SAN ANTONIO – One day after the conclusion of the 2026 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs introduced their newest draft picks Thursday afternoon. This year’s draft has been pivotal for the Spurs as they look to rebuild and enhance their roster with fresh talent.
New Additions to the Roster
In the first round Tuesday night, San Antonio made a strategic move to strengthen their interior game by selecting 6-foot-10 forward Jayden Quaintance out of Kentucky. Additionally, they acquired the 26th overall pick, choosing UConn big man Tarris Reed Jr. to further bolster their frontcourt.
Player Highlights
Quaintance had a challenging season, playing only four games with the Wildcats due to injury, but he showcased impressive potential during his time at Arizona State, averaging 2.6 blocks per game in the 2024-25 season. On the other hand, Reed had a standout senior year at UConn, recording 14 double-doubles with averages of 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game—making him a formidable addition to the Spurs’ roster.
Focusing on the Backcourt
On Night 2 of the draft Wednesday, the Spurs took a significant step in addressing their backcourt needs by selecting Tennessee guard and SEC Newcomer of the Year Ja’Kobi Gillespie with the 42nd pick. Gillespie had an impressive season, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game as a starter in every game for the Volunteers.
Versatile Wing Talent
Two picks later, the Spurs secured their wing position by selecting the versatile 6-foot-8 forward Maliq Brown from Duke. Brown excelled in his role, earning accolades as the ACC Sixth Man of the Year as well as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 2.0 steals per game, which highlights his defensive prowess and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
This article will be updated with quotes from Thursday’s news conference as the Spurs continue to build towards a promising future with their new draft selections.
