The Next Chapter of the San Antonio Spurs’ Franchise

Photo Credit: Forbes

Article from March 4th, 2023 on the Potential 2023 Spurs Draft

June 22nd, 2023:

The unthinkable happened. After having the honor of drafting the “Admiral” David Robinson from the Naval Academy and the “Big Fundamental” Tim Duncan from Wake Forest and winning five NBA championships later, it looks like the Spurs will be drafting the most highly regarded prospect since LeBron James: Victor Wembanyama from France.

There is a saying that goes, “luck is when preparation meets opportunity” and it could not be more fitting for the San Antonio Spurs’ franchise on a night like tonight. The San Antonio Spurs were not lucky when they won the lottery. The franchise has conducted itself respectively since the Big Three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli. Meaning they have not tried to purposely tank like other franchises in a “get rich quick” NBA scheme that the majority of franchises succumb to. Ask the Philadelphia 76ers how Trusting the Process is going. I said multiple times to friends and Spurs fans that teams like the Pistons, Hornets and Trail Blazers were not going to be “lucky” and win the lottery because of their blatant tanking throughout the season. Fast forward to the night of the NBA Draft lottery and Lady Luck forgot her manners for those franchises looking to have a lucky night. As Frank Sinatra said, “It’s not fair, it’s not nice” but that was the night Lady Luck blew on the San Antonio Spurs’ dice.

Now, what should we expect from the San Antonio Spurs on draft night and the upcoming offseason? First, draft Victor Wembanyama with the 1st pick, then the Spurs have the 33rd and 44th 2nd round picks. This is a deep draft so Spurs will be able to load up on some additional talent or try to package a deal to try to get back into the 1st round. To stick with the Frank Sinatra theme, Spurs fans have "High Hopes” to try and trade back up into the 1st. If it was up to me, whatever it takes the Spurs need to attempt to draft Andre Jackson Jr. from UCONN who is a mix between Shawn Marion and Bruce Bowen. Probably one of the most athletic wings in this draft that can and will guard every position on the floor. There is also Trayce Jackson-Davis from Indiana who was a consensus All-American that has good size for defense, great jumping and rebounding ability that would fit great. Jackson-Davis’ father also played in the NBA so the lineage is there. There is also a possibility of the Spurs drafting a 3PT and defensive wing like Julian Strawther from Gonzaga. Even though San Antonio has the 1st overall draft pick, they are still the Spurs so expect them to dig out another hidden prospect out of the rough in the 2nd round.

For Spurs Nation, it is time for a new journey as the city of San Antonio is as invigorated as possible. Regardless of what plays out tonight our DDSN team will be covering the Spurs and breaking down the 2023 Draft once it goes final. We will be out pressing the flesh at the AT&T Center at the Draft Day Party so be sure to say watsup!