The player Spurs must not pick in 2026 NBA Draft

The player Spurs must not pick in 2026 NBA Draft centers on San Antonio’s No. 20 overall selection and the need to avoid a high-risk prospect while the franchise enters a real championship window. After a season built around Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs surged to the 2026 NBA Finals, with Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper emerging as key supports. The Knicks series highlighted remaining gaps, including struggles with physicality and interior toughness. Wembanyama lacked rugged frontcourt support at times, leaving defensive stability vulnerable. That context elevates the stakes of the pick. The article flags Karim Lopez, a Mexican wing with standout size, athleticism, and transition speed, as a polarizing fit for San Antonio at No. 20, pairing significant upside with concerns about risk and readiness.