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Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Thomas’ NBA comparison is…

By James Siegle

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended by Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is defended by Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Which current NBA player will Isaiah Thomas best resemble in his 2018-19 campaign with the Denver Nuggets?

Isaiah’s game

Isaiah Thomas fought for an MVP award just 15 months ago with the Boston Celtics. The 5’9 guard proved himself immensely talented on offense, far more dangerous than appearances would suggest. The little dude also displayed a mammoth-sized basketball heart, pushing Boston to playoff series wins over Chicago and Washington.

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Isaiah has shown himself capable of massive scoring outputs. Thomas averaged 28.9 ppg throughout the 2016-17 season, including a 53-point playoff game against Washington (ESPN). He isn’t a one-hit wonder, however. IT averaged 22.2 points the previous season, and maintains a career average of 18.9 ppg (ESPN).

In addition to his supreme scoring, Isaiah possesses a solid play-making game to boot. He averaged 5.9 assists in his super 2016-17 season, and 6.2 dimes the previous year. Thomas maintains an career average of 5.1 helpers per game (ESPN).

IT inked with Denver for the veteran’s minimum…which is extremely fortunate and somewhat hilarious. Isaiah was a marquee player just one year ago. Denver had developed a reputation for whiffing spectacularly during free-agency. What a difference one year can make. In 2018, the previously-superb Isaiah signed with Denver for pennies. And with expectations to come off the bench?

Nothing is stranger than sports. Welcome to the Nuggets Isaiah Thomas!

Isaiah’s comparison: Lou Williams

Isaiah’s season with Denver will catch the league’s eye. In 2017-18, the Nuggets played Jokic- ball for 30 minutes per game. When Jokic subbed, the squad played their alternative style, which could best be described as hot-potato-until-the-shot-clock-reaches-three-seconds-ball. This ugly bit often ended with an isolation panic heave.

This year, the tide changes. The Nuggets will hand Isaiah the keys when Jokic rests. Thomas played the go-to-scorer role spectacularly in Boston. Now he is that player for Denver’s second-unit. No longer will the bench appear helpless offensively.

Look for IT to enter the game and absolutely get buckets…not unlike Lou Williams of last year’s Clippers. Sweet Lou dominated games from the bench. He led LA in scoring with 22.6 ppg, while starting just 19 games (ESPN). Even after the Clipper’s core left, Lou came off the pine…debunking the narrative that best players must always start. Coach Doc Rivers allowed Williams absolute free rein of the offense.

Look for Malone to similarly trust Isaiah when Jokic is out of the game. Denver will employ Thomas to ensure second-unit stability, providing him the necessary leeway to accomplish this. He will mimic his Boston role for 16-20 minutes per game while Jokic rests. Don’t be surprised when Isaiah drops 20. Other nights may see him hand out 8+ assists.

Next. Top 10 Denver Nuggets of all time. dark

This is what IT brings to the Nuggets – a wonderful offensive engine to maintain the status quo. Denver, meanwhile provides Isaiah a second chance to prove himself. Look for each party to benefit off this exchange.

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