From lottery pick Carter Bryant’s leadership leap to RJ Davis’s underdog quest, discover which rising talents are fighting to fuel San Antonio’s high-stakes return to the NBA Finals.
NBA Summer League has long served as a launching pad for future stars.
The annual event has evolved into one of the league's proving grounds for young talent — and the San Antonio Spurs have an opportunity to take advantage of this year's rendition.
As the Spurs gear up to avenge their NBA Finals defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks by harboring huge dreams (hey, LeBron James, what's your plan?), up-and-comers and league hopefuls alike will have the opportunity to prove they can help San Antonio return to basketball's biggest stage.
Here are three Spurs who could use the summer festivities to strengthen their case for a role next season:
1. Carter Bryant
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesAfter being selected with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Carter turned in a solid rookie campaign with San Antonio ... albeit in a limited role.
He flashed the defensive versatility and athleticism that made him a lottery selection, but consistent playing time was difficult to come by on a team with championship aspirations.
Now entering his second professional season, the former lottery pick is expected to take on much greater responsibility in Las Vegas — not only as one of the Spurs' top players — but also as one of the team's leaders.
"Right now, especially in training camp, he's been a really good leader for us and that's the kind of thing we want from Carter, to accept the leadership role he's going to have this summer," Spurs assistant coach Corliss Williamson said.
If Bryant's confidence and play can match his intangibles in Las Vegas, the Arizona product could grow into a vital depth piece for head coach Mitch Johnson next season.
2. RJ Davis
Candice Ward-Imagn ImagesDavis should be considered a long shot to make San Antonio's final roster ... and that's exactly why he just might.
The former UNC standout has been overlooked time and again throughout his basketball career, yet he's consistently found ways to prove people wrong.
The 24-year-old went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft before signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. After being waived before the regular season, Davis landed with the South Bay Lakers, where he made the most of his opportunity.
In 36 games (31 starts), Davis averaged 18.3 points and 4.9 assists while shooting 48.4 percent from the field.
That resilience should serve him well in Las Vegas. While cracking a backcourt featuring Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox won't be easy, another strong showing could make it difficult for the Spurs to let him walk.
3. Tarris Reed Jr.
Bob Donnan-Imagn ImagesOf the three on this list, Reed is the most likely to make an impact immediately.
Bryant is still evolving, and Davis is looking to stick in the NBA. Reed, however, could become an extremely important piece to the Spurs' potential run back to the Finals.
San Antonio was looking to boost its physicality, and its decision to trade back into the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft to snag the UConn product accomplished just that.
The former Husky built his reputation on doing the dirty work, whether it was protecting the rim, controlling the glass or bringing a relentless motor every possession. Those traits should translate immediately against Summer League competition.
If Reed can even somewhat replicate the dominance he displayed at UConn when he takes the floor in Vegas, Spurs fans will get a preview of who could end up being Victor Wembanyama's long-term frontcourt partner.
