San Antonio

Spurs

Reed played two seasons at Michigan before transferring to UConn for his final two, and he would emerge as one of the best post players in college basketball during the Huskies’ run to the 2026 title game. In 35 appearances, the 6-foot-10 center averaged 14.7 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.0 blocks, shooting 60.7 percent from the field and 61.7 percent from the foul line. While he won’t offer much offensive production outside of the paint, Reed is a solid screen-setter who finishes well around the basket. He also offers reliable production as a rebounder and defender. While the Nuggets selected him, Reed will be headed to San Antonio. The Spurs did select Jayden Quaintance earlier in the first round, but he has some health concerns. Reed has the potential to earn consistent rotation minutes as a rookie. In exchange for this pick, Denver receives the No. 35 pick in the 2026 draft, a 2028 second via Minnesota and a 2031 second via Sacramento.

The 6-foot-9 Quaintance was one of the biggest question marks in his draft class, due to the status of his right knee. He suffered a torn ACL in February 2025 as a freshman at Arizona State and later transferred to Kentucky. Unfortunately, Quaintance played just four games last season before being shut down due to a lingering issue with the same knee. He looked healthy and reasonably explosive at his pro day, alleviating some of the concerns that teams may have had. While the upside is undeniable, it may take some time for the Spurs to see it realized. During his post-draft media availability, Quaintance said that he may need another procedure on his right knee, and it’s unknown when that would take place. He could be looking at a “redshirt” year, which eliminates his potential value in redraft leagues.

Vassell’s contributions in Game 5 won’t jump off the page, but he was solid and recorded a complete stat line in the Spurs’ season finale. That tracks with his fantasy production during the regular season, with the Spurs’ wing finishing outside the top-100 in eight- and nine-cat formats. Vassell will likely remain a player who offers consistent late-round fantasy value, but his ceiling is limited. Especially as players like Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper improve.

San Antonio’s starting backcourt struggled mightily in Game 5, with Castle and De’Aaron Fox totaling 13 points on 4-of-25 shooting from the field. As well as Castle played in the Spurs’ Game 3 victory and for most of the postseason, turnovers and foul trouble were also factors for the second-year guard. The experience should serve him well in the future, but Castle has to become a more efficient offensive player. His fantasy value will remain limited until that changes, especially when considering Dylan Harper’s emergence.

Fox’s first NBA Finals appearance is one that should, in theory, motivate him for years to come, as he struggled for most of the series. The miscues late in Game 4 were followed by a subpar performance in Game 5, and down the stretch, the Spurs would have been better off relying on Dylan Harper. Regarding fantasy basketball, Fox can provide reliable top-75 value, but his ceiling is limited on this Spurs roster. It’s worth noting that Fox’s extension, worth nearly $222 million over four years, goes into effect next season. While the Spurs may not have to make a decision immediately, there will come a point when they need to play Harper and Stephon Castle. Stay tuned.

Harper was San Antonio’s best player in Game 5, and his lack of opportunities in the fourth quarter contributed to the Spurs’ inability to hold off the Knicks. A similar scenario occurred in Game 4, and Harper is the first rookie since Richard Dumas in 1993 to record consecutive 20-point games. After the defeat, teammate Devin Vassell said that there were times during the season when Harper was frustrated with his playing time. Given how well he played during San Antonio’s run to the Finals, minutes should not be a concern for Harper in 2026-27. Don’t be surprised if he breaks out next season.

While he had moments of dominance in his first NBA Finals appearance, Wembanyama’s conditioning and the Knicks’ ability to limit his effectiveness at times were issues. Dominant as a rim protector in Game 5, the 7-foot-4 center was unable to assert himself consistently on the offensive end, even with Karl-Anthony Towns in foul trouble for most of the night. These finals will serve as a learning experience for Wembanyama, who will have an argument to be Pick 1.1 in fantasy drafts next fall. Also, keep in mind that he won’t turn 23 until January. There’s a lot more for Wembanyama to learn before he reaches his prime.

Initially listed as questionable for Game 5, Kornet logged just four minutes in Wednesday’s Game 4 defeat. While he’s likely to take on a similar workload with the Spurs’ season on the line, the veteran center will be able to provide some cover for Victor Wembanyama.

Kornet, who logged four minutes off the bench in Wednesday’s Game 4 defeat, is dealing with an illness. His potential absence from Game 5 would not significantly affect the Spurs’ rotation, given his limited playing time. It’s possible that Carter Bryant would get a few more minutes off the bench, especially if the Spurs looked to keep Victor Wembanyama’s playing time in check after he logged 44 minutes in Game 4. However, given what’s on the line, it’s unlikely that Wemby would play more than 40 minutes once again.

Vassell had the hot hand for the Spurs on Wednesday, as he led the team in three-pointers. Yet, he only scored three points in the second half when New York outscored San Antonio 58-30 to complete a 29-point comeback win. Regardless, he finished as one of the team’s best scorers and also made contributions as a passer. Still, Vassell and the Spurs will need to have short memories and get back on track in Game 5 on Saturday. Otherwise, their season could end.