Spurs Bolster Offense in Recent NBA Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonah Kubicek | Last updated Nov 28, 2024 9:04 AM ET

The San Antonio Spurs will have at least two picks in the loaded 2025 NBA Draft, and there is a chance that the Chicago Bulls (protected top 10) and Charlotte Hornets (protected top 14) will have to send their picks to the Spurs, as well.

The 2025 draft class is one of the deepest in recent years, so the Spurs are expected to hold onto any players they manage to select with the hopes that they can be added to the young core. A recent mock draft published by USA Today has the Spurs land two premier talents: Nolan Traore 10th overall and Liam McNeeley 11th overall.

McNeeley is coming from UConn, although he did not play next to Stephon Castle. Still, Dan Hurley's system has been praised for building NBA-level talents, so the fit is apparent. Traore is an athletic, quick, and reliable point guard who is playing in the French League. He and Castle would be an oversized, powerful, versatile backcourt for the Spurs moving forward.

McNeeley is considered to be one of the very best shooters in the draft. He would certainly play off-ball for the Spurs, and once he catches a pass he would either shoot immediately or hit the open man down low, as he is an adept passer who doesn't need much time to make a play.

On the other hand, Traore plays on the ball a lot more, and is an excellent passer, especially in the open court. He is prone to driving a bit too much, but under NBA coaching that should be fixed rather quickly.

Between Castle, Jeremy Sochan, and Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs already have an excellent defensive young core. Both Traore and McNeeley are adept defenders, but they would primarily offer an offensive boost.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: