Spurs Predicted to Pair Victor Wembanyama With Top International Players in NBA Draft
The San Antonio Spurs, despite having a centerpiece to build around in Victor Wembanyama, haven't gone all-in on winning quite yet. They are very much alive in the playoff picture but are not expected to go on a run quite yet. With a stockpile of draft picks, however, the Spurs could add an instant injection of talent to their roster this summer.
The Spurs have three first-round picks in 2025: their own, an unprotected one from the Atlanta Hawks, and a top-10 protected pick from the Chicago Bulls. As of Jan. 10, all three are expected to convey.
With three picks in a loaded draft, the Spurs can improve their rotation drastically.
Nov 26, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts along with guard Stephon Castle (5) after a three point basket against the Utah Jazz during the first half at the Delta Center.
© Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
According to The Athletic's most recent mock draft (subscription required), the Spurs will pick guard Ben Saraf 11th overall, forward Noa Essengue 14th overall, and center Thomas Sorber 17th overall.
Sorber plays for Georgetown, and both Saraf and Essengue play for the German league.
Sorber is a high-level defender who could turn into a solid backup center behind Wembanyama, which is sorely needed. Essengue, on the other hand, is a versatile French wing who will continue to usher in the emerging era of basketball for Les Bleus. Finally, Saraf, originally from Israel, won the MVP award of the U-18 European Championships as a solid, pass-first guard.
Chances are none of the three selections would slot into the starting five right away, but Saraf and Essengue, especially, have the potential to be high-level NBA players. All three are currently better on defense than offense, which fits the team identity the Spurs are working on building.
Of course, it's still very early in the draft process, but the Spurs should be expected to be the favorites to land Essengue, especially if he and Wembanyama already have a rapport.
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