Last week, Project Spurs took a look back at some former players to wear the Spurs uniform. This week, Project Spurs will take a look back at the Spurs draft history.
The Spurs had their hits and misses in the NBA draft but if you take a look at their draft history, one might find some surprising draft picks.
2003 NBA Draft, Leandro Barbosa. The Spurs drafted Barbosa with the 28th pick in the first round. He was then traded to the Suns where he had much success winning the 2006-2007 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award.
2002 NBA Draft, John Salmons. The Spurs drafted Salmons with the 26th pick in the first round. He was soon traded to the Sixers for Speedy Claxton. He had a slow start to his NBA career but came on late with the Kings and now helping the Bulls especially in their series against the Celtics this past playoffs.
2002 NBA Draft, Luis Scola. The Spurs drafted Scola in the 2nd round with the 55th pick. After years of negotiation for a buyout of Scola’s contract, things eventually broke down and he was traded to the Rockets for Vassilis Spanoulis and a 2009 2nd round pick which turned into Nando DeColo. Of all the past draft picks, seeing him traded to an inter-conference rival hurt the most.
1992 NBA Draft, Tracy Murray. The Spurs drafted Murray with the 18th pick in the first round. He was soon traded to the Bucks who then traded him to the Blazers. He ended up a journey man and his best years were when he played with the Wizards.
1986 NBA Draft, Kevin Duckworth. The Spurs drafted Duckworth in the 2nd round. He was traded to the Blazers for Walter Berry. He helped the Blazers make a run to the NBA Finals against the Pistons.
1984 NBA Draft, Tyrone Corbin. The Spurs drafted Corbin in the 2nd round. He was waived by the Spurs in 1987 and had most success playing with the Wolves. He had a very productive career.
1983 NBA Draft, John Paxson. The Spurs drafted Paxson with the 19th pick in the first round. He was signed by the Bull as a free agent in 1985. Paxson went on to be a key to the Bulls championship run in the 90’s.
1975 ABA Draft, Robert Parish. Yes the Spurs did draft “The Chief” before his signing with the Warriors. He went on to play with the Boston Celtics helping them win 3 titles and was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.
Surprising huh? To see other draft picks by the Spurs click here. Leave your comments on other past draft picks by the Spurs.
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