Brodric Thomas has a unique path to the NBA. The rookie Thomas played division two college basketball at Truman State. He then went undrafted in the 2020 NBA Draft after averaging 21.5 points his senior season. Currently, Thomas is playing at a high level for the Cleveland Cavaliers’ G League team the Canton Charge. Cleveland has struggled with guard depth this season, Thomas could help solve this problem.
The 6-foot-5 guard has played very well during his rookie season in the G League. To begin the season, Thomas was playing for the Houston Rockets’ G League team the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. With the Vipers, Thomas averaged 16.4 points while shooting 43.4% from the field and 36.5% from three. He also averaged 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Unfortunately, the Rockets cut Thomas in February.
After being cut, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed Thomas to a two-way deal pretty quickly. So far Cleveland’s decision has been a great one. Thomas has shined playing for the Canton Charge scoring 21.3 points per game. Thomas has been efficient as well shooting 46.2% and a very impressive mark of 46.2% from three. The rookie guard also averages 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.2 blocks and 4.2 assists with the Charge.
However, this is a small sample size for the Charge as Thomas has only played six games in Canton. Thomas still has been an exciting young talent for the Charge though. He has been a stat-sheet-stuffer nearly every game, and has made some eye-popping plays.
Thomas was cut by the Rockets essentially due to Houston’s acquisition of Kevin Porter Jr. The Cavs of course traded Porter awhile back due to off the court issues. Porter has been a walking bucket for the Rockets’ G League team scoring 24.1 points per game. The former Cavs guard also averaged this point total in fifteen games, so he has been pretty consistent.
Cleveland has a problem with guard depth right now, so it made sense to scoop up Thomas after he was cut. The Cavs and Rockets have pretty much swapped Porter and Thomas in a roundabout way. Both are scoring shooting guards standing at the similar heights of 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-5. Both teams have made out pretty well. Porter still appears to have the potential to be a star, and the Cavs have a promising rookie.
Thomas could help the Cavs right now in regards to depth. Matthew Dellavadova has been out all season with a concussion. This leaves the Cavs with their starters Collin Sexton and Darius Garland, and Damyean Dotson off the bench. Dotson just does not play very much for the Cavs since he has been so streaky. Cleveland has been forced to play some players, like Dylan Windler and Cedi Osman, out of position at shooting guard.
The Cavs need to see Thomas be consistent. Yes, the rookie guard has been consistent with the Charge for six games now. This is still not enough though, because the jump from the G League to the NBA is a big one. Thomas is a nice asset to have right now and could lead to better guard depth for Cleveland. Any rookie averaged 20+ in the G League is still extremely impressive, and most impressive is Thomas’ 46.2% shooting from three. Cleveland will keep the situation closely monitored, and if Thomas continues this production he could be brought up to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
All stats courtesy of Basketball Real GM and NBA G League.
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I’m still fuming over giving away Peanut Butter and Jelly for nothing. But as it turns out maybe the swap will work out for both the Rockets and the Cavs. Garland has a strain so he may need to take some time off.
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