San Antonio Spurs 2005 Draft Preview

All-Stars Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili had great campaigns for the Spurs. Duncan played in 66 contests and led the club in scoring (20.3 ppg) and rebounding (11.1 rpg), while Ginobili contributed 16.0 points, 4.4 boards and 3.9 assists per game. The 29-year-old Duncan has continued to show why he may be the greatest power forward to ever play in the NBA, while Ginobili is finally getting the recognition that he deserves.

Point guard Tony Parker teams with Duncan and Ginobili to give the Spurs a dangerous trio. Parker netted 16.6 points and dished out a team-best 6.1 assists per game. He had another solid showing in the postseason, and definitely deserves to be mentioned in the same sentence with the league’s best lead guards.

Veterans Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen, Robert Horry and Nazr Mohammed play their roles very well, while Beno Udrih, who completed his rookie campaign, is learning San Antonio’s recipe for winning.

The Spurs are built around Duncan. San Antonio may actually try and draft a prospect from high school or a foreigner who plays power forward and is willing to learn from one of the best ever. Duncan, who is still in his prime, would be a great mentor.

San Antonio may also try and select a player who has played four years in college and is more ready for the rigors of the NBA game.

Key Player(s): Brent Barry (Guard), Bruce Bowen (Forward), Tim Duncan (Forward), Manu Ginobili (Guard), Robert Horry (Forward), Nazr Mohammed (Center), Rasho Nesterovic (Center), Tony Parker (Guard), Beno Udrih (Guard).

Team Needs: An outside shooter or a big forward who can learn from watching Duncan.

Draft picks: 1st round (28th overall).