The Spurs’ best addition might not require a single trade or signing

We're less than a week away from the February 5 trade deadline, and there have been no moves to speak of around the league other than the Trae Young trade. That feels like forever ago. There have been a few reports that San Antonio has been poking around here and there, but there hasn't been any significant news. There could be many reasons for that, but I want to explore the Carter Bryant one.

If there's one thing the Spurs believe in, it's their ability to develop players. That could take a long time or be fairly quick. It all depends on the player, but I get the feeling that CB is a fast learner. He's already showing an improved understanding of the NBA game, and it's been earning him more minutes on the court in the early quarters.

When we think about the needs of this squad, shooting and physicality are at the front of the line. Bryant plays a tough brand of basketball, and he has the form to be one of the best shooters in the league with enough reps. The speed at which he develops is potentially more important than any deal Brian Wright could make.

Bryant could be the key piece of the Spurs' long-term puzzle

So far, there have been rumors that the Silver and Black have shown interest in Guerschon Yabusele and Jose Alvarado. The addition of either would be adding around the edges, but they don't address the most glaring issue on the team right now, and that is Harrison Barnes' production.

Don't let his rising three-point percentage fool you; he still isn't the same, only providing minimal output from the perimeter over the past couple of games. He shot 50% in both, but that's because he only made two attempts.

The starting power forward needs to provide more than that. Shout out to him for being aggressive against Houston and scoring in the paint, but he'd have to do a lot more of that to convince me that fans should no longer be concerned.

Bryant is only giving up one inch to HB, so if Barnes can be a starting power forward, I see no reason why Carter couldn't do the same. As soon as next season, I wouldn't be surprised if he earned his way into the starting lineup.

He'd obviously still have a lot to learn, but if he can be a strong shooter, play with consistency on the defensive end, and continue making the right plays, the ex-Arizona Wildcat will be a serious weapon.

San Antonio would have the most deadly fastbreak team in the league. The pressure they could put on teams on the perimeter with Bryant starting next to Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, and De'Aaron Fox, with Victor Wembanyama protecting the paint, would be devastating. The more I think about it, the more I want to see it happen. I need to see it happen.