Cavs introduce Thomas, don’t appreciate questions about his injured hip.
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Isaiah Thomas beamed as he held up his new No. 3 Cavs jersey for the first time. There’s no telling when he’ll wear it in a game. Stunned by Boston’s decision to trade him to Cleveland as part of a package for Kyrie Irving, Thomas chose not to share much information Thursday about a hip injury that ended his inspirational playoff run last season and will sideline him for the start of this season — and probably a lot longer.
At his introductory news conference, Thomas quickly deferred specific questions about his hip to new Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman, who said the team has a rehab plan in place for the All-Star point guard.
“We’re not going to rush it at all,” said Altman, who quickly grew tired of questions about Thomas’ health. “The goal is to bring him back at some point this year and be healthy and compete and get back to IT status. That’s our goal and our responsibility to him. We’re not going to comment on the injury and we’re not going to comment on a timetable.”
The only glimpse about Thomas’ timetable came when Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said, “Isaiah’s not going to be starting the season.”
Thomas was acquired last week along with forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and an unprotected first-round draft pick in 2018 from Boston for Irving, who has gone from the East’s three-time reigning titlist to the one chasing Cleveland.