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Ranking reported Spurs forward targets from perfect fit to worst fit

Any of these players could work for San Antonio.
Dec 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) reacts to game action against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Dec 12, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) reacts to game action against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The Spurs have been overall pretty quiet this offseason. That's normal business for the Silver and Black, but quiet doesn't equate to inactivity. The brass knows this team still has room to improve, and it seems they're focused on the forward position (paid).

A recent report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer revealed the players San Antonio is targeting in free agency—set to begin at 5:00 pm CT today.

Now, to be clear, all of these players would be fine additions, but let's go down the line and rank them according to fit.

5. Sandro Mamukelashvili

The Spurs already know what they're getting from Mamu. He played in San Antonio for three years. He just couldn't crack the rotation enough to be comfortable staying, so he spread his wings. Now he's a free agent after declining his player option with Toronto, and SA has money to spend.

He's still a fine offensive player as an efficient scorer and connector. However, he's never been a great defender or a strong rebounder, so the Spurs should aim higher.

4. Rui Hachimura

Hachimura is one of those guys who play out of their minds during international competition, making you wonder where that kind of production is in the NBA. But he's still a solid role player who specializes in making threes—especially from the corner. That's an area of focus for San Antonio, so it's easy to see the fit offensively. But like Mamu, he's not a strong defender, limiting his versatility.

3. Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris has drawn the ire of fans wherever he's played. He's good enough to command a starting spot and have some truly great games. It would be a boring, ho-hum addition, as you know exactly what you'll get from him. Inconsistency in big games. But he's a solid 15-16 points almost every night, and he doesn't need plays run for him. Adding him would raise the floor. Not the ceiling.

2. John Collins

Collins would give the Spurs another athletic frontcourt weapon. Lobs and putbacks are on the menu for JC every night, and the Silver and Black feast off of those opportunities. He can shoot, rebound, and finish well. Unfortunately, he's also a liability on the defensive end. San Antonio has plenty of scoring, so his addition would be a luxury on that end while leaving them susceptible to mistakes on defense.

1. Dean Wade

Wade is the best fit for the Spurs. He doesn't have to start, but he can. He doesn't need the ball, but he can shoot it if it finds him. Wade is the best defender in this group, and he can guard positions 2-4 with some small-ball 5 opportunities sprinkled in.

He doesn't score as much as some of the other players on the list, but again, SA has scorers. They need high-IQ players who can pass, defend, and spread the floor. Wade checks all of those boxes.

Looking at them in a vacuum, Collins is probably the most skilled player on the list, but the Spurs need someone who fits what they've already built. Wade makes the most sense, considering that standard.

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