The San Antonio Spurs are learning something important about themselves in real time.
Through the intensity of playoff basketball, weaknesses that once felt manageable are now impossible to ignore. For a young, rising team built around elite talent and long-term vision, these moments are less about failure and more about clarity.
And right now, the message is simple: the Spurs need more strength and balance in their frontcourt.
A problem hiding in plain sight
San Antonio’s roster construction has leaned heavily toward length, versatility, and skill. That formula has worked well, especially in a modern NBA that prioritizes spacing and mobility. But the postseason has a way of testing those ideas differently.
Against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Spurs have been competitive—but not without cracks. One of the most glaring issues came in Game 2, where Portland dominated the offensive glass, hauling in 15 offensive rebounds.
That’s not just a stat—it’s a warning sign.
The Spurs currently lack a traditional power forward with the physicality to consistently box out, absorb contact, and control the paint. Players like Julian Champagnie have stepped in admirably, but there’s a difference between holding your own and truly imposing your presence.
And in the playoffs, that difference matters.
Rotation decisions raise bigger questions
Head coach Mitch Johnson’s rotation choices have only reinforced this concern.
Despite having experienced big men like Mason Plumlee, Kelly Olynyk, and Bismack Biyombo available, none have been trusted with meaningful minutes. In fact, their near absence from the playoff rotation speaks volumes about how the coaching staff views the current frontcourt options.
Instead, San Antonio has leaned into smaller, more versatile lineups—units that offer speed and spacing but sacrifice physicality and rebounding.
It’s a trade-off that can work in stretches, but over the course of a series, it leaves the Spurs vulnerable in key areas.
The case for a different kind of big
This is where the upcoming NBA Draft becomes crucial.
Rather than chasing another high-flying athlete or rim-running center, the Spurs may need to prioritize a different archetype: a strong, skilled power forward who can do the dirty work while still fitting into their offensive system.
Someone who can rebound, defend, set solid screens, and stretch the floor when needed.
In other words, someone who fills the gaps instead of duplicating existing strengths.
A potential solution on the horizon
One name already being linked to San Antonio is Allen Graves, a promising freshman out of Santa Clara.
At 6’9” with a long wingspan, Graves brings a blend of size, intelligence, and versatility that fits seamlessly into the Spurs’ philosophy. His ability to shoot efficiently, rebound consistently, and contribute across multiple categories makes him an intriguing option.
But what stands out most isn’t just the numbers—it’s how he plays.
Graves thrives in the subtleties of the game. He sets effective screens, makes smart reads, and positions himself well both offensively and defensively. He may not be the most explosive athlete, but he understands how to maximize his tools.
That’s exactly the type of player San Antonio is missing.
Building toward something bigger
The Spurs are not a finished product—and they don’t need to be.
What matters is that they’re identifying the right problems at the right time. A lack of frontcourt strength isn’t a fatal flaw, but it is a limiting one. Fixing it could be the difference between being a competitive playoff team and becoming a true contender.
With cornerstone pieces already in place, San Antonio is closer than it seems. But to take that next step, they’ll need to round out the roster with players who complement their stars, not just mirror them.
The playoffs have exposed the issue.
Now the draft offers a chance to solve it.
