Isaiah Thomas Off the Bench?
If the Boston Celtics are ever going to contend, Isaiah Thomas will be coming off the bench. He is essentially at his very core a spark plug, a very good spark plug at that. Spark plugs however tend to be a quick jolt offensively gathering points like Novak Djokovic.
Unfortunately, something has to give and the give was out of his control. He is too small for the other half of basketball. The height gap between him and others on the floor is so glaring it’s hard not to take advantage, in one way or another. I feel though what makes him so good with the ball is predicated on his size and shifting to spots literally only he can.
Obviously a trade or an acquisition of some kind will need to happen to begin the thought of having Thomas sub in to start the game. Marcus Smart will have to show serious improvement to step in and the resigning of Evan Turner seems more and more unlikely.
I can not trust that Smart will take hold of the team, so Thomas remains, unless moves are made, and I am forced to believe moves are going to be made. With Thomas coming off the bench, enriched in a style he is accustomed to, allows for little to no drop off between first and second units.
The Celtics could look at Mike Conley and a big that can actually play the position effectively on either or both sides of the court. Conley was the first name that came to mind, but it is more the type of point guard he is I find most attractive.
DeMarcus Cousins is intriguing, too bad he is not on the open market. Is Al Horford worth the money we all thought mid-way through the regular season, I’m not so sure. Hassan Whiteside would be ideal, especially with Kelly Olynyk having such a contrasting style. This is all an idea focusing on the positions of most need. Putting Thomas on the bench will pay dividends only if a capable, consistent floor general is attainable.
The Celtics can not reach as far as they would all like with Thomas leading the group. Perhaps Cousins is traded for. A dominant big man will take Thomas’ game to another level, especially one that can stretch the floor. The Celtics have plenty of floor spacing specific but a player that can bring the whole package of low-post competence and a steady three-point shot is maybe a single piece the Celtics are missing.
More from Hardwood Houdini
- Boston Celtics’ two-way contract decision will be made after training camp
- Proposed trade sends Boston Celtics playoff killer to the Cs from rival
- ‘Face of Germany’s stunning run’ in FIBA World Cup not the only ex-Boston Celtics player to win gold
- Proposed Boston Celtics trade target pitched for reunion with fired coach
- Battle For Banner 18: Will Boston Celtics battle historical foe in 2024 Finals?
Boston isn’t the only city lacking in that concept because players, as such, do not grow on trees and Demarcus Cousins would need to be available for trade to begin with. I’m pro-Cousins, and would like to see Danny Ainge try with an open mind to pursue him.
Since all the above is temporarily unlikely, we’re left to believe Thomas will be the best player on the team again in the 2016-17 season. No, I do not believe Kevin Durant will leave Oklahoma City for Boston or Jimmy Butler will be dealt.
Next: Could Denzel Valentine Replace Evan Turner?
We may be in for a developmental season, to find out the truth about rookies brought in through the draft and the sophomores. This season the team maxed out again in the first round, that to me is confirming enough to expect young players given a shot. The only way a whole season is not being forfeited by Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens is if a trade is executed that brings in top-tier talent. Until then Isaiah Thomas will be leading the charge once more, being their most valuable player.