Unfortunate Thomas Bryant update comes with a silver lining for Pacers fans

Thomas Bryant was a decent big man for the Indiana Pacers, whose center situation remains murky, but the team made the right call by moving on from him. And the New York Knicks' reported decision not to sign him is further proof of that.

The Pacers do not have a great center situation following Myles Turner's departure, yet they still opted to move on from Bryant, who they acquired last season from the Miami Heat. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Knicks worked out the Indiana alum but opted "to prioritize wing and backcourt depth instead," which was obvious after they signed another familiar face in Malcolm Brogdon. (h/t Jake Fischer of The Stein Line).

"Also: There is another veteran New York considered signing in recent days. League sources say that the Knicks weighed bringing in Thomas Bryant after team officials visited with the veteran big man. New York ultimately decided to prioritize wing and backcourt depth; Bryant is fresh off contributing to Indiana's unexpected run to the NBA Finals," Fischer wrote.

Earlier in the offseason, it looked like Bryant was set to sign with Panathinaikos of the EuroLeague and the Greek Basket League. However, it seems as though nothing has come to fruition. At least not yet.

The New York native seems to still want to play in the NBA, but with roughly a month left until the beginning of next season, things do not look promising for him. Either way, Bryant is a solid big man and can be a good contributor elsewhere, but the Pacers made the right call by moving on from him, even if they have center problems of their own.

The Pacers have many questions to answer about their center position

Following Turner's shocking departure in the offseason, Indiana had some big decisions to make.

Instead of committing to a one-for-one replacement for the Texas native, it looks like the Pacers are going to run a committee at center. This is far from ideal, but if there is any time to do it, it is next year when their team is going to look very different anyway. Furthermore, there is still a chance for things to work out in their favor, given who they are giving opportunities to.

As it stands, the Pacers have four centers rostered: Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley. They also have Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker, who may each be in line for more small-ball center minutes next season.

It remains to be seen whether Indiana will keep all four of its centers on the team heading into the regular season, but either way, they each bring intrigue and value in their own ways and could prove to be incredibly valuable to the team next season.

Nothing is official yet, but it is safe to assume that the Pacers' next starting center will either be Huff or Jackson. They will likely just ride the hot hand each night regardless of who it may be, but at least early on, there are reasons to think these two big men will be relied upon the most.

Indiana acquired Huff from the Memphis Grizzlies earlier in the offseason, and he is an intriguing fit due to his similarities to Turner. It remains to be seen if he can do it in an expanded role, but the Virginia alum can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and run the court at a high level. As the Pacers look to seamlessly transition into the post-Turner era, Huff may be their guy.

As for Jackson, he has been with the Pacers the longest and arguably has the most long-term potential. He has stepped up numerous times during his stint in Indiana so far, and he has proven that he can be a good fit. However, he is also fresh off an Achilles injury, and it would be smart for the Pacers not to put too much pressure on him right away.

What will come of the Pacers' center situation will be one of the team's most important storylines to follow next season. After all, until they have a comfortable solution, it could be what stops them from re-establishing themselves as title contenders.