Spurs' Carter Bryant Joins Team Vince for 2026 Castrol Rising Stars
San Antonio rookie forward Carter Bryant has been added to Team Vince for the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars, stepping in for the injured Memphis rookie Cedric Coward. The Rising Stars game tips off tonight at 9 p. m. ET in Inglewood, and Bryant will also compete in the Slam Dunk contest the following day at 5 p. m. ET.
Late addition gives Bryant a showcase opportunity
Bryant's selection comes as a late roster change ahead of All-Star Weekend. The 6-foot-6 rookie has appeared in 43 games this season and has been trending up in recent weeks. Over his last five games he has averaged 9. 6 points and 4. 2 rebounds in 16. 9 minutes, numbers that signal growing comfort within the Spurs rotation. The Rising Stars format will give him a higher-visibility platform against his peers and a chance to display skill sets that can translate into a bigger role down the stretch.
What Bryant brings to Team Vince
Defensively, Bryant brings length and versatility on the wing; offensively, he offers shooting spacing and athletic finishing. Scouts have praised his ability to move without the ball and his instincts in transition, attributes that fit the fast-paced nature of the Rising Stars matchup. His uptick in three-point efficiency in recent games makes him an intriguing match-up piece for a Team Vince squad that needs perimeter shooting and secondary playmaking.
Cedric Coward sidelined with knee soreness
Cedric Coward will not participate due to right knee soreness, opening the door for Bryant's call-up. Coward has been a key contributor for Memphis this season, providing scoring and size; his absence is a blow to the roster that had been selected for the event. The change alters Team Vince's rotation and forces the staff to recalibrate matchups and minutes for the contest tonight.
Implications for Team Vince's game plan
The addition of Bryant shifts Team Vince's mix toward a more perimeter-oriented attack. Coaches can utilize Bryant's movement off the ball to create driving lanes and open looks for primary guards, while also leveraging his athleticism in transition and on defensive switches. With rosters stacked with young scorers and playmakers, a balanced contribution from Bryant could be decisive in a condensed, high-energy exhibition where momentum swings quickly.
All-Star Weekend context and next steps
Beyond the Rising Stars game, Bryant's participation in the Slam Dunk contest tomorrow at 5 p. m. ET provides another stage to raise his profile. Strong performances in both events can accelerate a rookie's national recognition and perhaps influence how teams deploy him for the remainder of the regular season. For Coward, the priority will be recovery and a return to full health; for Bryant, the immediate focus is preparation for a pair of showcase opportunities in front of a large audience and league decision-makers.
Tonight's Rising Stars game will offer a snapshot of several young players' development. For Bryant, the call-up represents both reward and responsibility: a chance to show the Spurs' investment in him is paying off and to stake a claim for more consistent minutes when the regular schedule resumes.
