What If Carter Bryant Was the 10th Pick?

Let me ask you something: what if you’re sitting at the No. 10 spot in the 2025 NBA Draft, and your only question isn’t who to pick—but why not him?

That’s where Carter Bryant enters the story. Not flashy. Not a highlight-reel scorer. But a guy who makes opponents hate playing against him.

I’ve watched enough film to know this: when it comes to defensive upside, Bryant is one of those rare athletes who could turn an entire rotation around.

The Numbers Don’t Lie (But They Don’t Tell Everything)

Let’s get real: his college stats aren’t fireworks. 6.5 points per game? Yeah. Not exactly Steph Curry vibes. But here’s where it gets spicy: his defensive impact was +8.8 in net rating—meaning Arizona played better with him on court than off.

He averaged 1.0 blocks and 0.9 steals per game, but that doesn’t capture how often he threatened shots before they even came—like a shadow lurking near every pass.

And yes, his shooting numbers are modest (.460 FG, .371 from deep), but remember—he wasn’t asked to carry offense for a top-tier team.

Why His Defense Is NBD (Not Bad… Just Next-Level)

If you’re looking for a player who can guard multiple positions without collapsing like wet cardboard, Bryant is your guy.

At 6’8” with long arms and elite footwork, he reads screens like he’s got Wi-Fi inside his brain. He switches seamlessly on pick-and-rolls, stays in front of guards without getting blown by—and worst of all for opposing scorers? He makes them think twice before attacking the rim.

In today’s NBA—a league obsessed with switchability—Bryant fits like gloves on hands made for pressure passes and closeouts.

Plus: he actually talks during games. You know, like “Hey! Switch!” or “I’ve got you.” That kind of communication is gold when building team defense.

The Big Question: Can He Score?

Ah yes—the elephant in the room: a player who shoots just 8.4 three-pointers per hundred possessions… can he become an offensive weapon?

Short answer? Maybe not immediately—but here’s my take: his passing instincts show flashes of vision in half-court sets. He sees seams others miss, sometimes delivering crisp outlet or backdoor dimes that look more polished than his own shot profile suggests.

Would I draft him as a #1 pick? Probably not. But as someone whose value lies in defensive versatility, especially given today’s shift toward multi-position defenders… yeah—No. 10 feels fairer than many realize.

The Bigger Picture: How He Fits Modern Basketball

The modern NBA doesn’t just want shooters anymore—it wants players who disrupt rhythm, change pace, stunt drives, and make life miserable for ball-handlers on offense. Bryant embodies that ethos perfectly—even if his highlights don’t scream ‘star.’ The truth is simple: we’re still learning how much impact non-scoring roles matter—and Bryant might be leading that charge post-draft season after season.. So next time someone says ‘He didn’t score enough,’ just smile and say: yeah… but did you see him block three shots while guarding two spots at once? The answer usually speaks louder than any stat line ever could.