The San Antonio Spurs acquired two top prospects in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft: Dylan Harper (No. 2) and Carter Bryant (No. 14 from the Atlanta Hawks). Spurs, a team currently rebuilding with Victor Wembanyama as its centerpiece, will undoubtedly benefit from Harper and Bryant. The 2024 14th draft pick, in particular, is excited to play alongside the Frenchman in the frontcourt.
2025 NBA Draft: Carter Bryant Eager To Play With Victor Wembanyama
Bryant’s selection as the No. 14 draft pick was not entirely surprising. His freshman stats for the Arizona Wildcats were modest, averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. That said, his prototypical NBA wing attributes surged his stock upwards.
Moreover, he impressed at the draft combine, and his versatility as a two-way wing, who could potentially complement Wembanyama, further helped his prospects. During the presser after his selection, reporters asked Bryant about the idea of playing with the 2024 NBA Rookie of the Year.
“I’m going to just start out defensively because that’s what I love to do,” Bryant said. “I feel like I can just be ultra aggressive. Obviously you’ve got to be smart, but just having the mental stability of knowing you kind of have a monster back there behind you that is going to deter everything from the front of the rim, it gives me an opportunity to just be an elite defender to push my limits, especially on the ball.”
On defense, Bryant’s ability to guard multiple positions will certainly complement Wembanyama’s elite rim protection. Although only 6’7″, Bryant has a near 7’0″ wingspan, which gives him the tools to help deter drives to the basket. Both are also capable switch defenders, allowing the Spurs to potentially employ a switch-heavy scheme.
“I think with that being the case, I’m just ready to be active and be able to contribute defensively immediately. Offensively, I like to use the word ‘gravity.’ He takes all the gravity in the room. Him being that type of player, it’s going to open up so many opportunities for myself, Dylan [Harper], and so many guys on this roster for us to grow. I’m just looking forward to picking his brain,” Bryant added.
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Bryant compares his style of play to that of Kawhi Leonard, who won an NBA championship with the Spurs. He sees Leonard’s defensive versatility in guarding multiple positions like his own. The 19-year-old pointed out that Leonard progressed to be one of the best in the world, challenging the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant. That’s a path he hopes to follow in San Antonio.
The No. 14 pick sees himself bringing energy, toughness, and physicality to the Spurs lineup. He is particularly interested in playing with fellow first-rounder Harper. They had played against each other before during high school, but he admitted that Harper had gotten the better of him that time.
