San Antonio Spurs: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
Spurs draft Luka Samanic
Both of the San Antonio Spurs’ first-round draft picks were linked to the team, but often they were flipped. Luka Samanic ended up being drafted at 19th. The 6’11” center is Croatian-born and played for Union Olimpija in Slovenia.
He didn’t have a lot of hype from fans in the states and seemed to go pretty early for the Spurs.
The 19-year-old provides a solid presence on the court. Overseas he showed his passing ability and his three-point shooting potential. He posted .484/.338/.722 shooting splits in 50 games for his club last season.
Critics tend to talk down on his effort and demeanor, something that will get fixed playing for the Spurs. As well as his general size and ability to bang in the post, which is common for prospects of his age.
No one is expecting a rookie to come out and make a large difference in a Spurs system. Samanic will have to earn the respect of his peers and coaching staff before he starts sniffing big minutes, although his ability to facilitate and feel out the court will be welcome in the league today.
If he can bulk up and become a solid shooter, he will have no trouble finding a role in a modern offense.
It seems like they left a lot of solid and more polished players on the board with their pick here.