The 2025 NBA Draft served as another pivotal moment in the continued rebuild of the San Antonio Spurs, a franchise steeped in legacy and defined by a culture of patience, player development, and consistent excellence. When the 14th pick came around and the Spurs selected Carter Bryant out of Arizona, it marked more than just another prospect added to the roster—it was a declaration of strategic foresight and belief in untapped potential.
Carter Bryant wasn’t necessarily the most talked-about player going into the draft, nor did he carry the headline-making buzz of a projected top-three pick. But for those paying attention, Bryant’s selection represented a brilliant blend of athleticism, skill, and moldable upside that fits perfectly with the Spurs’ long-term vision. It is the kind of pick that could look brilliant in hindsight a few years down the line.
Carter Bryant emerged as a top recruit during his high school years, drawing attention for his size, fluidity, and scoring prowess on the wing. Standing around 6-foot-8 with a lean but projectable frame, Bryant brought the type of positional versatility that NBA scouts covet. At Arizona, while he had moments of brilliance, he also endured the typical ups and downs of a freshman campaign in a competitive conference.
His college numbers didn’t jump off the page—averaging around 11 points, 4 rebounds, and a couple of assists per game—but they don’t tell the whole story. What stood out to evaluators was his shot-making potential, ability to create off the dribble, and willingness to engage defensively. He flashed advanced footwork, a developing handle, and a smooth shooting stroke that hinted at a scalable offensive package. Combine that with his size and switchability on defense, and it’s easy to see why the Spurs were enticed.
Under General Manager Brian Wright and head coach Gregg Popovich—whose influence, even in potentially his final years, remains central—the Spurs have consistently prioritized character, intelligence, and long-term potential in their draftees. With Victor Wembanyama as the new franchise cornerstone, the team has shifted into an era of retooling around a generational big man.
Bryant’s selection aligns with San Antonio’s preferred developmental arc. He isn’t expected to dominate right away, but in the Spurs’ carefully cultivated system, he has a chance to blossom. The Spurs have a storied history of identifying raw but talented wings—Kawhi Leonard being the most notable example—and molding them into stars. While it would be premature to compare Bryant to Leonard, the philosophical parallels are hard to ignore.
Popovich has always valued wings who can defend multiple positions, stretch the floor, and make smart reads—qualities Bryant already shows in flashes. The Spurs likely envision him as a two-way contributor who can grow alongside Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and other young pieces, forming a core that could dominate in the coming years.
Carter Bryant has many strengths that made him attractive to the Spurs. At 6-foot-8 with a long wingspan, he has ideal measurements for a modern wing. His frame allows him to contest shots, grab rebounds, and switch onto multiple positions defensively. Though his scoring was inconsistent in college, Bryant showed flashes of three-level scoring ability. His jump shot is fluid, especially off the catch, and he has a high release point that’s tough to contest.
He’s not an elite leaper, but he’s fluid and coordinated. His lateral quickness allows him to stay in front of guards, while his size lets him contest forwards. One of the more underrated parts of his game is his feel for the game. He’s not a high-usage player, but he makes smart decisions, cuts well off the ball, and has a decent passing sense for a wing.
That said, there are areas where he needs to improve. Like many young players, Bryant tends to drift in and out of games. The Spurs will look to instill a higher baseline of engagement and effort. While he can create in straight lines, his handle can be loose under pressure. Refining this will be key if he’s to grow into a more dynamic offensive threat. He’ll also need to add strength to his frame to absorb contact and defend stronger opponents at the NBA level.
There may be no better landing spot than San Antonio for a player like Carter Bryant. The organization is known for its elite player development staff, its patience, and its willingness to put players in a position to succeed without rushing them. Given Bryant’s age, skillset, and maturity, he’s likely to start off with a modest role—coming off the bench, guarding the opposing team’s second unit wings, and providing spot-up shooting and energy.
But the real growth will happen in practice. In a player development program that turned players like Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell into legitimate NBA contributors, Bryant will have every tool and mentor necessary to evolve his game. He’ll get a chance to study under Coach Popovich, learn from seasoned veterans, and gradually build his confidence.
The Spurs aren’t just building around Wembanyama—they’re constructing an ecosystem that supports his unique talents. That means adding players who can shoot, defend, and move without the ball. Bryant checks those boxes, and perhaps more importantly, he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. He can thrive as a complementary piece, capable of spacing the floor or slashing to the rim when the defense collapses on Wembanyama.
Five years down the line, it’s easy to imagine a version of the Spurs where Bryant is a starting-caliber wing, providing 15–17 points per game, switching across three or four positions defensively, and knocking down threes at a reliable clip. That kind of outcome would more than justify the 14th overall selection.
Bryant also brings qualities that resonate with the Spurs’ culture—humility, work ethic, and a team-first mentality. Interviews before the draft revealed a mature, grounded player who’s eager to learn and accepts coaching. These traits are vital in San Antonio, where culture is king and no player is above the collective goal.
He’s also reportedly very coachable, willing to accept criticism, and thrives in structured environments. That bodes well for a franchise that values accountability as much as talent.
Carter Bryant may not have been the flashiest pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, but in the eyes of the San Antonio Spurs, he might have been the right one. In a league increasingly driven by wings who can shoot, defend, and adapt to different roles, Bryant offers the kind of upside that could quietly transform the trajectory of a team.
He doesn’t need to be a star to be a success. He just needs to be himself—and in San Antonio, that may be more than enough.
If the past has taught us anything, it’s to trust the Spurs when they make a pick that raises a few eyebrows. History has a way of proving them right.
