Boston Celtics: 3 veterans Cs should invite to training camp–and 3 they shouldn’t

Isaiah Thomas

Why wouldn’t Isaiah Thomas be considered here? We have been carefully watching for hints that the 5-foot-9 messiah would be looking to return to the Boston Celtics in free agency. Granted, there have been plenty of chances for the former MVP candidate to return to the team where he had his greatest moments.

That said, check out the bravado Thomas showed when asked about his health this go-round:

"“I had to say that,” Thomas said. “If I didn’t say that, I probably wouldn’t have gotten the chances I did with Denver and the Wizards. People who were around me every day or had seen me before I got injured obviously knew I wasn’t myself. I was definitely feeling better but it wasn’t good enough, and I think people saw that. I knew, but I had to make people believe I was OK when I really wasn’t. But, this time around, I’m feeling really good, and people can see it for themselves.”"

A healthy and confident Thomas is someone to bring on board. Full stop.

Ersan Ilyasova

Tristan Thompson’s injury isn’t something that makes us over-the-moon happy about giving him $19 million over two years. He is going to be missing training camp, and the truncated nature of this offseason means he may be a scratch in some early games.

They could always see if Ersan Ilyasova could be a contributor after spending time on the vaunted Milwaukee Bucks bench last season.

Jordan McLaughlin

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Jordan McLaughlin have yet to iron out a new contract, and if things go south and it is deemed irreparable between the two parties, the restricted free agent would be a great add before training camp.

If Ainge were to find a way to pursue McLaughlin, a trade of Carsen Edwards and/or Semi Ojeleye would likely precede it.