With a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs are in a crucial position as they continue to develop their youthful core. The renowned Gregg Popovich was in charge of their draft choices for several years.
However, now that Popovich is totally focused on coaching, a new person will probably take the lead in determining the Spurs’ future through the draft.
Gregg Popovich’s Illustrious Draft Legacy
Popovich had incredible success in the NBA Draft during his time with the Spurs. His talent-spotting and risk-taking prowess led to the acquisition of multiple game-changing players who served as the foundation of their dynasty.
Popovich’s drafting prowess was apparent right away. The groundwork for future success was established in 1987 when David Robinson was selected with the first overall pick. Tim Duncan, a generational player who anchored the Spurs for two decades and guided them to numerous titles, was then expertly drafted in 1997.
BREAKING: Gregg Popovich will no longer be Head Coach of the San Antonio Spurs and is transitioning full-time to Team President, sources told ESPN. The iconic Popovich is a Basketball Hall of Famer, the NBA’s all-time winningest coach, and led the Spurs to five championships. pic.twitter.com/mbtUtpgA4V
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 2, 2025
Popovich’s draft success wasn’t confined to lottery picks. He routinely found diamonds in later rounds, players who evolved into major contributors. Manu Ginobili, selected in the late second round, is among the most significant international players in NBA history. A late first-round pick, Tony Parker became the Finals MVP and six-time All-Star.
Furthermore, Popovich was key in identifying and getting Kawhi Leonard, albeit officially picked by Indiana, through a draft-day deal in 2011. Leonard became a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP under Popovich’s supervision, displaying the coach’s ability to recognize and develop great potential.
His past selections demonstrate his grasp of player potential and system fit for the Spurs.
Brian Wright Stepping Into the Draft Spotlight
Although Popovich continues to significantly impact the Spurs, general manager Brian Wright is anticipated to bear the majority of the team’s 2025 draft selection. Wright has accumulated experience in the Spurs organization and has been instrumental in their recent player signings and draft plans.
Wright is the logical successor to manage the selection process because of his proficiency in player evaluation, knowledge of the current NBA scene, and familiarity with the Spurs’ organizational philosophy.
As a result of his tight collaboration with Popovich and the scouting staff, he has assimilated the guiding principles of the Spurs’ successful drafting history.
Wright will likely be the principal architect of the Spurs’ 2025 draft plan and the one to eventually recommend the selection to ownership. However, the final decision will likely be a team effort that includes input from the scouting team and possibly Popovich himself.
The Spurs have been praised for their methodical and cooperative approach to talent evaluation and scouting for many years. The general manager is not the only member of this deeply embedded organizational concept; a committed group of scouts actively monitor prospects worldwide.
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These scouts spent endless hours watching game footage, attending national and international competitions, and thoroughly investigating the backgrounds of possible draft picks. Their varied viewpoints and combined experience are the cornerstone of the Spurs’ draft strategy.
As Wright negotiates the intricacies of the 2025 NBA Draft, he will mostly rely on their opinions and observations. Thanks to this team-oriented approach, the ultimate choice will be well-informed, represent a consensus on the greatest available talent, and be appropriate for the Spurs’ future.
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