Wizards: 10 thoughts on the first quarter of the season

By Alex Saenz | Dec 7, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 24: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the first half at Capital One Arena on January 24, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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NBA Washington Wizards Thomas Bryant (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Thomas Bryant is letting it fly

Thomas Bryant last season established himself as one of the best young offensive centers in the league. He did this by shooting a preposterous 80 percent at the rim and by sprinkling in a stretch element by spacing the floor (34% on 3’s). This season he has replaced a good portion of these tasty rim opportunities with mid-range looks.

He is even firing up these long-twos early in the shot clock, with defenders tightly in his airspace. The results have been mixed, but the emphasis on these shots has chipped away at Bryant’s efficiency. He has gone from a top of the league-level of true shooting percentage to merely good. This is a big deal given his defensive shortcomings.

The bottom line is that in this so-called “year of development” it’s healthy to allow young guys like Bryant to expand their games. I would, however, like to see him replace some of these mid-rangers with 3’s when he returns from his stress reaction injury in his foot.

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