San Antonio Spurs: Draft Needs and Prospect Watchlist

Highlighting the draft needs of the Spurs, as well as plausible selections in their projected range and how they’d fit in.

San Antonio spent their 2022-23 season trying to fill two primary objectives: develop young players and position themselves for Victor Wembanyana.

Their young core is the vast majority of the Spurs’ current rotation. This is headlined by punishing slasher Keldon Johndon, smooth shot-maker Devin Vassell, savvy point guard Tre Jones, and rookie sensations Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham.

On the season, Johnson averaged 22.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Vassell put up 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists of his own while Jones recorded marks of 12.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. Sochan also quickly found his stride, and finished with a stat line of 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Branham’s minutes were inconsistent, but he still managed to average over 10 points.

They were flanked by veterans like Josh Richardson, Zach Collins, Keita Bates-Diop and Doug McDermott. Still, the team only managed to tally 22 wins. This was the goal, but the reason they ever ended up in this position is because their roster lacks plenty.

Most notably, San Antonio needs a true franchise cornerstone. If they’re lucky enough to get one of the first two picks (they are tied for the best odds to land one), they’ll get the chance to select Wembanyana or Scoot Henderson, two guys expected to quickly become superstars.

However, if they cannot land one of those touted prospects, Greg Poppovich’s squad still has a good shot to find their franchise star with their ensuing picks.

Projected Pick (Per Tankathon): 3

Team Needs: Creation, Playmaking, Big Men

Here are some reasonable prospects San Antonio fans should keep their eye on as potential targets come June, and how they’d fit in:

Brandon Miller, Alabama

A brief description of Miller’s game is enough to justify projecting him as a future star. He’s a 6-foot-9, lights-out pull-up shooter, can handle and move like a guard, has serious potential as a passer and defender and averaged nearly 20 points in the SEC as a freshman. If they can’t secure a top-two pick, San Antonio would be wise to look Miller’s way.

Amen Thompson, City Reapers (OTE)

The alternate solution would be to select Thompson. The 6-foot-7 wing is one of the most athletic humans to ever grace the hardwood, and mixes it with stellar skill as a handler and passer. He still needs to work on his shooting, but with a little development Thompson could easily ascend to superstardom for the Spurs.

Cam Whitmore, Villanova

If the Spurs were to slip a bit in the draft order on lottery night, Whitmore would make an ideal target. The 6-foot-7 forward mixes power and finesse into his 232-pound frame to form a terrific bucket-getting profile. He can bully his way to the cup, shoot from the perimeter, and has a clear path to stardom in the NBA.

Other potential targets:

G.G. Jackson, South Carolina

Nick Smith Jr,, Arkansas

Keyonte George, Baylor

Jarace Walker, Houston

Ausar Thompson, City Reapers (OTE)

Brice Sensabaugh, Ohio State

Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine

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