The San Antonio Spurs hold the No. 20 pick in the upcoming NBA draft after moving up nine slots via a pick swap with Atlanta, a remnant of the 2022 Dejounte Murray trade. General manager Brian Wright, who has selected in the top four for three straight drafts, now faces a bottom-third slot as the team looks to add another big man to the roster built around Victor Wembanyama. Alongside Graves, the board includes a handful of front-court prospects, each vying for a chance to join a franchise fresh from the NBA Finals.
Allen Graves entered the combine as a 6-foot-9 forward who never started at Santa Clara but still led his team in blocks and steals. He logged 22.6 minutes per game as a freshman, shot 51 percent from the field, 41 percent from three-point range, and 75 percent at the free-throw line. Those splits suggest a floor-spreader who can protect the rim and disrupt passing lanes. The Spurs also own three second-round selections at Nos. 35, 42 and 44, though they are unlikely to keep all three, adding pressure to maximize the first-round choice.
Graves led Santa Clara in blocks and steals despite coming off the bench. His quick hands and basketball IQ make him a defensive playmaker at forward. He describes his ideal role as making dirty plays, being a hustle player and serving as that glue guy. That approach fits what the Spurs seek as a complement to Wembanyama, a player who can stretch the floor without demanding a high usage rate.
On paper, the 6-foot-9 player appears to fill the Spurs need for a bouncy, muscular power forward type. After suffering an ACL tear in his right knee as a freshman at Arizona State, the former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American transferred to Kentucky. He appeared in four games with the Wildcats before being shut down for the season with lingering knee issues. That medical chart is the main reason he is not being hyped as a potential lottery pick.
The Spurs can continue to build the roster around Wembanyama by targeting high-floor talent in this range. Wright’s success in previous drafts came with top-four selections who contributed early. This year’s lower slot requires a focus on defensive versatility and interior depth to protect Wembanyama and provide a reliable anchor. Graves’ analytics profile, combined with his feel for the game, offers a low-risk fit that could develop into an immediate rotation piece.
The draft convenes Tuesday in New York, with the Spurs set to make their first-round decision before the second round on Wednesday. The next 48 hours will show whether San Antonio’s emphasis on big men produces another building block. Targeting players who excel at the little things, such as blocks, steals and floor spacing, gives the franchise a chance to add depth without sacrificing long-term flexibility.
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