Denver Nuggets: Grading Isaiah Thomas’ initial stretch

The Denver Nuggets inked Isaiah Thomas last summer in a steal of a signing. Here’s a look at his impact through four games, including a letter grade.

When the Denver Nuggets signed Isaiah Thomas to a one-year veteran minimum deal, few questioned the logic of this low-risk deal. Now four games in, Thomas’ impact is beginning to fully reveal itself.

Throughout this first stint, IT is averaging 11.3 points in just 17.0 minutes per game. He is shooting 42.4 percent from the field and a respectable 40.0 percent from beyond the arc. His 2.3 assists per game haven’t fully justified his effective passing.

Standing alone, these numbers are decent. But a logical next step reveals a much higher level of play. In the NBA, a hypothetical starter plays nearly double the minutes that Thomas currently sees. What does this mean?

At IT’s current level, he would average approximately 22.6 points and 4.6 assists as a starter. How many teams would pay minimal value for this type of contributor? Strictly from a numbers standpoint, the move makes Nuggets brass look good.

The reach is far greater than this, however. Individual stats aside, Thomas has lifted the Nuggets in a notable manner.

The squad is 4-0 with Thomas, while averaging a blistering 119.5 points per contest in that span. The ball is zipping and the offense is popping, as IT is already proving himself a big-time playmaker. He contributed multiple noteworthy plays in Tuesday’s win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. He also poured in 16 points in Friday’s road dub against the Dallas Mavericks, rescuing the squad from a sluggish start.

IT has lifted the play of several teammates, most notably that of Paul Millsap. While playing additional time in the Thomas-led second unit, Millsap is amidst one of his best stretches of the season. In four games with Thomas, Millsap is averaging 18.8 points and 13.0 rebounds on 28-of-50 shooting (56 percent). He appears energized playing alongside another savvy veteran.

Off the court, Thomas has been a strong locker room presence, providing veteran confidence and a can-do attitude. He believes the squad can compete for the Western Conference crown, per Mike Singer of the Denver Post:

"“Everybody knows,” Thomas told The Denver Post. “It’s not like we need to send any message. We’re the second-best team in the West for a reason.“I think [homecourt is] very important for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in a while. Your crowd gives you energy. … That’s something that’s important to us, and I mean, why not try to get the No. 1 seed? All the best teams like to be hot going into the playoffs, so that’s something we need to really focus in on, having momentum going into the playoffs.”"

As a Nuggets fan, you have to love his willingness to push the status quo. Fans are long tired of narrow postseason misses. Despite Denver’s strong 2018-19 record, vocal leadership isn’t exactly abundant in the Mile High.

Thomas has shown he can voice his command in appropriate bursts, and the benefit is twofold. In his quest for a bigger contract, bidders will look favorably on his ability to provide leadership in the playoffs. Serving as a strong voice will help Denver in the short-term, and himself in the long run.

The knocks on Thomas are insignificant thus far. He’s known to be an underwhelming defender, due to his small stature. Also, he could be averaging more assists, which will likely come with time.

Overall, there is much to be impressed by with Thomas. He is helping Denver already, and will prove even more valuable down the stretch.

Grade through four games: A-