Spurs get worrying Tobias Harris injury update
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Rather than chase any big fish on the free-agent market, the Spurs added just one new veteran face to the mix this past offseason.
Tobias Harris is expected to add some needed frontcourt scoring ability to San Antonio's roster in 2026-27, a three-level scorer who has contributed to plenty of playoff teams in the past.
Harris, however, is dealing with an injury as the Spurs' season-opener approaches.
Here's what's known about Harris' injury status during San Antonio's preseason schedule.
Tobias Harris injury update
Per Jared Weiss, the Spurs announced on Sunday that Harris suffered a left calf strain in training camp, an injury that will rule him out for the remainder of preseason. Additionally, he is now considered questionable for the regular season opener on Oct. 20, when San Antonio faces Oklahoma City.
“It’s a calf strain. The seriousness is what it is,” Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson said, per The Athletic. “We won’t rush him at all. I guess the question will be is he ready for the season opener? Totally questionable, and we will not push that at all. So, we’ll take it slow. There is no concern of this level of seriousness, and at the same time, we will not rush him at all.”
Harris, 34, was the Spurs' only outside free-agent signing this offseason after reaching the NBA Finals. He signed on a two-year, $31 million deal to become a key veteran on an up-and-coming squad after contributing to the 60-win Pistons last season.
It's remained unclear whether Harris could earn a starting role with the Spurs, competing with Julian Champagnie, Devin Vassell and Harrison Barnes in the frontcourt. With his shooting ability, he appears to be a natural fit alongside Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs' plethora of guards who can score in the paint.
For now, Spurs fans won't get their answer as to whether Harris will crack the starting five this season. It remains to be seen whether his calf will heal in time for the season-opener, but if not, San Antonio will be opening the new campaign a bit short-handed.