San Antonio Spurs: 3 Guys worth trading up for in the 2021 NBA Draft


1. Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State
If the Spurs are looking to add to their growing group of versatile defenders, you can't do much better than Florida State's Scottie Barnes. If he goes where expected according to ESPN and The Ringer, he'll likely be gone by the 6th or 7th pick in the Draft.
What makes Barnes such a standout is how his 6-7 frame combined with a large wingspan allows him to defend multiple positions on the court. Kevin O'Connor already calls him an "elite defender with playmaking skills" with the potential to be a yearly contender for defensive accolades.
Some other important things Scottie has going for him as a potential pick for the Spurs are the passion he plays with and how supportive and engaged he is with teammates.
Florida State's Scottie Barnes has been here on the sidelines of the NBA Combine all day. Super vocal supporting his teammate Raiquan Gray right now and encouraging everyone in both games. Can't find anyone who will say a bad word about Scottie as a teammate/competitor/person. pic.twitter.com/WCB236mKwE
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 25, 2021
In a recent sitdown with ESPN, a comparison with Kyle Anderson was brought up, who spent his first four seasons with the Spurs. "He's very nice. You [can] see he plays with a lot of passion as well," said Barnes. In the linked clip, Scottie also threw in the fact that the Spurs are his dad's favorite team. Meant to be? Many Spurs fans hope so.
Trades with the Warriors or Magic are something to look for if the Spurs have their eyes on Barnes near the 5th - 8th slots.