Maybe it's in the surname.
San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant drew inspiration from NBA legend Kobe Bryant in the summer, hoping to make a big leap in his sophomore year.
Bryant showed promise in his rookie season with his energy and athleticism. The learning curve is still high, and the 20-year-old upstart knows he has to fine-tune his game.
In a media conference, Bryant revealed his exhausting routine in the offseason, including making 1,000 shots a day.
“My first workout was four in the morning, then I was going at seven, come back home, go back to work out about three to four o'clock, and then I'll go shoot in the evening,” said Bryant.
“I was a Kobe Bryant guy.”
Carter Bryant would make 1000 shots a day over Summer:
“My first workout was 4 in the morning, then I was going at 7, come back home, go back to workout about 3-4 o’clock and then I’ll go shoot in the evening.”
What motivated him? “I was a Kobe Bryant guy.”#GoSpursGo #PorVida pic.twitter.com/sDqFvKong6
— Wemby Alien Era (@WembyAlienEra) October 15, 2026
The late icon was notorious for his maniacal drive, working out as early as 3:00 a.m. There have been countless stories about the Hall of Famer's offseason training, including strength training, shooting drills, and studying endless hours of game film. Hence, the “Mamba Mentality.”
The younger Bryant grew up in California, and it was only natural that he idolized the Hall of Famer.
Article Continues BelowLast season, he averaged 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes off the bench in 71 games, helping the Spurs reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 2014.
He will continue to play a key role in the second unit, along with Keldon Johnson, Luke Kornet, Harrison Barnes, and Tobias Harris.
The Spurs drafted Bryant out of Arizona with the No. 14 pick.
San Antonio will close out its preseason on Friday against the Sacramento Kings.