The sting of losing the NBA Finals never fully disappears. The best organizations, though, know how to transform heartbreak into opportunity. The San Antonio Spurs entered the 2026 Finals believing they had all the pieces necessary to capture the franchise’s sixth championship. Instead, they watched the New York Knicks celebrate on their home floor. Despite that, San Antonio is already operating from a position of strength. Victor Wembanyama has established himself as one of the league’s premier superstars. Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle look like long-term foundational pieces. The challenge now is identifying the complementary talent necessary to push an already elite roster over the championship hump. With the No. 20 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Spurs have an opportunity to address exactly that need.
Remarkable season
The Finals loss should not overshadow what San Antonio accomplished over the previous eight months. The Spurs stormed through the Western Conference with a spectacular 62-20 regular-season record. Wembanyama anchored one of basketball’s most intimidating defenses while San Antonio’s versatile offensive attack consistently overwhelmed opponents.
The Finals, however, exposed a few important cracks. Mike Brown’s physical Knicks defense repeatedly shrank the floor. It disrupted the Spurs’ offensive rhythm. New York’s ability to pressure ball-handlers, crowd driving lanes, and force difficult halfcourt possessions contributed heavily to San Antonio’s collapse in Game 4 and its inability to close Game 5.
The Spurs need targeted reinforcements. That makes the No. 20 pick incredibly valuable.
1. Allen Graves, F, Santa Clara
If San Antonio prioritizes fit over upside, Allen Graves may be the cleanest selection available. The versatile Santa Clara forward checks virtually every box the Spurs need. At nearly 6-foot-10 with a reported seven-foot wingspan, Graves combines size, shooting, and basketball intelligence in a great package.
His perimeter shooting is particularly intriguing. Graves converted over 40 percent of his three-point attempts. Rather than holding the ball and disrupting spacing, he consistently keeps possessions moving. That skill is valuable alongside Wembanyama. Graves possesses the vision and feel to operate as a secondary facilitator from the elbows and high post. He can create additional opportunities for Wembanyama to attack favorable matchups. The fit feels almost seamless.
2. Chris Cenac Jr., C, Houston
The Finals highlighted another issue that cannot be ignored, which is physicality. Sure, Wembanyama remains one of basketball’s most dominant defensive players. However, asking him to absorb every major interior battle throughout an 82-game season is not sustainable. The Spurs need another frontcourt presence capable of handling the dirty work.
Enter Chris Cenac Jr. The Houston big man emerged as one of the biggest winners of the pre-draft process. He stands over 6-foot-10 with a reported 7-foot-5 wingspan and elite vertical athleticism. Cenac brings the type of physical profile teams covet.
His offensive game remains a work in progress, but that shouldn’t scare San Antonio. They would be drafting him to rebound, defend, contest shots, and bring relentless energy. Playing under Kelvin Sampson’s demanding system has already prepared Cenac for a defense-first role. His motor consistently stands out. His ability to sprint the floor, finish lobs, and pressure ball-handlers in pick-and-roll coverage fits perfectly within San Antonio’s identity.
Most importantly, he would allow Wembanyama greater freedom to roam defensively rather than constantly battling larger bodies in the paint.
3. Cameron Carr, G/F, Baylor
Even the Spurs need athletic wings. As such, Cameron Carr may possess the highest upside of any player likely available at No. 20. The Baylor product combines elite athleticism, tremendous length, and legitimate shooting ability into a highly intriguing package. Carr thrives in transition and finishes above the rim with authority. He also provides meaningful floor spacing.
The Finals repeatedly showed how willing defenses were to collapse into the paint against San Antonio. Carr’s catch-and-shoot ability would force defenders to stay attached on the perimeter. That can create cleaner driving lanes for Fox and additional space for Wembanyama to operate.
His defensive potential is equally exciting. With his length and mobility, Carr projects as a disruptive perimeter defender. If his development continues on its current trajectory, he could become exactly the type of versatile two-way wing every championship contender covets.
Which makes most sense?
Each option addresses a different need. Graves enhances offensive flow and spacing. Cenac adds physicality and frontcourt depth. Carr injects athleticism and perimeter versatility.
If the Spurs remain committed to maximizing Wembanyama’s offensive ecosystem, Graves may ultimately offer the safest and most immediate fit. If they prioritize toughness after being worn down physically by New York, Cenac becomes extremely attractive. And if upside remains the primary objective, Carr may possess the highest long-term ceiling.
For the Spurs, the right selection at No. 20 could be the move that transforms a heartbreaking Finals loss into a championship celebration in 2027.
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