San Antonio bolsters its championship-caliber core with defensive versatility, adding the tenacious Duke forward to a strategic draft class designed to complement superstar Victor Wembanyama’s elite supporting cast.
BROOKLYN - The Spurs' 2026 NBA Draft haul is complete.
After adding Kentucky's Jayden Quaintance, UConn's Tarris Reed Jr. and Tennessee's Ja'Kobi Gillespie earlier in the annual event at the Barclays Center, San Antonio rounded out its class by selecting Duke product Maliq Brown with the No. 44 pick in the second round.
Standing at 6-foot-9, Brown brings toughness and a high motor to a Spurs team looking to build off its first NBA Finals appearance of the Victor Wembanyama era. During his time at Duke, he showcased his ability to defend multiple positions and impact the game without commanding touches, giving San Antonio another young piece as it looks to remain among the NBA's elite.
While landing high-end talent is always the priority, maintaining success requires more than just star power. With Wembanyama, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle already leading the way, the Spurs entered draft night with the luxury of targeting players who fit their system rather than searching for franchise-altering pieces.
That approach was clear throughout San Antonio's draft class.
Quaintance provides defensive upside, Reed adds another option in the frontcourt, Gillespie serves as another high-IQ guard addition and Brown gave the Spurs another player capable of developing into a contributor down the line.
Brown’s value comes from doing the little things that translate to winning. After beginning his collegiate career at Syracuse before transferring to Duke, the versatile forward built his reputation through his defensive instincts and a willingness to embrace any role asked of him.
While he may not project as a primary offensive option, Brown’s ability to switch defensively and create extra possessions makes him an intriguing addition alongside Wembanyama and San Antonio’s young core.
Wright and San Antonio's front office have spent years putting the pieces of their next contender together. Now, with Wembanyama leading one of the league's most promising rosters, the focus shifts toward finding players capable of complementing what has already been built.
Not every championship contributor arrives as a lottery selection. More often, sustained success comes from identifying players who understand their roles and maximize their opportunities.
Whether Brown becomes part of the rotation immediately or takes time developing behind San Antonio's established core, the Spurs have added yet another option as they continue chasing their sixth NBA title.
