The Spurs hold the No. 4 overall pick in the draft and French forward Zaccharie Risacher might be a good fit for their roster. However, Risacher will likely be off the board by then and LJ Ellis of SpursTalk.com explores whether San Antonio should take him if he slides to their pick or even move up to nab him.
Ellis notes that the Spurs are in the market for multi-positional, multi-skilled players and Risacher might fit that description as well as any lottery prospect. However, statistical models don’t flatter the Frenchman, as he grades out as a typical second-round selection.
We have more on the Spurs:
- The Spurs want to be competitive next season and make the playoffs, Jonathan Givony of ESPN told Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer during a podcast (video link). “They’re not looking to make this a 2-3 year process where they’re in the lottery again next year,” said Givony, who reports that they may look to trade the No. 4 and/or No. 8 selections in this year’s draft for a veteran who can help right away. Givony adds that Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell are the only untouchables on the roster.
- Ron Holland might have been the top prospect of this year’s draft coming into this season. Holland’s stock took a hit during his one year with the G League Ignite but that might be good news for the Spurs, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio -News writes, since they are seeking a promising wing scorer with size. Holland is currently ranked No. 11 on ESPN’s Best Available list and could be a consideration with the latter of their lottery picks.
- Devonte’ Graham, who has one year remaining on his four-year, $47MM contract, spent four days in Spain coaching at the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders camp. Nick Moyle of the Express-News details Graham’s experience at the camp. Graham added he’s looking forward to next season. “I come back every year same thing: motivated, do my part, leadership,” he said. “And we’ll see where it goes.” For what it’s worth, since the guard’s $12.65MM salary for 2024/25 is only partially guaranteed for $2.85MM, he may hit the free agent market this summer.
Spurs want to be competitive next season and make the playoffs, Jonathan Givony of ESPN told Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer,
said Givony, who reports that they may look to trade the No. 4 and/or No. 8 selections in this year’s draft for a veteran who can help right away
Spurs Rockets comparison
Spurs have $42 million cap room if getting rid of Graham and Zach Collins
then trade the No. 4 and/or No. 8 for Trae Young
Spurs starters
Sochan PF
Wemby
Young
Vassell
Johnson
Rockets starters
Smith PF
Sengun
Vanvleet
Brooks
Jalen Green
O’Connor is partly correct but mostly wrong. The Spurs will look to make the playoffs next year, but they won’t have to do much to get there as evidenced by their last 20 games.
He’s wrong though because they absolutely see this as a 2-3 year process for Wemby and there is.no chance they will mortgage the future for a quick fix. They are likely to add a veteran or two, but Spurs fans should be thinking 35 to 40 wins not 50.
Risacher is looking better and better to me. Been watching him more. Still young and raw at times. Definitely got upside , nice talent. Has positional size (SF). He’s yrs away. Can pay off well.
He won’t be there at 4. He’s gone by 2. He’s perfect for Wash. Can learn from Kuzma. And learn n grow. Take over one day (3yrs).
This kid has game.
If Garland becomes available. Spurs should be first in line. Don’t know what you give up.
The SAS are not looking to make “this” a 2-3 year process? This is their 5th straight year in the lottery. Only they and DET have accomplished this. It’s good to hear that, finally, they at least “want to” be competitive. With the current state of the league, that’s usually enough.
I’ve been toying with this idea.
I think it works for both parties.
The Spurs trade #4 and #8
To The Hawks for #1 and Dejounte Murray.
Spurs take Risacher .
Murray obviously knows the system.
Hawks take Klingon and a guard,
Maybe Castle or Topic ?
A taller facilitator next to Trae.
Hawks are going to want more than 4 and 8 for 1 and Murray. It’s going to cost the Spurs at least one of the Atlanta 1sts back, if not a second first or young guy like Wesley.
Hmmm. Maybe. I was taking into account that Spurs are giving them cap relief and taking back Murray solves the ill fit he was with Trae
I would think getting back two Top 10’s
in a weak draft where everyone after 20-25
is a crapshoot would be enticing.
Especially if they want to fast track a rebuild.
I haven’t seen that much of the French players, but I imagine the difference between 1 and 4 is marginal here. We’ll see.