Denver Nuggets: 3 reasons Isaiah Thomas is a good addition
3. Transitioning to Mike Malone’s offensive gameplan
During the first half of last year’s season, the Denver Nuggets were not living up to their offensive potential. The defensive-minded coach Mike Malone noticed this and decided to switch things up a bit. Malone once believed in traditional, scripted half-court sets, but in January of last year he implemented a more free-flowing offense.
Not only did Adam Mares of SB Nation‘s Denver Stiffs report this change, but he measured it as well.
On January 21st, Michael Malone said that he wanted to call fewer plays on O and allow the offense to be more free flowing. Since then:
— Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) February 2, 2018
Jokic: 18.5 pts, 11 rebs, 8.8 ast
Harris: 19.5 pts, 44% 3FG
Murray: 22.7 pts, 5 ast, 50% 3FG
DEN is 4-2 with 2 CLOSE losses to BOS & SAS
This switch took full advantage of Nikola Jokic‘s transcendent passing ability and resulted in better overall offense. The Nuggets ended the year sixth in points per game and 16th in pace. How will the addition of Isaiah Thomas fit in with this revamped offense?
While with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thomas played a scheme fully centered around one single decision maker, LeBron James. With the Los Angeles Lakers, Thomas played better due to the ball-moving freedom of coach Luke Walton. It was in Boston, however, where we should be looking to predict how Thomas will play in Denver.
The best year of IT’s career came during the 2016-17 Celtics season. The Celtics finished the season seventh in points per game and 16th in pace. Those numbers are eerily close to Denver’s 2017-18 numbers. Thomas thrived in coach Brad Stevens’ system, one which usually begins in predetermined locations of attack but emphasizes ball movement and improvisation.
Mike Malone adopted a similar offensive approach. When Thomas plays with Jokic, they will form one of the best pick-and-roll tandems in the league. He has the versatility to bolster Denver’s bench unit as well. Thomas commands a playing style that should translate seamlessly to Malone’s new offensive mantra, and his 3-point ability has not even been mentioned yet.