Arizona Wildcat forward Carter Bryant’s stock keeps rising as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches. ESPN’s latest mock draft projects the explosive freshman as a top-10 selection.
Givony mocked the Arizona forward to the Houston Rockets at pick No. 10. The Rockets have the selection from Phoenix after the Suns acquired Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets for multiple first-round picks in 2023. The 2025 choice was swapped to Houston last summer.
Bryant is an example of a player who didn’t light up the stat sheet in college but intrigues NBA teams with his versatility.
Givony highlighted Bryant’s potential and his projected fit with the Rockets.
Bryant has received strong reviews throughout the predraft process. He appears likely to hear his name called somewhere in the 9-to-15 range, with several teams likely to be attracted to the frontcourt shooting, defensive versatility and passing prowess he offers. Bryant wasn’t consistently productive for Arizona coming off the bench, averaging 6.5 points per game, as he’s not much of a shot creator, and has plenty of room for growth on both ends of the floor.
The Rockets, flush with young prospects, might not be ultimately picking here, as the possibility of adding a proven veteran will likely be thoroughly explored. Fresh off an outstanding season that concluded with the NBA’s fourth-best record (52-30) and flush with young talent throughout the roster, it’s challenging to pinpoint specific needs for the Rockets, aside from perhaps addressing Fred VanVleet’s team option.
Rival teams expect Houston’s front office to be active the week of the draft. — Givony
Bryant is listed at 6-foot-8, 220 pounds, with a 6-foot-11 3/4 wingspan.
Despite his limited playing time on an experienced Arizona team, he provided reliable defense and shot the ball well from three.
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In 19.3 minutes per game, Bryant averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks while also shooting 37.1% from behind the arc.
Bryant’s elite athleticism fuels his impressive shot-blocking ability and explosive finishing at the rim.
Who did ESPN’s mock draft have the Suns taking?
Woo projected Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. to the Suns at pick 29. Clayton, who has been a popular mock to the Suns, had an outstanding season at Florida, leading them to winning both the SEC and national championships.
The consensus First Team All-American averaged 18.3 points per game, 44.8% from the field and 38.6% from behind the arc.
Clayton certainly has the talent and scoring ability to be a threat in the league, but his limited size will likely make him a late first-round pick and a viable option for the Suns. Woo writes:
The Suns appear interested in getting younger and remaking their roster, with the prospect of a Durant trade also creating scenarios in which Phoenix could pick up additional draft picks earlier in the first round.
A player like Clayton, who might be value-additive on a rookie-scale deal immediately, should be attractive to the Suns as they navigate a difficult salary sheet and try to better position themselves long term.
Clayton seems to have played himself into the first round with his NCAA tournament heroics, viewed as a sparkplug scorer who can help enhance a team’s bench unit. His confidence and shot-making skills will have to cover for his limited size and questionable defense. — Woo
The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft will take place on June 25 at 5 p.m. MST from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
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