San Antonio’s rising rookie will tackle dual challenges at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles after being a late addition to the Rising Stars challenge.
SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs rookie Carter Bryant will have double-duty at All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
The NBA announced he will replace injured Memphis Grizzlies rookie guard Cedric Coward on Team Vince in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars, and he’s thrilled at the opportunity.
“It was amazing. I found out while I was working out this morning, I was in the middle of a workout and got the opportunity, so I’m grateful for it,” he said.
The rookie definitely deserved the nod.
Bryant has averaged 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 16.9 minutes over the Spurs’ past five games. He’s appeared in 43 games this season, and has seen his confidence shoot up as of late.
However, competitive energy might be high during the Rising Stars contest.
He will be playing against Spurs teammates Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, who are on Team Melo. Bryant welcomes the chance to compete against them.
“You compete against every day in practice. It’s going to be dope to get to that in the game,” he said. “It’s going to be fun. It’s kind of like those things that you imagine as a kid, competing against your teammates in all-star events. I don’t know how to really explain it. It’s super exciting.”
Carter will be busy off the court while in Los Angeles.
Panini America is hosting the Spurs forward, along with other NBA players and legends, at the Panini Prizm VIP Lounge. Fans can head to Walmart, Target, or hobby stores nationwide to find new releases from the Panini Donruss Basketball and Panini Signature Series Basketball at PaniniAmerica.net.
But on the court, especially when facing his San Antonio teammates at the Rising Stars event, he is ready for the intense competition.
“I’ve been working out with Steph (Castle) for a while now, and I got to see Dylan (Harper) become a player. I am competing against them every day. So for us to be competing against each other on this stage is going to be dope, especially since we’re teammates.”
Bryant will also compete in the AT&T Slam Dunk tomorrow during NBA All-Star Saturday.