Guys like Victor Wembanyama and Dylan Harper got all of the attention before and after the San Antonio Spurs’ 123-116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, although preseason isn’t about the stars.
Despite Quin Snyder keeping his starters in down the stretch, none of the Spurs’ starters played more than 20 minutes. Harper dazzled with 16 efficient points, leading all scorers, and looks more than capable of taking over as a starter.
It was the inexperienced guys, though, who got the longest run. Growing pains were clearly evident, as the Spurs blew a 23-point lead, although preseason is about wins and losses as much as it’s about superstars.
Tarris Reed finished with two points, six rebounds, and an assist in 17 minutes. He looked exactly like a 26th overall pick: solid and sturdy but not elite. Thankfully, with Wembanyama and Luke Kornet in town, not much will be asked of Reed in his rookie season, aside from garbage-time minutes. The team liked what they saw, though.
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Tarris Reed Allows Spurs to Play Their Way
The Spurs’ starting five is spoiled. Not only is Wembanyama the best rim-protector in the NBA and an elite rebounder, but he can push the tempo, bringing the ball up the floor himself instead of dumping it off to a quicker guard.
Reed is a great rebounder and can vacuum up missed shots, but he’s not going to get out and run the break himself. Luckily, between Harper, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox, there’s never a shortage of ball-handlers who can get downhill. The Spurs appreciate the extra effort Reed adds.
“Rebounding is a big thing just in any lineup,” said Harper, who will probably play alongside Reed more than Fox or Castle will. “The only way we can get out and run is if we get stops or rebounds. The defensive side of the ball for us is definitely probably a big emphasis in just getting stops or running.”
Translation: Reed can get rebounds and then find the right guy to finish the break.
Even with wings like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Carter Bryant, the Spurs like to push the pace. Reed’s physicality on defense certainly helps the Spurs get more possessions, and the reads he makes once he has the ball put the defense on their heels before they can react.
“He gets his hands on the basketball quite a bit, and he somehow seems like he’s a magnet to contact in the best way,” added Mitch Johnson. “So he’s a welcome addition to how he plays and some of the things he brings to the table.”
Ideally, Reed will put some pressure on Kornet. The veteran has the backup role locked up, for now at least, but behind Reed, the Spurs don’t have a ton of traditional size. If he can play slightly better than expected, the team should be in great hands.
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