Spurs Add Defensive Grit and Backcourt Depth with Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Maliq Brown in 2026 NBA Draft
The San Antonio Spurs continued shaping the future of the franchise during the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, selecting Tennessee guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie with the 42nd overall pick and Duke forward Maliq Brown at No. 44.
While second-round selections often arrive with less fanfare than lottery picks, both players bring proven production, defensive intensity and collegiate experience that align with the Spurs' long-standing emphasis on basketball IQ, player development and team-first culture. For Spurs fans across San Antonio and South Texas, the additions offer another glimpse into the organization's ongoing effort to build sustainable success around its emerging young core.
Spurs Continue Building Through the NBA Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft marked another opportunity for the Spurs to add versatile talent as the franchise continues developing one of the league's youngest and most promising rosters. Rather than focusing solely on scoring, San Antonio targeted players recognized for their competitiveness, defensive effort and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Both Gillespie and Brown arrive after distinguished collegiate careers that included conference honors, postseason success and reputations as dependable leaders on winning teams.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie Brings Veteran Leadership to the Backcourt
Selected with the 42nd overall pick, Ja'Kobi Gillespie enters the NBA after an impressive senior season at the University of Tennessee.
The 6-foot, 180-pound guard started all 37 games during the 2025-26 season, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds while logging nearly 35 minutes per contest.
His standout campaign earned him several accolades, including:
- SEC Newcomer of the Year
- First Team All-SEC
- NCAA Midwest Region All-Tournament Team
Before transferring to Tennessee, Gillespie spent his junior season at Maryland, averaging 14.7 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and nearly two steals per game while helping guide the Terrapins to their first NCAA Sweet 16 appearance in nine years.
Originally from Greeneville, Tennessee, Gillespie began his college career at Belmont, where he earned Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman Team honors before later being named to the MVC All-Defensive Team as a sophomore.
His experience across three successful collegiate programs gives the Spurs another mature playmaker capable of creating offense while competing on the defensive end.
Maliq Brown Adds Elite Defensive Versatility
Just two picks later, San Antonio selected one of college basketball's premier defenders in Duke forward Maliq Brown.
Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing 225 pounds, Brown appeared in 125 collegiate games over four seasons split between Syracuse and Duke.
Although his offensive numbers remained modest throughout his career, Brown established himself as one of the nation's most impactful defensive players.
During his senior season at Duke, he averaged:
- 6.6 points
- 6.5 rebounds
- 2.0 steals per game
His defensive excellence earned an impressive collection of honors:
- ACC Defensive Player of the Year
- ACC Sixth Man of the Year
- ACC All-Defensive Team
- Lefty Driesell Award as the nation's top defensive player
Brown's reputation as a disruptive defender began during his time at Syracuse. As a sophomore, he averaged 9.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while earning ACC All-Defensive Team recognition.
One of the most remarkable moments of his college career came during a road victory over Louisville, where Brown recorded a rare 5x5 game—posting at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks—while shooting 100 percent from the field. According to the Spurs, it was the first perfect-shooting 5x5 performance by an NCAA Division I player in the previous 25 years.
Why These Picks Matter for San Antonio
The Spurs have built a reputation over decades for identifying overlooked talent and developing players into valuable NBA contributors. Gillespie's playmaking ability and Brown's defensive versatility fit many of the qualities the organization has historically prioritized.
For San Antonio fans, these selections represent more than simply adding depth. They reflect the franchise's continued investment in building a balanced roster filled with experienced, high-character competitors who can grow alongside the team's young foundation.
While both players will have opportunities to prove themselves through Summer League competition and training camp, their collegiate accomplishments suggest they arrive prepared to compete for roles within one of the NBA's most promising rebuilding teams.
What Comes Next
With the NBA Draft complete, attention now shifts to Summer League, where Spurs fans will likely get their first extended look at Gillespie and Brown in San Antonio uniforms.
As the organization continues assembling talent around its emerging core, the development of these second-round selections could become another important chapter in the Spurs' next era of basketball.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continuing coverage of the San Antonio Spurs, local sports and stories that matter across South Texas.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.