Tarris Reed Jr.'s unforgettable draft night started with one perfect decision

Tarris Reed Jr. joined me for an exclusive interview, where we discussed several things from his role on this team to his interests, but none were more important than how special it was to be drafted in the first place.

Reed stayed home in Missouri for the occasion, partnering with AT&T to capture the emotional moment with his family. They weren't disappointed when the Spurs traded their way back into the first round to select the UConn standout.

A draft night Tarris Reed Jr. will never forget

The Spurs are notoriously secretive with their business plans, so there were no rumors that they were considering moving up. It felt like it came out of nowhere, and you can see that reaction on Reed's face when the commissioner called his name. The surprise was written all over his face, along with pure jubilation as he celebrated with his loved ones.

"Looking back, the night was just so special. Just being a part of having AT&T sponsor my draft party. I chose to do it at home in St. Louis, Missouri, close to family, close to friends. It ended up being a really special night."

It was a special night for Spurs Nation, too. Fans are locked into these draft prospects. They know about Reed's tenacity and how he was instrumental in a deep tournament run for the UConn Huskies.

"It went viral that night. A lot of people saw my draft video and my reaction, so I just had a lot of positive comments and positive feedback about the whole experience."

Knowing how badly the Silver and Black needed size, it's not surprising to hear how well-received the 260-pound strongman was that evening. Most fans were probably ready to take a two-way road trip to Missouri to pick him up. Fortunately, San Antonio has the money to just fly him out, though, so that wasn't necessary.

The Spurs made their belief in Reed crystal clear

Jayden Quaintance was already heading down south to the Alamo City after being selected 20th. He's not expected to start the season as he continues to rehab his knee, but San Antonio was strong enough to win 62 games with Luke Kornet holding down the fort last year. There was no reason to believe the Spurs would make a move this aggressive.

Doing so was a clear indication that they felt that passing up on the Bear at 26 wasn't happening. Brian Wright has spent the better part of the last few seasons accumulating assets. This time, San Antonio's GM packaged three second-round picks together to target a player who can help the Spurs win ball games.

"It's a blessing... Just to have a great organization that really believes in me—they chose me late in the first round, so I'm just excited to be a part of the family."

Reed plans on rewarding the trust placed in him by delivering exactly what's expected of him.

"Being the player that I am, what I'm able to bring to a franchise is just my everyday effort, my motor, and just how hard I play at my physicality."

That's exactly what Spurs Nation is hoping for from Reed.

Draft night may have only lasted one evening, but thanks to AT&T helping to capture the celebration, Reed will always have a reminder of where his NBA journey began. Now, his focus shifts toward making the Spurs' belief in him pay off.

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