Who should be part of Washington Wizards long-term core?

3: Washington’s IT factor — a veteran mentor and offensive weapon

During the 2018-19 regular season and playoffs, Tacoma native and former Denver Nugget Isaiah Thomas showed the impact he can have on a team off the court. Though he played in just 12 games with Denver last year, he was a vocal leader for the Nuggets in the locker room.

According to this season review published on the Nuggets’ website, Denver coach Mike Malone told The Denver Post this during the season:

"“In this league, a lot of people will tell you what you want to hear, he’s a guy that tells you what you need to hear.”"

Before Thomas’ return to playing after an 11-month recovery from a complex hip injury, he had an extensive Q and A with Altitude Sports, the Nuggets’ broadcast channel. Thomas spoke to his leadership during this interview:

"“That’s just who I am. No matter what team I’m on, I’m going to be a leader. I’m going to be vocal and I’m going to lead by example as well. “But one thing that hit me hard, just coming to a new team that is definitely on the rise, (Nuggets coach) Mike Malone told me, ‘I want you to be who you are. I know who you are. I know what type of leader you are, and I don’t want you to hold your tongue.’ “So, when I came in, for the head coach to say that it made it even easier. I tell guys all the time, it’s never personal. If you’re trying to win, your feelings are going to be hurt at times. But it’s not personal. It’s always for the betterment of the team. “I think guys are understanding that. And guys are understanding me. I haven’t been able to play yet, but I’m vocal. And if I see something I’m going to say something. But like I said, it’s never personal and it’s for the betterment of this team.”"

Denver made the playoffs in 2018-19, advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. The Nuggets were eliminated in a closely contested seven-game series by the Portland Trail Blazers.

After signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the Washington Wizards, Thomas is seeking to return to the dominant play he exhibited during his 2016-17 season with the Boston Celtics. Thus far, he has been performing at a respectable level.

Thomas has averaged 12.0 points, 5.3 assists and a 39.7 3-point shooting percentage. These statistics establish him as the Wizards’ sixth-highest scorer, second-most effective distributor of the ball and fourth-most accurate player among qualifiers (one 3-pointer made per game) when it comes to converting 3-pointers.

In his ninth NBA season, Thomas has solidified himself as a vocal leader and capable scorer. The versatile 5’9″ guard can further establish his leadership abilities and establish consistency playing with a team if the Wizards eventually determine him to be worthy of playing part in their long-term vision.