Spurs keep reaping the benefits from believing in once-struggling rookie

For those who may have missed the San Antonio Spurs' come-from-behind victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, they missed a truly impressive Carter Bryant performance.

Although he finished with just three points on 1-5 shooting, he was a key part of San Antonio's comeback. In fact, he was plus 17 in 23 minutes and a big reason why San Antonio thrived when center Luke Kornet was off the floor due to foul trouble.

Perhaps more telling is that Coach Mitch Johnson played veteran Harrison Barnes just six minutes in a crucial road playoff game. To Johnson's credit, Bryant was spectacular defensively.

He shut down Scoot Henderson and Deni Avdija multiple times and even had an eye-popping block. Bryant's performance helped spur San Antonio's second-half come back.

Spurs keep reaping the benefits from believing in Carter Bryant

It's hard to believe that this was the same player who looked unsure of himself back in December and seemed destined to be heading to the G League for seasoning. Now he's actively contributing to a title contender.

No one expected him to be this good this fast, and he wouldn't have been had Johnson not been actively giving him playing time during the regular season.

After all, few expected him to even be in the position entering the season with Jeremy Sochan and Harrison Barnes ahead of him in the rotation. However, his play caused the Spurs to waive Sochan, and Barnes' minutes have been cut dramatically.

Carter Bryant could quickly emerge as a starter

Once Victor Wembanyama returns, it's entirely possible that Barnes will fall out of the rotation in favor of more Bryant. That could spell the end for Barnes in San Antonio.

By the start of next season, Bryant could be ready to start at power forward with Julian Champagnie as his backup.

With how he's played thus far, he could very well be a difference maker next season. In fact, he is already being a difference-maker now. Giving Johnson someone who can play 20 minutes of hard-nosed defense at the four is huge.

Bryant has already helped swing the Blazer series in the Spurs' direction. Not only that but he is rapidly developing and could be even better the longer San Antonio's season lasts.

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