2024 NBA Season

[Russlenat]

One reason I can think of is that they can offer IT a one year veteran salary just like what they offered to others. If IT bite then it's good for the Lakers are they can work it out within their budget. And there's not much left players to trade, they have overhauled their roster already.

Yeah, I agree that he is no longer the same IT when he was traded to Cleveland because of so many injuries. But the guy can score easily every game and can give quality minutes while in the floor, if some of the Lakers stars are resting.

His main goal at the moment is to return to the NBA. So I think Thomas will be happy even if the Lakers or any other teams offer him a 1-year contract with a minimum salary. By the way, it seems that IT is still a good scorer, considering that he was able to score 81 points in a pro-am league game a couple of weeks ago.

Based on his stats, I think he cannot do it anymore in the NBA in a normal game.

In his last season playing with the Pelicans, his scoring is down to single-digit average only.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomais02.html

IMO, that doesn't look good but I know his impact on the floor is huge as a 2nd unit, only if another team will sign him again.

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[Sanitough]

One reason I can think of is that they can offer IT a one year veteran salary just like what they offered to others. If IT bite then it's good for the Lakers are they can work it out within their budget. And there's not much left players to trade, they have overhauled their roster already.

Yeah, I agree that he is no longer the same IT when he was traded to Cleveland because of so many injuries. But the guy can score easily every game and can give quality minutes while in the floor, if some of the Lakers stars are resting.

His main goal at the moment is to return to the NBA. So I think Thomas will be happy even if the Lakers or any other teams offer him a 1-year contract with a minimum salary. By the way, it seems that IT is still a good scorer, considering that he was able to score 81 points in a pro-am league game a couple of weeks ago.

Based on his stats, I think he cannot do it anymore in the NBA in a normal game.

In his last season playing with the Pelicans, his scoring is down to single-digit average only.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomais02.html

IMO, that doesn't look good but I know his impact on the floor is huge as a 2nd unit, only if another team will sign him again.

His stats have dropped because he is only playing with limited minutes, unlike the time when he was still with the Boston Celtics where he is part of the starters, actually a star in the team. However, I believe there's still a lot he can offer to the NBA, so any team would get him would have a chance to use his skills and benefit from his expereince, the Lakers is a good fit for him and hopefully Bron will give him an opportunity to play with him.

[redhack]

His main goal at the moment is to return to the NBA. So I think Thomas will be happy even if the Lakers or any other teams offer him a 1-year contract with a minimum salary. By the way, it seems that IT is still a good scorer, considering that he was able to score 81 points in a pro-am league game a couple of weeks ago.

Why is he still free agent anyway? Normally teams should get in line to sign him. Something's wrong here.

[dwyane36]

Based on his stats, I think he cannot do it anymore in the NBA in a normal game.

In his last season playing with the Pelicans, his scoring is down to single-digit average only.
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thomais02.html

IMO, that doesn't look good but I know his impact on the floor is huge as a 2nd unit, only if another team will sign him again.

Of course, Thomas won't be able to perform as well as he did in the Celtics, but I wouldn't be surprised if he is still capable of scoring 10-12 points per game. Also, I think his low stats for the previous season don't matter because he played only three games for the Pelicans.

[harizen]

His stats have dropped because he is only playing with limited minutes, unlike the time when he was still with the Boston Celtics where he is part of the starters, actually a star in the team.

That's the reason why IT is not a valuable player now to consider by other teams. Even he will be signed by the Lakers, I doubt he can give any impact on them. He will still have that limited minutes. Take the example of Dwight Howard, he only played a minimal time a couple of seasons ago with the Lakers even he's still active and can be dominant in the paint. That's the Lakers system.

No offense for IT fans but don't expect him to explode if he is signed by the Lakers. It will be just a normal veteran signing. No big deal.

[danherbias07]

No offense for IT fans but don't expect him to explode if he is signed by the Lakers. It will be just a normal veteran signing. No big deal.

I agree, but he could be a good floor spacer if they need one and Lakers are signing in short contract deals so I guess that's the reason why he floated in the conversation. He is not that good anymore but he ain't also that bad.
He was also hyped because of this. LOOK: Isaiah Thomas scores 81 points at Crawsover Pro-Am game

I'm wondering why are the Lakers only limiting their options to these 2 players? They can offer a trade for someone else or try to get a good player in the free agency right?

Yes. I think this is the media and the fans adding more fuel to the rumors from the work out with Lebron and WB.
https://sports.yahoo.com/report-lakers-worked-isaiah-thomas-144023614.html
Let's see what the Lakers will really do but I really doubt about taking a risk trading some of their players for Patrick Beverley.

[TravelMug]

His stats have dropped because he is only playing with limited minutes, unlike the time when he was still with the Boston Celtics where he is part of the starters, actually a star in the team.

That's the reason why IT is not a valuable player now to consider by other teams. Even he will be signed by the Lakers, I doubt he can give any impact on them. He will still have that limited minutes. Take the example of Dwight Howard, he only played a minimal time a couple of seasons ago with the Lakers even he's still active and can be dominant in the paint. That's the Lakers system.

Yes, IT to be a role player if ever he signs with the Lakers, probably a good 10-15 minutes per game if extended or he plays that good scoring 10+ or more given his time.

No offense for IT fans but don't expect him to explode if he is signed by the Lakers. It will be just a normal veteran signing. No big deal.

One year veteran contract, I think it's still good for IT, at least being back in the NBA, another opportunity for him to earn that contract and hopefully a chance to be a NBA champions with the Lakers.

[Bttzed03]

His main goal at the moment is to return to the NBA. So I think Thomas will be happy even if the Lakers or any other teams offer him a 1-year contract with a minimum salary. By the way, it seems that IT is still a good scorer, considering that he was able to score 81 points in a pro-am league game a couple of weeks ago.

Why is he still free agent anyway? Normally teams should get in line to sign him. Something's wrong here.

Obviously 81 points is good but that's still not the NBA. It all went down for him because of the injury and the way he or his agent handled the contract negotiation with the Celtics. I don't blame him for making demands but there's just too many talent who are younger and less injury prone that the Celtics could pick to replace him. He should have known better.

[Dave1]

His main goal at the moment is to return to the NBA. So I think Thomas will be happy even if the Lakers or any other teams offer him a 1-year contract with a minimum salary. By the way, it seems that IT is still a good scorer, considering that he was able to score 81 points in a pro-am league game a couple of weeks ago.

Why is he still free agent anyway? Normally teams should get in line to sign him. Something's wrong here.

Obviously 81 points is good but that's still not the NBA. It all went down for him because of the injury and the way he or his agent handled the contract negotiation with the Celtics. I don't blame him for making demands but there's just too many talent who are younger and less injury prone that the Celtics could pick to replace him. He should have known better.

Yeah, but maybe it put a hype on him, making noises around the bastketball world and LA take notice of it give him the time to work out with the team and let's see how it goes for IT. For sure he understands that he is no longer in his prime, can't make any more demand specially after he gets injured. Probably trying to salvage his career and could be his last chance. But I still remember when IT was still at his best in Celtics, unbelievable to see his plays during that time.

[arwin100]

His main goal at the moment is to return to the NBA. So I think Thomas will be happy even if the Lakers or any other teams offer him a 1-year contract with a minimum salary. By the way, it seems that IT is still a good scorer, considering that he was able to score 81 points in a pro-am league game a couple of weeks ago.

Why is he still free agent anyway? Normally teams should get in line to sign him. Something's wrong here.

Obviously 81 points is good but that's still not the NBA. It all went down for him because of the injury and the way he or his agent handled the contract negotiation with the Celtics. I don't blame him for making demands but there's just too many talent who are younger and less injury prone that the Celtics could pick to replace him. He should have known better.

Yeah, but maybe it put a hype on him, making noises around the bastketball world and LA take notice of it give him the time to work out with the team and let's see how it goes for IT. For sure he understands that he is no longer in his prime, can't make any more demand specially after he gets injured. Probably trying to salvage his career and could be his last chance. But I still remember when IT was still at his best in Celtics, unbelievable to see his plays during that time.

It's hard to put a guy who cannot achieve their wants and for sure they will suffer the addition if Thomas cannot meet their expectation to him, Maybe best for lakers to get a fresh legs which can help LBJ,AD and Westbrook on the court. I don't mean IT is a bad player but we know that he is not on his prime anymore and to many disadvantages if lakers will get him( This is just my opinion but let see how the journey to get back on NBA goes).

[Finestream]

His main goal at the moment is to return to the NBA. So I think Thomas will be happy even if the Lakers or any other teams offer him a 1-year contract with a minimum salary. By the way, it seems that IT is still a good scorer, considering that he was able to score 81 points in a pro-am league game a couple of weeks ago.

Why is he still free agent anyway? Normally teams should get in line to sign him. Something's wrong here.

Obviously 81 points is good but that's still not the NBA. It all went down for him because of the injury and the way he or his agent handled the contract negotiation with the Celtics. I don't blame him for making demands but there's just too many talent who are younger and less injury prone that the Celtics could pick to replace him. He should have known better.

Yeah, but maybe it put a hype on him, making noises around the bastketball world and LA take notice of it give him the time to work out with the team and let's see how it goes for IT. For sure he understands that he is no longer in his prime, can't make any more demand specially after he gets injured. Probably trying to salvage his career and could be his last chance. But I still remember when IT was still at his best in Celtics, unbelievable to see his plays during that time.

It's hard to put a guy who cannot achieve their wants and for sure they will suffer the addition if Thomas cannot meet their expectation to him, Maybe best for lakers to get a fresh legs which can help LBJ,AD and Westbrook on the court. I don't mean IT is a bad player but we know that he is not on his prime anymore and to many disadvantages if lakers will get him( This is just my opinion but let see how the journey to get back on NBA goes).

We all know that IT is not in his prime anymore, but if he gets added to the Lakers line up he would not be a liability in terms of contract as he won't be paid like Lebron or Davis, he will only get a veteran salary but his contribution will be vital for the team.

[Kasabus]

We all know that IT is not in his prime anymore, but if he gets added to the Lakers line up he would not be a liability in terms of contract as he won't be paid like Lebron or Davis, he will only get a veteran salary but his contribution will be vital for the team.

He is not in his prime not because of his age but because of the injury, he suffered when he was still playing with his past team Boston Celtics. He is only 32 years old, if he did not suffer the injury, he could still be one of the best PG now and he could have a maximum contract.

The LA Lakers is a rich team, they know if they what they are doing, they would not acquire a player if they know it would not contribute to the team's goal.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

I think if they will choose they should go for IT. They badly need a shooter and IT could provide. I just don't know if James will like the idea because he didn't look pleased with him when they signed him at Cavs to play with him. The chemistry is not there and it's so bad they are like two players playing in different teams.
Let Beverley stay with the Wolves, they need a veteran there to help KAT and DLo.

Yes, I definitely agree with you that IT could be a better fit that Pat Beverley. It seems though that James has forgo of the past, he seems to be interested of him to help them out for the next season. Perhaps he was expecting big from IT when he was in the Cavs, but it was a different IT because of the injury. Yeah, let Pat stay with the Wolves and see how it goes, he could be a good leader experience wise to help and guide the young Wolves teams.

[Maslate]

I think if they will choose they should go for IT. They badly need a shooter and IT could provide. I just don't know if James will like the idea because he didn't look pleased with him when they signed him at Cavs to play with him. The chemistry is not there and it's so bad they are like two players playing in different teams.
Let Beverley stay with the Wolves, they need a veteran there to help KAT and DLo.

Yes, I definitely agree with you that IT could be a better fit that Pat Beverley. It seems though that James has forgo of the past, he seems to be interested of him to help them out for the next season. Perhaps he was expecting big from IT when he was in the Cavs, but it was a different IT because of the injury. Yeah, let Pat stay with the Wolves and see how it goes, he could be a good leader experience wise to help and guide the young Wolves teams.

IT is a liability in defence, but it will not have a big effect on the Lakers as they have other 4 players on the floor that are good defensively. They can take care of the shaded area as James and Davis will are good defenders, so it's still good if they'll acquire IT. Attitude is very important and I think Pat does not have that and it will cause his team's chemistry a problem in the long run.

[Reid]

Man, I didn't know Van Exel was on the sidelines in different teams until now. 
Nick Van Exel returns to Atlanta Hawks as assistant coach
Good news for the Hawks.
He had been a player development instructor for quite some time with different players and teams and now he will be in the front to assist them and try to win a championship.
After a good run from the Hawks last season I thought they won't even change anything. But this is good, they are upgrading in the coaching side instead of trading players.

[Viscore]

Man, I didn't know Van Exel was on the sidelines in different teams until now. 
Nick Van Exel returns to Atlanta Hawks as assistant coach
Good news for the Hawks.
He had been a player development instructor for quite some time with different players and teams and now he will be in the front to assist them and try to win a championship.
After a good run from the Hawks last season I thought they won't even change anything. But this is good, they are upgrading in the coaching side instead of trading players.

I don't know the track record of Van Exel but I know he is one of the great players in the NBA back in 90's IIRC.  Hawks had an unexpected run last season, they don't change their lineup, they just need to ensure that they are healthy next season especially their star player Trae Young.

[Jating]

Man, I didn't know Van Exel was on the sidelines in different teams until now. 
Nick Van Exel returns to Atlanta Hawks as assistant coach
Good news for the Hawks.
He had been a player development instructor for quite some time with different players and teams and now he will be in the front to assist them and try to win a championship.
After a good run from the Hawks last season I thought they won't even change anything. But this is good, they are upgrading in the coaching side instead of trading players.

I don't know the track record of Van Exel but I know he is one of the great players in the NBA back in 90's IIRC.  Hawks had an unexpected run last season, they don't change their lineup, they just need to ensure that they are healthy next season especially their star player Trae Young.

He was once a Laker and played with Kobe early on Bryant's career.

I would say that he is a decent shooting guard, a lefty if I remember and very quick. So if we hear news of players getting a position whether assistant coach or development instructor it's very welcoming because they can mentor any player on the team itself and give them guidance and tips because they have the experience to back it up. Speaking of Hawks, yeah, it was great run last year, who would have thought that they beat the NYK and then the Sixers. Sad though that Trae Young got injured, but hopefully he will remain healthy next season.

[LogitechMouse]

I think if they will choose they should go for IT. They badly need a shooter and IT could provide. I just don't know if James will like the idea because he didn't look pleased with him when they signed him at Cavs to play with him. The chemistry is not there and it's so bad they are like two players playing in different teams.
Let Beverley stay with the Wolves, they need a veteran there to help KAT and DLo.

Isaiah Thomas is just a literal backup now. Not a shooter or playmaker anymore. His skill and talent before are now gone even during back when he is on Cleveland Cavaliers. Pat Beverly is much good but I don't think he and Lebron will make chemistry. This guy is like Dennis Schroder.

I'm wondering why are the Lakers only limiting their options to these 2 players? They can offer a trade for someone else or try to get a good player in the free agency right?

One reason I can think of is that they can offer IT a one year veteran salary just like what they offered to others. If IT bite then it's good for the Lakers are they can work it out within their budget. And there's not much left players to trade, they have overhauled their roster already.

Yeah, I agree that he is no longer the same IT when he was traded to Cleveland because of so many injuries. But the guy can score easily every game and can give quality minutes while in the floor, if some of the Lakers stars are resting.

When he is on the Celtics, he is like the superstar of the team. He is the smallest on the court but he is scoring big shots after big shots. From an average player when he is on the Kings to a superstar-like player when he is on that team. All of that gone like *poof* just because of the injuries.

The IT that we know that time isn't the IT we know anymore but I think that he can still be help the Lakers. Maybe he can give him a 10 day deal like what Pelicans gave to him last season (although nothing happened after that 10 day contract). I still believe that he can still be a big scorer. The only problem with him is that his height is very short if you will put him on a shooting guard position. The only position for him is PG and unfortunately Westbrook took that spot already. Maybe he can still help their bench.

[carlisle1]

Man, I didn't know Van Exel was on the sidelines in different teams until now. 
Nick Van Exel returns to Atlanta Hawks as assistant coach
Good news for the Hawks.
He had been a player development instructor for quite some time with different players and teams and now he will be in the front to assist them and try to win a championship.
After a good run from the Hawks last season I thought they won't even change anything. But this is good, they are upgrading in the coaching side instead of trading players.

I don't know the track record of Van Exel but I know he is one of the great players in the NBA back in 90's IIRC.  Hawks had an unexpected run last season, they don't change their lineup, they just need to ensure that they are healthy next season especially their star player Trae Young.

I also remember him way back from the Lakers,
he's one of those small players that help to lift the team, he's an all star.

Working as an assistant coach with the same type of player when you are in your prime, Van Exel may help Young mentally.

He can share those experiences and help young to maximize his talents. It's good progress for Van Exel's career,
giving enough exposure who knows he also got that same chance like those NBA stars who are now coaching well known franchises.

[harizen]

After a good run from the Hawks last season I thought they won't even change anything. But this is good, they are upgrading in the coaching side instead of trading players.

Yes, that was a good move by the Hawks.

Instead of the roster revamped, the Hawks intend to stay with the same lineup they have last season. They have a good run last season and I think only a few will think that they will reach a Conference Finals or even pass the first round. A good decision to give their youngsters a chance to adjust.

Van Excel's experience as part of the development team of several teams to being an assistant coach will surely help the Hawks youngsters