The San Antonio Spurs are gearing up for the 2025 NBA Draft with two lottery picks, currently projected at eighth and 14th overall. After a season where they selected fourth and eighth, they traded Rob Dillingham to the Minnesota Timberwolves. This year, ESPN's mock draft suggests they may select Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley from the University of Illinois. Jakucionis, a pass-first point guard, is viewed as a viable backup for De'Aaron Fox, while Riley, the Big 10 Sixth Man of the Year, is noted for his off-ball play. Despite these promising additions, the Spurs’ pressing need for a backup center looms large, particularly due to the recent lack of depth behind Victor Wembanyama after a premature end to his season.

While adding talent from Illinois could be beneficial, experts believe focusing on a center with their first pick may be wiser, with options like Derik Queen or Khaman Maluach showing potential. The Spurs are in a favorable position, and how they leverage their draft picks could significantly impact their future roster and performance.