Final NBA mock draft: Spurs could go big with top pick

Thursday stands to be one of the busiest NBA draft nights in Spurs history. The team has a franchise-record three picks in the first round, having acquired one apiece from Toronto and Boston in trades near the February trade deadline.

With picks No. 9, 20 and 25 — barring a trade — it marks a substantial chance to restock the cupboard in the midst of a multiseason rebuilding effort. Like any team that has missed the playoffs for multiple seasons in a row, the Spurs’ overriding goal is to add as much top-shelf young talent as possible.

The first of those selections will mark the Spurs’ first top-10 choice since Tim Duncan went first overall in 1997.

Here is a guess at how Thursday’s proceedings might shake out for the Spurs and all the other teams selecting the first round:

Jabari Smith, Auburn, 6-10, PF/SF

The distance between the presumed top pick and the two players likely to follow is slim, and the betting odds of Smith going first have narrowed considerably. But that has not kept Smith from looking like a safe bet to be the Magic’s choice with the first pick.

Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga, 7-1, C/PF

Though there have been rumors of the Thunder weighing their options even now, there seems little reason to believe they have cooled on Holmgren.

Paolo Banchero, Duke, 6-10, PF

The Rockets were thrilled to have landed the third pick in the lottery — or more precisely, to have not fallen out of the top three. Their examinations since have made them more confident Banchero is the reward for their lottery luck.

Jaden Ivey, Purdue, 6-4, SG

Ivey looks like a smart choice with the fourth pick but is not a great fit for the Kings’ needs or impatience to escape the lottery treadmill. Ivey, who said going to Sacramento “wouldn’t be the worst option,” still could go fourth but might end up with another team.

Keegan Murray, Iowa, 6-8, PF/SF

The Pistons agreed Wednesday to trade forward Jerami Grant to Portland, and Murray would be an obvious choice to replace him — unless Ivey somehow slips one spot. The choice likely is between Murray and Bennedict Mathurin.

Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona, 6-5, SF/SG

Mathurin seemed to help himself in the predraft process, which was not easy to do considering he did not have far to climb. The Pacers could go with one of the project guards but have tended toward more established prospects.

Shaedon Sharpe, Kentucky, 6-6, SG

The Blazers long have been said to be open for business. Sharpe’s potential could be what they need to land a deal for a veteran player, especially if teams agree with Sharpe’s vision of himself as “one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.”

Dyson Daniels, G League Ignite, 6-6, SG

Daniels is another young prospect whose stock is on the rise. The Pelicans have young players ready to step into larger roles and could give Daniels time to develop.

Jalen Duren, Memphis, 6-10, C

The Spurs could pull another surprise, as they did last season with Josh Primo. Ousmane Dieng would offer similar upside and seems to be on the rise. Jeremy Sochan also could be their style. But Jalen Duren is a good and young positional fit.

The Spurs have been taking perimeter players in previous drafts and could view Duren as a center to develop, having shown they will not shy away from especially young prospects.

Johnny Davis, Wisconsin, 6-4, SG

The Wizards could be especially active in trade talks, but looks like a good bet if the Wizards stay put.

A.J. Griffin, Duke, 6-6, SF/SG

If Duren is off the board, the Knicks could grab Duke’s Mark Williams, but Griffin would be a good value selection who could go in the top 10.

Ousmane Dieng, NZ Breakers, 6-10, SF

The buzz about Dieng has been increasing in the weeks before the draft, and he could be a target for teams willing to give him time. If ever a prospect seemed to be the Thunder’s type, it would be Dieng.

Jeremy Sochan, Baylor, 6-8, PF

The Hornets are most likely to grab either Duren or Williams, depending on who is still on the board. But since the Cavaliers likely will not take either, the Hornets can pick up Sochan, who would be a fine addition running with LaMelo Ball and still get Williams with the 15th pick.

Ochai Agbaji, Kansas, 6-5, SG/SF

The Cavaliers could be tempted to keep Malachi Branham and his shooting touch in state, but Agbaji brings a bit more size and a similar shot, making him perhaps more of a ready-made 3-and-D option.

Mark Williams, Duke, 7-0, C

The Hornets could move one of their first-round picks, but whether they pick twice in the middle of the first round or not, they seem likely to draft one of the top center prospects when they get the chance.

Tari Eason, LSU, 6-7, PF

The Hawks are another team in the middle of the first round that could make moves. They have a history of drafting versatile, athletic wings. Eason inspires mixed reviews and even varied projections about his position but could be their type.

Jalen Williams, Santa Clara, 6-5, SF/SG

The Rockets will try to move up again. Last season, they successfully moved into the mid-first round by dealing a pair of picks. They also were high on Troy Murphy in the range where they hold a pick this season, and Williams could offer similar potential strengths.

Malaki Branham, Ohio State, 6-4, SG

The Bulls could go a variety of ways. They could even choose between Ohio State players. Branham’s shooting should fit in well.

TyTy Washington, Kentucky, 6-3, PG

The Timberwolves could look for a guard to develop to better match Anthony Edwards’ timetable. Washington’s versatility on or off the ball makes him seem like the type of guard who appeals to Timberwolves president Tim Connelly .

Jaden Hardy, G League Ignite, 6-4, SG

One of the top recruits in his high school class, Hardy opted to play last season in the G League instead of college. It was an up-and-down year, but he 19-year-old Hardy remains one of the top shot creators in this year’s draft field. The Spurs can afford to wait on him to develop.

Dalen Terry, Arizona, 6-7, SG

Terry is a bit more of a project than recent Nuggets picks, but he has the kind of versatility and length that fits with their style.

Bryce McGowens, Nebraska, 6-5, SG/SF

The Grizzlies have been very successful with more experienced prospects who fit well in roles. That does not describe McGowens, but he could quickly develop to add depth in the backcourt.

E.J. Liddell, Ohio State, 6-6, PF

The Sixers could be dealing the pick. Daryl Morey usually does. But back when he drafted players, he often chose undersized power forwards and tended toward more established prospects. Liddell is both.

Walker Kessler, Auburn, 7-0, C

The Bucks like to mix in the sort of drop coverages in which Kessler excels, giving him a chance to contribute quickly off the bench for a win-now contender.

Nikola Jovic, Mega Mozzart (Serbia), 6-10, SF/PF

Though well-stocked with young wings, the Spurs don’t have one who measures almost 7 feet tall. The 19-year-old Jovic is still green but has a guard-like skill set uncommon for players of his size. He ran the point for his Serbian team last season.

MarJon Beauchamp, G League Ignite, 6-5, SG

The Rockets sounded as if they would prefer to package picks to move up or could even move out of the late first round to get a future pick. If they are choosing with Dallas’ pick, one of the Ignite players, Beauchamp or Hardy, could offer upside, with Beauchamp seeming a safer bet.

Blake Wesley, Notre Dame, 6-5, SG

Wesley’s stock seems to be on the rise. With three first-round picks and an early second, the Heat could be making moves but could be drawn to Wesley’s upside.

Jake LaRavia, Wake Forest, 6-8, PF

With young players ready to push for more playing time, the Warriors could move off the pick. If not, LaRavia moves well without the ball and has the shooting touch to fit in with the way the Warriors play.

Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee, 6-0, PG

The Grizzlies could be drawn to another shot creator, especially if there are concerns about Tyus Jones moving on. Chandler’s explosive quickness and defensive tenacity fits in Memphis.

Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga, 6-4, PG

Nembhard’s stock improved with a strong showing in the Chicago combine and since. He could help solidify the Denver second-unit backcourt.

jonathan.feigen@chron.com

Twitter: @jonathan_feigen