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NBA Player Power Rankings: Kevin Durant Surpassing LeBron?

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) is defended by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives to the basket against the New York Knicks during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics defeated the Knicks 97-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives to the basket against the New York Knicks during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden. The Celtics defeated the Knicks 97-89. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics

Last Rank: No. 19

Position: Point Guard

Age: 26

Slash Line: .422/.349/.891

Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 21.4 PPG, 6.6 APG, 3.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 2.0 3PM

Since trading for then Phoenix Suns point guard Isaiah Thomas, the Boston Celtics have been a different team. With Thomas’ influence as a scorer and facilitator, Boston has made the transition from admirably competitive to winning with respectable consistency.

In turn, the NBA has honored Thomas by naming him to his first—and very deserving—All-Star Game.

Thomas has earned this honor by helping Boston establish its identity. He’s a take-no-prisoners type of player in the sense that he competes for every loose ball, gets physical on defense, and isn’t afraid of contact when driving the lane.

In 2015-16, Thomas has taken his game to new heights, cracking the Top 15 in scoring and the Top 10 assists per game.

This past week, Thomas justified his All-Star selection by leading the Celtics to three wins in four games. He dropped 20 points and eight assists against Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks, tallied 17 points and seven assists in a win over the Detroit Pistons, and had 14 points and eight assists in just 27 minutes during a blowout of the Orlando Magic.

Thomas deserves the praise he’s finally receiving.

Next: A New Reputation