San Antonio could eye versatile Santa Clara forward Allen Graves. His impressive all-around game, analytics appeal, and potential fit make him an intriguing draft prospect.
The San Antonio Spurs have been one of the best teams in the entire NBA this season, and are looking to make some noise in the playoffs. But that does not mean that they can't improve in this year's NBA Draft.
Their weakest position in the starting lineup is at the power forward, as they have turned to Julian Champagnie to run that spot instead of Harrison Barnes.
And in a recent mock draft by Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, he has San Antonio improving that position with Santa Clara's Allen Graves with the 20th overall pick.
"The analytics love Graves," O'Connor writes. "The Spurs could go so many different directions with this pick. That’s the benefit of having Victor Wembanyama as the centerpiece. With plenty of downhill attacking thanks to their point guard trio, adding another role player to help someday succeed Harrison Barnes could be a wise move. And that’s why Graves would make all the sense in the world."
Graves’ game is built on versatility. Defensively, he stands out for his awareness and effort, using his length to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. He has shown the ability to guard multiple positions, an increasingly valuable trait in today’s NBA. Offensively, he continues to develop, showing floor spacing, smart decision-making, and the willingness to move the ball within the flow of an offense.
All of that stuff would work like a dream for the Spurs.
He averaged 12 points and just over six rebounds per game in his freshman season at Santa Clara. And he did so while shooting 51 percent from the field and an impressive 41 percent from beyond the arc.
And being 6-9 with length, that combination of size and shooting could fit seamlessly with what San Antonio is building.
It has not been confirmed if Graves will be available in this year's draft, as he declared while also maintaining college eligibility. He also entered the transfer portal, which could indicate that is planning to stay at least another year.
But if he decides to keep his name in the draft and try his hand at the NBA after one year with Santa Clara, he could be a potential target for a Spurs team who has one of the best youth movements already in the league.