5 names to know as big men highlight the Spurs’ NBA Draft wish list

The way Santa Clara forward Alan Graves sees it, the best things he does on the basketball court don’t always show up in the box score.

“I would say I have a good feel for the game,” Graves told reporters at the NBA Draft Combine. “My knowledge of basketball has always been very good.”

An analytics darling who didn’t start for his college team, Graves has seen his draft stock rise in recent weeks. He’s one of a handful of players who could land in San Antonio.

Fresh from a trip to the NBA Finals, the Spurs are the 20th pick in the first round of the draft on Tuesday in New York. They were able to move up nine spots thanks to a pick swap with Atlanta, the remnants of the 2022 Dejounte Murray trade.

The Spurs also have three picks in Wednesday’s second round – Nos. 35, 42 and 44 – although the club is unlikely to make all of them.

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When it comes to continuing to build the roster around superstar Victor Wembanyama, Spurs general manager Brian Wright, who has selected in the top 4 in each of the last three drafts, will have to select in the bottom third this year.

Graves is an intriguing prospect who could fall into that category.

Despite averaging 22.6 minutes as Santa Clara’s sixth man, the 19-year-old Graves led the team in blocks and steals. The 6-foot-9 Graves is not considered an elite athlete, but his quick hands and pronounced basketball IQ make him a great defensive player 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 as a floor-spreader at the NBA level.

Graves’ approach to the game fits in with what Spurs are looking for to complement Wembanyama.

“Make all the dirty plays, be the hustle player, be the glue guy,” Graves said.

It remains to be seen if that’s enough to earn him the Spurs’ next first-round pick. Here’s a look at the other prospects on the Spurs board come Tuesday:

Jaden Quaintance, C, Kentucky

On paper, the 6-foot-9 Quintessence appears to fill the Spurs’ need for a bouncy, muscular power forward type.

His biggest question mark is about health.

After suffering an ACL injury in his right knee as a freshman at Arizona State, Quaintance – a former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American – transferred to Kentucky.

He appeared in four games with the Wildcats before being ruled out for the season due to a knee problem. That medical chart is the main reason Quaintance is not being promoted as a potential lottery pick.

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“The ups and downs that come with a season, it doesn’t always go according to plan,” Quaintance told reporters at the NBA Draft Combine. “You have to keep your head level, your eyes forward and keep outside noise out.”

If the Spurs can take care of the health issues, Quintessence has the potential to provide a massive upside at the No. 20 pick.

A defensive-minded big man with top-shelf length and strength, the 18-year-old Quinatens set the 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.

“My versatility and the way I run is different than a lot of the majors,” Quaintance said.

Chris Cenac Jr., F/C, Houston

At 6-foot-11, Cenac knows exactly where his future NBA paycheck might be worth cashing in.

“I definitely say defense, being able to move your feet and defend the perimeter,” Cenac told reporters at the NBA Draft Combine. “Small patience areas of the game.”

In fact, Cenac’s shooting numbers in his lone college season in Houston were nothing to write home about. He averaged 9.5 points, mostly using his 7-foot-5 wingspan and 240-pound frame to get to the rim.

The 19-year-old Cenac has earned his place in the first-round conversation on the strength of his defensive presence and counterattacking skills.

Cenac’s season in Houston spent under the tutelage of Kelvin Sampson – a coach well-respected within the walls of the Spurs – only helped his stock in San Antonio.

Pete’s first name is a Hawaiian word meaning “strong warrior.” This is how Pete would describe his game.

“I’m going to work hard every time I get on the court,” Pete told reporters at the NBA Draft Combine. “I play with a chip on my shoulder, and I feel like I always find a way to influence the win.”

The 6-foot-7-inch, 245-pound Pete has been a winner at every level. He has four gold medals as a member of the USA Basketball program. In his lone college season at Arizona, he was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman team during the Wildcats’ Final Four appearance.

Built like an NFL tight end – his father Todd played six NFL seasons, while his brother Andrus played 11 – Pete has the size and strength to battle on the interior in the NBA. At Arizona, he demonstrated an uncanny ability to finish through contact and hold his ground on the block.

Shooting could be an issue for Pete. He was 7 of 20 from 3-point range last season and made only 62.3% from the foul line. If the Spurs are still scarred by their failed experiment in turning Jeremy Sochan into a capable offensive player, Peat may not be an option.

Nevertheless, Spurs will always value character and winning. Pete is definitely on their radar at number 20.

“I’ve won my entire career,” Pete said. “I think I can do the same on the NBA stage.”

Kareem Lopez, F, New Zealand Breakers

If Lopez goes anywhere in the top 30 selections on Tuesday, he will make history as the first Mexican-born player selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

It’s a distinction the native of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s definitely something I’m aware of,” Lopez told reporters at the NBA Draft Combine. “It’s a blessing. It’s a great opportunity for me. It’s something I carry with great pride.”

At the age of 14, López left Mexico for Spain, where he began his professional career. His last two seasons were spent with the New Zealand Breakers of the National Basketball League, where López developed a reputation as a lethal downhill rim attacker.

Now at 19 years old, the 6-foot-8 Lopez is ready to make the jump to the NBA. He could be available when Spurs are 20th on the clock.

Lopez believes his time in New Zealand has prepared him for what is to come in the NBA, where he is ready to make history on draft day.

“It’s a really fast-paced league,” Lopez said. “It’s a really physical league. It’s a league with great talent, players who have been in the NBA before. It’s a really high level.”

Other prospects worth monitoring at No. 20: Dellin Swain, SG/SF, Texas; Henry Vissar, C, North Carolina; Taris Reed Jr., C, Connecticut; Cameron Carr, SG/SF, Baylor; Isaiah Evans, SG, Duke.