With their young core thriving, the Spurs could eye Tennessee's dynamic forward Nate Ament to fill a key starting lineup gap in 2026.
The San Antonio Spurs' starting lineup has been spectacular so far this season, as the team finds itself in second place in the Western Conference. But that does not mean that it can't be improved.
The main hole the team has in its starting unit is at the power forward spot, where they currently have Julian Champagnie, who is usually a smaller wing. This is something the team could address in the 2026 NBA Draft.
In a recent mock by Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, he puts together a full two-round prediction. With the 13th overall pick in the mock draft, he thinks the Spurs should take Tennessee star forward Nate Ament.
"Though not always efficient, Nate Ament has looked like a more confident and decisive scorer lately getting to spots, elevating in traffic and stepping into threes," Wasserman writes. "There will always be demand and patience when it comes to 6'10" wings with shoot-dribble-pass skill sets, and Ament has at least 12 made field goals in ball-screen, isolation, spot-up and movement off-screen situations. He's getting to the line at a strong rate, yet he isn't a black hole, averaging 2.5 assists."
The main gripe with the 19-year-old forward are his shooting percentages at 41 percent from the field and 33 percent from three. But that does not mean that is something he can't work on and iron out before he suits up in his first NBA game.
Ament is averaging 18 points, 6.5 rebounds, and a steal per game through 28 games this season for the Volunteers, and has led them to a 20-9 overall record to be No. 22 in the country.
Unfortunately the star forward did suffer a leg injury in the team's recent loss to Alabama, but it shouldn't be anything that should keep him from being a high first-round pick when it comes time for the draft.
The Spurs are in a great spot with their young core, basically all of which they drafted themselves. If Ament is still available when San Antonio is on the clock, the team could continue adding to their youth movement.