Spurs would strengthen their culture with smart pick from new USA Today mock draft

San Antonio’s rich history of success has been fueled by an incredible draft track record. Year after year, the Spurs identify prospects who fit the fabric and culture of their team, and that’s exactly what USA Today has them doing by selecting Thomas Haugh 14th overall in their latest mock draft.

Thomas Haugh is the type of prospect the Spurs need

The Spurs have put their short rebuild behind them. They’re ready to contend again. That said, they shouldn’t be searching for raw upside swings like Josh Primo, Luka Samanic, or Koa Peat anymore. Instead, they should be seeking out more polished products who are ready to hit the ground running and add to what they’re building. That’s what Florida’s Thomas Haugh is.

Haugh, a 6’9” junior forward, has proven to be nothing but a winner so far in his collegiate career. He was a key role player on Florida’s 2024-25 championship team, and this year, he’s played a more featured part for his Gators as they’ve earned a one-seed ranking in the NCAA tournament once again.

On the year, Haugh is averaging 17.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks while shooting 46.1% from the field and 33.1% from three. His counting stats paint a good picture of his skillset. Haugh contributes across the board— he’s a true jack-of-all-trades.

The Pennsylvania native’s biggest strength is his offensive versatility. He’s a strong finisher inside who attacks the rim and gets to the charity stripe, converting on 56.4% of his two-point tries and averaging 5.8 free throw attempts per contest. He’s also a confident shooter, attempting 5.3 threes per game, forcing defenses to respect him even though his efficiency from out there isn’t the best.

Haugh’s a high-motor player who does whatever it takes to achieve victory. His willingness to wear multiple hats and aptitude in doing so has made him a driver of Florida’s prosperity. Those same traits would help him succeed in San Antonio.

Haugh would be a double, not a home run, for the Spurs (and that’s OK)

While Haugh can absolutely play winning basketball and would be a nice addition for the Spurs, this wouldn’t be a grand slam of a pick. Like most Swiss Army Knife-type players, Haugh has no true go-to skill that he can hang his hat on even when he’s struggling in other areas. Prospects who have one or more obvious NBA-level traits often have the easiest time translating to the next level.

Haugh is also an upperclassman, and the tradeoff for the day-one impact he could provide as a ready-made product is a lower ceiling. The chances that he becomes a star, or even a high-level starter, in the league are pretty low.

But, the Spurs don’t need to hit a home run in this draft. Again, they don’t need to go superstar hunting. Their core is already in place, and now they just need to surround it. Haugh can complement Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and company, and that’s why this would be a smart pick for the Silver and Black.