Isaiah Thomas is a better fit than Kyrie Irving
Pick-and-Roll
Thomas is also one of the best players in the NBA at attacking in pick-and-roll situations. James and Irving formed a deadly pick-and-roll combination in Cleveland over the last three years. The numbers show that James and Thomas could be even better in the pick-and-roll.
Thomas was in the 94th percentile as a ball-handler in the pick-and-roll averaging 1.04 points per possession. Irving was in the 82nd percentile last season in these situations averaging 0.96 points per possession.
Thomas has shown that he can replace Irving’s production in this area as well.
The key to Isaiah Thomas will be his ability to adapt to playing with LeBron. He certainly has the skill-set to replace Irving offensively.
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If Thomas can continue to put up similar numbers in these three categories like he did last year, the Cavs may be inching closer to closing the gap against the Warriors.