Phoenix Suns’ ‘energy guy’ Isaiah Thomas expected to play Friday vs. Detroit

PHOENIX — While there’s nothing to complain about having an NBA courtside seat, there is one drawback to sitting behind the team’s bench and watching: finding something to wear.

“Yeah, I am running out (of suits), so that’s why I’ve got to get out there on the floor,” Phoenix Suns point guard Isaiah Thomas said, smiling.

Luckily for him, a new wardrobe can wait.

Thomas is expected to be in his Suns uniform against Detroit (3-19) on Friday, which would end an eight-game absence due to a bruised right ankle.

“It’s just tough,” he said. “It’s frustrating when you have an injury and you can’t do nothing about it, because you can’t control how your body responds. It’s been a little over two weeks and I’m ready to get back out there, so hopefully (Friday) it doesn’t have any swelling in it. If I can move as good as I did today, I’ll be out there.”

Thomas last played on Nov. 24 at Toronto when he turned the ankle while landing on a 3-point attempt.

At Thursday’s practice, Thomas was a full participant, including five-on-five full court.

“This is probably the best (the ankle has) felt since I’ve gotten injured. There’s still some pain in there, but for the most part, I can tolerate it a little bit,” he said. “If it responds good (overnight), I’m going to play. I’m tired of sitting behind the bench and watching.”

The worst pain, according to Thomas, comes on certain cuts, especially going left. He’s yet to test the ankle jumping and exploding to the basket, but hopes the adrenaline of game action is enough to get him through.

Thomas plans to tape up his ankle, but he said he won’t use any additional support because that “holds me back.”

“I think he’ll be ready,” head coach Jeff Hornacek said.

Without Thomas, both Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic have seen their minutes increased, which was something the Suns had hoped to avoid when they targeted and signed Thomas in the offseason. Bledsoe has played nearly 37 (36.9) and Dragic 36 (35.9) minutes with Thomas sidelined.

On the season, Bledsoe is averaging a team-high 33 and Dragic 32.2 minutes a game. The only other player to average better than 30 minutes of court time is power forward Markieff Morris (31.0).

“Obviously, when you have to play someone a lot of minutes, it wears them down. It might not show now, (but) it might show later on,” Hornacek said. “But if we get Isaiah back, then we can limit some minutes.”

In addition to another available body, the Suns (12-11) could use Thomas’ playmaking ability.

In Tuesday’s loss to Miami, the Suns scored a season-low seven fast break points while committing a season-high 23 turnovers. They also struggled getting to the foul line, going 6-of-9. The free throw makes and attempts were both season-lows.

“Just orchestrating the team as a point guard, getting guys in the right spots,” Thomas said on how he can help. “I’m not saying Eric or Goran is not doing a great job of that, but sometimes we have lulls in the game where we don’t know what play we’re in; we don’t know what we’re doing. I think I can help in that matter — just being another guy out there that can create things for other guys and create for himself.”

In the eight games Thomas has missed, the Suns have gone 3-5 and are currently in the midst of a season-worst three-game losing streak.

His energy would be much-welcomed.

“That’s my game. I’m an energy guy,” he said. “If I don’t have energy, then I’m not that good of a basketball player. I think I can help. Actually, I know I can help. We’ve played well, but we haven’t finished games: I think I can help in that aspect as well.”

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