After the Nuggets give suspended Heat center Thomas Bryant his championship ring, Bryant exits the arena.
The NBA gave Bryant permission to attend the pregame festivities on the Heat’s lone trip to Denver this season. Athletes on suspension are typically not allowed to attend arena game nights.
After winning their first NBA title in June of last year after defeating the Heat in five games, Bryant was treated to a red carpet reception by the Nuggets.
Following a heartfelt hug from guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who also gave Bryant his dazzling ring, Bryant watched a video tribute on the big screen alongside Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic surrounded Bryant at half court.
Slipping the ring onto his hand, Bryant savored the moment. He felt the applause from the crowd and tapped his heart.
Before the game, Nuggets coach Michael Malone described the event as “just a way of thanking him for all his contributions.” Wonderful to see Thomas; it’s evident I haven’t seen him since our victory in June of last year.
Immediately following the ring ceremony, Bryant left the premises. After being involved in a fight against New Orleans last week, he was serving out the final two games of a three-game ban.
As part of a four-team trade, Bryant was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023 and saw limited action for Denver. Throughout the postseason, he only made one brief appearance.
Before playing their first game of the season against LeBron James and the Lakers, the Nuggets presented their championship rings on October 24. A few players from the championship roster from the previous season who returned to Mile High City with their new squad have also received recognition from the team. Bruce Brown, Jeff Green, and Ish Smith are on this list.
As a free agent this summer, Bryant signed with the Heat. Over the course of 25 games for Miami, he is averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 boards