Carter Bryant fell to the Spurs (Photo via X)
In one of the least surprising moments of the 2025 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs drafted Dylan Harper with the second overall selection. With Cooper Flagg a lock to go to the Dallas Mavericks at the top of the draft, Harper to San Antonio was a poorly kept secret.
What definitely classifies as a surprise, however, was the Spurs being able to select Carter Bryant with the No. 14 pick. Bryant was widely assumed to be off the board when it came time for San Antonio to make their second choice in the lottery.
The Spurs also made a move prior to the draft by trading away their second round pick to the Indiana Pacers. In return for the 38th selection, San Antonio received cash and a 2030 second rounder via the Sacramento Kings.
Spurs Draft Dylan Harper at No. 2
Harper is clearly the second best player in this draft. He’s a big guard with high level playmaking upside. His combination of ball-handling, footwork, body control and touch is remarkable. He needs to prove he can be an above average shooter and defender but he seemingly has all the necessary tools.
The Spurs did well to ignore any questions about fit. Sure, it’s not entirely clear how the point guard duties will be split between De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Harper — but I’d classify that as a good problem to have and something that should naturally sort itself out.
San Antonio also did well to ignore trade offers for the second pick. The value of adding a foundational piece like Harper is greater than anything the Spurs could have received in a reasonable trade.
Grade: A
Spurs Draft Carter Bryant at No. 14
I had Bryant at No. 8 on the Final Spurs Big Board. To get him with the 14th selection is quite the shock. In fact, general manager Brian Wright said that the Spurs tried to trade up to pick Bryant before he ultimately fell into his lap.
While the freshman didn’t start a game at Arizona and averaged only 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game, Bryant has the potential to be an amazingly clean fit in San Antonio. At 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, he’s a defensive playmaker who racked up steals and blocks at a high rate. He also knocked down 37.1% of his three-pointers with good form and a high release. Add his attributes together and Bryant has a real chance to become a valuable 3-and-D contributor down the line.
Although the 19-year-old is an explosive athlete, scoring the basketball has never been a strong suit of his on any level. He’s not much of a ball-handler, which could play a part in limiting his ultimate offensive upside.
That said, as long as his jumper comes along and he continues to thrive defensively, Bryant is almost a picture perfect fit long-term on this roster. He’s the type of player you want to put around Victor Wembanyama and the type of player that can make life easier for Fox, Castle and Harper.
All in all, the Spurs should feel really lucky that Bryant dropped to the end of the lottery.
Grade: A
Spurs Trade No. 38 for a Second Rounder and Cash
This wasn’t a bad deal. Due to NIL money, the second round this year is weaker than usual. Kicking this asset forward to 2030 is justifiable, especially because the impact of NIL money will have been leveled out by then.
Then again, with a need at backup center, the Spurs may regret the move if Maxime Raynaud or Ryan Kalkbrenner fall to 38. Rasheer Fleming is another big who is still available.
There are rumblings that the Spurs could try to make a move to get back into the second round. Raynaud, specifically, is being talked about as a target for San Antonio. If the Spurs do make a move, it’ll be interesting to see how much it costs in future assets.
For the time being, this trade is okay — but things could change after the second round plays out.
Grade: B-