Latest news with #CarterBryant
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Spurs strike NBA Draft gold again with Carter Bryant
The post Why Spurs strike NBA Draft gold again with Carter Bryant appeared first on ClutchPoints. After an NBA Draft Lottery night that went the best the San Antonio Spurs could've realistically expected as they beat odds to climb all the way to number two, NBA Draft Night proved the best they could've realistically expected because of Carter Bryant. Advertisement The Silver and Black knew they were taking Dylan Harper with the second overall pick because there was no doubt Cooper Flagg was going to the Dallas Mavericks. Their second selection of the first round, at 14 overall, was the mystery. In need of a big man who could help and complement Victor Wembanyama, Khaman Maluach proved a tantalizing want. But the chances that he'd still be there for the last pick of the lottery represented, at best, a dream scenario. Of the players who could be there at 14, Bryant stood out. Yet, like Maluach, the chance that he'd still be around seemed slim. Many mock drafts had him at 10 or 11. And yet, he fell to 14 and right into the lap of a Spurs team that could use every one of his emerging talents and abilities. Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images The Carter Bryant player profile What is Carter Bryant's game? At the risk of exaggeration, think of the modern NBA. Now think of the type of player who typically stands out in today's game. That's Carter Bryant. Advertisement Extremely athletic, the former Arizona Wildcat stands 6-foot-8 with a wingspan that reaches seven feet. He can run. He can jump. He's a defensive menace. Offensively, he can move without the ball. He can shoot. He put it up at 37% from 3-point range and 46% from the field in college. And he can leap. Often, he finds creases and makes his way to the basket for easy buckets, often dunks. Perhaps, most importantly, he's just 19 years old and came off the bench as a freshman. A projected 3-and-D wing, he has plenty of room to grow. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images How Carter Bryant fits with the Spurs Leading up to the draft, analysts wondered how Harper would fit with the Spurs given that they already had guard De'Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, on the roster. No need to wonder how Bryant fits: The Spurs don't have anyone on the roster like him. Advertisement Devin Vassell's focus is on offense. While athletic, Jeremy Sochan is still finding his stroke. In different ways, Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson find ways to score, but neither is a defensive dynamo nor possesses physical traits that jump off the page in the NBA. Blake Wesley isn't a big point guard, while Malaki Branham fell out of the rotation this past season. The lack of another big may be San Antonio's biggest weakness. Their lack of athleticism, mainly for defensive purposes, on the wing is an area that comes in a close second. Bryant begins the path to repairing that. In the meantime, Wemby's presence as a defensive anchor isn't a bad consolation as the Silver and Black will look to free agency or possibly a trade to fill that need. Add that Bryant can shoot, and he helps to plug another gap for a team that struggled from behind the arc. All in all, he fits. And the Spurs fit the tag of the team that drafts well annually. Related: Dylan Harper's mom goes viral at 2025 NBA Draft after Spurs selection Related: Victor Wembanyama calls Dylan Harper after Spurs' No. 2 pick
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Carter Bryant reveals unpopular legend he modeled his game after
The post Carter Bryant reveals unpopular legend he modeled his game after appeared first on ClutchPoints. Most San Antonio Spurs fans were ecstatic when the team picked Carter Bryant with the 14th overall pick of the NBA Draft. Perhaps it's a bit ironic then that the potential steal of the first round invoked Kawhi Leonard when asked which former Spurs his game might most compare to. Advertisement Leonard is undoubtedly the most unpopular former Spur among the proud franchise's fan base. Because it's now been seven years since the six-time All-Star asked out of San Antonio – a summer in which Bryant would've been 12 years old – he may not be aware of the bad blood that still exists. 'Immediately, the first guy I think of is Kawhi,' the former Arizona Wildcat answered. 'Just his defensive versatility, being able to guard multiple positions early on in his career. And, just, as you saw his progression.' It's obvious Bryant has tracked Leonard's career since the current Los Angeles Clipper won the 2014 NBA Finals MVP in leading San Antonio to their fifth championship. Advertisement 'He became one of the best players in the world, arguably a top-three player to be playing basketball at a time where Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and LeBron [James] were pretty much solidified to be the top three. But he was really making a statement that he was one of the best players in the world as well.' Carter Bryant talks fit with the Spurs While Bryant mentioned Leonard, it's his fellow Spurs first round draft pick who'll wear 'The Klaw's' old number. 'Dylan [Harper], for sure, is gonna have two if nobody has two,' Bryant said of the second overall pick. 'I don't know. I gotta look at who has what numbers on the team,' he continued about which jersey number he'll wear. 'That's a great question.' Advertisement Bryant then mentioned Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, who's made an All-Star game, and generational superstar Victor Wembanyama in scrolling through what number he'd settle on. 'I know Steph's got five. That's my dog. I'm not getting that off of him. Does D. Fox wear four? Yep, I can't get four, Fox is four. Four plus five for nine,' Bryant continued with a reference that he can't have nine because it's Tony Parker's retired number. 'Wemby's got the one. I'm gonna have to figure something out. It's all good.' Reports have since indicated Bryant will wear the number 11. In any event, there's little debate that he could have an early impact for a team that's looking to turn the corner and make the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Top analysts see Bryant as a player who can effectively fit the good '3 and D' model so many teams covet. Advertisement 'I see myself being a guy that can bring energy, toughness, physicality. Somebody that's just gonna show up on a consistent basis and just work his a** off. I feel like that's what I bring in.' The Spurs were pleasantly surprised that Bryant was there at 14. Expectations now shift. Don't be surprised if the 19-year-old wing gets some meaningful minutes for a young Spurs team that continues to improve on paper, Related: Sixers, Spurs highlight biggest winners of 2025 NBA Draft Related: Spurs' Dylan Harper shares eye-opening Giannis Antetokounmpo workout story
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Projected lottery pick Carter Bryant reveals his most NBA-ready traits
Carter Bryant is highly touted entering the 2025 NBA draft, and the former Arizona standout believes he has several qualities that will enable him to make an impact at the next level. Bryant helped the Wildcats to the Sweet 16, averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist on 37.1% shooting from 3-point range. He scored in double figures five times, including a season-high-tying 14 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks on Jan. 27. The 6-foot-7 forward is considered a possible lottery pick on Wednesday because of scoring potential, playmaking ability and size. He believes he brings another key characteristic. "I would say being able to defend multiple positions, along with being able to shoot the basketball," Bryant said on Tuesday. "I think (those are) two things the NBA will forever need, no matter if you're an 18th-year player or you're in your first year of playing basketball at that level. I think those are two things that translate immediately." Bryant is an intriguing prospect for teams thanks to his ability on both ends of the court and 6-foot, 11 3/4-inch wingspan. He also proved to be a reliable floor spacer after connecting on at least two 3-pointers in 12 games with the Wildcats. The 19-year-old came off the bench for much of the season, becoming a key contributor in the Wildcats' second unit. He showcased his defensive versatility in 19.3 minutes per game and emerged as a ferocious dunker throughout the season. Bryant, who worked out with five teams, also believes his passing is an underrated part of his game that should translate to the next level. On the eve of the draft, Bryant is eager to find his next team and get to work with his new teammates. "I always say it, but basketball is so unique because it is something you're always working toward in terms of perfection and being great at some things," Bryant said. "You're going to work your ass off every day and you may never be able to obtain it so that has been my mentality toward everything."
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Chicago Bulls 2025 NBA Draft picks and mock selections entering draft week
The 2025 NBA Draft week is here! Check out the complete list of NBA Draft picks for the Chicago Bulls as well as who they might select below: How many picks do the Chicago Bulls have in the 2025 NBA Draft? The Chicago Bulls have two draft picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Check out each pick in each round below. 2025 Chicago Bulls Draft Picks Round 1, Pick 12 Round 2, Pick 45 (acquired from SAC) Who will the Chicago Bulls select in the NBA Draft? In our latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft by John Fanta, the Chicago Bulls select Collin Murray-Boyles in the first round. Jason McIntyre's latest mock has Chicago selecting Carter Bryant . Here's McIntyre: Carter Bryant (F, Arizona) "Weird to see a guy who averaged 6.5 ppg coming off the bench being drafted in the lottery, but it's all about measurements and potential. I don't see it, but teams see him as a Jalen Williams-type player if he can improve his offense." For more, check out the complete mock draft . recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 Mock Draft Predictor: Carter Bryant Most Likely Trail Blazers Pick
The most likely pick for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2025 NBA Draft is Arizona wing Carter Bryant. That's the conclusion of Hoopshype's mock draft predictor, which aggregates ten major-media mock drafts and crosses the results with a pre-draft workout tracker. The Blazers are scheduled to select 11th in the draft order. The predictor has Bryant as a 24.1% probability, followed by France's Noa Essengue at 16.6% and BYU guard Egor Demin at 15.3%. Illinois point guard Kasparas Jackucionis (13.1%) and Duke center Derik Queen (11.4%) also made the list. Advertisement The draft will begin on Wednesday at 5:00 PM, Pacific. The second round will be held on Thursday with the same start time. More from
