Spurs Draft Preview

The 2008 NBA Draft is tomorrow, and as a consequence of their continued success, the Spurs find themselves, once again, with dim prospects. The Spurs have three picks — 26th, 45th and 57th overall — and history tells us that there won’t be much talent available this deep in the draft.

Or maybe there will be.

Consider these recent picks. In 2006, Jordan Farmar was picked 26th, Daniel Gibson 42nd, Paul Millsap 47th, and Leon Powe 49th. In 2005, Jason Maxiell was picked 26th, Linas Kleiza 27th, Salim Stoudamire 31st, Brandon Bass 33rd, C.J. Miles 34th, Ronny Turiaf 37th, Travis Diener 38th, Monta Ellis 40th, Andray Blatche 49th, and Ryan Gomes 50th. In 2004, Kevin Martin was picked 26th, Sasha Vujacic 27th, Beno Udrih 28th, Anderson Varejao 30th, Royal Ivey 37th, and Chris Duhon 38th. In 2003, Kendrick Perkins was picked 27th, Leandro Barbosa 28th, Josh Howard 29th, Jason Kopono 31st, Luke Walton 32nd, Steve Blake 38th, Keith Bogans 43rd, Matt Bonner 45th, and Kyle Korver 51st.

Ross Siler writes for The Salt Lake Tribune:

What does history say about late first-round picks? Over the last 10 years, 101 players have been drafted No. 20 or later. Sixty-seven were still in the NBA at season’s end while four were playing overseas still waiting to arrive. Only three have become All-Stars – Parker, Howard and Kirilenko – while 17 were regular starters for their teams this season. Two of the starters on Boston’s championship team – Kendrick Perkins and Rajon Rondo – were drafted in the late first round.

At the same time, 19 of the late first-round picks in the past decade played three years or less in the NBA. The where-are-they-now list includes Frank Williams and Sam Jacobson, Roshown McLeod and Chris Jefferies.

But as jdenquist points out, Siler misses some noteworthy second round picks, including six All-Stars.

In fact, over the last 20 years, including all draft picks 23rd or later (including 2nd rounders), there have actually been 9 all-stars. Yes, AK-47, Tony Parker, and Josh Howard are in that group. But taken 23rd or later also includes Rashard Lewis (32nd pick), Gilbert Arenas (31st pick), current Jazz men Carlos Boozer (35th pick) and Memo Okur (38th pick), and the two real superstar gems, Michael Redd (43rd pick) and Manu Ginobili (57th pick). In fact, Manu Ginobili was nearly the equivalent of the NFL’s Mr. Irrelevant who turned out to win multiple rings, a Sixth Man award, an Olympic gold medal, and multiple all-star teams.

The bottom line is that the draft matters. The Spurs have an opportunity to get some immediate help, whether its a rebounder, a defensive specialist to take the reins from Bruce Bowen, or a backup point guard…

Could one of these prospects fit the bill?

Serge Ibaka PF
19 years old
6-10, 228 lbs.
C.B. L’Hospitalet, Spain