Isolation Scoring
James needs a teammate that can excel in isolation scoring. LeBron has often been on teams where he was the only player that could score efficiently in the isolation. This puts a heavy burden on LeBron to be the focal point of the offense and carry them offensively every night.
Having a player like Irving allowed James to take breaks offensively. With Irving, LeBron knew that he didn’t have to be the focal point of the offense every possession. Thomas also has the ability to take that burden off LeBron.
Irving and Thomas are two of the best in the league in isolation. Thomas was in the 95th percentile of isolation players in the NBA. He averaged 1.12 points per possession in isolation, which is the exact same points per isolation as Irving.
Being able to exploit mismatches in isolation is key when playing a great defensive team like the Warriors. The Cavs are most successful against the Warriors when they are able to exploit mismatches. Irving’s shot in Game 7 of the Finals was a perfect example of that. Irving was able to attack Steph Curry in the isolation after J.R. Smith forced the switch.
Like Irving, Thomas has the ability to attack the switch in isolation. His ability to do that is key to the Cavs’ success.