{"id":35054,"date":"2026-06-23T13:16:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T13:16:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/23\/5-names-to-know-as-big-men-highlight-the-spurs-nba-draft-wish-list\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T13:16:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T13:16:57","slug":"5-names-to-know-as-big-men-highlight-the-spurs-nba-draft-wish-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/23\/5-names-to-know-as-big-men-highlight-the-spurs-nba-draft-wish-list\/","title":{"rendered":"5 names to know as big men highlight the Spurs’ NBA Draft wish list"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\"Santa<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n

Santa Clara forward Allen Graves (22) celebrates after making a 3-point shot against Gonzaga during the first half of an NCAA college basketball final game in the West Coast Conference men’s tournament Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo\/John Locher)<\/p>\n

<\/span>John Locher\/AP<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n

The way Santa Clara forward Allen Graves sees it, the best things he does on the basketball court don\u2019t always show up in the box score.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/div>\n
\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to say I have a good feel for the game,\u201d Graves told reporters at the NBA draft combine. \u201cMy knowledge of basketball has always been pretty good.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

An analytics darling who did not start for his college team, Graves has seen his draft stock rise in recent weeks.\u00a0He is one of a handful of players who could find a landing spot in San Antonio.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals, the Spurs own the No. 20 pick in the first round of the draft Tuesday in New York.\u00a0 They were able to move up nine slots thanks to a pick swap with Atlanta, a remnant from the 2022 Dejounte Murray trade.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The Spurs also own three picks in Wednesday\u2019s second round \u2014 Nos. 35, 42 and 44 \u2014 though the club is unlikely to make all of them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

MORE SPURS:<\/strong> <\/nobr>Spurs’ roster breakdown: Who stays and who goes this offseason?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

When it comes to continuing to build the roster out around superstar Victor Wembanyama, Spurs general manager Brian Wright, who picked in the top 4 in each of the previous three drafts, will have to make do with selecting in the bottom third this year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Graves is an intriguing prospect who could fall into that range.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Despite averaging 22.6 minutes as Santa Clara\u2019s Sixth Man, the 19-year-old Graves led the team in blocks and steals. The 6-foot-9\u00a0Graves but isn\u2019t considered an elite athlete, but his quick hands and apparent basketball IQ make him a defensive playmaker at the forward position. He shot 51% overall, 41% from 3-point range and 75% from the free-throw line as a freshman, a profile that should suit Graves well as a floor-spreader at the\u00a0NBA level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Graves\u2019 approach to the game fits what the Spurs are seeking as a complement to Wembanyama.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cMake all the dirty plays, be a hustle player, be that glue guy,\u201d Graves said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u00a0Whether that is enough to make him the Spurs\u2019 next first-round pick remains to be seen. \u00a0Here is a look at other prospects on the Spurs\u2019 board heading into Tuesday:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"FILE<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n

FILE – Alabama guard Latrell Wrightsell Jr. (3) battles for a rebound with Kentucky forward Jayden Quaintance, right, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Jan. 3, 2026, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo\/Vasha Hunt, File)<\/p>\n

<\/span>Vasha Hunt\/Associated Press<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n

Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

On paper, the 6-foot-9 Quiantance appears to fill the Spurs\u2019 need for a bouncy, muscular power forward type.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

His biggest question mark is one of health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

After suffering an ACL tear in his right knee as a freshman at Arizona State, Quaintance \u2014 a former five-star recruit and McDonald\u2019s All-American \u2014 transferred to Kentucky.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

He appeared in four games with the Wildcats before being shut down for the season with lingering knee issues.\u00a0That medical chart is the main reason Quaintance is not being hyped as a potential lottery pick.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

NBA DRAFT:<\/strong> Brennan grad Kingston Flemings could make San Antonio NBA draft history<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cThe ups and downs that come with the season, it doesn\u2019t always go as planned,\u201d Quaintance told reporters at the NBA draft combine. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to keep a level head, keep your eyes forward and keep the outside noise on the outside.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

If the Spurs can look past the health issues, Quiantance has the potential to provide massive upside at the No. 20 pick.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

A defensive-minded big man with top-shelf length and strength, the 18-year-old Quinatance set an Arizona State freshman record for blocked shots while appearing in only 24 games. He should waste little time contributing on that end at the NBA level, while also serving as a rim-running and lob threat on offense.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cMy versatility and the way I move is different from a lot of bigs,\u201d Quaintance said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Houston's<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n

Houston’s Chris Cenac Jr. celebrates after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kansas in the semifinal round of the Big 12 Conference tournament Friday, March 13, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo\/Charlie Riedel)<\/p>\n

<\/span>Charlie Riedel\/AP<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n

Chris\u00a0Cenac Jr, \u00a0F\/C, Houston<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The 6-foot-11 Cenac is well aware of where his future NBA paychecks might be cashed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI say defense for sure, being able to move my feet and guard the perimeter,\u201d Cenac told reporters at the NBA draft combine. \u201cLittle grit areas of the game.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Indeed, Cenac\u2019s shooting numbers were nothing to write home about in his lone college season at Houston. He averaged 9.5 points, mostly using his 7-foot-5 wingspan and 240-pound frame to get to the rim.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The 19-year-old Cenac has worked his way into first-round conversations on the back of his defensive presence and rebounding prowess.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Cenac\u2019s season at Houston spent under the tutelage of Kelvin Sampson \u2014 a coach well-respected within the Spurs\u2019 walls \u2014 only helps his stock in San Antonio.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Arizona<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n

Arizona forward Koa Peat reacts as he dunks the ball for a basket against Colorado in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo\/David Zalubowski)<\/p>\n

<\/span>David Zalubowski\/AP<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n

Peat\u2019s first name is a Hawaiian word meaning \u201cstrong warrior.\u201d That is also how Peat would describe his game.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to play hard every time I step on the court,\u201d Peat told reporters at the NBA draft combine. \u201cI play with a chip on my shoulder, and I feel like I always find a way to impact winning.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

The 6-foot-7, 245-pound Peat has been a winner at every level. He owns four gold medals as a member of USA Basketball program. In his lone college season at Arizona, he was named to the Big 12\u2019s All-Freshman team while starring during the Wildcats\u2019 run to the Final Four.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Built like an NFL tight end \u2014 his father Todd played six NFL seasons, while his brother Andrus played 11 \u2014 Peat possesses the size and strength to battle on the interior in the NBA. At Arizona, he showcased an uncanny ability to finish through contact and hold his spots on the block.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Shooting can be an issue for Peat. He was 7-for-20 from 3-point range last season and made only 62.3% from the foul line. If the Spurs are still scarred from their failed experiment at turning Jeremy\u00a0Sochan into a competent offensive player, Peat might not be the choice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Still, the Spurs will always value character and winning. Peat is certainly on their radar at No. 20.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019ve won my whole career,\u201d Peat said. \u201cI feel like I can do that at the NBA stage as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\"Karim<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n
\n

Karim Lopez of the Breakers celebrates the win with the fans during the round 19 NBL match between New Zealand Breakers and Melbourne United at Spark Arena, on January 30, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span>Fiona Goodall\/Getty Images<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n

Karim Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

If Lopez goes anywhere within the top 30 picks Tuesday, he will make history as the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA draft.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

It is a distinction the native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, does not take lightly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s definitely something I\u2019m aware of,\u201d Lopez told reporters at the NBA draft combine. \u201cIt\u2019s a blessing. It\u2019s a great opportunity for me. It\u2019s something I carry with a lot of pride.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

At age 14, Lopez left Mexico for Spain, where he began his professional career. His past two seasons were spent with the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League, where Lopez developed a reputation as a deadly downhill rim attacker.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Now 19, the 6-foot-8 Lopez is ready to make the leap to the NBA. He could be available when the Spurs are on the clock at No. 20.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Lopez believes his time in New Zealand has prepared him for what is to come at the NBA, where he is set to make history on draft day.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a really fast-paced league,\u201d Lopez said. \u201cIt\u2019s a really physical league. It\u2019s a league with great talent, players who have been in the NBA before. It\u2019s a really high level.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Other prospects worth monitoring at No. 20: <\/b>Dailyn Swain, SG\/SF, Texas; Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina; Tarris Reed Jr, C, Connecticut; Cameron Carr, SG\/SF, Baylor; Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"Arizona<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n

Arizona forward Koa Peat (10) is defended by Arkansas forward Nick Pringle (23) during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo\/Godofredo A. Vasquez)<\/p>\n

<\/span>Godofredo A. Vasquez\/AP<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n
\"Karim<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n
\n

Karim Lopez of the Breakers blocks the shot of Nick Marshall of the JackJumpers during the round 19 NBL match between Tasmania Jackjumpers and New Zealand Breakers at MyState Bank Arena, on February 01, 2026, in Hobart, Australia.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/span>Steve Bell\/Getty Images<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n
\"FILE<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n

FILE – Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. (5) shoots the ball as Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (13) defends in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Feb. 21, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo\/Maria Lysaker, File)<\/p>\n

<\/span>Maria Lysaker\/Associated Press<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n
\"Santa<\/picture><\/div>
<\/p>\n

Santa Clara forward Allen Graves (22) is defended by Gonzaga’s Graham Ike during an NCAA college basketball game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (AP Photo\/Jeff Chiu)<\/p>\n

<\/span>Jeff Chiu\/AP<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n


\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Santa Clara forward Allen Graves (22) celebrates after making a 3-point shot against Gonzaga during the first half of an<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":35055,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_animmysite_disable_animation":false,"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/s.hdnux.com\/photos\/01\/66\/50\/70\/31100420\/3\/rawImage.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[213],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trending-sports-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35054"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35054\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35055"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35054"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35054"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/trendifyhubusa.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}