Former Denver Nuggets player Thomas Bryant received a warm welcome back from his former team as he was presented with his championship ring before promptly leaving the arena. The NBA made a special allowance for Bryant to attend the game against the Miami Heat, as suspended players are typically not allowed to be present on game nights.
Bryant, who was with the team last June when they won the franchise’s first NBA title, was greeted with open arms by his former teammates. The Nuggets rolled out the red carpet for Bryant, who watched a video tribute and received his ring from guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amidst cheers from the crowd.
After the ceremony, Bryant left the building as he was wrapping up a three-game suspension for his involvement in an altercation. Bryant had played sparingly for Denver after being acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Lakers and only briefly appeared in one postseason game during their championship run.
The Nuggets have been honoring players from their championship roster who have returned to Denver with their new teams, including Bryant and other players like Bruce Brown, Ish Smith, and Jeff Green. Bryant, now with the Miami Heat, has been averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds over 25 games this season.
It was a touching moment for Bryant and the Nuggets as they came together to celebrate their historic championship win and show appreciation for Bryant’s contributions to the team. The ceremony was a reminder of the camaraderie and success they had achieved together on their journey to becoming NBA champions.