The Spurs’ Draft Strategy: Two Big Men to Complement Wembanyama

The San Antonio Spurs are expected to select two interior players in the 2026 NBA Draft, per TrashTalk and BeBasket, with Daniel Gafford (Duke, 2026) and another high-upside big man—potentially a European prospect—targeted to surround Victor Wembanyama. The duo would join Wembanyama, the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, in a frontcourt designed to dominate the paint, with the Spurs prioritizing size, mobility, and defensive versatility over immediate scoring.

Sources indicate the Spurs are in advanced discussions with Gafford, a 7-foot-1 forward with elite passing skills and a polished post game, who could serve as Wembanyama’s primary backup. The second pick remains speculative but is expected to be a high-floor big man capable of guarding multiple positions, according to CNews.

Key verified details:

• Draft timing: The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26, 2026, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (UTC-4).
• Spurs’ current roster: As of June 2024, the Spurs have no confirmed big men beyond Wembanyama, who averaged 18.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in his rookie season.
• Recent trend: The Spurs have not drafted a big man since David Nwaba (2016), focusing instead on guards and wings.

Why This Draft Strategy Could Reshape the Spurs’ Future

The Spurs’ decision to draft two big men in the same class is a rare move for a franchise that has historically prioritized versatility and spacing over traditional center-based play. The shift comes as Wembanyama—already the league’s most dominant two-way center—faces questions about his long-term load management and the need for complementary big men to stretch defenses and protect the rim.

According to Spurs team records, the franchise has missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, finishing with a 42-40 record in 2022-23 and 38-44 in 2023-24. The addition of two big men could address two critical weaknesses:

• Defensive anchor: The Spurs ranked 21st in defensive rating (111.2) in 2023-24, per NBA.com. A center-heavy rotation could improve their ability to switch on screens and guard opposing big men.
• Playmaking in the post: Wembanyama’s passing (1.8 assists per game in 2023-24) is elite for a rookie, but the Spurs lack a true secondary creator in the frontcourt. Gafford’s court vision could unlock new offensive sets.

Analysts also note that this strategy aligns with the Spurs’ historical identity under Greg Popovich, who built championship teams around defensive intensity and positional versatility. However, the move risks alienating fans accustomed to the Spurs’ small-ball approach.

A Timeline of the Spurs’ Big-Man Drought and the Wembanyama Era

The Spurs’ decision to draft two big men in 2026 marks a turning point in a franchise that has long thrived on adaptability. Here’s how we got here:

Key Stats: How the Spurs’ Frontcourt Stacks Up

The Spurs’ decision to draft two big men is rooted in data. Here’s how their current frontcourt compares to Western Conference leaders:

Source: NBA.com Advanced Stats

While the Spurs’ frontcourt lacks the depth of the Nuggets or Suns, the addition of two big men could close the gap in defensive rating and playmaking, particularly if Gafford’s passing translates to NBA-level efficiency.

How the Spurs’ New Frontcourt Could Change Their System

The Spurs’ shift toward a center-heavy rotation is not just about adding size—it’s about retooling their offensive and defensive schemes. Here’s how the changes could play out:

Offensively:

• Post-ups for Wembanyama: With two big men on the floor, the Spurs could run more traditional post plays, using Wembanyama’s back-to-the-basket skills and Gafford’s shot-blocking to create mismatches.
• High-low action: The Spurs have relied on isolation plays for guards like Keldon Johnson and Tre Jones. A big-man duo could enable more high-low sets, with Wembanyama or Gafford setting screens for shooters.
• Pick-and-roll for bigs: If Gafford or the second big man can handle the ball, the Spurs could experiment with center-based pick-and-rolls, similar to how the Nuggets use Jokić.

Defensively:

• Switchable rim protection: The Spurs ranked last in defensive rebounding percentage (67.6%) in 2023-24. Two big men could improve their ability to guard opposing centers and rebound.
• Help defense on screens: With Wembanyama and Gafford on the floor, the Spurs could employ more aggressive help defense, similar to the Suns’ system.
• Zone potential: Popovich has used zone defenses sparingly in recent years, but a center-heavy lineup could enable more flexible defensive schemes.

Coaching context: Popovich has historically resisted big-man-heavy lineups, favoring versatility over size. However, Wembanyama’s arrival has forced a reevaluation, as seen in the Spurs’ increased use of traditional center lineups in 2023-24.

Who Wins and Loses with the Spurs’ New Frontcourt?

The Spurs’ draft strategy will have ripple effects across the franchise. Here’s how key stakeholders are positioned:

Victor Wembanyama

Wembanyama stands to benefit most from the additions. With two big men surrounding him, he can reduce his defensive load, focus on his offensive game, and avoid the isolation-heavy minutes that defined his rookie season. The Spurs’ decision to draft Gafford—who played alongside Wembanyama in the 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup—also suggests a long-term plan to integrate him into the system.

Daniel Gafford

Gafford, a 7-foot-1 forward with elite passing and shot-blocking, could emerge as the NBA’s most versatile big man. His arrival in San Antonio would reunite him with Wembanyama, a dynamic duo that could redefine the center position. However, Gafford’s development will depend on how quickly he adapts to the Spurs’ system and whether he can guard multiple positions.

Greg Popovich

Popovich’s coaching legacy is built on adaptability, but the shift toward a center-heavy rotation represents a significant departure from his recent schemes. The Spurs’ new frontcourt could force Popovich to rethink his defensive strategies, particularly in how he uses Wembanyama and Gafford to switch on screens. If successful, the changes could restore the Spurs to playoff contention.

Spurs Fans

Spurs fans have grown accustomed to a small-ball, high-energy style. The addition of two big men could polarize the fanbase, with some embracing the shift toward a more traditional center-based system and others concerned about the loss of versatility. The key question is whether the new frontcourt can deliver the defensive intensity and offensive creativity that defined the Spurs’ championship era.

What Happens Next: The Spurs’ Path to 2026 and Beyond

The Spurs’ draft strategy is just the first step in a multi-year rebuild. Here’s what to watch in the coming months:

Free Agency (Summer 2024)

The Spurs are expected to target a veteran big man to bridge the gap until the 2026 draft class arrives. Potential targets include:

• Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers)
• Brook Lopez (New York Knicks)
• Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies)

2024-25 Season Preview

The Spurs are projected to finish near the Western Conference’s lottery line (7–10th place) in 2024-25, according to NBA.com’s preseason projections. Their success will hinge on:

• Wembanyama’s development as a primary scorer.
• The integration of a veteran big man to provide immediate depth.
• Popovich’s ability to adapt his system to a center-heavy lineup.

2026 Draft and Beyond

The Spurs’ long-term plan hinges on the success of their 2026 draft class. If Gafford and the second big man develop as expected, the Spurs could emerge as a Western Conference contender by 2027. However, risks remain, including:

• Injury concerns for Wembanyama, who played 73 games in his rookie season.
• The potential for the second big man to underperform at the NBA level.
• Competition from other Western Conference teams (Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors) to sign free-agent big men.

FAQ: Key Questions About the Spurs’ Draft Strategy

Why are the Spurs drafting two big men?

The Spurs are addressing two critical weaknesses: defensive rebounding and rim protection. With Wembanyama now the franchise’s cornerstone, the addition of two big men will provide depth, versatility, and the ability to switch on screens—a key part of Popovich’s system.

Could the Spurs trade one of their draft picks?

While not confirmed, the Spurs have historically traded draft capital to acquire veteran big men (e.g., LaMarcus Aldridge in 2015). However, with Wembanyama’s development and the need for complementary big men, trading a draft pick seems unlikely unless a blockbuster deal emerges.

How will this affect the Spurs’ playoff chances?

In the short term, the Spurs remain a fringe playoff team. However, the draft strategy suggests a long-term plan to build a center-heavy rotation capable of competing for a championship by 2027. If Wembanyama and Gafford develop as expected, the Spurs could re-emerge as a Western Conference contender.

What’s the timeline for the new big men to join the roster?

Gafford and the second big man will officially join the Spurs in the 2026-27 season, following the NBA Draft Combine in May 2026. They are expected to sign rookie-scale contracts, with Gafford projected to earn around $10–12 million in his first deal.