Washington Huskies In The NBA: Isaiah Thomas
By Evan Webeck
Apr 17, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings point guard Isaiah Thomas (22) attempts a shot over Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) during the fourth quarter at the Sleep Train Arena. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Sacramento Kings 112-108. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: A-
Statistics: 26.9 minutes, 13.9 points, 4.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 0.8 steals per games
IT took the NBA by storm last season and he didn’t fall into a sophomore slump in this one. His shooting percentages took a slight dip, but nothing to be concerned about. He worked his way into the starting lineup even more than he did during his rookie year, earning him about a minute-and-a-half more playing time per game. He made use of that time with an increase in scoring from 11.5 to 13.9 points per game. He was able to score more with lower shooting percentages by being more aggressive. The 5’9″ point guard took nearly two shots more per game and attempted over 100 more free throws.
Similar to Nate Robinson, Thomas completely exceeded expectations while providing excellent play at point guard for his team. It’s hard to find more value out of the 60th pick in the draft (I sure can’t in NBA 2k13).
I can’t remember the last time Thomas struggled at a level of basketball, probably because it hasn’t happened. Even as a freshman at UW, he was the leading scorer on the team. Each time he has entered a higher level of play, he’s done it as the underdog. Coming into Washington, he was just a ho-hum three-star recruit that didn’t play defense. Well, Lorenzo Romar changed that pretty quickly. Entering the NBA, he was the last pick in the draft that left college a year early. Well, he put up only slightly lower numbers than he would have in college. No matter where he goes, Thomas succeeds with determination and a unique scoring ability.
With so many players in the pros, it is hard to pick who is Romar’s biggest success, but Thomas makes a nice case for himself. With so much success just two years into his career, I can’t wait to see how he develops (I just wish it was in Seattle).