When the Spurs failed to make the postseason I immediately contemplated what that could mean for the franchise that’s made a living out of late first-round drafts for years.
As it is they are rumored to be vying to trade down but with a player of Alperen Sengun’s ilk on the board it feels meant to be.
Gregg Popovich is best known for his special relationship with Tim Duncan, but consider all the international players who thrived in the two decades of Spurs dominance.
At just 18-years of age, Sengun feasted in the Turkish league and showcases the type of game that could end up developing into a superstar level. While I’m hopeful Sam Presti will find a way to get his hands on the Turkish youngster I won’t be disappointed if he ends up under the tutelage of Pops.
Critics point to his lack of athleticism and slow movement on defense but that’s the same thing they said about Luka who similarly feasted in Europe. His court vision and instincts are well above average and as is typical for international bigs his fundamental skills are well developed.