Just before training camp, the Cleveland Cavaliers inked Thomas Bryant as a late-summer veteran addition with not just playoff experience but also a championship pedigree. He had been coming off a heartbreaking NBA Finals run with the Indiana Pacers, one where he played a critical part in huge moments along the way.

It was going to be a battle between Bryant and Larry Nance Jr. for Cleveland's backup frontcourt minutes, and the former ended up beating the latter out. Providing the rebounding, the force, and physical presence as advertised, the 28-year-old sparked the second unit on a few different occasions throughout the season. 

In the five games where he suited up for at least 20 minutes, Bryant averaged 12.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 84.7% True Shooting. He slashed .686/.647/.800 in such situations as well.

With his lone start coming against his former Indiana team on April 5, Bryant recorded a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double with two assists and a block. He also buried a pair of triples.

The Cavs didn't turn to Bryant during the playoffs much at all, topping out at just under 10 minutes in Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. Cleveland head coach Kenny Atkinson liked to go small with guard-heavy lineups and turned to Dean Wade to assume minutes at the 5 in some of those combinations.

So, obviously, Bryant didn't have much of an impact in the postseason because he wasn't on the floor. Before seeing most of those minutes in the Cavs' final game of the year in blowout fashion, the veteran was a pedestrian 2-of-14 from the field and collected just eight rebounds in total.

REGULAR SEASON STATS

6.2 POINTS | 3.4 REBOUNDS | 0.6 ASSISTS | 50.6% FG | 35.9% 3PT | 80.3% FT

PLAYOFF STATS

1.9 POINTS | 1.2 REBOUNDS | 0.2 ASSISTS | 28.6% FG | 16.7% 3PT | 100.0% FT

Bryant likely won't be back, as will likely be the case with Nance because both signed one-year contracts.

With Wade's status now in question as free agency approaches, the Cavs have to find a way to improve their big man situation and help Allen and Mobley.

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