Jan 7, 2026; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Jayden Quaintance (21) reacts after a play during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images It’s been a while since we’ve had to wait this long for the Spurs’ first pick of the night – the last time their first pick was outside the lottery was Luka Samanic at 19th in 2019, and the last time they picked further back than 20th was Derrick White at 29th in 2017 – but after rumors of potentially trading back, they ended up standing pat and using the 2oth overall pick on Jayden Quaintance. With the 20th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select Jayden Quaintance!@Ticketmaster | #PorVida pic.twitter.com/L7DvC76Lwa— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) June 24, 2026 Quiantance is a 6’9″ center who played his freshman season at Arizona State, where he averaged 9.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in almost 30 minutes per game. He is an elite rim protector who would help prevent the interior defense from falling off a cliff when Victor Wembanyama rests. However, there is risk involved with the pick since Quiantance suffered a torn ACL in Febuary 2025 and only played in four games his sophomore season. at the University of Kentucky. Questions about his health and availability persist, but the good news is the Spurs can afford to be patient with him, with Luke Kornet being one of the best backup centers in the league last season (at least in the regular season). We will have much more on what this pick means for the Spurs soon, stay tuned for that and coverage of the second round tomorrow, beginning at 7:00 PM CT. In the meantime, welcome to San Antonio, Jayden! ...read more read less