Victor Vembanyama’s teammate was named the second best defender in world goals
Confidence and long-term ambition framed Carter Bryant’s postgame comments Monday night, as San Antonio Spurs the rookie has charted a defensive goal that puts him just behind one teammate in the global hierarchy.
Following The San Antonio Spurs beat the Utah Jazz 123-110Bryant has stated that he wants to become the second best defender in the worldacknowledging a unique presence Victor Vembanyama.
“I can be the second-best defender in the world because it’s hard to be the best defender in the world when a guy is 7’5” and I can move like a monster outside, so … just being an elite defender, being able to shoot at a high level and just being able to win. I think people underestimate the value of winning. Winning overshadows a lot. If you can win at a high level, everything else will take care of itself, so obviously things like handling the ball, taking shots – those things will come eventually.
Bryant, 20, was selected 14th overall in the 2025 NBA draft. and arrived in San Antonio with a profile built around the defensive end. He’s 6-feet tall, has a 6-foot-11.75 wingspan and weighs 220 pounds, giving him the physical tools to guard multiple positions on the perimeter.
Carter Bryant continues to play a developmental role as the Spurs balance growth and winning
Through 34 appearances this season, Bryant has been used sparingly in the rotation. He is averaging 2.3 points and 1.6 rebounds per game while shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 24.4 percent from three-point range in 8.1 minutes per game. Production was modest, but its role was focused on energy, defense and development rather than achieving scale.
U The Spurs lost 111-106 to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, Bryant logged 11 minutes off the bench and finished with four points, continuing to gain situational experience as San Antonio balances winning with long-term growth.
San Antonio enters Thursday’s game at 30-14 after snapping a three-game winning streak. The Spurs will wrap up their two-game road trip with a return visit to Salt Lake City to face the Jazz (15-29) at 9:00 PM ET, looking to re-establish momentum as they continue to integrate young contributors like Bryant along with their established core.
2026-01-21 18:00:00
