Isaiah Thomas

It's lovely to see Isaiah Thomas on an NBA floor playing meaningful minutes again.

That, right there, could be the whole story.

For those that are not aware, Thomas was the final pick in the 2011 draft. At 5'9” he was an outside shot to play an NBA game, let alone make a career in the league. But Thomas worked his way into the Kings starting lineup, played well for the Suns and eventually ended up in Boston, where he was an All Star in 2016 and 2017. The little man was ready for his big payday before a hip injury ended his playoffs and started a steep downward spiral.

He was traded to Cleveland as part of the Kyrie Irving deal, but his hip limited him to 15 hobbled games and was traded again mid season to the Lakers, with similar unflattering on court performances.

Instead of a presumed max contract, Thomas played in Denver last season for the veterans minimum and even then was limited by injury to just 12 games.

This season in Washington is likely his final NBA chance.

That's why it's great to see the Little Man playing well. In 23 minutes a night, Thomas is averaging 13.2 points, shooting 36.4% from deep. He's been effective getting to his spots on the floor, showing a burst that whilst isn't peak IT, is better than he has had since his final days in Boston.

Thomas turns 31 this season. Age and injuries mean he is on the downhill, but he's still such a joy to watch. Let's hope we get a few more good seasons out of that tiny package.

 

Malcolm Brogdon

Brogdon's had to prove people wrong from the get-go in his NBA career.

An All-American Collegiate, he fell to the second round as an 'old' rookie (23) and amid some injury concerns.

He won the 2017 Rookie of the Year, but that was considered a fluke as presumed favourites Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid were both injured.

He thrived in Milwaukee's 4-out system, but was seen as a product of that system. Of being a ship lifted by the rising tide that is Giannis Antetokounmpo.

So his four year, $85 million contract with Indiana was viewed with a healthy amount of scepticism by the NBA community. Yet, Brogdon has again proved all of us wrong.

So far this season, without injured star Victor Oladipo, Brogdon is pouring in 20.8 points and dishing 8.9 assists (good for second in the league) whilst leading the Pacers to a 6-4 record.

As expected his shooting numbers have dipped without Giannis (50.6% effective field goal percentage, down from 57.5% last season) but the raw stats as well as the eye test say that Brogdon is a genuine high end lead guard.

A true leader on and off the court, Brogdon has given the Pacers a genuine second star.

 

Tristan Thompson

A shining light in the moribund existence of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is long time starting centre Tristan Thompson. The nine year veteran is averaging 16.4 points, 11.3 boards and 1.6 blocks – all career highs.

The Canadian has always been a solid defender and high energy rim runner, but actual competent NBA level scoring moves always seemed beyond him. He has certainly been aided by the return to health of Kevin Love. Their double act has been the sole bright spot for the Cavs.

Thompson even found time to knock down the first 3 pointer of his career! 

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