New Denver Nugget Isaiah Thomas has seen his stock crash in a matter of only two years. Can he turn it around in Denver?
Isaiah Thomas needed a home, and the Denver Nuggets needed a backup point guard. The two hammered out a deal, and now Thomas is coming to Denver on a one year, $2 million dollar deal, which equates to the veteran minimum. What’s a little surprising is that the Nuggets were able to get Thomas, especially with the opportunity for more playing time elsewhere. What’s more surprising is the fact that Thomas was only able to sign for the veteran minimum, and barely anyone wanted him.
Thomas was an absolute stud on the Celtics just two years ago. He finished 4th in the MVP voting, and carried Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals. Thomas averaged 28.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, and was the heart and soul of the team. He had hip surgery that off season, but was expected to be a centerpiece of the Celtics for a long time. However, he was then suddenly traded to Cleveland in a trade for Kyrie Irving.
Thomas never fit in Cleveland. He missed the first two months of the season, and then never got along with LeBron James. He was traded to the Lakers at the trade deadline but then had another hip surgery late in the season.
Everyone knows the player that Thomas can be. He could be a game-changer, and if he proves to be fully healthy, the Nuggets could have gotten the steal of the off season (outside of Demarcus Cousins, of course). If Thomas begins to play at the level of what he was two years ago, the question becomes could he unseat Jamal Murray as the starting point guard.
If Thomas regains his form, there is no way Denver can sit him. That game altering presence is too valuable to keep on the bench. Competition could be good for Murray, as it could add fuel to his fire and push him to be greater.
The Nuggets could put Thomas at point guard and move Murray to shooting guard and Gary Harris to small forward. They could also just flat out bench Murray, and have him lead the 2nd unit. If Thomas can play at a starters level, it will be a good problem for Denver to have. They can choose from a plethora of options, and still have their bench be a threat.
Playing Thomas over Murray could stunt Murray’s development, which is something that no one wants to see. However, having them share the court together could make both players better, and help Denver win games.
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Thomas was a great under the radar signing, and it could prove to be extremely worthwhile for Denver. It is a low-risk, high-reward move, and one that could help other players on the Nuggets improve.