NBA: Biggest X-factor for all 30 teams in the 2019-20 season

Washington Wizards: Thomas Bryant

Thomas Bryant was a surprising bright spot in an otherwise underwhelming 32-win campaign for the Washington Wizards last year.

In just 20.8 minutes a night, the former late second-round pick averaged 10.5 points and 6.3 rebounds, securing a starting spot along with a three-year, $25 million deal this past offseason.

He obtained a greater role and a large contract, but the real work is about to begin for the 22-year-old. Having led the league in 2-point field goal percentage last season, he’s a terrific inside scorer, but teams will now look to take away his strengths with far more film on his overall game.

In the greater NBA hierarchy, Washington finds itself drifting away in no-man’s land.

The overall talent of the roster is severely lacking behind All-Star Bradley Beal in large part thanks to John Wall’s contract that will give him the fourth-highest salary of any individual in the league for the coming year.

A five-time All-Star, Wall isn’t likely to see the court in 2019-20 after suffering a torn Achilles in early February. The Wizards have some intriguing pieces with some untapped potential, but it’s Bryant who draws the most excitement given his breakout campaign from last season.

Considered the increased level of attention he is bound to receive at the offensive end, it’ll be interesting to see just how big of a leap Bryant takes in the coming season.

It might not amount to much in the win column, but it’ll give long-suffering fans in the nation’s capital a glimmer of hope in what has become a tumultuous era for their franchise.