Isaiah Thomas has had an unfortunate turn of luck. In two years, he went from being MVP candidate with the Boston Celtics to warming the bench on the Denver Nuggets.
Thomas’ status on the Nuggets has been shown throughout their playoff run. Removed from the rotation in March, Thomas hasn’t played a single minute this postseason, including in last week’s four-overtime loss against Portland. Thomas could’ve provided some fresh legs and quick offense, but instead sat the whole game.
Thomas signed a one-year, $2.2 million contract with Denver in July, and so far has appeared in only 12 games this season. While he came into the season still recovering from hip surgery, IT showed he is still able to shoot the ball well.
Thomas with the Boston Celtics. Photo credited to Getty Images.
The 5-foot-9 point guard who referenced ‘bringing out the Brinks truck’ not long ago will be a free agent this summer. After the unfortunate injury, and bouncing from the Celtics to the Cavs and to the Lakers, Thomas will look for a new team once the playoffs end if Denver does not bring him back.
Thomas has career averages of 18.6 points and 5.1 assists. While his starting days may be over, IT can still be a strong backup point guard. Here are some places he could end up.
The Timberwolves may find themselves in need of a point guard this summer. After missing the playoffs, the team will have some serious questions surrounding their roster.
Starting point guard Jeff Teague has a player option with the team, and could decide to leave. Derrick Rose will be an unrestricted free agent, with guards Jared Terrell and CJ Williams restricted free agents. Should Rose and/or Teague leave Minnesota, Isaiah Thomas could be a strong replacement.
Depending on how deep they go in the playoffs, the Sixers could be looking a lot different next season. The team has several players scheduled to be free agents this summer, most of whom are unrestricted.
Backup point guard T.J. McConnell will be a free agent, and the Sixers would upgrade at this position if they signed Thomas in free agency. Thomas could also make up for Ben Simmons’ lack of three-point ability. IT would bolster the guard position if Jimmy Butler decides not to exercise his player option, and goes elsewhere this summer.
Thomas would fit well in the Rockets iso-heavy, three-point shooting system. As a backup to Chris Paul, Thomas could give Houston a burst of offense while Paul and James Harden are on the bench.
Houston guards Iman Shumpert and Austin Rivers are both unrestricted free agents this summer. Rivers, who has played great in the series against Golden State, could find himself in a greater role with a new team next season. If this happens, IT would help Houston at the point guard spot.
Featured image credited to Getty Images.
Stats credited to basketball-reference.com.
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