Cards in the Draft: Ray Spalding to Work Out with the Utah Jazz

Coming off a great combine performance, former Louisville basketball star Ray Spalding is becoming a hot name in the middle of the second round. Could the team of a former Cardinal teammate be targeting Spalding in the second round?

After initially being skipped over for the 2018 NBA Draft Combine, former Louisville star forward Ray Spalding, got a late invitation after several players pulled out. While you ideally would like to be on the original “guest list” to any party, Spalding showed up ready to prove any doubters wrong who said that declaring for 2018 NBA Draft was a mistake.

When it comes to the draft prospects of Ray Spalding, the NBA experts have all been in agreement that he is likely a late second round pick to priority undrafted free agent, who could make one of the 30 rosters due to his athleticism, length, and potential to grow. It was those same traits, along with a nice performance in the 5 on 5 games, that left Spalding as one of the “winners” of the combine that took place last week in Chicago.

Spalding’s measurements were impressive, like many expected, but it was his relentless effort, domination on the glass, and ability to block shots during the 5-on-5 games, that firmly planted his name in the top 60 prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Ray Spalding’s Combine Measurements:

Height w/o shoes: 6’9

Height w/ shoes: 6’10.25

Weight: 215.4 

Standing Reach: 9’1

Wingspan: 7’4.25″

Now as prospects like Spalding, begin to travel across the country working out for teams all leading up to the draft later this month, we will get a better understanding of who may be targeting who.

Before the combine, Spalding had only worked out for the Washington Wizards (at least that we know of), with visits/workouts scheduled with the Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers for later this month.

We now know another team that has called on Spalding to join a larger workout. That team just so happens to be the team who was led to an improbable playoff run by a former Cardinal, Donovan Mitchell. That is of course, the Utah Jazz.

The Jazz also are bringing in former Duke guard Grayson Allen, who if you remember, got his tripping antics started back in 2016 when he stuck his foot out a little too far and got Spalding. We all know about the other incidents that would follow. Spalding will likely be matched up against San Diego State forward Malik Pope, who a few years ago was a guy being talked about as a potential lottery pick.

The potential of the Jazz drafting Spalding, and pairing him on the same team with Donovan Mitchell got the Louisville fan base riled up.

Expect more and more teams to invite Spalding in over the coming weeks as they leave no stones unturned while trying to find talent in the second round. While most NBA mock drafts are projecting Spalding in the 45-60 range, don’t be surprised if he finds his way up into the top 10 picks of the second round (31-41). ESPN recently mocked Spalding to the San Antonio Spurs at the 49th pick.

If Spalding is able to add muscle to his already large frame, while also developing his offensive game and touch around the rim, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him be one of the steals of the 2018 NBA Draft.

As the phasing out of traditional big men continues at a rapid rate in the NBA, players like Spalding, who possess length, athleticism, versatility, skill around the rim, and the ability to guard smaller players on pick and rolls, will be highly coveted.

Spalding exploded for a career season during his junior year at Louisville. Even with the issues surrounding the program and Interim Head Coach David Padgett, Spalding developed into a go-to post scorer for the Cards, averaging 12.3 points, and 8.7 rebounds per game, both of which were career highs.

Next: Khwan Fore Provides Guard Depth for Cards

The junior forward finished the season as the team’s second leading scorer, and top rebounder.