CHICAGO – When Jeremy Woo of ESPN polled executives about the 2025 draft, the biggest draft steal question brought the widest range of answers. Yet one name stood out above the rest — Carter Bryant. Spurs fans should take notice. Some of the NBA’s leading minds value Carter Bryant’s defensive versatility so much that they see him as biggest draft steal.
NBA Execs Crown 6’8″ Wing Carter Bryant As Biggest Draft Steal
Woo notes Bryant secured the most votes (5), beating out Joan Beringer and Kasparas Jakucionis. His defensive tenacity at Las Vegas Summer League turned heads. He was projected to go higher but slipped when teams that had him on their mock boards traded out of the late lottery. The Spurs pounced at No. 14 and might have landed a gem.
One scout didn’t hold back when discussing Bryant’s potential. “Bryant will turn into an impact wing defender that can make 3s and be part of their core,” an Eastern Conference scout told Woo. “We’ll look back in several years while the Spurs are winning big, and people will mention them drafting Castle at four and Bryant at 14 to pair defensively with Victor as draft steals.”
Bryant gives San Antonio another defensive stopper to grow alongside Victor Wembanyama. If Carter Bryant lives up to the billing, this pick will get remembered as the biggest steal of this draft.
Beringer Right Behind In Steal Conversation
Right behind Bryant in the biggest draft steal chatter is Beringer. The Timberwolves grabbed the 18-year-old French center at No. 17. Beringer has only played organized basketball for four years, but his instincts make him a natural rim protector.
Woo reports Beringer flashed that potential in Vegas, blocking shots, finishing lobs, and holding his own inside. One Eastern Conference GM told Woo, “[Beringer] could turn out to be a top-five player in this draft. Upside is through the roof, and he doesn’t even know how to play yet. He’s also in a perfect situation where he can learn and grow from all of their bigs.”
Beringer will learn under Rudy Gobert, a fellow Frenchman and three-time DPOY. If he soaks up that knowledge, he could be a defensive anchor for the Wolves long-term.
Other Names In The Mix
Woo’s poll also brought other sleeper names into the biggest draft steal talk. Jakucionis of the Heat grabbed two votes. Walter Clayton Jr. of the Jazz, Tre Johnson of the Wizards, Collin Murray-Boyles of the Raptors, Asa Newell of the Hawks, and Noah Penda of the Magic all received votes too.
Deep cuts like Danny Wolf (Nets), Khaman Maluach (Suns), Cedric Coward (Grizzlies), Liam McNeeley (Hornets), and Chaz Lanier (Pistons) round out the list. Several execs doubled up, highlighting just how wide open this class might be.
The 2025 draft didn’t deliver huge surprises on draft night, but it could offer surprises for years if this group blossoms. Bryant’s defense and shooting could headline that story. For now, NBA scouts agree: the Spurs might have pulled off the biggest draft steal yet again.
Credit:© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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