The Spurs have been drafting with a clear purpose for the last five seasons

There has been a sea change with the Spurs in the last half decade. Each of the first round draft choices is still with the team. And not just sitting on the sidelines, but shaping the culture of the Spurs and contributing.

This has been an exciting time in the draft history of the Spurs.

Dejounte Murray (29th pick of 2016)

Dejounte Murray was the Spurs lone pick, having traded their second round pick to the Sacramento Kings for Ray McCallum, Jr. the year before. And at the end of the first round, he was considered an under-the-radar steal for the Spurs.

Murray has since taken the helm at starting point guard for the Spurs. In addition, he has broken Spurs records in rebounding for a guard. But he has had a partner in crime.

Derrick White (29th pick of 2017)

Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

Derrick’s phone call from Pop said it all, this guy was in. And he has made the most of his time with the Silver & Black. Both he and Murray lost significant time due to injury but have slowly laid the foundation of what has the ability to become a remarkable backcourt.

Lonnie Walker IV (18th pick of 2018)

Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

The following year, the Spurs drafted Lonnie Walker IV. If there was ever a soul of the team, Lonnie is the perfect person to anchor that role. His depth and spirit are unparalleled, his smile infectious, and his energy paramount to the next evolution of the Spurs.

Luka Samanic (19th pick of 2019)

Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images

While Luka has not quite found is key to the rotations, he is still young and has a basketball IQ that still could prove lethal if is successfully translates into the NBA. His bottom end would be David Bertans. His peak has potential for the Spurs to start five players (with the exception of White) who are 25 and under.

Keldon Johnson (29th pick of 2019)

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Because of the trade that brought DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl to San Antonio, the Spurs were blessed once again with the 29th pick, which has proven to be somewhat of a good luck charm. The addition of Keldon Johnson keeps that tradition alive. KJ is currently playing in Tokyo alongside a veritable who’s who of NBA All-Stars as he adds his physical presence to Team USA. With the Silver & Black he has cut out his niche as a forward with a fearless drive to the basket.

Devin Vassell (11th pick of 2020)

Photos by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images

The highest drafted player to the Spurs since Tim Duncan, Devin Vassell had a good rookie season navigating his way into the mix backing up DeMar DeRozan in the second unit while displaying a high basketball IQ, making some clutch plays, and hitting threes with just enough accuracy to be an asset as he grows into the Spurs system.

Who will the Spurs draft tonight? Tune in and get ready for another exciting piece to be added to the puzzle.

---

Welcome to The Thread. Join in the conversation, start your own discussion, and share your thoughts. This is the Spurs community, your Spurs community. Thanks for being here.

Our community guidelines apply which should remind everyone to be cool, avoid personal attacks, not to troll and to watch the language.