Basketball is full of stories about the guys who go first. We know the lottery picks, the ones with the million-dollar sneakers and the hype that starts in middle school. But the story of David Jones Garcia is different. Honestly, it’s the kind of path that makes you realize just how much talent is out there hiding in plain sight.
The San Antonio Spurs are known for finding gems. They’ve built an entire legacy on it. So when they signed David Jones Garcia to a two-way contract in July 2025, people started asking: Wait, who is this guy?
From Santo Domingo to San Antonio
David Apolinar Jones Garcia didn't just wake up in the NBA. He’s a 6'4" (though some lists say 6'5") bucket-getter from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. You’ve got to appreciate the grind here. He left home for West Virginia to play high school ball at Teays Valley Christian just to get on the radar.
He was a nomad in college. DePaul. St. John's. Memphis.
At Memphis, playing for Penny Hardaway, he finally exploded. He averaged 21.8 points per game and looked like a pro, but the 2024 NBA Draft came and went without his name being called. That’s a tough pill to swallow. Most guys might pack it in or head overseas immediately. David didn't.
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Why the Spurs Bet on David Jones Garcia
If you watched the 2025 NBA Summer League, you saw the "why." David Jones Garcia was basically a flamethrower. He wasn't just scoring; he was doing it with ridiculous efficiency. We’re talking 21.6 points a game on 52% shooting from the field and—get this—nearly 53% from deep.
He made the All-Summer League First Team. That’s not a participation trophy.
The Spurs saw a guy who can play at his own pace. He isn't the fastest athlete on the court, but he’s incredibly "shifty." He uses these veteran-style fakes and footwork that remind you of players who have been in the league for a decade. He just knows how to put the ball in the hoop.
The Real Impact of David Jones Garcia
Right now, David splits his time between the Austin Spurs in the G League and the big club in San Antonio. In his NBA debut against the Mavericks in October 2025, he only played a few minutes, but he scored five points without missing a shot.
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That’s his game. Efficiency.
One of his biggest moments so far came in a November game against the Hawks. With a few key players out, David Jones Garcia got 19 minutes of run. He responded with 12 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals. He’s more than a shooter; he’s a disruptor who plays with a massive amount of heart.
He’s doing it for a reason, too. David lost his father while he was in college at St. John's. He almost quit. But he promised his dad he’d make it. Every time he checks into a game wearing No. 25 for the Spurs, he’s fulfilling that promise.
What to Expect Next
Look, the Spurs rotation is crowded. They have Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle. Getting minutes isn't easy. But David Jones Garcia is the perfect "stay ready" guy.
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He’s currently a "two-way" player, which means he’s limited in how many NBA games he can suit up for. However, if he keeps torching the G League—where he’s had games with 33 and 34 points recently—the Spurs might have to convert that contract to a full-time NBA deal.
Watch for these specific things in his game:
- His left-handed shooting stroke (it’s pure).
- His ability to rebound despite being an undersized forward.
- That weirdly effective "slow-mo" drive to the basket.
If you’re a Spurs fan or just a fan of underdog stories, keep an eye on David Jones Garcia. He isn't just a roster filler. He’s a professional scorer who found the perfect organization to help him grow.
The next step for David is consistency on the defensive end. If he can prove he won't be a liability when he's switched onto bigger wings, Coach Popovich will find it very hard to keep him on the bench. You can follow his progress by checking the Austin Spurs box scores on nights the big team is off—that’s where he’s really polishing the tools that will eventually make him a permanent fixture in the NBA.