NBA Reports: Relationship between Dan Gilbert-Isaiah Thomas ruining Cavaliers' locker room chemistry
What's the story?
Dan Gilbert has taken over the reins of the basketball side of operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers and reportedly is a big fan of Isaiah Thomas.
In case you didn't know...
In a game against the Indiana Pacers, Kevin Love grabbed a rebound and bent over to hand Isiah Thomas the ball possibly sending a message of the situation in Cleveland.
The heart of the matter...
The Cavaliers have been in a state of drama ever since LeBron came home back in 2014, and it is almost comedic at this point. A report from Ken Berger of Bleacher Report has filled the situation with more drama.
Apparently, Thomas is a favorite of the team owner Dan Gilbert. He frequently receives texts from Gilbert. With Gilbert taking over, he’ll have final say on the future of Thomas which could mean that his spot is safe in Cleveland.
“Thomas has become a favorite of Gilbert, and they often exchange calls and text messages, a league source familiar with their relationship told B/R. This isn't necessarily unusual on a team with an owner who is as involved in the basketball side of things as Gilbert is. It also isn't great for locker room chemistry, because the rest of the players know it.”
According to league sources "LeBron just looks at everybody as a shill for Dan”.
"The word is out that Dan is running things," a rival executive told B/R. "Frankly, that's where he's happiest and the role he's most comfortable in."
Thomas and Cavs have not been getting along well lately which had let to Thomas showing public frustration as he is being blamed for everything happening in Cleveland.
The text relationship between Gilbert and I.T. could play a huge role in re-signing the guard during the off-season. Everybody remembers the Brinks truck comments during his days in Boston. Would Gilbert be willing to do just that for him? It is certainly possible.
What's next?
The Cleveland Cavaliers (30-20) host the in-form Houston Rockets (36-13) on Saturday.
Author's take
With the way things are going, a shakeup almost feels necessary in Cleveland to get rid of the drama. With LeBron James not committing further with the Cavs, Gilbert might just be thinking of giving the reins of the franchise to Thomas.