The San Antonio Spurs were winners at this year’s trade deadline by acquiring De’Aaron Fox.
However, they lack depth at the center position with Zach Collins now gone. Behind Victor Wembanyama is the currently injured Charles Bassey and 6-foot-9 Sandro Mamukelashvili.
On Sunday, Feb. 9, the Spurs announced they signed Bismack Biyombo to a 10-day contract. While the Spurs desperately need a backup center, 32-year-old Biyombo is not part of their future plans.
Ten-day contracts are challenging, as players on them have little time to prove their worth as full-contract players. The Spurs can go the route of signing Biyombo to a second 10-day contract before deciding to keep him for the rest of the season.
Assuming Biyombo is not a rest-of-season guy, here’s a look at eight frontcourt players the Spurs should potentially target to compete in the non-Wemby minutes and contend for a future title.
Clint Capela
Despite being in his early thirties, Clint Capela is one of the best candidates to help the Spurs contend.
Before this season, Capela averaged a double-double for seven consecutive years. He lost his starting job with the Atlanta Hawks on Jan. 20 and has not played since Jan. 27.
Speculants also suggest the relationship between Capela and the Hawks is fractured, but head coach Quin Snyder alluded to the center becoming available again after the All-Star break.
Capela is a free agent this offseason.
Moe Wagner
While this may be risky as he is out with an ACL injury suffered in December, Moe Wagner could help the Spurs’ future as he has a history of being productive off the bench.
At 27, Wagner is still young but has many years of league experience. He averaged double-digit points in four of his last five seasons. With his scoring, Wagner can help the Spurs overcome their scoring droughts seen throughout the season.
He has a club option after this season; if he declines, he will hit free agency.
Mo Bamba
Mo Bamba played 28 games for the Los Angeles Clippers this season before getting traded to and released by the Utah Jazz.
He had his best season three years ago, averaging 10.6 points per game. His numbers haven’t been the best, but he has had his moments when coming off the bench.
Playing for a team like the Spurs, which brings out the best in their players, can help him get back to having these big nights.
Bamba is currently a free agent.
James Wiseman
Former number two overall pick in 2020, James Wiseman has not lived up to expectations so far in his career. Like Wagner, Wiseman is also out for the season due to an injury.
Many analysts consider Wiseman a bust. However, he is only 23 years old and still has time to change that narrative. San Antonio is known for developing young players. His upside could be massive for the Spurs if they were to add him to the roster.
While it may be hard to get him back to playing like a number two pick, the Spurs are the place to get him back on that track.
Wiseman was traded to the Raptors at the trade deadline but was later waived.
Bol Bol
Bol Bol was Wemby before Wemby, a lengthy, seven-foot-three big man who can dribble and shoot the ball. Just imagine how exciting this duo would be in San Antonio.
Bol recently has become a starter for the Phoenix Suns and proved he can be productive when given the chance.
The comparisons between the two will never go away. The duo of Wemby and Bol would add even more shot-blocking to the Spurs and make them one of the most exciting offenses in the league.
Bol’s one-year deal with the Suns is up after this season.
Noa Essengue (Draft)
While Noa Essengue isn’t considered a center, he will still help with adding size, defense, and skill to the team. The 6-foot-9 French forward has played for Ratiopharm for the last two seasons.
Essengue will only be 18 when the draft comes around, making him one of the league’s youngest players. He will continue to get better with time and help add more youth to a very talented Spurs team.
What better fit and place to develop than with fellow French star Wemby?
Asa Newell (Draft)
Asa Newell is a five-star recruit who currently plays for the Georgia Bulldogs.
The 6-foot-11 freshman is averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season while shooting over 50 percent.
Newell has been one of the best freshman players this season. He is easily capable of adapting to a new level of play and has been very efficient all season long. The Spurs can use a player like him who doesn’t make many mistakes and impacts winning.
Newell is a tremendous athlete who can thrive in a backup role for the Spurs.
Johni Broome (Draft)
Auburn is the number one ranked team in the country right now, and that is mainly due to 6-foot-10 Johni Broome. Broome leads the Tigers in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks this season.
Johni has been one of, if not the best, players in college basketball this year. He is very fundamental but lacks flashy plays. However, he is consistent every single night, filling up the stat sheet.
While he isn’t one of the youngest draft prospects, the 22-year-old can help the Spurs win games and compete while giving them another Mr. Fundamental (Tim Duncan) like player.
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