It's okay to admit when you're wrong. In fact, it's one of the great things about being human. We can admit our faults and move on when the right information presents itself. I was wrong about how much the Spurs could use a more traditional power forward. The hole in their roster isn't large enough to cost them in the present series, but it could be an issue later if Portland's 15 offensive boards in Game 2 were any indication.
There's just an added benefit to having a guy with a lower center of gravity who is strong enough to box out and help control the glass while also being skilled enough to stretch the floor. Julian Champagnie has performed admirably in his role, but a certain something is missing right now that would make life slightly easier for some of San Antonio's guys.
In Yahoo! Sports' latest mock draft, they had the Silver and Black select Allen Graves out of Santa Clara. Harrison Barnes is on the last year of his deal, so it makes sense to have a younger, more dynamic guy walk into the chasm his departure would leave. The Broncos' freshman power forward would be the perfect addition to what GM Brian Wright has been building in Alamo City.
The Spurs need more mass in their frontcourt
Graves shot 51% from the field and 41% from three as a freshman. The versatile big man is 6'9" with an estimated 7'0" wingspan (there's no official listing). His long arms empower his fantastic hands, giving him the ability to corral passes and strip ball handlers. The Louisiana-born 19-year-old averaged 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game.
This kid knows how to use his strengths. He plays smart, screening well, and finding the open spot on the roll or pop to help his team with spacing and finishing. Graves doesn't bring the highest athletic profile, but San Antonio has plenty of rim runners. They need a player who can play connective basketball while doing all the little things that take a good team and make it great. AG brings that.
Before the postseason began, I assumed that if the Spurs wanted to go bigger, they would just throw Luke Kornet in the lineup and play Mason Plumlee some minutes here or there. Through two games and not a third-string center in sight, it's becoming clear that Mitch Johnson doesn't really trust any of those three guys sitting behind the ex-Celtics champion.
Plumdog Millionaire has yet to log a single playoff minute, while that's quite literally all Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo have gotten—one minute apiece. There's no reason to overreact to it, as San Antonio was on the doorstep of a Game 2 win without Wembanyama for most of the night, but it didn't happen.
Part of the reason why is the number of offensive rebounds they gave up, and another was due to their inability to knock down outside shots. Graves can help with both of those things and provide many more assets that would only boost this team's chances of building that dynasty Spurs fans are so hopeful for and opponents are deathly afraid of.
