San Antonio's 2026 draft class stepped onto the NBA stage on July 3, 2026, at the Chase Center in San Francisco for the California Classic. The trio , center Tarris Reed Jr., guard Ja'Kobi Gilleske, and forward Maliq Brown , logged minutes in a tightly contested game that ended with the Spurs losing 88-87 to the Miami Heat.
Reed, the 6-11, 26th-overall pick from Connecticut, finished with 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting and pulled down a team-high seven rebounds. His first attempt was an air-ball from the left wing, a moment that underscored the adjustment period typical for a rookie entering professional play. After the game, assistant coach Corliss Williamson said, "We expect for there to be some rough patches there," acknowledging the inevitable learning curve.
Gilleske and Brown each had moments that hinted at their future roles. Gilleske was seen contesting shots and even attempting a three-pointer over Miami’s Jahmir Young, suggesting a willingness to stretch the floor. Brown displayed active defensive play, though his impact did not translate into a measurable box-score contribution. Both players demonstrated the energy and effort coaches look for in a Summer League setting.
Williamson, who reflects on his own debut in the mid-1990s, used the game as a benchmark for the young squad. He contrasted his experience, missing a Summer League due to the 1995 lockout, with the current generation’s immediate exposure to high-stakes competition. The close margin of defeat highlighted the Spurs’ ability to compete with a Miami team that also fielded several first-year players, reinforcing the front office’s belief that the 2026 draft class can hold its own.
Looking ahead, the remainder of the California Classic will give the coaching staff additional data points to assess the rookies’ development. If Reed can refine his perimeter touch and the backcourt can generate consistent three-point opportunities, the Spurs could see a more balanced offensive profile heading into training camp. The staff will likely use the upcoming games to gauge how these young players handle clutch situations, a factor that could influence roster decisions before the preseason begins.
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