Earlier this offseason, rumors surfaced that Denver Nuggets backup center Jonas Valanciunas could be heading overseas to Panathinaikos, playing closer to his home country in Lithuania.
After those talks dissolved, another name surfaced earlier this week: Former Miami Heat backup center Thomas Bryant, who they traded to the Indiana Pacers in December for a second-round pick swap.
Former Heat center Thomas Bryant could join one of the best teams in Europe:
Panathinaikos is home to former Miami Heat guard Kendrick Nunn, who’s carved out quite the career in Europe. They are widely regarded as one of the best teams in Europe, winning seven EuroLeague titles since 1994-95, including one in 2023-24, plus six Greek League titles over the last eight seasons.
Other former NBA veterans on Panathinaikos’ roster is former Heat center Omer Yurtseven, Cedi Osman and Juanco Hernangomez.
In one-and-a-half seasons with the Heat, Bryant averaged 5.4 points and 3.6 rebounds in 11.6 minutes per game. He was viewed as a good locker room presence and provided energy when he was on the floor — but he was a net-negative.
Miami desperately needs a backup center with their last remaining roster spot. Though the free agent market for centers is incredibly dry, which includes Bryant, Richaun Holmes, Al Horford and Chris Boucher, among others.
If the soon-to-be 28-year-old can get legitimate reps and playing time overseas, that could be beneficial if he wants to continue his NBA career. In 333 career games, Bryant has averaged 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds on 58.2 percent shooting and 65.2 percent true shooting.
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Good luck! Say hi to Omer and Kendrick for us.
Got to point out, maybe noone remembers, as usually only the person who posts does, but I was one of the early nay sayers on Yurtseven. And I did get some pushback for my comments. I always hope for the best for a Heat player, but I could see his skill sets were likely not going to be enough for the nba. And even though there is always the possibility of growth for a player, sometimes you can evaluate after watching a certain amount of games. But, you take no pleasure in those observations, and only make them in an effort to root for a better team. Actually, I’m always hoping I am wrong. But, Omer was a case where I was right, which usually only gets confirmed by the next team releasing the player.
We are all right and wrong sometimes, though there are some who find it difficult to admit. I liked Yurt but wasn’t sure he could break into the rotation. As for pushback, I get it on at least half the comments I write. I can try to support my position, stay silent, acknowledge the other person’s opinion, or determine I was wrong.
In fact, someone thought the fo made a mistake by trading Bryant. Apparently not based on the lack of interest in signing him. Nonetheless, I actually think he is a serviceable backup center who deserves a vet minimum contract. He always plays hard, is a good guy, and is an enthusiastic cheerleader.
might as well say 30 and yours truly.but compared to beach boy he was an upgrade.love became a senior citizen on mickeys $$$
I will get behind anyone, sometimes even if it’s only an incremental upgrade, and I guess that can be a mistake not to hope for more. But, it’s true that I was happy we got Bryant. I watched him in the playoffs and was still rooting for him a little because he tries hard. But, I don’t think he helps enough now to want him anymore.
I was also happy when we first got him. Only 25 or 26, good size, had played well for the Lakers.
Ideally, Heat need a physical power forward or center with at least 2 of the following 3 skills, good rebounding, defense or scoring to pair with Ware or Bam. Love and Bryant both lacked defense. Love had marginal offense and good rebounding. Bryant had marginal offense. Both were inconsistent. In order of preference, I would want defense, rebounding then scoring but would consider 2 of 3 if both are strong (e.g., Vucevic, scoring and rebounding).
both to old and have dunc athleticism
I like Bryant. Good teammate and locker room guy on affordable contract. OK offense, including 3 point shooting but so-so defense and rebounding during regular season and playoffs. He is the type of player who should flourish overseas.
Yeah, the pushback isn’t so bad. It really should be expected as we are all experts in our own minds.
I do look forward to the day when we get to the finals again. I think that incredible experience affected us all as we were so close and it was so exhilarating and special.
h4l and I thought Yurtseven had a chance to make it because of his rebounding and developing outside shot. Unfortunately, he was too slow to guard quicker players.
looked good when bam was hurt.bam came back that was the end of his career.seven gets out of bed with 12 rebounds with those big european mits,he grabbed the ball like it was a baseball.not given a fair look i believe.glad hes making bank in europe
Glad for him and Kendrick both.
Nunn was named the 2024-2025 EuroLeague MVP while playing for Panathinaikos Athens and also won the league’s top scorer trophy. His team won the Euro League title his first year. Nunn signed a three year extension in March for $4.9M per year.
I agree.
bryant u were high on smoking the wrong stuff
I just take hemp tincture these days. It’s almost like the Odouls of drug usage.
Vaping it up out here. Kingpen brand. Good stuff Maynard.
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