2018 NBA Mock Draft: If need were all that mattered

Throughout the season, my intention with the Spurs’ pick had been to give the team as much scoring and two-way upside as I could find in a single player this far into the draft. For the most part, I had landed on Keita Bates-Diop as the player who could be a match in those two areas. But what about Huerter?

The book on Huerter has been expanded into a downright anthology since his explosion onto the draft scene at May’s combine in Chicago. The sophomore shot nearly 40 percent on a ton of attempts over two seasons at Maryland, and combines that shot-making with a smooth feel for the game and some playmaking upside. With Melo Trimble finished and Justin Jackson injured for Maryland this year, Hurter suddenly found himself in position to run the offense. It drastically helped his draft stock.

The Spurs are known for turning dismal shooters into good ones, but some of their best role player success stories have come by turning good shooters into offensive focal points. Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard won the 2014 Finals for San Antonio, but they were helped in large part by the shooting onslaught from Gary Neal and Danny Green. Neither of those guys are the passers Huerter projects to be.

In fact, even the development of Leonard into an MVP candidate is often attributed in some part to Chip Engelland, the Spurs’ incredible shot doctor. There’s always improvement to be made by good offensive players like Huerter.

The work will have to happen on defense, but considering San Antonio’s track record, one has to assume they could make it work.