Thomas Bryant could become a target for the Knicks
Knicks linked to former NBA champion by NBA writer originally appeared on The Sporting News
The New York Knicks still have one more roster spot to fill to round out their team, and they could target a player that aided in their demise this past postseason.
The Knicks have already added Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele to help improve their second unit. New York’s bench was last in points per game, and total points last season.
SNY’s David Vertsberger believes that the Knicks should consider former Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant for their final roster spot. Bryant averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 56 games for the Pacers last season. The Knicks currently have Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and second-year center Ariel Hukporti has their only big man depth. Bryant has also played for the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, and Denver Nuggets, where he was a part of the 2023 NBA championship team.
“One position the Knicks may want to heavily consider using this spot for is the center spot. Their current rotation is made up of Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, and if they start the double-big lineup, this essentially leaves them one backup five to start the year,” Vertsberger said. “They have interesting alternative options at the center like sliding newly-signed Guerschon Yabusele down a position or playing OG Anunoby there, and can always move Robinson back to the bench. However, signing a depth piece at the position like Thomas Bryant gives them more security in case injuries hit.”
Bryant played a big part in sending the Knicks packing during the Eastern Conference Finals last season. After only seeing limited action in most of the series, Bryant came off the bench in Game 6 to score 11 points, and shoot 3-4 from three-point range to give the Knicks the crushing blow. The Pacers would go on to win Game 6 by a score of 125-108, and advance to the NBA Finals where they lost in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Category: Basketball
