Johnny Ludden of the San Antonio Express News writes that the Spurs had hoped Yugoslavian center Nenad Krstic would fall to them at the 26th pick, but was taken two slots before by New Jersey.  So, they pulled the trigger on a pre-arranged trade with Philadelphia to shore up the point guard position.

The Spurs traded the John Salmons (#26), Randy Holcomb (#57), and veteran Mark Bryant to Philadelphia for point guard Speedy Claxton.  The Spurs hope Claxton can fill in the backup point guard spot for Terry Porter who may retire.

The Spurs also picked Luis Scola with the 56th pick in the draft.  He is a friend of guard Emanuel Ginobili who will sign a contract with the Spurs this offseason to come to the States.  Scola will likely remain in Europe for now.