Rapid fire: Spurs make detrimental overcommitment in latest mock draft

The 2024 NBA Draft is quickly approaching, with the event set for June 26th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The San Antonio Spurs have two top-ten picks so there are a lot of options on the table PAFTO must consider. It's a pressure-heavy situation but an enviable one if you are in a rebuild, such as the one the Silver and Black find themselves in.

As ideas continue to pour into the NBA atmosphere, suggesting the path forward for the Spurs, a recent mock draft would see San Antonio draft Nikola Topic with the fourth overall pick and Stephon Castle at number eight. Both players are talented, with their fair share of strengths and weaknesses, and either one would likely play well under Coach Popovich, but there are a few directions San Antonio should consider over this one.

1. Trade for Anfernee Simons

San Antonio acquires a known commodity in Anfernee Simons, a young, dynamic point guard, with off-ball skills, deadly three-point range, and the ability to run the pick-and-roll with Victor Wembanyama. With the 7th pick, the Spurs pick Dalton Knecht, who can slide into the starting lineup immediately and stretch the floor. The eighth pick can be used in a Keldon Johnson trade to acquire more depth and a veteran presence for what was the youngest team in the league.

2. Trade for Trae Young

Trae Young has led his team to an Eastern Conference Championship and that can not be understated. Small-sized point guards don't generally lead their teams that far without a second star on the team. Pick up Young, draft Tidjane Salaun with the eighth pick if Knecht isn't available, and though you have less shooting on the wing, Ice Trae helps with that. The athleticism and length combination Salaun has will add a useful versatility the Spurs could use on offense and defense while his shot develops.

3. Draft Reed Sheppard and Matas Buzelis; trade Keldon Johnson for depth

Reed Sheppard's 52% three-point percentage last season should be enough to entice fans. Add in his 2.5 steals per game and you have a prospect that could help the Spurs immediately by spreading the floor and making opportunistic plays on defense. Matas Buzelis is a 6'9 small forward, possessing the skills to get to the rim off the dribble and make highlight plays through contact. San Antonio would be entering games with notable size and length, making them a problem for many teams.

Any of these three options would be preferable to the one suggested in Bleacher Report's mock draft. Keldon Johnson and his affordable contract will be major cogs for a significant move from San Antonio. When they combine his services with future draft assets, they'll be able to add to this team in the form of a star or depth. Either scenario would be welcome for a team that went 22–60 in back-to-back seasons but they need too many things to spend both picks on point guards.