NBA – Maxime Raynaud’s rival to join the Spurs in the draft! “Twin towers with Wemby”

Khaman Maluach et Victor Wembanyama
Duke (DR) / NBA (DR)

Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif

San Antonio will have just one objective this summer: to strengthen its squad and finally reach the playoffs. The draft will be an important first step in this process, and several profiles are currently being monitored by the franchise. In fact, Maxime Raynaud could be in competition with an inside player.

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With the draft less than a month away, the Spurs’ plan is still front and center. The Texans have inherited the precious second pick and have several options open to them. The first, of course, is to select the best player available, namely the talented Dylan Harper. The problem is, with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, they’re already well-stocked at point guard.

So they may decide to trade him for a talented veteran who would immediately help the team. Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are likely to be available on the market, and their names are being bandied about by San Antonio. In the end, whatever the decision, the group will be considerably better when the new season starts.

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The center who could compete with Maxime Raynaud in the draft

In all this, you’d almost forget that the Spurs will also have the 14th pick of this first round thanks to the Hawks. Rumors have it that the franchise is looking for a backup inside, and Maxime Raynaud’s profile is particularly interesting. But according to NBA TV draft specialist Krysten Peek, the Frenchman isn’t the only one on the radar.

Another name on the San Antonio radar is Khaman Maluach, the 2.18m pivot from Duke. The Spurs could simply form twin towers with Victor Wembanyama and Maluach. They are attracted by the idea of selecting another young interior who could learn and progress alongside Wembanyama. They could trade the #2 pick and move down the draft order, or trade the #14 pick and move up.

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Khaman Maluach is the kind of player you should take a gamble on. Still relatively immature in his game, he nevertheless shows flashes of excellence. Like Victor Wembanyama, he moves well for his size. Like Victor Wembanyama, he knows how to be terrifying when protecting the circle. And if he improves offensively, the Spurs could have an exceptional duo in the paint.

Draft NBA San Antonio Spurs