Carter Bryant's journey with the San Antonio Spurs is turning into one of those feel-good NBA stories that fans love. Drafted 10th in 2025, Bryant was initially seen as a work in progress.
His standout defensive skills in the NBA Summer League earned him some early minutes, but his offensive struggles raised eyebrows. Missed dunks, errant threes, and defensive missteps made some wonder if a stint in Austin might be more fitting.
Yet, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson saw something in Bryant, sticking with him through the rough patches. That patience is paying off as Bryant's transformation is nothing short of remarkable, validating Johnson's faith.
The Spurs are gearing up for a playoff run, with Johnson expecting both Dylan Harper and Bryant to play pivotal roles. Bryant's rise has, however, been bittersweet for former Spur Jeremy Sochan, who many hoped would develop into a similar player.
Unfortunately, Sochan couldn't secure his spot, eventually leading to his release. Bryant's ascent has solidified his place in the Spurs' young core.
Since a brief G-League stint, Bryant has returned with newfound confidence and offensive poise. He's cutting at the right moments and isn't shying away from taking open shots. Defensively, he's more disciplined, using his length and instincts to disrupt opponents, jumping passing lanes, and contesting shots without overcommitting.
His ability to fight through screens has been a revelation, making life tough for opposing players trying to gain separation. This has led to an impressive tally of blocks and steals, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Offensively, Bryant's shooting has been a revelation, hitting 44.8% of his 3-point attempts over the last seven games. Those missed dunks? They're becoming a distant memory, except for the occasional NBA Dunk Contest highlight.
Bryant is evolving into a defensive powerhouse who can knock down threes and score in transition, fitting seamlessly into the power forward role. This is the kind of player the Spurs need, and Bryant's emergence is a testament to Johnson's vision and patience. The future looks bright for San Antonio with Bryant in the mix.