Isaiah Thomas watch
- Thread starter sdballer
- Start date
because isaiah thomas is so candid in discussing his frustration with not starting, it creates a very tidy narrative for journalists to seize onto, to grow and nurture. and because that narrative now exists, the media will continue to bait thomas into airing out grievances over his minutes, particularly when phoenix encounters adversity. it's a question that thomas is likely to receive repeatedly throughout the course of the season, and barring injury, it's unlikely that phoenix will shift their rotation in order to accommodate thomas' desire to start. i don't expect the media to back off their examination of the suns' cramped backcourt, but that doesn't mean thomas should cave to the temptation of broadcasting his desire to start at every opportunity...
as always, thomas' drive to prove the doubters wrong is the best and worst thing about him; he's a talented young scoring guard, but he needs to understand that his team requires a role of him, and his team requires an acceptance of that role. if he feels the need to vent, he should vent to his coaching staff. continuing to use the media as a sieve for his frustration could do longterm damage to his team. IT is one of the best sixth men in the nba, and he's playing on a young, exciting, winning phoenix suns team. i have no idea what the state of the suns locker room is, but i can't imagine that goran dragic and eric bledsoe want to keep hearing about how badly thomas wishes he was starting, especially while the team fights for playoff position in a brutally tough western conference. it's time for thomas to grow up; otherwise, phoenix will have considerable work to do in holding their locker room together...
as always, thomas' drive to prove the doubters wrong is the best and worst thing about him; he's a talented young scoring guard, but he needs to understand that his team requires a role of him, and his team requires an acceptance of that role. if he feels the need to vent, he should vent to his coaching staff. continuing to use the media as a sieve for his frustration could do longterm damage to his team. IT is one of the best sixth men in the nba, and he's playing on a young, exciting, winning phoenix suns team. i have no idea what the state of the suns locker room is, but i can't imagine that goran dragic and eric bledsoe want to keep hearing about how badly thomas wishes he was starting, especially while the team fights for playoff position in a brutally tough western conference. it's time for thomas to grow up; otherwise, phoenix will have considerable work to do in holding their locker room together...
Nope. As much as I disliked the Landry signing when it happened (and even more so when he was injured last year) the reality is that he is one of the only consistent bench players on the Kings and the ONLY low post scorer off the bench the Kings have. McLemore is also doing a very credible job guarding oppposing SGs and is shooting 41% from 3 vs Bledsoe's 36%. Bledsoe is short for a 2 but he has a huge wingspan and the build and strength to guard opposing SGs. He's a talent and there's a reason they called him mini Lebron. He's built like a tank yet with surprising quickness, he plays both ends of the floor and he can score, rebound and pass.
That said, I don't think he'd be worth two key contributors AND a 1st round pick given that (1) the Kings are playing well right now (2) Bledsoe has a big contract and a worrisome injury history and (3) he's another high usage player who likes to attack the basket. Per 36 minutes he takes two fewer threes than Ben (who is really the only King that stretches the floor currently) but takes NINE more shots from inside the arc. I would question the fit with Gay and Cousins.
That said, I don't think he'd be worth two key contributors AND a 1st round pick given that (1) the Kings are playing well right now (2) Bledsoe has a big contract and a worrisome injury history and (3) he's another high usage player who likes to attack the basket. Per 36 minutes he takes two fewer threes than Ben (who is really the only King that stretches the floor currently) but takes NINE more shots from inside the arc. I would question the fit with Gay and Cousins.
Well I guess I think we should capitalize on BMac's spurt while we can. I would never have dreamed that anyone would give him the edge over Eric Bledsoe on 3 point shooting for example (although he has been a hot hand lately on the road) and I'd make a side bet on where that particular statistic sits when the season is over.
Only a few weeks ago nobody would give a bag of chips for McLemore and wanted Stauskas to have his job.
All THAT said... I have been pulling for BMac since the beginning and I hope you're right that he is the real deal.
Be honest.. do you cringe when he launches from 3 or not?
I'm tickled to hear Top Hat and BMac described as "two key contributors". I don't disagree, but nobody in their wildest imagination thought that would be the case in the preseason so it just goes to show you I guess.
Only a few weeks ago nobody would give a bag of chips for McLemore and wanted Stauskas to have his job.
All THAT said... I have been pulling for BMac since the beginning and I hope you're right that he is the real deal.
Be honest.. do you cringe when he launches from 3 or not?
I'm tickled to hear Top Hat and BMac described as "two key contributors". I don't disagree, but nobody in their wildest imagination thought that would be the case in the preseason so it just goes to show you I guess.
At this point I expect Ben to hit threes when he takes them. He's always had textbook form and now he's slowed down and is shooting with confidence. And honestly, none of that surprises me. Landry being the go to guy of the second unit definitely does though. Carl's always been a good scorer but I thought we were in for four years of minor injuries and declining skills. I'm very happy to be wrong.
Bledsoe's 3pt shooting numbers are practically identical to last seasons so I think his percentage will stay about where it currently is. If he finishes the year with a better percentage than McLemore it will be because Ben's shooting fell off. I'd be willing to wager he is close to 40% for the season though.
To me the reality is that talent wise Bledsoe is worth more than a mid first rounder, Landry and McLemore (at least at this point of Ben's development) but I worry about his injury history and his fit much more.
Bledsoe's 3pt shooting numbers are practically identical to last seasons so I think his percentage will stay about where it currently is. If he finishes the year with a better percentage than McLemore it will be because Ben's shooting fell off. I'd be willing to wager he is close to 40% for the season though.
To me the reality is that talent wise Bledsoe is worth more than a mid first rounder, Landry and McLemore (at least at this point of Ben's development) but I worry about his injury history and his fit much more.
Not to split hairs here, but he's actually sped up his shooting. I understand what you are saying, but he was always trying to ease the ball to the rim instead of just firing. It's the difference between shooting with confidence and not.
As for IT, I would like to hear that interview. I am not shocked, but just wow if he thinks he is in a tough situation. He signed to be a 6th man on a team with two guards that are both PG's who start. What did he expect?
As for IT, I would like to hear that interview. I am not shocked, but just wow if he thinks he is in a tough situation. He signed to be a 6th man on a team with two guards that are both PG's who start. What did he expect?
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2...agic-not-thinking-about-next-season-yet-feels
Comment section is pretty interesting. The debates are growing more heated.
I'm just glad we didn't let IT run Rudy out of town like might happen with dragic.
"Don't get me wrong, IT is great, for an average team, he is not a PG for a true contender, he is a bad and undersized version of Wetbrook, a guy who will look for his shot and stats always.
I really hope there is a plan that I dont understand, because asking Dragic to play as SF and takig the ball away from him doesnt look like a good idea if the intention is to sign him
by AletsM on Nov 25, 2014 | 5:18 PM up reply
Comment section is pretty interesting. The debates are growing more heated.
I'm just glad we didn't let IT run Rudy out of town like might happen with dragic.
"Don't get me wrong, IT is great, for an average team, he is not a PG for a true contender, he is a bad and undersized version of Wetbrook, a guy who will look for his shot and stats always.
I really hope there is a plan that I dont understand, because asking Dragic to play as SF and takig the ball away from him doesnt look like a good idea if the intention is to sign him
by AletsM on Nov 25, 2014 | 5:18 PM up reply
I'm so happy that IT is no longer our problem. That dude is going to need a psychiatrist if he keeps this up. Whatever bro go sulk about your lack of playing time somewhere and call your mom because she might be the only person left who cares to listen to whatever is spewing out of your mouth. Even from another state he tries to poison this team.
I have to wonder, was this pulled from the satirical article? Or is he proving just how good the satire was? I THINk he was joking about that part. Although it comes off as not quite that funny and kinda pathetic and sad.
I find the IT show extremely entertaining from afar. And I don't have to throw things at the tv anymore.
If I were to write a joke article about how IT is super selfish, I could use actual quotes from the guy. It's crazy. Someone in the PHX media is baiting him, and creating controversy. There was also word that dragic left the last game without talking to the media after playing only 21 mins. Dragic denies it, FWIW
I find the IT show extremely entertaining from afar. And I don't have to throw things at the tv anymore.
If I were to write a joke article about how IT is super selfish, I could use actual quotes from the guy. It's crazy. Someone in the PHX media is baiting him, and creating controversy. There was also word that dragic left the last game without talking to the media after playing only 21 mins. Dragic denies it, FWIW
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Same quotes as before, but this article tries to answer the question, what did isaiah expect? That's what I'm wondering too.
Is isaiah really hurt? Or are they already shopping him?
"Personally, I hold no ill will towards Isaiah and appreciate his candour. I can understand his unhappiness with the situation. Looking at his history I can even understand the "it’s always me" comment. The chip on his shoulder is probably what makes him the electric player he’s become.
But I can also understand Goran’s and Eric’s potential unhappiness as well. It was a situation that was easily foreseeable. But the question that I have is,… what did Isaiah expect? He directly says "it’s not what I expected". Was he told during negotiations that Bledsoe won’t return. Key question! What did Isaiah expect?"
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2...-s-a-tough-situation-it-s-not-what-i-expected
Key comments:
"I do not know if nobady noticed, but is more than obvious personal chemistry between Eric and Goran on the pitch is much more better than between them and the IT. And I’m not talking just about the game but also the small details on finishing action, fauls, cheer up,…….
p.s. – When IT is on the pitch, it is still a 4 man defense!!! "
"It can't be Thomas if he's not settled into "coming off the bench" thing
And trying to make a case for him starting games.
I don’t care who’s our leading scorer, I just want the team to play good and win.
If he can’t settle, a trade is bound to happen. He’s an asset, use him like one."
"Back to IT. He knew the situation when he signed the contract. He said the three things that drew him to Phoenix were the comaraderie and unselfishness he saw on the team every time he played against them, the open arms he received from Phoenix management and a chance to be on a winning team. If he feels he should be starting and finishing games and that is not going to happen in Phoenix, he is probably not going to be very happy. If he is not a happy, his unhappiness will be readily apparent. If he is truly unhappy, I’m sure a trade will be forthcoming, probably sooner than later."
"its great to have this article so people (hopefully) get IT out of their systems.
one can hope."
"from the horse's mouth
The value of Thomas’ statement, and by extension this post, is that it proves there is a problem in the first place. Before now, we were making educated guesses and speculating about whether there was a real problem in the rotation, what should be done, and whether it’s solvable."
This one is awesome, it's the response to the typical "look at Isaiah's stats argument" well known to King's fans.
.
" Yep,... I see you finally cracked the puzzle Rollin.
Clearly Dragic is way overrated and terribly underperforming this season. The answer is simple. Trade Dragic and start Bled and IT together, with those stats we obviously have to start them together. Why would anybody start such a horrible player over such a fantastic back up. That would be foolish to say the least. Until he's traded we gotta use Dragic off the bench. It's the only conclusion you can draw based on those stats. Is it not?"
"Aside from that, I really don’t see why you would get so defensive about IT putting up better numbers than anyone on the team. It’s not an attack on your boy, dude. I agree that Dragic hasn’t been used to the best of his abilities. I also think that Thomas is a hell of a player and the criticism of him has been absurd.
Anyway, I’m done too. That gargantuan straw-man in the sarcasm font ruined my internet appetite."
"On the other hand, the really bad stats from Dragic are the best justification to see all the damage this rotation is doing. IT is great player, but he playibg makes our only All NBA to become a really awful player.
IT plays next to Green and Bledsoe, so compare his numbers and the team, with all the games Dragic played last season, with Green and Bledsoe healthy, and look at the teams those Suns won against. Then we cab ha a discussion."
"This kid needs to stop crying to the media.
It does nothing good for the team chemistry. Just grow a pair and accept the terms of your signing here. Do the best with what you’re given, if anyone has the right to complain, it’s Goran who’s a starting point guard by name only these days."
"IT came into the season knowing full well that the base case included him coming off the bench, and said he was happy with it at the time. It seems to me that given his lifelong battle to get recognition for his game caused him to believe he would steal a starting role fairly quickly, and he’s frustrated that this hasn’t happened. Either that or coming off the bench just feels worse when it’s actually happening compared to thinking about it on an abstract level during the summer.
He’s definitely a very strong player deserving to be the starting PG of an NBA team, but the way he vents his frustration can’t be good for team chemistry. Goran must be frustrated to some extent, but he still says the right things to the media and manages to put his ego aside (and yes, any player who makes it that far has an ego in the sense of being ambitious). IT’s comments must stir up some bad blood. I also think in the medium term IT will be traded – i don’t like the ball movement or lack thereof when he’s running the offense, even on fast breaks with the wings open he sometimes ends up hogging the ball."
"I expected IT to be happy to be accepted with open arms as a brother on an unselfish, winning team and allowed to be the best he could be (as a player and a teammate). IT had to know he would be playing with two superior point guards. They have nothing to prove; he has nothing to prove either. They each have a role that has some flexibility and fluidity. If IT can see the potential if he accepts the role of Manu Ginobli on this team, the Suns can excel and do considerable damage in the playoffs. If he cannot adjust, he must be traded, (preferably for a power forward/defender/rebounder or Channing Frye). Tyler Ennis, Zoran Dragic and Archie Goodwin might even get a little playing time this way."
The bolded statement is the problem. He does not know that. He reads the stats too.
That's a good sampler. It gets more heated and personal from there. Deja vu!
Sorry PHX fans. The things IT said in the offseason were not him being truthful. He wants to start above all else. Winning? Meh. Team chemistry? Meh. Unselfishness? Needs a translator. Start? YES!
Thank god the Kings knew this.
One thing is not debatable, IT leads to very conflicted fan bases.
Is isaiah really hurt? Or are they already shopping him?
"Personally, I hold no ill will towards Isaiah and appreciate his candour. I can understand his unhappiness with the situation. Looking at his history I can even understand the "it’s always me" comment. The chip on his shoulder is probably what makes him the electric player he’s become.
But I can also understand Goran’s and Eric’s potential unhappiness as well. It was a situation that was easily foreseeable. But the question that I have is,… what did Isaiah expect? He directly says "it’s not what I expected". Was he told during negotiations that Bledsoe won’t return. Key question! What did Isaiah expect?"
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2...-s-a-tough-situation-it-s-not-what-i-expected
Key comments:
"I do not know if nobady noticed, but is more than obvious personal chemistry between Eric and Goran on the pitch is much more better than between them and the IT. And I’m not talking just about the game but also the small details on finishing action, fauls, cheer up,…….
p.s. – When IT is on the pitch, it is still a 4 man defense!!!
""It can't be Thomas if he's not settled into "coming off the bench" thing
And trying to make a case for him starting games.
I don’t care who’s our leading scorer, I just want the team to play good and win.
If he can’t settle, a trade is bound to happen. He’s an asset, use him like one."
"Back to IT. He knew the situation when he signed the contract. He said the three things that drew him to Phoenix were the comaraderie and unselfishness he saw on the team every time he played against them, the open arms he received from Phoenix management and a chance to be on a winning team. If he feels he should be starting and finishing games and that is not going to happen in Phoenix, he is probably not going to be very happy. If he is not a happy, his unhappiness will be readily apparent. If he is truly unhappy, I’m sure a trade will be forthcoming, probably sooner than later."
"its great to have this article so people (hopefully) get IT out of their systems.
one can hope."
"from the horse's mouth
The value of Thomas’ statement, and by extension this post, is that it proves there is a problem in the first place. Before now, we were making educated guesses and speculating about whether there was a real problem in the rotation, what should be done, and whether it’s solvable."
This one is awesome, it's the response to the typical "look at Isaiah's stats argument" well known to King's fans.
.
" Yep,... I see you finally cracked the puzzle Rollin.
Clearly Dragic is way overrated and terribly underperforming this season. The answer is simple. Trade Dragic and start Bled and IT together, with those stats we obviously have to start them together. Why would anybody start such a horrible player over such a fantastic back up. That would be foolish to say the least. Until he's traded we gotta use Dragic off the bench. It's the only conclusion you can draw based on those stats. Is it not?"
"Aside from that, I really don’t see why you would get so defensive about IT putting up better numbers than anyone on the team. It’s not an attack on your boy, dude. I agree that Dragic hasn’t been used to the best of his abilities. I also think that Thomas is a hell of a player and the criticism of him has been absurd.
Anyway, I’m done too. That gargantuan straw-man in the sarcasm font ruined my internet appetite."
"On the other hand, the really bad stats from Dragic are the best justification to see all the damage this rotation is doing. IT is great player, but he playibg makes our only All NBA to become a really awful player.
IT plays next to Green and Bledsoe, so compare his numbers and the team, with all the games Dragic played last season, with Green and Bledsoe healthy, and look at the teams those Suns won against. Then we cab ha a discussion."
"This kid needs to stop crying to the media.
It does nothing good for the team chemistry. Just grow a pair and accept the terms of your signing here. Do the best with what you’re given, if anyone has the right to complain, it’s Goran who’s a starting point guard by name only these days."
"IT came into the season knowing full well that the base case included him coming off the bench, and said he was happy with it at the time. It seems to me that given his lifelong battle to get recognition for his game caused him to believe he would steal a starting role fairly quickly, and he’s frustrated that this hasn’t happened. Either that or coming off the bench just feels worse when it’s actually happening compared to thinking about it on an abstract level during the summer.
He’s definitely a very strong player deserving to be the starting PG of an NBA team, but the way he vents his frustration can’t be good for team chemistry. Goran must be frustrated to some extent, but he still says the right things to the media and manages to put his ego aside (and yes, any player who makes it that far has an ego in the sense of being ambitious). IT’s comments must stir up some bad blood. I also think in the medium term IT will be traded – i don’t like the ball movement or lack thereof when he’s running the offense, even on fast breaks with the wings open he sometimes ends up hogging the ball."
"I expected IT to be happy to be accepted with open arms as a brother on an unselfish, winning team and allowed to be the best he could be (as a player and a teammate). IT had to know he would be playing with two superior point guards. They have nothing to prove; he has nothing to prove either. They each have a role that has some flexibility and fluidity. If IT can see the potential if he accepts the role of Manu Ginobli on this team, the Suns can excel and do considerable damage in the playoffs. If he cannot adjust, he must be traded, (preferably for a power forward/defender/rebounder or Channing Frye). Tyler Ennis, Zoran Dragic and Archie Goodwin might even get a little playing time this way."
The bolded statement is the problem. He does not know that. He reads the stats too.
That's a good sampler. It gets more heated and personal from there. Deja vu!
Sorry PHX fans. The things IT said in the offseason were not him being truthful. He wants to start above all else. Winning? Meh. Team chemistry? Meh. Unselfishness? Needs a translator. Start? YES!
Thank god the Kings knew this.
One thing is not debatable, IT leads to very conflicted fan bases.
When IT mentioned once or a couple of times, that he has no problem envisioning himself as a new AI, that should've been a clue. He will bounce a few more times, unless a team with strong veteran presence and elite PG/coach duo will trade for him and finally morph him into a happy super-sub. What is this team though? Clippers have Crawford. Nets probably don't have a coach for the job. Can't think of anybody else...
Dragic is playing far better since IT went out with his ankle injury. Should be a surprise to no one who understands the impact a ball dominant IT can have on other guards. That Pho didn't do their homework and understand the situation they'd find themselves in is simply poor business. It's a flat out poor business decision. Only way this succeeds in Pho is if Horny gives Dragic/Bledsoe 35 mins a night together and uses IT for about 15 mins as a pure scoring spark. But do that and IT's whining will come through loud and clear, which is why this was doomed to fail from the start. IT mentally won't accept that role.
As a division opponent, I hope this turns south even more when IT returns. Dragic is showing the the other 29 teams that his skill level isn't the issue as much as a Pho's three guard PG rotation is and he's increasing the chances he's going to leave this summer as an UFA. Good, I say. The only way I see Dragic staying is if IT is moved and I don't see much of a market for him. No one was interested in making him their starting PG going forward this past summer and now as a 6th man, he's hurting the performance of their two starting guards. A 6th man is supposed to add to your team, not take away from it.
If I was Pho I'd strongly consider trading Dragic in Feb as they're going to lose him for nothing this summer. Of course that's only due to the situation they find themselves and is an attempt to make the best of this situation which they created themselves. I personally laugh at this whole ordeal as it's a soft, guard oriented NBA team attempting to re-define how you can win in this league by just throwing a bunch of ball dominant PG's out there. It's not surprising a franchise who goes overboard with small ball and ignores more important aspects of building a team finds themselves in this situation, and it's great for us. Anything which makes a Pacific Div team struggle is good for us.
As a division opponent, I hope this turns south even more when IT returns. Dragic is showing the the other 29 teams that his skill level isn't the issue as much as a Pho's three guard PG rotation is and he's increasing the chances he's going to leave this summer as an UFA. Good, I say. The only way I see Dragic staying is if IT is moved and I don't see much of a market for him. No one was interested in making him their starting PG going forward this past summer and now as a 6th man, he's hurting the performance of their two starting guards. A 6th man is supposed to add to your team, not take away from it.
If I was Pho I'd strongly consider trading Dragic in Feb as they're going to lose him for nothing this summer. Of course that's only due to the situation they find themselves and is an attempt to make the best of this situation which they created themselves. I personally laugh at this whole ordeal as it's a soft, guard oriented NBA team attempting to re-define how you can win in this league by just throwing a bunch of ball dominant PG's out there. It's not surprising a franchise who goes overboard with small ball and ignores more important aspects of building a team finds themselves in this situation, and it's great for us. Anything which makes a Pacific Div team struggle is good for us.
I'll add btw, this is an example of how utterly s***y our Sac based media is. Pho is small market too, yet there's little hesitation to acknowledge this issue. Those who covered the Kings were far more infatuated with the "little guy, 60th pick proving everyone wrong" story than taking a min to step back and understand chemistry issues.
Probably goes back to Sac media and many fans not being willing to talk about perceived negatives which is actually discussion of weaknesses and tangible issues being spun as "being too negative". We saw that even in the game thread last night with some simply not being able to handle the opinions of others as "we won" so somehow other issues are supposed to be off the table. The whole region has an inferiority complex which comes through loud and clear.
Probably goes back to Sac media and many fans not being willing to talk about perceived negatives which is actually discussion of weaknesses and tangible issues being spun as "being too negative". We saw that even in the game thread last night with some simply not being able to handle the opinions of others as "we won" so somehow other issues are supposed to be off the table. The whole region has an inferiority complex which comes through loud and clear.
I was going to argue this, but nah, you're pretty spot on. I"m not sure what it is. I honestly think the media was so flowers and rainbows about IT that maybe PHX was fooled into thinking they were getting something other than what they have. Which is a big ego sitting on your bench that you really can't play more than 15 mpg. I absolutely agree with that. As of now, they really don't play him much more than that (23.6 mpg). I think IT was expecting 30 mpg. I don't see that happening, and that's a problem for them.