To the dismay of many bewildered fans, the San Antonio Spurs unexpectedly selected projected second-rounder and little-known Croatian teenager Luka Samanic with the 19th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Not only was the announcement immediately met with disapproval over social media, but considering more polished prospects like Matisse Thybulle and Brandon Clarke remained on the board, many — myself included — had a difficult time applauding the decision.
PATFO have made a career of identifying unheralded talent and molding them into productive NBA players, and in the case of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, Hall of Famers, but even for a big man with guards skills, something about reaching so far so early for Samanic felt like a mistake.