Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Journaliste sportif
Although disappointed by the outcome of the season, Spurs fans can nonetheless look forward to the summer ahead with renewed optimism. After all, the franchise has a number of attractive options at its disposal, and one of them appears to be the most credible, according to one expert.
Accustomed to success for over two decades, they have learned to develop a certain patience in recent years. However, Spurs fans could start to run out of patience if the franchise doesn’t return to the top in the coming months. Their team hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2019 and hasn’t won a series since 2017. An eternity on their scale.
Fortunately for Texan fans, San Antonio already has a number of weapons at its disposal, enabling it to be ambitious for the future. The duo of Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox will start their first season, and should be accompanied by the reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle. It remains to be seen what changes will be made to their supporting cast.
No big surprises for the Spurs at the Draft?
The Spurs will be looking to strengthen their ranks this off-season, and will have the opportunity to do so at the Draft. They have the No. 2 pick and should be able to get a good deal for it. But will it be via a trade, as some rumors still suggest, or via the selection of the talented Dylan Harper? According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, the second option remains the most plausible at this stage:
Jonathan Givony: Harper seems to be above the fray and destined to be drafted second behind (Cooper) Flagg. Most other teams see him as the most obvious pick for San Antonio, despite his imperfect fit with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, leading to rumors of potential trade opportunities for the Spurs.
At 19 years of age, Harper’s combination of size, ability to create his own shot as well as offer decisive passes, finishing ability and overall scoring instincts make him the kind of leading back and attacking engine much sought-after in the NBA. Thanks to his robust physique, he already looks capable of withstanding the intensity of the playoffs.
A true draft expert, Givony makes Dylan Harper a top prospect and the clear favorite to be selected as this year’s 2nd pick. He even considers him capable of holding his own in the playoffs, which San Antonio’s management is likely to appreciate. Rival teams will have to come up with a very attractive package to prevent them from getting their hands on the young back.