Carter Bryant, the San Antonio Spurs' second-year forward, provided a much-needed jolt to the team's Summer League campaign in Las Vegas. After a disappointing opening loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Bryant led the Spurs to a dominant 70-49 victory over the New York Knicks, evening their record at 1-1. The 20-year-old, drafted 14th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcased an encouraging offensive performance, scoring a team-high 19 points on efficient shooting, a direct response to the coaching staff's directive for him to expand his offensive game.
Bryant's bounce-back was stark. After shooting an inefficient 4-of-13 from the field and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc for 12 points against Atlanta, he converted 7-of-10 overall and a perfect 2-of-2 from three-point range against the Knicks. His rookie season saw him average 4.2 points while shooting 40.8% from the field and 33.5% from beyond the arc in 11.5 minutes over 71 games. This Summer League showing suggests a potential leap, especially given his improved control and shot selection.
What was evident against the Knicks was Bryant operating with a more assertive offensive mindset, something the Spurs need from their wings. He ran the offense for significant stretches, demonstrating improved body control on a contested hook shot and knocking down several mid-range jumpers. This isn't just about raw scoring, it's about Bryant taking on a creation burden, something he largely deferred in his rookie year. Summer Spurs coach Corliss Williamson highlighted Bryant's improved "feel for things overall," praising his ability to get downhill and select appropriate shots.
The Spurs selected Bryant with an eye toward his defensive versatility and potential as a three-and-D wing. His athleticism makes him a high-upside defensive playmaker. However, for San Antonio to truly accelerate their rebuild, they need complementary offensive threats who can alleviate pressure. Bryant's ability to create his own shot and contribute to ball-handling, even in flashes, is a critical development for a team looking to build a dynamic, interconnected offensive ecosystem. Williamson expressed confidence in Bryant's shooting ability and expects his game to open up more.
Bryant stated, "I think I showed flashes of what I'm capable of in the future, but just understanding there's a lot of work I have to do to get to that point if I want to be one of the best players in the world." He also reflected on his improved composure, saying, "I think I did a better job of it today in terms of just being under control, getting to the next play and trying not to (let) the last play affect me, just being a competitor, wanting to be a perfectionist." His performance throughout the remainder of Summer League will be crucial in determining the extent of his role heading into the upcoming season.
