NBA Player Power Rankings: Kevin Durant Surpassing LeBron?
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