The Spurs are sending a trio to the Rising Stars game this Friday, with rookie Carter Bryant stepping in as an injury replacement for Memphis’ Cedric Coward. Bryant joins fellow Spurs youngsters Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle in the annual showcase of the league’s up-and-coming talent.
Bryant will suit up for Team Vince - coached by the high-flying legend Vince Carter - while Castle and Harper are set to represent Team Melo, led by Carmelo Anthony. If both squads make it through their semifinal matchups, we could be in for a Spurs-vs-Spurs showdown in the final. That’s the kind of intra-squad bragging rights that could carry into practice for weeks.
This marks a return to three Spurs in the event after two-way player David Jones-Garcia was originally selected to represent the G League but had to withdraw due to injury. Bryant’s addition keeps San Antonio’s strong presence intact.
While Bryant may have been a convenient choice - he was already in Los Angeles for the dunk contest - this isn’t just about filling a roster spot. The rookie has been quietly turning heads over the past few weeks.
Though his season averages don’t leap off the page, he’s found a rhythm lately, putting up 7.1 points and 2.9 boards per game over his last 10 outings. Even more impressive?
He’s knocking down 40% of his threes during that stretch - a promising sign for a player still finding his NBA footing.
The Rising Stars game tips off Friday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Peacock. For Spurs fans, it’s another chance to get a glimpse of the future - and that future is starting to look pretty exciting.