San Antonio Spurs: 2016 Offseason Grades

The Draft

The Warriors have probably been the best drafting team in the NBA over the last decade or so, but the 2016 NBA Draft was a perfect reminder of how the San Antonio Spurs have held that prestigious title ever since Tim Duncan first entered the league.

In short, the rich continued to stay rich, even if those riches are less “lavish spending” and more “putting money in a trust and watching it accumulate steady interest over the years in the smartest and least sexy way possible.” In any case, getting Dejounte Murry at No. 29 was quite possibly the steal of the draft.

At 6’5″ and with a 6’11” wingspan, Murray possesses the physical attributes and foot speed to potentially grow into the franchise’s long-term replacement for Tony Parker. A player with his athleticism isn’t seen often in San Antonio, but this Washington product was exceptional value for so late in the first round.

Though Murray is not a great perimeter shooter (28.8 percent from three-point range last season, 15.6 percent at NBA Summer League), he’s a superb playmaker, a crafty passer, a terrific rebounder for his position and a stout defender.

In Las Vegas, Murray put up 12.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals per game, shooting 41.5 percent from the field. Given the way Parker blossomed in San Antonio after being a late first round selection, Murray is bound to be yet another example of how the Spurs churn out quality players no matter where they’re picking from in the draft.

Grade: A+

Next: The Diaw Trade