The [San Antonio Spurs](https://www.poundingtherock.com)’ Saturday summer league contest was highly anticipated thanks to the debut of fourteenth overall pick, Carter Bryant. The rookie played a primarily off-ball role while struggling to shoot and defend without fouling as the Spurs lost 82-69 in their summer league debut.
San Antonio stuck around with a Miami Heat squad that played multiple NBA rotation players in Kel’El Ware and Pelle Larsson until the fourth quarter, when sloppy play did in the Spurs’ summer team. Ware dominated later in the game with his interior size. He finished the game with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 stocks (steals + blocks).
There isn’t a lot to take away from one summer league game. The Spurs stuck around with a tough Heat team despite being undermanned, as critical pieces of this roster, Dylan Harper and Riley Minix, missed the game due to injuries. The sloppy play can be chalked up to a group of guys who haven’t played together, and for most of the game, a lack of primary playmakers.
The Spurs will get a chance to bounce back on Sunday when they take on the [Golden State Warriors](https://www.goldenstateofmind.com) at 5:30 p.m.
### **Takeaways:**
* Bryant looked raw in his summer league debut. Defensively, he was often caught in a bad position or off his feet as he fouled and allowed blow-by drives. He finished the game with 7 fouls (you get 10 in summer league). He didn’t play a huge role offensively. He had 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 turnovers. Bryant was cold from three but knocked down a smooth movement jumper, and two sweet-looking mid-range shots. The rookie will have a learning curve to overcome. The good news is that the summer league provides a low-stakes environment for the rookie to take his lumps.
* Jameer Nelson Jr. was the Spurs’ best player on Saturday. He looked every bit like an NBA-caliber guard in his 24 minutes. He finished with 13 points and 5 assists while shooting 5-9 from the field. Nelson Jr. used his speed to get in the paint and finish underneath the Heat’s big men. His passing vision was on full display as he consistently created good looks for his teammates. He knocked down a three early in the game as well. Nelson Jr. had his moments last summer as well. He’s certainly someone to keep an eye on this year.
* Harrison Ingram is a perplexing player. Defensively, he’s solid to good. He had three steals in the game and looked strong off the ball, consistently finding the right position to be in to help his teammates or pick off a pass. The offensive end is a struggle. He’s not a player who creates space for himself. His jump shot is inconsistent right now, and he needs the ball in his hands to make the biggest impact as a passer. He played just 14 minutes and scored only 3 points on Saturday. Ingram has a lot riding on this summer and the upcoming season. He’ll need to bring more offense to stand out in the future.
* Nathan Mensah had some emphatic blocks early in the game. He flashed that last summer as well. His rim protection should be key to the summer squad, and could eventually earn him an NBA deal.
* I’m interested in getting a longer look at Chibuzo Agbo. His shooting is something San Antonio could use. He knocked down a sweet-looking three on Saturday. He’s got the size and ability to be an NBA player.