Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 goals for Isaiah Thomas in 2017-18
By Ryan Piers
Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Isaiah Thomas is in a make or break year, with more on the line than just his reputation. Here is what the needs to do to make it successful.
Isaiah Thomas is about to enter the most significant year of his career. His reputation, his legacy and his bank account are on the line in his first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The narrative differs depending on who you ask; some say Thomas is a hot commodity coming off a career year. Others worry about his potentially crippling hip injury.
Thomas could silence his critics, possibly win a title, cement his legacy as last-pick-turned-superstar and earn a massive deal in free agency. Or he could flounder, either because of injury or inability, and be worth peanuts (very nice peanuts, by our standards) next offseason.
Thomas will make $6.3 million prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent. Even a decent season means he earns at least an Eric Bledsoe-like deal ($70 million for five years). At worst, he settles for a major discount like several free agents were forced to this summer.
So, what does Thomas have to do to make this a career year, not a disaster? Here are five goals for the guard in 2018.