Isaiah Thomas Article- This Guy Is Awesome

[rainmaker]

Even though Thomas is the shortest Kings player, he has been pivotal in the past two home wins when the Kings needed to tighten up their defense late.

"When he's on the floor, you don't worry about him being posted up, because he's going to fight to keep a guy from posting him up," Kings coach Keith Smart said.

Thomas has received more playing time because of his confidence, leadership and performance on the court, Smart said.

"I started to see a lot of games we were close in, there was one reason – and it was him," Smart said. "You see, when he's on the floor, the team is in a positive flow, and you've got to reward guys like that."

How Thomas responded to his turnover is the kind of play Smart has come to expect.

"He made a mistake on the other end and got back into the play," Smart said. "He didn't quit on the play, and he goes up and gets a huge play – a winning play."

Thomas said he tries to be a "pest" defensively and hopes teammates follow his lead.

"When you see me out there picking up fullcourt, that kind of gets everybody else in that mindset that we can get a stop this possession," Thomas said.

"I'm not saying I'm the reason why we're getting stops, but I feel like when I'm in the game I bring a different attitude, and I'm going to change the pace of the game, not just on offense but on the defensive end, and guys see that."

"Guys don't like to be physical like that more than I thought in this league, so I try to push them around," Thomas said.

Thomas, who thought teams would try to attack him more defensively, enjoys being the aggressor.

"My teammates help me out a lot," Thomas said. " … Being a defensive player, I don't want anybody scoring on me, so I'm going to try to do whatever I can for them not to score on me."

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/04/4238233/kings-isaiah-thomas-earns-trust.html

Is there anything not to like about this kid? Love his attitude. Love how he wants to get into guys defensively and push them around. I'm flat out excited about IT's future.

Most likely as a 6th man, but he can be great in that role. Has the same kind of confidence/toughness as BJax did, and their game is somewhat similar.

He still has a lot to work on, as do all rookies but his toughness on defense, energy and composure in running the offense and calming presence is outstanding for a rookie, any rookie, let alone the last pick.

 

[Glenn]

Yes, I don't love him 'cause he's short.

Anyway, he has the strength to be more of a defensive player than anticipated. He obviously is confidant. That block was awesome and although one play doesn't define a player, the fact that this guy blocked by coming down on the shooter face to face is a remarkable bit of athleticism.

 

[bluntsnbball]

That block the other night was nuts!!! He blocked it with his forearm he was so high in the air! His "peskiness" on D may be one of the bigger reasons that he's been taking up minutes from Jimmer imo. He does a lot more and is a different player than Jimmer, but hes not quite the defensive liability that jimmer is.

 

[mac]

That block the other night was nuts!!! He blocked it with his forearm he was so high in the air! His "peskiness" on D may be one of the bigger reasons that he's been taking up minutes from Jimmer imo. He does a lot more and is a different player than Jimmer, but hes not quite the defensive liability that jimmer is.

One of the advantages of drafting a good player so late in the draft is that on top of their talent they are likely to have a huge drive to succeed and work hard. I think the biggest thing he brings to our team is that fire and energy that we sorta used to have with Cisco, Brockman etc.

 

[The_Jamal]

One of the advantages of drafting a good player so late in the draft is that on top of their talent they are likely to have a huge drive to succeed and work hard. I think the biggest thing he brings to our team is that fire and energy that we sorta used to have with Cisco, Brockman etc.

Interesting fact. That Brockman deal is actually what netted us IT. So that trade turned out pretty darn well for us.

I'm also very excited for IT's future. I feel like his ceiling is somewhere around a JJ Barea offensively with being a far better defensive presence/ athleticism. He'll be a successful NBA player as long as Smart keeps him in that 20ish minute role and let him be that sparkplug for the team

 

[IfAt1st]

I was totally blown away by IT's block on the Blazers.
(And that wasn't the play where he made a mistake - that was Thornton's mistakeS)

I really dig his style of fearless play.
It shows how much of success is mental, and why I carefully watch a player's mental approach to get indicators as to their success in the league.

 

[King Baller]

IT is great. I do think he will be more effective off the bench. A guy like IT is great for change of pace. If the NBA stacks defenses for him he becomes less effective.

KB

 

[Arkitect]

Gotta give GP credit for getting this guy with the last pick. He doesn't back down from anyone and that kind of attitude is great to have on a team. Definitely the type of player that other guys don't want to play against. Glad he is on our team.

 

[Sac.1989]

Definetly overtaken jimmer in the guard rotation despite the latter starting of late.

 

[upinsmoke]

Jimmer's role is becoming non-existent on the floor at least, he is best served to move merchandise. sarcasm aside as long as we have Thornton, IT and Garcia Jimmers mins will continue to be limited.