The San Antonio Spurs made strategic selections in the 2025 NBA Draft, first picking Dylan Harper in the initial round, and then addressing further roster needs with the 14th overall pick. Fans speculated whether the team would add another guard, a traditional center to support Victor Wembanyama, or a win-now player. Ultimately, the Spurs chose Carter Bryant out of Arizona, a versatile combo forward designed to contribute defensively immediately while developing his three-point shooting. This pick allowed the team to fulfill multiple objectives simultaneously, aligning with their goal of returning to the NBA Playoffs for the first time in the Wembanyama era.

For Carter Bryant, hearing his name called by the San Antonio Spurs on draft night was an emotional and surreal experience. During his introductory press conference, he admitted, “I don't really think it's hit me yet. To be completely honest with you, I have moments where it's like, before I go to bed, I'm like, ‘Wow, like I'm really the San Antonio Spur,’ or I really got to shake Adam Silver's hand, and I really get to go to a great organization.” He added, “I'll wake up in the morning, I'll be like, I get to play basketball for a living, like this is pretty dope, like this is what I've been doing my whole life. I'm like, eight-year-old Carter would have been geeked right now. I think for me it's just a lot of emotions going on, like I said.” His heartfelt comments about fulfilling his childhood dreams resonated, particularly when he remarked that his younger self would have been