What Thomas Bryant’s draft stock looks like before the NBA Combine
By Jordan Maly
Two Indiana players were invited to the NBA Combine in Chicago – Thomas Bryant and O.G. Anunoby – We take a look at Bryant’s draft stock before the combine.
A few days ago, we talked about Indiana’s O.G. Anunoby and where he might land in the NBA Draft this summer. Anunoby’s teammate and Indiana big man Thomas Bryant has also entered his name in full to the NBA Draft. Bryant and Anunoby were among 60 players selected to the NBA Combine in Chicago, IL starting on Tuesday.
We learned earlier this week that Bryant decided to stay in the NBA Draft after initially committing without an agent. According to multiple outlets, Bryant, in fact, has hired an agent, Happy Walters. Walters biggest clients includes star Jimmy Butler. The opportunity for Bryant to showcase his skills at the NBA Combine might serve more purpose to him than some other recruits.
Plenty of people believe that Bryant should have returned to Indiana for another year. I for one cannot fault Bryant for making the next step in his basketball career. Bryant certainly has some improvements to make heading to the pros but I think teams will be won over by his character.
In his two seasons with Indiana, Bryant averaged 12.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG and shot 59.2% from the field. Bryant’s ability to knock down the three will help in convincing teams of his versatility. At 6-10, 245 pounds Bryant has a score first mentality. The reason why many thought he should return to school for another year would be to improve his defense and rebounding consistency.
Beyond just the numbers, Thomas Bryant plays with pride and passion. His work ethic and energy on the floor can be matched up with some of the best prospects in this draft. Pounding the floor after drawing a foul. Banging his chest after an enormous block. Bryant’s glowing smile after a win, Bryant was never seen without emotion.
Draft Express has Thomas Bryant currently selected in the second round at No. 33 by the Orlando Magic. I think this is an interesting place for Bryant to go considering the history of big men in Orlando. I’m not saying Thomas Bryant is Shaquille O’Neal or Dwight Howard but one cannot deny they have had success with big men. The Magic are in need of another powerhouse big man like Bryant, with Bismack Biyombo being the only true center listed on their roster.
Other mock drafts have projected Bryant to go somewhere in the second round. If Bryant impresses at the combine this week, you could see his stock rise quickly. I like Bryant’s chances of sliding up in the draft especially if he has a strong performance at the combine.
The NBA has incorporated a new series of 5-on-5 drills, giving teams the chance to see players in live ball action. While O.G. Anunoby will not be able to participate, hopefully, Bryant decides to participate. His measurements are less of a factor to teams than his ability in live game situations and for that this might be the most important drill for Bryant.
Next: O.G. Anunoby's draft stock before the NBA Combine
Whether or not Bryant gets selected in the NBA Draft this summer is still up in the air. One positive note for players in the unknown is the recent success even undrafted Indiana players have had. Former Hoosiers like Yogi Ferrell and Troy Williams went undrafted last summer but have ended up in the NBA this season. Yogi Ferrell winning a spot on the Dallas Mavericks and earning NBA Player of the Month in February. Troy Williams played a role on the Memphis Grizzlies and has even seen time in the NBA playoffs for the Houston Rockets.