The San Antonio Spurs seem to be targeting older players in the 2026 NBA Draft. After selecting seniors Tarris Reed Jr. and Ja’Kobi Gillespie, the Spurs drafted Duke senior forward Maliq Brown.
Brown was the 2025-26 ACC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. He averaged 4.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals last season, while shooting 62.9% from the field and 16.7% from three. At 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-1 inch wingspan, Brown came off the bench for the Blue Devils and wreaked defensive havoc with his aggressive hands. He is a versatile player who will likely be a combo forward/center at the next level. His offensive game has not yet developed, but he has shown signs as a passer and finisher.
Brown adds another potentially game-changing defender to the Spurs’ growing front court. It remains to be seen what kind of deal Brown will sign with the Spurs. As a two-way player, he could come in and provide a defensive spark in games where he is needed. Brown fits the aggressive, versatile defensive team San Antonio is building.
