Spurs’ 2025 draft will be all-time great if respected analyst is right

In June, the San Antonio Spurs entered the NBA Draft loaded with two lottery selections. With their own draft pick, they jumped all the way to the second selection; meanwhile, with the Atlanta Hawks' first-round pick, they were awarded the 14th overall pick. This marked a golden opportunity for the Spurs to change their franchise forever.

While all of the buzz has surrounded the Spurs' second overall pick, Dylan Harper, the player taken 14th overall has created a boatload of intrigue. With the pick, the Spurs selected the forward out of Arizona, Carter Bryant. The 19-year-old was a late riser in the draft and was dubbed a steal at pick 14.

Although the youngster may not get many chances in year one, his upside is limitless. As a defensively oriented player, Bryant projects to be one of the best defensive players in the NBA. If this expectation wasn't lofty enough, one trusted NBA analyst raised the bar even higher.

ESPN's Tim Legler shared on a recent podcast episode that he believes that Carter Bryant will win Defensive Player of the Year in 5 years. Legler noted the youngster's elite athleticism and motor skills as reasons for this exceedingly high prediction. While this may sound crazy, this take isn't as far-fetched as it seems.

The sky is the limit for Carter Bryant

As Legler alluded, Bryant has the traits of an NBA defensive juggernaut. Without even mentioning his play on the court, when you look at him, you can already tell he will be a monster.

The stocky forward comes in at 6'7" and 215 pounds, the ideal measurables for an NBA defender. This size will allow him to guard all positions and get in the way of anyone that he is matched up against. Additionally, with his strength, he won't allow anyone to back him down.

Stepping onto the court, Bryant has already shown flashes of being one of the best defenders in the NBA. Whether it is his ability to glue onto the ball-handler, pick up full court, gather ball deflections, or knock balls out of the court, Bryant can do it all. With a chaotic playstyle, the hectic defender's presence is felt throughout the court.

Time and time again, Bryant uses his youthful energy and juice to make plays happen and create offensive opportunities for his team. Flying all over the court, the powered-up youngster will come out of nowhere for a game-changing play.

With abilities similar to former All-Defensive players OG Anunoby and Amen Thompson, Bryant has what it takes to become a premier defender. The only thing stopping him from winning a Defensive Player of the Year award will be his own teammate, Victor Wembanyama. Even so, don't be surprised if you see CB atop the rankings in a few years. Now we wait and see it all come together.