Isaiah Thomas: Big Goals For First Full Season With Celtics
Back in August, we reported on Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas both training and playing pickup with boxing champ Floyd Mayweather, who ran his record to 49-0 this past Saturday. Last week Thomas appeared on the Going The Distance radio program on Sirius XM Rush. He discussed his relationship with Mayweather, but more importantly for Celtics fans, he also set some big goals for this upcoming season. ESPN’s Chris Forsberg reported on Thomas’ appearance, and the runner-up for last season’s Sixth Man Award said he’s looking to make his first All-Star team this year.
“I definitely feel like I can be an All-Star. I’m not just saying that. I honestly feel that way. With hard work and dedication and just taking my craft serious. And, with the opportunity given with the Boston Celtics, I feel like I can reach that goal.”
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He most certainly can. In 21 games with the Celtics last season Thomas averaged 19 points in just 26 minutes per. He contributed 5.4 assists as well and got to the free throw line nearly seven times a game, an impressive feat for a player listed at 5′ 9″. Thomas will likely continue his role a sixth man this season, although there’s definitely an argument to be made for him to start.
Either way, he’ll be a strong contender to make the All-Star team if he can replicate his production from his brief time in Boston last year. His candidacy with also hinge on the Celtics continuing their rise in the Eastern Conference. Thomas led them to a surprising 7th seed last season, but he said that wasn’t enough, as the team was swept by the Cavaliers in the first round.
“We just want to build from what we did last year. We made the playoffs, but we definitely weren’t satisfied. We think we have a better team than we had last year and we have a full season together — it’s only going to make us better. My goal for the team is to make the playoffs and just build from there. Hopefully win some games and win a series and go from there.”
Thomas’ expectations match those of many Celtics fans. The team’s rebuilding process after the departures of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen has gone impressively well. Hiring coach Brad Stevens was a crucial move, as was acquiring Thomas. All-Star or not, he’s clearly the team’s best player. Boston’s success will depend in large part on whether he can take what he did in 21 games a year ago and bring it to the court for an entire season.
Next: Celtics Backcourt Dilemma: Should Isaiah Thomas Start?