4 Washington Wizards that could be on next year’s SI Top 100 list
By Ethan Smith
Thomas Bryant
Thomas Bryant making the type of leap that would land him on Top 100 lists is exactly what the Washington Wizards were hoping for when they signed him to a three-year, $25 million extension this summer. After an impressive first season with the Wizards, the young spark plug of a center has one of the best chances of anyone on this team to take the NBA by storm.
In his second NBA season, Bryant showed a proficiency around the basket that helped him record some of the most efficient single-season shooting numbers in franchise history. He holds the top spot for single-season two-point field goal percentage (.685), field goal percentage (.616), effective field goal percentage (.648), and offensive rating (129.8) in Washington Wizards franchise history.
It certainly helps that he does most of his offensive work around the basket. Dunks, layups, and putbacks helped him to go a perfect 14 for 14 from the field against the Phoenix Suns last season. However, Bryant showed some range, too. He’ll shoot it, and make it, if you leave him open.
If Byrant wants to be considered a Top 100 player, he’ll need to improve his defense and rebounding, two areas he struggled with last season. He should enjoy a much larger role than he did last season, so the opportunity to improve will be there.
By comparison, two other young centers that did make SI’s list — Jarrett Allen (97) and Bam Adebayo (93) — are both far better around the boards and on defense.