NBA – Spurs’ decision fraught with consequences? The web not convinced

Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport

Behind the scenes, the Spurs are said to have already made their choice ahead of the draft and concerning the Giannis Antetokounmpo soap opera. But fans are far from convinced by the decision, especially given the current roster in Texas.

As we’ve known since the lottery, the Spurs now have a decision to make with this valuable second draft pick. The front office can use it in a trade, with Giannis Antetokounmpo already an obvious target for this summer, or choose a young player to stockpile talent in the roster. Not a bad idea either.

As we’ve seen in the past, drafting the best prospect is more important than drafting what you need. No doubt the Warriors regret taking James Wiseman over LaMelo Ball, just as the Kings regret taking Marvin Bagley III over Luka Doncic. So for the Spurs, there’s no question of making the same mistake again.

Spurs’ choice already causing controversy

That’s why, according to Jonathan Givony, the Texans want to select Dylan Harper second overall and keep him, which means a trade is highly unlikely according to the draft expert. The problem is that Harper is a talented back, which doesn’t seem perfect knowing that San Antonio already has De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.

@ChrisCjmartin : “This makes no sense at all 3 guards that can’t shoot and all need the ball can play together? Makes more sense to get Giannis and compete for chips immediately”

Having Castle, Fox and Harper on paper clearly doesn’t seem like a good fit. That means Mitch Johnson will have some decisions to make in his rotation, but it’s not ideal with three players who will want minutes. After all, you don’t take a second choice and put him in the rotation with 10/15 minutes of playing time.

@Dame_Time1023 : “Not enough shooting. If it was me I would sell high on Castle cause I think Harper is easily better long term.”

@Socratic_End : “Fox has to go”

It’s worth pointing out that this rumour could also be just a smoke screen. It could be a way of putting pressure on the Bucks for Giannis, or it could be the franchise’s desire to negotiate better in the draft, and why not lose a few places on purpose to choose a more suitable player. It’s also possible that San Antonio really believes in the trio of Castle, Fox and Harper. But it’s fair to say that this optimism isn’t really shared at this stage.

The Spurs have a choice to make between now and June, and something tells us this story isn’t over. A trade remains a real solution.