Hoosier State of Mind
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Indiana basketball: Reviewing old scouting reports for Thomas Bryant

By Trevor Gersmehl

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz at Capital One Arena on January 12, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 26: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards warms up prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena on February 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 26: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards warms up prior to the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena on February 26, 2020 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

DraftExpress

DraftExpress’ Julian Applebottom was impressed by Thomas Bryant’s physical features

"Standing nearly 6’11 with shoes, Bryant measured a 7’6 wingspan and a 9’4.5 standing reach at the 2017 NBA Combine, both numbers which ranked third in terms of all prospects that were measured, and are in the 99th percentile historically among the thousands of measurements in our database."

Applebottom was under the impression that these measurements would help him in the NBA through scoring and offensive rebounding. He wrote that Bryant lacked explosive athleticism, but that his size and effort in running the floor made up for it.

An interesting criticism of Bryant was concerning his efficiency. An extremely efficient player in college, Applebottom wondered if the numbers would translate to the NBA.

"Bryant is at his best using his size, strength and physicality to clear space and finish around the rim, but he has yet to show a true skill set in terms of creating his own offense. Per Synergy Sports 34% of his offense was derived from post up situations, but most of his moves on the low block are still mechanical and dependent on his ability to overpower his defender … Bryant will likely need to become quite a bit more perimeter oriented in the NBA, but is already working on expanding his skill-set and has shown some flashes of ability that hint at things to come down the road."

Applebottom also critiqued Bryant’s lack of feel for the game, as evidenced by his high turnover totals in college. The writer chalked this up to Bryant not understanding how to read and react to help defense and struggling to make passes out of the post.

The DraftExpress scout gave mixed reviews for Bryant’s rebounding: praising him for his motor, but knocking his balance, lower body strength, and athleticism.

Overall, Applebottom gave pretty positive reviews to Bryant, saying the following in conclusion.

"Despite some of Bryant’s limitations, there is quite a bit of potential with 248-pound physical big man, who measured a 7’6 wingspan, and has made impressive strides as a 3-point shooter … Early on in his NBA career, he will likely have to rely on his length, energy and toughness to earn minutes as his skill and feel catches up, but if he can contribute on the offensive glass, run the floor, finish around the rim, and continue to improve on his outside shot, he has a great chance to carve out a lasting role at the NBA level."

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