2018 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks go big with Mo Bamba
18. player. 29. . C. Chalmette High School. Mitchell Robinson
Remember the summer of 2017, when we were all so excited about the potential of the Spurs re-signing Dewayne Dedmon after he over-performed on a 1-year deal during the 2016-17 season? It seemed as if San Antonio was responding to the new NBA environment that requires mobile big men and rim protection from the frontcourt. Instead, the Spurs passed on Dedmon and gave Pau Gasol $16 million. In this year’s draft, the Spurs can begin reversing the effects of that decision by investing in Robinson.
Though he skipped his token college season this year and focused on training for the draft, the Spurs are one team who can afford to trust their own player development system to overcome such concerns. Not only would Robinson likely develop better defensive instincts and team offense better in San Antonio than other NBA cities, he would likewise give the Spurs something they can’t find elsewhere. Robinson brings the defensive potential and finishing other teams will reach for Robert Williams or Mo Bamba trying to find, about 6-10 spots later.
No matter what happens with Kawhi Leonard this summer, the Spurs need to address the lack of athleticism and young upside players on their roster. Drafting Robinson would be a step in the right direction.