Spurs add guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie in second round, selecting Tennessee prospect with No. 42

The San Antonio Spurs used the No. 42 pick in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft to select Ja’Kobi Gillespie, continuing their recent pattern of adding rotation-capable talent from the college ranks. Gillespie, a guard from the Tennessee Volunteers, became the latest Tennessee player to hear his name called in this year’s draft, with the selection coming Wednesday night.

Gillespie’s selection lands on a Spurs roster-building timeline that has emphasized drafting and developing pieces who can contribute across multiple guard and perimeter responsibilities. The Spurs, described in the report as the current Western Conference champions, are using this draft slot to add another option to their backcourt mix as the offseason transitions into the work of training camp and roster setting.

The draft selection is also notable for Tennessee, which saw Gillespie move from NCAA basketball to the pro game in this cycle. While the report frames the timing as another Tennessee player coming off the board, the bigger takeaway is the path from college play to an NBA organization that is already organized around a stable team identity. For Gillespie, the move changes the day-to-day rhythm, shifting from collegiate structure to the Spurs’ NBA development process.

What comes next for Gillespie will be less about immediate expectations that arrive with a second-round selection and more about fit. Spurs draftees at this stage typically need to establish their roles through practice habits, defensive communication, and decision-making on offense. As a guard prospect, Gillespie will likely be evaluated on how quickly he can translate reading defenses, moving without the ball, and handling game-speed adjustments to NBA settings.

The Spurs’ pick at No. 42 suggests San Antonio values the kind of player they can mold, rather than a prospect who is guaranteed to be a finished product on arrival. The most important measure for Gillespie in the months ahead will be whether he can secure time on the floor, earn trust for high-pressure possessions, and demonstrate that his college skill set can hold up against professional athletes.

For draft watchers, the selection also raises a simple question: how quickly will San Antonio identify a workable guard rotation around new additions and returning pieces? Gillespie’s debut timeline will depend on roster needs and how the Spurs prioritize development priorities during summer preparation and the regular-season evaluation period.