The San Antonio Spurs, fresh off a disappointing NBA Finals exit, are gearing up for the upcoming NBA Draft, a pivotal moment for the franchise's future. With four picks in the draft, the Spurs are poised to add young talent that could help them win championships. The front office has been busy hosting workout prospects, with a focus on big forwards and small-ball centers with high defensive potential. Here's a deep dive into the players who have already worked out for the Spurs, along with my personal commentary and analysis.
The Big Men
Allen Graves: The Smart, Versatile Forward
Allen Graves, a 6'8" power forward/center from Santa Clara, stands out as a riser in this draft. His freshman season was productive, showcasing excellent defensive instincts and three-point shooting. Graves' smart positional defense and aggression on the defensive end make him an intriguing prospect. However, his lack of physicality and interior finishing might limit his immediate impact. Personally, I think Graves could be a solid stretch big for the Spurs, providing defense and passing skills, but he may not be a perfect fit alongside Victor Wembanyama.
Chris Cenac Jr.: The Project Big Man
Chris Cenac Jr., a 6'10" power forward/center from Houston, is a project big man with high upside. He was a highly regarded high school prospect, but his freshman season didn't live up to expectations. Cenac Jr. has the potential to be a lockdown defender who shoots from three and plays well as a cutter. However, he could also be a weak stretch forward who struggles to find an offensive role. The Spurs' belief in his upside is intriguing, and he could be an ideal fit alongside Wembanyama, but his development may take time.
Tariss Reed Jr.: The Bruising Big Man
Tarris Reed Jr., a 6'10" power forward/center from UConn, is a bruising big man who thrives on contact. He's strong, has good footwork, and a great touch around the basket. Reed Jr. should be ready to physically compete in his first season, but don't expect him to dominate offensively. The Spurs could take a flyer on him in the second round to add front-court depth and physicality. Like Luke Kornet, he may not provide much floor spacing, but he'd give the Spurs a more athletic option behind Wembanyama and Kornet.
The Wing Players
Zuby Ejiofor: The Enforcer
Zuby Ejiofor, a 6'8" power forward from St. John's, could be the enforcer next to Wembanyama. He's a versatile defender with a high motor and exceptional strength. However, his offensive role is questionable, as he was used as a post scorer and playmaker, and his jump shot is still developing. As a second-round pick, Ejiofor would be a fun bet for the Spurs, who need more physical defenders in their front court.
Alex Karaban: The Off-Ball Player
Alex Karaban, a 6'7" wing from UConn, has been linked to the Spurs for the last three draft cycles. His upside is clear: he's a proven wing shooter who shot over 37% from three in his four seasons at UConn. He's a dream off-ball player who thrives on movement and positioning. While he may not be a lockdown defender or a primary creator, his ability to shoot and move makes him valuable. The Spurs could use more wing shooters, and Karaban could add great depth, even if he doesn't have an immediate spot in the rotation.
The Two-Way Players
Felix Okpara: The Athletic Center
Felix Okpara, a 6'10" center from Tennessee, is a two-way contract candidate. He has an NBA body, is athletic, and defends with a motor. His offensive output is limited, but he projects as a rim runner. The Spurs have lacked a solid two-way big man since Dominick Barlow, and Okpara could fill that void, providing solid tools for development in one of their three two-way slots.
The Undrafted Flyers
Wyatt Fricks: The Stretch Four
Wyatt Fricks, a 6'9" power forward from Marshall, is a stretch four who hit a good number of threes at the Portsmouth Invitational. He could be a Summer League invite for the Spurs, offering some stretch four depth.
Michael Ajayi: The Good Wing Athlete
Michael Ajayi, a 6'7" small forward/power forward from Butler, is a good wing athlete who defended well in college. He has a high motor on both ends, but his shooting is not his strong suit. The Spurs could take a flyer on him in the Summer League.
MJ Collins: The Scoring Guard
MJ Collins, a 6'3" guard from Utah State, can fill it up as a scoring guard, but his 1.6 assists for a smaller guard who isn't a great defender puts him in a niche that typically doesn't make it in the NBA. The Spurs could target him for the Summer League.
Tre Donaldson: The Defensive Guard
Tre Donaldson, a 6'3" guard from Miami, had a reputation as a defensive guard until his senior season, where he had a breakout offensive performance. He's likely to go undrafted due to his size and scoring questions, but the Spurs could give him a look as an undrafted free agent.
Barry Dunning Jr.: The High-School Star
Barry Dunning Jr., a 6'6" wing from Pittsburg, is a former Alabama high school star turned college basketball journeyman. He has good size and athleticism, and his intriguing pedigree makes him a potential undrafted player to watch.
William Kyle III: The Pogo Stick
William Kyle III, a 6'9" forward from Syracuse, put up impressive numbers in his senior season, showcasing incredible athleticism and burst. His jumps are out of this world, and he could be a fun pick for the Spurs, adding some excitement to the team.
Robert McCray V: The Hard-Nosed Guard
Robert McCray V, a 6'4" guard from Florida State, is a hard-nosed guard with athleticism and burst. He passed the ball well in his senior season and is another undrafted flyer. The Spurs could target him for the Summer League.
In conclusion, the Spurs have a diverse group of prospects to choose from, with a focus on big men and wing players. While some are more polished than others, each brings something unique to the table. The draft is a chance for the Spurs to add young talent that can help them win championships, and with careful consideration, they can build a strong foundation for the future.
