[Bryan88]

DraftExpress: NBA Team Needs: Southwest Division

San Antonio Spurs (56-26 in 2007-0

Draft pick: No. 26, No. 45, No. 57

Depth Chart:

PG: Tony Parker / Jacque Vaughn / Damon Stoudamire*
SG: Manu Ginobili / Michael Finley* / Brent Barry
SF: Bruce Bowen / Ime Udoka / DerMarr Johnson*
PF: Tim Duncan / Robert Horry* / Matt Bonner
C: Fabricio Oberto / Kurt Thomas*/ Ian Mahinmi

*Potential free agent

Could use help at: Center, Small Forward

Bottom line: This Spurs team is battle tested and will remain in the mix for a championship until Tim Duncan starts to slow down. R.C. Buford has built a fantastic group, and will use this draft to try and prepare for the future—which is approaching faster than ever. He’ll do his best to keep his free agent role players around, but may need to dip into free agency to fill the remaining spots. The Spurs seem to run like clockwork, and whoever they fail to retain will be seamlessly replaced. However, it would be beneficial for them to start stashing some additional young talent on their bench, as the loss of last year’s draft pick Tiago Splitter hurt, and they don’t have as many assets as many of their counterparts around the league.

Draft outlook: There is one player in the first-round that seems to really stand out as a ‘Spurs type of player.’ Courtney Lee has the talent, versatility, and demeanor that Gregg Popovich gets from his veteran role players. If Lee isn’t available, Chris Douglas-Roberts would also be an ideal pick. Ryan Anderson is also a possibility, as he brings a few qualities (toughness, skill-level, basketball IQ) that make him attractive here. It’s almost inevitable that the Spurs will move one of their second rounders. Buford may opt to add a future pick if there isn’t a player on the board that he’s interested in. Should the Spurs keep their pick, they may pick up an “older” player like Malik Hairston, Trent Plaisted or Pat Calathes. Maarty Leunen is another possibility. Each of those players would provide an additional body in practice with the potential to be a system role player in the future.

[Lefty Noob]

Definitely would like to see them pick up a center.
SF is listed as a need, but what about taking a project at PF, as an eventual replacement for Duncan?