Zubac or Bryant: Who lands the Los Angeles Lakers’ backup center spot?

Thomas Bryant

The Lakers selected Thomas Bryant out of Indiana University with the 42nd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Bryant plays with a high motor and has a massive reach that is a major facet in his production. His 9’4 ½” standing reach hides most of athletic limitations, and allows him to finish over opponents. A good portion of his offense comes from using his size to score from close range.

What makes Bryant unique is his shooting stroke from the 3-point line. He shot 38.3 percent from deep last season and is effective pick-and-popping out of screens and finding space floating to the perimeter. Bryant should continue working on developing this shot. If he can carry that 38.3 percent from Indiana to the NBA, it’ll be pretty difficult to keep him off the floor.

His length can cause some problems defensively too. Bryant averaged 1.8 blocks per game last year despite having an average feel for the game. His positioning and timing altering shots will determine his defensive potential as an interior defender. But, like Zubac, there are serious questions with how well he can stay with guards on the perimeter.

His best bet to stay in the Lakers’ rotation will be that 3-point shot, though. He will most likely align with a stretch-4 when on the court, so Bryant knocking down perimeter shots will create a ton of space for teammates. He should watch Brook Lopez every practice and game to see how the veteran center uses a below the rim game to be a consistent scorer in the NBA.