THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There is some seriously impressive young talent available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

On the agenda today are the San Antonio Spurs, who have secured another high pick as the team continues what is shaping as a very exciting rebuild under some seriously impressive young talent.

San Antonio Spurs

Draft Selections

4, 8, 35, 48*

*pick forfeited

Contracted Players

Keldon Johnson, Victor Wembanyama, Devontae Graham, Tre Jones, Zach Collins, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan (team option), Malakai Branham (team option), Julian Champagnie, Charles Bassey, Blake Wesley (team option), Sidy Cissoko

The Spurs will be thrilled by the addition of two top-10 draft picks, after securing the top selection last year and adding Victor Wembanyama, who looms as a generational talent and enjoyed an excellent first season.

After trialling Jeremy Sochan at point guard last season (to underwhelming results), the Spurs could benefit from some backcourt talent with their first two selections (if they are not traded for established talent.

Although he might not be on the board with three selections ahead of San Antonio, Serbian point guard Nikola Topic would be an excellent fit next to Wembanyama. He has the ability to put pressure on the defence consistently, and would provide another shotmaking option. Although there are still questions around his ability to knock down a long-range shot, he offers size (six-foot-six) and most importantly playmaking, and could form a strong duo with Wembanyama.

Another point guard option who might be available at pick eight would be Rob Dillingham out of Kentucky. Although the Spurs will consider him with their first selection, it would be a bonus if he falls later, especially considering Topic has three inches of extra height. However, Dillingham is an excellent shotmaker who is tremendous off the catch, which would be handy for when Wembanyama is double teamed.

With their final selection (35) of the draft, the Spurs will likely look to the frontcourt, and forward Ryan Dunn would be a project with high upside. Although his shooting is flaky at times, he is crafty enough to operate next to the team’s established pieces.