Settle in, Pounders, because this one is going to take a couple of days.
On June 26, 2008, the San Antonio Spurs drafted George Hill 26th overall in the NBA Draft. The IUPUI guard had been expected to go in the second round after an impressive showing at a pre-draft rookie camp.
Hill spent his first three season with the Silver & Black, earning the now infamous title of “Pop’s favorite.” During those three seasons, Hill struggled to expand his role, as Tony Parker had secured his leadership in the point guard position. Hill got more starts in the 2009-2010 season when Parker was out with injury.
On June 23, 2011, the Spurs surprised many as they traded Hill away on draft night for Kawhi Leonard, Dāvis Bertāns, and the draft rights to Erazem Lorbek.
Lorbek played for the Spurs in the 2016 Summer League, but never played an official NBA game.
Bertāns made the move over to the Spurs in 2016. He played three season for the Spurs, developing a reputation as a three-point assassin. On July 6, 2019, the Spurs traded Bertāns to the Washington Wizards in a three-team deal that netted them DeMarre Carroll. Carroll played an average of 9 minutes over his 15 games before being waived by the Spurs.
Leonard, the 15th pick, suited up for the Spurs the following season. During his tenure with the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard developed into a league superstar. He won a title with the Silver & Black in 2014 taking Finals MVP honors. He was a two-time All-Star in 2016 and 2017, back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year recipient in 2015 and 2016, and the league’s leader in steals in 2015. All arrows pointed to Leonard becoming face of the franchise until injuries and miscommunication (and some unfortunate familial advise) caused the wheels to come off the wagon.
On July 18, 2018, Leonard, along with teammate Danny Green, were traded to the Toronto Raptors for DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl, and the 2019 1st round draft pick that became Keldon Johnson.
DeRozan spent three seasons with the Spurs.
Jakob Poeltl played with the Silver & Black for just under five seasons.
Keldon Johnson, the longest tenured player on the team, is about to kick off his seventh season.
Tomorrow: How the DeMar DeRozan and Jakob Poeltl trades continue the saga.
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