Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics want more

Isaiah Thomas, point guard for the Boston Celtics, is the smallest player in the NBA. Thomas is also a human cannonball, a 5-9 bundle of joy and fast-twitch muscle. A capable shooter, he is at his most breathtaking when navigating the paint, the domain of the NBA’s giants, for floaters, layups, and flip shots, each a challenge to the laws of physics and geometry.

Thomas was, at one point, Mr. Irrelevant — the honorary title bestowed upon the player taken with the last pick in the NBA draft. In his first four NBA seasons, he shed that distinction and became known for his energy and explosive scoring. Last year, in his first full season with the Boston Celtics, Thomas largely settled the dispute about where he sits in the hierarchy of NBA point guards. He started all but three games, leading the team in points, assists, free throws and three-pointers. He helped the Celtics win eight more games than they had the season before, and was named an All-Star in the process.

Irrelevant no more, not just a speedster putting up big numbers for bad teams, Thomas is a big player who helps his team win big games. And he’s not stopping there.

Speaking by phone last week, Thomas was quick to push the focus off himself towards the collaborative goals of the Celtics, saying, “Team is what’s most important. The further we go the more individual success, and individual shine you get, and the individual accolades and things like that. First and foremost, our goal is to make the playoffs. Once the playoffs start we go from there and let the pieces fall where they may.”

“I know if I play at a high level that gives my team the best chance of winning and going far.”

For Boston, this year is about next steps. The last two seasons have ended with first-round playoff losses. Led by Thomas, the newly signed Al Horford, and the organic growth of a collection of youthful talent that was supposed to be trade fodder for a star, these Celtics are not just assets waiting for a trade to happen; they’re one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and they’re looking to make a statement.

For Thomas, the obstacles in front of them are clear.

“The Toronto Raptors are a team we always have close games with. They’re a team in our division that we definitely have to surpass to attain the goal that we want to achieve. Cleveland, you gotta tip your hat to them, they won the NBA championship. But at the same time, we beat them before and we feel like we’re just as good as those top teams in the Eastern Conference. Once the season starts, we’re just going to compete and let the chips fall where they may.”

While Thomas has grown into the lead role for Boston, Horford is the closest thing to an established star the Celtics have landed during their rebuild. His acquisition, as much as anything, is responsible for the accelerated expectations for Boston this season. However, his appeal is complementary, about how he can augment the existing core.

“He [Horford] was tough for us to play against in the playoffs. He’s versatile, he can post up, he can shoot the ball. On defense he can move his feet and guard multiple positions,” said Thomas.

Horford partnering with Thomas in the pick-and-roll looks, on paper, to be a devastating combination. Horford ranked fifth in scoring efficiency among all players who finished at least 150 possessions as the screener man in the pick-and-roll. Thomas ranked 30th among the 89 players who finished at least 150 possessions as the ball-handler in the pick-and-roll.

Horford’s passing — only the Gasol brothers averaged more potential assists per game as centers — also adds diversity to Boston’s frontcourt and could pay dividends for Thomas and his fellow guards.

The dynamic of that backcourt will be altered this year by the departure of Evan Turner. An inconsistent shooter and, at times, questionable decision-maker, Turner still functioned as a complementary ball-handler. Although he wasn’t always efficient, his ability to get into the lane and make plays added complexity to Boston’s offense and allowed Thomas and others a chance to work off the ball.

Thomas, who played about half his minutes with Turner last season, is well aware of what Boston is losing, and the opportunity it creates for himself and others.

“It’s going to be tough because he was a guy who could make plays, not just for himself but for others. He can handle the ball and do so many great things. It’s going to be tough that we lost him but at the same time, others gotta step up. Terry Rozier is going to be great for us this year, he’s gotten a lot better this offseason. I’m excited to be able to compete against him in training camp and see where his game is at.”

Thomas was also quick to praise the work ethic of third-year guard Marcus Smart, whom many expect to play an even bigger role in Turner’s absence.

“And then Marcus Smart, a guy who works tremendously hard, he’s been working this summer. And I think those things will fall on those two guys of being able to grow and fill that role, to make plays for others like Evan gave us last year.”

Just this summer, rumors (of varying degrees of credibility) have linked the Celtics to Jimmy Butler, Nerlens Noel, Russell Westbrook, and Blake Griffin. This relentless rumor-mongering in and around the team gives the impression of dissatisfaction, of an organization not comfortable with their standing in the league or the ability of their roster, as currently constructed, to finish checking off their competitive goals.

From Thomas’ perspective, those matters are separate from the immediate task at hand — winning basketball games.

“That’s just the name of the game, that’s just the business of the NBA. Every year you go in and there’s rumors and you never know what’s going to happen. You just control what you can control. I mean, this summer has been a lot of he-said, she-said but you never know what’s real and what’s true or false, but you just gotta continue to be a pro and be ready. I’ve been traded once before and I signed with another team as well, so I’m kind of ready for whatever comes my way or whatever comes the team’s way.”

A pervasive sense of dissatisfaction is not necessarily a detriment to the team or their aspirations. It’s how you handle a roster seemingly overloaded with capable and deserving players at nearly every position. A refusal to accept the status quo can encourage competition and, in Thomas’ mind, both sort out the positional overlap and be a rising tide that lifts all boats.

“Guys gotta be ready. That’s what it is about. When your name is called, when the opportunity is there, you have to take full advantage of it. And if you don’t, it’s on to the next guy. No hard feelings, we’re all grown men who make quite a bit of money playing this game. You’ve gotta be a pro and be ready when your name is called.”

Dissatisfaction is also how a 5-9 point guard, taken with the last pick in the NBA draft, can become an All-Star and a leader of one of the best young teams in the league.

“Honestly, I want to be the best. I’ve often said I want to be the best little-guy to ever play the game and I’m working toward that. I always find little things to motivate me throughout a game or throughout a season because there’s always somebody saying something negative about me, not believing in me or not a fan of me. Those little things give me the extra motivation to keep going and keep proving people wrong.”

If the psychological field is fertile, properly prepared, dissatisfaction grows hunger for players and teams. A certain quantity of hunger is required for great deeds and that is what Thomas and the Celtics have their sights set on.

“I know if I play at a high level that gives my team the best chance of winning and going far. I’m gonna be an All-Star again and I want to be All-NBA. I want all of that and I think it’s a realistic shot for me. Winning takes care of all individual success, so that’s all I’m really worried about right now.”

The Boston Celtics look to be on a steep upward trajectory and they’re eager to get on with the future. Thomas, their ebullient and energetic heart, isn’t satisfied with the present either.

“I want to grow as a player as well. I’m getting better this summer and I want more. Whatever more is, that’s what I want.”

As part of Slim Jim’s “Settle the Beef” campaign, on August 18, from 3:00-4:00 PM EST, Isaiah Thomas will be on his Twitter account (@Isaiah_Thomas) taking questions from fans about his favorite rivalries and more.