Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from final preseason game against Guangzhou Long-Lions

2. Thomas Bryant earned a roster spot

I don’t envy the Wizards coaching staff at this point. They’ve got some tough decisions to make in the next few days. But, my goodness, Thomas Bryant is an animal.

Bryant spent most of the 2017-18 season with the South Bay Lakers, the G-league affiliate to the Los Angeles Lakers. Here he averaged 19.7 points and 7.4 rebounds and earned All-NBA G-League first team honors.

I’ll be the first to admit, I was skeptical when the Wizards claimed him off waivers after the Lakers let him go. I thought he was just going to be another big man that faded into the abyss, but Bryant proved me wrong.

He seems to be fine from his recent injury scare, which is relieving to see. Bryant went 4-6 from the field, with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in 25 minutes of play. With Robinson serving a two-way contract, Bryant should make the final roster spot.

Most people would say that Jason Smith has earned the final roster spot because he’s a proven veteran and for the most part I would normally agree. But, Bryant is a traditional back to the basket center that can defend and score around the rim. Not to mention he can shoot 3’s and has no problem doing the dirty work for the team.

It’s hard to come by these talents and it would be a waste if the Wizards didn’t take advantage of it. It would benefit for Bryant to sit behind Howard and Mahinmi. It would give him a tremendous opportunity to learn and absorb how true big men work in the NBA.

Washington needs to make him apart of the final roster. There is to much talent to overlook and pass up heading into the season, especially if injuries occur.