San Antonio Spurs Mock Draft roundup: Who do the experts see falling to Pick 11?

NBA Draft experts seem to be dead-set on the same people being picked by the San Antonio Spurs with the No. 11 pick and quite frankly, we can see why.

There seems to be a brewing consensus about who the San Antonio Spurs should select at No. 11 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Those who are considered experts in the field see a clear fit between one of two prospects who just so happened to be teammates in college. Whether this ends up being the team’s selection is up in the air, but it’s interesting to see this become a trend.

We’re inching closer to the 2020 NBA Draft now that teams are officially meeting with prospects. Workouts are going to make it increasingly clear which direction that the San Antonio Spurs are going to take, but their final decision could come down to the buzzer. There are plenty of solid prospects in this year’s draft including many with a wide variance of public opinion.

One thing we can count on is that the San Antonio Spurs are going to pick someone whose potential matches their work ethic, which is why NBA Draft experts continuously mock the same two players to the silver and black. There hasn’t been anything official linking the San Antonio Spurs to either of the players, who we’ll reveal in just a moment. However, there have been official reports indicating that San Antonio is going its due diligence on the draft class’ many options at the power forward and center positions.

With that tidbit of knowledge in mind, let’s take a look at the three players that recent NBA Mock Drafts from around the league suggest might go to the San Antonio Spurs at No. 11.

Next: The consensus pick at No. 11

Florida State Seminoles forward Patrick Williams (4), a potential San Antonio Spurs draft pick, shoots a jumper during a game between FSU and Chicago State at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.

San Antonio Spurs select Patrick Williams, FSU

For whatever reason, people are quickly falling in love with the pairing of FSU forward Patrick Williams and the San Antonio Spurs. At only 18-years-old, which makes him one of the youngest players in his class, Williams has some of the highest potential as a defensive player. A switchable player who can both play at and defend multiple positions, Williams’ raw instinct makes him a reasonable selection for the silver and black in the late-lottery.

Here are the Mock Drafts and the writers who suggest the San Antonio Spurs select Williams:

Kevin O’Conner, The Ringer (10/14): Patrick Williams, FSU

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (10/6): Patrick Williams, FSU

Sam Vecenie, The Athletic (10/13): Patrick Williams, FSU

Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated (10/14): Patrick Williams, FSU

Rafael Barlowe, NBA Draft Junkies (8/21): Patrick Williams, FSU

Most of the people I respect most in the NBA Draft community are considering Williams for the silver and black. These aren’t just Joe Schmo’s — It’s a group of well-established individuals with connections in the industry who’ve been doing this for years now.

Williams’ athleticism and high basketball IQ at such a young age are what make him a unique prospect for the San Antonio Spurs. Offensively, he’s only just shown flashes to this point, but there’s a lot to like there. His jump shot was impressive, his off-ball movement was noteworthy and Williams’ verticality is bewildering.

Maybe Williams isn’t the best player in the draft, but he’s a great fit for this young core.

Next: The runner-up at No. 11

San Antonio Spurs select Devin Vassell, FSU

The darling of San Antonio Spurs Twitter, FSU wing Devin Vassell was mocked to the team four times in recent NBA Mock Drafts. If you’re part of that camp, you’ll be excited to know that four recent different writers, including some at reputable sources, think Vassell is heading to the River City.

While recent videos of his shooting form have brought up some cause for concern, Vassell has been working his tail off in preparation for this moment. Beyond being a positive defender with keen instincts and a high motor, Vassell has worked to become more than your quintessential 3-and-3 prospect in today’s game. There have been flashes of shot creation ability and a decent handle that leave room for Vassell to develop into a decently high volume scoring option.

Here are the Mock Drafts and the writers who suggest the San Antonio Spurs select Vassell:

Jonathan Givoney, ESPN (8/20): Devin Vassell, FSU

Krysten Peek, Yahoo Sports (10/15): Devin Vassell, FSU

Tyler Watts, The Smoking Cuban (10/4): Devin Vassell, FSU

James Ham, NBC Sports Bay Area (10/12): Devin Vassell, FSU

Part of the appeal with Vassell is his ability to slot in and defend multiple positions. Though he’s got the size of a wing, Vassell has the reach and skillset of forward and athleticism to match certain bigs. Setting the offensive skillset aside, Vassell brings many of the attributes needed from a San Antonio Spurs prospect at this time.

Defense used to be the most consistent part of this team but nowadays, it’s lost on most of the roster. This tends to be the case with their veterans more so than the young players, which is why Vassell brings hope. Should the Spurs select him at 11, the long-term outlook of this team will shift back to prioritizing the part of their gameplan that made them great.

Next: A not-so wildcard at No. 11

Memphis Tigers forward Precious Achiuwa, who’s linked to the San Antonio Spurs, attempts a shot over Temple Owls forward Quinton Rose during their game at the FedExForum.

San Antonio Spurs select Precious Achiuwa, Memphis

It’s decently surprising that only one person picked Precious Achiuwa to be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. He is one of three projected first-round picks who would make sense in this draft range and has openly had discussions with the team. Usually, gives draft experts a layup in terms of picking who the team takes in their mocks, but so be it.

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The underlying philosophy between the three players suggested today is a defensive-minded addition with a high motor in the forward rotation. That stance holds firm with Achiuwa, who plays every game like it’s his last and never gives up on a play. He may be more limited in the number of things that he can do as a scorer, but Achiuwa is great at exemplifying his strengths on the court.

Here is the Mock Draft and the writer who suggest the San Antonio Spurs select Achiuwa:

Gary Parrish, CBS Sports (10/16): Precious Achiuwa, Memphis

Listed at 6-foot-9, Achiuwa is a hybrid power forward/center who can switch between those positions and make his presence felt. A switchable defender with underrated passing ability, Achiuwa is a deadly screen-and-roll partner who uses his verticality to play above the rim at every chance.

Achiuwa gives the San Antonio Spurs some much-needed hustle. They don’t have many frontcourt players who work as hard as Achiuwa will on the glass — Especially when it comes to second-chance buckets.

Even though it feels a bit high to take him at No. 11, Achiuwa is a solid fit for this team.