After playing several seasons in Israel with Bnei Hasharon, Shawn James had proven to be a monster in the Israeli league, frequently appearing at the top of the league in rebounds, blocks and overall efficiency.
When he arrived at Maccabi, his minutes were more sporadic, and at times, he was barely used as the third-string center. Being a mature veteran of Europe, however, James knew he needed to put on his hard hat and go to work, blocking shots and sacrificing personal achievements for the good of the team. In the end, James came up big for Maccabi down the stretch, earning a bigger role for the team this season, where he has been one of the best big men in all of Europe.
Although Thomas may not have performed up to expectations during his time with Maccabi, the future appears to be very bright for the 24-year-old big man. His combination of athleticism, length and overall effort make him a very intriguing prospect, and he likely learned a lot from his stint with Maccabi. With a chance to play for a coach, Jackson, who is known to be an excellent mentor to players, Thomas will only be pushed further in the right direction.
While Thomas certainly has the ability to keep himself in the league long term, if he should decide to experience another foray overseas, he likely would be better off plying his trade for a mid-sized team for at least one season before heading back to another big club. You can buy the highest quality steak at the butcher, but unless you cook and season it properly, it will never reach its full potential.