Washington Wizards: 3 Goals for Thomas Bryant

Average 25+ Minutes per Game

Although this goal is not entirely in Thomas Bryant’s control, getting more minutes this season is paramount for the young center. Even after establishing himself as a legitimate force on the Wizards as last season progressed, Bryant wasn’t always a lock to play most, or even half, of the game.

In the 72 games Bryant played last season, he averaged 20.8 minutes per game. For the season, he averaged 10.5 points on 61.6 percent shooting with 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 blocks per game. Decent numbers, but they improve dramatically when you isolate the games in which Bryant got above average minutes.

In the 28 games in which Bryant played for at least 20 minutes, he averaged 16 points on 64.8 percent shooting. He also added 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks on average in those games.

And the numbers keep rising as the minutes do. In 19 games with 25 or more minutes, Bryant averaged an 18-point, 11-rebound double-double on an impressive 64.9 percent shooting.

Bryant was featured for 30 or more minutes in just 13 games last season, but he sure made them count. When given at least 30 minutes of playing time, Bryant averaged a double-double (20 points, 12 rebounds) on 70.4 percent shooting and nearly a block and a half. Bryant’s five best scoring performances and seven best rebounding performances all came when he played over 30 minutes.

To some degree, you’d expect Bryant’s numbers to increase with more playing time. But more opportunities don’t always equal more points, or rebounds, or blocks. Plus, Bryant wasn’t just more productive with more minutes, he was also more efficient.

With a long-term deal now, Bryant should be getting plenty of playing time. It’s up to him to make the most of those minutes.