San Antonio Spurs: Early Mock Draft media round-up 1.0

The Athletic: Kai Jones (F/C), Texas

Article Date: 6/23

In their latest mock draft (subscription required), the staff at The Athletic mocked the San Antonio Spurs opting to stay in-state for their first round pick, taking 6-11 big man Kai Jones out of Texas. In their analysis, they stress how desperately the Spurs need a big man, which I can't argue.

Zach Harper compares Jones to a Mo Bamba type, saying he can defend well both on the ball and at the rim, making him a necessary pick-up by the Silver and Black.

The Ringer: Alperen Sengun (C), Besiktas

Article last updated: 6/22

In his latest mock for The Ringer, Kevin O'Connor has the Spurs going overseas to take Alperen Sengun, who won MVP of the Turkish league at just 18 years old. In his summary, O'Connor calls the 6-10 phenom the "biggest sleeper in the lottery" who could rise as the draft approaches.

Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated also mocked Sengun to San Antonio on June 22nd.

While Sengun has defensive issues to work on, the raw talent is massive, as I detailed in my profile of him in May.

Bleacher Report: Josh Giddey (G), Adelaide

Article date: 6/22

In the post-draft lottery edition of their 2021 NBA Mock Draft, Bleacher Report introduces a new name into the mix for the Spurs: 6-8 point guard Josh Giddey. While they don't provide a summary of Giddey's game and fit with the Spurs, our own Damien Bartonek recently did a deep dive on one of the best facilitators in the draft.

Giddey's 6-8 frame will likely allow him to take a point forward role in the NBA, which would be hugely beneficial in the Spurs' system. His basketball IQ and skill in the pick and roll make him an intriguing option at 12.

In their mock draft dated June 22nd, USA Today also has the Spurs selecting Giddey in the first round.

ESPN: Jalen Johnson (F), Duke

Article date: 6/22

See what I meant by the Spurs have dozens to choose from? In their mock draft for insiders (subscription required), ESPN has San Antonio selecting 6-9 forward Jalen Johnson out of Duke. After taking Tre Jones with their second round pick last year, this would mark the second straight Duke player the Spurs would be taking.

In his summary, Jonathan Givony targets Johnson's defensive versatility and playmaking as reasons the Spurs should be interested in his talents.