Isaiah Thomas’ Denver Nuggets return draws nigh

Isaiah Thomas’ Denver Nuggets debut weeks away.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:

"“There’s optimism that former All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas can make his Denver Nuggets debut on Feb. 11-13 homestand prior to All-Star Break.”"

Great news for NBA and Denver Nuggets fans alike. If nothing else the 2018-19 season has been the year of the comeback. Isaiah Thomas just figures to be the latest one.

So far, there’s been DeMarcus Cousins, Derrick Rose and somewhat predictably, the San Antonio Spurs.

A Match Made In Heaven

However, what stands out about the Isaiah Thomas, Denver Nuggets pairing is that it is between one of the NBA’s best teams and one of the NBA’s biggest performers. (Similar to DeMarcus at Golden State).

Standing at a mere 5ft 9 inches, like Allen Iverson before him, an oversized lion-heart more than makes up for anything Isaiah Thomas gives up in height.

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If there’s one thing that the NBA’s comebacks have taught us it’s once a fierce competitor always a fierce competitor.

Given the level of competition in the NBA, it’s natural for speculation to arise about a certain players end. Like LeBron James in his 16th year it is easier for us to imagine the end as opposed to the fact that he is still playing at his usual elite level. However, those same doubts often lead us to underestimate the NBA’s very best.

For example: Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, Kyrie Irving etc, have all had some element of their games questioned at some point this season.

However, most of the above players will likely be playing in this year’s All Star game. Which shows that health and/or Father Time are normally the only things that really get the better of true competitors in the NBA.

That competitive fervor is one of the most valuable things that Isaiah Thomas brings to this Denver Nuggets roster.

The Denver Nuggets have been in almost every game they’ve played. With the few blowouts that they’ve experienced coming against the Warriors and the Clippers following a Jokic ejection.

What all of that means is adding a fiery competitor like Isaiah Thomas could help the Nuggets win even more games. As we’ve seen in the NBA the structure of leadership from players varies from team to team and even play by play.

For the Denver Nuggets, Jokic is the leader of their offense. Whilst Millsap and Plumlee play very big roles in the Nuggets’ defense.

On offense everybody touches the ball. Moreover, Jamal Murray – the Blue Arrow himself has helped Denver with his fiery, competitive spirit. Isaiah’s presence increases the fire and most likely the intensity with which the Denver Nuggets play.

The cache afforded Thomas by a resume that includes a trip to the conference finals is something that likely makes coach Malone’s job even easier. Which brings us to another big reason why Isaiah Thomas in Denver has a good chance of working. The trust and mutual respect between Malone and Thomas goes all the way back to Isaiah’s NBA rookie days.

With Thomas’ breakout year, the 2013-14 season coming under  Malone, Mike knows exactly how to use IT and get the most out of him on both sides of the floor.

Isaiah And The Nuggets Defense

So whilst admittedly, Thomas’ main weakness will likely be his defense. The Denver Nuggets will, at the very least, be able to protect the basket.

Moreover, in 2016-17 when Isaiah led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics defense was ranked 18th. So far this year Denver’s defense is 12th in the NBA.

Which is obviously better than Boston’s was. Secondly, Isaiah will be coming off the bench. Thirdly, the Nuggets lately have been 12th in defense  and 3rd in offense.

Somewhat of a reversal in terms of how they started the season, as their offense and defense has, to an extent switched positions in terms of relevance.

Simply put the Denver Nuggets at this point of the season are using their offense more to win games. Which again points to a good fit between Isaiah and Denver.

Isaiah A Passing Point Guard?

A secondary concern might be whether Isaiah can fit in with Denver’s pass-happy offense? However, a closer look at IT’s numbers show that Isaiah has often gotten more assists at the same time that he’s scored more.

This was true during his breakout season (2013-14). As well as the 2015-16 season when he put up a then career high 22.2 points per game Isaiah was just .1 points away from equaling his career high in assists (from 2013-14) which again was the year he put up what was at the time a career high 20.3 points per game.

Finally, in 2016-17, Isaiah’s best year to date. Thomas put up a career high 28.9 points per game and (a near career high) 5.9 assists per game.

Which means the Denver Nuggets should be a mutually good fit as Isaiah Thomas gives them consistent scoring and passing.

Additionally, with the Denver Nuggets being one of the youngest teams and most inexperienced teams in the NBA. Isaiah Thomas’ playoff experience and other intangibles (heart, drive etc) should make the Denver Nuggets even better.

In 2016-17, according to the NBA’s Advanced Stats Isaiah Thomas was the 12th most clutch player in the NBA.

So, as the above indicates Isaiah Thomas and the Denver Nuggets could very well be a match made in NBA heaven.

The NBA in about 3 weeks time will welcome another NBA great back to the court. Giving Denver Nuggets fans, NBA fans and Isaiah Thomas fans everywhere another compelling reason to show their support. The NBA and the Denver Nuggets are alive, healthy and in a good place.

What’s more things may be about to get a whole lot better!!!