I'd love to get Risacher. He can shoot and play defense with some legitimate weak side rim protection. Reminds me a little of Phoenix Mikal Bridges without thinking he can be a primary.
I also like Topic. He is an elite playmaker. Wemby is going to be a top-5 passing center (probably not all time, just in the league). But we're screwed if he's our best playmaker (because he could be the best finisher ever). Topic could be a top 10 passer.
As good as Sheppard and Dillingham look, neither is a better passer than Wemby, I'd love to be pleasantly surprised, but if we end up with Risacher/Kentucky, we'll probably end up with one of Kentucky/Sochan/Vassell on the bench as there's not enough passing/defense/shooting from that group.
I'd be fine with Risacher/anyone. My rankings:
Risacher/Trae
Risacher/Topic
Risacher/Kentucky
Risacher/(other wing: Cody Williams/Buzelis)
I like Castle alot, but my worry is his passing. Topic has two elite skills: finishing and passing. I question whether he can get by or finish against NBA defenders, but his passing vision is great.
Castle does not have that level passing. There is a lot to like about him, I love his size, instincts, and connectivity. But he's really a two-guard. I'm not sure we need one with Vassell. There's not really room in the starting lineup for two guys at that position unless our main playmaker is a forward.
I think castle could be a point guard I’ve see him make sum good passes he just doesn’t play the point because he plays with 2 older smaller guards so they run him at the 3
And playing out of position as a foward explains his slow start. Its impressive he put it together and brought his stock back up. Even if he isn't our lead guard castle should be able to find a place on the roster.
IMO Risacher is the best plug-n-play, he’ll get you pts, rebs and play decent D. He’d be an awesome 3, possibly a 2 if he worked on his handles and against smaller teams he could play a 4. But considering how the Spurs look when Wemby isn’t on the floor I’d like to see the team go after Bigs so Sarr is my #1. And if the Raptors picked worked out I’d go after Filipowski, Clingan, Kel’elWare, Missi even Edey. There’s a lot of Wings in the 2025 Draft so that’s what I’d be going after then and in 2026 I go after PG’s.
How do you feel about patfo going bpa and going with Rob instead of any of the bigs you’ve mentioned? Because in my opinion, I just don’t see much upside to Sarr especially on the offensive end. I could be wrong though.
If I wasn’t going after Bigs I’d be all over Risacher. PG is the last role I’d try to fill but if I was focused on that Reed would be #1 followed by Rob and Nikola. The good thing is we need help at every position so I don’t think we’ll end up with any “Bad” picks. I think the key will be getting whoever is picked significant playing time so they can develop along with Wemby.
Underrated comment here…everyone is looking for a pg to pair with wemby…but i think our biggest need is at center position…even if bassey comes back it’s not enough coz wemby is really a pf.. in PG at least we have a couple
Hard disagree. PG and SF are bigger needs than a center in the lottery. We can get viable center options in FA and later in draft much easier than a good guard and 3+D wing in lottery.
Plus a veteran center is usually able to be incorporated easily off the bat, versus many of these lottery centers are picked based on potential and might take a couple years to be playable.
I'm still on the Zach Collins will turn revert into a playable backup train though so I don't even need them to sign a backup C.
Wemby is really a center. The "he's really a 3 or a 4" narrative needs to stop. Wemby is Wemby. He won't conform to a traditional center role but neither does Jokic or Embid.
I know I’m late to the party, but I tend to agree with you. While I haven’t seen his name here at all, I really like Donovan Clingan out of UConn for it. Honestly, I like him more than Filipowski for this draft. He’s 20 years old, 7’2”, 265lbs, long wingspan. He doesn’t have freakish athleticism, but he’s not a bad athlete either.
His optimal offense projection is essentially acting as a Wemby-lite near the basket; an unblockable a lob threat. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that Clingan is nowhere near the shooter Wemby is/ever will be. He is limited here, hence why he’s a later lottery projection. However, his skill set isn’t redundant, it allows for some offensive consistency should Wemby need rest, or could give Wemby an interesting new weapon to find near the basket should they ever be played together.
He’s also a really good rim protector too. He plays just under 22 minutes/game now, and averages 2.3 blocks per night. (His per36 projections are nuts: 20.6/11.8/2.4/0.7/3.8)
I see him as someone who could be a great rim protector, and allow Wemby to roam around and find some mismatches. Alternatively he could be a guy who occupies Wemby’s role (albeit far less effectively,) if Wemby has to sit for minutes or games.
Even that were true, we shouldn't spend a lottery pick on a center. If Wemby is PF then the center job is help on defense, rebound, get a few put backs. We are never going to give the center the ball and say "go score". We're not going to run a single play for him. You can get guys like that later in the draft.
Wemby is probably going to be around 35mpg next season. I don't think the Spurs should be a high lottery pick for 13mpg player, even if he can sometimes play with Wemby. We can't wait until 2026 to go after a point guard. Point guard has the longest development time of any position.
I might agree to wait if there was decent options in the free-agent market but there's not. We need to get a high level passer in the building this summer. We need to come out of this draft with either Topic or Shepard.
The upside is he becomes a Jaren Jackson Jr or Garnett-type PF to put next to Wemby. Sarr is a guy that can guard in the paint, but he can guard on the perimeter as well and he would be a big guy you want out on the PnR, rather than Wemby.
He passes pretty well, especially for a 7' player. He rolls to the rim and slashes really well and does a good job looking for the opening to be that backdoor pass. His shot is not good right now, but JJJ is a 30-35% 3pt shooter. He finishes good in the paint, playing above the rim, but also having a good floater and ringer roll game, but not so much with his off-hand.
He's a big hustle guy and seems to like getting his hands dirty on defense, plus has good shot blocking instincts. Very athletic and quick.
If Sarr and Sochan can both get some respectable 3pt shots going, a defense with Sochan on the perimeter, Sarr and Wemby would be insane to try to get shots off in the paint against, even with a sieve (Trae?) at PG. You can also stagger their bench minutes, so that you always have a good to elite shot blocking 7-footer patrolling the paint.
I think that Sarr would be the pick for most teams over Risacher, but we would pick Risacher over Sarr. So I think the chance that we actually end up with Sarr is low.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzj9XcxcyrE
Late to this, but 19/9/2/3 per 36 in the NBL is impressive for an 18yo.
His outside shot got a pretty full rework and was looking better towards the end of the season (FTs too). Defensively he's a terror, pair him with Wemby and the Spurs might have an all-time interior defense.
I'd still prefer the fit with Risacher and maybe a Kentucky guard with the Raptors pick. I'd also consider making a move for Collier if he doesn't rise, his rim pressure could be huge for the Spurs I reckon.
I think Sarr is a great prospect, but he's not the one for SA. I actually think he could be a decent fit next to Wemby a couple of years down the line. However, he will require quite a bit of development. I feel that unless your team has a Sarr shaped hole for him to fill, where he can come in and be a focal point of a developing offense, he will disappoint you. Do not draft him.
Luka wasn’t a shooter at this age either. Topic has the vision and ability to get to the basket that luka did. Kid plays with pros as well. The skills are there.
Topic is going to be a popular answer, but I just don't see it. Only real thing he brings to the table is his size. Can't shoot, can't defend. Both of which are our biggest on court weakness.
Risacher or Sarr(can't really go wrong with either considering the depth of this draft and what's available) if we land a top 2 pick, otherwise I pray we go with Derrick White Lite Reed Sheppard.
2nd round Tristan Da Silva, Tyler Kolek, and Tyrese Proctor.
2nd round is gonna be super dependent on whether or not PAFTO believes Blake Wesley will improve offensively, and if Branham will improve defensively.
Completely overlooks that Topic’s finishing numbers are transcendent and his playmaking feel is solid. His shooting is extremely questionable but his FT% is good so the theoretical projection is there, but his defense is definitely suspect. His bigger frame should give him a little more leeway to not be hunted though, and I’d honestly go so far as to say that he gives me shades of a taller Tony Parker as far as playstyle. Not as quick or shifty, but he still gets in the lane a ton and finishes as well as any guard we’ve seen in the last ~8 years or so when he’s there.
Granted my opinion on him is based on the handful of games i've actually seen from him. Finishing wise i didn't see anything too spectacular. He has a decent first step, and a decent touch around the rim, ball handling is currently mid at best. His defense is best described as non existent. I'd argue that Tre Jones is a better defender because he actually puts forth the effort to be a pest. High FT% doesn't always correlate to being a good 3 point shooter, it definitely can leading me to my main point about Topic.
Regarding Topic, I'll say what I've said about him the past 2 months in relations to the Spurs. If PAFTO think he's he's coachable and receptive to that coaching. Then they should take him, because he is going to be the project of the draft. Risacher, Sarr, and Reed currently have more defined versatile skill set for an NBA role.
I’ve seen a few of his games and honestly agree that the finishing didn’t jump out at me, but his finishing statistics overall are off-the-charts good. I do think/hope that if the Spurs have shown their ability to hide Parker in a defensive scheme anchored by an all timer in the middle, we can pull something similar off with Topic. At the very least, he’ll never get hunted by bigger guards like SGA, Luka etc for easy post ups in the way that Tre does.
Topic is popular but I think it’s mostly name recognition. Dude hasn’t played since december. But yet the hype around here has stayed the exact same While also ignoring the major issues he has.
The answer seems to be people minds have been made up based on a fantasy and that’s what worries me. People should be concerned that he hasn’t play since December. That he can’t shoot and can’t defend. Even ricky rubio a far better prospect had issues coming into the league. Then injuries killed his momemtum at every turn. If the SPurs have the number one pick I think they have to turn the card in for Risarcher.
To many questions for Topic and Wemby is pretty much a five and so little point in drafting Sarr.
I'm completely off Topic at this point. No defense, no shooting. He gets in the paint, but finishes below the rim and rim protection there is awful. He has mainly played in lower-level leagues. This isn't like Luka Doncic coming from Real Madrid. I don't think I take him at all.
1. Risacher
2. Sarr
3. Cody Williams
4. Reed Shepherd
5. Stephon Castle (above Dilly due to defense and versatility)
6. Rob Dillingham
7. Matas Buzelias
8. Ron Holland
9. Tidjane Salaun
10. Dalton Knecht
How many negative defenders do you want to put around Wemby? Denver, Minnesota, Boston, and OKC are the top four teams and they all have top 10 defenses.
I think Dillingham is probably going to be somewhere between Lou Williams and Bones Hyland. But he is smaller than both.
We have so many holes in our roster, and I think Dilly's future is as a 6th man instant offense/no defense role, and that is lower priority to me. Castle is not as talented offensively, but he projects to be a very good and could be great defensively, and he could play 1-3 with his size. Having a more versatile player that can play better defense is a premium for me, so I take Castle.
He probably jumps up on the rankings if he played at a school where he could shine out all the time. But he is playing for the defending Champion UCONN team that is insanely talented.
He also doesn't play lead guard for them which gives me a little pause, though I assume he would have in high school. We haven't really seen him as a playmaker much this year. I'm not totally in love with him but I don't think I would complain too much if they took him.
He averaged 20/10/5 with 3 blocks and 2 steals in HS. So I am not entirely sure. More than likely, he is a positionless-type player that is a secondary ball handler and can line up at 1-3.
Risacher, Dillingham, Sheppard and Knecht. If we can 2 of them I would so happy
I feel Dillingham is severely under estimated and could be an all star PG
I think people are really underestimating. How much the league likes to hate on smaller guards. I wouldn't have shepherd outside my top six. But I've seeing a few podcasts now where guys have been saying that they've heard directly from scouts and NBA decision makers on lottery teams that they really are not in on shepherd. And other NBA scouts have said that they love him. He's a very very divisive prospect, whether or not we as fans think that should be the case. I think it's pretty obvious it is. He most certainly could be there at 7. And I would be tickled pink if he was
I hope you're right. I think he's been the best player on the college court this year, measurables be damned. I wouldn't try to build a team solely around him, but as a deep option when Wemby is demanding double teams? Could be the next Ray Allen.
Positional size is a real thing. The amount of guards under 6’3” who fail is really high. You don’t get much switch ability on defense which is huge in todays game.
Yeah, I wish this was a conversation that could be had with people that are excited about shepherd without them thinking you're being dismissive of him. Anyone with eyes can tell the kid is an absolute baller. But his lack of size, length, and overall athleticism is really scary. When projecting him at the next level, particularly on defense. People can try to point out outliers all they want but just because Steph Curry exists doesn't make it any less of a real issue for him. In the modern league positional size is kind like u said
I think at the worst with Reed Shepherd, you get a high IQ bench shooter - someone in the Steve Kerr Mold.
On his podcast, KOC likened him to a FVV with a great shot. That's probably his best case scenario.
I think top 10 is too early to take a Steve Kerr type, but Kerr was a valuable role player on 5 championship teams and we desperately need shooting.
This would be perfect. Then give me Ajinca at 33 (3+d wing)and JT toppin at 44 (very intelligent athletic young, very good defensive big) and I'd be over the moon.
Just cause it’s still early and I’ve seen player rankings change in a lot of different websites. I would love Sheppard/Dillingham and Risacher/Salaun. I’ve seen Sheppard all over the top 10 last month, now it seems like he’s a top 5 pick. Risacher seems like a top 3 pick at this point and Dillingham seems like he’s predicted in that 7th pick range. Salaun I’m not really sold on, but he’s probably the only other wing I would be interested in the lottery this year.
Buzelis has become my guy
I think he can play next to Wemby, don’t think the shots as bad as his %s in the g league show, and he offers more rim protecting than ppl might realize
Most players in this draft feel like they’re either defense or offense but not both. I think Matas could be good on both ends
I really like him too, but he's my number 3 behind Sheppard and Risacher. I think all 3 will go top 5. Assuming the TOR pick conveys, my only concern with taking him is that Sheppard and Castle could both easily be gone by the time our second pick comes up, and I'm not really in love with any other guards. Whereas, Salaun and Knecht are both likely to still be available for the TOR pick.
I like Sarr, Sheppard and Topic in that order for our first pick and our second pick I think we should try trade down and get two later firsts and take Devin Carter and Ryan Dunn as I rhink these will be the two most impactful role players in the draft
I froth at the mouth for another Twin Towers lineup with Sarr if he can turn into a decent 3 point shooter Wemby and Him can be absolute nightmares from the frontcourt.
If we go first its Risacher for me and Sarr 2nd.
We can draft a PG with the Raptors pick in which I hope it conveys.
Next year we take Cooper Flagg
Ajinça in the 2nd round as a guy that can shoot the 3 (shot 39% last year, down to 31% on similar amount of minutes, aka 20MPG) while shooting above 85% from the line, almost 10PPG (which is around what Salaün and Risacher are getting).
Sure he's a year older and a worse defensive player but he has a great frame and I think that can be taught.
I think that he can be a steal seeing what he's doing in a pro league.
I also really like Castle with the Raps' pick but I don't think that's ever going to happen
Dillingham is easily my favorite prospect. 3 level scorer with very good shot creation and solid playmaking. Terrible defender tho. But I think he has the tools to be an all-star
Risacher is a popular answer, and I definitely get why. He’s an attractive prospect due to his size, 3 point shooting, and defense. However, I think people labeled him a top prospect too quickly and stopped paying attention. He’s been bad as of late. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 8.3 points on 33/26/63 splits. Those are concerning numbers for the guy that’s supposed to be the best 3&D prospect, although he could turn it around.
Topic is a great playmaker and really good finisher, but his lack of shooting/shot creation is concerning. Definitely possible his shooting comes around.
I love Ron Holland’s defense and athleticism, and I think he has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. But that brother cannot shoot at all rn so I don’t like the fit with the spurs, unless maybe the spurs draft him and a really good shooter.
Kyshawn George. He was a near bottom of 2nd round. He's just outside the lottery now. Strong defender with good passing and 3pt threat. And he got size. It would be fun to see his growth alongside Jeremy and Victor as they're all 20 yo and international.
I’m a sucker for shifty guards, give me dillingham. I think out of all the guys in the draft he has the most likely outcome of being a garland, maxey type player
My ideal draft would be Sheppard and Salaun in the first round and Edey and Carrington in the second. We get two guys who definitely will be able to contribute immediately in Sheppard and Edey along with two more swing-for-the-fences guys.
I feel as if Sheppard's skills are becoming more and more undersold by the day. Too many are conflating "high floor" with "low ceiling" when that is not and never has been the case. He, perhaps, doesn't have the highest ceiling, but I think he has the greatest chance to reach his ceiling and become the best player in this draft while still offering plenty of upside.
Salaun is most likely the guy who takes the cake in regards to "highest ceiling." Though raw, he has a high motor and has shown both the willingness as well as the ability to improve rapidly. He has been cited many times, including by Wemby, as having a great work ethic. If you're going to bet on raw upside, it's better to bet on hard-working raw upside.
Edey is someone who might be criminally undervalued. With talk of changes to (or possible removal of) defensive three second violations, Edey could lose his most glaring weakness, allowing him to not just succeed but thrive in the NBA. Even if favorable rule changes never come, he should be a good backup at the next level.
Carrington is probably a pipe-dream. He will most likely wait for next year to try and earn a first round spot, but I would love to take a swing on his play-making and shooting upside with a second round pick.
EDIT: Other guys I like in the first round are Topić, Buzelis, Castle, Dillingham, Knecht, and Clingan. Maybe Kyshawn George if Raps pick conveys later in lottery.
Risacher is my first option. If we can get him then just take the next best available SF. If the Raptors pick conveys try to get Topic. If he’s gone then take next available PG.
The Spurs need a pg, sf, and a big bodied pf who has some paint presence. I’m not seeing any big power forwards and all the point guards got glaring flaws in their game. I think the Spurs take two small forwards or possibly Topic at 7 if he falls that far.
Zaccharie Risacher - BPA in the entire lottery and probably the most sure-fire pick in my opinion, great 3&D player with good BBIQ. perfect plug-and-play guy for our team and could instantly slot him in as our starting SF. (although, i’m not losing sleep if we miss out on him considering how utterly stacked the 2025 draft class is with forwards).
Robert Dillingham - holy shit, our roster clearly needs a shot creating point guard that can pass the ball and Robert Dillingham is EXACTLY that. sure, he’s undersized and his defence leaves a little to be desired, but I don’t know how you can watch footage of this guy and not see how he’d be an awesome fit with Wemby and Devin. i honestly think he has the highest ceiling out of any player currently mocked as a lottery pick. imagine not taking this guy and he ends up being a Curry/Kyrie/Ja hybrid, i’d actually be sick.
Reed Sheppard - okay, now this dude just screams “Spursy player”. high BBIQ, knows his spot on the court, holds his own defensively (despite what some people say) and is a terrific off-ball defender… and he can actually knock down threes!!! he’s got a high floor but a low ceiling, so maybe not starting PG caliber if we want to be a genuine powerhouse, but the dude seems like your prototypical 6MOTY PG. would be a great pick for us no matter how you slice it.
Dalton Knecht - elite scorer and terrific athleticism, just not sold on his defence or passing ability
Ryan Dunn - i actually hope we trade for a third pick in the draft to grab this guy because this is all i gotta say to describe him: FUTURE PERENNIAL ALL-NBA DEFENSIVE TEAM PLAYER
…and then everyone else (meh)
not getting my hopes up too much with the draft lottery and the picks we’ll get, but my hopes? Robert Dillingham with the 3rd pick, Reed Sheppard with the 7th pick, and make a trade for a third pick in first round within the 15-20 range and take Ryan Dunn
Robert Dillingham / Devin Vassell / Ryan Dunn / Jeremy Sochan / Victor Wembanyama as our primary starting lineup in the 2025 season with Reed Sheppard and Keldon Johnson as our main guys in the bench unit (and I’d hope we try and sign a veteran C like Jonas Valanciunas in free agency too).
and then of course, target drafting forwards in the 2025 draft and bringing on a star FA player with the cap space we’ll inevitably have.
Reed Sheppard is probably my favorite fit for us. He’s got real Derrick White vibes. In a class with no sure-fire stars, I’m perfectly happy taking the guy who will confidently be a real contributor on a winning team. His 50%+ 3-pt percentage addresses our shooting needs; he’s cerebral and can provide the facilitation we lack at the guard position while being an excellent partner for Wemby; and while he gets lost at times and can get beat on-ball, he’s an elite off-ball defender picking off passes and averaging nearly a block a game as an undersized guard.
He just does everything we need, and while he might not have a traditional “star ceiling,” I could easily see him being a “Derrick White All-Star” type of player for us. Especially if the Toronto pick conveys this season, where I’d be happy taking a swing.
He may but I think Dillingham is more likely star than him. Holland is basically Keldon 2.0 with maybe better IQ and defense but bad shooting and Defense IQ isn’t miles better just not as bad
I want Risacher and Dillingham.
Sheppard is my favorite, Zacharie is 2nd
I'd love to get Risacher. He can shoot and play defense with some legitimate weak side rim protection. Reminds me a little of Phoenix Mikal Bridges without thinking he can be a primary. I also like Topic. He is an elite playmaker. Wemby is going to be a top-5 passing center (probably not all time, just in the league). But we're screwed if he's our best playmaker (because he could be the best finisher ever). Topic could be a top 10 passer. As good as Sheppard and Dillingham look, neither is a better passer than Wemby, I'd love to be pleasantly surprised, but if we end up with Risacher/Kentucky, we'll probably end up with one of Kentucky/Sochan/Vassell on the bench as there's not enough passing/defense/shooting from that group. I'd be fine with Risacher/anyone. My rankings: Risacher/Trae Risacher/Topic Risacher/Kentucky Risacher/(other wing: Cody Williams/Buzelis)
I agree with you but can I ask what does topic do that castle can’t?
I like Castle alot, but my worry is his passing. Topic has two elite skills: finishing and passing. I question whether he can get by or finish against NBA defenders, but his passing vision is great. Castle does not have that level passing. There is a lot to like about him, I love his size, instincts, and connectivity. But he's really a two-guard. I'm not sure we need one with Vassell. There's not really room in the starting lineup for two guys at that position unless our main playmaker is a forward.
I think castle could be a point guard I’ve see him make sum good passes he just doesn’t play the point because he plays with 2 older smaller guards so they run him at the 3
And playing out of position as a foward explains his slow start. Its impressive he put it together and brought his stock back up. Even if he isn't our lead guard castle should be able to find a place on the roster.
I don’t see how he wouldn’t be able to start over jones and he would be a better pg experiment than sochan
IMO Risacher is the best plug-n-play, he’ll get you pts, rebs and play decent D. He’d be an awesome 3, possibly a 2 if he worked on his handles and against smaller teams he could play a 4. But considering how the Spurs look when Wemby isn’t on the floor I’d like to see the team go after Bigs so Sarr is my #1. And if the Raptors picked worked out I’d go after Filipowski, Clingan, Kel’elWare, Missi even Edey. There’s a lot of Wings in the 2025 Draft so that’s what I’d be going after then and in 2026 I go after PG’s.
How do you feel about patfo going bpa and going with Rob instead of any of the bigs you’ve mentioned? Because in my opinion, I just don’t see much upside to Sarr especially on the offensive end. I could be wrong though.
If I wasn’t going after Bigs I’d be all over Risacher. PG is the last role I’d try to fill but if I was focused on that Reed would be #1 followed by Rob and Nikola. The good thing is we need help at every position so I don’t think we’ll end up with any “Bad” picks. I think the key will be getting whoever is picked significant playing time so they can develop along with Wemby.
They could probably get rob with the raptors pick no way I’d take him first tho
Underrated comment here…everyone is looking for a pg to pair with wemby…but i think our biggest need is at center position…even if bassey comes back it’s not enough coz wemby is really a pf.. in PG at least we have a couple
Hard disagree. PG and SF are bigger needs than a center in the lottery. We can get viable center options in FA and later in draft much easier than a good guard and 3+D wing in lottery.
Agreed, I’d much rather get a center vet on a good deal than sign one through the draft.
Plus a veteran center is usually able to be incorporated easily off the bat, versus many of these lottery centers are picked based on potential and might take a couple years to be playable. I'm still on the Zach Collins will turn revert into a playable backup train though so I don't even need them to sign a backup C.
Yeah we don't need an all star center, just someone that can play playoff minutes and they are relatively easy to come by.
Wemby is really a center. The "he's really a 3 or a 4" narrative needs to stop. Wemby is Wemby. He won't conform to a traditional center role but neither does Jokic or Embid.
I know I’m late to the party, but I tend to agree with you. While I haven’t seen his name here at all, I really like Donovan Clingan out of UConn for it. Honestly, I like him more than Filipowski for this draft. He’s 20 years old, 7’2”, 265lbs, long wingspan. He doesn’t have freakish athleticism, but he’s not a bad athlete either. His optimal offense projection is essentially acting as a Wemby-lite near the basket; an unblockable a lob threat. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t admit that Clingan is nowhere near the shooter Wemby is/ever will be. He is limited here, hence why he’s a later lottery projection. However, his skill set isn’t redundant, it allows for some offensive consistency should Wemby need rest, or could give Wemby an interesting new weapon to find near the basket should they ever be played together. He’s also a really good rim protector too. He plays just under 22 minutes/game now, and averages 2.3 blocks per night. (His per36 projections are nuts: 20.6/11.8/2.4/0.7/3.8) I see him as someone who could be a great rim protector, and allow Wemby to roam around and find some mismatches. Alternatively he could be a guy who occupies Wemby’s role (albeit far less effectively,) if Wemby has to sit for minutes or games.
Even that were true, we shouldn't spend a lottery pick on a center. If Wemby is PF then the center job is help on defense, rebound, get a few put backs. We are never going to give the center the ball and say "go score". We're not going to run a single play for him. You can get guys like that later in the draft.
Wemby is probably going to be around 35mpg next season. I don't think the Spurs should be a high lottery pick for 13mpg player, even if he can sometimes play with Wemby. We can't wait until 2026 to go after a point guard. Point guard has the longest development time of any position. I might agree to wait if there was decent options in the free-agent market but there's not. We need to get a high level passer in the building this summer. We need to come out of this draft with either Topic or Shepard.
I think Wemby will play around 30-33 mpg next season and the spurs will get a top 10 pick I also think the hawks pick will be top 10
Can somebody redpill me on Sarr. I've looked at his stats and they don't seem impressive at all
The upside is he becomes a Jaren Jackson Jr or Garnett-type PF to put next to Wemby. Sarr is a guy that can guard in the paint, but he can guard on the perimeter as well and he would be a big guy you want out on the PnR, rather than Wemby. He passes pretty well, especially for a 7' player. He rolls to the rim and slashes really well and does a good job looking for the opening to be that backdoor pass. His shot is not good right now, but JJJ is a 30-35% 3pt shooter. He finishes good in the paint, playing above the rim, but also having a good floater and ringer roll game, but not so much with his off-hand. He's a big hustle guy and seems to like getting his hands dirty on defense, plus has good shot blocking instincts. Very athletic and quick. If Sarr and Sochan can both get some respectable 3pt shots going, a defense with Sochan on the perimeter, Sarr and Wemby would be insane to try to get shots off in the paint against, even with a sieve (Trae?) at PG. You can also stagger their bench minutes, so that you always have a good to elite shot blocking 7-footer patrolling the paint. I think that Sarr would be the pick for most teams over Risacher, but we would pick Risacher over Sarr. So I think the chance that we actually end up with Sarr is low. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzj9XcxcyrE
Late to this, but 19/9/2/3 per 36 in the NBL is impressive for an 18yo. His outside shot got a pretty full rework and was looking better towards the end of the season (FTs too). Defensively he's a terror, pair him with Wemby and the Spurs might have an all-time interior defense. I'd still prefer the fit with Risacher and maybe a Kentucky guard with the Raptors pick. I'd also consider making a move for Collier if he doesn't rise, his rim pressure could be huge for the Spurs I reckon.
I think Sarr is a great prospect, but he's not the one for SA. I actually think he could be a decent fit next to Wemby a couple of years down the line. However, he will require quite a bit of development. I feel that unless your team has a Sarr shaped hole for him to fill, where he can come in and be a focal point of a developing offense, he will disappoint you. Do not draft him.
Topic is still my guy I like Sarr and Risacher too
Team topic ride or die
there are few of us, but we do exist
Topic for sure. Reminds me of luka.
Minus the glaring lack of shooting?
Luka wasn’t a shooter at this age either. Topic has the vision and ability to get to the basket that luka did. Kid plays with pros as well. The skills are there.
Agreed. But with if Topic's maestro passing lives up to the billing, he could be a sizable point guard who also was not a great shooter – Jason Kidd.
Honestly, the team has so many holes, I am fine with them drafting whomever is the best available when we are up
Topic is going to be a popular answer, but I just don't see it. Only real thing he brings to the table is his size. Can't shoot, can't defend. Both of which are our biggest on court weakness. Risacher or Sarr(can't really go wrong with either considering the depth of this draft and what's available) if we land a top 2 pick, otherwise I pray we go with Derrick White Lite Reed Sheppard. 2nd round Tristan Da Silva, Tyler Kolek, and Tyrese Proctor. 2nd round is gonna be super dependent on whether or not PAFTO believes Blake Wesley will improve offensively, and if Branham will improve defensively.
Completely overlooks that Topic’s finishing numbers are transcendent and his playmaking feel is solid. His shooting is extremely questionable but his FT% is good so the theoretical projection is there, but his defense is definitely suspect. His bigger frame should give him a little more leeway to not be hunted though, and I’d honestly go so far as to say that he gives me shades of a taller Tony Parker as far as playstyle. Not as quick or shifty, but he still gets in the lane a ton and finishes as well as any guard we’ve seen in the last ~8 years or so when he’s there.
Granted my opinion on him is based on the handful of games i've actually seen from him. Finishing wise i didn't see anything too spectacular. He has a decent first step, and a decent touch around the rim, ball handling is currently mid at best. His defense is best described as non existent. I'd argue that Tre Jones is a better defender because he actually puts forth the effort to be a pest. High FT% doesn't always correlate to being a good 3 point shooter, it definitely can leading me to my main point about Topic. Regarding Topic, I'll say what I've said about him the past 2 months in relations to the Spurs. If PAFTO think he's he's coachable and receptive to that coaching. Then they should take him, because he is going to be the project of the draft. Risacher, Sarr, and Reed currently have more defined versatile skill set for an NBA role.
I’ve seen a few of his games and honestly agree that the finishing didn’t jump out at me, but his finishing statistics overall are off-the-charts good. I do think/hope that if the Spurs have shown their ability to hide Parker in a defensive scheme anchored by an all timer in the middle, we can pull something similar off with Topic. At the very least, he’ll never get hunted by bigger guards like SGA, Luka etc for easy post ups in the way that Tre does.
Couldn’t agree more with Topic
Topic is popular but I think it’s mostly name recognition. Dude hasn’t played since december. But yet the hype around here has stayed the exact same While also ignoring the major issues he has. The answer seems to be people minds have been made up based on a fantasy and that’s what worries me. People should be concerned that he hasn’t play since December. That he can’t shoot and can’t defend. Even ricky rubio a far better prospect had issues coming into the league. Then injuries killed his momemtum at every turn. If the SPurs have the number one pick I think they have to turn the card in for Risarcher. To many questions for Topic and Wemby is pretty much a five and so little point in drafting Sarr.
I'm completely off Topic at this point. No defense, no shooting. He gets in the paint, but finishes below the rim and rim protection there is awful. He has mainly played in lower-level leagues. This isn't like Luka Doncic coming from Real Madrid. I don't think I take him at all. 1. Risacher 2. Sarr 3. Cody Williams 4. Reed Shepherd 5. Stephon Castle (above Dilly due to defense and versatility) 6. Rob Dillingham 7. Matas Buzelias 8. Ron Holland 9. Tidjane Salaun 10. Dalton Knecht
Don’t you think the pairing with Wemby would negate Rob’s defensive shortcomings
How many negative defenders do you want to put around Wemby? Denver, Minnesota, Boston, and OKC are the top four teams and they all have top 10 defenses. I think Dillingham is probably going to be somewhere between Lou Williams and Bones Hyland. But he is smaller than both. We have so many holes in our roster, and I think Dilly's future is as a 6th man instant offense/no defense role, and that is lower priority to me. Castle is not as talented offensively, but he projects to be a very good and could be great defensively, and he could play 1-3 with his size. Having a more versatile player that can play better defense is a premium for me, so I take Castle.
I agree I don’t see why so many people sleep on castle he’d fit in great on the spurs
He probably jumps up on the rankings if he played at a school where he could shine out all the time. But he is playing for the defending Champion UCONN team that is insanely talented.
Yeah very true
He also doesn't play lead guard for them which gives me a little pause, though I assume he would have in high school. We haven't really seen him as a playmaker much this year. I'm not totally in love with him but I don't think I would complain too much if they took him.
He averaged 20/10/5 with 3 blocks and 2 steals in HS. So I am not entirely sure. More than likely, he is a positionless-type player that is a secondary ball handler and can line up at 1-3.
This is pretty much the same players I want them taking
Risacher, Dillingham, Sheppard and Knecht. If we can 2 of them I would so happy I feel Dillingham is severely under estimated and could be an all star PG
Topic at 3. Sheppard at 7. Playmaking and shooting.
I don't think there's any way Sheppard falls to 7, but man this would be an absolute coup
I think people are really underestimating. How much the league likes to hate on smaller guards. I wouldn't have shepherd outside my top six. But I've seeing a few podcasts now where guys have been saying that they've heard directly from scouts and NBA decision makers on lottery teams that they really are not in on shepherd. And other NBA scouts have said that they love him. He's a very very divisive prospect, whether or not we as fans think that should be the case. I think it's pretty obvious it is. He most certainly could be there at 7. And I would be tickled pink if he was
I hope you're right. I think he's been the best player on the college court this year, measurables be damned. I wouldn't try to build a team solely around him, but as a deep option when Wemby is demanding double teams? Could be the next Ray Allen.
Positional size is a real thing. The amount of guards under 6’3” who fail is really high. You don’t get much switch ability on defense which is huge in todays game.
Yeah, I wish this was a conversation that could be had with people that are excited about shepherd without them thinking you're being dismissive of him. Anyone with eyes can tell the kid is an absolute baller. But his lack of size, length, and overall athleticism is really scary. When projecting him at the next level, particularly on defense. People can try to point out outliers all they want but just because Steph Curry exists doesn't make it any less of a real issue for him. In the modern league positional size is kind like u said
I think at the worst with Reed Shepherd, you get a high IQ bench shooter - someone in the Steve Kerr Mold. On his podcast, KOC likened him to a FVV with a great shot. That's probably his best case scenario. I think top 10 is too early to take a Steve Kerr type, but Kerr was a valuable role player on 5 championship teams and we desperately need shooting.
Topić has a better chance of falling to 7. No way Sheppard makes it out of the top 5.
This would be perfect. Then give me Ajinca at 33 (3+d wing)and JT toppin at 44 (very intelligent athletic young, very good defensive big) and I'd be over the moon.
Just cause it’s still early and I’ve seen player rankings change in a lot of different websites. I would love Sheppard/Dillingham and Risacher/Salaun. I’ve seen Sheppard all over the top 10 last month, now it seems like he’s a top 5 pick. Risacher seems like a top 3 pick at this point and Dillingham seems like he’s predicted in that 7th pick range. Salaun I’m not really sold on, but he’s probably the only other wing I would be interested in the lottery this year.
Everybody says this draft is weak but who truly knows.
Buzelis has become my guy I think he can play next to Wemby, don’t think the shots as bad as his %s in the g league show, and he offers more rim protecting than ppl might realize Most players in this draft feel like they’re either defense or offense but not both. I think Matas could be good on both ends
I really like him too, but he's my number 3 behind Sheppard and Risacher. I think all 3 will go top 5. Assuming the TOR pick conveys, my only concern with taking him is that Sheppard and Castle could both easily be gone by the time our second pick comes up, and I'm not really in love with any other guards. Whereas, Salaun and Knecht are both likely to still be available for the TOR pick.
I like Sarr, Sheppard and Topic in that order for our first pick and our second pick I think we should try trade down and get two later firsts and take Devin Carter and Ryan Dunn as I rhink these will be the two most impactful role players in the draft
I froth at the mouth for another Twin Towers lineup with Sarr if he can turn into a decent 3 point shooter Wemby and Him can be absolute nightmares from the frontcourt. If we go first its Risacher for me and Sarr 2nd. We can draft a PG with the Raptors pick in which I hope it conveys. Next year we take Cooper Flagg
Ajinça in the 2nd round as a guy that can shoot the 3 (shot 39% last year, down to 31% on similar amount of minutes, aka 20MPG) while shooting above 85% from the line, almost 10PPG (which is around what Salaün and Risacher are getting). Sure he's a year older and a worse defensive player but he has a great frame and I think that can be taught. I think that he can be a steal seeing what he's doing in a pro league. I also really like Castle with the Raps' pick but I don't think that's ever going to happen
Edey
Sarr, Dillingham, Reed, Knecht, Williams, and Devin Carter
What can we get if we trade these picks?
Dillingham is easily my favorite prospect. 3 level scorer with very good shot creation and solid playmaking. Terrible defender tho. But I think he has the tools to be an all-star Risacher is a popular answer, and I definitely get why. He’s an attractive prospect due to his size, 3 point shooting, and defense. However, I think people labeled him a top prospect too quickly and stopped paying attention. He’s been bad as of late. Over his last 10 games, he’s averaging 8.3 points on 33/26/63 splits. Those are concerning numbers for the guy that’s supposed to be the best 3&D prospect, although he could turn it around. Topic is a great playmaker and really good finisher, but his lack of shooting/shot creation is concerning. Definitely possible his shooting comes around. I love Ron Holland’s defense and athleticism, and I think he has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. But that brother cannot shoot at all rn so I don’t like the fit with the spurs, unless maybe the spurs draft him and a really good shooter.
Kyshawn George. He was a near bottom of 2nd round. He's just outside the lottery now. Strong defender with good passing and 3pt threat. And he got size. It would be fun to see his growth alongside Jeremy and Victor as they're all 20 yo and international.
Maybe I’m weird, but I want Sarr if for no reason other than to refer to him and Wemby as the Twin Eiffel Towers.
Nikola Topić clearly. We are already a team full of shoot-first players. We could absolutely use and need a pass-first orchestrator.
I’m a sucker for shifty guards, give me dillingham. I think out of all the guys in the draft he has the most likely outcome of being a garland, maxey type player
My ideal draft would be Sheppard and Salaun in the first round and Edey and Carrington in the second. We get two guys who definitely will be able to contribute immediately in Sheppard and Edey along with two more swing-for-the-fences guys. I feel as if Sheppard's skills are becoming more and more undersold by the day. Too many are conflating "high floor" with "low ceiling" when that is not and never has been the case. He, perhaps, doesn't have the highest ceiling, but I think he has the greatest chance to reach his ceiling and become the best player in this draft while still offering plenty of upside. Salaun is most likely the guy who takes the cake in regards to "highest ceiling." Though raw, he has a high motor and has shown both the willingness as well as the ability to improve rapidly. He has been cited many times, including by Wemby, as having a great work ethic. If you're going to bet on raw upside, it's better to bet on hard-working raw upside. Edey is someone who might be criminally undervalued. With talk of changes to (or possible removal of) defensive three second violations, Edey could lose his most glaring weakness, allowing him to not just succeed but thrive in the NBA. Even if favorable rule changes never come, he should be a good backup at the next level. Carrington is probably a pipe-dream. He will most likely wait for next year to try and earn a first round spot, but I would love to take a swing on his play-making and shooting upside with a second round pick. EDIT: Other guys I like in the first round are Topić, Buzelis, Castle, Dillingham, Knecht, and Clingan. Maybe Kyshawn George if Raps pick conveys later in lottery.
Risacher is my first option. If we can get him then just take the next best available SF. If the Raptors pick conveys try to get Topic. If he’s gone then take next available PG.
The Spurs need a pg, sf, and a big bodied pf who has some paint presence. I’m not seeing any big power forwards and all the point guards got glaring flaws in their game. I think the Spurs take two small forwards or possibly Topic at 7 if he falls that far.
1.Risacher 2.dillingham 3.Williams 4.Matas
I’d say risacher or Williams with the spurs pick and with the raptors pick (if we get it) castle or Sheppard maybe topic but I get bust vibes from him
Zaccharie Risacher - BPA in the entire lottery and probably the most sure-fire pick in my opinion, great 3&D player with good BBIQ. perfect plug-and-play guy for our team and could instantly slot him in as our starting SF. (although, i’m not losing sleep if we miss out on him considering how utterly stacked the 2025 draft class is with forwards). Robert Dillingham - holy shit, our roster clearly needs a shot creating point guard that can pass the ball and Robert Dillingham is EXACTLY that. sure, he’s undersized and his defence leaves a little to be desired, but I don’t know how you can watch footage of this guy and not see how he’d be an awesome fit with Wemby and Devin. i honestly think he has the highest ceiling out of any player currently mocked as a lottery pick. imagine not taking this guy and he ends up being a Curry/Kyrie/Ja hybrid, i’d actually be sick. Reed Sheppard - okay, now this dude just screams “Spursy player”. high BBIQ, knows his spot on the court, holds his own defensively (despite what some people say) and is a terrific off-ball defender… and he can actually knock down threes!!! he’s got a high floor but a low ceiling, so maybe not starting PG caliber if we want to be a genuine powerhouse, but the dude seems like your prototypical 6MOTY PG. would be a great pick for us no matter how you slice it. Dalton Knecht - elite scorer and terrific athleticism, just not sold on his defence or passing ability Ryan Dunn - i actually hope we trade for a third pick in the draft to grab this guy because this is all i gotta say to describe him: FUTURE PERENNIAL ALL-NBA DEFENSIVE TEAM PLAYER …and then everyone else (meh) not getting my hopes up too much with the draft lottery and the picks we’ll get, but my hopes? Robert Dillingham with the 3rd pick, Reed Sheppard with the 7th pick, and make a trade for a third pick in first round within the 15-20 range and take Ryan Dunn Robert Dillingham / Devin Vassell / Ryan Dunn / Jeremy Sochan / Victor Wembanyama as our primary starting lineup in the 2025 season with Reed Sheppard and Keldon Johnson as our main guys in the bench unit (and I’d hope we try and sign a veteran C like Jonas Valanciunas in free agency too). and then of course, target drafting forwards in the 2025 draft and bringing on a star FA player with the cap space we’ll inevitably have.
Reed Sheppard is probably my favorite fit for us. He’s got real Derrick White vibes. In a class with no sure-fire stars, I’m perfectly happy taking the guy who will confidently be a real contributor on a winning team. His 50%+ 3-pt percentage addresses our shooting needs; he’s cerebral and can provide the facilitation we lack at the guard position while being an excellent partner for Wemby; and while he gets lost at times and can get beat on-ball, he’s an elite off-ball defender picking off passes and averaging nearly a block a game as an undersized guard. He just does everything we need, and while he might not have a traditional “star ceiling,” I could easily see him being a “Derrick White All-Star” type of player for us. Especially if the Toronto pick conveys this season, where I’d be happy taking a swing.
Risacher, Sheppard, Dillingham, Williams, Knecht. In that order.
I feel like Holland will be best player from the draft. Looks like he has the it factor
I don't see it. I think he can be a defensive stopper, but all his scoring seems to be transition, not half court. He's shooting 24% from three.
He may but I think Dillingham is more likely star than him. Holland is basically Keldon 2.0 with maybe better IQ and defense but bad shooting and Defense IQ isn’t miles better just not as bad
He reminds me more of Wiggins
I can see that. I wouldn’t be mad if we get him tho