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, though, in rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who may become the rookie of the year.
Looking even more toward the future, the Spurs’ draft may contain two lottery picks. This second lottery pick would come from the Toronto Raptors due to a trade surrounding big man Jakob Poeltl. The pick is top six protected, 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 pick projections ranging from eight to 12, meaning the Spurs would receive it.
Most would assume currently that Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Devin Vassell and Wembanyama are all a part of the Spurs’ future. That said, the primary position of need for San Antonio to address is point guard. You can also include the center position, if you consider Wembanyama a power forward, or don’t want him to take on the physical burden of guarding other teams’ centers frequently.
The Spurs organization is known for taking prospects nobody would have predicted, like Joshua Primo in 2021. Even still, let’s analyze some realistic prospects San Antonio could be looking at.
San Antonio Spurs NBA Draft Prospects
Nikola Topic: Mega MIS (Serbia)
The current consensus says this is probably the best fit for Nikola Topic, and there’s a lot of reason to agree. For one, 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. The Spurs also have had well-known success developing international prospects and players, which bodes well for the Serbian. Now in conversation for the number one pick, Topic would be a great selection.
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 falls to their second pick. However, Sarr would be a tempting prospect to pair with Wembanyama and Sochan defensively. Sarr’s offensive game is still raw, but he shines on defense. He’s seven-foot-one with great athleticism, allowing him to block shots and affect every area on the defensive end. If the Spurs could develop his promising offensive game and continue to fill out his frame, they may have another star.
Isaiah Collier: USC
Isaiah Collier is currently heralded as the next best point guard in the class behind Topic. He’s a strong, physical guard who has shown he can generate paint pressure and finish at the rim. However, Collier has a turnover problem and doesn’t seem as ready to lead an NBA offense as previously assumed. Legendary coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs’ development system could, of course, ease these concerns. However, Collier may 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 draft selection in the mid to late lottery. Possibly having drafted their point guard of the future with their first pick, Clingan would fit right in at center. The seven-foot-two and 280-pound big man would almost be a direct replacement for Poeltl, who they traded to get this pick. Clingan could take the burden and physicality of the paint off of Wembanyama. He’s also a great 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 rotational center.
Stephon Castle: UConn
Stephon Castle’s draft range has fluctuated but always stays within the lottery, with some projections in the top five. Castle hasn’t exactly blown anyone away this season so far, but his physical tools and skills are enticing. He’s a six-foot-six lead guard who can possibly run the point if he continues to develop. Castle has also shown he can compete defensively and flashes some Jimmy Butler-like play style. While a Spurs top-three pick may be reaching, falling to the mid to late lottery could be a steal.
Cody Williams: Colorado
Cody Williams has seriously impressed the NBA draft community. The younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams, he’s shot up draft boards after a strong start to the season. What’s enticing for the Spurs organization will be that Williams’ isn’t a finished product and has an extremely high upside. San Antonio has shown they aren’t afraid to take an unfinished product early in the draft. And while a lot can be made regarding Williams’ upside, he’s a really good player right now. Williams has shown he may be a do-it-all player on both ends as a six-foot-eight, slender wing.
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