Thomas Bryant Is Quietly Powering the Cavs’ Second Unit - And It’s Time We Talked About It
James Harden’s Cleveland debut might’ve grabbed the headlines - and with 23 points and a pair of clutch threes, it deserved the spotlight. But if you were watching closely during the Cavaliers’ win over the Kings on Saturday night, another name quietly made a major impact: Thomas Bryant.
No, he’s not the flashiest player on the floor. And sure, he’s not going to dominate SportsCenter highlights. But when it came to winning plays and steady production, Bryant was front and center - even if most fans didn’t notice.
In just 15 minutes off the bench, Bryant led all players in plus/minus with a +24. That’s not a typo.
He made every second count, finishing with 10 points (including two triples on four attempts), three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. Efficient, effective, and exactly what the Cavs needed.
A Bench Boost That’s Starting to Take Shape
With the trade deadline bringing in Keon Ellis and Dennis Schröder, Cleveland’s bench has taken a serious step forward. But don’t let the new names distract from what Bryant is bringing to the table. Alongside emerging big man Nae’Qwan Tomlin - one of the most pleasant surprises of the season - Bryant has helped give the Cavs a reliable frontcourt presence off the pine.
Tomlin’s rise has been unexpected. Bryant’s consistency? That’s just who he is.
This is a player who was logging minutes in the NBA Finals less than a year ago as part of the Indiana Pacers’ rotation. Before that, he was part of the Denver Nuggets’ title-winning squad in 2023. No, he wasn’t a regular in Denver’s playoff rotation, but being around that kind of championship culture matters - and it shows in how he carries himself.
The Value of a Veteran Who Knows His Role
Bryant’s career numbers won’t jump off the page. He’s not out here chasing double-doubles every night.
But there’s a reason playoff teams keep giving him a shot. He’s a grinder.
A pro’s pro. The kind of guy who squeezes every ounce of production out of his skill set.
He’s not the most athletic big in the league, but he battles on the glass, holds his own defensively, and - perhaps most importantly in today’s game - he can stretch the floor. That 3-point shot he’s developed is no longer just a wrinkle; it’s a real weapon. And when your backup center can space the floor like that, it opens up the offense in a big way.
More than that, he brings something this Cavs team doesn’t have in abundance: Finals experience. With Evan Mobley sidelined, Bryant’s presence has become even more important. He’s helping hold down the fort alongside Jarrett Allen and Tomlin, giving Cleveland enough size and savvy to weather the storm.
A Trusted Option for Kenny Atkinson
Head coach Kenny Atkinson knows the value of having a veteran like Bryant in his back pocket. As the season grinds on and injuries inevitably pile up, having a player you can trust - someone who won’t get rattled, who understands his role, and who plays within himself - becomes critical.
Bryant is exactly that guy.
At just $2.3 million this season, he’s one of the best value contracts in the league. And if he keeps delivering in these short, high-impact bursts, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him earn a bigger deal this summer. Whether that’s in Cleveland or elsewhere remains to be seen, but for now, he’s giving the Cavs exactly what they need - and more.
So while Harden’s debut was the headline, don’t forget about the guy doing the dirty work behind the scenes. Thomas Bryant might not be loud about it, but his impact is speaking volumes.