NBA mock draft 5.0: San Antonio packages picks for a six-time All-Star!

Victor Wembanyama was as great as advertised in his rookie season, and appears to have the type of transcendent talent that can define an era in the NBA. The San Antonio Spurs likely realize how special he is, and may not want to waste any time trying to assemble a stronger roster around Wembanyama.

Thanks to the Jakob Poeltl trade, San Antonio has the fourth and eighth overall pick. The Spurs would trade both of these picks, plus a package including Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones, Jeremy Sochan and Devonte Graham to the Miami Heat, in exchange for Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jovic.

The Spurs could organically try to improve their roster over the next few seasons, but taking advantage of Wembanyama’s immediate impact and his affordable contract should be in play for San Antonio. Meanwhile, the Heat get a chance to restock their team with young players and prime draft picks, as Bleacher Report and others speculate Butler may soon be leaving Miami.

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HoopsHype pointed out that Salaun was named the best young player of the Basketball Champions League as an 18-year-old. While his impact comes and goes, an NBA team would hope to bring consistency out of the French prospect. He has shown an ability to knock down catch and shoot threes with ease at 6’9”.

NBC Sports Philadelphia has accentuated the positive features of Edey’s game, calling him a serious scoring threat in the post. The question remains just how often he’ll be afforded chances to score in the paint in the NBA. The Kings have tried to find an answer at center, and might look long and hard at Edey at the back of the lottery.

Knecht may not have the potential that some of his 2024 classmates have, but he figures to have a relatively high floor. That might be just the type of player the Thunder are looking for, as they look to advance deeper into the Western Conference playoffs in 2025. Knecht might be a much cheaper version of what Gordon Hayward was supposed to provide this spring.

The Bulls’ backcourt would seem to be a bit crowded with the likes of Coby White, Zach LaVine and Lonzo Ball. However, with the injury questions Ball and LaVine have, and the consistent speculation that LaVine may be dealt, Chicago might want to take a long look at Castle. His immediate impact could come on the defensive end, according to CBS Sports.

Sheppard’s ability to handle the ball or play off the ball could make him an attractive target for the Jazz. It depends on what Utah has in mind for Keyonte George and his primary ballhandling duties, but Sheppard should help space the floor regardless of who he plays with. HoopsHype believes that he profiles as a solid guard who might have a long career.

Many mock drafts have Topic going much higher than nine, but this iteration has the Grizzlies ending up with the talented passer. Bleacher Report’s analysis stated that Topic will never hold the ball longer than he should. He could be part of a revamped bench unit in Memphis that would benefit from a facilitator like Topic.

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This would be the latter of the two picks Miami would receive in the proposed blockbuster Jimmy Butler trade. Williams’ skill set has been discussed as raw, but he feels like the type of player who can be molded into a useful player with the Heat. His versatility is something that NBA scouts have been impressed with.

The Trail Blazers need a lot of help on the wings, and Holland could be a great add for them. HoopsHype wrote about Holland’s belief that his energy is superior to most of his opponents. That could be a useful attribute, as his activity could help keep the ball in Scoot Henderson’s and Anfernee Simons’ hands.

It’s anyone’s guess as to what Charlotte might be thinking about with the sixth pick. They could opt to draft a point guard as insurance for LaMelo Ball, but it would be enticing for them to select Walter here. Sports Illustrated believes he’s one of the top shooters in the draft, and the Hornets could have a potent offensive lineup with Ball, Walter and Brandon Miller.

It wouldn’t totally be surprising to see Detroit package the fifth overall pick and some players for a veteran, much like we projected with San Antonio here. If they do decide to keep the pick, the Pistons would likely look to grab a swingman like Buzelis. Bleacher Report believes that his ceiling is more of a role player, but Detroit could use forwards who fit in rather than stand out.

This is the higher of the two selection Miami would receive in a potential Jimmy Butler trade with the Spurs. The Heat did bring Terry Rozier in at the trade deadline, but that shouldn’t stop them from trying to develop a high caliber prospect like Dillingham. CBS Sports believes that his height measurements at the combine may hurt his stock, but his talent is hard to ignore.

The Rockets seem to be loaded for bare up and down their roster, especially when it comes to young talent. However, it might be wise for Houston to select a reserve big man at the top of the draft, especially if Steven Adams isn’t able to stay healthy. Clingan’s winning pedigree at UConn could help the Rockets continue their ascension up the Western Conference standings.

Bleacher Report and others believe that the Wizards would be best served trading Kyle Kuzma away to a contender. His departure would leave a massive void in terms of offensive usage, which a player like Risacher could help fill. HoopsHype wrote about the potential of Risacher playing with fellow Frenchman Bilal Coulibaly in Washington.

Sarr’s defensive potential has been touted by CBS Sports and other outlets, which has been a need for Atlanta in recent seasons. While he would seem to fit the same type of role Clint Capela currently occupies with the Hawks, Sarr figures to have the upside to be more proficient at it right away.

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