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Hello, new to ClubSpurs. I'm a draft freak, so I thought I'd get a thread going for the rapidly approaching 2008 Draft. Here's an evaluation of next year's current roster, positional breakdowns, and draft possibilities I did earlier at another site. Constructive criticism is always appreciated:
2008/09 Current Roster
PG: Tony Parker, Jacque Vaughn
SG: Manu Ginobili, Brent Barry*
SF: Bruce Bowen, Ime Udoka
PF: Tim Duncan, Matt Bonner
C: Fabricio Oberto, Ian Mahinmi
Total Salary: ~$57,221,368
*According to ESPN, Barry has a player option.
Expiring Contracts: Kurt Thomas ($8,091,187), Robert Horry ($3,630,000), Michael Finley ($3,103,000), Damon Stoudamire ($609,795), Derrmarr Johnson ($42,872)
Draft picks currently overseas: Robertas Javtokas (C), Sergei Karaulov (C), Viktor Sanikidze (SF), Tiago Splitter (C)
Positional Analysis
PG: With Tony Parker's durability issues this season, it's rapidly apparent the Spurs need a young, steady back-up PG. Jacque Vaughn is nearing the end of his career, and has been less effective defensively. Though Darius Washington was signed earlier in the season after failed back-up Beno Udrih was traded to Minnesota, he requested his release in order to pursue a larger European paycheck. This is a position the Spurs will likely address in free agency, and it would not surprise me if they look overseas for a less turnover-prone option than Washington proved to be.
SG: Clearly, the Spurs need youth on the wing. Ginobili will play in the off-season, and his minutes next year will be carefully monitored. Brent Barry may end up retiring, but if he does return, he will be little more than a spot-up 3-point shooter. With the departure of Michael Finley probable, there are a few first and second round options in the draft that should shore up this need and provide limited minutes off the bench if necessary.
SF: Bowen's decline as a limited offensive weapon has been balanced by emergence of Ime Udoka, who played well in his first year. While not quite the defensive stopper, Udoka has more offensive potential and rebounds surprisingly well. As Bowen winds down his career, I see an extension in Udoka's future. Viktor Sanikidze should be brought over for Summer League again, where he impressed in limited minutes last year, but I don't see him making the roster. There are draft options available here, but, as related by alpineballer, I see one major target on the free agent market - James Jones. He provides an incredible outside threat that should effectively spread the floor.
PF/C: While his numbers are down, Duncan shows little sign of declining, and his playoff numbers back this up. Robert Horry is likely to retire, leaving Matt Bonner on the depth chart. Bonner is probably trade bait soon, but I also believe he played well near the end up the year and may still prove an asset. At Center, Oberto is his same, steady self. Ian Mahinmi will likely be brought up from the Toros for some experimental minutes early to see if he is ready. Also, 2007 draft pick Tiago Splitter will relocate to SA, possibly finding more minutes on the main roster than Mahinmi. Spurs will need a vet presence to balance this new youth, and hopefully Kurt Thomas re-signs.
Draft Picks:
#26 - Rush is the obvious solution to the wing dilemma, a swingman with a smooth stroke and good defensive prowess. As he will likely also be off the board, Chalmers makes an intriguing solution at back-up PG, a fantastic outside shooter who can shut down opposing guards. Lee is an excellent safety choice at SG. If Omri Casspi does not drop out, I could certainly see the Spurs selecting him in this slot and leaving him overseas for the time being. Dark horse candidates include Kyle Weaver, Davon Jefferson, or J.R. Giddens, depending on their workouts (this will seem like a reach to most).
#47 - Difficult to predict who drops at this juncture. Could be a draft and stash slot. Goran Dragic, while not immediate PG relief, is an intriguing prospect who could pay dividends later. Even if his contract procludes playing in the NBA for a few years, Pekovic is too good to pass over if he's available. Joe Ingles is a lanky SF prospect who should continue to grow. Some domestic products to consider could be Pat Calathes, the aforementioned J.R. Giddens, or Shan Foster.
#57: I thoroughly expect this pick to be traded for a future second, as per the Spurs' usual policy. Some domestic selections I would like as projects to play with the Austin Toros: Keith Brumbaugh, James Gist, Malik Hairston, or Patrick Ewing, Jr. Again, this will not happen, but I can dream.
Possible Free Agency Targets:
Kurt Thomas, James Jones, Chris Duhon, Aaron Miles, Vassilis Spanoulis, Matt Barnes, Mickael Pietrus, Bostjan Nachbar, Maurice Evans, Roger Mason, Walter Herrmann
2003 
