Cooper Flagg’s NCAA Tournament Success and Its Impact on the Spurs’ Trade Prospects
Marilyn Dubinski: Last year, there was no standout top prospect, allowing discussions about trading high picks, including the number one slot. This year, however, is different. Cooper Flagg may not be on the same level as Victor Wembanyama, but he is undoubtedly the top selection with the potential to become a franchise player. Lottery-winning teams are unlikely to relinquish that opportunity. The Spurs might consider trading some young talent (such as Devin Vassell, Keldon Johnson, and Stephon Castle) along with their own and Atlanta’s 2025 draft picks, but without Wemby, it’s hard to see the winning team agreeing to such a deal. It would be as fruitless as previous inquiries about the Spurs’ top pick in 2023.
Mark Barrington: This question may seem irrelevant because the team with the first pick is unlikely to trade it. While one might suggest a monumental trade, similar to the Herschel Walker trade, it’s improbable that any team holding the top pick would part with it unless the Spurs offer Victor Wembanyama, which would incite major conflict in San Antonio.
Jacob Douglas: There is no trade package significant enough for Flagg unless it includes Wembanyama. If the first-overall team were open to trades, every player and pick would be on the table, except for Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox.
Jesus Gomez: The likelihood of trading Flagg is virtually nonexistent, but it’s interesting to consider what the Spurs might have to offer for a young superstar on a rookie contract. They would likely need to include this year’s two draft picks, alongside Atlanta’s picks, plus one or two future Spurs picks and Stephon Castle to get the other team to at least engage in dialogue. While it might be worth pursuing, it carries significant risks.
Tournament Observations and Potential Sleepers for the Spurs’ Picks
Dubinski: My focus is solely on my alma mater, so once they were eliminated in the second round, I tuned out. I find college basketball challenging to enjoy without a vested interest due to lengthy game halves, excessive timeouts, and poor officiating. The Spurs need to address their lack of size and outside shooting, and I hope they’ll break from the trend of selecting mid-sized guards with defensive potential.
Barrington: I didn’t follow much of the tournament after my favorite teams were eliminated early. College basketball isn’t my main interest. Although he didn’t shine in the tournament, I like Tre Johnson from Texas, but he might be off the board by the time the Spurs pick.
Douglas: Kon Knueppel seems like a promising off-ball guard with size and shooting abilities. He’s performed well defensively at Duke. Pairing him with Fox and Wemby would be exciting. Nique Clifford from Colorado State is another intriguing option, capable of handling some playmaking. Tre Johnson is a standout, but I doubt he’ll last until the Spurs’ pick. If they end up in the late first round or early second, Johni Broome from Auburn and Walter Clayton Jr. from Florida might become valuable role players at the next level, with Broome particularly fitting due to the Spurs’ needs for a backup center.
Gomez: I tend to watch more FIBA basketball than college, so my insights are limited. I find Kon Knueppel appealing as a sizeable shooter who can also handle the ball. I’ve also seen highlights of Egor Demin, who appears to be a special talent, although his shooting stats are concerning. If he falls, he could be worth the Spurs’ consideration for his potential upside.
Should the Spurs Shift Focus from the NCAA Tournament to Acquiring Veterans?
Dubinski: False. It would be unwise to neglect any aspect of the offseason and team strategy. The Spurs should aim for a playoff spot next season (and likely would have reached at least the play-in had Wemby been available). They need to pursue avenues to improve while managing to retain their young core and avoid short-term solutions, as seen in the Kevin Durant rumors. A potential scenario could involve packaging their two first-round picks and a mid-tier player for a higher selection or young veterans, while not overlooking the importance of the draft.
Barrington: False, in part. While bringing in a couple of veteran players is essential, obtaining affordable rookie contracts is equally necessary. Securing a prominent scorer and floor spacer through draft picks would be ideal. However, with various gaps in the roster, maximizing the influx of talent from the draft is crucial.
Douglas: False. The Spurs are still in a phase of acquiring talent, whether through the draft, trades, or free agency, as they build around Wembanyama for the long term. They benefitted from the Fox trade and appear to have secured a durable piece in Castle. This summer could offer the opportunity to draft or trade for another pivotal player to complement Wemby. The front office should consider all possible strategies for roster enhancement.
Gomez: False. With Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham entering the final year of their rookie deals, along with Jeremy Sochan, and Julian Champagnie nearing the end of his team-friendly contract, some cost-controlled players will soon leave. Even without acquiring a superstar, they can find key assets that will ease the process of building around Wemby. The Spurs require talent, and the draft is an excellent avenue for securing it while also maintaining a balanced roster with affordable depth pieces.
