NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Blazers, Grizzlies land elite prospects, Spurs add top PG. More!
By Jacob LeRea
NBA Mock Draft: Selection: 5-4
5. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Topic, Guard, Red Star
After hitting the jackpot of all jackpots in alien Victor Wembanyama last June, the Spurs' draft strategy should be simple: build around Wemby. At times, San Antonio has struggled to get the ball to the future star, making the potential addition of Nikola Topic optimal. Topic is a composed, high-IQ player who can create shots for himself but, more importantly, for others.
No player in the draft is as comfortable being a primary playmaker as Topic is. The Serb plays best in the mid-range by completing smart and difficult passes and knocking down his middies. Despite being an underwhelming athlete, Topic knows how to angle his body and control his pace to be an effective driver.
Adding Topic to the game plan unlocks endless possibilities for Gregg Popovich's offense, giving Pop a reliable ball handler to get the ball to Wemby. Topic struggles on defense; however, San Antonio would have several or more defenders around him.
4. Detroit Pistons: Zaccharie Risacher, forward, JL Bourg
The Detroit Pistons entered the season hoping to be competitive, only for them to go on a 28-game skid, digging themselves in a hole. Fortunately for the Pistons, there have been flashes of success among the young core and they continue to add to the youth movement. Zaccharie Risacher has remained towards the top of boards for quite some time now and the upside is clear as day.
At 6'10, Risacher has shown off impressive shot-creating skills while shooting at a high clip. His good feel for the game, ability to find cutting teammates, and finish plays give the second-selected French prospect connecting piece potential.
The fast and physical NBA game will be tough for Risacher to overcome at first; however, we witnessed him go through a similar process throughout the summer and now on various international forums. To unlock Cade Cunningham's full potential, Detroit needs floor spacers that don't need the ball, making Risacher a strong compliment.