Fansided

Re-drafting the 2015 NBA Draft

By John Buhler

Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 95-78. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 95-78. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (right) and general manager R. C. Buford (left) during a news conference where he was named the NBA Coach of the Year at Spurs Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (right) and general manager R. C. Buford (left) during a news conference where he was named the NBA Coach of the Year at Spurs Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

29. . Center. Partizan Belgrade (Serbia), Serbia. Nikola Milutinov. 26. player

It should be an unwritten rule, but don’t question any of the draft moves the San Antonio Spurs make. With that, there isn’t any reason to criticize the Spurs going with the Serbian big man Nikola Milutinov with the No. 26 overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft.

Milutinov was the only first round pick in the 2015 NBA Draft that has yet to appear in an NBA game. Eventually, he will make it over stateside and will probably be ready to contribute in Gregg Popovich’s deep bench rotation.

With Tim Duncan’s career coming to a close either now or within the year, as well as Tiago Splitter now a member of the Hawks, it was the right call for the Spurs to look for depth in the front court with their 26th overall pick in last summer’s NBA Draft.

Even though the 7’3″ Serbian sensation that is Boban Marjanovic turned heads in 2015-16, in the Western Conference a team can never have too many big men. Maybe Milutinov will play for the Spurs in the next few years and be an important piece for them going forward?

Regardless, it’s never wise to criticize the basketball culture in San Antonio because frankly Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford are simply smarter at what they do than anybody else in the NBA. The Milutinov pick is rightfully justified in this 2015 NBA re-draft.

Next: 27. Los Angeles Lakers

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