Photo Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Malone Is ‘Ok’ With Isaiah Thomas Being Pissed At Him
In last year’s NBA offseason, Isaiah Thomas was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas was the heart and soul of the team and gave his absolute all for the franchise. The fan favorite identified with the Celtics like almost no other player has since Paul Pierce, and even played through injuries and personal tragedies.
Then, after coming back from injury, the Cavs-Thomas relationship only lasted 15 games. After a quick stop in Los Angeles, Thomas now is with the Denver Nuggets.
But after basically just coming back from his injury, he’s lost his spot in the team’s rotation again.
Having watched plenty of Nuggets games this season, I can only say that it’s the best thing for the team. Denver signed IT as a sixth man, something that didn’t work out as intended, mainly due to Thomas still thinking he’s a top tier point guard. He was playing hero ball, jacking up shots, not looking for his teammates and had bad decision making. All that on top of him being a general liability on defense ever since he came into the league.
I also understand that people blame this personal development of Thomas on Danny Ainge and how they first played an injured Thomas, to then get rid of him.
Right now, Thomas isn’t too happy about being on the bench constantly, and Nuggets head coach Mike Malone is fully aware of Thomas’ feelings towards him, but also completely fine with it. Per NBC Sports Boston
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“Listen, I know I’m not Isaiah’s number one fan right now,” Michael Malone said after the team’s win over the Celtics.
“He’s pissed off. And I’m ok with that; I really am because I know it’s not personal.”
Thomas meanwhile is hoping for another shot on an NBA team next season, to prove that he still got what it takes to be an All-Star again.
Isaiah Thomas: "I just want a legit opportunity. I know I can play at a high level… again. Given the opportunity, I can be an All-Star, All-NBA, I can be all that because I physically feel great." #Nuggets #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) March 18, 2019
