When it comes to building a sustainable NBA dynasty through the draft, few franchises can match the precision, patience, and long-term vision of the San Antonio Spurs Draft Picks. Since the late 1990s, under the steady leadership of head coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford (now CEO), the Spurs have turned draft day into an art form — unearthing hidden gems, developing international talent, and consistently turning mid-to-late picks into All-Stars and championship contributors.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the Spurs’ draft history, their most iconic draft picks, their drafting philosophy, recent selections, and what fans can expect in future drafts. Whether you’re a die-hard Silver & Black supporter or an NBA enthusiast studying franchise-building strategies, this deep dive into Spurs draft picks is packed with insights, stats, and analysis.
The Spurs Draft Philosophy: Culture Over Flash
Unlike teams that chase star power or trade up for flashy prospects, the Spurs prioritize character, coachability, basketball IQ, and fit within their system. They famously value “Spurs DNA” — players who are team-first, disciplined, and willing to grow over time.
This philosophy has led them to:
- Draft international players early and often — Tony Parker (France, 2001), Manu Ginobili (Argentina, 1999), Dejounte Murray (USA but developed overseas briefly), Victor Wembanyama (France, 2023).
- Target undervalued college players — Kawhi Leonard (traded for in 2011 after being drafted 15th by Indiana), Patty Mills (second round, 2009).
- Develop slowly — Rarely do Spurs rookies start immediately; they’re eased into roles, often spending time in the G-League affiliate Austin Spurs.
- Trade strategically — The Spurs have leveraged draft capital to acquire stars (Leonard, George Hill) or move down to accumulate more assets.
Their success isn’t accidental — it’s systemic.
Legendary Spurs Draft Picks That Changed Franchise History
1. Tim Duncan – 1st Overall, 1997
The cornerstone of five championships and arguably the greatest power forward in NBA history. Drafted after the Spurs Draft Picks famously “tanked” the 1996–97 season (earning them the nickname “The Duncan Lottery”), his arrival marked the beginning of two decades of dominance. Duncan’s fundamentals, leadership, and consistency defined the Spurs culture.
Fun Fact: David Robinson was still on the roster when Duncan was drafted — forming the legendary “Twin Towers.”
2. Tony Parker – 28th Overall, 2001
A steal at No. 28. Scouts doubted his size and athleticism, but Popovich saw his speed, court vision, and killer instinct. Parker became a 6x All-Star, Finals MVP (2007), and the engine of the Spurs’ fast-paced offense during their peak years.
3. Manu Ginobili – 57th Overall, 1999
Perhaps the greatest second-round pick in NBA history. The Argentinian maestro brought flair, creativity, and clutch gene to San Antonio. His Euro-step revolutionized perimeter play, and he was instrumental in all four titles from 2003–2014.
Ginobili didn’t join the Spurs until 2002 — a testament to their patience.
4. Kawhi Leonard – Acquired via Trade (Drafted 15th by Indiana, 2011)
Though not originally drafted by the Spurs, the trade that sent George Hill to Indiana for the rights to Leonard is one of the most consequential draft-related moves in NBA history. Leonard blossomed into a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and 2014 Finals MVP before his controversial departure in 2018.
5. Victor Wembanyama – 1st Overall, 2023
The generational unicorn. At 7’4” with guard skills, shot-blocking instincts, and perimeter shooting, Wemby represents the future of the franchise. His rookie season (2023–24) exceeded even lofty expectations — averaging 21.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 3.6 BPG while finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting (due to injury games played).
Wembanyama is already drawing comparisons to prime Kevin Durant meets Rudy Gobert — a terrifying combo for opponents.
Recent Spurs Draft Picks (2020–2024)
The post-Duncan/Popovich transition era has seen the Spurs rebuild around youth and versatility. Here’s a snapshot of their recent draft haul:
2024 Draft:
- Stephon Castle – 4th Overall (UConn Guard)
- Known for elite defense, maturity, and playmaking. Seen as the perfect backcourt partner for Wembanyama. Castle’s length, IQ, and two-way potential make him a foundational piece.
2023 Draft:
- Victor Wembanyama – 1st Overall (Metropolitans 92, France)
- As mentioned, a franchise-altering pick. Already an All-Star and DPOY candidate in Year 1.
- Sidy Cissoko – 44th Overall (NBA Academy Africa)
- Raw but athletic wing with upside. Spent much of his rookie year in the G-League developing.
2022 Draft:
- Jeremy Sochan – 9th Overall (Baylor)
- Versatile forward with defensive chops. Named to All-Rookie Second Team. Still developing his jump shot but a key rotation player.
- Blake Wesley – 25th Overall (Notre Dame)
- Aggressive scoring guard. Missed significant time due to injury but showed flashes of being a microwave scorer off the bench.
2021 Draft:
- Joshua Primo – 12th Overall (Alabama) — Traded in 2023
- Youngest player in the 2021 draft. Showed promise before off-court issues led to his release.
- Joe Wieskamp – 41st Overall (Iowa) — Waived in 2022
- Sharpshooter who didn’t pan out in limited minutes.
2020 Draft:
- Devin Vassell – 11th Overall (Florida State)
- Emerged as a starting-caliber 3&D wing. Signed a lucrative extension in 2023. Reliable shooter and improving defender.
- Tre Jones – 41st Overall (Duke)
- Undersized but ultra-smart point guard. Became starting PG in 2022–23. Elite assist-to-turnover ratio and floor general.
What Makes the Spurs So Good at Drafting?
1. International Scouting Network
The Spurs were pioneers in global scouting. Their relationships with European clubs, academies, and agents give them first access to talent like Wembanyama, Parker, and Ginobili long before other teams notice.
2. Emphasis on Development
The Austin Spurs (G-League) serve as a true developmental pipeline. Players aren’t rushed — they’re molded. Think Keldon Johnson, who went from raw athlete to All-Star level two-way wing.
3. Analytics + Eye Test Balance
While they use data, the Spurs don’t rely solely on metrics. They watch endless film, interview players extensively, and prioritize intangibles — work ethic, coachability, humility.
4. Patience Pays Off
They’re willing to wait 2–3 years for a player to blossom. Look at Dejounte Murray — drafted 29th in 2016, didn’t start until Year 3, then became an All-Star.
Looking Ahead: The Spurs’ Draft Strategy in the Wembanyama Era
With Victor Wembanyama as the centerpiece, the Spurs’ draft strategy is evolving:
✅ Prioritize playmakers and shooters — Surround Wemby with guards who can space the floor and create for others (see: Stephon Castle).
✅ Defensive versatility — Wemby protects the rim; they need wings and guards who can switch and guard multiple positions.
✅ Culture carriers — Even with a superstar, the Spurs won’t sacrifice locker room chemistry. Expect high-character guys to get the nod over higher-ceiling “risks.”
✅ Asset accumulation — The Spurs hold multiple future first-round picks (via trades with Chicago, Atlanta). Don’t be surprised if they package picks to move up for a surefire star or trade down to add more young talent.
Biggest Draft Steals in Spurs History
Beyond the Hall of Famers, here are underrated gems:
- Danny Green (46th in 2009) — Became a 3&D champion role player.
- Patty Mills (55th in 2009) — Fan favorite, Olympic gold medalist, key Sixth Man during 2014 title run.
- Dejounte Murray (29th in 2016) — Developed into an All-Star before being traded for more assets.
- Jakob Poeltl (Acquired via trade but originally 9th pick in 2016) — Starting center, elite screen-setter and rim-runner.
Biggest Draft “Misses” or Regrets
No team is perfect. Some picks didn’t pan out:
- Lonnie Walker IV (18th in 2018) — Talented scorer but inconsistent. Left in free agency without maximizing value.
- Luka Šamanić (19th in 2019) — Hyped European big man who never found his footing. Waived in 2022.
- Chimezie Metu (49th in 2018) — Solid rotation player elsewhere but didn’t stick in SA’s system.
Even misses, however, are often flipped for value — Metu was part of the deal that landed Jones and draft capital.
Conclusion: The Draft Is the Lifeblood of the Spurs
From Duncan to Wembanyama, the draft has been the engine of the Spurs’ success. While many teams chase quick fixes or max-contract stars, San Antonio continues to build methodically — one smart pick, one patient development cycle at a time.
As they enter a new golden era with Wembanyama leading the charge, expect the Spurs to keep doing what they do best: finding diamonds in the rough, betting on character, and letting culture cultivate greatness.
Whether you’re analyzing their next draft board or simply marveling at how they turned the 57th pick into a Hall of Famer, one thing is clear — in the NBA Draft, trust the Spurs process.
