Veteran Insurance: Why the Spurs Are Taking a Flyer on Mason Plumlee
The San Antonio Spurs are keeping their frontcourt flexible as they head into the final stretch of the 2025-26 season. On February 17, 2026, the team officially signed veteran center Mason Plumlee to a 10-day contract.
Plumlee, now in his 13th NBA season, started the year in Charlotte but found himself in the waiver wire shuffle after a mid-season trade to Oklahoma City. For a Spurs team that is currently 2nd in the Western Conference (37-16) and looking to protect their superstar anchor, this is a "low-risk, high-security" move.
The Strategy: Filling the "Sochan" Hole
The decision to bring in Plumlee wasn't made in a vacuum. Just last week, the Spurs waived Jeremy Sochan (who has since signed with the Knicks), opening up a roster spot and a need for frontcourt depth.
While Victor Wembanyama is putting up MVP-caliber numbers—most recently embarrassing a shorthanded Lakers squad with 40 points in just 26 minutes—the Spurs are mindful of the "long game."
Protecting the Anchor: Having a 6-foot-11 veteran like Plumlee allows the Spurs to limit Wembanyama's physical toll during the "dog days" of February and March.
Veteran IQ: Plumlee is renowned for his passing ability (2.4 career APG) and pick-and-roll screen setting. In a system that prioritizes movement and high-IQ play, he is a natural fit for short-burst bench minutes.
The Competition for Minutes
Plumlee enters a crowded, albeit specialized, frontcourt rotation. He will battle for backup minutes behind Wemby and alongside:
Luke Kornet: The primary backup center who has provided reliable spacing.
Bismack Biyombo: The designated defensive specialist for physical matchups.
Kelly Olynyk: The stretch-four/five who facilitates the second unit's offense.
| Player | Role | Strength |
| Victor Wembanyama | Franchise Star | Everything |
| Luke Kornet | Primary Backup | Spacing / Size |
| Kelly Olynyk | Playmaker | Shooting / Passing |
| Mason Plumlee | Insurance | Screening / High-Post Passing |
The Verdict: A "Tryout" for the Playoff Push
For Mason Plumlee, this 10-day contract is a high-stakes audition. If he can show he still has the mobility to guard the perimeter in small-ball lineups and the strength to hold the fort in the paint, the Spurs are likely to sign him for the remainder of the season.
For the Spurs, it’s a brilliant cap-management move. They get a look at a 13-year veteran who can provide stability in "emergency" situations without committing long-term salary. As the Spurs look to chase the top seed in the West, having "Plum-Dog" in the wings is a luxury a young team can certainly afford.
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