Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Mock Draft: Spurs Land 'Star' with Top 3 Pick
The San Antonio Spurs are in need of a home run during the 2023 NBA Draft after plummeting to the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Their futility this season, however, has given them the best odds to land the No. 1 pick along with the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets.
In ESPN's latest mock draft, the Spurs are slated to pick behind the Pistons and Rockets and select G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson.
"The Spurs are hoping this draft brings a star to anchor their rebuild, and landing a potential franchise point guard at No. 3 would be a pretty strong outcome," ESPN writes. "And while NBA evaluators have been poking holes in Henderson's case as the clear-cut No. 2 prospect in the class, it's still hard to envision him falling further than third."
Henderson has been viewed as the best prospect of this draft class other than Victor Wembanyama for years. Even with Alabama star Brandon Miller challenging him for the second spot on teams' big boards, Henderson's upside as a point guard makes him a potential franchise game-changer.
"Henderson's strength, quickness and scoring instincts can be overwhelming for opponents and should allow him to impact games from the get-go," ESPN writes. "But he's far from a finished product, and his growth as a shooter, playmaker and defender will ultimately determine what type of heights he reaches. His second Ignite season wasn't all smooth sailing, but expect Henderson to be the first guard drafted regardless."
Should he land in San Antonio, the Spurs would give Henderson ample opportunity to develop while also giving him playing time. The Spurs aren't looking to contend next year, but they are seeking a player who can help them contend at some point down the line.
Taking Henderson would be the star that could make that possible.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Spurs? Click Here.
Follow Inside the Spurs on Twitter.
Follow Inside the Spurs on Facebook.
Want even more San Antonio Spurs news? Check out the SI.com team page here
