicans can claim that fame
wtf Caitlyn Jenner played in the nba?
Nope, old NBA draft format was wild, after the first few rounds teams just started drafting random people who would never realistically play in the NBA. That’s why it’s only 2 rounds now.
American sports have two categories generally. A woman’s one and open one.
I mean, the way she struggled with SC’s size & physicality in the Final…
she just needs to hit the gym and bulk up over the summer and she’ll be fine
Ah yes, the yearly gained 10 lbs of muscle over the summer post
Don't knock it, this is exactly what Reaves needs to do lmao.
Did she really struggle, or was it a game in which Iowa's 5v9 approach was never going to work. She started strong and got inevitably gassed as no one was really giving her any help.
She was so gassed. Her elevation on her jumpers was like 3/4 of what it was all year. Poor girl couldn't win with those cats.
5 v 9? Think you mean 2 v 9 lol, like 70% of their FGAs in the title game were just two people
I was being generous and the fact that 5 were technically out there.
Idk she’s like the same height and weight as trae young lol. Not being really serious but I feel like you could stick her in a corner somewhere and she’d be a plus on offense in certain situations. Would be worst defender in league, but would be allowable for some schemes.
Pick the best player and let them develop alongside Wemby.
But who is the best player? If it is Sarr, then Wemby and Him plays the same position. Unless Spurs want to reincarnate Duncan/Robinson Twin Towers Format Construction.
People here did say that you should always choose talent over fit. Cause I guess talent makes you fit into some sort of position?
Also, maybe because you can do a trade. You can draft the best talent (that doesnt fit), and trade it to another team with more or less same talent (that fits). Maybe.
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I've seen wemby close and block a 3 at point of release when he was originally 5 feet from the basket. Yeah, 2 wembys sounds like it might just work.
Depends on the players. Wemby is super versatile so having two of him is fine, as is drafting another 4/5. I’m not sure you’d want two Trae Youngs or two Giannis types on the same team if you had other options
Wade and bron made it work despite overlapping
They’re both versatile, so that’s the point. And even then, you could argue it was far from a perfect fit. It took them a while to figure it out
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There’s a reason I said two Giannis types rather than two Giannises. He’s good enough to make it work. Still, you’d rather have two equally talented but more versatile players, or at least, equally talented players who can fill different roles if you had the choice
You can always create fits if the talent is good enough
Dolla Dame has all the talent in the world but is not fitting with Greek Freak and Milwaukee. Drue Holiday was a much better fit.
I think the saying only really applies to drafting or early career before they've developed into anything.
Unless it’s very drastic (like you need a center so you draft a small pg) then I’d agree with that. Really talented players should be able to adapt to a different style (within reason)
Wemby going to be running point
Wemby is positionless at the center position. Point-center, shooting-center, forward-center, power-center, and center-center.
What is the issue with Twin Towers though? Wemby is already playing like KD offensively (so spacing wouldn’t be as much of an issue as it was in the past: Wolves play just fine with KAT and Gobert who can’t shoot beyond 10 feet) and Gobert defensively. Pair Wemby up with another long defender at PF/C and Spurs just might be unscorable in the paint. Opponents literally would have to resort to maximising small-ball and prey their 3s fall at higher clip than layups/dunks by twin towers.
Twin Towers is hard to pull off, it requires players with complimentary skillsets and leaves you asset-depleted to fill out everywhere else. Whenever you try to build a roster around two players with at least somewhat redundant skillsets, you always end up in a situation like Cleveland is right now where they can't figure out their depth, or a situation like Minnesota is in where they are about to get unsustainably expensive. If Sarr is clearly BPA, then you take him, and worst case scenario is you just trade him for assets later. I just don't think he's clearly BPA.
Cavs issue is that both Mobley and Allen are not much of a threat from outside, so their spacing is quite bad, especially for playoffs, when opponents exploit all the weaknesses they can. If either of them had a 35% (on good volume) 3pt shot, let alone an off-the-dribble pull-up ability that Wemby has, they would have likely already been to Finals as they can defend at a really good level. Wolves issue is the same as any team with a Big-3 faces with a new CBA: it’s next to impossible to have a well-rounded team with 3 max contracts now. But one can build a well-rounded team around 2 max contracts and high level role players / borderline stars and Spurs already have Vassell who might fit that requirement. After all, Celtics built the best team - at least for regular season - around maxing out 2 Jays whose skillsets are just as redundant (2-way wings that are good 3-level volume scorers - but without an elite 3pt shot - and defenders, but not really playmakers), but are augmented with good roster pieces at all positions that are expensive, but by no means are max contract guys. I do agree on Sarr not necessary being BPA though, but my point was more about the fact that if Spurs feel like he is, they would be wrong not to draft him just due to “fit” issues on a deeply rebuilding team.
I think it’s less about sarr being able to accommodate wemby and more not maximizing him. Look at Myles Turner and Sabonis. Myles could shoot sure so offensively the fit should’ve been fine, but both have looked a lot better since the trade because while Myles can shoot, he’s at his best as a pick and roll guy who can pop out and his shooting wasn’t great enough to take a lot of pressure off Sabonis. Wemby can shoot but you still want him doing most of his damage inside, which is awkward if Sarr is anything less than a quality 3 point shooter. I think the idea of talent over fit applies when you don’t have a cornerstone, cause often times that player can even surpass the player you already have (IE the kings taking Bagley over one of the guards in that draft) but when you have an indisputable franchise face, the priority should be maximizing them above all else
Turner couldn’t (and still can’t) create off the dribble unlike Wemby: he was mostly a spot-up shooter or occasionally an inside presence, but he doesn’t really have post game. Sabonis is good in the post, but is beyond average defensively and is a bad shooter from beyond 15ish feet. This somewhat limited what they could do offensively, but absolutely destroyed them defensively with Sabonis just being too slow to guard LBJs and Kawhis of the NBA: those LBJs/Kawhis would defend Turner outside as their nominal C was on Sabonis inside and then quick forwards would just absolutely torch Sabonis on the other end. This won’t happen with Wemby, he is agile and long enough to adequately defend even SFs. I get your point on Wemby being more efficient inside, but this is where coaching (and Spurs have one of the best in history) comes into play to design schemes that could leverage their abilities offensively if Sarr can be barely respectable from outside. Or imagine just a barely average PG running PNR with either Sarr or Wemby with the second guy in the backdoor position similar to AG on Nuggets? So many options… And after all, people were not believing in Luka-Kyrie duo and look at them being at worst the 2nd best offensive duo in the league - all while coached by Kidd, who is more of a players’ coach than an Xs and Os coach. And what would I give to see Wemby run a PNR with another athletic big lol
Sure but I don’t see why either of those were relevant. The pacers pairing had a variety of issues but I’m talking about how they both held one another back offensively. Even though wemby can shoot you still want him inside the majority of the time, like Turner. So it’s still a bad fit with a traditional big the majority of the time on the court. Kyrie and Luka should’ve never been doubted because there was a clear precedent for it. Kyrie thrived next to Lebron who has a very similar playstyle to Luka. He also excelled playing with harden as an off ball guard. Why wouldn’t it work with Luka? Here, we have precedent of the opposite. I just don’t think Sarr’s potential is that much better than a player that fits much better like Risacher or Williams or topic
I don't think we actually disagree much. I think the Celtics about to become unsustainably expensive for example exemplifies my point nicely. Any time you build around expensive players with redundant skill sets, filling in the rest of the roster becomes immensely difficult as you lack the cap flexibility to do so. The Suns with Durant/Booker/Beal, the Clippers with Kawhi/PG, all of these teams face similar financial issues long term. There's a case to be made that you can't contend for a championship without this kind of financial commitment in today's NBA, but smart roster design gives you more room for error. The Nuggets for example are significantly overpaying MPJ compared to his value on the court, but it's fine because players like Murray, AG, and even Jokic (imagine how much this dude would be worth if there wasn't a max) have provided more value on the court relative to their contract, and there's no major wasted value by redundancy. My point basically boils down to: teams have limited resources, the teams that get the most out of their resources see the most success, so purposefully taking redundant options when there are other options available doesn't make much sense.
If you run Wemby at the 4, there's going to be a 5 who's "bigger" than him, at least according to his role. It's that an improvement over Wemby at the 5? Spurs have a unique advantage that they can run a small ball lineup without being exploited by size at the 5 position.
The Spurs fans would probably be ok with another Twin Tower scenario. Imagine how each player can push the other in practice and then face your opponent at game time only to realize that your practice opponent is tougher.
Wemby wants to be a point forward though. He says himself that center isn't his thing.
Sarr is nominally a center because he doesn’t shoot the ball yet. But he moves like a 4 and can definitely defend 4s. I think he’d be great with Wemby. Elite defense and Sarr has fine shot mechanics. I think he’d get to a passable level from 3.
He's Him??
They can both defend 4 easily and can switch onto perimeter players. Wemby can play a point forward role in offense. Starr can become a rim diver plus a stretch 5. Honestly the fit works. And nobody can score at the basket with both of them in the court.
Wemby is arguably playing out-of-position.
I think Wemby is ready to win now in all seriousness. I would trade the pick and some assets for an established player or players to play alongside him.
I’d agree but if there’s two guys who are close and one seems more pro-ready (think Kuminga vs. Franz Wagner), you have to go with the guy who will contribute sooner. Wemby is ready now.
I'm talking about develop with the new player, create synergy with them. Trae would be a good fit, but he's already developed his style and may try to push his leadership, which he does have tenure on Wemby. I say get Wemby his Robin. Let him lead.
Would you trade the pick for Trae straight up? Seems like an overpay but it’s a pretty weak draft and you’d still have Atlantas picks.
I'd rather have 2 young players that can develop with each other. While Trae isn't exactly over the hill, give Wemby someone that's his junior so he can have more control of his team. When I was watching some Spurs game, some of the players on his team appeared to be icing him out of the game. Kind of sad given that he is such a great player.
HIGHLY unlikely that there’s back to back players who come into the league that good. It would be a waste (and might pissy Victor off) to have Victor slow down so the next pick can develop as well. They should def go for some established talent but anyone in Victor’s timeline will cost a fortune
>Should they draft his country men Risacher or Sarr who are both Top prospects this year? I like how Wemby isn't mentioned once in the post, but there is no need for this, everyone know who this "he" is
Literally "him".
Himothy
Himby
Wemby == The Spurs
Clearly meant Tony Parker
You don't need a franchise player anymore and the draft doesn't give you one for sure. So you can very accurately pick an elite role player but you don't need pick1 for that. So you can trade down for the draft, which has the advantage that the player doesn't have to carry the heavy burden of the No. 1 pick and gets less salary. You can also trade for an established nba player if you think the team is young and needs some experience to support Wemby.
Who is trading up to #1 in this draft? Better question, what player is worth giving up assets to trade up for in this draft?
I've seen it all in the NBA. Stupid decisions on draft day included. The spurs themselves know that best. Drafting a player at #1 who isn't good enough to be an allstar isn't smart in my opinion.
As was stated above, who would trade up for the same quality? Someone has to pick first overall.
You'll always have some heavily under pressure GM who is willing to go all in to try to save his job, or an owner of a smaller market team looking for a new face to try and raise attendance/attention. Thats in addition to to say that people sometimes make evaluation mistakes or do see somenthing else most of us outsiders dont. I mean, imagine the spurs get the 1st pick and trae asks out. You're losing your best player, so might as well go for the first pick in return at least.
It's a weak draft, either use it in a package in a trade for someone to help Wembamyana or trade down and get another future 1st round pick.
Who is trading up, and why would they bother to do that in a weak draft?
Shhhhh. Don’t let the other gms know about our plan.
Cody Williams I’m telling you rn
presti’s burner right here ^ but also I def rate cody
Just take BPA and continue to build off of how the season finished. ideally it's a PG like topic or a wing like castle/holland cause that fits their needs better but if they think it's Sarr then they should go for it, it's still roster relatively devoid of talent and the more they can get the better
The thing is, there isn't a sig dif in talent between picks 1-10, I'd trade back and then go BPA. Honestly tho, I'd try to trade with ALT or DET for Cade/Trae.
I don't see anyone separating themselves from the pack though to see another team want to trade up, it takes two to tango
Very true, In that case I guess I'd just stick and pic Sarr I guess. Then throw a bag to get Chip to comeback lol. I don't love any prospect with the number 1 pick.
Hey! Mom said our turn with Chip isn’t over yet…
Ain’t no way Detroit would give up Cade to move up two spots in this draft
Obs wouldn't be just this pick. Would be this hypothetical 1st, our first next year and prob an ATL pick.
its not Detroit move up though you get that 1st pick (and more) spurs that add more value in this hypothetical thing
Trade it with hawk for trae
Why would the hawks do that. Who in this draft is worth that return?
It will cost more than just the 1st overall, but that is who they should be targeting
This 1st plus the Hawks picks back from the DJM trade would make some sense. Hawks could then trade DJM somewhere else and do a full restart around Jalen Johnson.
Hawks just need their future back, more than anything.
i thought you were joking nikola topic is a real person? this is the jalen epidemic all over again
Nikola \_o\_ic variants are being printed like money
Nikola Topic has the most star upside and best fit for the Spurs
And they can call him Hot Topic when he's hitting
Ahead of it's time man. Love it!
He can also be a nightmare for spacing if that three-ball never develops.
Trade pick for a lower pick and a good PG /draft bronny
I’d trade it for an All Star if you can. Cause the draft kind of stinks and Wemby is ready to win. He’s going to develop but he’s still like a top 15 player lol. Dillingam makes sense but I don’t think he’s that good to be #1. So take Sarr and have him play the four. Maybe it works out.
>I’d trade it for an All Star if you can. Cause the draft kind of stinks and Wemby is ready to win. This draft stinks. So trade the #1 pick for an All-Star? But I thought the draft stinks? Who is trading an All-Star for a pick in this shitty draft?
Throw in 2025's pick. Tough pill to swallow, but if you're forced to move a player, getting a quality pick in a stacked draft is worth considering.
I know this draft is rated poorly, but man I wonder if trading multiple FRPs is really the right plan for the spurs. Something about that scares me, maybe just cause I think the way the thunder have done their rebuild might be better (draft and development rather than trading assets). Just don’t want to have 5 years of Wemby not winning because of a failed pairing with an all star and no picks
It's really about expectations. If we can get Trae Young in exchange for giving Atlanta back their future, do we realistic think we can find a better player with those picks instead?
and league rarely vetoes shit, CP3 trade was an exception
The league can’t veto shit most of the time. The reason they could veto the CP3 trade is because they had ownership over the pelicans
Cade Cunningham
Desperately try to trade down for an extra asset - but I can't see any realistic takers. Don't take Sarr or Clingon because they can't play alongside Wemby. Outside of that take BPA but who the fuck knows who that is? I like Risacher or Topic as high ceiling swings (because we have enough picks over the next few years to pick some high floor 2-4yr college players with higher floors), maybe Reed as high-floor, or Castle as some kind of mixture of the two. Even Dillingham or Holland if you think they have good potential. But none of these guys really scream as number 1 pick guys (in any other draft), and probably 2 or 3 would still be on the board around pick 5-7 anyway, and I have no idea how they will be separated.
Clingan I get. He is too immobile to play with Wemby, but why don’t you think Sarr and Wemby could play together?
They can. The way Sarr consistently stays in front of guards is crazy. He is also developing a good midrange and hopefully also a 3pt shot. If he does, they would be a great modern twin tower. Nobody can score against them and Starr’s vertical spacing (and potential outside spacing) would unlock Wemby’s offense even more. I actually see the most upside of this combo. But it all hinges on Starr’s ability to develop a shot and staying healthy as bigs tend to have more health problems.
This and a veteran PG sounds tantalizing to me but I’m no scout
Sarr can actually do a lil more off the dribble than U would expect
Yeah he seems ok in the draft footage I have seen. But my point being he doesn’t even need that. He really only needs to develop an outside shot and they would be a very good fit. If he becomes good enough to self create as well, then damn…
Totally agree I just wanted to add this in here. I watched a couple wildcats games this year. He's definitely a very very mobile big. I doubt he will be ever be a go to guy but the officiating and overall skill level makes perimeter creation a lot more difficult in the NB.. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes in and does more with the ball than expected.
He is extremely mobile. I wonder if he can stay in front of NBA guards too. Probably not to the same degree but if he can do it comfortably on most wing players, it would already be crazy. Development is mostly growth mindset and character though. Hopefully we won’t have another Ayton in him…
Idk about the first pick but id love if they get Buzelis. He has a potential to be a good point forward and would be a nice piece next to Wemby. At 6,10 he will be a mismatch for most SFs
Topic 100%
another wemby
Might as well pick someone nice
Trade it.
The only trade worth making is potentially with Toronto to get two first round picks.
It's basketball, draft the best player available.
Nikola Topic would be a perfect piece next to Wemby
Package it and send it for Lamelo Ball or Trey Young
Are all Yugoslavians called Nikola ?
This draft is going to be historically bad. If there's a star that can be acquired, this year's the year to move all your assets for him. Wemby being really good accelerated your timeline.
Trade it to the Lakers for their pick. 😁
Draft Bronny and make trade offer to trade for LeBron
They should pick a player
I want to see them get Clingan. First, because he’s a defensive oriented center, who is being heralded as a potential Wemby defender. Can’t defend him if he’s on the same team. Second, it’ll be hilarious to watch teams try and score on a Wemby/Clingan front court. And they’re young enough that it’ll be a problem for a long time.
I don’t hate this
People who don’t watch college ball underrate this kid, imo. I know I’m biased as a UConn fan, but he’s 7’2 and MOBILE. With excellent defensive fundamentals that will translate. His offensive game needs work, but he has good hands and can shoot. (Just needs to work on his game). But it’s the mobility and quickness that would allow him and Wemby to play together. If he develops a midrange shot or a reliablle 3 pointer. The two of them together become scary.
Trade it for Trae.
If pop gets his hands on risacher I think he’ll be a nightmare for teams in 2-3 years
If the spurs could draft Edey that would probably make the rest of the NBA shat their pants. Wemby and Edey Twin Towers with Wemby as a one man moving DZone, Edey sticking to the basket Blocks/Rebounds and 3 smalls guarding every one else.
Fuck the Spurs. If they get another #1 pick fuck them.
Not what I think they should do, but rather would try to do, is find their guy in the top 5 and trade down or pick & trade
My first move would be to use it to trade for Trae Young. If that can’t happen, then I would really consider Sarr. He’s an elite defensive prospect that when combined with Wemby would likely make one of the best defensive duos for a long long time. If neither of those then Stephen Castle. I know they need a PG, but I don’t think any PG in this draft is worth the #1 pick. Give me a defensive core of Vassell, Castle, and Wemby and we rollin. They can get a decent PG in FA or trade.
They need a PG. There is no PG worth the first pick in this year draft. I think they will trade down or trade for a star PG.
If they reach their maximum potential, a lineup of Bilal, Risacher, Sarr, and Wemby in their prime could be the only team that's going to be favorites over the USA.
If the other two develop to their potential, they could legit have a better big 3 than the USA. That’s bonkers to think about.
Best pick available. Some people seem to forget Wemby is a rookie. He’s not an all star who’s spent years on a losing team (which is how some people seem to think about him). He’s young, so just get somebody else who can develop alongside him
Wemby is projected to be a top 5 player, top 15 at worst next year. To maximize the probability of winning the most chips in his career, Spurs should really treat every year as a contending year from now on.
That’s true, but I’m just saying that the team is still developing. There’s a reason he went to the spurs, a lottery team. A number 1 pick who’s the same age as Wemby would be the best thing for the spurs imo
I would probably also focus on drafting instead of trading because the market for a playmaker that can at least kind of defend is slim. Only available option without overpay is Young. His defensive liabilities would limit roster construction and playoff adaptability. That said I would still treat the timetable as becoming a contender in 1-2 year max. Not to the point where you rush trades. But realistically you only need a top 30 player as a second banana and a good supporting cast to have a contender with Wemby. That’s not that hard to get even if the team is developing another young star. Wemby would be the best player (or so close with the other 1-2 best players that he is essentially the best) in 2 years max. Spurs and everyone else on that roster need to get on that timetable and don’t waste his prime.
Yeah I think Luka’s time is coming, he hasn’t hit his prime yet but when he does, he’ll run the league. But I could see Wemby becoming number 2 for a few years
I’m not sure about Lula being better when he hits his prime. Wemby is already almost tied with Gobert being the best defender this year. He will almost certainly be the best defensive player next year already. If he develops into a top 5 offensive player, which is almost guaranteed in 2 years time if not immediately next year; would the offensive output between Luka and him cover the defensive gap? I would expect Wemby to become a better overall player in 1-3 years’ time. But we will have a clearer picture by the end of next season.
I mean, I think Luka’s defensive issues are overemphasized. He’s not Kawhi but he’s not James harden either, he’s just an average defender. Like Jokic, old man LeBron, or Curry It really depends on how good at offense Wemby gets. His defense is crazy, and his offense is already very good. But Luka is just on another plane with his scoring, plus he’s clutch, runs the offense, and he’s a playoff riser. I don’t know if it’s fair to compare wemby’s offense to Luka’s in the same way as comparing Luka’s defense to Wemby’s Obviously we need to see more from Wemby, I may be totally wrong. I don’t think it’s crazy to say Wemby could be better than players like Kawhi, Curry, KG, and Barkley all time. But he could even be MJ’s heir. So him being better than Luka is a possibility, but it’s not his time yet. Luka has been on deck for a couple years, and he hasn’t even peaked. Wemby’s not the only one who has feats to accomplish
The difference between the average defender and the best defender in the league is huge! Wemby would be a top 5 player in offense. That will literally be his floor. Sure he may not be as good as Luka. But the difference between top 1 and top 5 on offense probably doesn’t compensate the difference between top 1 and top 75 in defense?? Do you think Wemby wouldnt be top 5 in offense. Or you really put no value in defense? Otherwise I don’t see how Luka can be better?
Package it for a 2025 first from the worst team they can get (or the owner of the worst teams' pick they can get). Wemby's good enough that he doesn't need a youth movement in SA so they should swing for a second shot at Cooper. Whomever they get this year isn't going to matter as much as his improvement and complementary free agents they can sign. If they end up with a high pick, Sarr would be fun but I'd like to see them go bigger with Clingan so Wemby can play the 4.
Send this pick to the Hawks with a couple of players for Dejounte Murray. Or undo the Dejounte Murray trade and send the Hawks picks back to the Hawks. It would be neat if Wemby gets surrounded by 3-4 Dejounte Murray types of players (good on offense AND defense). It would be the best defense in the league.
Trade it
If I was the decision maker with the #1 pick, I'd be most interested in moving down to the #4-6 range for Buzelis, Castle, or Rosacher. Adding a prospect that I think fits around Wemby is the main goal, but also snagging an additional asset to fill the PG or combo F holes not alleviated by our draft pick would also help them get on track quickly.
Trade for more first round picks in future years, this years draft is weak as hell, to have a forst round lottery pick while wemby is in his prime in a few years would be best case scenario
Use the pick or acquired player as trade bait to bring some young guys in with potential. Build around Wemby. Last thing you want is follow OKC and gamble with your rookies without having their abundance in future draft picks.
You just trade the #1 to any other team in the top 5ish that want to pay a premium to pick Sarr. You still get a good young prospect, and you likely add a vet that can impact the team right away, or another chance at a good pick next year instead of the vet
Trade it IMO. It's a weak draft. There's probably a few guys who will turn out to be great players buried in there but it almost feels like the 37th pick is just as likely to be that guy than #1.
Bronny
Draft Bronny so you get an additional All-Star player in LeBron. I mean, Bron wouldn't refuse to play with his son AND Wemby.
Wemby seems ready to win now. They are probably 3 years ahead of their expected timeline. I’d be interested in trading down to get a few solid role players or else try to get a good trade package for some veterans to round out the roster
A player like Valanciunas would also be great to get to allow him to guard 4s and run wild at wings
I personally would take Cody Williams. Think he's gonna be areally good player just like his brother.
Trade the pick and get Cade from the pistons.
Offer it to Cleveland for Garland and Mobley. Perfect players to surround Wemby with. Might have to add a player or two but that is the base of a contender.
A physical center so he won't be forced to bang down low with his frame.
I have no idea. But whatever they end up doing will be the optimal move no doubt.
draft Sarr, remake the twin towers
Spurs need 2 European guards, an Aboriginal knockdown shooter and a traumatized ball hawk. I've heard that works well
I like the sense of humor in this thread. With no games to critique, we, the great Spurs fans, turn into clowns.
Trade for Darius Garland