Nov 25, 2013; Maui, HI, USA; Baylor Bears forward Corey Jefferson (34) dunks against Chaminade Silverswords forward Kevin Hu (23) during the first round of the Maui Invitational at the Lahaina Civic Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan McRae and Cory Jefferson: San Antonio Spurs
I think the Spurs just did it again with draft. They stole two guys at the very end of the second round who could have gone early in the second round had the draft been a month earlier. Each player has his weaknesses, but each player can do a variety of things well. That’s why they fit into San Antonio’s system.
For McRae and Jefferson, this is the best possible scenario you could ask for. They’re heading into camp with the defending champs and trying to make the squad. It might take a while before McRae and Jefferson see the court much for the Spurs, but if they’re on the team, they’ll definitely see the floor. That’s how Coach Popovich likes to do business.
McRae is a gunner. He carried Tennessee, offensively, last season. He might be called upon to replace the bench scoring Patty Mills provided, if Mills takes his talents elsewhere in free agency. If not, he’ll play a season in the D-League, waiting in the wings to be called up at the Spurs’ first injury or mass rest game.
As for Jefferson, he reminds me a lot of DeJaun Blair when he was with the Spurs. They have a similar body, athleticism, and can provide the same defense and rebounding Blair used to with the Spurs. I could see Jefferson playing in the D-League for a while, but I could also see Coach Pop going with Jefferson from the beginning of the season, just to test the waters and see if he is a suitable backup for Duncan and Splitter.