The Cavaliers still aren’t sure when injured guard Isaiah Thomas will be ready for his season debut, writes Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. Thomas will get his first chance to play alongside his Cavaliers teammates during the team’s practice today. He scrimmaged with the organization’s G League affiliate in Canton last week. Coach Tyronn Lue said the purpose of today’s workout is to “get some shots up, cover defensive rules and principles and also scrimmage a little bit so Isaiah can get a feel and play 5 on 5.”
When the Cavs departed on their current three-game road trip, they were hoping to have Thomas ready at some point. But he was held out of games at Golden State and Sacramento, and his status for Saturday’s contest in Utah is uncertain. Lue originally told reporters that Thomas wouldn’t play against the Jazz, but later said “I don’t know” to follow-up questions about his availability.
Cleveland travels to Boston next Wednesday, which would be a dramatic setting for Thomas to return, but Vardon speculates that Tuesday’s home game against the Trail Blazers is more likely. The Cavs were wary about throwing Thomas into a high-profile game against the Warriors and would likely view the Celtics the same way. Another possible date is January 6, when Thomas has a new shoe coming out and Cleveland plays at Orlando.
There’s more today out of Cleveland:
- Tristan Thompson is putting up the worst numbers of his career and may be a trade candidate before the February 8 deadline, Vardon writes in a separate piece. Thompson’s playing time has been cut to 17.7 minutes per game and he is averaging just 4.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. He has been on a minutes restriction since missing 20 games with a strained left calf muscle, and the team has been successful with Kevin Love as the starting center.
- Free agent addition Jeff Green has taken on several roles since coming to Cleveland, notes Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Following the worst season of his career last year in Orlando, Green is happy in his new role with the Cavs. “I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t have any expectation,” Green said. “When I talked to T. Lue — we didn’t know back then, didn’t know the personnel that was going to be all in the locker room. It was just, ‘Jeff come in and be Jeff.’ Last year was a rough year so it was, ‘Jeff come in and be the player I know you can be. Play hard and things will fall into place.’ And that’s what’s happened.”
- LeBron James is putting up amazing numbers in his 15th NBA season, but the secrets to his longevity happened years ago, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
“Another possible date is January 6, when Thomas has a new shoe coming out and Cleveland plays at Orlando.” Yeah, because that’s what the NBA and sports in general is all about, right? Not playing and winning games, just about a player’s “brand” and merchandising. Pathetic.
It’s funny how fans kick their former favorite player and best player on the team once he’s out the door.
Thomas was the greatest point guard in the history of the NBA when he was on the Celtics. Now he’s pathetic. LOL
Uhh I don’t think he was kicking any one…
I agree that having him debut on the day of his shoe sale is kind of dumb. It’s a marketing gimmick.
Also, from another Bostonian, what Isaiah did for the city and the franchise means a great deal to the city and we will forever be grateful for having him. We wish him the best. I’m sure someday he’ll return to the city in some capacity and be welcomed with open arms.
Thanks, Drift. That was exactly my meaning. I’ll never forget what IT did last season. He made the C’s worth watching again and was probably the most compelling player that they’ve had since KG. He’ll always be remembered fondly and with MUCH respect. It was the timing of his return that I was talking about.
I think they timed the shoe debut months ago to coincide with his expected return. I think we heard in the summer that Thomas would be back in January sometime. No problem there for me.
Isaiah Thomas gave everything he had to the Celtics organization and his teammates and the fans. He played his heart out. He did not leave in free agency, the team traded him, so when he comes back to play I sure hope the fans cheer him resoundingly.