The Spurs hold two picks in the top eight (No. 4 and No. 8) of this year’s NBA draft. A fresh mock draft from Nick Moyle of The San Antonio Express-News sees San Antonio adding a pair of talented shooters by selecting Kentucky combo guard Reed Sheppard and Tennessee swingman Dalton Knecht.
Sheppard, Moyle contends, could help as both a passer and shooter, though he may have limitations as a lead ball-handler at the pro level. Moyle approves of Knecht’s versatile scoring acumen, and thinks he’d complement Rookie of the Year center Victor Wembanyama and power forward Jeremy Sochan offensively, while cautioning he may struggle defensively.
Knecht, 23, aspires to be a day-one contributor to whichever club drafts him, writes Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News.
“I can definitely be a guy to plug right in and be able to produce,” Knecht said.
There’s more out of the Lone Star State:
- The Spurs are keeping tabs on both Kentucky lottery prospects, Sheppard and backcourt colleague Rob Dillingham, per Tom Orsborn of The San Antonio Express-News. “I learned a lot from Reed,” Dillingham said of his teammate. “He taught me about being poised and helping my teammates, the little things.”
- All-NBA Mavericks guard Luka Doncic played through a nagging knee injury to record an impactful 31-point triple-double and secure a key Game 5 win against the Thunder on Wednesday night, writes Tim Cato of The Athletic. “I just (went) out there and had fun,” Doncic said. “It was the old Luka.” Dallas now leads their series 3-2.
- Following the Mavericks’ 104-92 Game 5 victory, Doncic reflected on how his teammates elevated their play alongside him, writes Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. “This team is special,” Doncic said. “We’ve only been together for what, five months? I’ve been having a lot of fun with this team.” Forward Derrick Jones Jr., who submitted 19 points of his own, revealed postgame that he could tell Doncic was in a rhythm even before Game 5 tipped off. “He came out earlier and was knocking down shots and I was just sitting back saying, ‘It’s going to be a long day for them,’” Jones said.
Love the job Dallas and Jason Kidd has done. Everyone trashed them after acquiring Kyrie, and look at them now.
Still don’t like Kyrie. But he’s had a good run in Dallas. So faaar. I didn’t think Dallas could get this far.
That’s my exact sentiments. I think some things went to his head, and he realized he just needed to kind of stay out of the headlines, put his head down, and enjoy the game he loves.
In terms of NY, I remember both of us knew even before free agency that the Knicks perfect player was Jalen Brunson.
I’m happy everything has worked out so well, and it is awesome to see him finally getting his due as a great player and leader in this league.
Jalen Brunson is so much betterthan Kyroe but I am glad he left so we can see his full potential
I like swingman Dalton Knecht. A lot.
He’s ready he’s older. He can start next yr. Give him two yrs. He will be solid and a good scorer. He can be a 20 a game guy. And he plays D. Top 5, solid pick imo.
He at least gives effort on the defensive end. He’s going to get attacked on a regular basis when he’s on the court, but if he’s paired with a team that communicates well and plays solod team D, he will have a very good career.
I am pretty sure they’ll come away with a Point Guard and Wing player. I would guess the PG will be Dillingham or Collier. Topic is long, but can’t shoot, his whole game is predicated on dribble drive and his highlights look like he’s playing against a bunch of stiffs.
As for the wing… Risacher if he’s there, or anyone of Matas, Ron Holland, Knecht, Williams at 8. I get the sense that they may move Keldon Johnson.
Now if the guy they covet at PG and Wing isn’t there maybe they go sharp shooter… Sheppard and fill that PG via FA or trade. PG is obviously their weakest position. And if they don’t swap out Keldon in a trade you aren’t bringing in a starting C, PF, SF or SG. So just PG. Tyus Jones could make a good deal of sense for them.
C – Wemby, Collins
PF – Sochan
SF – Keldon
SG – Vassell, Branham
PG – Tre
To your last sentence, I fully expect SAS to grab Tyus Jones and plug him in as their starting PG.
I’d also like them to grab a better shooting SF than Keldon as his shot just has not developed to this point in his career where he can be a starting SF on a winning team. Still a slingshot leading to inconsistencies, he’s better suited to come off the bench. No idea what FA options are available at SF but maybe Knecht could plug into that role if he’s available at #8.
C—Wemby, Collins
PF-Sochan, Sandro
SF-Knecht, Keldon, Sidy
SG-Vassell, Branham
PG-Tyus, Tre, Dillingham, Wesley
They could be a player for Grayson Allen too or Herbert Jones via trade.
While I am not a big fan of Allen, he would plug in nicely. That said, I think he signed an extension with PHX which, in theory, would keep him there unless they use him in a trade to create some cap room. PHX in bad shape with their roster/cap.
Herb a more athletic version of Sochan but older. Both are pedestrian from 3 although that can improve of course.
There’s only one certainty – with the exception of the three times they’ve had the top pick, no one has any idea what the Spurs will do on draft day. That said it seems highly unlikely they use both for conventional picks.
Love Dillingham to the Spurs at #4 as he appears to be a game changing PG with his ability to breakdown players and get to the mid-range or rim. Reminds me of a mix of Ja and Tyrese Maxey. Not as explosive as Ja and not yet as good a shooter as Maxey but that will develop fast.
Not as impressed with Sheppard as a pure PG, think he would struggle with some of the defensive pressure that can be applied. Nice SG but undersized. Would be disappointed with him as the pick at either 4 or 8.