Spurs rookie Carter Bryant learned basketball in silence. Now, his game is getting louder

The 20-year-old forward developed his game in a unique way, growing up in the deaf community.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Carter Bryant, a rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs, grew up in a household that spoke American Sign Language (ASL) and was immersed in the deaf community. He learned to play basketball by playing pick-up games with deaf kids, where there was no verbal communication, forcing him to rely on his other senses and develop a natural feel for the game. Bryant is now getting more playing time with the Spurs and has been invited to participate in the NBA's Slam Dunk Contest at All-Star Weekend.

Why it matters

Bryant's unique upbringing and basketball development in the deaf community has given him a different perspective and skillset compared to most NBA players. His story highlights how diverse backgrounds and experiences can produce talented athletes who bring something unique to the game.

The details

Bryant is a GODA (grandchild of deaf adults) who grew up playing basketball at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside (CSDR) after school every day with deaf students. He then went to play pick-up games with hearing kids around his age, spending half his day speaking ASL and the other half speaking verbally. This dual experience allowed him to develop his game, especially his defense, without relying on verbal communication. Bryant struggled early in his NBA career with the Spurs, but after a stint in the G League, he has started to find his rhythm and earn more playing time.

  • Bryant was a late addition to the Rising Stars competition and one of four entries in the Slam Dunk Contest at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend.
  • In early January, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson sent Bryant to the Austin Spurs in the G League to find himself.

The players

Carter Bryant

A 20-year-old rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs who grew up in the deaf community and developed his basketball skills in a unique way.

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs who sent Bryant to the G League to help him find his rhythm and confidence.

Shelly Freed

Bryant's maternal grandmother, who is an administrator at the California School for the Deaf in Riverside (CSDR).

Mike 'Doc' Torres

Bryant's maternal grandfather, who played his way into the USA Deaf Basketball Hall of Fame.

Jeremy Sochan

A former Spurs player who was waived recently and used to participate in post-practice scrimmages with Bryant.

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What they’re saying

“If I'm guarding the ball and I have four other people behind me, you kind of have no idea what's going on. So being able to check out your peripherals, use your feet and just have a sense of natural feel for the game, it's different. We take it for granted as players, and we don't use our other senses as much, but we don't have to.”

— Carter Bryant, Spurs Rookie Forward (The Athletic)

“There's a lot of times where in basketball, or just in life, if you put effort towards something, it is going to save you 90 percent of the time. I promise you, if you go watch a deaf basketball game, they play a lot harder than you would. They play their ass off. I try to adopt that mentality and that mindset.”

— Carter Bryant, Spurs Rookie Forward (The Athletic)

“I was like, I don't want to mess up. I remember, I talked to Mitch, and he was like, 'You've got to stop caring. I want you to not care. I want you to go and play. I want you to have fun.'”

— Carter Bryant, Spurs Rookie Forward (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Carter Bryant's unique upbringing in the deaf community has given him a different perspective and skillset that has allowed him to develop into an NBA player. His story highlights how diverse backgrounds can produce talented athletes who bring something special to the game.