Hoops Habit
Fansided

The Biggest X-Factor On Every NBA Playoff Team

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center Andrew Bogut (12) drives in between New Orleans Pelicans forward Tyreke Evans (1) and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-78. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Celtics: Isaiah Thomas

If it weren’t for the chemistry problems his presence created with the Phoenix Suns, Isaiah Thomas would have my non-existent vote for Sixth Man of the Year. But regardless of who wins the award this season, I.T. has undeniably been a lightning rod since joining the Boston Celtics.

In a meager 26 minutes per game, Thomas is averaging 19.0 points and 5.4 assists per game. He’s only shooting 41.2 percent from the field, but his brand of hero ball, mixed with Brad Stevens’ excellent tutelage of the rest of the young roster, is what makes the Celtics so exciting.

It might not lead to many wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers, a team many believe is the real favorite in the Eastern Conference, but at the very least it could lead to some entertainment in an otherwise straightforward series. Even more than that, if I.T. has one of those nights where he can’t miss, Boston might even be able to extend the series beyond the fourth game.

Ultimately, LeBron James and company will be moving on to the second round with ease. But Thomas has the most firepower on the Celtics and if he gets hot, Boston might have a chance of avoiding the sweep.

Next: Dallas Mavericks