It’s been a while since we’ve had to wait this long for the Spurs’ first pick of the night – the last time their first pick was outside the lottery was Luka Samanic at 19th in 2019, and the last time they picked further back than 20th was Derrick White at 29th in 2017 – but after rumors of potentially trading back, they ended up standing pat and using the 2oth overall pick on Jayden Quaintance.
Quiantance is a 6’9″ center who played his freshman season at Arizona State, where he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in almost 30 minutes per game. He is an elite rim protector who would help prevent the interior defense from falling off a cliff when Victor Wembanyama rests. However, there is risk involved with the pick since Quiantance suffered a torn ACL in Febuary 2025 and only played in four games his sophomore season. at the University of Kentucky. Questions about his health and availability persist, but the good news is the Spurs can afford to be patient with him, with Luke Kornet being one of the best backup centers in the league last season (at least in the regular season).
We will have much more on what this pick means for the Spurs soon, stay tuned for that and coverage of the second round tomorrow, beginning at 7:00 PM CT. In the meantime, welcome to San Antonio, Jayden!
