Hoosier State of Mind
Fansided

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 – MARCH 10: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 10: Thomas Bryant #13 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the New York Knicks at Capital One Arena on March 10, 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

NBAdraft.net

Unlike DraftExpress, who called Thomas Bryant a borderline first-round pick, NBADraft.net had Bryant 68th on their board.

They also groveled at Bryant’s wingspan and height, especially when mixed with the ability to shoot three-pointers.

"Gets up and down the court when engaged … Powerful dunker in transition … Really fast in the open court … Uses what advantage he has over defender to score … Comfortable playing away from the rim too … His combination of size and outside shooting are needed in today’s NBA … Young for a sophomore (19 years old and won’t turn 20 until September) …"

Their main knock on Bryant was on the defensive side of the ball.

"Poor defender … Did not rebound as well on the defensive end as he did on the offensive end … Would not initiate contact or box out opponents much instead relying on his length to try and snag rebounds over players … Not the most mobile defender either … Just a stiff player laterally … Really struggled to defend pick-and-roll during his two years as a Hoosier"

NBADraft.net was also very critical of Bryant’s ability to use his left hand, or lack thereof. Aside from that, their critiques were very similar to DraftExpress: too many turnovers, low basketball IQ and court feel, tries to force things, etc.

While they didn’t think Bryant would be drafted (which of course he was), they said that the talent is there if a team manages to pull it out of him.

Related Story. Indiana Basketball: Reviewing old scouting reports of Cody Zeller. light

Conclusion

To be honest, I never thought Thomas Bryant would be anybody in the NBA, but I’m thrilled he’s proven me wrong. He has found a nice home in Washington and has already grown into a nice player in just three years playing professionally.

Perhaps an even greater achievement is that Bryant managed to have success after the Lakers just dumped him off as an almost worthless asset. His current level of play almost certainly has the Lakers wishing they had never let him go. He is making Indiana Basketball fans everywhere proud.

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