Tarris Reed Jr. could be a difference-making rookie

Reed Jr. is coming off his best college season, averaging 14.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game. He's a bit of a throwback player with his combination of size, strength, and touch at the center position. He's more likely to score on an offensive rebound or in the low post than to run the break in transition and soar for a dunk, or knock down three-pointers.

In the summer league, Reed Jr. looked at his best when he was using his 6-foot-10, 260-pound frame around the basket to clear the glass on both ends, or score physically through traffic. His best skill was one that won't show up in the stat sheet but will make a real impact: setting screens. He helped guards like Ja'Kobi Gillespie get downhill with ease by cutting off angles with his wide frame.

It's those transferable skills that should make him an immediate impact player for San Antonio . At worst, he's another big body that the Spurs can use when Victor Wembanyama or Luke Kornet need to rest. At best, he could fight his way into the rotation as a physical presence who can give San Antonio another look from the fundamentally sound Kornet and the genetic freak Wembanyama. Expect him to get a chance to show what he can do early, like Carter Bryant and Dylan Harper had last season.