Isaiah Thomas’ late-season hip injury may be of concern to his new Cavaliers team. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge told reporters that Thomas’ slow recovery from the ailment played a role in the team’s decision to trade him in a package for Kyrie Irving. Ainge also said the Celtics were worried Thomas might be delayed to start next season.
Isaiah Thomas’ hip injury played ‘some’ role in Celtics trade for Kyrie Irving
Danny Ainge said Thomas could be “delayed” to start the season.
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Where did this come from?
Thomas missed the final three-and-a-half playoff games for the Celtics against the Cavaliers in the semifinals last season with the injury. It lingered through the offseason and called into question whether the 28-year-old needed surgery. It turned out that he didn’t.
How much of a role did this really play in the trade?
Some. Ainge said he thought Thomas would be be “fine and get healthy as the season comes along.” But any delay for a team bringing on a new star is a lot.
Are the Cavs worried?
Not really.
Thomas hasn’t had his physical with the Cavs yet, but Boston believed that rest and rehab would be enough to get him back to 100 percent, according to Wojnarowski,
That runs contrary to Ainge’s quote, but nobody can be too sure how Thomas, a player who relies on speed and mobility, will heal.
Should Thomas be worried?
In a contract year, Thomas will have to prove he’s past his injury to warrant the maximum contract by any team as an unrestricted free agent next season. Next to LeBron James he has the spotlight on a contender yet again as long as he’s healthy.
As long as he doesn’t miss too much time, and comes back close to the form he was in last season, Thomas is due a big payday.
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