Drafting Tarris Reed Jr. would cement another deep Spurs playoff run in 2027

Now that the Spurs have established themselves as top-end contenders, their approach to the NBA draft needs to shift. Bringing in young, raw prospects like Luka Samanic, Jeremy Sochan, and Josh Primo isn’t going to help this team maintain success.

Instead, San Antonio needs to target NBA-ready players who can step in and make an immediate impact. This year, the Silver and Black would be hard-pressed to find a better option in that department at pick 20 than Tarris Reed Jr.

Tarris Reed Jr. is the type of winner the Spurs should covet

Reed spent four years in college: two at Michigan and two at UConn. Those are two elite programs, and his time with them taught him how to win at the highest level.

In 2025-26, Reed was the best player on a UConn squad that ultimately lost in the National Final. The big man was individually dominant at multiple points during the tournament. In the first round against Furman, he dropped a monstrous 31-point, 27-rebound double-double. Against Duke in the Elite Eight, he put up 26 points and four blocks in what was an upset victory for the Huskies.

Reed isn’t just a one-tournament wonder, though. His senior season as a whole was rock solid. The St. Louis native averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 blocks while shooting 60.7% from the field in just 27.3 minutes per game. That’s seriously impressive stat-sheet stuffing that points directly to NBA translation.

Traditional centers in the league today are generally asked to defend the rim, rebound, make quick passing reads, and score efficiently with low usage. Reed excels in all of those areas. His 6’11”, 264 lb frame lends itself well to paint protection, and he also moves pretty well in space for his size. Offensively, his motor runs hard, and he crashes the glass for putbacks and converts every easy look he gets.

Reed is ready for the big leagues in every way. He (almost) has championship experience. He’s physically prepared to hang with NBA centers. He checks all the on-court boxes for his position. If he’s available at 20, which he should be, the Spurs should rush to the podium to select him.

Drafting Reed would help the Spurs fill a positional need too

Frontcourt depth is one of San Antonio's few small holes. After an awesome regular season, Luke Kornet has regressed in the playoffs, looking borderline unplayable at times. Finding his replacement could be on the agenda for the Spurs this summer. Reed would be the guy they’re looking for.

Reed and Kornet have similar strengths, and Reed is more athletically fit to stay afloat on a playoff floor. Reed’s NBA readiness would give the Silver and Black another backup center option they could call on next year. Talk about hitting two birds with one stone.

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