Thomas Bryant
Miami added veteran big Thomas Bryant during last year’s offseason. At the start of this past season, Bryant showed glimpses of earning a rotation spot with his energy and hustle. Unfortunately, defensive liabilities on the perimeter made it tough for him to continue earning regular time.
Coach Erik Spoelstra tends to lean towards giving guys time that can impact the game on both ends at a high level. Bryant is a great locker-room guy who can play in spurts, but he struggles defensively, especially when sliding over in rotations. If he is forced to switch onto quicker guys on the perimeter, he has struggled to hold his own.
Ware simply has more upside than Bryant and the team will be committed to the rookie's development, potentially making playing time hard to come by at the center position.
Bryant has a $2.8 million player option for next season and could opt out and seek an opportunity to play elsewhere.