The San Antonio Spurs received an early injury concern involving one of their biggest offseason additions, as veteran forward Tobias Harris is dealing with a strained left calf.
San Antonio announced the injury Sunday before its intrasquad scrimmage, which Harris did not participate in. The 34-year-old will be reevaluated following the preseason, leaving his availability uncertain for the Spurs’ Oct. 20 season opener against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Harris joined San Antonio in July on a two-year, $31 million contract after spending the previous two seasons with the Detroit Pistons. His arrival gave the Spurs an experienced frontcourt option capable of providing shooting and floor spacing around Victor Wembanyama.
Before the injury, Harris was expected to open the season in San Antonio’s starting lineup.
The veteran forward averaged 13.5 points and 5.6 rebounds during his second stint with Detroit. More importantly, Harris provided leadership for one of the NBA’s younger rosters while helping the Pistons complete an impressive turnaround.
Detroit went from being among the league’s worst teams to winning 60 games last season and advancing in the postseason for the first time since 2008.
Harris originally returned to Detroit in 2024 on a two-year, $52 million contract after spending six seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute without needing to dominate the basketball made him an attractive offseason addition for San Antonio.
Harris sidelined as Spurs await answers on opening-night
Now, the Spurs will have to monitor his recovery closely.
Calf injuries can be tricky, particularly for a veteran entering his 15th NBA season, and San Antonio has little reason to rush Harris back during the preseason.
The encouraging news is that the Spurs have not ruled Harris out for opening night. But with the team planning to reevaluate him after the preseason, his status against Oklahoma City remains uncertain.
San Antonio brought Harris in to provide experience and stability around its young core. The Spurs now hope his first regular-season appearance won’t be delayed.
