UConn's sharpshooter Alex Karaban could fill a key lineup gap for the Spurs, offering proven shooting alongside Wembanyama.
The San Antonio Spurs continue to be a team focused on smart roster building, and as a result there is really one "hole" in the team's starting lineup at power forward that they could possibly address.
And some think that they could address it in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.
Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports is one of those people, as in his recent mock he has the Western Conference's No. 2 seed drafting Alex Karaban out of UConn to fill their other big man spot next to Victor Wembanyama.
"Karaban sprinted off a curl, caught the ball while moving away from the basket, turned and then fired a massive 3-pointer in the closing minute of UConn’s epic comeback over Duke in the Elite 8. The moment is emblematic of his shooting ability, which would be a positive addition to the Spurs," O'Connor writes. "He lacks the upside to be a star, but the Spurs have enough of those players. What they need is a connector who enhances the stars around him, and Karaban is one of the best in this draft class at doing just that."
Karaban may not carry the same hype as some of the top lottery prospects, but his résumé speaks for itself. A two-time national champion at UConn, he has been a key contributor on one of college basketball’s most successful programs in recent years. His experience in high-pressure moments and winning culture makes him an appealing option for a Spurs team looking to complement its young stars with reliable, high-IQ players.
What stands out most about Karaban is his shooting ability. Over the course of his college career, he developed into one of the most consistent perimeter threats in the country, knocking down just under 38 percent of his attempts. At 6-8, he also has the size to shoot over defenders and the awareness to move without the ball—traits that translate well to the modern NBA.
For the Spurs, that skill set fills a clear need. With a roster built around interior dominance and playmaking with Wemby, adding floor spacing is critical. Karaban’s ability to stretch defenses would create more room for San Antonio’s primary creators while also giving the team a dependable catch-and-shoot option on the wing.
The Spurs have long valued players who understand team concepts, make the extra pass, and play within a system. Karaban checks each of those boxes, making him the type of prospect who could carve out a meaningful role early in his career.
For a Spurs team continuing to build toward sustained success, adding a proven winner with shooting and versatility could be another step in the right direction.