Spurs 2024 Mock Draft: Pair D.J. Wagner with Victor Wembanyama?

Could the San Antonio Spurs pair Victor Wembanyama with Kentucky freshman star D.J. Wagner?

The San Antonio Spurs are right around the corner from beginning one of the most anticipated seasons in franchise history. So naturally, let's skip over all that and look toward who the Spurs might be able to get in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Jokes aside, the Spurs will get an important first look at what rookie star Victor Wembanyama can do this season. But as he looks to bring the team back to contention, he'll need to have the right pieces around him in order to succeed. Despite his talent, San Antonio is likely headed for the lottery once again after this season, so putting a focus on the talent in the 2024 draft should be near the top of general manager Brian Wright's list.

There's tons of names to keep an eye on, especially some international standouts. But with the No. 5 pick in Bleacher Report's 2024 mock draft, the Spurs are slated to select talented Kentucky guard D.J. Wagner.

© John E. Sokolowski, USA TODAY

Wagner is entering his first season of college ball, yet is already regarded as one of the top talents in the incoming draft class. He got a chance to play on a bigger stage in July at GLOBL JAM in Canada, as Kentucky represented Team USA on the way to winning the event with a perfect 4-0 record.

Wagner was a primary reason for the Wildcats' success, as he averaged 14 points, 4.7 assists, three rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 42.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from deep. 

Here's what B/R had to say about the pick in the mock:

"Kentucky's projected engine, Wagner could jump into the top-five discussion with his signature knack for slicing through defenses and three-level scoring," Bleacher Report writes. "Avoiding inefficient percentages and questions about passing will keep Wagner from sliding down boards. But he's at his best using his handles and change of direction to penetrate and create layup angles at the rim, where he's a strong finisher despite possessing limited physical tools and athleticism."

Based on early indications, Wagner could be an elite playmaker in the NBA once he develops further. Pairing him with Wemby in San Antonio should have Spurs fans salivating. But let's get through the 2023 season first.