2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
May 29, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs mascot performs against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game five of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
30. San Antonio Spurs — Walter Tavares. C. Gran Canaria – International
H: 7′ 3″ W: 265 lbs DOB: 03/22/1992
2013-14 ACB (35 GP) 6.0 PPG 6.8 RPG 0.3 APG 18.9 PER
As you can tell from previous draft, the San Antonio Spurs really enjoy drafting foreign born players. People say that is by design, but it has as much to do with who they think are the best prospects left when they are picking. Basically, at least historically, the Spurs just so happen to have a lot of international players graded higher than the domestic ones.
Tavares is definitely a project. Another draft and stash player. I mean, even if he wasn’t that would be what the Spurs would do anyway. What he does lack in fundamentals is the fact that he is a gosh slam beast. The molders of men don’t often sculp a 7’3″ 265-pound man-beast.
As you go through the draft, especially from San Antonio, you will notice a lot of teams taking flyers on these types of prospects. Some of that is due to the cap, but a lot of it will be because teams will attempt to copy San Antonio’s blueprint for success. — Joe