The Dallas Mavericks, like virtually every team in the NBA this season, have been put in a tough situation because of the surge in positive COVID-19 tests. But, they scrambled in a way that no other team likely has to remain eligible.
Teams have brought plays in at the last minute, but the way that they landed Isaiah Thomas is likely one that will never be replicated. Thomas had played on a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, but they did not renew his deal.
As a result, he had returned home to Seattle. But, he didn’t remain home for very long. The Mavericks called him and he made it down to California to play against the Sacramento Kings just a few hours later.
“It’s crazy because I was at Fred Meyer this morning getting some groceries and Nico had called me,” Thomas said. “The first thing he was asking me was, “You think you can play tonight?’ I was like, ‘Hell yeah I can play tonight.’
“It’s been a lot, but I’m built for this. I’m ready for it. I’m thankful for the opportunity and it was a no-brainer when he asked.”
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It has been a whirlwind week for Isaiah Thomas. He played in four games with the Lakers, the last of which was on December 23rd. He received playing time right away with the Mavericks, as he scored six points with four assists in 13 minutes.
Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd spoke highly of the performance that Thomas had. It is not easy to do what he did, but he did what he could to help put Dallas in a position to win the game. A buzzer-beater by Chimezie Metu sunk the Mavericks, but Kidd still spoke highly of Thomas’s performance.
“I thought he did great,” Kidd said. “To come from home (in Seattle), to come and help us put us in a position to win, I thought he was really good.”
These kinds of scramble situations have been persistent as teams have players entering the league’s health and safety protocols on a daily basis. But, being a veteran as Isaiah Thomas is, makes it a little easier.
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Even if he doesn’t have any practice time or a full grasp of the playbook, he can provide some production. Kristaps Porzingis communicated with Thomas throughout the game and was impressed by how well he played.
“I talked to him a little bit before the game and throughout the game,” Porzingis said. “He was making reads.
“He’s an experienced player. He knows this game. I think he gave us a little bit of a spark today. We’ll see going forward, but it’s good to have somebody that’s so experienced on the team.”
Dallas was in the market for a secondary ball-handler throughout the offseason. Given the current state of the roster, there is a chance that Thomas can carve out that role for himself.
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The Mavericks will certainly need him for the time being, as they are without their superstar point guard, Luka Doncic. In addition to him, Tim Hardaway Jr., Trey Burke and Brandon Knight, who is also on a 10-day contract, are all sidelined as well.
