Sports · Basketball · 2 hrs ago
Spurs rookies impress in preseason as team considers starting Dylan Harper
The San Antonio Spurs saw two rookies stand out in a preseason loss to Utah on Monday.
Tarris Reed Jr., a first-round pick, had 17 rebounds and four steals in 24 minutes off the bench.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a second-round pick, scored 25 points in 25 minutes and also had three assists and three steals.
Coach Mitch Johnson praised Gillespie’s defense and energy, though it is unclear whether he will have a regular-season role.
Johnson appears to be considering starting Dylan Harper with De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle, a change from using Harper off the bench.
The Spurs made the NBA Finals last season and had the league’s third-best offense, so expectations are higher for 2026-27, and the team says it aims to keep improving.
Spurs rookie Tarris Reed Jr. had 17 rebounds and four steals in a preseason loss to Utah.
Rookie Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 25 points in the game, while coach Mitch Johnson praised his play.
Johnson appears to be considering starting Dylan Harper alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle this season.
The Spurs selected four players in the 2026 draft, though No. 20 pick Jayden Quaintance is expected to miss most or all of his rookie season after meniscus surgery.
- Who
- Spurs rookies Tarris Reed Jr. and Ja’Kobi Gillespie stood out, while the team is considering Dylan Harper for a starting role.
- What
- Reed and Gillespie impressed in a preseason game. Coach Mitch Johnson appears to be leaning toward starting Harper alongside De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
- When
- In a preseason game on Monday; the season is 2026/27.
- Where
- San Antonio; the game was against Utah.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Reed recorded 17 rebounds and four steals, and Gillespie scored 25 points in the Spurs’ preseason loss to Utah.
Johnson appears to be leaning toward starting Harper alongside Fox and Castle.
- Tarris Reed Jr.
- 17 rebounds and four steals in 24 minutes against Utah
- Ja’Kobi Gillespie
- 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting in 25 minutes
- Dylan Harper
- Former No. 2 overall pick being considered for a starting role
- Jayden Quaintance
- No. 20 overall pick expected to miss most or all of his rookie season after meniscus surgery in July
- Spurs draft class
- San Antonio selected four players in the 2026 draft
What people are saying
Not to nitpick, but if this was UConn, coach (Dan Hurley) would be yelling at me because I had 10 boards in the first half, (then) I eased up a little bit in the beginning of the second
He’s not perfect, but he’s playing with confidence and putting his energy in the right spots.
We’re very fortunate to have such a dynamic roster where you can really get creative in terms of puzzle pieces and how you want to build out the puzzle.