8 Controversial Picks Only the Spurs Might Gamble On

San Antonio Spurs' 25th Overall Pick

Jake LaRavia – Wake Forest

Why the Spurs May Be Interested

To put it simply, Jake LaRavia is very good at a lot of things. He’s a decent athlete, shoots 38% from three and 78% from the free-throw line, averaged about 3.7 stocks (steals + blocks) per game, makes good reads on passes, and can find good shots with and without the ball in his hands.

There's a lot to love about a 6’9” wing that has such a well-rounded game, and he’ll likely be an immediate contributor wherever he lands. His overall versatility on both ends of the floor strikes me as something that Brian Wright will highly covet coming into draft night.

Why His Selection Would Be Controversial

There seems to be quite a bit of confusion surrounding his age being that he just played his junior season in college, but LaRavia will in fact be only 20 years old on draft night (contrary to what a quick Google search will tell you). There isn’t a very good reason for LaRavia to be considered a “controversial” pick late in the 1st round, but misinformation and the lack of an NCAA Tournament run could work against him.

Alondes Williams – Wake Forest

Why the Spurs May Be Interested

Jake LaRavia’s teammate, Alondes Williams, may be just as good of a pickup late in the first round of this year’s draft. Like Trevion Williams, Alondes Williams could very well be the best passer in his draft class. He has a very high basketball I.Q. on both ends of the floor and a great feel for the game that allows him to pick apart opposing defenses with ease, has a big frame with good functional athleticism, and is highly efficient around the rim.

A defense featuring Josh Primo and Williams in the bench backcourt could turn out to be a nightmare for opposing teams.

Why His Selection Would Be Controversial

Not only is Alondes Williams a guard, but he’s an older guard that will turn 23 a few days before the draft this coming June. If you’re a proponent of the Spurs not drafting any more guards regardless of talent, then I find it difficult to believe that you’ll like this pick.

Considering Williams also projects as a poor distance shooter, only shooting 28% from three and 69% from the free-throw line, his fit on the current roster certainly is not the best.