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Cavaliers sign former NBA finalist praised by LeBron James as ‘one of the most skilled bigs’

Originally posted on HITC | By Damien Lucas | Last updated Sep 24, 2025 9:32 AM ET

There are high expectations for the Cleveland Cavaliers heading into the 2025–26 NBA season, and with good reason. The Cavaliers are one of the favorites to win the 2026 NBA championship.

Last season didn’t end as they’d hoped, with a second-round exit to Indiana. And that came after a 64-win campaign that had them top of the East.

It was a missed opportunity, no doubt. Given how they started last season, anything short of a Finals run will be seen as coming up short again.

Cleveland knows what’s expected this time around, though. It’s not just about making noise in April or May – this group is being judged by what they can do in June.

Thomas Bryant joins Cleveland Cavaliers on one-year contract

The Cleveland Cavaliers have made a move to strengthen their frontcourt before the 2025-26 NBA season gets underway.

They’ve signed Thomas Bryant to a one-year contract. Bryant was part of the Indiana Pacers squad that reached the 2025 NBA Finals, playing an important role off the bench during their playoff run.

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LeBron James praised Thomas Bryant back in 2023 when they were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers. Speaking to TalkBasket.net, LeBron had this to say: “Thomas has definitely taken full advantage of this opportunity,” James said.

“He’s a guy who plays extremely hard, knows how to play, and probably one of the most skilled bigs in this game. He catches everything.

“He finishes everything around the rim. But he also has a soft, soft touch from mid-range and from three-point line.

“And he just has a motor, he just has a huge motor that is just always going on both sides of the floor. I’ve always worked well with guys like that, guys who always put themselves in position.”

Cleveland Cavaliers sign free agent center Thomas Bryant

The Cavaliers have added some more depth to their frontcourt ahead of the 2025-26 season. They have signed Thomas Bryant to a one-year deal. Bryant played a key reserve role on the Pacers during their run to the 2025 NBA Finals.

Bryant was praised by LeBron James in an interview with TalkBasket.net in 2023, when Bryant played with James on the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Thomas has definitely taken full advantage of this opportunity. He’s a guy who plays extremely hard, knows how to play, and probably one of the most skilled bigs in this game. He catches everything.”

“He finishes everything around the rim. But he also has a soft, soft touch from the mid-range and from the three point line.”

Bryant has played in eight seasons, averaging 8.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.7 blocks in 333 regular-season games on a career 58.2 percent shooting from the field.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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