CARTER BRYANT
Position/Archetype: Athletic 3&D Combo Forward
College: Arizona
Pros:
Size: For a young player and freshman, Bryant has good size, he looks pretty built already which is nice to see when hoping for him to impact day 1 which I think he can. He also has a wingspan just under 7ft which is obviously very valuable for these defensive stopper type guys which I see Bryant doing.
Athleticism: Really good vert at 39 1/2 inch which is really good and combining that with his size it allows him to be really aggressive at the rim defending or on offence which is always very useful. Combining it with some other skills he has it makes an interesting mix. Another thing I will say is his reactions in game, his recovery time is pretty insane since he does have to cover up a few of his own defensive mistakes he can make.
Defending: A lot more upside than talent here, a lot more eye test and flashes. He does make a few mistakes off ball and just basic stuff but he also does more of the complicated high level stuff that you like to see in wing stoppers which I see him as. The insane recovery speed, being able to poke the ball and spot passes and generally staying ahead of his man at a good rate is valuable. And then the switch ability of him is always gonna be interesting.
Movement and IQ: What I love about Carter Bryant is when I watch him I see plays I don't expect from a young guy and a mindset thats rare from people his age. He's very composed on ball and under pressure, not too many mistakes from that yet somewhat turnover prone. But his off ball movement is very valuable in my opinion, Smart cutter and perimeter mover which is always valuable when trying to fit in an NBA system. On ball creation is what raises a ceiling, off ball raises the floor.
Three point shooting %: Very strong spot up 3pt shooter in the 71st percentile in that realm and 37% 3pt shooter in general is very nice. Again just adds to the archetype he is and combined with his rim pressure is very nice.
Rebounding: Very strong rebounder using his wingspan and athleticism. he is a 98th percentile defensive rebounder and having someone with his transition ability and athleticism grabbing boards is very valuable.
Cons:
Volume: Super minimal role at Arizona, didn't get a tonne of minutes or usage over there and had to fit into a role on a competitive team trying to be the best in the nation. That means numbers such as the shooting percentages have a lot more questions than others so take that as you will.
Shot Creation and On Ball play: Doesn't take movement shots and off the dribble shots, seems to pretty much a cut and spot up player right now but he's young and definitely has an opportunity to grow some more of these skills. Right now it's hard to project him doing much of that in the NBA. And yeah he can be more accurate and controlled although he is pretty good for his age already. just like to see more attacking with the ball.
Defensive Mistakes: He's not a perfect defensive prospect yet, as mentioned prior he still makes mistakes on defence which he's been able to make up for so far in college but its a whole different ball game in the NBA.
NBA Pro Comp: Robert Covington, Jeff Green, Jaden McDaniels
Projection: Projects to be a great role-player, potential to be a lot more but right now looks to be a good starter role-player.
CHEESE FINAL BOARD RANKING: (coming soon)