Controversial Spurs NBA Draft strategy could be a major gift or curse

The upcoming NBA Draft gives the San Antonio Spurs a chance to add a future star, and they appear to be a lock to draft Dylan Harper second overall. Nevertheless, with rumors of their interest in Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, trading that pick isn't out of the realm of possibility.

There are obvious pros and cons to trading the second overall pick with them potentially trading a future star to land a current one. Spurs fans, by and large, are clearly in the "keep the pick" camp, even if it means not trading for Giannis, who is a top-3 player in the NBA. Next, we'll take a look and see what the Spurs should do with the second overall pick.

Why the Spurs must keep the second overall pick

Despite the Spurs already having De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, they shouldn't pass on the chance to add a potential future star.

Nevertheless, adding projected second overall pick Dylan Harper to the Spurs and not making any major changes would still lead to a logjam. That would have to be rectified sooner rather than later. That means that Devin Vassell would potentially have to be traded, and that may soon happen.

In theory, San Antonio could make do by playing Fox, Harper, and Castle together. That guard trio should be big enough, with Fox being 6'4, Harper being 6'5, and Castle being 6'6. However, it will largely depend on San Antonio's spacing.

If Castle can become an accurate, high-volume 3-point shooter and Harper can hit open threes, then they can coexist on offense. Particularly with all three being able to create for themselves and others with the ball in their hands. That would make for a unique trio that could do damage, especially when playing with superstar Victor Wembanyama.

Why the Spurs must trade the second overall pick

To play devil's advocate for a minute, the Spurs should at least consider moving the second pick. Possibly, in a deal for Giannis. The Spurs would have a perfect frontcourt fit for Giannis with Wembanyama.

That is hard to dispute with both players being elite defensively and perfectly complementing each other on offense. Wembanyama evolved into an efficient high-volume three-point shooter last season.

Having him set screens for Giannis at the top of the 3-point arc and then popping out and knocking down open threes would be hard to stop. After all, teams will have to play two traditional big men against them, and Wembanyama would pull one of them away from the basket.

Meanwhile, the other would be forced to try and keep Giannis from bullying his way to the basket. Even so, trading a large chunk of the young core is unpopular among Spurs fans. If the Spurs can keep the second pick and trade for a star such as Kevin Durant, then that would be the perfect balance.

Overall, the Spurs should keep the second overall pick, but only if there is a big move to bring in more talent as well. With the Spurs' rumored interest in Durant, that would be the best of both worlds for San Antonio.