Carter Bryant, the Spurs’ 20-year-old forward, is already getting marching orders for his sophomore season that are as blunt as they are inspiring: “Be a (beast) on defense and be a (beast) on the glass.” That’s the word from Hall of Famer assistant coach Billy Donovan, delivered straight to Bryant, and it tells you everything you need to know about what’s coming next from the young talent. Bryant, fresh off a rookie season that saw him reach the NBA Finals, is brimming with confidence and poised to be an even tougher defender.
From Rookie Grit to Playoff Stopper: Bryant’s Humble Ascent
Last season, Bryant wasn’t just finding his footing; he was throwing down against some of the league’s absolute best. His boys back home in California were quick to remind him after the playoffs: “I don’t think you understand, bro. You guarded three of the world’s top-five players, top-ten players. Those are dudes we grew up watching play and (are going to be) elite for a long time.” Think about that: Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson, all trying to get past a rookie. Bryant’s response? A simple shrug. “I didn’t really think twice about it,” he said, adding, “In my head, that’s what I’ve got to do to survive. The NBA is nasty. If you don’t do your job, you’re not going to be able to stay in this league for a long time. I’m just doing my job.” That blue-collar mentality is exactly what you want to see. After a slow start last season, he fought his way into the rotation, clocking 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes over 71 games. The No. 14 overall pick from the 2025 draft truly earned his stripes.
The Green Light for More: What Coaches and Teammates See
That straightforward directive from Coach Donovan “Just short and simple: Keep doing my job,” is clearly resonating. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson is looking for that second-year jump too. He noted, “He’s been through this now for a year, so hopefully there will be some recognition like any player in his second year of corporate knowledge and personnel around the league and what’s asked of him and how to be a little bit more connected with his teammates.” Johnson knows “guarding in this league is ridiculously hard” for a rookie and is eager to see Bryant “growing incrementally.” It’s not just the coaching staff, though. Teammates are buzzing. Forward Julian Champagnie put it best: “No one’s ever going to go from rookie to ‘Bron (LeBron James) in a year, but I expect him to definitely make his jump.” Champagnie has seen the work Bryant’s put in all summer, saying he “looks really good in workouts,” and expects Carter “to do Carter things.” Even veteran All-Star guard De’Aaron Fox, a 10th-year pro, knows the feeling, recalling his biggest jump being from year one to year two. “You understand the NBA schedule. Obviously, he’s now played in the playoffs, just about as many games as you can play throughout a season. Physically, you know what to expect and mentally you know how to get thr-” The message is clear: the experience of a full rookie season, especially one ending in the Finals, is invaluable.
Bryant did sit out Monday night’s preseason game at Utah with a minor ankle injury, sustained in Saturday’s 102-98 loss at Phoenix, but he’s expected to be back on Wednesday when the Spurs host the Suns. It’s a minor speed bump for a player on the verge of something big.
What’s Next for Bryant?
Keep an eye on Carter Bryant when the Spurs host the Suns on Wednesday. It’s the next step in what promises to be a massive sophomore campaign. With a clear mandate from his coaches and the confidence gained from shutting down some of the game’s elite as a rookie, Bryant’s focus on defense and crashing the glass is exactly what the team needs. This kid isn’t just surviving anymore; he’s set to thrive.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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