The San Antonio Spurs used their 2026 NBA Draft picks to bolster their defensive frontcourt round Victor Wembanyama, addressing depth points uncovered throughout their latest Finals run.
The franchise took Jayden Quaintance from the College of Kentucky with the No. 20 decide and traded again into the primary spherical to pick out College of Connecticut heart Tarris Reed Jr. at No. 26 general.
On the second evening of the draft, the Spurs remained centered on the frontcourt, taking reigning ACC Defensive Participant of the Yr Maliq Brown out of Duke College at No. 44. Two picks earlier, the crew added playmaking depth, drafting Ja’Kobi Gillespie from the College of Tennessee.
Reaching the NBA Finals went past expectations for the Spurs final season, however falling quick to the New York Knicks uncovered holes San Antonio should deal with this offseason.
The Spurs’ frontcourt depth fell flat within the postseason, with backup large man Luke Kornet struggling to seek out his rhythm, at instances leaving Victor Wembanyama annoyed within the paint.
The brand new additions probably gained’t earn a beginning place firstly of the season. Nevertheless, the Spurs appear poised to deal with their roster points, and the free company interval hasn’t began but.
Earlier than the draft, Quaintance held a powerful argument to be considered as lottery-level expertise, however his knee accidents slid him all the best way all the way down to No. 20. On the primary evening of the draft, Normal Supervisor Brian Wright stated the crew’s docs will set up the correct restoration plan for the rookie.
“Take a really lengthy method. He’s bought great expertise, and sadly, that was lower a bit bit quick as a consequence of damage,” Wright stated.
At finest, Quaintance suits because the starter subsequent to Wembanyama within the paint, permitting the star heart to maneuver on each side of the ball. At worst, he may find yourself a key bench participant subsequent to Kornet and Keldon Johnson.
Reed additionally might be tasked with defending the frontcourt, though he’s considered extra as a backup for Wemby. The rookie will present frontcourt depth alongside the Spurs’ trio of veteran free brokers — Kelly Olynyk, Mason Plumlee and Bismack Biyombo.
Reed brings 4 years of faculty expertise, splitting time between the College of Michigan and UConn. He can also relate to falling wanting a championship, since his closing 12 months at UConn ended with a loss within the nationwide title chase.
“I do know the sensation, working for one thing so onerous, sleepless nights and developing quick,” Reed stated. “Having a bunch of men with a chip on their shoulder going into subsequent 12 months, and that’s a championship group, so proud to be a part of it.”
The Spurs’ additions within the second spherical will probably fill complementary roles for the crew. Gillespie may fill the function of free agent Jordan McLaughlin. He could wrestle as a consequence of being undersized for NBA requirements, however he additionally may step up as a big-time scorer who can come off the bench.
With the No. 44 decide, the Spurs’ number of Brown continued the crew’s deal with frontcourt depth. He isn’t a big-time scorer, averaging 4.9 factors per sport in his senior 12 months, however he was a drive on the glass, delivering 5.2 rebounds per sport off the bench.
Brown, the ACC Defensive Participant of the Yr, provides bodily energy to suit alongside Carter Bryant off the bench.
Rookie camp will start Monday in San Antonio, and the newcomers will head to the California Basic July 3-6, adopted by the Las Vegas Summer time League, set to begin July 9.
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