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Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Spurs strike NBA Draft gold again with Carter Bryant
The post Why Spurs strike NBA Draft gold again with Carter Bryant appeared first on ClutchPoints. After an NBA Draft Lottery night that went the best the San Antonio Spurs could've realistically expected as they beat odds to climb all the way to number two, NBA Draft Night proved the best they could've realistically expected because of Carter Bryant. Advertisement The Silver and Black knew they were taking Dylan Harper with the second overall pick because there was no doubt Cooper Flagg was going to the Dallas Mavericks. Their second selection of the first round, at 14 overall, was the mystery. In need of a big man who could help and complement Victor Wembanyama, Khaman Maluach proved a tantalizing want. But the chances that he'd still be there for the last pick of the lottery represented, at best, a dream scenario. Of the players who could be there at 14, Bryant stood out. Yet, like Maluach, the chance that he'd still be around seemed slim. Many mock drafts had him at 10 or 11. And yet, he fell to 14 and right into the lap of a Spurs team that could use every one of his emerging talents and abilities. Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images The Carter Bryant player profile What is Carter Bryant's game? At the risk of exaggeration, think of the modern NBA. Now think of the type of player who typically stands out in today's game. That's Carter Bryant. Advertisement Extremely athletic, the former Arizona Wildcat stands 6-foot-8 with a wingspan that reaches seven feet. He can run. He can jump. He's a defensive menace. Offensively, he can move without the ball. He can shoot. He put it up at 37% from 3-point range and 46% from the field in college. And he can leap. Often, he finds creases and makes his way to the basket for easy buckets, often dunks. Perhaps, most importantly, he's just 19 years old and came off the bench as a freshman. A projected 3-and-D wing, he has plenty of room to grow. Steven Bisig-Imagn Images How Carter Bryant fits with the Spurs Leading up to the draft, analysts wondered how Harper would fit with the Spurs given that they already had guard De'Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year, Stephon Castle, on the roster. No need to wonder how Bryant fits: The Spurs don't have anyone on the roster like him. Advertisement Devin Vassell's focus is on offense. While athletic, Jeremy Sochan is still finding his stroke. In different ways, Harrison Barnes and Keldon Johnson find ways to score, but neither is a defensive dynamo nor possesses physical traits that jump off the page in the NBA. Blake Wesley isn't a big point guard, while Malaki Branham fell out of the rotation this past season. The lack of another big may be San Antonio's biggest weakness. Their lack of athleticism, mainly for defensive purposes, on the wing is an area that comes in a close second. Bryant begins the path to repairing that. In the meantime, Wemby's presence as a defensive anchor isn't a bad consolation as the Silver and Black will look to free agency or possibly a trade to fill that need. Add that Bryant can shoot, and he helps to plug another gap for a team that struggled from behind the arc. All in all, he fits. And the Spurs fit the tag of the team that drafts well annually. Related: Dylan Harper's mom goes viral at 2025 NBA Draft after Spurs selection Related: Victor Wembanyama calls Dylan Harper after Spurs' No. 2 pick


Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'She means the world to me" - NBA Draft 2025's No.2 pick Dylan Harper proves he is mama's boy with his adorable answer
NBA Draft 2025's No.2 pick Dylan Harper proves he is mama's boy with his adorable answer (Image Credit: Getty Images) Wednesday night was a big night for 19-year-old Dylan Harper. As the NBA Draft 2025's No.2 pick, he was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. After the draft, he got the opportunity to address the press. He handled every question like a pro. But one question that stole everyone's heart was about her mother. When asked about his feelings for his mother, the one-and-done player from Rutgers summed it up in six simple yet deep words. He said, 'She means the world to me.' Dylan Harper was accompanied by her mother, Maria Harper, to the NBA Draft Night on Wednesday. She was equally excited about the important milestone in her son's basketball career. Dylan Harper summed up his feelings for his mother, Maria Harper, at NBA Draft press conference Dylan Harper's First Interview as a San Antonio Spur Maria Harper must be on cloud nine as her son, Dylan Harper, was the No. 2 pick at the NBA Draft 2025. The night became more beautiful for her when Dylan said loving words about her during the post-draft press conference. He said that his mother meant the world to him, summing up his feelings with amazing maturity. Though ready for the biggest league in basketball, the NBA, Harper proved he is a mama's boy with his innocent answer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Rajasthan Mosquito-Free Nights: Residents Share Unexpected Secret Mosquito Eliminator Read More Undo Dylan also answered questions about his NBA aspirations in another interview with ESPN. Talking about how he plans to pursue his NBA dreams, he said: "I think when you play with a bunch of great players, it just brings the best out of you. They got a great young core over there. I'm just ready to get in there and make an impact anywhere I can with those guys." ESPNW approached Maria Harper for her thoughts on her son making the NBA debut. She shared: 'It's surreal. The NBA is a very, very exclusive club. He's worked so hard to get here. I'm just proud of." Dylan Harper felt an array of emotions as he got drafted into NBA as No.2 pick Dylan Harper and Maria's emotions knew no boundaries when he finally got the spot in the San Antonio Spurs. They celebrated the achievement and expressed how they were feeling after the decision. Dylan said: "I'm feeling everything. All the emotions... from crying, to laughing, to being happy, everything. I just feel everything. I'm excited." Speculations were rife that the Spurs might go for a superstar; however, the decision remained a secret till the end. Maria Harper, like a responsible mother, held the fort for her son on a crazy night like the NBA Draft. She stood by his side during the moments of anticipation. When asked about the reason behind her son's achievement, she proudly said: 'His flat-out love for the game. His determination. His humility. Just hard work - day in, day out." Maria Harper became an internet sensation with her words and sense of style. She was everything a son might look for in a support system when attending a crucial event like the NBA Draft. Also Read: Who are Dylan Harper's parents? Everything you need to know about San Antonio Spurs' newest draft pick's mom Maria, and NBA champion dad Ron Harper Dylan Harper had every right to enjoy his big night. Having averaged 19.4 points and 4.0 assists per game in his sole season at Rutgers, he made a strong case for the NBA draft. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.