The San Antonio Spurs wrapped up a 94-82 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday in Las Vegas, and the headline belonged to second-rounder Ja’Kobi Gillespie. The 22-year-old guard poured in a game-high 25 points on 10-of-21 shooting, added five assists, two steals and five turnovers in 31 minutes. His output eclipsed that of No. 2 overall pick Darryn Peterson, who went 4-of-16 from the field and finished with 15 points.
Across seven Summer League outings, Gillespie is averaging 14.6 points on 36.9 % shooting and 34.0 % from three-point range. He also dishes out five assists per game, nearly two steals, and pulls down 2.9 rebounds despite a 6-foot-1 frame. The numbers include a modest 1.6 offensive rebounds per contest and three blocks this summer, underscoring a blend of hustle and defensive instincts that is rare for a guard drafted in the second round. His two-way contract guarantees him time with the Austin Spurs, giving the organization a clear path to further refine his skill set.
From a schematic standpoint, Gillespie fits the Spurs’ emphasis on spacing and ball movement. His ability to generate offense off the dribble, coupled with a respectable three-point stroke, provides San Antonio a back-court option that can run pick-and-rolls or create off the wing. Defensively, his size is less of a liability thanks to active hands and a knack for generating steals and occasional blocks, traits that align with the Spurs’ disciplined, switch-heavy system. The guard’s willingness to attack the rim and rebound on the offensive side adds a layer of versatility that could see him earn minutes as a spark plug off the bench.
The Spurs have turned a rocky start in the California Classic, three straight losses, into a 3-1 record in Las Vegas, largely on the backs of young talent like Gillespie and recent draft picks Carter Bryant and Tarris Reed. The front office’s track record of uncovering value in later rounds is evident, recalling past successes with players such as Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, who both emerged from second-round selections.
Looking ahead, Gillespie will join the Spurs for training camp, where his Summer League form will be tested against veteran competition. If he can translate his scoring efficiency and playmaking to the NBA pace, he could carve out a role as a spark-plug reserve or even contend for a regular-season roster spot. The next decisive window arrives with the preseason schedule in early October, after which the Spurs must finalize their 15-man roster and decide whether to retain his two-way status or offer a standard contract. His trajectory will hinge on how quickly he adapts to the NBA’s physicality and the Spurs’ disciplined system.
