Spurs' Carter Bryant honors family member with jersey number selection
Rookie Carter Bryant will begin his career in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs with a new jersey number after wearing No. 9 as a freshman last season at Arizona.
Bryant wore it in various events before joining the Wildcats, such as the McDonald's All-American Game and the Pangos All-American Camp. He was forced to change it upon joining the Spurs, with it retired to honor Hall of Famer Tony Parker.
The 14th pick also wore a few other numbers, though each one was taken on the team. He opted to go with No. 11, which is the same number his uncle wore.
"I wanted nine," Bryant said. "Obviously, Tony Parker has nine retired. (De'Aaron) Fox has four. Steph Castle has five. Dylan (Harper) got two. I was a Kawhi fan, so I was trying to get the two. Vic (Wembanyama) got one, so then I went through all of the numbers I liked and which ones looked good. My uncle ended up wearing No. 11 playing pro volleyball overseas, so I went with 11."
Bryant helped the Wildcats to the Sweet 16, averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and one assist on 37.1% shooting from 3-point range. He scored in double figures five times, including a season-high-tying 14 points, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks on Jan. 27.
The 19-year-old logged six appearances with the Spurs in summer league, averaging 7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 assists on 28.6% shooting from the field. He wrapped up his stay with a 16-point, five-rebound performance on July 17.
Bryant has ingratiated himself well within the local community after volunteering at a couple of events this offseason. The team was excited to add him and is eager to watch him hit the court.
Note: Throughout August, Rookie Wire is looking at every first-round pick and why each player selected their respective jersey number as they make the jump to the NBA.
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