“A little surprised,” said Brian Wright about Bryant still on the NBA Draft board at No. 14.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs General Manager Brian Wright couldn’t contain his surprise when the team was on the clock at No. 14 at the 2025 NBA Draft, seeing Arizona’s Carter Bryant’s name still on the draft board.
“I think we’re excited that he was there. And again, a little surprised,” he said after the first round of the draft.“It was a pleasant surprise.”
It’s not difficult to see why Wright is surprised to have Carter on the roster.
The forward has all the tools needed to bring to the Spurs. A big, versatile, and athletic player known for his hard-nosed defense and his ability to hit the three-point shot. Last season with Arizona, he connected on 37% from the 3-point line.
He is also one of only a few freshman players from last season to record at least 100 rebounds, 30 assists, 30 blocks, and 30 steals. One other is the top pick in the draft, Cooper Flagg.
“I think he’s super versatile,” Wright said. “He’s a big wing that we think can guard four positions. He spaces the floor well. He’s a really good athlete.”
The 19-year-old was high on the Spurs’ draft board, to the point that the team was willing to trade up to secure him, potentially.
“I’m capable of doing everything on the court, especially on the defensive end,” Bryant said following his selection to NBA TV. “I think that’s something I can make an immediate impact on. Bring the Spurs back to the hilltop.”
The 6-foot-7, 220-pound forward averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks as a freshman for Arizona off the bench.
Some consider him a project and could see time in the Austin Spurs’ system next season with Devin Vassell, Harrison Barnes, and Keldon Johnson ahead of him in the rotation.
But his tremendous upside is apparent and might be another draft-day steal for San Antonio.
“I think he’s a smart young kid, and I think he’s got the right character and makeup that we look for,” Wright said.