Isaiah Thomas has been having a nearly MVP caliber season following two unsuccessful stints in Sacramento and Phoenix. Averaging 29.5 points per game, 6.2 assists on 46% shooting this year, Thomas credits at least part of his success to Brad Stevens. On The Bill Simmons podcast, he talked briefly about the incredible coaching ability of his current head coach.
After agreeing to Bill Simmons’ statement calling Brad Stevens the best coach he has ever had, he went on,
He has given me the keys to do what I want.
Then once Simmons brought up Brad Stevens’ superb play calling ability, Thomas lit up with enthusiasm as he explained what occurred during the All-Star game.
He was doing some out of timeout plays in the All-Star game where guys was like ‘Oh my gosh,’
Guys, even in the locker room was like, ‘Man, he is something special.’
Bill Simmons also brought up an apparent pre-game speech that Stevens had given before the All-Star game that was quite impressive to the players.
Pre-game he gave a good speech, our video guy, Matt, put together a really good video of highlights of all the players. From like high school, college and the pros and LeBron right after was like, ‘I have been doing this ASG for 12-13 years and that was the best thing we have ever seen.’
Brad Stevens is well known around the league for being one of the better play callers and coaches in the NBA but having All-Stars praise him in just their short time with him is truly revealing. If you want to listen to the complete podcast you can listen to it below or on Itunes.
