Spurs have obvious path forward with 14th pick if exhilarating rumors are true

We're getting more confirmation that San Antonio is planning to step up their efforts to compete this summer, and that's fantastic news. This fanbase misses cheering for their team in the postseason, and the lackluster endings year after year have been painful to bear witness to. Most of Spurs Nation isn't used to that, and it's not a feeling you cherish, so it's nice to know the front office is also ready for change.

The thing about being a fan of such a successful franchise is that a couple of things can happen: you're confident in the organization when tough times finally arrive, so you don't stress the downslide. It comes for everyone. The other personality setting is over-reactive despair. You believe the team is "above" being bad, and you're impatient, criticizing everything the GM does. (Don't be the second guy)

The good thing about what we're hearing is that both parties will be excited for the team to hit the gas. But it begs the question: how can they be seeking a return to greatness if they're going to use both picks to bring in young players who will need time to grow? The short answer is that they probably won't.

San Antonio must trade the number 14 pick for Kevin Durant

It's only sensible for them to do so. You can't speak out of both sides of your mouth on something like this. The moves you make tell the story of how you're planning to build, not words or promises. Drafting two young players would tell fans that you're not going all in or even most of the way in.

If we're to believe the overflowing reports that San Antonio is ready to step into the spotlight, they'll have to trade one of those picks for an established player. Fortunately, there's a player they could add who would immediately elevate the offense and experience of the entire ball club. He's still dangerous from any spot on the court, and the Phoenix Suns are going to trade him.

Drafting Dylan Harper will help the Spurs add a player who can be a part of their young core. After Kevin Durant leaves in a couple of years, they'll still have Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Harper. Who knows what will be going on with De'Aaron Fox at that point, but they could move him at that point, too.

Wembanyama will be the best player in the league by far at that point. Castle and Harper will be borderline all-stars if they haven't taken that step already. They'll be ready to carry the torch without the vets.

Add one of the most dangerous weapons the NBA has ever seen now, and reap the benefits from his knowledge and skill. It could pay off with a championship sooner than anyone thought, and the future would still be bright.