Carter Bryant’s toughest challenge yet may be Spurs’ best counter to SGA bait

The Spurs have been pretty bulletproof so far in these playoffs. They’ve laid inexperience and shooting concerns to rest (for now, at least) throughout this conference finals run, meaning their obvious weakness is tough to pinpoint. One minor flaw they have, though, is Stephon Castle-specific.

The star guard can’t stay out of foul trouble. Against the Thunder, Castle will be the primary matchup for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. If Castle starts hacking, though, San Antonio should unleash a surprising backup option: Carter Bryant. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may force the Spurs to get creative defensively

Now two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best scorer in the world. He’s an elite finisher and an even better mid-range shooter, and he’s had one of his better seasons from beyond the arc as well. On top of that, as critics love to point out, he gets to the free throw line as often as anyone.

Maybe you think he flops. Maybe you think drawing fouls is an art that he’s mastered. Maybe you think he just can’t be stopped straight up. However you shake it, it’s an undeniable truth that Shai is going to put defenders in foul trouble. That’s unfortunate news for the Spurs.

Stephon Castle will be ready and able to guard Gilgeous-Alexander for the bulk of the series, but SGA’s ability to force fouls and Castle’s tendency to commit them mean Mitch Johnson has to be prepared to try other matchups on OKC’s superstar in case Castle sidelines himself. That’s where Carter comes in.

Carter Bryant is ready for the tough task of guarding the MVP

It hasn’t stopped them from having a phenomenal defense as a team, but San Antonio doesn’t have a deep room of good on-ball stoppers. Castle has done most of the dirty work throughout the year, and Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie are more off-ball-oriented guys on that end.

Carter Bryant, though, has proven to be an advanced defender, especially for his age. He has a fascinating combination of athleticism, strength, determination, and smarts that allows him to make his presence felt on D and shut guys down.

Bryant is mobile and twitchy enough to keep up with the shifty Shai, and he’s also strong enough to absorb his bumps and move him off his spots. Outside of Castle, he easily has the tools best suited for slowing down Gilgeous-Alexander.

There are some concerns to be noted, mainly that as a rookie, Bryant isn’t the most polished or disciplined defensive player yet. He actually committed more fouls per 36 minutes in the regular season than Castle.

But, as a secondary, break-glass-in-case-of-emergency option, Bryant should be more fit to pick up Gilgeous-Alexander than most players in the entire league. So look out, Shai; Carter Bryant is coming.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow