Isaiah Thomas Has High Hopes

Isaiah Thomas is already one of the more unique players in the NBA. He was the last pick of the draft and comes in at a lowly 5’9. Thomas is one of the smallest players in the NBA but he never lets that get in his way.

Thomas was the best 6th man scorer in the league last year and was robbed of the award when it was handed to Lou Williams. The most amazing aspect of Thomas’ game is his ability in the paint. Thomas is dwarfed by defenders but he still manages to finish at the rim and is even better at drawing contact.

Mar 13, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Lou Williams (23) passes the ball against the Miami Heat at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Heat 102-92. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas has never shot below 56% at the rim and has never shot below 83% at the line. Throw in that Thomas has attempted at least 5 free throws per game in each of the last three games and he terrorizes opponents when he is driving to the rim.

Its no secret that Thomas is not satisfied with his role as the 6th man. Thomas have been vocal about his desire to be a part of the starting unit but he has also made it clear that he is willing to sacrifice for the better of the team.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Thomas wants to be a part of the starting unit. Thomas played like the best player on the team and he thinks the sky is the limit for himself.

Thomas has been making headlines lately for proclaiming that “I wanna be the best little guy to ever play the game of basketball”. Thomas never settles on the court and he will not settle off the court. Thomas already has a case to be the best little guy currently playing in the NBA and with the potential he shows his hopes may not be unrealistic.

Thomas has a phenomenal scoring ability that is topped by very few in the league today. He can shoot and he can drive and he can do it from all over the court. Thomas may never become a dominant player on the defensive end but his offensive talent will take him far in the NBA.

Apr 14, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) works the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics present a very unique situation for Thomas. He may be the best player on the team but they value his role as the 6th man too much to change things. Throw in all the young guards that the Celtics want to see play and he may never get a chance to start for the Celtics.

Even if Thomas has to settle for the 6th man role that will not prevent him from reaching his goals. Check out a piece by Larry Flynn on the 6th man which explains how he can have a special place in history as the 6th man.

Being in the conversation with the likes of Kevin McHale, John Havlichek and Frank Ramsey will be enough to make Thomas arguably the best small man of all time. Thomas still has a tremendous amount of work to catch up to those hall of famers and bonafied legends of the game, but those are his aspirations.

The 6th man role may appear to hand cuff Thomas but he still is one of the team leaders in minutes and he will be able to maintain his success at exploiting matchups. Whatever Thomas did last season worked wonderfully and with how many guards the Celtics have there is no reason to threaten his success by changing his role.

Thomas can have the legacy he desires with his current role on the Celtics and there is no better coach for him than Brad Stevens. Thomas can flourish with Stevens and they can be a combo that terrorizes the league for years to come.

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