WALTHAM, Mass. – The atmosphere at the Boston Celtics’ practice facility in Waltham, Mass. is normally relaxed and stress-free. But ahead of Thursday’s practice, one member of the team was feeling a bit on edge.
Isaiah Thomas, who is normally the coolest cucumber on the team, admitted that he’s been dealing with some anxiety today. That’s because tonight the NBA All-Star reserves will be announced, and he’s vying for a spot on the Eastern Conference squad.
“I just want to know. Just get it over with, whether I made it or not,” Thomas said Thursday afternoon. “The day has gone by pretty slow, so hopefully we get some good news later.”
The fifth-year guard is searching for his first All-Star selection, an honor that his teammates and coaches all agree he deserves.
“I feel like he put a lot of work in this year,” said backcourt mate Avery Bradley. “I’m pretty sure I can speak for our entire team – we all want him to make it because we see what Isaiah does every single day, how he prepares for each game and how hard he works. He definitely deserves to be rewarded to make the All-Star Game.”
Thomas did not make the initial All-Star cut, as fans voted Dwyane Wade and Kyle Lowry into the starting backcourt spots; IT finished ninth among Eastern Conference guards in that voting, which culminated on Jan. 21.
NBA coaches are responsible for determining the reserves, and their voting period ended Tuesday. Ahead of the voting, Stevens was sure to vouch for Thomas’ All-Star bid if any opposing coaches asked about him.
“Anybody that asks me, I tell them what I think about him,” said Stevens. “We think he’s earned it, but he has stiff competition for those spots.”
There are seven remaining Eastern Conference spots, which will be split up among frontcourt and backcourt players.
Like Stevens said, Thomas is going up against plenty of competition. He’s competing with players such as John Wall, Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan, Reggie Jackson and Kemba Walker, among others.
It does appear, however, that many coaches believe Thomas is worthy of one of those spots. On numerous occasions during opposing teams’ shootarounds at TD Garden this season, head coaches have commented on Thomas’ impact.
He says he received similar praise on the court from the opposition.
“Every time I play against somebody, they’ll say something about it,” said Thomas. “Other coaches, even Brett Brown the other day stopped my workout the other day just to say, ‘You’re playing like an All-Star, you’re unbelievable.’ And I’ve never had that before.
“I’ve always had peers show respect to me, but for other coaches to say I’m playing like an All-Star and I deserve it, it means a lot, and I’m just going to continue to work and continue to lead this team.”
Since the day Thomas got here nearly a year ago, he has been regarded as the team’s offensive leader, but what may go unnoticed is his vast improvement on the defensive end this season.
Being just 5-foot-9, Thomas is often underestimated on that end of the floor, but he has proven that he can hold his own defensively, especially when the C’s were without key defensive cog Marcus Smart for more than a month earlier this season.
“He’s a hard guy to post up, he’s good at getting over screens, he’s good at directing the ball, he’s good at doing all those things,” said Stevens. “He’s really bought in to the way we’re trying to play and has done a good job on that end.”
Bradley, who is highly thought of as one of league’s top defensive guards, has noticed Thomas’ increased drive on the defensive end and claims that improvement is a reflection of his work ethic.
“All defense is, is having effort and taking pride,” said Bradley. “He’s a guy that likes to compete and he’s not going to go out there and just let a guy do whatever he wants on the floor against him.”
Between his offensive impact and defensive improvements, Thomas has proven that his well-roundedness and leadership on a playoff contending team make him more than worthy of an All-Star selection.
“Hopefully it happens, but if it doesn’t, I’m going to keep grinding and keep going forward,” said Thomas.
Tune in to TNT Thursday night at 7 p.m. to see if Thomas’ wish comes true.
