A four-star prospect out of high school, Carter Bryant excelled in his lone season with the Arizona Wildcats despite limited playing time. As he prepares for the 2025 NBA Draft, there are several landing spots that would be beneficial in terms of maximizing his potential.
What Makes Carter Bryant a Top Draft Pick?
Bryant was brought along slowly during the first half of the collegiate season, scoring in double figures just once prior to the new year. But as he got more comfortable and his role became more refined, he flashed immense talent and athletic ability that contributed to Arizona finishing third in the Big 12.
Standing 6’8″ and 220 pounds, Bryant has the prototypical small forward frame but isn’t a highly skilled scorer at this stage in his career. Despite that, he produced in nearly every other aspect of the game, notably on the defensive end of the court where his effort and versatility stood out.
His modest averages of 6.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists don’t tell the whole story regarding his potential, as he’s seen as a project type of prospect. Bryant’s range is likely from the mid-to-late teens into the early 20’s — but all it takes is one team to believe in his long-term projection as a pro.
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Indiana Pacers
The Pacers play exactly the type of style that Bryant thrived in late in the season with the Wildcats: fast-paced and explosive offensively. His athleticism would be on full display in the open court with several high-level passers on the Pacers setting him up for run-out opportunities.
Head coach Rick Carlisle has also improved the defense exponentially with the use of forwards Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam. Bryant has a similar build to both players and could contribute immediately defensively. As a contending team, they wouldn’t be asking for him to provide much offensively outside of running the floor — an ideal developmental position to be in.
Carter Bryant #Arizona
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The only problem is that the Pacers hold the No. 23 pick in the first round, which may turn out to be too far down the board. But if Indiana’s decision-makers love Bryant’s ability now and potential in the future, they could opt to trade up come draft day.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City loves to stockpile young talent and let them casually develop on the side and Bryant could be another stash to their collection. The Thunder — in the middle of an epic NBA Finals run — wouldn’t need the former Wildcat to contribute in Year 1, or necessarily in Year 2.
Backup forward Aaron Wiggins, albeit less athletic, plays a similar game to Bryant and has carved out a career off the bench in OKC. The hope would be that the latter could vault past that status and grow into a tertiary option on the perimeter in the starting lineup alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
With the 15th pick, this may be too high unless general manager Sam Presti believes in Carter’s upside enough to take him just outside the lottery.
Miami Heat
“Heat Culture” is a known commodity and it has turned a number of mid-first round draft picks into stars, namely with Tyler Herro (No. 13 in 2019) and Bam Adebayo (No. 14 in 2017).
Carter, as a wing who plays with great effort, would fit right into the branded culture and be welcomed by head coach Erik Spoelstra. Add in that the Heat have a need for a young wing, and Bryant is a very real possibility for Miami at No. 20.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Carter in the starting lineup on opening day if he lands with the Miami Heat. They desperately need a young, athletic defensive presence at that position. He fits that bill to a T.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves have a long, rangy defender in their starting lineup in Jaden McDaniels. But off the bench, they lack a similar prototype and have had trouble defending with him off the court.
Bryant could step in right away and contribute to a playoff team without having any burden of having to score, similar to other teams on this list. His continued growth next to Anthony Edwards (23 years old) and McDaniels (24) would create a supersized core of talented athletes for the future.
Minnesota is right in the sweet spot for the Arizona forward at No. 17. Taking a chance on him would be a smart play for the present and future of the franchise.
Washington Wizards
With no determined path to contention, the Wizards showed their hand in last year’s draft with their plan of amassing as much young talent as they can and throwing them on the court together in hopes of someone sticking.
They could opt to do just that with Bryant, as he has the potential to benefit a rebuilding team in the future. Though he has a similar play style to Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly, it never hurts to have athletic, versatile players on the wing.
Washington wouldn’t take Bryant at No. 6 overall but could grab him with their 18th pick that they acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Dark Horse Destinations That Could Surprise on Draft Night
Realistically, Bryant is the type of player who could fit on any team as a role-playing bench player who needs time to develop his offensive game.
For that reason, it’s not inconceivable for a team picking late in the first round to strike a deal and trade up — looking at you, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns. His potential is high and if one of those teams feels strongly about taking a chance on Bryant, anything on the table.
