Spurs' newest role player could quickly become a playoff necessity

Tarris Reed Jr. is going to learn a lesson that so many other Spurs rookies have throughout the franchise's history. As this team looks to make a championship run next season, the former UConn star must prepare for his number to be called in big moments, especially the playoffs.

After San Antonio lost to the Knicks in the NBA Finals, they scrambled to fill out their frontcourt with more interior options to accompany Victor Wembanyama. The reason was simple: Luke Kornet didn't provide enough resistance at the rim and struggled to score and rebound in Wemby's absence.

This isn't to suggest that Kornet will have his minutes completely cut next season. But if those problems rear their ugly head again, Reed must be prepared to step up as an effective backup center. It's such an important role for the Spurs, and getting good production out of it would be imperative for a title run.

Tarris Reed Jr. is well-equipped to play a big role for the Spurs

There are several reasons why Spurs fans should be excited about Reed's rookie season. Obviously, he has all the tangible skills you'd want out of a young big man. Tarris is a strong paint presence on both sides of the ball with some great rebounding and passing chops.

Outside of those raw basketball skills, he's just built for big moments. He played on a massive stage for UConn, leading his team to the NCAA Championship last spring. Players who compete at the highest levels in college basketball can take the lessons from that experience to the NBA.

Stephon Castle is the perfect example. He started for Dan Hurley's squad in the 2023-24 season and won a National Championship, so it makes sense that he didn't seem fazed by the bright lights of the NBA Finals as a 23-year-old.

Winning experience in college is such an underrated part of evaluating draft prospects, and Tarris Reed Jr. can be another case study. If there's anyone in this class equipped to make a huge playoff impact as a rookie, it's him.

We're living in a new era for NBA rookies

In this new NBA era, it's become normal for first-year players to make a huge impact in the playoffs. Think about this year alone: Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Carter Bryant were key rookie contributors on the postseason stage.

Youth isn't as much of a limitation anymore, as coaches can lean on their first-year guys to show up on big stages. This doesn't mean they'll always be perfect; mistakes will happen given the lack of experience. But that energy and eagerness to make an impact are assets to playoff teams.

Tarris Reed Jr. can follow this trend. If Luke Kornet struggles to establish himself, Mitch Johnson can look to the first-year center to be solid during the minutes when Victor Wembanyama is resting. He knows the importance of his role; that's been made apparent. Soon, it'll be time to put it all on the court.

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