Carter Bryant’s sophomore leap could be the final piece in the Spurs’ title puzzle

As strange, as it might sound, the San Antonio Spurs' championship hopes may lie in sophomore Carter Bryant's hands. The second-year player has significant potential and has shown improvement during the preseason.

If he can carve out a consistent role this season, then the sky could be the limit for both him and the Silver and Black. San Antonio, despite ranking third in defensive rating last season, had only one lockdown perimeter defender.

Of course, they have the defending Defensive Player of the Year winner Victor Wembanyama, but having another above-average perimeter defender would be a huge deal.

After all, Spurs guard Stephon Castle has a tendency to pick up cheap fouls. Thus, having Bryant develop into a reliable defensive stopper would ease concerns about Castle's ability to stay on the floor.

The Spurs need Carter Bryant to live up to his defensive potential

It would also allow San Antonio to effectively defend teams with two talented perimeter players that could come in handy, especially in the West, where they may have to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Oklahoma City Thunder again.

The Timberwolves have Anthony Edwards and Lamelo Ball, while OKC has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. Those all-star pairings could potentially stand in the way of the Spurs making it back to the NBA Finals.

Having Bryant emerge as a legit rotation player would give the Spurs defense a different dynamic. In fact, it could be similar to the former wingstop tandem of Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green, who served as a crucial part of the 2014 championship team.

Having two-point-of-attack defenders and Wembanyama behind them could be a game changer for San Antonio. While the Spurs' new starting lineup currently features De'Aaron Fox, Castle, Dylan Harper, Devin Vassell, and Wembanyama, the end goal should be for them to start Bryant at the four.

An improved Carter Bryant could change how the Spurs play

If that five-man unit eventually materializes, San Antonio would potentially have their lineup of the future. Fox, Harper, and Castle can each relentlessly attack the basket as well as push to pace in transition.

They can also find Wembanyama for easy baskets and Bryant on cuts and open threes. Defensively, there would be no weak links, with Fox and Harper both being capable defenders.

More importantly, Castle and Bryant could shut down opposing teams' best perimeter defenders while Wembanyama anchors the paint. If San Antonio wants to make it back to the NBA Finals and hopefully win, Bryant's development is crucial, with him having the potential to be an elite three and D wing.

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