Spurs See Ja'Kobi Gillespie Emerge as a Shooting Threat

A strong preseason has put Ja'Kobi Gillespie in contention for a larger role with the San Antonio Spurs, as the 22-year-old rookie guard combines perimeter shooting, ball-handling skills and composure despite his limited size. Selected 42nd overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Gillespie averaged 12 points per game across five exhibition appearances while shooting 50% from 3-point range.

According to preseason statistics reported by Paisano Online and Heavy, Gillespie also averaged 2.4 assists and 1.0 steals in approximately 14 minutes per game, shooting 48.8% from the field. His production included a 25-point performance against the Utah Jazz and an 11-point showing against the Sacramento Kings in San Antonio's preseason finale.

The rookie made three of four attempts from beyond the arc against Sacramento, providing an immediate scoring contribution in limited playing time. His efficiency has attracted attention from teammates and coaches as the Spurs evaluate their backcourt options ahead of the regular season.

Veteran forward Harrison Barnes said Gillespie's shooting ability became apparent during practice, where the players regularly compete in shooting contests.

"After practice, we do our little shooting games. The first couple of days, I was like, 'He's shooting that thing a little bit.'" Barnes said.

Gillespie continued to demonstrate his range by making 12 consecutive 3-pointers during a practice competition against Barnes, Julian Champagnie and David Jones-Garcia. Barnes has also praised the rookie's development and his ability to settle into professional basketball after the initial adjustment period.

Gillespie attributed his shooting foundation to his father and three older brothers, who competed with him in shooting games while he was growing up in Greeneville, Tennessee.

"We all kind of grew up as shooters. One of my older brothers, that's all he did, and he was probably the best shooter growing up. But I learned from all of them," Gillespie said.

His college career provided a broader foundation for his transition to the NBA. After playing at Belmont and Maryland, Gillespie joined the University of Tennessee, where he averaged 18.4 points per game during his senior season and recorded 79 steals, a program record for a single season, according to Paisano Online.

Across four college seasons, he shot 36.1% from 3-point range on an average of 5.4 attempts per game, according to Sports Yahoo. His ability to create offense and distribute the ball has also drawn attention, although questions remain about how effectively his 6-foot-1 frame will hold up against larger NBA guards.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson has emphasized Gillespie's competitive approach and willingness to attack rather than play cautiously. Johnson addressed the rookie's adjustment before San Antonio's preseason finale against Sacramento.

"He's got a really good way about him for a rookie who's a two-way," Johnson said.

Johnson explained that players on two-way contracts can face uncertainty as they compete for opportunities, but Gillespie has displayed confidence while learning the team's system. His preseason performances have given the coaching staff additional evidence of his potential contributions.

"It's (only) been four preseason games, but I loved his aggressiveness and confidence on the court. If you're going to make mistakes, do it that way," Johnson said.

Guard Jordan McLaughlin, an eighth-year NBA veteran who has helped Gillespie learn the team's offense, has also praised the rookie's shooting mechanics and physical competitiveness. McLaughlin highlighted the consistency of Gillespie's release and his ability to generate elevation on his shots.

"He gets a lot of arc on it and has got a good spin and rotation on the ball. He's pretty strong, pretty explosive as well. He's a very good shooter," McLaughlin said.

Gillespie's immediate role remains uncertain because San Antonio already has established guards De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, with McLaughlin providing additional backcourt experience. Reports from Roundtable and Heavy noted that the Spurs had an available standard roster position entering the season, creating a possible route for Gillespie to earn a different contract.

Under his existing two-way agreement, Gillespie is expected to divide his time between San Antonio and the Austin Spurs, the organization's G League affiliate. The arrangement gives him opportunities to develop while remaining available for NBA assignments when roster needs or matchups create openings.

The Spurs have previously developed second-round selections into established contributors, including Hall of Famer Manu Ginobili, Patty Mills, DeJuan Blair, Davis Bertans and Tre Jones. Gillespie has credited the organization's support and development resources for helping players selected outside the first round build professional careers.