The San Antonio Spurs had positions of need to fill in the 2026 NBA Draft, and they did exactly what they set out to do.
In the 2026 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs really only had one goal: to shore up the front court behind Victor Wembanyama.
They managed to do it twice.
With the 20th pick, the Spurs drafted Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance, a bruising power forward with a long injury history. Heading into the NCAA season, Quaintance was expected to be a top-eight pick, although he only played in four games, tanking his draft stock.
The Spurs then traded up to get back into the first round, picking UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. 26th overall, in exchange for a pair of second-round selections. Reed is expected to replace the free agent trio of Bismack Biyombo, Mason Plumlee, and Kelly Olynyk, playing third-string center to Wembanyama and Luke Kornet.
After the draft, general manager Brian Wright revealed his thoughts on the moves.
Spurs' GM Outlines Draft Plan
After the Spurs lost the NBA Finals to the New York Knicks, it became very clear that they need rebounding help outside of Wembanyama. He's one of the best two-way floor spacers in the NBA, but when he gets drawn to the 3-point line, opponents can rack up second-chance points.
The Spurs are hoping both picks, but especially Quaintance, can help mitigate that.
"As you can see, we had a type," said Wright after the first round. "We added a couple of big bodies, physical, athletic, different profiles, a little bit one being younger. With a huge upside and obviously one being a little bit older, we've seen development, we also think, with really good upsides. So we're excited to add both young men to the program and continue to build from here."
Late in the first round, the Spurs could have drafted for fit, but instead chose to take the player with the highest upside. If he's healthy, Quaintance could be a starting-level player right away, and Reed is expected to be a solid backup from day one, giving the Spurs some flexibility.
Plus, the Spurs love drafting UConn Huskies.
"In the draft, you try not to look at fitting the roster and trying to do things for the now, but it is an added benefit that Terrace has experienced," added Wright. "He comes from a very great program, playing for Coach Hurley. We had a little luck there, taking somebody from that program once before. And so we felt very comfortable that if needed, he could come in and provide some help."
It remains to be seen what other offseason moves the Spurs will make, but with an immediate need addressed, they can focus on extending both Wembanyama and Julian Champagnie.
