With Isaiah Thomas’ return imminent, the question of how quickly the Cleveland Cavaliers can integrate him – especially when their team has won 18 of their last 19 games – is as important as any.
Thomas has been out for the entire season as he decided to rehab a torn labrum in his hip without surgery. When the Cavs made the blockbuster trade that sent All-Star Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round draft pick in 2018, this was already known. However, Irving’s desire to be traded, the defensive versatility of Crowder and the possibilities provided by having a valuable asset like a potential top-five pick in next year’s draft outweighed the concern over Thomas’ future health.