Anyone else think that IT can sneak in for ROY with KI out?

OGSactownballer · Post #1 » by **OGSactownballer** » Fri Apr 6, 2012 4:20 am

Here is the opportunity that was needed.

I do not wish injury on anyone, but wouldn't that be something?

SacKingsPejaFan · Post #2 » by **SacKingsPejaFan** » Fri Apr 6, 2012 6:14 am

I don't see it happening. I don't even think he'll edge out Rubio for second. Irving and Rubio have been media favorites since day 1 and have backed up their hype by putting up eye-catching season averages and improving their teams' winning percentage from the previous year.

December, January, and first half of February, Thomas was really a non-factor--he might as well have been injured like Rubio and Irving are now--whereas Irving and Rubio had immediate impacts and have looked stellar whenever they were healthy. Then you see how worse off Irving and Rubio's teams are when they're out, you can't help but see their value-added and non-emptiness of their stats. A lot of people believe that Thomas wouldn't be getting these ROM awards if Rubio was healthy, and they're probably right. That hurts his case.

Even if Irving doesn't come back and even though Rubio isn't coming back, Thomas doesn't have a chance unless he brings it to a totally different level throughout all of April. Ironically, his case would have been better if he was injured until mid-February, because his play before then has kept his season averages utterly underwhelming--11 points and 3.8 assists. Say what you want about his play the last 6 or so weeks; season averages mean a lot for ROY voting, and people will not vote for a guy who averaged 11 and 3.8, when there's guys like Rubio and Irving: Rubio was 10+ points, 8+ assists, and 2+ steals -- and at one point was something like 3rd in the league in assists and 2nd in steals. Irving is about 19 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 41% 3pt%.

To even have the slightest chance of finishing second, he'll need to average 20+ points, 10+ assists for April; have a 40+ point game or 20+ assist game or hit a gamewinner against a playoff team to make a headline; and the Kings will have to go on a big winning streak. Because none of these things will likely happen, Thomas getting 1st or even 2nd place votes is a pipe dream.

rpa · Post #3 » by **rpa** » Fri Apr 6, 2012 6:43 am

Yeah ... no chance.

A couple of weeks ago the Cavs, led by Kyrie, were actually a contender for the players. Hell, so were the Wolves when Rubio was still around. Kyrie's put up better numbers, for twice the games, with a less talented team AND while having a target on his back (as the #1 pick).

Grabbing 3rd in the voting would be fantastic at this point. Of course, it's hard to see how he could be any lower than that.

boogie-reke · Post #4 » by **boogie-reke** » Sat Apr 7, 2012 1:09 am

No, he can't.

2nd (or 3rd considering Rubio) is very likely and very well deserved though.

deadenddude · Post #5 » by **deadenddude** » Sat Apr 7, 2012 3:28 am

Not unless the Kings do something crazy like go 11 and 0 to end the season with Isaiah as the catalyst.

Post #6 » by **ICMTM** » Sat Apr 7, 2012 3:08 pm

I don't know...if you're counting Rookie of the Month Isaiah has two. Rubio one. Irving 3. I think that IT's lack of playing time will make a case for his stats not being there in the beginning. Hey they got a new coach...They let the kid play...

I think Irving's to lose though. Rubio is out of the discussion now.

Post #7 » by **pillwenney** » Sat Apr 7, 2012 8:50 pm

Yeah, no. No way is it happening. Irving has been stellar this year.

bjax24 · Post #8 » by **bjax24** » Sat Apr 7, 2012 9:39 pm

I wouldn't feel right about it even if he did. I really think Irving and Rubio should still be 1 and 2 regardless of injury. Isaiah really should be three though IMO.

boogie-reke · Post #9 » by **boogie-reke** » Mon Apr 9, 2012 4:00 pm

To all the "IT is a defensive liability on the court cause of his size" guys

According to MySynergySports, Isaiah is 52nd in the league as an Isolation defender, and 68th in guarding the P&R ballhandler.

http://www.sactownroyalty.com/2012/4/9/ ... 12-week-15

And may I add - ranks 29th in the NBA in post-up defense, holding his guys to 29% shooting (he really does get abused in the post, huh)

Doesn't seem like that size is bothering him that much from being arguebly the best defender on our team from the perimeter.