Thomas Bryant (C, LAL) - Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 16

January 29, 2023

Thomas Bryant is worth considering as a fantasy basketball waiver wire pickup heading into Week 16 of the 2022-23 NBA season.

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 22% of leagues

ANALYSIS: The return of Anthony Davis finally happened last Wednesday, January 25. AD has yet to start for the Lakers after returning to the rotation after two games played this week, but you can expect that to happen sooner rather than later with AD ramping up his efforts and playing 26 MP on Wed. and already 34 (with OT) on Saturday.

We're here discussing Thomas Bryant, though, and now that Davis is back you should 1) definitely bump him down in the pecking order of your fantasy priority list but 2) keep him in mind as a more than a viable asset to have around in case AD goes down again. Even if Davis manages to stay healthy ROS, odds are Bryant has done enough to earn a sustainable role going forward off the pine in the Lakers' second unit.

Obviously, AD's return meant Bryant dropped his minutes to 21 and 19 in the last two games even as a starter. He went from averaging 10+ FGA per game to a measly four FGA in the past two outings combined.

You can forget about more dub-dubs hitting Bryant's stat lines anytime soon, but you can at least count on extraordinary shooting percentages with the odd three-pointer here and there and reasonable points and rebounds for a 20-minute backup on low usage rates.

In the nine games (both starting or off the pine) this season in which Bryant got a usage rate below 15%, he finished with an average of 20 FPPG and an 8-6-1 average stat line. Again, nothing great but more than viable for those managing in deeper leagues.

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