Isaiah Thomas was by no means the identical after skyrocketing to league MVP candidacy by way of a sensational three-year run with the Boston Celtics that marked one of many group’s most sentimental chapters.
Thomas, now seven years faraway from his final sport with Boston and 35 years of age, hasn’t referred to as it quits on in search of an NBA roster spot. The 2-time All-Star’s gone off in Drew League appearances and isn’t in search of a big-dollar payday. He has expertise as the man, beforehand averaging 28.9 factors on the peak of his profession with the Celtics, and understands the pressures that come from a playoff environment.
“My management alone would put this crew over the hump!” Thomas claimed on the social media platform X on Friday. “I don’t even need to play a single minute. Simply give me a jersey LOL.”
Regardless of what an “LOL” may insinuate, Thomas has eagerly awaited an opportunity to get again on an NBA flooring. Nevertheless, with the market at the moment not in demand for an growing older undersized (5-foot-9) guard, Thomas hasn’t had a lot luck. Then once more, that alone shouldn’t deter the Celtics from giving their once-No. 1 a telephone name with the season reaching its finish, forward of the playoffs.
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MORE CELTICS
Listed here are three causes for Boston to think about a reunion with Thomas:
1.) Thomas wouldn’t value a lot — in any respect
The Celtics don’t have a complete of economic flexibility because of the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Vacation together with the offseason extensions given to Jaylen Brown ($304 million) and Payton Pritchard ($30 million). However… the group does have an open roster spot, even after the commerce deadline.
Thomas may signal for the league minimal ($2.7 million) for the rest of the season, and it wouldn’t hurt the Celtics in any means, form or type.
There’s no questioning how a lot the fanbase cherished what Thomas meant in a Celtics uniform, and people emotions are mutual on Thomas’ finish too.
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“It’s arduous to talk on as a result of I’ve opened my arms to attempt to come again in so some ways,” Thomas informed reporters in 2022, per NBC Sports activities Boston. “And it’s not even about taking part in or attempting to choose up the place I left off, I’m previous that second. However I do know there’s been instances the place I might help in that locker room.”
Thomas added: “I like Boston. I like all the pieces concerning the metropolis of Boston and the those who have proven me essentially the most love (are) clearly from Boston.”
2.) Joe Mazzulla values Celtics alumnus
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has hosted a handful of former Boston gamers, together with welcoming Sam Cassell and Phil Pressey to the employees.
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It’s clear that the voices of those that stepped foot on Boston’s parquet maintain some benefit to the group, and Thomas, who set a franchise document with 43 consecutive 20-plus-point performances in 2016-17, matches that very mildew. There aren’t many gamers who achieved what Thomas did with the Celtics, main a a lot much less proficient roster to a No. 1 seed end within the Japanese Convention forward of the LeBron James, Kyrie Irving-led Cleveland Cavaliers powerhouse.
Thomas was vocal when wanted, and has the first-hand expertise of main an underdog Boston squad all through a full season. Even when the lights bought a tad bit brighter within the postseason, Thomas didn’t fold — or decrease his voice.
“It’s a wrap for these mother-(expletive),” Thomas shouted whereas main the Celtics to a first-round victory over the Chicago Bulls within the 2017 playoffs.
That’s a stage of depth that matches what Mazzulla preaches.
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3.) The door is open for a Cinderella ending
Isaiah Thomas by no means bought the possibility to play alongside Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. That imaginative and prescient died when Thomas was traded for Irving forward of the 2017-18 season, which marked the beginning of a rollercoaster trip of discovering the supporting forged to get Boston over the hump within the playoffs.
Now image this: Thomas, with Tatum and Brown, showered with confetti on the finish of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Backyard. Coming full circle, is there a greater ending to Thomas’ run within the NBA? No, there isn’t and that imaginative and prescient could be very a lot potential if Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens provides Thomas the decision he’s awaited now for years.
From a sentimental perspective, it’d be cinematic and pull on the heartstrings of Celtics followers all over the place.
With an NBA-best 45-12 begin and 25 video games remaining earlier than the hunt for Banner 18 begins, there’s nonetheless loads of time for Thomas and the Celtics to work some last-minute magic collectively.
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