Let's talk about the Spurs pick.
We know that this pick will obviously be late in the first, possibly the 30th. As such we'll be lucky to pick up a player with the ability to make an immediate impact. With that in mind, I would like to offer some information on a player who I would love to see in blue and yellow.
Stay with me after the jump for my reasoning.
This began as an attempt at a shameless plug for one of the better players in my school's history; it developed into this fanpost. Widely lauded as one of the best scorers playing for a mid-major, senior UCSB guard Orlando Johnson could be a good pick up with our late first rounder.
Draft Express just covered the recent Nets Draft Combine, noting that Johnson "may have had the best all-around showing of any prospect in New Jersey, considering his strong measurements (6-11 wingspan) and the terrific scoring instincts he displayed in the five on five action." While the talent level present at this combine was by no means star-studded, it should be noted that many of the players involved are considered to be good college players and marginal NBA talents.
Johnson is a decent ballhandler with an ability to create space to get his own shot off. His defense is nothing noteworthy, but with a freakish wingspan and good size he has a chance at improving on that side of the court. According to this Draft Express article Johnson could have success as a complimentary scorer that is not the focal point of his team's offense.
The usual knock on mid-major prospects is their lack of experience playing against top-level talent. In his two March Madness appearances, OJ scored over 20 points at a 50% clip, (Against Evan Turner's Buckeyes and Chandler Parsons' Gators).
(Wish I had access to some advanced stats, maybe someone else is able to?)
He's a semi local kid, hailing from the Monterey area, with a drive to improve at his craft. Draft Express has him going at #29 to the Bulls overall. Think this is a stretch? If it isn't, would you take a shot on him? With the possibility that Brandon Rush is no longer in our price range, could Johnson be a cheaper option?