After being idle for the start of free agency, the Washington Wizards have their first off-season addition by claiming 2017 second-round pick Thomas Bryant, according to Shams Charania of the Vertical.
Sources: The Washington Wizards have claimed former Lakers forward Thomas Bryant off waivers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2018
Bryant was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday to create cap space for them. Bryant was the 42nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and appeared in 15 games last season for the Lakers. He played a total of 72 minutes, averaging 1.5 points and 1.1 rebounds. He shot 38.1 percent from the field on 21 shots, including 1-of-10 from three-point range.
Bryant also appeared in 37 games for the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G-League. He averaged 19.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and shot 59.7 percent and 36.4 percent from three. He was also a 67.4 percent free throw shooter. There is tremendous upside to the 20-year with good perimeter shooting, a high motor, ability to work the offensive boards, and a developed face-up game according to his scouting report on NBA.com.
However, there are weaknesses like shot-selection, and his lack of defensive prowess. Still, he is low risk for the Wizards, who appear to struggle landing adequate depth in free agency.
By claiming him off waivers, the Wizards who took on Bryant’s salary of $1.4 million for the 2018-19 season which becomes guaranteed on Thursday.
