Denver Nuggets: Can Isaiah Thomas win the sixth man award?

Isaiah Thomas can propel the Denver Nuggets to new heights, as he re-establishes himself among the NBA’s elite:

Isaiah Thomas begins a new era, dragging himself out of the trenches and back to NBA stardom. Denver is his vehicle of choice, and the Mile High barely realizes its fortune.

Denver Nuggets

IT averaged 29 points per game just fourteen months ago. The dude can ball.

Isaiah replaces Barton’s role as top bench scorer (Barton should start at small forward). Having recently achieved 29 ppg in 2016-17, IT can potentially exceed Barton’s performance.

And Barton nearly stole last year’s NBA Sixth Man award.

If Thomas even nears his Boston days, he is a strong candidate for the honor. Let’s see how he matches up against the primary competitors:

Isaiah Thomas

2017-2018 stat line: 15.2 ppg, 4.8 apg, 2.1 rpg, 37.3 fg%, 29.3 3p%

Comments: Riding the Comeback Train, IT looks to revive his once-promising career. He should average close to 30 minutes off the bench. If healthy, fans can expect 16-18 ppg, and the occasional fourth-quarter heroics.

A former MVP candidate, Thomas is fired up to prove himself of higher value than credited. This sounds similar to 2017 when IT overcame tragedy to lift Boston in the playoffs… 

Lou Williams: 

2017-18 stat line: 22.6 ppg, 5.3 apg, 2.5 rpg, 43.5 fg%, 35.9 3p%

Comments: Winner of last year’s NBA Sixth Man award, Lou Williams dominated countless games from the bench. His 22.6 ppg mark is insane for anyone not starting.

Sweet Lou is one of the few proficient players LAC (lack?) retained. He has the green light to shoot anything. And I mean, anything. His assist numbers aren’t bad either, especially considering the shortage of talented teammates.

Eric Gordon:

2017-2018 stat line: 18.0 ppg, 2.2 apg, 2.5 rpg, 42.8 fg%, 35.9 3p%

Comments: A stud shooter in Houston’s shot-jacking offense, Gordon serves as the primary scorer off the bench. Quick shots, especially three-pointers, are encouraged in Houston, creating a sixth-man paradise for Gordon.

Something to watch…the Rockets recently signed our old friend Carmelo Anthony. A known ball-stopper, Melo may steal shots from Gordon.

Sixth man verdict:

Isaiah should post a wonderful season, and help Denver back into the postseason. Furthermore, Thomas will earn a better-paying contract…from the Nuggets or elsewhere.

But he will not win the Sixth Man award. Lou Williams will.

Sorry Nuggets fans. Not every verdict can favor the Mile High heart-breakers.

Isaiah sees a situation very different to Lou’s. With the lackluster Clippers, Williams can do anything he wants. If he shoots 30 times any given night? Coach Doc Rivers won’t bat an eyelash.

It’s the perfect storm for a Sixth Man shoo-in.

Isaiah, on the other hand, will serve as a veteran contributor in Denver’s potent offense. The Nuggets don’t need sixth-man ball-dominance. Denver has scorers galore.

Malone and Thomas trust each other. Their relationship proved a determining factor in Isaiah choosing Denver (Post). Coach Mike will provide Isaiah freedom and support. Thomas, in return will gel selflessly with Jokic, Murray and Harris.