Spurs WATCH: Sir'Jabari Rice Highlights; Best Pump Fake in NBA?
For the Texas Longhorns fans that double as San Antonio Spurs fans, the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday was special for more reasons than one.
After selecting one of the best prospects in years with Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs signed former Texas guard Sir'Jabari Rice to a two-way deal after he went undrafted. And while it's Wembanyama that obviously stands out due to his one-of-kind abilities, Rice also brings some incredibly unique traits.
It all starts with his shot fake, which has a legit argument for being the current best in the NBA. During his only year at Texas this past season, Rice, who was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year, helped lead a Longhorns team that won the Big 12 Tournament and made it to the Elite Eight, but did so while consistently faking out defenses and the television camera crew.
Look no further than his highlights from last season, which feels like an endless reel of defenders looking silly while trying to realize that the shot didn't actually go up:
As a result of his fake, Rice is able to manipulate the defense and the help man to his will, causing quick rotations that can often leave the opponent scrambling. While having a great pump fake is one thing, he capitalizes on it by making timely decisions as a passer and finisher, which helps make up for his lack of elite athleticism.
Even when defenders know it's coming, there seems to be little they can do to keep themselves from taking the bait, as Rice overemphasizes it throughout the shooting motion before pulling the ball back down quickly.
And when the defense didn't bite or close out in time, Rice would make them pay with a smooth-looking stroke that resulted in some solid shooting numbers. While averaging 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and two assists last season, he also shot 46.4 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from deep.
In Texas' opening-round win over Colgate in the NCAA Tournament, he hit a career-high seven triples on 10 attempts off the bench before finishing with a game-high 23 points.
Afterwards, he gave a very Spurs-like answer.
“I don't necessarily feel hot, because I missed three," he said.
It might only be a matter of time before Spurs fans start to fall in love with a guy who could be San Antonio's latest undrafted gem.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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