Carter Bryant may have lucked into ideal Spurs mentor in Tobias Harris

Veteran Tobias Harris was the San Antonio Spurs' big free-agent move, and his addition could have a huge impact on Carter Bryant. The sophomore wing is one of the team's best young prospects but still has a long way to go before reaching his ceiling.

Fortunately, the Spurs have added Harris, who, along with Harrison Barnes, could be the perfect mentor to Bryant. Harris and Barnes' games are more similar to each other than to Bryant's, but both could still provide him valuable insight.

Each player has at least 14 years under their belt, with Harris having 15 years. Combine that with more than half a dozen NBA stops, and he has proven he knows how to adapt. That's something that Bryant can stand to learn.

Carter Bryant may have lucked into an ideal mentor in Tobias Harris

The Spurs are hoping that Bryant takes a big step forward this season, and Harris could help make that happen. He has become a valuable veteran in recent years but can still play.

In fact, last season, he was a starter on a 60-win Detroit Pistons team. Even when the Pistons struggled in the playoffs, Harris stepped up and ranked second on the team in going during the postseason.

That adaptability is exactly what has allowed him to stick around in the NBA. Whether he's asked to start, come off the bench, or be featured in a bigger or smaller role, he is always ready to contribute.

That could be a valuable lesson for Bryant to learn. He won't always be asked to play the same role, and we'll have to adjust his game accordingly to stay on the floor and contribute positively to winning. Bryant got a taste of that last season.

Carter Bryant can learn a thing or two offensively from Tobias Harris

Although Bryant played 71 games, he only averaged 11.5 minutes per game. San Antonio clearly believed in him enough to give him minutes as a rookie but not enough to carve out a regular role for him.

This season, he will likely be playing behind Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson but will still get spot minutes at both small forward and power forward. Making the most of those opportunities will be crucial to his success this season.

Perhaps more importantly, Harris can help him develop skills offensively. Bryant is already well ahead of the curve defensively, but his offense is still very much a work in progress. Last season he shot well from three but was atrocious finishing at the basket and didn't have any go-to move to speak of.

Harris, if anything, is an offensive player who stuck in the NBA by being a reliable scorer. I'm sure he could show Bryant a think or two. Whether it be how to get to his spots on offense, veteran tricks to draw fouls, or how to better position himself when playing off ball.

Tobias Harris can help the Spurs in more ways than one

During the first game of the preseason, Bryant was seemingly more aggressive offensively. He even put the ball on the floor and dribbled into a pull-up midrange jumper. Whether that can be attributed to him working with Harris is unclear.

However, Harris ranked as one of the best mid-range shooters in the NBA last season and could help Bryant develop that part of this game. Harris teaching Bryant a few of his many offensive tricks could be an added bonus.

He could help one of San Antonio's best young players take the next leap forward. As for Harris, he could prove to be a crucial piece and provide the Spurs much-needed depth at power forward.

Hopefully Harris and Bryant will fill much-needed roles, with the former helping the latter continue to develop into a well-rounded player.

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