Spurs could gift Victor Wembanyama a new best friend with a savvy draft pick

There are several prospects the Spurs could select to bolster their roster when the 2026 NBA Draft commences in two days. Chris Cenac Jr., Zuby Ejiofor, and Cameron Carr are just among a few names we've already discussed. But Allen Graves might be the most obscure player with potential to elevate San Antonio in a completely different way from his contemporaries.

Graves can open up Wembanyama's game

The Santa Clara forward lacks the sort of athleticism other prospects in his class boast, but when I was watching film breakdowns on the 19-year-old freshman, I couldn't help but notice how intelligently he plays the game. Graves often plays the game from a step ahead of his competition, and joining Mitch Johnson's group would be a fantastic match for both parties.

First of all, the 6'8" power forward knocked down 41% of his shots from deep. He'd be one of the best shooters on the team from day one if he were able to maintain that consistency. The only Spurs who averaged over 40% three-point shooting over the regular season were two-way players and Jordan McLaughlin.

The one thing Victor Wembanyama pretty much always needs an abundance of is space. Opponents would be forced to respect the dead-eye ability Graves would bring to the table, providing plenty of room for Wemby to operate. Add that to an underrated playmaking trait, and his addition will work wonders for San Antonio's star.

Most analysts have focused on Allen's outside shooting, his great hands on defense, and his overall defensive awareness. However, he also seems to be a truly skilled passer. The freshman forward only averaged two assists a game, but he always makes the right read.

As talented as the Spurs' roster is, most of their guys thrive at putting the ball in the basket. Because of that, they miss opportunities to get Wemby the ball when he's flashing to the paint or trying to set up in the paint on a mismatch. Graves will make those passes. He'll read the game, seeing the advantage on the floor, making sure to exploit it. That small tweak alone will increase Vic's production.

Graves would be an asset on defense in the Spurs' system

Now, the Louisiana-born hooper may not be as fleet of foot as some of his peers, but his basketball IQ applies to both sides of the floor. He reads offenses well and can anticipate where the ball or the ball handler is going. That skill leads to generating steals and blocks, disrupting the opponent's offense.

His 7'0" wingspan helps him contest shots at the rim and grab rebounds. The Spurs could use more presence in the paint, and Graves could provide it. Their athleticism at other positions and group IQ will allow them to cover for AG when he gets beat. A defensive unit can still thrive with a less explosive athlete in it when everyone is on the same page and playing with anticipation.

All in all, drafting Graves would make Wembanyama's life easier when they share the floor. And anything that adds to happiness to Wemby's existence breeds jubilation for the Spurs as a whole. Because Vic is only happy when the team is winning. They'll be doing a whole lot of that.

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