NBA Mock Draft: Spurs Take Pair of College Stars in Second Round
The San Antonio Spurs are already declared winners of the 2023 NBA Draft by taking Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick. However, they still have two other second-round picks to work with.
Whether or not the Spurs try and trade the picks, San Antonio could extract some serious value in such a deep draft class.
In The Ringer's latest mock draft, South Carolina forward GG Jackson is the pick for the Spurs at No. 33.
"Jackson has to be worth the risk at some point, despite his underwhelming freshman season and predraft run of workouts and interviews," The Ringer writes. "Maybe the Spurs would bet that their culture can help fix him?"
Jackson, a 6-8 forward who was originally the top-rated recruit for the high school class of 2023, re-classified to get to college and the NBA quicker. He's done just that, and even though he may not be a contributor right away, he could be worth the wait if the Spurs develop him properly.
At No. 44, the Spurs also took a recognizable college name in UConn big man Adama Sanogo, who was the Final Four Most Outstanding Player in the Huskies' path to a national championship this spring.
"San Antonio will need to pair a beefy center with Wembanyama," The Ringer writes. "Zach Collins could take on that role now, but he’s injury prone. Sanogo would be a good bet to absorb some tough matchups. And if he extends his range to 3, the Spurs could play 5 out while retaining size."
Sanogo may be a small big man at 6-7, but several centers who are challenged by height have gone on to have great careers. Having a player like Sanogo could allow Wembanyama to defend the perimeter without sacrificing rim protection. He's also played in some big games in his career already, and San Antonio could appreciate that clutch gene with a second-round flier.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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