Carter Bryant has officially closed the door on returning to Arizona. “I’m completely in. I’m completely in,” declared the 6’8″ forward in a tweet shared by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello.
After impressing scouts with his defensive versatility and improved shooting at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine, Bryant has transformed from key reserve to potential lottery pick.
Top 3 NBA Draft Landing Spots for Arizona Forward Carter Bryant
Carter Bryant’s meteoric rise follows a freshman season averaging just 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in limited minutes.
His combination of size, defensive switchability, and shooting touch intrigues NBA front offices. Mock drafts now place him as high as 14th overall, with several teams in the late lottery eyeing his two-way potential.
Arizona forward Carter Bryant, who rose to No. 14 in ESPN’s most recent mock draft, unsurprisingly closed the door on a return to college.
“I’m completely in. I’m completely in.” pic.twitter.com/Xu4v7Asjzz
— Jeff Borzello (@jeffborzello) May 14, 2025
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs represent perhaps the most intriguing destination for Bryant. With their 14th pick acquired from Atlanta, San Antonio could add the versatile forward to their young core built around Victor Wembanyama. Bryant’s defensive versatility would allow him to guard multiple positions while providing necessary floor spacing for Wembanyama to operate.
New head coach Mitch Johnson, recently promoted following Gregg Popovich’s move to the front office, emphasizes player development and defensive discipline.
Bryant would join a forward rotation featuring Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and veteran Chris Paul, providing the Spurs with additional switchability on the perimeter and catch-and-shoot potential from deep.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets present Bryant with a clear path to playing time in their ongoing rebuild. Charlotte’s young core, featuring LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, desperately needs athletic wings to defend and make open shots. Bryant could compete immediately for minutes at both forward positions, addressing the team’s lack of defensive stoppers.
First-year head coach Charles Lee brings player development expertise from his time in Milwaukee and Boston. With Charlotte outside of playoff contention, Bryant would have space to grow his offensive game while contributing defensive intensity and transition scoring from Day 1.
Philadelphia 76ers
For Bryant, Philadelphia offers the chance to learn from elite veterans. The Sixers’ rotation, including Joel Embiid and Paul George, would allow Bryant to develop gradually while contributing defensively in specific matchups.
Bryant would provide the aging Sixers with much-needed youth and athleticism at forward, potentially growing into a larger role as the season progresses. Philadelphia’s win-now mentality means Bryant would need to earn minutes through defensive effort and spot-up shooting, skills he showcased during Arizona’s season and at the combine.
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Bryant’s rapid ascent from bench player to potential lottery pick speaks to his physical tools and basketball intelligence. Whichever team selects him will gain a defensive-minded forward with shooting upside who can contribute immediately while developing into a potential starter over time.
His commitment to staying in the draft suggests confidence that his combine performance will secure his first-round status.
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