Thomas Bryant’s Preseason Numbers Are Quietly Better Than Expected

Bryant managed to convert on 10/13 attempts from the field, including 4 of his 6 attempts from long range. He found several ways to contribute as he cut to the basket, ran the floor in transition, and provided Cleveland with a few additional possessions via his work on the offensive glass. In fact, his 4 offensive boards were tied with Peyton Watson, another active presence, for 2nd on the team this preseason.

He had several putbacks and tip-ins. That type of activity can only serve to benefit a team that loves to hoist the 3PT looks. And speaking of the perimeter shot, Bryant provided Cleveland with a spacing outlet in his short stints on the court.

As mentioned before, he drilled 4 of his 6 attempts from beyond the arc. But the more important factor to consider was how those looks were generated.

The Indiana product functioned as a pick-and-popper or got back into the corners after well-timed screens only to be set up with Cleveland looks from various ballhandlers. The defense was not respecting his ability to shoot and he made them pay for leaving him enough space to pull the trigger.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise as we got to experience this area of his game first-hand last year, but it wasn’t frequent or consistent enough.

On the opposite end of the floor, I don’t think anyone would mistake him for a one of the league’s premier interior defenders, but he can act as a deterrent with his size. He can reject shots but is a much better help defender than paint protector. If paired in lineups with Evan Mobley, this becomes less pronounced.

Overall, it was a solid showing from a player the Cavaliers know they can turn too if needed. The question for Bryant, is how much exactly he will be turned too. Stay tuned.