Cleveland Cavaliers: 5 goals for Isaiah Thomas in 2017-18
By Ryan Piers
1. Jell with Tyonn Lue’s system
In Boston, Thomas benefited from a machine-like offense, one with layers of screens and movement. Brad Stevens’ system was precisely patterned with plays designed specifically for Thomas.
In the video below, you see how Thomas bobbed and weave off picks, springing him free for open looks:
Like a spry running back, he curled off his wide-bodied blockers like Jae Crowder, Al Hortford and Marcus Smart for open looks. Thomas would often run defenders off two or three screens on one possession. It’s like what Reggie Miller used to do, but on steroids.
Tyronn Lue’s offense is very different. It’s essentially the NBA’s version of the no option offense; the Cavaliers run whatever LeBron decides. Cleveland was one of the league leaders in isolation points last season. So, how will Thomas perform when he is forced to create his own shot?
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That may be the biggest question Thomas has to answer. He was playing in a system perfectly suited for his skill-set. Now, he’ll have to tap into his ability to beat opponents off the dribble and soak up the open looks LeBron provides on kick-outs.