Los Angeles Lakers: Way-too-early redrafting of 2017 NBA Draft picks

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No. 42: Thomas Bryant –> Thomas Bryant

At this point in the draft, there’s only so much talent to choose from. Of the final 19 picks of the 2017 NBA Draft, only nine players have earned minutes outside of the G-League. Of those nine players, only two have served in significant roles for their respective teams.

While Thomas Bryant isn’t one of those nine players, the Lakers’ rookie center has looked excellent during his time with the South Bay Lakers. In 12 appearances, he’s averaged 22.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 59.8 percent from the field. He may not be ready for the big leagues just yet, but the future appears bright.

So why switch him out for anyone else? I considered Dillon Brooks, who surprisingly earned a starting gig with the Memphis Grizzlies early during his rookie campaign. However, between the talents of Ingram, Tatum and Kuzma, I think the Lakers have more than enough wing talent.

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So Bryant it is at No. 42. Los Angeles keeps its intriguing young big man, allowing him to grow in the G League with the potential to take his talents to the pros in the near future.

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