Spurs Star Carter Bryant Refines Game After Off-Season

The 20-year-old guard significantly boosted his shooting efficiency after an intensive 2026 off-season training regimen.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Basketball

Spurs Star Carter Bryant Refines Game After Off-Season

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Is personal self-discipline more critical than professional coaching for an athlete's improvement?

San Antonio Spurs guard Carter Bryant enters his second NBA season following an intensive summer of skill development. The 20-year-old athlete focused on refining his shooting and conditioning ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Why it matters

Bryant aimed to rectify technical inefficiencies and build confidence after his rookie year. By modeling his training after veteran teammate Harrison Barnes, he sought to increase his overall impact for the Spurs.

Bryant averaged 13.5 points, five rebounds, and two combined steals and blocks over two preseason appearances. He notably improved his efficiency, hitting 6-of-12 shots from 3-point range and cutting his 500-shot practice time to 45 minutes.

The players

Carter Bryant

He is a 20-year-old guard for the San Antonio Spurs who grew up in Riverside, California.

Harrison Barnes

He is a 34-year-old veteran NBA player and current teammate who influenced Bryant's training regimen.

The details

Bryant committed to a rigorous daily schedule involving four sessions at 4 a.m., 7 a.m., 3 p.m., and the evening. He worked to increase his contributions by mastering efficient workout techniques alongside 34-year-old teammate Harrison Barnes.

April 2026: Bryant made five 3-pointers against the Portland Trail Blazers.
June 2026: Bryant showed skill improvements following his first NBA Finals.
September 2026: Bryant cut his 500-shot practice time to 45 minutes.
October 16, 2026: The current reporting date.

Season Trajectory

Bryant's off-season work at the Victory Capital Performance Center aligns with the team's broader developmental goals for its young core. This focused improvement aims to bolster the Spurs' competitiveness in a deep Western Conference rotation.

Bryant's improved 50% preseason 3-point shooting indicates a higher potential for meaningful minutes in the regular season rotation. His ankle injury remains the primary concern for his immediate availability as the team moves past their 123-103 win over Phoenix.

The takeaway

Consistent, high-intensity training habits can lead to measurable jumps in professional athletic performance over a short summer. Players who adopt veteran-tested routines often see faster improvements in both shooting volume and efficiency.