Spurs talk to high-profile NBA draft prospects

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After the San Antonio Spurs were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals last week, one would think the team would take a break after a rushed NBA season and a heart-breaking end to the season.

But not according to Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick. Amick says both the Spurs were out at the draft combine making connections for their future.

In yet another sign that the teams at the top never stop working, San Antonio (no first-round picks) and Boston (Nos. 21 and 22) requested combine interviews with numerous high-profile prospects whom they have no chance of drafting. Silly though it may seem, the teams see it as their only chance to connect with a promising player who will be a free agent someday.

Whether this is really a move to talk to some future players or look into trading up for a high pick, the Spurs’ front offices have a proven track record at finding solid talent anywhere in the draft. Though it is highly unlikely any of the top college prospects will fall into the second round (Spurs pick at No. 59), recently San Antonio spoke to Andre Drummond, a player projected to be a high pick.

It’s not hard to see why a younger player wouldn’t want to play with these the Spurs, even though, in a few years, the “Big Three” will probably have made some changes with their supporting role players, or worse yet, have Tim Duncan retire. However, the winning culture of San Antonio would make for the perfect situation for any young player in the draft entering the NBA.

With the NBA Draft still two weeks away, it’ll be interesting to see if the team does make a move to trade up in the draft for a high lottery pick. Last season, the Spurs made a surprising draft move as they traded fan favorite George Hill to the rights for Indiana’s Kawhi Leonard. With such a bold move last season, one can’t think anything is firm with these Spurs trying to keep their title window open as long as possible. 

However, in the end, this is just the Spurs doing their due diligence.

What do you think Spurs fans? If the Spurs make a move to get a higher pick, which college or foreign player should they target?

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Paul is an editor, writer and content manager for ProjectSpurs.com (@ProjectSpurs) and AnalyzingTheLeague.com (@ATLeague_NBA). Paul is also the host of the Spurscast (@TheSpurscast). Paul has been a credentialed media member covering the San Antonio Spurs and NBA since 2011. Paul has been featured on numerous radio, tv, online and podcast shows.