Early 2024 NBA Mock Draft has Spurs adding potential point guard of the future

The San Antonio Spurs became the winners of the offseason when they chose Victor Wembanyama with the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. While the generational youngster is the cornerstone this team desperately needs, there is little doubt General Manager Brian Wright is already doing his homework on all the enticing players in the upcoming class of collegiate and overseas talent.

After trading core pieces like Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, and Jakob Poeltl to kickstart an all-out rebuild and stockpile draft capital, the Spurs could have as many as three first-rounders in 2024. The Charlotte and Toronto picks might not convey since they are both heavily protected. But San Antonio should have a golden opportunity to add another top-flight prospect to their promising roster.

The front office wheeled and dealed to bolster their rebuild with veterans like Cameron Payne, Reggie Bullock, and Cedi Osman. But those names aren't enough to significantly move the needle in a loaded Western Conference. Even with additional experience across the depth chart, DraftKings Sportsbook has San Antonio's over-under win total set at 29.5 games, the third-worst mark in the league.

Assuming the season goes according to those projections and the Spurs land the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who should they take? If you use the latest player rankings from The Athletic and account for positional needs, Isaiah Collier sounds like the best option. Not only is the 18 year old the number one recruit in his high school class, but he is the best point guard prospect in the NCAA.

Isaiah Collier is the perfect fit for the Spurs

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds, Collier has fantastic positional size and a league-ready frame that should stand out against college competition. The McDonald's All-American turned down offers from storied programs like Cincinnati, Michigan, and UCLA, instead committing to USC, where he will have a chance to run the show alongside Boogie Ellis, Kobe Johnson, and Bronny James.

Collier has exceptional court vision and outstanding live-dribble passing chops, with scouts heralding him as one of the most advanced playmakers in the 2024 NBA Draft. He plays with patience and has a phenomenal grasp of how to change pace effectively to keep defenders off balance. While the skilled floor general has a safe floor, developing as a jump shooter and finisher could raise his ceiling.

Though Victor Wembanyama, Jeremy Sochan, and Devin Vassell are the foundation of the franchise, the Silver and Black have an evident hole in their starting lineup. Tre Jones has been a commendable placeholder, but Collier could be the long-term solution at the one for San Antonio. Is it ever too early for the scouting department to begin the search for their point guard of the future?