In the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft the Philadelphia 76ers selected former Louisville basketball star forward Ray Spalding with the 56th overall selection, before trading him to the Dallas Mavericks.
When 6’10 Trinity High School forward committed to the Louisville basketball program way back in 2014, we all knew that the kid was oozing with potential, and could one day make it to the NBA.
Hell, in 2015 Rick Pitino gave one of the most Rick Pitino one liners ever saying, “I’ve not seen anyone in my 15 years at Louisville with more potential. Needs time, but when he gets it, look out!”
Today, his dream of being drafted came true, as Ray Spalding was drafted by the 76ers with the 56th selection, the third of their four second round picks. In a part of another trade, Spalding was then traded immediately to Dallas.
After two years of playing in a reserve role, and excelling at that, Spalding took center stage for the Cardinals in 2017-18, and had a breakout season averaging 12.3 points (second on the team), 8.7 rebounds (1st) and 1.7 blocks per game. The junior big man showed a new found ability to be a go-to scorer, and take over games when needed.
Spalding declared for the draft and hired an agent after the completion of Louisville’s season, but was widely regarded to be a prospect who went undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft.
After being initially skipped over, Spalding would end up receiving an invite to the 2018 NBA Combine, were he really began to catch the eyes of NBA scouts and General Manger’s.
Since the combine Spalding worked out with a handful of teams and began climbing up draft boards. He has widely considered to be a “project” who will likely spend his first few seasons developing in the G-League (similarly to Chinanu Onuaku) and maybe receiving spot minutes.
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The former Louisville forward is an intriguing prospect due to his size (6’10), exceptional length (7’4.75 wingspan), elite athleticism, rim protection, and his ability to rebound the ball. Spalding finished 6th in the ACC in rebounds per game, and 9th in blocks.
With the way the role of a big man has evolved rapidly over the last several years in the NBA, the 76ers will rely on Spalding to be able to switch onto smaller offensive players in pick and roll situations, and also play a small ball “center,” role.
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NBA Draft expert, Zach Harper of Fan Rag, graded all sixty picks last evening and wasn’t too high on the Mavericks picking Spalding. Harper gave the Mavs front office a “C-” saying “he’ll need to find some scoring consistency in the G-League.”
Dallas is at the beginning stages of a complete rebuild, which should allow for Spalding to compete for playing time this season. Currently Spalding will play behind NBA veteran and future hall of famer Dirk Nowitzki, and his backup Dwight Powell.