6th Man of the Year: Isaiah Thomas, PG Denver Nuggets
One thing I know about former Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas: you can knock him over, but you can’t keep him down for long.
After reaching his professional high–averaging nearly 30 points for game and leading the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals–while dealing with a personal low–the tragic death of his younger sister Chyna–Isaiah Thomas had the worst season of his career.
The Celtics traded Thomas to the Cavaliers in exchange for Kyrie Irving and Thomas never found his pre-injuy form before being shipped to Los Angeles and struggling with the Lakers to finish out the season.
Following the season, Thomas had another hip surgery and will not be ready to suit up to start the season. However, Thomas is teaming up with old pal and Nuggets coach Mike Malone, who Thomas credits with his development in Sacramento. If Thomas returns healthy, he will be a perfect fit off the bench for Denver.
The 5-foot-9 jitter bug showed in Boston how effective he can be in the pick-and-roll when paired with an intelligent big man, Al Horford. Thomas and Nuggets center Nikola Jokic will form an impossible, unswitchable pick-and-roll combination that will make the Nuggets offense soar in the minutes those two share.
Thomas will bring a shot of adrenaline off the Denver bench, while opponents are needing shots of oxygen in the high-altitude air. Jokic makes Jamal Murray and Gary Harris look so good the Nuggets front office considers them untouchable (HA!). Imagine how good Thomas will look playing next to him.
Lou Williams will chucking up shots and drawing ridiculous fouls all season long in Los Angeles, trying to hold on this award for one more season. Marcus Smart, Terry Rozier, and Marcus Morris of the Boston Celtics are all good enough to win the award. JJ Redick is coming off the bench in Philadelphia for now.