Having gone through very dark times in recent years, Isaiah Thomas is finally validating his return to the fore. A joy for him, for the fans, but also for his teammates – because make no mistake: IT is unanimous.
A few months ago, Isaiah Thomas burst into tears in front of the cameras, worn out from failing in his quest for the NBA. But while many were those who buried him, the elf worked hard, chained 10-day contracts in Los Angeles and Dallas in particular, before finding the right fit in Charlotte. The unmistakable sign? The Hornets just offered a new 10-Day Contract to IT this Saturday, the day following his 14-point performance off the bench once morest the Pelicans.
In Charlotte, Isaiah Thomas has already conquered everyone
At ease on the floor and as a vocal leader on the bench, Thomas gives the impression of being made for this young Hornets roster. Miles Bridges will not tell you otherwise:
He keeps everyone cool. He has experience, he has been through a lot, especially in the playoffs. He’s just a great teammate and a great veteran.
Charlotte Obsever
In terms of basketball, IT does what it knows how to do: shooting, with an upwardly revised outdoor address, creation, and the job of “floor general”. But beyond the stats (9.7 points in 13.7 minutes), what James Borrego particularly appreciates is that the presence of the former Celtic allows LaMelo Ball to breathe creation. The complementarity between the two men is also obvious, and Thomas is delighted with his role as a mentor to LaVar’s son:
He will be the face of this league. He’s what, 19 or 20 and he’s already an All-Star. Give it a few years. My job while I’m here is to make sure he takes every possession seriously and establishes himself as the leader of this team. Young or not, he has the ball in his hands a lot, and therefore he must take this responsibility to be talkative, to assert himself. He did it tonight, and the sky’s the limit for this kid.
Charlotte Observer
Finally accepted, respected, appreciated and pampered by the Hornets cocoon around him, Thomas has found what he has been looking for for many years. To the point of finishing the season with Charlotte? That’s what most fans want, and while it’s not official, coach James Borrego still seems to be projecting a lot when talking regarding IT:
I would like Melo to play more off the ball sometimes. Because the defenses are so on edge on him, physical on the pick-and-roll. And IT sees the game so well, understands match-ups so well, that he’s an extension of me on the court. He sees what needs to be done and makes it happen. So it adds more depth to our attack.
Charlotte Observer
The main interested party, he does not hide that he would see himself continuing the adventure. Because for the first time in a long time, he feels calm, well in his sneakers and in his basketball:
I am comfortable here. The guys welcomed me with open arms, the staff too. They allow me to be myself, they allow me to be a leader, to have a strong voice and to help young people. And I’m here for that, to help these young guys, because I’ve seen some green ones and some unripe ones. I’ve seen almost everything in this league, and my experience adds to the talent of these guys. They have the talent, but to succeed in the NBA it takes more than that. So I have to help Melo, T-Ro (Rozier, editor’s note) and everyone else while I’m here, be a positive impact on the franchise in any way I can.
Charlotte Observer
The marriage between Isaiah Thomas and the Hornets is in the middle of a honeymoon, and we can only wish both parties that it lasts. Because with potential play-ins in sight, the leprechaun’s experience would not be negligible…
