Toronto Raptors free agency: 4 Khem Birch replacements to sign
By Mike Luciano
3. Thomas Bryant, Washington Wizards
Bryant is fresh off of an ACL injury, but he’s proven that he can be a reliable post presence in this league thanks to a 7-6 wingspan. He might look like a guy that Washington would like to retain for the 2022-23 season, but the addition of Kristaps Porzingis may have changed their calculus a bit.
In four years with Washington, Bryant is averaging 11.3 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Not only does Bryant’s scoring far outpace what Birch has been able to provide, but he is not going to dominate the ball on the offensive end. Imagine Bryant leading the second unit.
Toronto Raptors free agency: Thomas Bryant has a long wingspan.
The injury concerns are real, as Bryant has played in just 30 games over the last two years. Daniel Gafford has provided a very convincing facsimile of Bryant’s production, which could lead some around the league to wonder about how valuable a player he truly is.
If the Raptors get the all-clear sign from their medical team and can rely on Bryant’s body to withstand what Nick Nurse is asking of him, they should try to bring him up north. His production with Washington should translate over to a team in desperate need of a player with his skills.