Isaiah Thomas discusses his injury, the long recovery process, his trade to Cleveland and much more in a new docu-series on The Players Tribune, writes Sam Amick of USA Today. Titled “The Book of Isaiah II,” it will trace his experiences from the 2017 playoffs through the present, but the part that should most interest Cavaliers fans is Thomas’ rehabilitation of his injured hip. January 1 has been floated as a possible return date, but Thomas is hoping to make it earlier.
“This is what I live for,” he said. “Every time something happens in my career, I always bounce back and it’s bigger than anything anybody ever thought. And this is just going to be the same thing. I’m excited about the opportunity. I’m excited to be able to be on this stage playing and battling with the best player in the world. … I’m ready for all that, and I’m preparing right now for all of that, and I can’t wait.”
There’s more news out of Cleveland:
- The agent for LeBron James says the chance to compete for a title should drive his client’s decision when he becomes a free agent next summer, relays Dan Feldman of NBC Sports. “For anywhere – not Los Angeles, not Miami, not Detroit, Milwaukee – I think for LeBron, and for most athletes, the most important thing is about winning,” Rich Paul said in an interview on The Herd. “At his level, it should be. It should be about winning at his point in his career.” He noted that Cleveland has been very successful since James’ return, with three straight trips to the NBA Finals.
- The Cavaliers should ask James directly about his plans for the future and explore a trade if he’s not fully committed to Cleveland, suggests Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. James has a contract provision that allows him to reject any deal, but Kyler believes it would be wiser to address the situation now than to have to launch another rebuilding project if James leaves again.
- Cleveland needs to find an athletic swingman who can guard multiple positions and would be willing to trade Kevin Love or Tristan Thompson to obtain one, according to Chris Mannix of The Vertical. However, Mannix says that type of player isn’t on the market right now, with the Hawks’ Kent Bazemore being the closest available version. Mannix speculates that the Cavs would move any asset except James or the Nets’ unprotected first-rounder in the right deal, but nothing is close at the moment.
Why would they trade love. Just to mess up the chemistry
I 100% agree with Steve Kyler. LeBron gave Cleveland his title. If he cares about Cleveland and doesn’t plan on being here, he should give the Cavs a chance to get something in return.
The Cavs tried to trade Love to Phoenix and Denver over the summer, but couldn’t. Phoenix wouldn’t give up Josh Jackson. They might now.
Love? I thought it was Irving. You know. The guy that said the world was flat and wanted to be on a team of his own.
Try to avoid a repeat of LeBron making an announcement that caused fans to burn jersey’s and an owner making personal attacks!
The Cavs tried to trade Love to Phoenix for the 4th pick at the draft and they said no.
When Kyrie became available the Cavs wanted Jackson, Bledsoe, Chriss and a pick.
Phoenix countered with Warren, Bender, Bledsoe, and a pick.
Irving played the 4th quarter tonight and took over as the Celtics beat the Warriors for their 14th straight wins. Celts fans were chanting MVP as he was going to the line. Go Kyrie!
He wouldn’t be getting this love in Cleveland. He did good!
He played the 4th without his mask. He’s tough!
Steph Curry was in foul trouble and ended with 9 points, 5 late in the 4th quarter. So much for Kyrie not playing defense.