Carter Bryant Emerges as Spurs' Next Defensive Standout

The 20-year-old rookie forward is drawing comparisons to a Spurs legend, but carving his own path in San Antonio.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:31pm

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Carter Bryant, a 20-year-old rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs, is quickly establishing himself as the team's next defensive star. Drafted in the middle of the first round, Bryant has a nearly 7-foot wingspan and a clear pathway to meaningful minutes if he can contribute on both ends of the floor. While Bryant acknowledges being inspired by former Spurs star Kawhi Leonard, he is determined to forge his own path and become the best player in the world.

Why it matters

The Spurs have a history of developing elite two-way wings, and Bryant's emergence as a defensive stopper could be crucial to the team's long-term success. As the Spurs look to build around their young core, Bryant's ability to lock down opponents and make an impact on both ends of the court will be key.

The details

Bryant has been making the most of his opportunities in the G League and with the Spurs' main roster. In his first and only game with the Austin Spurs, he showcased his defensive prowess, sprinting the length of the court for a chasedown block and then swatting the follow-up attempt. Since returning to the Spurs, Bryant's confidence has continued to grow, and he's become a regular part of the team's rotation, averaging 12 minutes per game over the last 10 games and hitting over 42% of his 3-point attempts.

  • Bryant was drafted by the Spurs in the middle of the first round in 2025.
  • On January 9, 2026, Bryant played his first and only game with the G League Austin Spurs.
  • Over the last 10 games, Bryant has averaged 12 minutes per game and hit over 42% of his 3-point attempts.

The players

Carter Bryant

A 20-year-old rookie forward for the San Antonio Spurs, known for his defensive prowess and nearly 7-foot wingspan.

Kawhi Leonard

A former Spurs star who is considered one of the best two-way players in NBA history, and a source of inspiration for Bryant.

Mitch Johnson

The head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who has praised Bryant's growth and ability to play with confidence despite making mistakes.

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What they’re saying

“Every day when I wake up and I get the opportunity to play at this level, I get to see a kid that dreams to be in my position one day. I just am grateful because I was once that kid. I was once the kid that who watched Kawhi Leonard highlights for so long every day.”

— Carter Bryant, Spurs Rookie Forward (Spurs on SI)

“When you have a young player, they're never mistake free, so once they figure out that, then sometimes they're free to play with more effort and energy, because the mistakes will be there, and they're going to get yelled at, and they're going to be held accountable, and they're going to continue to learn from them.”

— Mitch Johnson, Spurs Head Coach (NationalToday.com)

What’s next

Bryant will look to continue his strong play and earn a larger role in the Spurs' rotation as the team pushes for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

Carter Bryant's emergence as a defensive standout for the Spurs is a promising sign for the team's future. While he may draw comparisons to Kawhi Leonard, Bryant is carving his own path and proving he has the potential to become an elite two-way player in the NBA.