Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas is one man that isn’t short of confidence. While his stature might be lacking, his confidence level is top-notch.
Thomas was sent to the Boston Celtics last season after things with the Phoenix Suns didn’t workout. While Thomas was playing a little bit of a recruiting role this offseason he still made time to talk up a big game for not only himself but the Boston Celtics.
He not only believes the C’s can make a repeat run to the playoffs but he also thinks he can be an All-Star this season.
Following from ESPN’s Chris Forsberg.
“First off, team goals, we just want to build from what we did last year,” said Thomas. “We made the playoffs, but we definitely weren’t satisfied. We think we have a better team than we had last year and we have a full season together — it’s only going to make us better. My goal for the team is to make the playoffs and just build from there. Hopefully win some games and win a series and go from there. Just getting there and having that experience was amazing last year.
“Then, individual goals, I don’t have too many. When you achieve your team goals, then your individual success comes. But I definitely feel like I can be an All-Star. I’m not just saying that. I honestly feel that way. With hard work and dedication and just taking my craft serious. And, with the opportunity given with the Boston Celtics, I feel like I can reach that goal. That’s a goal of mine. First and foremost it comes with team goals. And just getting [to the playoffs] and being the best team we can possibly be.”
Last year, Boston fought their way towards the end of the season and made it into the playoffs. They tried all they could to dump some big names like Rajon Rondo and Jeff Green in an attempt to rebuild but coach Brad Stevens brought the team together and they performed at a great level going into the postseason. They were swept out of the playoffs by LeBron James and the Cavaliers but a full season under coach Brad Stevens with some new young pieces could bode well for the Celtics chances at a playoff spot in a weak eastern conference.
As far as Thomas making the All-Star team. Well. As former Celtics great Kevin Garnett once said ‘anything is possible’ so Isaiah could make it if he really performed at a top level but it will be hard. There’s a bunch of quality guards in the Eastern Conference that I predict have a better chance to be All-Stars ahead of Thomas like John Wall, Kyrie Irving – if healthy – DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Kemba Walker, Dwyane Wade, Jeff Teague, Victor Oladipo, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Reggie Jackson, Brandon Jennings – also, if healthy – and Goran Dragic.
Not saying it’s impossible but it might be an uphill climb for Thomas, especially if he comes off the bench for the Celtics.
