The San Antonio Spurs just finished an unexpected deep playoff run that fell one series short of a title. Losing to the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals stings — but the front office doesn’t have time to wallow. The draft is less than a week away, and the Spurs hold the 20th overall pick. That means the work starts now.
After playing into June, San Antonio has a clearer picture of what it needs: size, versatility, and shooting alongside Victor Wembanyama. The playoffs exposed a recurring problem — the Spurs were simply too small in the frontcourt. Teams with physical forwards gave them trouble, and the roster lacked a true power forward who could hold his own on the boards while spacing the floor.
Santa Clara’s Allen Graves Fits the Profile
In ESPN’s latest mock draft, analyst Jeremy Woo has the Spurs selecting Santa Clara forward Allen Graves at No. 20. Graves isn’t a household name, but his analytics profile jumps off the page. According to Woo, teams view Graves as a mid-teens to early-20s prospect, with his final landing spot likely depending on how trades shake out before draft night.
“His excellent analytic profile and demonstrable feel and versatility make him an intriguing prospect,” Woo wrote. But there are questions. Scouts note his average athleticism and limited track record against elite competition have split opinions among evaluators.
Still, Graves offers something the Spurs lacked in the Finals: a true power forward comfortable operating on the perimeter. That fits perfectly alongside Wembanyama, whose defensive range and offensive fluidity allow San Antonio to experiment with different lineup configurations.
Other Options if Graves Is Gone
If another team snags Graves before No. 20, the Spurs have backup targets. Woo also mentioned Chris Cenac Jr. and Jayden Quaintance as players drawing serious consideration at that spot. Cenac, in particular, has been linked to San Antonio in other mocks. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints projected the Spurs to take Cenac with the pick.
The common thread: San Antonio needs a bigger body who can bang in the paint without clogging things up for Wembanyama. Cenac brings physicality and rebounding, while Quaintance offers length and defensive upside. Either could develop into a reliable frontcourt partner for the reigning Rookie of the Year.
Shooting Is the X-Factor
What would make any of these selections a home run? Shooting. The Spurs ranked in the middle of the pack from three-point range during the regular season, and the Finals made it clear they need more floor spacers. A power forward who can knock down catch-and-shoot threes while Wembanyama operates inside would open up San Antonio’s offense in a major way. Graves, Cenac, and Quaintance each bring varying levels of perimeter skill — but the team has not confirmed which direction it’s leaning.
The Spurs aren’t just drafting for need. They’re drafting for fit. And with Wembanyama as the centerpiece, the front office knows one wrong addition could disrupt what’s working. That pressure makes the No. 20 pick more intriguing than it might seem on paper.
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