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Always a Celtic: A Letter to Isaiah Thomas

By Chinedu Oluwayomi Iroche

BOSTON, MA - MAY 19: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to Game Two of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 19: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics looks on prior to Game Two of the 2017 NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 19, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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This is the first of three letters to immediate past Boston Celtics and the new kid on the block.

Dear IT,

How are you holding up, man? I know this is coming rather late but I honestly haven’t been able to come to terms with it. Many Boston Celtics fans probably haven’t either. I may have finally made my peace with it, as I really don’t have much choice, but I’m still in a trance.

IT got traded? Isaiah Thomas got traded?? To the Cavs??? Our main stumbling block in the Eastern Conference Cleveland Cavaliers???? Aw, man!

That was my reaction when I heard. And I’m still kind of stuck there. We throw around the narrative that it’s “just business” all the time. It is but it just feels like questionable business. You hear the bitterness in my tone, right? I hate that you noticed.

I should have moved on by now. Gotten with the program. Isaiah Thomas is a Cavalier. Deal with it! Imagine my anxiety when it was reported that the deal might be vetoed because of Cleveland’s uncertainty about your hip injury. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t optimistic that it would all come tumbling down.

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Let’s think about that for a moment though. What would have happened if it was vetoed? That would have been rather awkward. We showed you the door but then had to take you back in, like, ‘Uh, so… what had happened was…’ I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for those conversations with Danny Ainge and Boston Celtics brass.

Reality Bites

But that’s all fantasy. The reality is that you’re gone. To the enemy. And the Boston Celtics now stand in your path to an NBA Championship. Oh, man! There’s about to be some serious basketball at the apex of the Eastern Conference. Believe that.

It took me about a day to read through your article on The Players’ Tribune. I could feel your pain through the words and it only amplified mine. However, your great character and what endeared us Celtics fans to you in the first place shone through. Isaiah Thomas is a genuine good guy and will always give his all.

No days off. No plays off. It’s like a broken record now but cannot be reiterated enough – your sister passed and you still suited up. That is the kind of warrior anyone would want leading his team. That never-say-never attitude that propelled a 5’9,” 60th overall pick into an NBA All-Star and All NBA Teamer. If that isn’t the DNA of a Boston Celtic, then I don’t know what is.

Like you said, you fell in love with Boston. That was your “failing.” Well, we fell in love with you too. At least, I did. That’s why a Boston Celtics #4 jersey is in the mail on its way to me. Larry Bird is my all-time favorite player but you’re my favorite Celtic. Seriously. Heart of a giant and will of a champion.

Gone Baby Gone

BOSTON, MA – MARCH 20: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics gives a thumbs up during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MARCH 20: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Boston Celtics gives a thumbs up during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at TD Garden on March 20, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Now, we have to watch you continue to defy the odds – for someone else. Like you pointed out, you get to play with the best player in the world. Cavs fans really have no idea what they’ve inherited. The basketball world better get ready for a wild ride. It’s going to be fun to watch but I can’t root for you. But I’m sure you understand.

It’s been hard accepting this reality but you’ve moved on and I need to too. It was an absolute pleasure having you lead the Boston Celtics back to respectability and contention. My only hope is that you left enough of an indelible mark on the team and some of your essence rubbed off on the guys. Well, the four left from last year.

So, thank you IT, for coming into the lives of Boston Celtics fans everywhere and reigniting our Celtic Pride. It is sad to see you go but I truly wish you the best. Except, of course, when you play the Celtics. We’re bringing the game to you because we know you won’t have it any other way.

See you out there Isaiah. It’s been a pleasure and an honor. Take care, man.

Next: Can Irving Get Boston's First Win in Cleveland?

Yours sincerely,

A Celtic for Life

Just. Like. You.

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