Carter Bryant is one of the NBA's most overlooked players, but the San Antonio Spurs used the 14th overall pick on him, and for good reason.
The San Antonio Spurs have an embarrassment of riches. Between Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, Tobias Harris, and Julian Champagnie, they have the best core in the NBA. Add in guys like Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet, and espcially De'Aaron Fox, who are on the fringes, and it's just not fair.
Lost in the fold is Carter Bryant. Drafted 14th overall in 2025, he was selected as a high-ceiling 3-and-D player. One of the youngest and least experienced players in the draft clas, he played his rookie season sparingly, but is already a capable defender. He showed prowess as a 3-point shooter, too, in limited volume.
While Harper, the other prized youngster, has to compete with Fox and Castle for touches and minutes, Bryant's path is a bit clearer.
Carter Bryant Has Ideal Runway With Spurs
The Spurs have one of the deepest wing rotations in the NBA. Vassell, Harris, Johnson, and Champagnie are expected to take the bulk of the shots and minutes, with Bryant and Harrison Barnes coming in at the end of the bench.
However, Johnson and Barnes will be free agents after this season, and Harris isn't exactly a long-term piece. Plus, Bryant's defensive potential gives him a leg up on Champagnie. Add in his downhill abilities, and he's well on the way to being a star.
"The future looks bright for the 6-foot-6 forward, who fits neatly between franchise center Victor Wembanyama and young guards Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper on the positional depth chart," wrote ESPN's Ben Golliver. "Realistically, a breakthrough might still be a few years away. Bryant was guilty of his fair share of rookie mistakes, and he seems destined to be an afterthought on offense given San Antonio's scoring talent."
Does this mean Bryant will break out as a starter next season? Nope. He might not even start until his fourth or fifth season in the NBA. However, there is a very clear-cut path for minutes, and alongside the core, his role is pretty clear.
Castle is one of the best point-of-attack defenders in the NBA. Harper is one of the best young players in the league. Wembanyama is one of the best players, period. If Bryant lives up to his potential and fits in with that trio, the Spurs will be even scarier than they get credit for.
