The Spurs' defense could be downright unfair if Carter Bryant takes a big leap

The San Antonio Spurs ranked among the best defensive teams in the NBA last season but could be almost unfair on that end if one player makes a big leap. Carter Bryant played a small but consistent role last season and even emerged as a key rotation player in the playoffs.

However, San Antonio needs him to take a major leap forward if they hope to have a truly stingy defense. That's entirely possible, though Bryant is currently behind Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson in the rotation, but perhaps not for long.

Bryant showed that he can hold up in the playoffs with him shooting well from three and playing energetic defense. To reach the next level, he must continue to hit threes and finish at the rim—which has been a big struggle.

He'll also need to get stronger and be more disciplined defensively. Both are realistic goals, and he already possesses great size, length, and instincts, particularly navigating screens. If Bryant checks all of those boxes, he could surpass Johnson and develop into a crucial rotation player.

Spurs are banking on Carter Bryant being a key rotation player

If that happens, then San Antonio would have another elite defender to throw at top wing scorers. Having two wing stoppers instead of just one could make San Antonio doubly dangerous on defense. That's just math.

De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Bryant, and Victor Wembanyama would be the perfect defensive lineup for San Antonio. Better yet, it would combine both scoring and defense.

Having to score against a lineup that has both Castle and Bryant guarding on the perimeter would be hard enough, let alone with Wembanyama lurking in the paint.

Factor in Fox and Vassell, both of whom are good defenders, and that lineup would give teams fits. Remember, San Antonio finished third in defensive rating last season, even despite Wembanyama missing 18 games.

They still have plenty of room to grow defensively by having him healthy and Bryant leveling up. Although defense was their calling card last season, San Antonio could be even better on that end, and that could make all the difference between a Finals loss and a championship.

Carter Bryant becoming a rotation player may deliver Spurs a title

Having two great perimeter defenders would help San Antonio immensely in their quest to win a championship this season, especially in a loaded West. For instance, the Minnesota Timberwolves now have both LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards.

If San Antonio were to play the Wolves in the postseason again, Castle could guard Ball while Bryant would spend time guarding Edwards or vice versa. The same could be said if the Spurs were to face the Oklahoma City Thunder again in the playoffs.

Castle could guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander while Bryant would spend time defending Jalen Williams. Last but not least, the New York Knicks have superstar Jalen Brunson, and having two players to throw at him would hopefully help slow down their offense. That increases the need for the Spurs to further develop Bryant.

All told, San Antonio is banking on Bryant emerging as a key player this season, with him holding the key to unlocking their full defensive potential.

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