Tarris Reed Jr. Polled as Spurs' Most Impactful Rookie

A recent poll suggests rookie center Tarris Reed Jr. Could be the most impactful newcomer for the San Antonio Spurs this season. The Spurs doubled down on the center position in the draft, selecting Jayden Quaintance 20th overall before trading to acquire Reed Jr..

Reed Jr. Is coming off a strong final college season where he averaged 14.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. Described as a throwback player, he relies on size and strength more than perimeter shooting or transition speed. His offensive game is built around scoring on offensive rebounds and in the low post.

Summer League Performance

During summer league play, the 6-foot-10, 260-pound rookie excelled using his frame around the basket. He cleared rebounds and scored physically through traffic. His most notable skill, however, was setting screens. Reed Jr. Used his wide body to cut off angles, helping guards like Ja'Kobi Gillespie drive to the basket with ease.

Projected Role with the Spurs

These transferable skills are why he is viewed as a potential immediate contributor. At a minimum, he provides a big body for rest periods for Wembanyama or Luke Kornet. At best, he could earn rotation minutes as a physical alternative to the fundamentally sound Kornet and the unique Wembanyama. The source notes he should get an early chance to prove himself, similar to opportunities given to Carter Bryant and Dylan Harper last season.

The Quaintance Factor

The situation is complicated by the status of fellow rookie center Jayden Quaintance. Selected 20th Quaintance may have higher long-term potential but will begin the season recovering from knee surgery. There is no public timetable for his return. Depending on his recovery timeline, the Spurs might consider holding him out for the entire season to avoid rushing a rookie into a potential playoff push. If healthy, Quaintance could help form a formidable defensive lineup alongside Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and Carter Bryant.

Other young players like Maliq Brown and Ja'Kobi Gillespie are seen as underrated, two-way depth pieces. Brown is a defender and rim runner, while Gillespie projects as a fourth or fifth guard alongside David Jones-Garcia. The Spurs have assembled a group of promising young talent, all currently behind more established veterans on the depth chart but poised to contribute at various points this season.