NBA Team Needs – San Antonio Spurs
By Ed Isaacson
What do RC Buford and Gregg Popovich have up their sleeve this draft season? Let’s take a look at the Spurs’ draft possibilities:
Returning Players
–
Tim Duncan (PF); Richard Jefferson (SF); Tony Parker (PG); Emanuel Ginobili (SG); Antonio McDyess (PF); George Hill (PG); DeJuan Blair (PF); Malik Hairston (SG – Team Option); Alonzo Gee (SF – Pl
ayer Option)
Team Payroll (9 Players) – $67,606328
Estimated Salary Cap – $56,000,000
Team Needs– Perimeter shooting; Looking towards the future – Replacing Duncan, Parker and Ginobili
Position Needs – SG; C
Picks – 1st Round (#20); 2nd Round (#49)
Analysis– The aging Spurs are looking to make one last run at another NBA championship while Tim Duncan is still around, so it will be necessary for them to inject some much needed speed and perimeter shooting to make it happen. With the #20 pick, they may have a shot at one of the best shooters/scorers in the draft, James Anderson. Anderson has range from the NBA 3, can take the ball hard to basket and is able to get out in transition. If he is not available, they can look to add depth to the small forward position with either Damion James or Quincy Pondexter, both who are capable defenders and have the toughness that have been a trademark of the Spurs during their championship years.
Picking at #49, the Spurs have the option of adding another scorer to give the bench some depth. Players along the lines of Sylven Landesberg or Ryan Thompson can fill that role well. The option is also available to add a center to shore up the front line. At this point in the 2nd round, they could have a choice of Dexter Pittman or Art Parakhouski, either who could provide the frontline some valuable minutes during the regular season. As always, there is always the chance that the Spurs may look overseas, especially since word is that Tiago Splitter is closer than ever to joining the team. A center such as Paulo Prestes may look like a great pickup a few years down the line.