Spurs may have quietly uncovered a couple of hidden gems in Summer League

Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown look like they can play some NBA basketball. They're making headway via summer league, and we know that's a far cry from what it looks like when the elites are on the floor, but that's okay. This is a development stage for the Spurs' second-rounder. Their job is to make the best of every opportunity they get to show coaches what they can do. They're doing that.

Most of the young offseason has been focused on Jayden Quaintance, Tarris Reed Jr., and Carter Bryant. As higher-profile players/prospects, that's understandable. But Gillespie and Brown have been two of the most impressive players on San Antonio's SL team since the games played in San Francisco.

Gillespie and Brown are earning a long look from the Spurs

Gillespie is 22 years old, so he got the benefit of experience over most of the other summer league guards. It helps him to begin his journey with poise, and it's noticeable how under control he operates. The ex-Tennessee playmaker doesn't get sped up, but he can change pace at a moment's notice.

He wasn't knocking down his shot much in the first two games, but it showed up later, so there's no need to worry there. What's more important was how he was able to run the offense, showing the chops of a true point guard. Those are rare these days. Everyone is a "combo guard" whose primary skill set is to score the basketball. Gillespie understands how to set his teammates up for success.

The Spurs already have three playmakers, so they'll get the vast majority of minutes. Gillespie wouldn't play very much at all, actually. But he could still provide some reliable depth and play the role Jordan McLaughlin played last season. Like McLaughlin, Gillespie is undersized, but San Antonio has the composition to help cover up his weaknesses.

The Spurs are finding valuable contributors

Brown is the opposite of Gillespie, stylistically. He's the defensive stalwart, lacking a true offensive game. However, he recognizes his strengths and leans into those. Like his fellow second-round pick, Maliq is 22 years old. So it's not shocking that he understands what it takes to make his presence felt without scoring.

Brown was touted as one of the best defenders in the draft. You can see why in some of these clips. He moves his feet well and pairs great timing with a long wingspan to disrupt offenses. When he has a reasonable opportunity to put points on the board, he'll take it, leading to efficient nights, but he's not chasing numbers.

You can run the offense through him, though, because he'll make the right passes, operating as a reliable connector, especially from the middle of the floor or elbow area. Chasing numbers isn't of any concern to Brown. He's searching for the next right basketball play, and we all know how much San Antonio values that mindset.

Neither guy should be expected to become an All-Star, but that's not necessary. The Silver and Black have plenty of those. But if Gillespie develops into a dependable reserve point guard, and Brown a versatile defender and connector, that's an outstanding return on two second-round picks.

Brian Wright would deserve praise for another home-run offseason, further elevating him as one of the NBA's best GMs.

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