NBA Draft: Who Should Spurs Take in Second Round?
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This year's NBA Draft is headlined by the San Antonio Spurs, who should take Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick in two weeks' time.
However, the Spurs also have two second-round picks to work with at Nos. 33 and 45.
Yahoo! Sports curated a mock draft and sent Gonzaga forward Julian Strawther to the Spurs with the No. 33 pick.
"Although Strawther will be entering the 2023 NBA Draft after three college seasons, his age shouldn’t turn teams away. He entered the 2022 NBA Draft but opted to bet on himself and spend one more season at Gonzaga," SI writes. "He’s built like a wing, but can also play the off-ball guard spot which opens up his versatility on both ends."
Strawther has played elite basketball on the college level and that experience should make him a more immediate contributor than some of his younger draft class counterparts. At 6-7, Strawther can play a couple different positions, making him desirable for the Spurs.
Fans may remember Strawther from his game-winning three from the logo in the Sweet 16 against UCLA.
As for pick No. 45, the Spurs were slated to select Arkansas junior guard Ricky Council IV, who could be a steal for San Antonio.
"Regardless of the limitations, Council should be a second-round steal for an NBA team next summer if he isn't taken in round one," SI writes. "Even playing alongside alongside two potential lottery picks in Nick Smith Jr. and Anthony Black, he was the most impactful scorer on the roster."
Council played two years at Wichita State before transferring to Arkansas, and could help fill San Antonio's void at the point guard position.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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