San Antonio Spurs: Final media mock draft round-up 3.0

The Ringer - Usman Garuba, F, Real Madrid

Mock Draft date: 7/22
Previously mocked: Josh Giddey on 7/14, Alperen Sengun on 6/25

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor is more tapped-in than most national media when it comes to the Spurs. He has frequently given the team love on podcasts in the past and has stated he watches them often. With that said, I'm hoping he's right with his latest mock for San Antonio.

After previously mocking Josh Giddey to the Spurs, O'Connor's latest mock draft update shows Usman Garuba falling to 12th. Calling him the best defender in the class, he admits his offense is raw but says the Spurs could improve that. Site co-expert Roberto Araiza expanded more on Garuba's game-changing defense a couple of months ago.

Usman brings just about everything the Spurs need besides stretch-big abilities. He can rebound, block shots, pass the ball, and be an energetic all-around hustle guy. If he somehow drops to 12, it's a no-brainer that San Antonio needs to take him.

Bleacher Report - Josh Giddey, G, Adelaide

Mock Draft date: 7/21
Previously mocked: Franz Wagner on 7/17, Josh Giddey on 6/22

After switching from Josh Giddey to Franz Wagner in their previous NBA Mock Draft, Bleacher Report is back on the Giddey train in their latest. While the article doesn't break down the reasons, you can read our previous breakdown of why he should strongly be considered by the Spurs at 12.

Sam Vecenie's final NBA Draft Big Board (subscription required) also shows Giddey as the 12th-best available prospect in the 2021 class. He calls out Giddey's size advantage and playmaking abilities as main strengths, but says his jump shot and ball-handling still need to improve.