Post by George Gervin on Nov 23, 2020 3:40:27 GMT
Another year in the books for the Spurs, and the team is on an upward trajectory after making the playoffs put West. Two of our 2018 picks — Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — are rounding into form as franchise cornerstones after stellar Year 2s, with 2019 1st round draft pick Rui Hachimura having a solid rookie season as well. The Spurs even added another 2018 draftee— Josh Okogie — during the season via a trade with Kings, further improving the young core.
For the 2020 draft, unlike the last two drafts that have been heavily weighted towards selections of foreign players, the Spurs made a move eight spots up the draft from just outside the lottery at #16 to the top 10 at #8 for their lone selection— one that the Spurs hope will grow into a star two way wing and another young piece to the puzzle.
For the 2020 draft, unlike the last two drafts that have been heavily weighted towards selections of foreign players, the Spurs made a move eight spots up the draft from just outside the lottery at #16 to the top 10 at #8 for their lone selection— one that the Spurs hope will grow into a star two way wing and another young piece to the puzzle.
- Patrick Williams - F, Florida State University. The ACC prospect who the Spurs gave up two 1sts and a veteran wing in Moe Harkless to select was FSU’s very own Patrick Williams. Despite not starting a single game in college, Williams made a clear impact on the court. In FSU’s system, he and Devin Vassell proved to be a pair of wing team defender dynamos, with Vassell the more perimeter oriented defender and Williams swing between perimeter and in the post. As the drafts second youngest player, upside is the biggest swing factor for Williams. As a gigantic player for his position at 6’8”, 230 lbs with a 7’1” wingspan at just barely 19, coupled with fluid athleticism and ball handling skills from high school experience as a PG (he didn’t play up front till a senior year 8 inch growth spurt), Williams is a modern blend of power, athletic traits, ball handling, and basketball IQ coveted in today’s game. For the Spurs, he should immediately serve a role as a key bench defender — along with Josh Okogie — capable of handling bigger, more athletic wings that dot the League’s landscape. His ball handling and passing skill should also fit nicely with our other young players, who all exhibit solid to elite basketball IQ. Williams also shows the potential for shooting, as he shot 84% from the stripe in college and 33% from 3PT range. Ultimately, the biggest improvement points for Williams will be continued reps on his shot and passing to reach his sky high potential offensively, and defensively his man to man footwork needs to match his already excellent team defense. Williams will require patience from our fans, as he may have moments that frustrate, but with so much raw physical and athletic potential — paired with high basketball IQ — this selection could be a boon for the franchise, sooner than later, and he may be the latest young piece in the Spurs ranks. Such a move is not without risk, though, as the Spurs passed on more sure fire prospects at not only #8, but also had they stayed put at #16. However, we felt as a franchise this was a worthwhile gamble on Williams unique blend of traits, skills, and background to add an impact player in the draft while we are still in striking range of these types of talents. With the improvement of our current young players, soon these types of prospects may be out of our draft range in all likelihood, making now the time to roll the dice.