Nuggets’ Coach Removes Isaiah Thomas From the Rotation

Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots a lay up against Western Conference center Marc Gasol (33). Photo by Stephen Lew/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (8413777cd)

Denver Nuggets’ coach Michael Malone decided to remove point guard Isaiah Thomas from the rotation as his team is getting ready to make a final push for the No.1 seed in the Western Conference. Isaiah was DNP-CD for Tuesday’s game against Minnesota Timberwolves, and this might become a common occurrence for the final stretch of regular season games.

“Oh, you definitely talk to him (about the decision), and I’ll keep that conversation between IT and myself,” – said Malone. “(It’s) not an easy conversation, but that’s my job.”

Malone stated that the reason Thomas didn’t play is because he wants to have a smaller rotation in the upcoming weeks.

“Obviously, 16 (regular-season) games to go, (we’re going to) try to find a rhythm,” – he added. “And a rotation that I feel gives us the best chance to win now, and into the playoffs.”

After being traded several times and dealing with hip injuries for the better part of the last two years, Isaiah Thomas hoped he could resurrect his career with the Denver Nuggets. Thomas signed a minimum one-year deal in the summer with the team, wanting to prove he can still be on his MVP-candidate level from 2016-17 NBA season and get a lucrative long term deal this summer. Let’s just say things didn’t exactly work out that way.

Thomas had to undergo hip surgery in the summer and didn’t make his debut for the Nuggets until February 13th in a 120–118 win over the Sacramento Kings, when he scored eight points. He played a total of nine games this season and average 8.6 points and 1.7 assists per game. 

Ben loves sports so much but prefers watching other people do it. He prefers not to share what teams he's supporting but he is willing to admit that Lebron James is, in fact, the king.