LeBron James plays 'NBA 2K' to prepare for the return of Isaiah Thomas
After starting the year 5-7, the Cleveland Cavaliers have rattled off a 12-game winning streak, one away from a franchise record.
And the Cavs have executed that turnaround without guard Isaiah Thomas, who was acquired from the Boston Celtics in the Kyrie Irving trade. Thomas averaged 28.9 points per game in Boston last year, but is still on the mend from May’s season-ending hip injury.
Thomas is inching his way back to action, and was reportedly able to participate in scrimmages this week. LeBron James is anxious to play with his fellow All-Star and is combating those feelings the same way any fan would.
By playing “NBA 2K18,” of course.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported Wednesday that James is using the video game to “visualize” how Thomas will fit in with the Cavs.
“It’s the most realistic basketball game you could ever play,” James said. “I mix and match a lot of lineup changes to see how we can be really good. I’ve done that.”
LeBron is just like you and me!
The addition of Thomas could provide quite a spark to an already-thriving Cavs team while taking some of the scoring weight off James’ shoulders. James is averaging 28 points, 8.5 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game while shooting a career-high 41.6 percent from long distance.
There will undoubtedly be some growing pains whenever Thomas does finally does make his Cleveland debut. But once those kinks are worked out, the Cavs are going to be even more fun to watch.
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
