Spurs Draft: Drew Timme Can Be a 2nd Round Power Forward Revelation

With a projected lottery pick in the upcoming 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs are in good shape to select a player to make an instant impact. Oh, and they also have Toronto’s first-rounder this season, as well as Boston’s. For good measure, they have the Laker’s second-round pick, too. 

The Spurs sorely need a traditional power forward to pair alongside Jakob Poeltl down low, and they could use any of their picks to select a good option. The answer to their problems lies in the heart and soul of the Final Four Gonzaga Bulldogs from last season, as well as the AP #1 team in the country this season.

Jalen Suggs was picked very high in the draft last year, and Chet Holmgren is the presumed number one pick this season, but neither of them would have solved the Spurs’ lack of a traditional power forward. Instead, San Antonio can capitalize on the limelight being placed on Suggs and Holmgren and take the 6’10” bruiser Drew Timme.

Timme’s resume is very impressive. In three seasons with the Zags, he has been named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshmen team, the All-Conference team, the All-NCAA Tourney team, and is also a consensus All-American. Over the last two seasons, he has put up 18.5 points and 6.6 rebounds with efficient shooting from the interior and midrange. 

Assuming he cracks the starting five in his rookie season, he would make an immediate positive impact. Between Dejounte Murray handling the ball and Jakob Poeltl swinging down low for a layup, Timme’s off-ball talent would get him open for mid-range jumpers, which is how he scores most of his points. 

While he is not a remarkable rebounder, he is more than adequate and would help the tandem of Murray and Poeltl crash the boards, creating even more second-chance points. He has a knack for creating shots for others, so after he gets the ball from a rebound or dish, he can whip the ball out to Devin Vassell or Keldon Johnson to hit a wide-open three. 

The only downside is his speed, so expect players to blow by him as he adjusts to the pace of the NBA. But with Poeltl behind him, Timme could play some aggressive and risky defense with the insurance that an elite rim protector is behind him. 

With comparisons to Kevin McHale, it’s a wonder how Drew Timme is projected to fall as far as the mid-second round. In his three seasons at Gonzaga, he played alongside two players who were rumored to be considered as first overall picks, so he’s a hidden gem in Spokane.

The Spurs could risk it and take him with one of their first-rounders or hope the Lakers continue their tailspin and are able to take him with the pick from them. However they do it, bringing the tall Texan to the Alamo City would add even more growth to a team that is on the edge of coming back in force.