As expected, the Cavaliers have assigned Isaiah Thomas to their G League affiliate as part of his rehab process, according to Shams Charania of The Vertical (via Twitter). The club confirmed the move in a press release, noting that Ante Zizic has been assigned to the Canton Charge as well. Thomas is expected to scrimmage with the Charge before rejoining the Cavs, as we heard earlier this week.
While Thomas’ specific return date from his hip injury remains unclear, he’s getting close to making his Cleveland debut, suggesting on Wednesday that it could happen as early next week, writes Tom Withers of The Associated Press.
“I’m just trying to get as close as 100% as possible and to be out there to be special,” Thomas said. “Not just to be out there and be another body. However long that takes — it might be next week, it might be a week after that. We don’t know and we’re really not trying to put a date on it because it just depends on how my recovery is. I’m ramping up my workouts, but at the same time it’s how I feel the next day, and it’s getting lighter and lighter, which is a good sign.”
Thomas’ reference to next week or the week after lines up with what we’ve heard from various outlets lately. One recent report from Charania indicated that the injured Cavs point guard is eyeing a Cleveland homestand during the first week of January, while a separate report suggested that Thomas may be able to play before the end of the Cavs’ road trip at the end of December.
With Thomas close to getting back on the court, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com examined yesterday how the Cavs’ lineup and rotation will be affected.
I’m not a huge fan of Fedor, but that’s a good read.