Washington Wizards’ starting center Thomas Bryant has been diagnosed with a stress reaction after experiencing discomfort in his right foot following their recent loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. According to a release from the team, Bryant will be re-evaluated in three weeks.
Though Bryant will be re-evaluated within the next few weeks, this doesn’t necessarily mean the promising young big man will be able to return then. Stress reactions can be a tricky injury issue to manage, especially when sustained by a bigger player such as the 6-foot-10 Bryant.
Despite what their win-loss record may show, the Wizards have quietly been one of the better offensive units in the entire league early on this season. While their attention to detail on the defensive side leaves a lot to be desired, they have some capable playmakers who know how to put the ball in the basket.
Bryant was a good example of this, as he’s only become more and more confident offensively as his role continues to expand in Washington. Brought in last summer as a longterm project, Bryant proved he could make an impact right away and locked down the starting center position early last season.
The Indiana product has remained a staple in Washington’s attack ever since and was rewarded with a $25 million contract extension in June. Bryant had once again been providing solid numbers this season but this latest injury setback will halt his growth, for now.
Washington actually has decent depth in their frontcourt but no one will be able to match the presence Bryant provided on the interior. With Bryant out and Moritz Wagner also currently sidelined with an ankle injury, rookie forward Rui Hachimura was forced to serve as the starting center in their loss to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night. Expect to see more of Hachimura at center while Davis Bertans will also see more minutes, as should Wagner once he’s fully healthy.
