SAN ANTONIO — Carter Bryant, the San Antonio Spurs rookie, will take the stage at the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars event during NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. Bryant has been named to Team Vince, stepping in to replace the injured Memphis Grizzlies guard Cedric Coward, and he expressed excitement about this unexpected opportunity.
Steady Performance Earns Bryant Rising Stars Spot
Through 43 games this season, Bryant has steadily improved, averaging 9.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in just under 17 minutes per game over the past five contests. His growing confidence and recent strong showings have made his selection well deserved. Bryant shared,
“It was amazing. I found out while I was working out this morning, I was in the middle of a workout and got the opportunity, so I’m grateful for it.”
Competing Against Spurs Teammates Adds Excitement
During the Rising Stars game, Bryant will face off against his Spurs teammates Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, who are on Team Melo. This matchup adds a competitive edge for Bryant, who trains and practices alongside both players regularly. He remarked,
“You compete against every day in practice. It’s going to be dope to get to that in the game.”
He further added,
“It’s going to be fun. It’s kind of like those things that you imagine as a kid, competing against your teammates in all-star events. I don’t know how to really explain it. It’s super exciting.”
Off-Court Activities and Upcoming Competitions
Off the hardwood, Bryant will be featured at the Panini Prizm VIP Lounge in Los Angeles, hosted by Panini America alongside NBA stars and legends. Fans nationwide can find new releases from the Panini Donruss Basketball and Panini Signature Series Basketball at stores like Walmart, Target, and various hobby shops.
The competition continues as Bryant is also set to participate in the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest on NBA All-Star Saturday, highlighting his versatility and athleticism.
Rivalry Among Teammates Intensifies on Big Stage
Facing Castle and Harper during the Rising Stars event holds special meaning for Bryant, who has witnessed Harper’s development while training closely with both.
“I’ve been working out with Steph (Castle) for a while now, and I got to see Dylan (Harper) become a player. I am competing against them every day. So for us to be competing against each other on this stage is going to be dope, especially since we’re teammates,”
Bryant said.
What This Means for Bryant’s Career
Being selected for the Rising Stars competition marks an important milestone for Carter Bryant, showcasing his growth in the NBA and helping raise his profile on a national platform. Competing alongside and against familiar faces from his team gives the Spurs rookie a unique and motivating challenge. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Bryant leverages this moment to build momentum for the remainder of his rookie season and beyond.
