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Luckily for the San Antonio Spurs, they don’t have the same frontcourt issue that has plagued the likes of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles, as they’ve already identified their long-term center in Victor Wembanyama.
However, the Spurs’ second-unit low-post production leaves much to be desired, as Luke Kornet was unplayable for San Antonio at times in the postseason (though he was far from the sole reason the Spurs failed to win an NBA championship).
Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus thinks the Spurs could compete with the Lakers this summer for a beloved former Boston Celtics All-Defensive center looking to join a contender.
“The Portland Trail Blazers didn't last long against the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, but just making the postseason was a significant step forward for the franchise,” Pincus wrote Saturday.
“(Robert) Williams, who has struggled to stay healthy for most of the last few years, stepped into an important defensive role, living up to his status as a veteran with playoff experience. Depending on his medicals, Williams could be set to earn another deal above $10 million, though probably no more than 1-2 years in length. He could fit with several teams with playoff aspirations, presumably in a managed-minute role off the bench.’
“Teams that could threaten to steal him from the Blazers include the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Atlanta Hawks, and the Chicago Bulls. While Chicago may not be postseason-ready, they have a glaring need for center depth and defensive acumen.”
Williams isn’t the most polished sound big man option on the trade market, but what he lacks in fundamentals, he makes up for in energy, vertical athleticism, upper-body strength, and rim protection.
The Texas A&M product has spent the past three seasons with the Trail Blazers after a successful five-year stint with the Celtics, and impressively, his third season with Portland was his most durable yet.
Williams, who appeared in only 26 seasons with the Trail Blazers from 2023-25, was active for 59 contests this season and averaged 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 70.8% from the field.
The Spurs could use Williams' immediate two-way impact off the bench in 2026-27, and the Lakers could potentially insert the 28-year-old into their starting lineup depending on what happens with Deandre Ayton and his $8.1 million player option.
Needless to say, it makes sense why both Western Conference franchises have been linked to the former first-round pick.
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