Livio

Jean-Charles

It’s official for the 28th pick of the 2013 draft. Jean-Charles is 22 years old and lists at 6'9", but he averaged just 5.9 points per game for his French pro team last year. He won’t be starting the year in the rotation.

He was the 28th pick in the 2013 Draft and it sounds like the Spurs are finally ready to give the 22-year-old forward a roster spot. Jean-Charles probably won’t be a rotation player right away, as he averaged just 5.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 block in the regular season of the French Pro A championship.

It might be surprising for some, but he just hasn’t been the same since he started to have knee issues. Despite being owed $2.4M over the course of the next two seasons, Jean-Charles—a former first-round pick—will not be a part of San Antonio’s immediate plans.

Jean-Charles was the 28h pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, but he suffered a knee injury while playing with the French national team last season. He has posted averages of 5.3 points, 6.3 boards and 2.7 blocks per game in three summer league appearances, but it doesn’t sound like the Spurs will be in a hurry to bring him over any time soon.

Jean-Charles fits the mold of a “diamond in the rough” that the Spurs are typically able to find with late picks in prior drafts. Kawhi Leonard is in the way, but the Spurs obviously feel that Jean-Charles can make a difference, although he’s not expected to play in the NBA any time soon. Consider him a stash candidate, as he’s not expected to join the NBA for at least one year.

Jean-Charles will travel to Paris to have the injury assessed on Tuesday, after which we should have a timetable for his recovery. He’s not expected to join the Spurs this year.

The report translates, "[Jean-Charles] had a severe sprain in his right knee, requiring surgery.” We should have updates on his status before long, but his recovery time won’t have fantasy implications since he’s not expected to join the Spurs this season.