NBA Player Power Rankings: Damian Lillard for MVP?

Feb 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with teammates after defeating the Brooklyn Nets 112-104 at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard finished the game with 34 points. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. The Celtics defeated the Nuggets 121-101. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics

Last Rank: No. 18

Position: Point Guard

Age: 27

Slash Line: .422/.348/.898

Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 21.6 PPG, 6.8 APG, 2.9 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 2.0 3PM

The Boston Celtics are often called a contending team without a star. Their ceiling is lower than it could be with a genuine franchise player, but starting point guard Isaiah Thomas makes it harder to believe that to be true with every passing game.

Fresh off of his first career All-Star Game appearance, Thomas hit the gas pedal during his first week back in Boston’s white and green.

Thomas torched the Utah Jazz for 25 points and six assists in a lopsided road loss. Acknowledging the need for the Celtics to bounce back strong, the 5’9″ star ripped off 22 points and 12 assists in a 121-101 blowout of the Denver Nuggets.

Coupled with his 18 points and nine assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Thomas further established that his All-Star Game appearance was legitimate and deserved.

Thomas is no longer good for a player his size; he’s a genuine Top 20 player in the NBA. Only time will tell how far he can take the Celtics in the playoffs, but with Boston at 33-25 and in possession of the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference, the hype has already been won and warranted.

After thriving through 58 games, it’s on Thomas to help the Celtics maintain this pace through the final stretch of the season.

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