Tarris Reed Jr. set to shake up Spurs rookie class

NBA Tarris Reed Jr. set to shake up Spurs rookie class

By Ben Gale

September 19, 2026 • 9:02 PM EDT

Updated 1 hours ago

Tarris Reed Jr. set to shake up Spurs rookie class

Sometimes a team flashes its cards to show just how much it rates a player. That’s exactly what the San Antonio Spurs did when they doubled down on rookie centers in the draft—and then traded up to add Tarris Reed Jr. into the mix. It’s rare enough to select two at the same spot, but making a move for another one? That either says a lot about Reed’s upside, some worry over Jayden Quaintance’s knee, or a real sense of urgency about depth in San Antonio’s frontcourt.

Reed Jr. isn’t just some afterthought either. According to a recent poll, he’s actually pegged as the most likely rookie to make an impact for the Spurs this season. When a fan base as basketball-smart as San Antonio’s zeroes in on a prospect, you know something’s up. Per Yahoo Sports, that buzz is only growing louder after his summer league performances.

This is a guy who fits the old-school center mold, bringing 14.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks a night in his best college run. He’s 6-foot-10 and 260 pounds—just the kind of frame that can bang down low and put a body on people. Reed isn’t going to be flying down the lane for highlight-reel dunks or splashing threes from deep. But what he will do is score off second-chance points, carve out space under the rim, and play physically inside—exactly the sort of plug-and-play production you value in a long NBA season.

Summer league set the tone for what Spurs fans should expect. Reed Jr.’s rebounding, physical finishes, and especially his screening all stood out. He opened up lanes for guards like Ja’Kobi Gillespie by simply using his size and timing to set monster picks. Those screens might not fill up a box score, but they’re exactly the sort of subtle skill that helps an offense hum and creates chances for teammates.

That’s what makes Reed an intriguing piece for San Antonio. The team isn’t just filling a roster spot. With Jayden Quaintance out while he recovers from knee surgery and no timetable for his return, Reed becomes one of the only true backup options when Victor Wembanyama or Luke Kornet need a breather. At the very least, he gives you an extra big body to absorb minutes. At best, he can fight his way into a rotation role with his toughness and basketball IQ. Think of him as the middle ground between the highly polished Kornet and the physical marvel Wembanyama—and expect Reed to get an early opportunity to prove himself, just like other rookies did last season.

What makes Reed Jr. different from other Spurs rookies?

San Antonio went against the grain by targeting two rookie centers, then trading up to ensure they landed Reed Jr.
He’s coming off a breakout college season with numbers that translate well to what the Spurs need right now.
Reed Jr. excels at “dirty work” skills—rebounding, screening, protecting the rim—which coaching staffs always value.
With Quaintance facing a slow recovery, Reed’s path to minutes is virtually wide open at the start of the season.

Key developments for San Antonio’s rotation

Jayden Quaintance, another rookie center, is recovering from knee surgery and won’t be ready for camp.
There’s still no timetable for Quaintance’s return, leaving a hole for Reed to fill early in the schedule.
If Quaintance sits the season, Reed should soak up most of those minutes behind Wembanyama and Kornet.
Should Quaintance return, San Antonio suddenly becomes loaded with long, athletic, defensive-minded bigs.
Maliq Brown and Ja’Kobi Gillespie offer quiet but valuable depth at the two-way and guard spots.

Role players to keep an eye on

Reed isn’t alone among promising Spurs extras. Maliq Brown slides in as a rim protector and energy guy, while Gillespie figures as a steady guard off the bench alongside David Jones-Garcia. These aren’t the household names, but their ability to step into niche roles could decide several close games this year. The common thread with all of them: they have paths to minutes, even if they are deliberately slotted behind more experienced players early on.

Key takeaways for bettors and fans

San Antonio’s brass didn’t just draft on need—they targeted upside and versatility at center.
Tarris Reed Jr. has the physical tools and the mature game to seize an early rotation role.
With Quaintance sidelined, Reed’s stock to log real rookie minutes rises.
His rebounding, screen setting, and interior defense paint him as an immediate plus at both ends.
Don’t be shocked if his impact exceeds the box score, especially in lineups with slashing guards.
Watch how coaches experiment with Reed when Wembanyama or Kornet take breathers or sit with foul trouble.
If Quaintance does return in-season, San Antonio could build some of the most intimidating defensive lineups in the league.
Depth pieces like Brown and Gillespie help stabilise the bench, giving coaches more flexibility in tight contests.
Bettors should watch early line moves on Spurs rotation props for value if Reed grabs an expanded role.

More coverage: NBA news coverage, our NBA betting analysis and NBA expert picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Spurs made a rare move, trading up to select Tarris Reed Jr. in the NBA draft despite already picking another center, showing how much they value his potential.

Reed is a physical, old-school center who excels at rebounding, interior scoring, and setting solid screens. He fits best as a traditional big who provides muscle, not as a floor-stretching shooter.

A recent poll pegged Reed as the Spurs rookie most likely to make an impact. With his college production and pro-ready physicality, he’s positioned to earn early minutes, especially with Quaintance recovering.

Quaintance, the 20th pick, is coming off knee surgery and has no set return date. If his recovery drags on, it could keep him out for much or all of his rookie season.

With other bigs either resting or injured, Reed looks set for a chance to earn key minutes right out of the gate. His skill set is different from both Kornet and Wembanyama, giving coaches options.

Maliq Brown and Ja’Kobi Gillespie are two rookies slated for niche roles, giving the Spurs valuable depth both at guard and in the paint as the season develops.

If Jayden Quaintance returns healthy, the Spurs have the potential to combine him with Wembanyama, Castle, and Bryant for one of the most imposing defensive groups in the league.