The San Antonio Spurs are one of the most future-oriented teams in the NBA, at least among active contenders.
Teams like the Nets, Kings, Bucks, and Pelicans don’t have much of a present to look forward to, so of course their sights are set on the future. The Clippers, meanwhile, don’t have anything to look forward to. But among the win-now teams, the Spurs have the best long-term outlook.
Of course, bright futures don’t just happen. Recent success stories like the Spurs, Thunder, Warriors, and Celtics were years in the making. And the Spurs aren’t taking their foot off the gas any time soon.
In the 2026 NBA Draft, the Spurs took a flier on Jayden Quaintance, a 6-10 power forward out of Kentucky. Heading into the college season, Quaintance was expected to play his way into the lottery. Instead, injuries ravaged him, and he appeared in only four games.
Normally, with the 20th overall pick, there aren’t many sure-things still on the board. Quaintance’s talent is undeniable. The biggest (only?) concern is his health. If he can stay on the floor, the Spurs picked up an excellent young player.
Spurs Remain Committed to Wemby’s Long-Term Vision
Between Zach Collins, Bismack Biyombo, and Charles Bassey, the Spurs have struggled to have a reliable backup center behind Victor Wembanyama. Last season, they added Luke Kornet, who proved himself capable until the Finals.
Wemby, though, doesn’t want to be the starting center. Instead, he wants to be able to roam a bit more, especially on the offensive end of the floor.
“I’m not a center even though I can play that position, and I have,” Wembanyama said back before his rookie season.
In an ideal world, Quaintance would allow him to do just that. He is an elite athlete and heady defender. On offense, he should be able to bang around in the paint while Wemby handles the ball and plays freely. On defense, he can defend the weak side while Wembanyama remains an elite rim protector.
Between injuries and inexperience, though, Quaintance has a long way to go.
“Quaintance is still the second-youngest player in the NBA — a week older than No. 3 pick Cameron Boozer,” wrote FanSided’s Christopher Kline. “He’s a phenomenal defender, with sonar-like instincts protecting the rim and the athleticism to switch out on the perimeter and bottle up guards like it’s second nature. The defensive upside of a Quaintance-Wembanyama frontcourt down the road remains as tantalizing as ever.”
That pairing is still at least a year away. Quaintance is expected to miss most–if not all–of his rookie season. It’s going to take him longer than most rookies to find his NBA legs. Once he does, though, remember: he was a projected lottery pick.
The Spurs may have stolen a long-term starter late in the draft, finally allowing Wembanyama to play his dream role.
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