Impressive Spurs’ trend foreshadows an unexpected breakout in 2026-27

Since two-way contracts were introduced to the NBA in 2017-18, the Spurs have done a phenomenal job of using them to develop talent. Their most prominent two-way success story is Julian Champagnie, who, of course, was a hero in this year’s Finals run. But Champagnie is far from San Antonio’s only triumph in that department.

The Spurs’ rich history of molding two-way players into rotation contributors sets a good precedent for David Jones Garcia, Maliq Brown, and Ja’Kobi Gillespie. A breakout for at least one of the three during the 2026-27 season feels inevitable.

The Spurs use two-way contracts as well as any team

San Antonio is a leader in the field of two-way contract utilization. They’ve helped plenty of hidden gems spread their wings and prove themselves as legitimate NBA players over the years.

Champagnie, as mentioned, has had an inspiring journey in the league, but he’s not the sole example here. Drew Eubanks’ story is less flashy, but the big man built an eight-year (and counting) career after signing a two-way with the Spurs as an undrafted rookie in 2018.

Sandro Mamukelashvili was thrown in the trash by the Bucks, but he became a treasure for San Antonio after they scooped him up, and he’s now a Sixth-Man-of-the-Year-caliber guy who just inked a sizable deal with the Lakers.

Dominick Barlow, Charles Bassey, and Keita Bates-Diop are other notable names to graduate from San Antonio’s renowned two-way program. There have been some duds in recent seasons, too (Harrison Ingram, Jordan Hall, Riley Minix), but the Spurs still are clearly an ideal destination for two-way guys who want to get better.

That said, David Jones Garcia, Maliq Brown, and Ja’Kobi Gillespie are in the right place, and the smart money is on one or more of them making a name for themselves in 2026-27.

San Antonio’s next two-way gem is already on their roster

Jones Garcia, Brown, and Gillespie all have plenty of reasons to believe in them in a vacuum.

DJG is a toolsy guard/wing hybrid with a silky outside shot and some handling chops. His 2025 Summer League performance and sustained G League stardom show he’s a step above many of his two-way peers.

Brown is an ultimate “understands his role” guy who is ready to step on an NBA floor, handle the physicality, and impact winning.

Gillespie does everything you’d want from a smaller guard, from knocking down threes to making sharp decisions as a handler to being scrappy on defense.

Each guy is a quality two-way prospect, and they’re going to be able to reach their full potential in San Antonio if they work for it. Keep an eye on David Jones Garcia, Maliq Brown, and Ja’Kobi Gillespie moving forward. 

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