Isaiah Thomas made his Denver Nuggets debut Wednesday. The sequel game runs on a nine-day delay. Here’s how Thomas helps the Nuggets…once the treacherous wait ends.
It’s the cruelest form of torture, isn’t it? Denver Nuggets fans threw Isaiah Thomas a welcome riot in Wednesday’s win over the Sacramento Kings. After a juicy foretaste, the next game is a week away.
As the Nuggets limped into the All-Star break, they at least ended positively. Denver won its last two games, both at home. IT’s’ return proved enough to hit the break smiling.
Fan imagination can do much with nine days between games. Consider this an unusual opportunity.
Bearing all that in mind, here are 17 ways Thomas can provide a boost for the Denver Nuggets.
1. Calm the fiery Jokic
The IT swag combines veteran calm with fiery competitiveness. Nikola Jokic could improve upon the “calm” piece when approaching officials.
2. Make opponents look stupid
Appearances in the league’s nightly top 10 highlights boost a team’s standing. It’s high time the league recognizes the Nuggets.
3. Continue to tag-team interviews with his son Jaiden
Thomas looked good on camera, but his adorable seven-year-old was the real star. Thanks to this duo, national media may finally frequent the Mile High.
4. Provide energy when there is none
Like many squads, Denver’s energy hit a wall nearing the All-Star break. Notice the difference in Wednesday’s second half? Too bad IT didn’t return during the clunker four-game road trip.
5. Mentor Murray
Jamal Murray has shown he can be a solid NBA scorer for years to come. Thomas could help push him into the elite.
6. Vocal leadership
The Nuggets have the tamest locker room in the league. Who actually knows what Paul Millsap‘s voice sounds like?
7. Buddy coach Mike Malone
IT has known head coach Michael Malone longer than anyone on the roster. Maybe next time, he can divert him from crazy acts of rage towards officiating Except, of course, when Malone does this on purpose.
8. Cheer from the bench
No, this isn’t just for the 12th man. Many highlights feature a pedestrian-clothed Thomas whooping up his teammates. His energy will be even more contagious now that he’s in uniform.
9. Shot-blocking momentum
Okay, so he averages just 0.1 blocks per game over his career. But think of it this way…expect a gigantic momentum shift whenever he swats somebody.
10. Playmaking
He had two assists in just 13 minutes Wednesday, but blown teammate layups kept him from four or five dimes.
11. Tweet, baby
IT is one of the more responsive NBA players on Twitter. Fans love that stuff.
12. After tweeting, score
He averaged 28.9 points per game just two years ago. You’d think some of the firepower remains.
13. Teaming up with Morris
An underrated second-year point guard (Monte Morris), trotting alongside a former fringe MVP point guard. Is this type of second unit even legal?
14. Alley-oops with Plumlee
The pick-and-roll between Morris and Mason Plumlee is gold. IT will have this same opportunity.
15. Laugh
Many across the league love Thomas’ upbeat personality. Keep being you, baby. The squad is clearly better for it in 2018-19.
16. Win the Nuggets a playoff series
The amount of near misses for the long-suffering fanbase is unreal. It’s high time to rake in some playoff dubs, which IT has some experience with.
17. Re-sign with Denver
Step 1: Realize you absolutely love the Mile High. Step 2: Re-up with the Nuggets brass. It’s actually that simple.