Of the Spurs' two highly anticipated draft picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, Carter Bryant has gotten the short end of the stick. The rookie has barely played to begin the season, and his small workload isn't doing him any favors. If the Spurs want Bryant to succeed, things must change.
Not only is Bryant being held back from showing the world what he's got, but in the minutes he's played, he hasn't had time to get anything going. Hovering around eight minutes per game, it is impossible for the Arizona product to gain any momentum. Without consistent playing time and enough allotted time to make an impact on the game, the rookie will be stuck in limbo.
If you think I am wrong, take one look at what David Jones Garcia did when he was gifted a full game's worth of playing time. The longtime G Leaguer took his opportunity and ran with it, posting his best career game. Games like these are what turn a solid player into a great one. Carter Bryant, on the other hand, is not getting such opportunities.
Mitch Johnson needs to make a decision
Head Coach Mitch Johnson needs to send Bryant down one of two avenues. Either he lets Bryant shine with more minutes, or he sends him to the G League. Where we currently stand, the springboard forward is stuck in the middle of nowhere and isn't getting nearly enough in-game reps. The only way to improve is by playing, and Bryant is not doing that right now.
I understand that it is difficult to find a home for Carter in the game-by-game rotation, but I am sure we can figure something out. Eight minutes is not going to cut it. Perhaps you cut into Jeremy Sochan's minutes, who is already well on his way out the door. Or when Wembanyama returns, you consider slicing into Kelly Olynyk's playing time. The possibilities are there.
On the flip side, if Mitch Johnson truly deems Carter Bryant not ready, which seems to be the case, then send him to the G League. The Spurs won't be hurt by missing the rookie in their rotation, so why not allow him to ball out somewhere else? It would be so much better for him to get some real time on the floor rather than sitting on the bench.
Either of the two possibilities is fine, but regardless, Mitch Johnson needs to figure it out. Carter Bryant is a young star in the making, but right now, he isn't getting any favors. If the Spurs want him to pan out into the player we know he can be, something must change.