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Is Isaiah Thomas… NBA MVP?

By Gage Horn

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You can’t keep the Boston Celtics down for long. One year removed from normality, Boston has found a way to scrape and fight their way to their 52nd playoff appearance. It’s been a thrilling experience seeing them go to war night after night and seeing our team give all they have for every game.

This is especially exciting considering most NBA experts predicted that the Celtics would be among the five worst teams in the league before this season began. But even considering how much the C’s have over performed, I say with confidence that it’s still not as impressive as what Isaiah Thomas has done.

Apr 3, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives the ball against Milwaukee Bucks center Zaza Pachulia (27) and guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) in the second half at TD Garden. The Bucks defeated the Celtics 110 to 101. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

For the past few years since coming into the league as Mr.Irrelevant, Isaiah Thomas has quietly put up numbers that didn’t look much different from the numbers that the top point guards in the league were churning out. During his first two years in the league, he played a limited role in Sacramento but still put up decent numbers including 12.7 PPG, 4 APG, and 2 RPG on 45% shooting.

But in his third season, the Kings increased him to 35 minutes per game and Thomas began to shine, boasting a stat line of 20 PPG, 6 APG, and 2 RPG on 45% shooting. Around this time, some stat-loving basketball fans began to take notice of the young guards impressive numbers and wondered just how much Thomas could bring to an NBA team.

Eventually, the Kings decided they could do without Thomas and shipped him to Phoenix and in return received the rights to forward Alex Oriakhi, a move I’d they say they look back on with a feeling of remorse. And while Isaiah enjoyed some success with the Suns, he didn’t last long in Phoenix due to there being an excess of talent at his the point guard position, and after some smooth dealing by Danny Ainge, the Boston Celtics picked up the guard via trade. Since then, Isaiah Thomas has caught fire.

It’s no big secret that Thomas has been a big part of the Celtics late season surge to the playoffs, but when you realize that Boston’s 18-11 record since acquiring Thomas has been topped only by the Cav’s 19-7 record in the East, it makes Thomas seem all that more important.

He’s been averaging 20 PPG and 5 APG in only 25 minutes per game, and has had scoring explosions of 34 points, 28 points, and 27 points. Oftentimes, Thomas single-handedly sparks the Celtics offense to life and gets it going for his team. Since Boston has clinched that coveted playoff spot, many experts and critics have chimed in with rave reviews of the budding star.

But I don’t feel as if the great feedback on Thomas has been enough. He has been absolutely invaluable to Boston since joining the team, and took them from a still struggling team, to the hottest team in the East in a short two-month time. He’s been SO valuable, that I think he’s made his case as the MOST valuable.

Apr 4, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) dribbles up court past Toronto Raptors guard Lou Williams (23) and Celtics forward Jared Sullinger (7) during the second half at Air Canada Centre. The Celtics won 117-116 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

That’s right readers, I just said that Isaiah Thomas should be considered for NBA Most Valuable Player. Yes, the MVP has long been given to the league’s top performer. No, Thomas has not been the league’s top performer this season. BUT, at the root of the award, it’s intended to be awarded to the player who has been most valuable to his team and the player who’s efforts have been the most invaluable among all the NBA’s players. And in my opinion, no player has made quite the impact that Isaiah has.

After winning 18 of their last 29 since bringing Thomas into the picture, it’s not crazy to say that Isaiah Thomas may be the most impactful player for his team. He has led them to win after win, including the five game winning streak in March that truly pushed them ahead in the playoff race. And while we’re talking about the playoffs, let’s just put it out there that without Thomas, it’s very unlikely that the Celtics would be playing in the 2014-2015 postseason.

The Celtics were beginning to spark a nice run right before they brought Thomas in, but Isaiah took it to a whole different level and propelled the team to success as soon as he joined the team. The playoff race ended with the Pacers and Heat just mere games behind the Celtics, and without the additions the point guard has given to the team, I can’t see them making it.

So what has he actually done to put this team in the playoffs? He brings an explosive dynamic player to the C’s offense and also brings leadership to a young team needing it badly. Not only that, but Thomas simply has a winning attitude. He brings it every single night and his determination and effort is reflected by the success he’s brought to his team.

It could be said that Thomas is the most impressive volume scorer the Celtics have seen in the last decade. He is a master of the pick-and-roll, allowing him to create for his teammates brilliantly and get to the basket. And boy is it a good thing when Thomas attacks the basket. Despite his size, he is very adept at finding crafty ways to finish at the rim and convert tough shots. Many times the only way to stop him from scoring is to foul, which is just as good considering Thomas shoots 86% from the line, and is one of Boston’s best free throw shooters.

Mar 29, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers forward Matt Barnes (22), guard Austin Rivers (25) and forward Spencer Hawes (10) in the second half at TD Garden. The Clippers defeated the Celtics 119-106. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

He can score in a variety of ways, bringing life to the Celtics offense and giving them an insane boost that was needed to become a playoff contender. Thomas can knock down three-pointers, swish mid range jumpers, convert tough lay ups, go coast to coast and finish, score off screens, and make his free throws. He’s a 5’9″ Swiss army knife on offense and truly makes his team so much better when he’s on the floor.

Not only does he find ways to add to his scoring stat line, but he does an excellent job of creating opportunity for his teammates to get on the board. He does a wonderful job at penetrating and drawing two defenders, then kicking it out to a wide open teammate for an easy bucket.

When I think of a Most Valuable Player, I think of someone who has given everything he has for his team, put the team on his back and played very well, and led his team to success. I feel as if that personifies Isaiah Thomas. Looking back, it’s clear to see that from the moment he joined the team the Celtics went from a below average team to a true playoff contender.

Behind Thomas, the C’s have put together an extremely impressive run, and none of it would be possible without him. He took them from another team no one talks about, to an exciting squad that is a threat to any team that stands in it’s way (even if that team is the powerhouse LeBron James led Cavaliers). And please let me remind you that he has done every bit of this, every single bit of what has been mentioned, OFF THE BENCH. That is absolutely unheard of.

Now I know that there is mathematically about a zero percent chance Isaiah Thomas wins MVP. The award race is essentially down to superstar players Steph Curry and James Harden. My point is this,  Isaiah Thomas is special and what he’s done for his team is even more special. He’s been the most valuable piece to one of the best story lines of this year’s NBA season.. Celtics: Counted Out to Contenders.

April 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates after making a three-point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Not only that, but he has convinced a weary Boston fan base to get totally behind this team of young misfits and make us excited about the Celtics again. He’s made us go from wanting to lose ’em all and tank for a pick, to foaming at the mouth at the thought of another win, and a chance at a playoff appearance.

Boston is the most historic, successful organization in the NBA and we expect success. Thanks to a 5’9″ guy named “Mr.Irrelevant”, success is back in Boston, hopefully to stay. And for that, I nominate Mr. Isaiah Thomas the Most Valuable Player of this season. Let’s hope our MVP can make us proud in the playoffs. Go C’s!!!

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