Ranking the rest of the draftable prospects the Spurs have contacted ahead of the 2021 NBA Draft

The Spurs are mere hours away from the 2021 NBA Draft, and while we explored all the lottery options PATFO have shown interest in during the pre-draft process the last time out, there are more than 30 players who PATFO interviewed or worked out who we haven’t explored yet.

Of course, with only 60 picks every season, most of these prospects will go undrafted and unsigned. But with all the rumors saying San Antonio is looking moving up and down in the draft, there’s plenty of reason to get familiar with their potential first and second-round targets.

First Round Targets

11. Chris Duarte | Oregon | Sr | G | 6’ 6” | 190 lbs

Duarte is a strong team defender, knockdown three-point shooter, and he should be an instant contributor once he sets foot in the NBA. But at 24-years-old, it would defy conventional team-building logic to select him in the lottery unless you have the infrastructure to win now. The Spurs aren’t in that position, and they should consider trading down if he’s their guy.

12. Trey Murphy III | Virginia | Jr | G | 6’ 9” | 206 lbs

Posting a 50-40-90 shooting season is impressive at any level, and Trey Murphy became just the 11th player in NCAA history to join this exclusive club. The six-nine guard has the quickness and length to defend multiple positions and a smooth shooting stroke. But with an incredibly crowded backcourt, San Antonio should take a higher upside swing with the 12th pick.

13, Ziaire Williams | Stanford | Fr | F | 6’ 8” | 185 lbs

Williams had an undeniably disappointing freshman season at Stanford in which his draft stock plummetted after struggling from the field. However, the talent is unquestionable. His comfortability scoring off the dribble and possible defensive versatility is understandably intriguing, though his 185-pound frame and inefficiency in several areas make him a massive project.

14. Joshua Primo | Alabama | Fr | G | 6’ 6” | 190 lbs

Born on December 24, 2002, Joshua Primo is the youngest prospect in the 2021 NBA Draft. The Canadian guard won’t turn 19 until nearly two months into the upcoming season. He nailed 38.1% of his 3.8 attempts long-range attempts per game at Alabama, and his six-nine wingspan combined with plus athleticism could make for a dangerous two-way player down the line.

Second Round Targets (*** signifies an unconfirmed workout)

15. Sandro Mamukelashvili | Seton Hall | Sr | F | 6’ 11” | 240 lbs***

We’ve officially moved into second-round territory, and Mamukelashvili is by far my favorite option for the Silver and Black at 41. The Seton Hall star can put the ball on the deck, spot open teammates, and stretch the floor. His limited lateral mobility and vertical pop raise defensive questions, but his unique skillset on the other end makes him worthy of a late investment.

16. Joe Wieskamp | Iowa | Jr | G | 6’ 6” | 212 lbs

San Antonio finished last in the league in three-point makes and attempts and finished 24th in percentage. The Spurs are in desperate need of long-range shooters, and Wieskamp should be a legitimate target if they don’t want to fork over a substantial paycheck on the open market. The Iowa junior hit 46.2% of his triples this season and owns a 42-inch vertical.

17. Vrenz Bleijenbergh | Antwerp Giants | Intl | G | 6’ 11” | 209 lbs

If the Silver and Black are interested in betting on a low-risk, high-reward prospect, they should look no further than Vrenz Bleijenbergh. The nearly seven-foot Belgian point-forward has legitimate passing chops and court vision and the footwork, balance, and quick release to become a lethal standstill and movement shooter with some promise coming off screens.

18. Jericho Sims | Texas | Sr | F | 6’ 10” | 245 lbs

The former Longhorn is a safer second-round play who could find minutes at the end of an NBA rotation from day one. He’ll probably never turn into a reliable shooter or passer in any capacity, but that shouldn’t stop PATFO from drafting a proficient rebounder, roll-man, lob target, and switchable defender with outlier vertical athleticism and a league-ready body.

19. Moses Wright | Georgia Tech | Sr | F | 6’ 9” | 233 lbs

A two-star recruit coming out of Enloe High School, Wright has thoroughly overhauled his game since arriving at Georgia Tech. He increased his per-game numbers and efficiency every year, and the Spurs would be lucky to land a prospect of this caliber this late in the proceedings. They could use an above-the-rim finisher with a high motor and shooting potential at the four.

20. Trendon Watford | LSU | So | F | 6’ 9” | 240 lbs

Watford is a bit of an enigma. The sophomore forward is an excellent on-ball defender and intelligent cutter with the touch to knock down difficult floaters and the ball-handling skills to handle the rock in transition and create off the dribble. That said, his jumper needs a makeover, and his awareness on both ends of the floor must improve for him to carve out a role in the NBA.

21. AJ Lawson | South Carolina | Jr | G | 6’ 7” | 178 lbs

Long, explosive, and raw are the three words that appropriately describe Lawson. While his body, shot, and decision-making need refinement, you would be hardpressed to find without a prospect without several holes in their game in the second round. A short trip up I-35 for a stint with the G League affiliate could help him realize his immense ceiling as a 3&D wing.

22. Austin Reaves | Oklahoma | Sr | G | 6’ 5” | 206 lbs

Austin Reaves is one of the older players in this draft class. But he would be a reliable depth insurance policy for San Antonio should their battalion of guards end up on the injury report for an extended time. The 23-year-old is an outstanding pick-and-roll scorer and passer but lacks the tools to lockdown man-to-man. Rediscovering long-range stroke could maximize the rest of his arsenal.

23. McKinley Wright IV | Colorado | Sr | G | 6’ | 196 lbs***

I might be a bit biased here since my mother is a Colorado alumnus, but there’s no doubt McKinley Wright IV will be a solid pro. The undersized floor general has a tireless motor with the muscle to guard taller players and enough length to poke the ball loose. He can find the open man, and his absurd burst helps him get to the rim at will. The main drawback is his wildly inconsistent shooting.

24. David Duke Jr. | Providence | Jr | G | 6’ 5” | 205 lbs

There’s a lot of yin and yang when it comes to David Duke Jr. The six-six swingman showed off an impressive dribble package to create space but didn’t shoot well of the bounce and struggled to convert around the rim even when blowing by his man. While he routinely made basic kick-outs and dropoffs, there were just too many ill-advised passes that resulted in turnovers.

25. Yves Pons | Tennessee | Sr | F | 6’ 6” | 215 lbs

The native Frenchman is on the smaller side for a power forward, but he more than makes up for it with his unbelievable athleticism. Pons can sky for thunderous putbacks and lobs, and he was one of the premier shot-blockers in college hoops during his tenure at Tennessee. He can’t shoot or create for others, but he moves well without the ball and should hold his own defensively at most positions.

26. Oscar da Silva | Stanford | Sr | F | 6’ 9” | 225 lbs***

Our last second-round candidate is Oscar da Silva, a fundamentally sound forward with a phenomenal feel for the game who should have no trouble transitioning to the NBA. He’s a strong rebounder, ballhandler, passer, and budding three-point shooter. His motor runs hot, but the German big man doesn’t own the strength, length, or footspeed to be an impactful defender.