Rookie Carter Bryant Fits San Antonio Spurs' Defensive Needs

Fans had high expectations for Dylan Harper as a special player for the San Antonio Spurs. However, rookie Carter Bryant is also showing promise.

While Harper is anticipated to be a key player in the 2025 NBA Draft for San Antonio, Bryant is gaining attention for his performance both on and off the court during the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas. Despite starting only five college games for the Arizona Wildcats, Bryant appears poised for a successful career.

Although it is early to draw conclusions from summer games, Bryant is already seen as a potential significant contributor to San Antonio's team alongside Victor Wembanyama and the young core group.

Bryant's strength lies in his defensive skills, evident from his college games with the Arizona Wildcats.

During a broadcast, San Antonio executive Brian Wright described Bryant as a defensive "menace," a reputation he lived up to:

Bryant averaged 1.0 block per game during his brief college career. Notably, he achieved three blocks in the first half of a game against the 76ers on Thursday.

His exceptional athleticism, including a 39.5-inch max vertical leap displayed at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, is evident in his gameplay.

In addition to his on-court abilities, Bryant brings valuable intangibles to the team.

His supportive demeanor towards teammates, even during games where he is not playing, demonstrates his positive team spirit:

His vocal leadership and defensive mindset indicate his potential for success.

Bryant, drafted as the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft at 19 years old, has room for growth, particularly in offense. Nonetheless, early signs point to a promising future for him and the San Antonio Spurs.