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New York Knicks: 5 options for pick No. 44 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Ed Easton Jr.

Feb 22, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) takes the ball for a foul shot against the Butler Bulldogs during the second half at The Pavilion. Butler won 74-66. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Villanova, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Josh Hart (3) takes the ball for a foul shot against the Butler Bulldogs during the second half at The Pavilion. Butler won 74-66. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 15, 2017; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) dunks the ball in the first half of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) dunks the ball in the first half of the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Thomas Bryant, C, Indiana

2017 statistics:  12.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 APG

The true definition of going big is Indiana University’s Thomas Bryant because of the depth he can provide at center. The 6’10”, 250-pound Bryant boasts a 7’6″ wingspan, making him a huge barrier in the paint and potential defensive standout in the pro ranks.

Bryant may not have the greatest of resumes heading into the draft, but he does bring the size factor that can’t be taught and the ability to finish at the basket. The Rochester, NY native finished third in the NCAA in field goal percentage as a freshman and was a key reason behind Indiana’s run to the Sweet 16 in 2016.

Bryant’s three-point percentage also rose to 38.3 percent on 2.5 attempts per game this past season, making him a legit threat from the outside.

The major flaw in Bryant’s game is his carelessness with the basketball, as he occasionally gets caught holding the ball too low for smaller defenders to steal, leading to many turnovers.

Bryant opened up in an interview with 1070 The Fan recently about his current draft status and the different teams he’s been working with lately.

"“I felt like I was mentally ready and physically ready. Just being able to have that confidence to take that next step forward and be 100 percent confident in my decision. I felt like it was the right choice. They’re still looking at me. I’m just out there showing the versatility, athleticism, communication out there. They’re saying it’s really good to see that from somebody that’s so young and coming out early.”"

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