There is much conversation surrounding the future of the No. 2 pick in San Antonio. However, the Spurs also collected No. 14 via the Atlanta Hawks from the Dejounte Murray trade back in 2022. The Spurs want to contend next season in the loaded Western Conference. Their star center Victor Wembanyama, had a frightening end to his 2024 season, which could raise concerns about the future depth of the roster. San Antonio has to find a reliable big alongside Wembanyama, and many prospects at No. 14 can fit with the Spurs in that role.

Georgetown Center Thomas Sorber’s Fit With the Spurs at No. 14
Complementary Play Style

At the combine, Georgetown center Thomas Sorber had some impressive measurements. The 6-foot-9, 263-pound big man measured in with a 7’6″ wingspan, already placing him among the longest in the NBA. He already has innate defensive ability, which takes his skill set to the next level. However, as an undersized big man, he’ll need to shine through his consistency on the court. Sorber averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game, proving his refinement as a shot blocker.

Sorber shares many similarities with Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo. They both are most effective through their overall defensive disruption and ability to defend from any position. However, Sorber’s long wingspan gives him great defensive verticality, allowing him to effortlessly alter the trajectory of the opposing team’s shots at the rim. As he expands his defensive skill set, Sorber has the potential to become an All-Defensive-caliber defender.

On the offensive end, he provides a soft touch around the rim and impressive playmaking out of the post. He would be a great pick-and-roll partner in San Antonio for guards like De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle. However, Sorber will need to improve his perimeter presence. Although he wasn’t afraid to shoot from distance last season, he didn’t launch with much consistency, shooting 6-of-37 (16.2 percent) from outside.

Feb 8, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Georgetown Hoyas forward Thomas Sorber (35) dunks during the first half against the Seton Hall Pirates at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images
Sorber’s Fit With Wembanyama

His fit with the Spurs alongside Wembanyama would be intriguing to monitor. The two bigs are phenomenal shot blockers as they have displayed strengths in their defensive mobility. In addition, Wembanyama’s ability to stretch out beyond the arc will allow the Spurs to consistently play them together by opening up paint space.

The Spurs have given minutes to backup centers like Zach Collins, Bismack Biyombo, Charles Bassey, and Sandro Mamukelashvili since Wembanyama has arrived. However, San Antonio can’t depend on them as defensive anchors when their franchise cornerstone is off the floor. The Spurs don’t have the personnel to supply two good defensive rotations, and it gets amplified when Wembanyama sits.

This past season, the Spurs had a 110 defensive rating with Wemby on the court, and 118.2 with him off the court. An 8.2 swing indicated Wembanyama’s greatness, but it also shows they need more defense. Sorber potentially provides upside as a secondary rim protector and defensive anchor for opposing offenses to notice when planning to attack the paint in the non-Wemby minutes. With the addition of Sorber, the collective length in the frontcourt would be unparalleled.

 

Featured image: © Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn Images