San Antonio Spurs: Grading The Offseason
Drafting Nikola Milutinov and Cady Lalanne
From the very beginning of the summer, the Spurs were positioning themselves for the big score of the offseason. In the 2015 NBA Draft, San Antonio used its first round pick (No. 26) on Nikola Milutinov, a Serbian that the team will keep overseas for a year or more as a draft-and-stash pick.
A 230-pound seven-footer, Milutinov could be a great addition to the Spurs down the road. He’s only 20 years old, so San Antonio won’t be in any rush to bring him stateside with his cap hold currently off the books. But as we’ve come to expect from this franchise, don’t be surprised to see him come over in a few years and suddenly develop into a stud out of nowhere.
On the more negative side, while ducking the luxury tax is important, it’s worth noting that Kevon Looney — a lottery-level talent if not for his hip injury — was still available at No. 26.
Milutinov staying overseas. Buford: "As we go into the future and need to replenish our size, we'll be excited to add a player like that."
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) June 26, 2015
As for Cady Lalanne, who the Spurs selected with their second round pick at No. 55, he’s done well for himself in seven games of Summer League action, averaging 7.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 19.8 minutes per game.
He’s only shooting 38.3 percent from the field and is averaging an outrageous 4.3 fouls per game, but he’s a 6’9″ big with a pretty smooth looking jump shot and the ability to protect the rim. If San Antonio wants to sign him, they can do so for pretty cheap. These are both passable moves, but they don’t move the needle much for the time being.
Grade: C
Next: Offseason Priority No. 1