Spurs made their stance on Carter Bryant crystal clear to fans

Carter Bryant didn't play in San Antonio's final Summer League game for good reason. While there was no actual reason put on the record, it's clear why they sat him. They saw everything they needed to see. Those summertime exhibition games are less important than the random flashback episode nobody asked for on your favorite TV show.

Bryant was drafted to play defense and knock down open shots. He took to the defensive side of the ball immediately, but the shotmaking was lacking. It's obviously nothing to worry about long-term, but it was so bad that it's understandable if the Spurs wanted to see if he could quickly shake off those struggles and show some early poise.

He did that in his final appearance, scoring 16 points and knocking down 4/6 threes. He's been described as the prototypical 3-and-D guy, but that first part was lacking, until it wasn't. In four games, the California product averaged seven points, four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks per game. That will do just fine for now.

Bryant will change games for the Spurs with his defense

The Silver and Black are getting back to their roots, and Bryant will be an important piece to that puzzle. His last game gave the more worried fans a little solace heading into the rest of the offseason because if he can make shots, he'll earn more time on the floor.

When he was in college, he only averaged six points, but that's because he was asked to do something different. He played his role, and he'll be tasked with the same thing in San Antonio. Mitch Johnson will not try to reinvent the wheel with the 14th overall pick. In his rookie year, if he can average six to seven points on reasonably efficient shooting, he should cut into Keldon Johnson's minutes.

While KJ is a more polished offensive player, the Spurs don't need that from players deep on the bench as much as they need reliable defenders who can make sure the opposition doesn't run amok when Victor Wembanyama sits down. We've already seen what it looks like when the guys you're bringing in to spell the starters can't guard. It's a catastrophe.

Inconsistent offensive players who can't make threes or defend well need guys are becoming less valuable than ever. Bryant will help force live-ball turnovers that lead to fast-break points. That energizes the team on both sides of the floor. The Spurs need more of that, and this kid will deliver.