Thomas Bryant Honored with Championship Ring by Denver Nuggets Despite Suspension

Suspended Miami Heat center, Thomas Bryant received a heartfelt group hug from his former Denver teammates and was presented with a gleaming championship ring before promptly departing the arena. Of course, rules are rules.

The NBA made a special exception for Bryant to attend the game because it marked the Heat’s sole visit to Denver this season. Typically, suspended players aren’t allowed to be present at the arena during game nights.

The Nuggets went all out to welcome Bryant back, honoring him for his role in their championship victory last June over the Heat in five games, clinching the franchise’s first NBA title.

Bryant watched a touching video tribute on the jumbotron alongside Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon before being warmly embraced by guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who handed him his coveted ring. Bryant was then engulfed in a group hug at half-court by Nikola Jokic and the rest of the Nuggets team.

Taking in the moment, Bryant slipped the ring onto his finger, tapping his heart in gratitude as the crowd erupted in cheers.

“It’s our way of thanking him for all his contributions,” commented Nuggets coach Michael Malone on the pre-game ceremony. “It’s great to see Thomas again, especially since our championship win last June.”

Following the ring ceremony, Bryant made his exit from the arena as he wrapped up a three-game suspension for his involvement in a recent altercation against New Orleans.

Bryant had seen limited playing time for Denver after being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2023 as part of a four-team deal. He appeared briefly in just one postseason game during Denver’s title run.

The Nuggets distributed their championship rings on October 24th, just before their season opener against LeBron James and the Lakers. The team has continued to honor former players from last year’s championship roster who return to Denver with their new teams, including Bruce Brown, Ish Smith, and Jeff Green.

Bryant joined the Heat as a free agent over the summer and has averaged 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds over 25 games for Miami.