fun fact: the guy who picked Stanley Johnson in the draft was no other than Brian Wright![]()
Every top-50 wing with size and athleticism looks like LeBron in high school. It’s the nature of physical advantage, maybe even age advantage. I remember Stanley Johnson looked like a cheat code as a junior and senior in HS. Was very good at Arizona but noticeably unable to beat quicker guards/wings off dribble, and by NBA all physical and age advantage was gone and he was barely even a role player. Literal top-3 player in a loaded 2014 prep class and out of the league by end of his rookie deal.
That said, I do think Carter has the athleticism to step up a bit more as a playmaker.
fun fact: the guy who picked Stanley Johnson in the draft was no other than Brian Wright![]()
Man, this kid is so well-spoken and mature for his age. Can definitely see why he appealed to the Spurs even outside of his on-court qualities.
Keldon is physically limited. He’s not quick twitch or long.
My bold take: I think he ends up starting by midway through the season.
The sooner the Spurs get to Bryant-Sochan up front with Wemby, the better.
After we build up a lead on a team, if we’re trying to protect it, I’d be interested to see how a Kornet - Wemby - Sochan - Bryant - Castle lineup looks out there.
I mean, Carter Bryant isn’t a SG. I’ve discussed some lateral agility issues where he struggled with Big12 SFs perimeter in. He’s smart. He’s heady. He’s got great explosive quickness. But that to me is a real gamble with his foul penchant.
Maybe switch Sochan to guard the SG on defense, or rotate Fox in and switch Castle. In any event, interested to see our best defensive lineups.
Sochan and Bryant could be a good forward combo IF the shooting is passable.
But Bryant has SF size so I don't see the need to make him our PF, unless he's an outstanding rebounder. which I wasn't aware of.
He was a strong rebounder for his positions (PF/SF) in college. Not outstanding, though maybe some added strength helps this improve. But I have compared him to a Plus positional rebounder, Kelly Oubre, in how his size and athleticism and motor allow him to rebound 1-2 boards Per-36 over his position. Per-36 he was around 7.5 rpg vs Big12 which might be tougher to rebound vs than many NBA teams. With defenses focused on Wemby, I could see a similar rate at NBA level. But he’s just 220 pounds so he’s not a bruiser.
The most intriguing aspect is you now have 48 minutes of Sochan and Bryant and with that depth, both can play hard and aggressive because fouls aren’t a huge concern. At both SF/PF that is a quality advantage as Carter settles in and gains experience.
Yeah, Fox was excellent for stocks in front of Wemby for the little he got to play with him. I had him on fantasy and he was like 3 steals per with Spurs. Not necessarily tantamount to good D, but Wemby covers for some matador D, and as long as the defenders are forcing a narrative of turnovers, I think Spurs have a strong defensive advantage with Fox, Castle, Sochan, Carter. Not sure what Vassell’s Defense is like.
Some versatility for legit on-ball/man defense there or turnover generation deflection chaos D as well.
Spurs got lucky Bryant landed on their lap at #14. Behind upperclassmen, his total game wasn’t fully displayed at Arizona and to the Spurs benefit to steal this kid. I wanted Jalen Johnson previously, and felt bad the Spurs passed on him. Well Carter Bryant hopefully will redeem the FO for some of their bad calls. CB was a no brainer at #14. Spurs got lucky the Hawks didn’t take him at #13 or they would be so loaded with defensive athletic who can switch multiple positions. In retrospect, I would’ve given all ATL picks back for #13, and grab both Bryant and Sorber at #13 and #14 and would’ve fixed ALL positions in need. But don’t get me started…
There’s no reason why he shouldn’t be our starter from day 1
He avg 6 and 4 in college. His shot needs to be faster. He probably can only guard 2s or weak 3s as he is a bit too skinny like most lanky rookies. He won't even be in the rotation for the first half of the season.
You want to hurt Devin's ego?
Locker room leader Keldon also needs his minutes.
If Bryant is a positive defender right away and can hit wide open shots, there's no reason for Keldon to be in the rotation.
What is the track record of players who put up mediocre stats in college and became good players in the NBA?
Devin Booker averaged 10 points off the bench at UK. It’s not unheard of.
if he can hit opens shots and play good d,He for sure should start.His compe ion is against
keldon,vassell,champ and sochan.Those guys are very inconsistent in making shots or playing d.
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