Yeah I kind of doubt they were ever going to make both second-round picks, but they were so close on Rupert. I don’t know what their draft board looked like, maybe I’ll have an opportunity to talk to folks about who they liked at some point, but Cissoko wasn’t far behind in my evaluation. I had to make a choice!
Yes, I believe so. But concerns over his shooting may cause him to slide. We shall see! Upside swing guys are tough to predict, because there are so many factors in play at that point of the draft.
I think Rupert and Sheppard are both tantalizing options at #33. But I’m particularly intrigued by someone you mentioned in passing: Kobe Brown.
He’s my favorite (semi) under-the-radar guy in the draft. Admittedly he’s older (23), a little slow-footed, and is about 15 pounds above his ideal playing weight. And he has trouble staying in front of really quick wings. I’m hoping some weight loss will change that.
But he can do almost everything out there. He’s 6-7 but has a 7-1 wingspan and uses it to post and shoot over bigger guys and make impressive blocks. He improved dramatically from three this year (45%). He’s a fantastic passer who played PG in high school. His outlet passes are a beauty to behold. He’s a good secondary playmaker and can snag a board and lead the break. He’s a clever off-ball defender who gets a lot of steals. He can be plugged in anywhere from 2-4 and even play a little small-ball 5. I imagine him as Grant Williams without the dumb mistakes. Plus he’s just a smart, winning dude. In fact he’s an Academic All-American. Would pick him in a heartbeat if he’s available at #33.
Agreed! Was very close to including him in the official take section, but the age and upside potential (imo) excluded him. I really like him, and think he could immediately contribute, but I’m going ceiling with this thing. Still, if he’s around at 33 and the other guys are gone, scoop him up.
Totally fair. I see Brown as a rotational piece- more of a 5th-7th man, depending on matchups. His ceiling isn’t as high as those other guys, but I’m in the bag for him anyway.
Having said that, I’m still hoping it’s moot, because the second round picks have been traded with other assets to move up.
We missed our chance to draft Rupert at 33 - could have ended up with three Frenchmen. Like the Cissoko pick at 44
Yeah I kind of doubt they were ever going to make both second-round picks, but they were so close on Rupert. I don’t know what their draft board looked like, maybe I’ll have an opportunity to talk to folks about who they liked at some point, but Cissoko wasn’t far behind in my evaluation. I had to make a choice!
Rupert has been invited to the green room. Do you think that Spurs will have to trade up if they intend to draft him?
Yes, I believe so. But concerns over his shooting may cause him to slide. We shall see! Upside swing guys are tough to predict, because there are so many factors in play at that point of the draft.
Spurs know how to fix shooting. They will tell him to shoot free throws with one hand - effective from the Summer League ;)
I think Rupert and Sheppard are both tantalizing options at #33. But I’m particularly intrigued by someone you mentioned in passing: Kobe Brown.
He’s my favorite (semi) under-the-radar guy in the draft. Admittedly he’s older (23), a little slow-footed, and is about 15 pounds above his ideal playing weight. And he has trouble staying in front of really quick wings. I’m hoping some weight loss will change that.
But he can do almost everything out there. He’s 6-7 but has a 7-1 wingspan and uses it to post and shoot over bigger guys and make impressive blocks. He improved dramatically from three this year (45%). He’s a fantastic passer who played PG in high school. His outlet passes are a beauty to behold. He’s a good secondary playmaker and can snag a board and lead the break. He’s a clever off-ball defender who gets a lot of steals. He can be plugged in anywhere from 2-4 and even play a little small-ball 5. I imagine him as Grant Williams without the dumb mistakes. Plus he’s just a smart, winning dude. In fact he’s an Academic All-American. Would pick him in a heartbeat if he’s available at #33.
Agreed! Was very close to including him in the official take section, but the age and upside potential (imo) excluded him. I really like him, and think he could immediately contribute, but I’m going ceiling with this thing. Still, if he’s around at 33 and the other guys are gone, scoop him up.
Totally fair. I see Brown as a rotational piece- more of a 5th-7th man, depending on matchups. His ceiling isn’t as high as those other guys, but I’m in the bag for him anyway.
Having said that, I’m still hoping it’s moot, because the second round picks have been traded with other assets to move up.
Well, no need to trade up after all. At 33 we can pick from one of these wings:
Ryan Rupert
Leonard Miller
Sidy Cissoko
Maxwell Lewis
Well nevermind. Pick traded