Draft Outlook
The young Spurs showed grit all season and remained in the thick of the hunt for a postseason berth until the end, falling to Memphis in the State Farm Play-In Tournament. Ultimately, inconsistency — especially on defense — and injuries hurt San Antonio during the stretch run of the regular season. But that’s partially a byproduct of utilizing so many young players in key roles.
A Stat That Matters
31.4% — The Spurs took only 31.4% of their shots, the league’s lowest rate, from 3-point range. They led the league (by a wide margin) with 20.5 pull-up 2-point attempts per game.
The Way To Go
The Spurs have plenty of guards and wings, but lost a quality big man when they opted to buy out LaMarcus Aldridge. Jakob Poeltl and Drew Eubanks are the only bigs currently under contract. So the Spurs could use some help there, which makes Kentucky’s Isaiah Jackson worth strong consideration at No. 12 along with Kai Jones, an athletic freak who needs polish. Versatile Duke forward Jalen Johnson could get a long look here, too.
Under Contract
G: Tre Jones
G: Dejounte Murray
G: Derrick White
G/F: Keldon Johnson
G/F: Devin Vassell
G/F: Lonnie Walker IV
F: Luka Samanic
F/C: Drew Eubanks
C: Jakob Poeltl
Free Agents
G: Patty Mills (unrestricted)
G: Quinndary Weatherspoon (restricted)
G/F: DeMar DeRozan (unrestricted)
G/F: Rudy Gay (unrestricted)
G/F: DaQuan Jeffries (restricted)
F: Keita Bates-Diop (restricted)
F: Trey Lyles (unrestricted)
C: Gorgui Dieng (unrestricted)
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Devin Vassell (11), Tre Jones (41)
— by Michael C. Wright