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Carter Bryant's Strong Defensive Upside Could Initiate Spurs Trade During The Season

Originally posted on Fadeaway World | By Siddhant Gupta | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 1:55 PM ET

San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant has been a phenomenal find for the franchise. The Spurs already landed a top-tier talent in Dylan Harper with the No. 2 overall pick, but grabbing Bryant with the No. 14 overall pick may simply be the icing on top of it all.

The Spurs rookie has been showing out at the Las Vegas Summer League. In the team's first game of the tournament, San Antonio notched a dominant 111-70 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Spurs' offense was truly worth taking note of, it was Bryant's defense that sealed the game.

The forward's defensive effort and contributions were incredible to watch. From active hands and quick reads to sharp communication and coordination, the 19-year-old displayed poise and maturity beyond his years.

Bryant's contributions on the offensive front may not have been significant, as he ended the game with a middling five points and five rebounds. However, on the defensive side of the ball, the 19-year-old locked things up with three blocks and a steal.

Carter Bryant being a complete menace on defense for 1 minute and 43 seconds: pic.twitter.com/d0ShjlQjjq
— Bala (@BalaPattySZN) July 11, 2025

The rookie's grit and unrelenting effort yielded an immensely favorable outcome for the Spurs, who kick off their Summer League campaign with a win. When asked about his mindset while defending, Bryant responded:

"My willingness to defend anybody. I don’t care if you’re 7’, 280. I don’t care if you’re 6’, 120 pounds. I think for me, I just try to do whatever I can to win a basketball game, whatever the coaching staff needs me to do."

Bryant's mentality is something that the Spurs organization will surely value and look to cultivate. Considering the wealth of young talent at their disposal, San Antonio boasts one of the most formidable young cores in the league.

While Bryant's rise and development would be a positive sign for the Spurs, it could also be an indicator of major changes on the roster.

At 6'8", 225 lbs in his rookie season, the 19-year-old has the right physical tools for becoming a defensive stopper in the league. But this could also overlap with the development of core rotation piece Jeremy Sochan.

Last season, Sochan notched an average of 11.4 points and 6.5 rebounds, an impressive stat line for a player in his role. When considering his shooting splits of 53.5% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range, it is evident that there is some room for growth.

Although the 22-year-old is a promising talent, the Spurs may view him differently, especially in light of his upcoming contract extension next summer.

Sochan's presence and Bryant's development could prove to be a catalyst in helping both players develop. But considering the recent trade rumors surrounding Sochan since visiting Phoenix, the Spurs would benefit from having a replacement in place to give them some leverage in potential negotiations.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

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