Isaiah Thomas still wants to start
Last year, Isaiah Thomas quarterbacking the second unit was one of the biggest reasons, if not the biggest, for the Celtics late season surge into the playoffs. This year, as he has in years past, Thomas is going on the record saying he wants to start, but will do what's best for the team.
#Celtics Isaiah Thomas if he's content as 6th man: Hell, no. Everyone wants to start. But I'm a team player, will do whatever best for team.— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) September 2, 2015
Thomas was asked if he's warmed up to prospect of coming off bench. Let's just say his stance hasn't changed. Vows to be good teammate tho— Jay King (@ByJayKing) September 2, 2015
More of the same from the man who wants to be the best little guy to ever play the game. He sees himself as a starter and, really, he's not wrong. Going into this season, the pint-sized Thomas is far and away the team's biggest offensive threat. The important thing is that Thomas isn't demanding to start, and, as he has stated throughout his career, he'll be a good teammate and go with whatever role he's assigned. So, what does Brad Stevens think about Thomas in the starting five?
#Celtics coach Brad Stevens: if team is best with Isaiah Thomas starting, he'll start. But we know how well he can do off the bench.— Scott Souza (@scott_souza) September 2, 2015
Brad Stevens on IT4’s role: pic.twitter.com/gHyRcQZ0Dl— Chris Forsberg (@ESPNForsberg) September 2, 2015
Is that a little Belichickian response from Brad Stevens? The coach is going to keep his options open and do whatever's best for the team and that's about that. Makes total sense. If last year's any indication, having Thomas come off the bench to attack the opposition's second unit and as a closer to finish off games worked pretty well for Stevens. While it's understandable that IT4 wants to start, he may have to take solace in the fact that his team needs him to finish games more than anything. If the wins keep coming, Thomas doesn't seem like the type of guy who's going to have a problem with that. If the losses pile up, Thomas' patience will be tested. It's up to Brad Stevens to put his guys in the best position to succeed, and how he handles IT4's desire to start is a situation to keep an eye on this year.
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