Denver Nuggets: Isaiah Thomas’ impact on the squad

Denver Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas showed flashes of his old self in Wednesday’s debut. There is much excitement in store for Mile High fans.

For the Denver Nuggets‘ newest free agent splash, the journey back onto the league map began Wednesday.

Isaiah Thomas made his return against the Sacramento Kings, sparking the Nuggets’ electric third quarter. He scored eight points and dished two dimes as Denver downed the Kings, 120-118. Many fans consider this just a small taste of what’s to come.

The excitement in the air was unmistakable at the Pepsi Center. Nuggets fans, who had spent the past work week systematically checking their phones every five minutes for updates, provided a wild ovation when Thomas hit the floor.

A former MVP candidate wearing a Nuggets uniform is no small deal, despite the small deal that he signed over the summer.

His impact was limited by low minutes, but it’s easy to see how he will help the Nuggets from a playmaking perspective. His two assists came in just 13 minutes. At least two more dime opportunities were ruined by missed layups.

Most encouraging was the way he played with current sixth man Monte Morris. The two took turns off the bounce, and each appeared content playing off-ball while their counterpart dribbled.

The return itself was a huge stepping stone on IT’s journey to re-valuate his market worth. But then again, Thomas has a history of being underestimated.

After slipping to the 60th overall pick in 2011, nobody thought he would ever leave a mark. Alas, Thomas overcame size and low expectations to average 28.9 points per game in the 2016-17 season. For those who missed it, he was even on the fringe of the MVP conversation.

Tragedy struck that postseason, however,  as he suffered the sudden loss of his sister in a car accident. The hard knock certainly glanced Thomas, but it didn’t take him down. Drawing from a place of deep inspiration, Thomas played the part of a one-man wrecking crew, lifting the Cs to the Eastern Conference Finals before suffering an injury. It was one of the most beautiful, inspiring postseason runs in NBA history.

But somehow, it wasn’t enough. The Celtics traded him following that season, salivating at the idea of superstar Kyrie Irving in green and white.

After a disappointing 2017-18 campaign, Thomas sought refuge with former mentor and current Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. Now he looks to prove himself worthy of a significant contract. Again.

Similar to prime-condition hiking boots in the Bargain Cove at Cabela’s, this Isaiah Thomas signing is worth much more than the sticker price. Wednesday night’s performance was just the tip of the snow-covered, Colorado mountain.

IT will play most of his minutes with Nikola Jokic off the floor. While the Joker is Denver’s chief playmaker with the starters, it’s easy to see a scenario with Thomas spearheading the second unit. Combined with Morris, this group suddenly has severe playmaking pop.

It’s scary to think what they will do to opposing second units.

The most valuable version of IT will reveal itself in the playoffs. Several young Nuggets will likely become shy on the attacking front. Not Thomas. His playoff experience and lion-sized heart will boost Denver when Jokic rests.

Suddenly, the bench could serve as a significant advantage in the postseason.