Denver After receiving a sparkling championship ring and a group embrace from his old Denver Nuggets colleagues, suspended Miami Heat centre Thomas Bryant left the arena right away.
Rules are rules, after all.
Since this was the Heat’s only trip to Denver this season, the NBA granted Bryant permission to arrive before to the game. On game nights, suspended players are usually not permitted to enter the arena.
Bryant was present when the Nuggets defeated the Heat in five games to win the franchise’s first NBA championship in June of last year.
Next to Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, Bryant watched a video tribute on the big screen. After that, guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope gave Bryant a hug and gave him his shiny ring. Bryant was overwhelmed by Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets at half court.
As Bryant put the ring on his hand, he relished the moment. With appreciative cheers from the audience, he tapped his heart.
The ceremony before Denver’s 103-97 victory was described by Nuggets coach Michael Malone as “simply a way of appreciating him for all his achievements.” “It is great to see Thomas again—we have not seen him since our victory last June.”
Bryant left the premises immediately following the ring ceremony. He was serving out the final three games of a three-game suspension for his role in last week’s brawl with the New Orleans Pelicans.
After being acquired by Denver in February 2023 as a part of a four-team trade from the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant saw limited playing time. During Denver’s run, he appeared in just one postseason game, although briefly.
On October 24, the Nuggets presented their championship rings to LeBron James and the Lakers prior to their season opener. Other members of the championship team from the previous season who returned to the Mile High City with their new team have been honoured by the team. Bruce Brown, Ish Smith, and Jeff Green were on the list.
During the summer, Bryant signed a free agent contract with the Heat. Over 25 games, he is averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds for Miami.
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