The San Antonio Spurs are off to a rough start to the season, with the second-worst record at 4-23. Fans have reason to be excited about the rookie sensation, however Victor Wembanyamawho could become the rookie of the year.
Looking even further ahead, the Spurs draft could contain two lottery picks. This second lottery pick reportedly comes from the Toronto Raptors due to a big man trade Jakob Poeltl. The pick is protected in the top six, however, meaning the Raptors keep the pick if it lands at six or higher. Currently, Toronto has the eighth-worst record in the NBA. This results in most choose projections ranging from eight to 12, meaning the Spurs would receive him.
Most would currently assume that Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell and Wembanyama are all part of Spurs’ future. That said, the main position San Antonio needs to address is point guard. You can also include the center position, if you view Wembanyama as a power forward or don’t want him to take on the physical burden of frequently guarding other teams’ centers.
The Spurs organization is known for taking on prospects that no one would have predicted, like Joshua Primo in 2021. Nonetheless, let’s analyze some realistic prospects that San Antonio could consider.
San Antonio Spurs NBA Draft Outlook
Nikola Subject: Mega MIS (Serbia)
Current consensus indicates that this is probably the best solution for Nikola Subject, and there are many reasons to agree. On the one hand, Topic can play point guard, and his best translatable skill is his playmaking. He’s an excellent pick-and-roll creator who would pair well with Wembanyama. Spurs have also had notable success developing international perspectives and players, which bodes well for the Serbian. Now in conversation for the number one pick, Topic would be a great choice.
Alexandre Sarr: Perth Wildcats (NBL Australia)
Alexandre Sarr is a projected top-three pick and is in the conversation for the number one overall selection. Taking Sarr would mean the Spurs would have to find their point guard of the future in free agency or hope one of them lands on their second pick. However, Sarr would be a tempting prospect to team up with Wembanyama and Sochan defensively. Sarr’s offensive game is still raw, but he shines defensively. He is seven-foot-one with great athleticism, allowing him to block shots and affect every zone of the defense. If the Spurs could develop his promising offensive game and continue to fill out his frame, they could have another star.
Isaiah Collier: USC
Isaiah Necklace is currently touted as the next best point guard in the class behind Topic. He is a strong, physical guard who has shown he can generate pressure in the paint and finish all the way to the rim. However, Collier has a turnover problem and doesn’t seem as ready to lead an NBA offense as previously thought. Legendary coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ developmental system could, of course, allay those concerns. However, Collier might not be available with their second pick, so the Spurs would have a decision to make.
Donavan Clingan: UConn
If chosen, Donovan Clingan would come as the Spurs’ second selection in the mid-to-late draft of the lottery. Perhaps after drafting their point guard of the future with their first pick, Clingan would fit right in at center. The seven-foot-two, 280-pound big man would almost directly replace Poeltl, who they traded to get this pick. Clingan could take away the burden and physicality of Wembanyama’s painting. He is also an excellent shot blocker and has shown touch around the rim on offense. Clingan will play a specific role in the NBA and could represent a safe selection as a guaranteed rotation center.
Stephon Castle: UConn
Stephon Castle The draft range has fluctuated but still remains within the confines of the lottery, with some projections in the top five. Castle hasn’t wowed anyone this season so far, but his physical tools and skills are appealing. He’s a six-foot-six point guard who can eventually run the point if he continues to develop. Castle has also shown he can compete defensively and shows some. Jimmy Butler-like a style of play. While a top-three pick for the Spurs may be attainable, falling in the mid-to-late lottery could be a bargain.
Cody Williams: Colorado
Cody Williams has seriously impressed the NBA draft community. Oklahoma City Thunder star’s younger brother Jalen Williamshe is shot drawing boards after a good start to the season. What’s appealing to the Spurs organization is that Williams’ is not a finished product and has extremely high upside potential. San Antonio showed it wasn’t afraid to take an unfinished product early in the draft. And while there’s a lot that can be said about Williams’ upside, he’s a very good player right now. Williams showed he could be a do-it-all player on both ends as a lanky six-foot-eight winger.
