New York Knicks Urged To Sign Former Pacers Big Man To Build Frontcourt Depth

The New York Knicks have been the talk of the offseason, and with one roster spot still open, speculation about potential signings is heating up. Reports have linked the Knicks to Indiana Pacers center Thomas Bryant, posing the question of whether the Rochester, N.Y. native might return to his home state to bolster the team’s depth.

Bryant, at 28 years old, brings a mix of playoff experience, versatility, and offensive ability that could address specific areas in the Knicks’ rotation. But is he the right fit for New York’s ambitions this season? Here’s a breakdown of the possibilities—and the potential pitfalls—of bringing Bryant into the fold.

Thomas Bryant’s Career Journey

Thomas Bryant was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He played sparingly in his rookie season before being traded to the Washington Wizards. It was in Washington where Bryant truly made a name for himself, displaying a solid mix of scoring, rebounding, and hustle that endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

Across his four seasons with the Wizards, Bryant became known for his ability to stretch the floor as a big man, an increasingly valuable trait in today’s NBA. Injuries briefly hampered his progression, but Bryant eventually found his way to the Denver Nuggets, where he won an NBA championship in 2023. Despite limited minutes during that run, his presence highlighted his ability to fit into team-oriented systems while contributing in specialized roles.

Most recently, Bryant split time between the Miami Heat and the Indiana Pacers during the 2024-25 season, averaging 6.9 points and 3.9 rebounds across 56 games. Though those numbers won’t leap off the page, they underscore his ability to provide reliable production as a role player. Analyst David Vertsberger believes the New York Knicks would be a perfect fit for the NBA veteran.

“One position the Knicks may want to heavily consider using this spot for is the center spot. Their current rotation is made up of Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, and if they start the double-big lineup, this essentially leaves them one backup five to start the year.”

“They have interesting alternative options at the center like sliding newly-signed Guerschon Yabusele down a position or playing OG Anunoby there, and can always move Robinson back to the bench. However, signing a depth piece at the position like Thomas Bryant gives them more security in case injuries hit.”

“Fans will remember Bryant from his timely threes against the Knicks in the conference finals. He’s now bounced between five teams in his eight-year NBA career, but can step in in a pinch with some offensive rebounding and rim deterrence.”

How Bryant Fits Into the Knicks’ Roster

Strengthening the Center Rotation

The New York Knicks’ current depth at center includes Mitchell Robinson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Ariel Hukporti. While that trio provides a strong foundation, head coach Tom Thibodeau has shown a willingness to experiment with double-big lineups—lineups that could benefit immensely from an additional center.

Enter Thomas Bryant. His ability to contribute offensively without demanding heavy touches makes him an intriguing option as a backup or situational piece. Bryant’s knack for offensive rebounding and his capability to step out beyond the arc could offer valuable versatility behind Robinson, who is more of a traditional rim protector.

What’s more, Bryant’s postseason experience, including his time with the championship-winning Nuggets, could add an edge to a Knicks team that is steadily building toward playoff success. His familiarity with high-pressure situations makes him a potentially stabilizing presence during crunch-time moments.

Flexibility on the Front Line

Adding Thomas Bryant would not only provide insurance against injuries but also allow Thibodeau to explore various lineup combinations without overtaxing the team’s starters. For example, Bryant’s floor-spacing ability could open up the paint for guards like Jalen Brunson and RJ Barrett, who thrive on driving to the basket.

Even beyond his on-court impact, Bryant’s locker-room presence would likely help maintain the camaraderie and focus that have become hallmarks of this Knicks team in recent seasons.

Why the Move Could Pay Off

When it comes to NBA success, depth is often the name of the game—especially during grueling playoff series where injuries and foul trouble can derail even the best teams. For the Knicks, having a proven veteran like Thomas Bryant as an insurance policy could be the difference between advancing in the postseason or falling short.

Bryant’s ability to step in and contribute without hesitation is a trait that championship-caliber teams value highly. His skill set complements the New York Knicks’ current roster construction, and his familiarity with the pressures of playoff basketball could help steady a relatively young team still learning what it takes to win on the biggest stage.

Final Thoughts

Signing Thomas Bryant wouldn’t be a headline-grabbing move, but it could be a smart one. The Knicks are a team on the rise, and adding a player with Bryant’s versatility and postseason experience could provide a small but meaningful boost to their roster. While he wouldn’t drastically alter the team’s trajectory, Bryant could be a key piece of depth that pays dividends when it matters most.

Ultimately, whether the Knicks pull the trigger on Bryant will depend on how they value his ability to contribute as a behind-the-scenes role player. For a team looking to make its mark in the Eastern Conference, every piece matters—and Bryant might just be the one to help complete the puzzle.