San Antonio Spurs: 5 options for pick No. 18 in 2018 NBA Draft

3. Keita Bates-Diop, SF — Ohio State

There’s so much uncertainty surrounding Leonard’s situation right now it almost makes targeting a potential replacement at small forward a necessity. So why not target a combo forward like Keita Bates-Diop, who can step in and contribute from Day 1?

Much like Hutchison, the Ohio State product is an experienced option who played four years at the college level. Although that may seem like a detractor, it just means he’s NBA-ready and possesses the maturity to handle a prominent role right off the bat.

Like many of the other players on this list, Bates-Diop is also lauded for his defensive abilities. Although not necessarily a true rim protector, he racked up blocks (56 in 2017-18) and steals (31 in 2017-18) at a consistent clip in college and is capable of guarding almost any position. Some view him as a tweener, but he makes up for it with tenacity, determination and sneaky athleticism.

To top it off, he’s a reliable scorer as well. Don’t be expecting many 30-point games from the former Buckeye, but he did average 19.8 points per game during his senior year and is capable of serving in a stretch-4 role in smaller lineups (35.9 percent from 3-point range in 2017-18).

Bates-Diop may not blow you away in any one area. When you put on the film, though, you see an aggressive, energetic combo forward who can upgrade this Spurs lineup in a number of ways.