As tumultuous as the start of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season was, they never got to a point of desperation with point guard Isaiah Thomas.
Since Thomas was traded to the Cavs from the Boston Celtics as part of the Kyrie Irving deal, his hip injury has impeded him from playing a game thus far this season. But despite Cleveland dropping four straight games through late October into November, it never coerced Thomas into trying to play through the injury.
And even if it did, it likely would’ve gotten brushback from Thomas, the guard told Cleveland.com’s Joe Vardon.
“I’m protecting myself, so, even if they wanted me to hurry back, I’m not going to hurry back, just because I’ve got a long career ahead of me and an important summer as well,” Thomas told Vardon. “So, I’ve got to make sure I’m 100 percent healthy before I step out on the floor. But these guys have not rushed me one bit. They’ve taken their time with me and I appreciate that. Because most teams, they want you out there, especially if things aren’t going well.”
There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding Thomas’ hip dating back to his introductory press conference with the Cavs, when the team dodged questions regarding the injury.
They might not have to wait much longer, however, as Thomas could return as soon as mid-December. In the meantime, the Cavs are winners of four straight games.
