In a bit of a shocking development, former Indiana Pacers big man Thomas Bryant signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Back in July, reports indicated that Bryant was nearing a deal with Panathinaikos of the EuroLeague and the Greek Basket League, which would have put his NBA career on pause. Additionally, just a little over a week ago, it was reported that the Indiana alum had worked out with the New York Knicks in the offseason before they chose to sign another former Pacer instead, Malcolm Brogdon.
The season kicks off in roughly a month, and it was beginning to look like Bryant's NBA days were over. At least for a little while. However, instead, he is going to join the Pacers' divisional rival in Cleveland.
Bryant now joins Dean Wade and Larry Nance Jr. in Cleveland's bench frontcourt, giving them some solid depth as they look to further establish themselves as legitimate title contenders.
While it was never likely that the Pacers were going to re-sign the former NBA champion, even given their center situation, this is still an interesting development for fans. Bryant had some good moments with the Pacers last season, but ultimately, the team chose not to bring him back. Hopefully for them, this move will not come back to bite them as they aim to figure out their long-term center situation following Myles Turner's stunning departure in the offseason.
Thomas Bryant can provide some value for the Cavaliers
Bryant certainly has his flaws, and there is a reason he is about to be on his sixth team since 2021. He is not very athletic or fact, and he does not provide much value on defense, if any. Plus, his rebounding is solid, and his jumpshot is a little inconsistent. However, the New York native has proven that he can contribute as a backup big man, and that is exactly what the Cavaliers are going to need out of him.
Despite his flaws, Bryant still brings some value to the table. When he is hot, he is a legitimate threat as a three-point shooter, and he brings great energy every time he steps onto the court.
In 56 games with the Pacers last season, Bryant averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 51.5% from the field and 32.1% from beyond the arc. Additionally, it will be tough for Pacers fans to forget his great showing during the team's Game 6 victory against the New York Knicks last season, when he scored eight on 2-for-4 shooting in the third quarter alone.
Bryant is not a perfect player, but he can play his role very well. And, as he showed last season, he can help a contending team, which is exactly what Cleveland needs.
The Cavaliers already have their frontcourt situation figured out with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen at the four and five, but adding Bryant to the team gives them some extra depth and a player who can provide some offensive value. He likely won't have a big role, but the Cavaliers will still rely on him to contribute as they look to make a statement in the East.