Celebrated by Boston, Isaiah Thomas simply wants to play one last season
Boston and Miss Isaiah Thomas in the spotlight this week by naming him among six athletes highlighted during the 24th “Tradition” ceremony, awarding the city’s sports glory. The evening was held at TD Garden, where pocket leader he managed to win over the Celtics crowd in less than three seasons in the green and white jersey.
Even if the adventure didn’t end the way he’d hoped, Isaiah Thomas still commands the same respect when he returns to Massachusetts, and he could do so again on this occasion.
“I feel like I’ve spent ten years here”, he stated. “I feel like I’ve won a few titles, even though I’ve only spent two and a half, three years here. The sincere love that the city, the franchise, the fans have shown me, every day… since the first day I was transferred here, I’ll be forever grateful. And this feeling is mutual.”
His return also made it possible The Boston Globe to get news from a player who currently coaches his two children in an AAU program but also counsels NBA players with hip injuries, one who saw his career take an unexpected turn because he treated his injury late in the 2016-2017 season too late to try to help the Celtics contend for the playoffs.
Motivated like never before
Immediately traded to Cleveland, he never found his best again, then free agent for the Lakers, Nuggets, Wizards, Pelicans, Mavericks, Hornets and Suns, until his return to the G-League last January marked 40 point game with the stars of Salt Lake City. In 14 games from the end of January to the middle of March, he averaged 29.1 points and 5.5 assists.
We might think that Isiah Thomas has definitely drawn a line under his past in the NBA. No! He still dreams of himself as Kyle Lowry in Philly, as the executive in the locker room of a team that aspires to play leadership roles. DeAndre Jordan does the same thing to the Pelicans, or Joe Ingles to the Wolves. First of all, he wants to end his career on his own terms, not because of injuries.
“I want to play one more year”he confided. “I want to be able to put on the jersey and mentally finish the career of my choice. I feel so good and know that I’m capable of being productive for the team, whether it’s on the field or being a veteran presence in the locker room. My ultimate goal is to get back in the league. I’m ready, and I also want to take advantage of the positive aspects of my life.”
The “last dance” in Europe?
The NBA has resumed for a month, and Isaiah Thomas has yet to receive the long-awaited phone call. His motivation is such that, if another month passed, he might consider spending the end of the season abroad. For now, the leader is still playing on time.
“We are in constant contact with NBA teams, and I would also like to go abroad, but it is difficult for me because my children are a bit older and I don’t like to miss everything they do. But I don’t want to rule out this option either. I would like to go there and have that experience, be in the right city, in the right situation and play there for a year.”he added. “I love playing basketball and I’m not happy with this situation. I just want everyone to know that I’m always ready. I’m always on top. I’m only 36 years old and you see what the best players are still doing at 36 or 37. I can impact the game as much as they do. Given my experience and everything I’ve been able to go through as a young guard, I think it’s good.”
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