Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The Sacramento Kings aren’t too sure what to expect from certain players this season like the disgruntled DeMarcus Cousins and first-round NBA pick Ben McLemore.
But, they already know what they can expect from Isaiah Thomas, who is set for his third and best season in the NBA. Despite the other distractions the Kings have to handle, Thomas will be a steady force throughout the season, and Sacramento can rely on him in the clutch.
Now that the Kings are safely secured in Sacramento, one might think it should be smooth sailing this season, but there’s still too many question marks.
Thomas is poised, however, to give the Kings the best season of his life. With a year of maturity, a new coaching staff and other factors, Thomas is likely to improve on his 13.9 points, 2.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists from last season at the guard spot. How he’ll adjust to a backcourt that will include McLemore and new Kings guard Greivis Vasquez remains to be seen.
That said, there’s no reason why it couldn’t be among the best backcourts in the NBA. Vasquez averaged nine assists per game. They obviously know how to get the ball in the hand of scorers. Thomas was 44 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent in free throws. His 88.2 percent shooting accuracy in free throws is golden, and is why the Kings need to get the ball in his hands late in the game when the score is tight.
Right now, Thomas isn’t the Kings player getting the most attention; but when the season tips off, he’ll be as important as any other player on the team.
