San Antonio Spurs: Top 4 Draft Prospects from Texas Schools

San Antonio Spurs Option No. 4: PG Jared Butler, Baylor

Baylor's Jared Butler is the fourth-best fit for the San Antonio Spurs in the 2021 NBA Draft. Butler is pro-ready with a sound game on both ends of the floor. He's an older player with three seasons under his belt, showing consistent growth.

The issue with drafting Butler is due to the Spurs' depth at guard, the selection of him would be unnecessary. This isn't to say he isn't talented or he couldn't contribute on the floor, but the Spurs have to find out what they have in the backcourt before adding another guard that seemingly doesn't have transcendent ability.

Butler is a bonafide two-way point guard. He plays both ends with high IQ, especially as a help defender. His size and athleticism will limit his versatility and overall upside on both ends, but he plays very well to his strengths and that's evident from both the tape and the numbers.

He's at his best as an off-ball threat. Primarily doing his damage as a spot-up shooter, Butler shot over 51 percent off the catch from beyond the arc, averaging 1.34 points per possession as a spot-up shooter.

Butler offers splendid play in the pick and roll and as an overall shot-creator due to his tight handle and ability to make quick reads as a passer. He averaged 6.3 assists per 40 minutes with an average of 1.1 points per possession as a pick and roll passer.

Defensively, he's well-rounded both on and off the ball and an expert when playing the passing lanes, averaging two steals per contest (99th percentile) with a Hakeem percentage of 5.1 percentage (80th percentile).

He's willing, effective, and engaged despite his frame limitations, with a defensive toolbox that will translate to the NBA. He likely won't be a consistent glass cleaning threat due to his size and playstyle, but in broader terms, he can contribute on both ends from day one for an NBA team.

Despite being a polished and NBA-ready prospect, Butler simply doesn't play a position of need and his upside doesn't make him a "can't pass up" talent. Sure, there's a chance Butler can become a great player, but due to the influx of guards on the roster combined with a skill set that doesn't seem to translate as a transcendent player, the Spurs would be better off selecting a player who is both better as a fit or better in skillset.