'Way-too-early' mock draft nets the Spurs two mouthwatering top picks

The 2024 NBA Draft is only a month past but people are already looking forward to the stacked 2025 NBA Draft, especially San Antonio Spurs fans. The Spurs can have as many as four first-round picks in next year's draft, including their own, selections from the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Charlotte Hornets.

Although the Bulls and Hornets selections, which are top-10 and top-14 protected, may not convey, they are still guaranteed to have two—possibly lottery—picks. That leads us to Bleacher Reports' early mock of the 2025 draft, with the Spurs picking two players in the top-12.

Bleacher Reports' early mock has the Spurs selecting Tre Johnson and Kasparas Jakucionis

With Atlanta's pick, the Spurs are projected to select Tre Johnson 9th in next year's draft. Johnson was a five-star recruit and ranked fifth on ESPN's top 100 recruiting database. His shooting is his biggest strength, though he has the potential to be more well-rounded given his size at 6'5 with a 6-8 wingspan.

If he can develop the other areas of his game, then he may have a shot at being a top-5 pick. However, the Spurs don't have a pressing need at shooting guard, so his actual fit probably wouldn't be the best.

With the 11th pick, the Spurs are expected to take Kasparas Jakucionis, who averaged 13.4 points and 6.1 assists last season across several teams and leagues. At 6'4, he may be more of a combo guard but looks capable of playing with and without the ball.

He is quick and has explosiveness, making him a threat to attack in the half-court and transition. Although he shot 32% from three on more than four 3-point attempts per game, he looks like he has potential as a shooter with his speed, ability to create separation, and ability to hit tough shots.

Adding two top-11 prospects to next year's team would be exciting, though it would pose a potential roster problem. The Spurs have 15 players under contract, including seven players taken in the first round over the last five years. Adding more prospects to the mix would likely mean that the Spurs would need to make a decision on two recent draft selections or move on from two veterans.

Chris Paul could retire, and the Spurs could move on from Charles Bassey or Julian Champagnie if they draft a center or wing. Then again, players such as Malaki Branham and Blake Wesley could be at risk of not having their fourth-year options picked up.

Still, that may well be worth it if they can find better players who can make a more immediate impact or have a much higher upside. That would raise the Spurs ceiling, with Victor Wembanyama having a stronger supporting cast to hopefully help him lead the team back to contention.