The NBA Rookie of the Year award could very easily be given to Kyrie Irving in unanimous fashion, but don’t sleep on my boy Isaiah Thomas.
I don’t want to take credit for Thomas being good this year, but a preseason workout with me was probably the reason for his success. (Picture below)
Since being named the starter in February, Thomas has run away with the opportunity. Mr. IrrelevanT (notice the capitalization of the I and T for Isaiah Thomas, clever, I know) was the last pick in the draft and very easily could have been a D-Leaguer.
But that didn’t happen, instead Thomas has turned into the point guard of the future for the Kings.
Take out all his numbers from his non-starter days and Thomas has averaged 15.3 points per game and 5.1 assists per game. AS THE LAST PICK!
Irving was the No. 1 pick and is barely averaging more at 18.8 point per game and 5.7 assists per game.
And if you want to compare team records, Irving has not made the Cavs into anything fantastic at 20-38. The Kings are right there with them at 19-41. And the Kings have seen improvement. After starting the season as the lowest scoring team in the league, the Kings have shot up to tenth in the league, while also allowing a league high 104 points per game. But that is what happens when you have a young team. They will learn to play better on defense because they are all learning. But offensively they are great. With a full season as the starting point guard, Thomas could easily average somewhere in the likes of 16-18 points per game and 7-8 assists. I don’t see that as something impossible to achieve. Between Thomas’ skill and work ethic, there is no reason he cannot be one of the best point guards in the league and turn the Kings around.And there is no reason he should not be considered for Rookie of the Year. Cast your vote and make IT count. -Stanley
And if you want to compare team records, Irving has not made the Cavs into anything fantastic at 20-38. The Kings are right there with them at 19-41. And the Kings have seen improvement. After starting the season as the lowest scoring team in the league, the Kings have shot up to tenth in the league, while also allowing a league high 104 points per game. But that is what happens when you have a young team. They will learn to play better on defense because they are all learning. But offensively they are great. With a full season as the starting point guard, Thomas could easily average somewhere in the likes of 16-18 points per game and 7-8 assists. I don’t see that as something impossible to achieve. Between Thomas’ skill and work ethic, there is no reason he cannot be one of the best point guards in the league and turn the Kings around.And there is no reason he should not be considered for Rookie of the Year. Cast your vote and make IT count. -Stanley
