The San Antonio Spurs, fresh off their first NBA Finals appearance since 2014, are adding some defensive help to the roster.
The 2026 NBA Draft officially got underway Tuesday night, with San Antonio holding four total picks, and the spurs got the first rounder they wanted. The Spurs selected Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance with the 20th overall pick, bringing in some defensive assistance for Victor Wembanyama.
Quaintance was a 2024 McDonald's All-American out of high school in 2024, committing to Arizona State. While in Tempe, he was selected to the Big-12 All-Defensive team and Big-12 All-Freshman team in 2025. That season in February 2025, he did suffer a torn ACL and meniscus, missing the rest of the season. He then transferred to Kentucky last season, playing in four games for the Wildcats.
The Spurs were not finished though, making another move in the first round. San Antonio traded up to 26th overall, making a deal with the Denver Nuggets. In that spot, the Spurs selected Connecticut Center Tarris Reed Jr. The 6'11 big man was a First-Team All-Big East player with UConn in 2026, after transferring in from Michigan.
In that trade deal, the Spurs received the 26th overall pick, while the Nuggets received San Antonio's 35th overall pick and two future second round picks.
The Spurs have two picks remaining in the draft. They will draft at 42nd overall, and 44th overall.
The draft continues tomorrow.
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