Spurs' Summer League team provides the perfect answer to last year's fatal flaw

Following the San Antonio Spurs' draft-night moves, Spurs fans have been clamoring to see how their rookies will fit with the team. Fortunately, they haven't had to wait long, with Tarris Reed Jr. currently playing on Spurs' Summer League team.

However, unlike many previous Spurs rookies playing in Summer League, he may actually play a significant role in his first season. Last season, San Antonio struggled to find a reliable third center behind Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet.

But instead of scouring free agency for a veteran big man, San Antonio opted to look to the NBA Draft. Adding Jayden Quaintance and Reed Jr. to the roster is a long-term gamble but could pay off in a huge way for the Spurs.

The Spurs are relying on the NBA Draft to solve their center depth problem

Had Quaintance been healthy to start through the draft process, he likely would have been a lottery pick, given his age, length, athleticism, and defensive potential. Fortunately, he fell to the Spurs, but it's anyone's guess when Quaintance will take the court, if at all during his rookie season.

On the other hand, Reed Jr. is getting valuable reps ahead of the regular season, where he may play a sizable role.

Last season, Wembanyama missed 18 games while Kornet missed 14, increasing the need for a capable third center. Thus far, despite appearing rusty at times in Summer League, Reed Jr. has the makings of a terrific big man.

So much so that his skills make up for his lack of NBA experience. He is a physical screen setter, which will come in handy given Wembanyama has been struggling in that area.

Reed Jr. is also a talented rebounder, a capable passer, and an effective scorer in the paint. Either through post-ups or by finishing at the rim with a surprisingly soft touch.

Tarris Reed Jr. fits the bill as a Spurs-esque center

The Spurs have long valued big men who can set hard screens and rebound. Think back to Tiago Splitter, Aaron Baynes, Nazr Mohammed, Jakob Poeltl, and Drew Eubanks. They all were able to carve out roles with the Spurs thanks to that skill set.

The hope is that Reed Jr. will grow into a similar role behind Wembanyama and Kornet, possibly even replacing Kornet in the near future. In the meantime, he'll be getting an early chance to show the coaching staff what he can do in Summer League.

It's clear that San Antonio is already a believer in his game. Otherwise, they wouldn't have made the surprising choice to trade up for him on draft night.

Especially after having already drafted a center. Quaintance may have the higher ceiling, but Reed Jr. has the higher floor and is giving Spurs fans a chance to see that this summer.

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