The San Antonio Spurs have picks 2, 14, and 38 in the upcoming NBA Draft next month. With the already young, dynamic duo of Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox, the Spurs can add to that with picks 2 and 14, barring a trade.
Everybody knows the Dallas Mavericks will presumably select Cooper Flagg first overall. So the draft starts at 2, where the Spurs will have their choice between the two Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey. Assuming he is still available at 14, the pick should be obvious, and they should select the 6’8″ forward from UConn, Liam McNeeley.
Now What Do the Spurs Do at 14?
It’s not a guarantee, but the pick should be Harper, as he can be a nice guard to pair with Fox for the future and keep the young and dominant big three of Wembanyama, Fox, and Harper. After that, McNeeley could be the name.
“After solidifying their backcourt by selecting Harper at No. 2, the Spurs turn their attention to their need for perimeter shooting. San Antonio shot 35.7% from behind the arc in 2024 (20th in the NBA). UConn’s Liam McNeeley is widely considered one of the best shooters in the 2025 NBA Draft, and he could provide an immediate boost in that department.”
After being below average in three-point shooting, the Spurs front office and coaching staff would be salivating over the fact they could select one of the best shooters in the draft.
“McNeeley’s top asset is his shooting. While his overall 3-point percentage was just 32%, he knocked down an impressive 43.1% of his catch-and-shoot attempts. With improved spacing in an NBA system, especially alongside talents like Wembanyama, Castle, Fox, and Harper, his shooting could become a true weapon.”
Who Is Liam McNeeley?
McKneeley, the 6’8, 210-pound forward from Richardson, Texas, will be a hot commodity in the NBA Draft due to his sharpshooting abilities. In his lone season with the UConn Huskies, he averaged 14.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
His shooting stats are a little underwhelming due to some off nights and inconsistencies. However, if you watch a lot of film on him, especially when he is on, he can shoot the ball lights out.
The 2024-2025 All-Big East shot 38.1% from the field and 31.7% from three. “Liam McNeeley is a smart, tough, and unselfish wing whose shooting and basketball IQ make him a strong long-term fit for the Spurs. Though his freshman year at UConn had ups and downs, his size, shot-making, and competitiveness make him an appealing NBA prospect.
In addition to his scoring ability, he can also help you offensively in other ways as an off-ball playmaker, and a solid passer.
Defensively, he is by no means a lockdown defender, but, due to his size and IQ, he definitely can be serviceable. But no matter what team drafts him, they aren’t drafting him for his defense, they are drafting him for his offensive potential.
“McNeeley also brings value as an off-ball playmaker, showing solid passing instincts and an understanding of how to move within an offense. While he’s not a dynamic rim attacker or high-level shot creator, McNeeley plays within his strengths. On defense, he may not be a stopper, but his size, anticipation, and positioning allow him to contribute effectively on that end.”
How Will McNeely Fit With The Spurs?
If selected by the Spurs, the 19-year-old forward will look to be the fourth scoring option behind Fox, Wembanyama, and Harper at best.
At worst, he can be the number one scoring option on the bench unit. He could camp out in the corner and be ready to get the ball in his hands and be ready for the catch-and-shoot.
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Even without the ball in his hands, his shooting threat opens up the court more for Wembanyama to do his thing and attack vertically and do damage in the paint. Also, he helps Fox and Harper’s abilities as a playmaker way easier as they can create good looks for him and each other.
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