San Antonio Spurs: 4 Mistakes to avoid in the 2021 NBA Draft

The San Antonio Spurs aren't in a position to draft based on need

The idea of drafting to fill a team need makes some sense, particularly later in the first round when there is much less consensus about who should be selected. In the lottery, however, the Spurs should simply select whoever they feel is the best player available. 

Picking in the lottery means that a team gets to choose from the most talented players in the draft. Therefore, using a lottery pick solely to fill a need such as a lack of depth at a position or a lack of shooting is a mistake. The Spurs should take the best player available and have successfully done so in the past.

The Spurs drafted Devin Vassell 11th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft despite the fact that they already have other young wings such as Keldon Johnson and Lonnie Walker IV on the roster. Because Vassell was likely the best remaining player available, he was able to immediately contribute and has the potential to be a starter in the NBA very soon.

San Antonio made the correct decision then and should look to do the same in this year's draft. The Spurs aren’t likely to return to the playoffs in the near future without adding more talent to the roster. The Spurs should not be hesitant to add a potentially very talented player to the roster just because they don't fill one of the team's immediate needs.