When it comes to some outcast free agent veteran players, Isaiah Thomas of the Washington Wizards has some strong feelings. As well as most of his colleagues across the league.
As time wanes on, players like Carmelo Anthony and Jamal Crawford continue to remain unsigned, and players and fans alike are growing disgruntled.
The same can be said for Wizards’ point guard Isaiah Thomas, who voiced his own opinion on the matter when speaking with Fanatics View of Youtube.
Anthony is 34 years old, a historically prolific scorer, and 10-time All-Star. Crawford is a seemingly ageless 39-year old and two-time Sixth Man of the Year.
The 30-year old guard dubbed their unemployment “disrespectful,” ahead of the Wizards’ 97-85 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Thomas has yet to suit up for the team while he deals with a thumb injury but is nearing a return to the court.
Anthony most recently played for the Houston Rockets, albeit just for a ten-game stretch before being waived. He’s currently ranked as the league’s 21st all-time leading scorer with career averages of 24 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Crawford played more recently than Anthony, in 64 games last season with the Phoenix Suns. He put up respectable numbers by all accounts with 7.9 points and 3.6 assists per game. His unemployment is more of a surprise than Anthony’s. Most contending (and rebuilding) teams stand to benefit from his game and experience of 19 years.
Thomas has a point to an extent, and he nearly speaks from experience after the whirlwind his career saw before landing with Washington this summer. But for whatever reason it may be, these two veterans remain unsigned, and it looks to stay that way for now.
Could a team like Washington use either of these guys? Absolutely. But they’re likely under the same mentality as the rest of the league’s executives. Youth and upside are taking precedent over experience. Experience that might be a bit pricier.
Regardless, the Wizards signed Thomas looking for a veteran voice in their locker room. It looks like they got one.