Why the Spurs rolled the dice on a pair of big men in Tuesday's draft
San Antonio Express-News • • sports
Key Points:
- The San Antonio Spurs selected Kentucky center Jayden Quaintance with the 20th overall pick in the NBA draft, despite his injury history, viewing him as a talented big man with long-term potential.
- The Spurs also acquired Connecticut center Tarris Reed Jr. at No. 26 overall via a trade with Denver, emphasizing a strategy to add physical, athletic big men to bolster their roster for another NBA Finals run.
- Quaintance, the youngest player in the draft, has battled knee injuries but is eager to prove his worth and start his NBA career after a needed meniscus surgery.
- Reed, one of the oldest draftees, brings a gritty, physical style of play, having averaged strong stats at UConn and Michigan, and the Spurs traded multiple future second-round picks to secure him.
- Both rookies are expected to complement Spurs star Victor Wembanyama on and off the court, potentially enhancing the team's chemistry and physicality following their recent Finals appearance.
