Gillespie's impactful debut.
Former Vol Ja'Kobi Gillespie showcases playmaking with eight assists in Spurs Summer League debut.
Former Tennessee guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie made his NBA Summer League debut with the San Antonio Spurs, posting 10 points on 3-of-17 shooting in a loss to the Miami Heat, according to Knox News. The cold shooting night aside, Gillespie showed why the Spurs selected him with the No. 42 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Gillespie went 2-of-8 from three-point range but stood out as the game's best playmaker. He led all players with eight assists and turned the ball over just once, per The Tennessean.
Gillespie's Assists Steal the Show Despite Cold Shooting
Gillespie attempted 17 shots and made just three. That is not the line a player hopes for in a debut. But his eight assists with only one turnover told a different story. That assist-to-turnover ratio shows a player who makes smart decisions, even when his shot is not falling, according to Knox News.
For a second-round pick, controlling the pace of a game and protecting the ball matters as much as scoring. Gillespie did both. Teams at the NBA level value guards who do not give the ball away, and Gillespie's 8-to-1 ratio is a strong early signal.
A Strong Tennessee Season Earned Gillespie His Draft Spot
Gillespie came to San Antonio after a successful final season at the University of Tennessee. His play for the Volunteers was strong enough to land him at No. 42 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, per Daily News Journal.
Second-round picks face long odds in the NBA. Most never play a regular-season minute. But landing with San Antonio, a team known for player development, gives Gillespie a real chance to stick on a roster.
Three Former Vols Share San Antonio's Summer League Roster
Gillespie is not alone in San Antonio's summer league camp. He is one of three former Tennessee Volunteers on the Spurs' roster, according to The Leaf-Chronicle. That is an unusual cluster of players from one program on a single team.
Having familiar teammates can help a young player settle in quickly. Gillespie already knows how his fellow Vols move and compete. That comfort could help him build on his debut as summer league continues.
What Comes Next for Gillespie in San Antonio
Summer league is a short window — usually five to seven games — for rookies and fringe players to prove themselves. Gillespie will need to clean up his shooting, but his passing and ball security give him a foundation to build on, per Knox News.
The Spurs have shown patience in developing young guards in recent years. If Gillespie can shoot closer to his college averages and keep his turnover numbers low, he has a shot at earning a two-way contract or a spot on the full roster heading into the regular season.
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