Dear Boston Celtics: What’s the Harm in Giving Isaiah Thomas Another Shot?
The biggest weakness for the Boston Celtics during the 2019-2020 season was their bench play. There’s no real scorer outside their starting five. Former Celtics All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas is looking to make his way back into the NBA and could be a perfect fit. He’d be instant offense and wouldn’t command the big bucks. What’s the harm in giving Thomas a shot to prove he can play his way back into the NBA?
Isaiah Thomas was a force for the Boston Celtics
Forget his size. Isaiah Thomas proved he belonged in the NBA. Despite being listed at 5-foot-9 and being the last pick in the 2011 NBA draft, Thomas thrived in the NBA. Thomas spent nine seasons in the NBA and was a two-time NBA All-Star, both times as a member of the Boston Celtics.
Thomas was traded to the Boston Celtics from the Phoenix Suns in February of 2015. It was in his first full season with the Celtics that he took charge. During the 2015-16 season, Thomas played in all 82 games, starting 79 of them. He averaged 22.2 points per game and made the first of his NBA All-Star appearances.
He showed his first full year in Boston was no fluke. The following season, Thomas had a career-high 28.9 points-per-game average in 76 games. Thomas also averaged 5.9 assists per game. He made a return trip to the NBA All-Star Game.
Thomas showed dedication and determination in Boston
In his two-plus seasons with the Boston Celtics, Isaiah Thomas was the heart and soul of the team. He was the star and he was a fan favorite. Thomas showed his true grit and dedication to the organization when he played immediately following the death of his sister in 2017.
On April 15, 2017, Isaiah Thomas’ 22-year-old sister, Chyna, was killed in a one-car accident in her home state of Washington. The Celtics were practicing for their first-round playoff game against the Chicago Bulls when Thomas was notified of his sister’s death. Thomas wound up playing in the game, scoring 33 points and dishing out six assists in a loss.
The Celtics rallied to defeat the Bulls in the series. Prior to their second-round matchup with the Washington Wizards, Thomas flew cross country for his sister’s funeral. He made it back just in time to play in Game 1. Game 2 just happened to be Chyna’s birthday and Thomas responded with 53 points in an overtime victory.
Thomas deserves another shot in Boston
The Boston Celtics don’t owe anything to Isaiah Thomas. Thomas doesn’t owe anything to the Celtics. They would, however, be a perfect fit for each other. At one point in his career, Thomas was on the verge of a huge payday if not for a serious hip injury.
Thomas would provide that much-needed instant offense off the bench the Celtics need. Thomas could likely be had for a one-year, prove-it deal without breaking the bank. What’s the risk?
Thomas shouldn’t be given a shot simply because of what he did as a member of the Celtics. He should be given a chance for what he can do for them now.
All stats courtesy of Basketball Reference.
