Washington Wizards: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

2. Thomas Bryant

Under the tutelage of center Dwight Howard, Thomas Bryant has an opportunity to break out as the backup center for the Washington Wizards. Things could go one of two ways for Bryant, depending on Howard’s overall presence, but he showed he had the tools in Summer League this summer to contribute in a reserve role.

In Las Vegas, Bryant put up 14.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks per game for Washington. Through six contests, he showed flashes of his potential, which could translate during the 2018-19 season.

Bryant spent most of the 2017-18 with the Lakers’ G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. On the G League circuit, he produced 19.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 36.4 percent from 3-point range. At 6’11”, he has the early makings of an athletic big.

He’s shown the ability to run the pick-and-roll as well as the pick-and-pop. On the fast break, he can run the floor and attack the rim or stretch the floor or shoot the 3-ball. Depending on how ready he is, Bryant could become the next best thing for the Wizards organization.