Open Thread: Spurs made their way to their 4th NBA Championship after passing on 2006 draft

Welcome to the Open Thread. During the month of July, we are talking NBA Draft. As we lead up to the 2021 NBA Draft on July 29th, we will be revisiting the Spurs draft choices. Today we remember 2006 NBA Draft.

Heading into the 2006-07 season, the Spurs must have been pretty content with their line-up. With Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, Brent Barry, Michael Finley and Robert Horry all returning, the Spurs went with experience by bringing in Jacques Vaughn and sharp-shooting with the addition of Matt Bonner. They retained no draft choices by the end of the draft day and went into the season with what would become the 2007 NBA Championship team.

As mentioned yesterday, the Spurs traded Malik Rose and consecutive first round draft choices to the Knicks for Nazr Mohammed and Jamison Brewer. New York used the 2005 draft to acquire David Lee. In 2006, they chose to draft Mardy Collins at the 29th spot.

Although the Spurs drafted Croatian power forward Damir Markota in the 58th pick during the second round, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for their 2007 second round draft pick. What would become of that pick? Well, you’ll just have to check back tomorrow.

Overall, the 2006 draft had no immediate impact on the Spurs and did not alter their Big 3-led roster as they earned their fourth title in nine seasons.

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