Could the San Antonio Spurs be in play for Iowa Hawkeyes’ Keegan Murray?
Is there a new team in the mix for Iowa forward Keegan Murray?
Murray has seen himself mocked to the same usual suspects of teams throughout the 2022 NBA draft process, but with the draft just days away on Thursday, is there now another contender in the mix?
Joining the regular Murray candidates in the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers could be the San Antonio Spurs. Noah Magaro-George of SB Nation’s Pounding the Rock recently took a look at the possibility of the Spurs moving up in the draft for the first-team All-American forward.
The San Antonio Spurs are a little more than one week away from making their sixth lottery selection in franchise history, but there are reports that PATFO are looking to use the 9th, 20th, 25th, and 38th picks to maneuver closer towards the top of the 2022 NBA draft.
Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report and Rafael Barlowe of NBA Big Board are two reputable writers saying the Silver and Black are trying to consolidate picks to avoid bringing four rookies into training camp. And it appears that general manager Brian Wright is focusing on Keegan Murray, according to a Q& A with Matt Babcock of Basketball News. – Magaro-George, Pounding the Rock.
Linked below is that video with Babcock.
The Spurs have been in a weird stage of limbo since having to trade star Kawhi Leonard in 2018. They missed the playoffs in 2019 for the first time since 1996, a stretch that included five NBA championships and an additional NBA Finals appearance. It was the first time Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich missed the playoffs as a full-time head coach.
The Spurs still have not been back to the big dance since then, but they also have not completely bottomed out yet either. This year’s ninth overall pick is the highest in this recent playoff drought. They have not been able to really grab an impact maker to pair with star guard Dejounte Murray where they’ve been drafting. They have multiple picks to package in a trade up the draft board.
The Spurs most likely are not looking for a full-on rebuild, just a solid piece to pair with star Murray and a solid wing in Keldon Johnson. Keegan Murray is a pro-ready prospect whose gritty style of play would be appreciated by Popovich as the Spurs look to make it back to the postseason.
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