The San Antonio Spurs are set to add two more lottery talents to their emerging young core during the 2025 NBA Draft. While Rutgers guard Dylan Harper appears to be a near lock to be selected at No. 2, the franchise’s top option at No. 14 remains up for debate.
PFSN’s Keenan Warner predicts the Spurs will bet on one of the draft’s fastest risers, a 6’6″ wing with an eye-popping wingspan.
Although San Antonio holds multiple lottery picks, the Victor Wembanyama-led squad appears to be on the verge of playoff contention. Even after facing several injury setbacks over the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, the team finished with a 13-win improvement (34-48). With Wembanyama and star point guard De’Aaron Fox potentially at full health, a similar jump could occur again next season.
The Spurs are loaded in the backcourt with Fox, 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and likely Harper in the fold. As such, wing and forward depth could be their top priority at No. 14 as they seek to round out their roster around Wembanyama’s dominant interior presence.
Why Cedric Coward is the Spurs’ Projected Pick at No. 14
In PFSN’s latest mock draft, Warner forecasted San Antonio to select Washington State senior wing Cedric Coward at No. 14. Initially a Division III player, Coward’s length and potential as a three-level scoring prospect with passing and defensive upside have led to him skyrocketing up draft boards. The 21-year-old is now widely pegged as a first-rounder with a chance at climbing into the lottery.
According to Warner, Coward’s in-demand skill set and tantalizing 7-foot-2¼ wingspan could make him a valuable rotation piece for San Antonio.
Footage of Duke-commit Cedric Coward at the NBA draft combine. 6’6 1/2 wing shot the ball well in drills (made 72% of his aggregate jumpers) and measured a 7’2 wingspan. Sounding increasingly unlikely he’ll step foot on campus in Durham. pic.twitter.com/rSkaylz5vE
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 15, 2025
“Coward’s stock has risen more than anyone’s during the pre-draft process due to what he possesses,” Warner wrote. “He is a 6’6″ athlete with long arms, a good shooting touch and a defensive engine. Coward is not explosive, but he is smart and plays at a good pace. The Washington State [guard/forward] fits today’s NBA style, and he should be a solid contributor at the next level.”
However, concerns surround Coward, largely stemming from his inexperience against high-level competition. After transferring to Washington State, he suffered a partially torn shoulder labrum, which cut his senior season short after just six games. The late bloomer may also need to improve his strength and shot creation to become a high-impact player at the next level.
Across six outings at Washington State, Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 1.7 blocks and 2.0 3-pointers per game. He did so on standout 55.7/40.0/83.9 shooting splits.
Coward’s NBA Comparisons and Fit With Spurs
With his impressive measurements and sought-after 3-and-D repertoire, combined with his lack of experience, Coward has drawn a vast array of NBA comparisons. These range from role-playing forwards like Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarace Walker to Kawhi Leonard, one of the league’s premier two-way superstars.
Coward’s ability to provide shooting and defense on the wing alongside Wembanyama, Fox, Castle and likely Harper could make him a worthwhile selection for San Antonio.
If the all-around upside he showcased during his brief senior campaign translates to the NBA, he could also blossom into another star for the upstart squad.