The most surprising player from each NBA team this season
By Connor Learn
Boston Celtics: Isaiah Thomas
The Boston Celtics are in a good position. Currently second in the Eastern Conference at 33-18, they have been making up ground on the Cleveland Cavaliers during their seven-game winning streak. Point guard Isaiah Thomas has averaged 35.3 points per game during that run and made not earning a starting All-Star spot look like a mistake. With Avery Bradley due back from injury soon, they could take over the No. 1 in the East.
Thomas’ recent run is one of the best stretches of play posted in the NBA this season. His scoring average now sits at 29.9 per game, second in the NBA. He proved himself capable of leading a playoff team in scoring and playing at an All-Star level last season and has played even better this year. Despite an all-time high usage rate, Thomas is on track to shoot career-bests of 47 percent from the floor and 38.8 percent on 3-pointers. Not bad for a player that two teams gave up on at one point.
There were some people who didn’t respect Isaiah Thomas, and he likely silenced most of those people last season. The remaining doubters are gone by now. Thomas has established himself as one of the best scoring options in the NBA, period. He has drawn comparisons to Allen Iverson as a result of his play this year. Isaiah Thomas is becoming a franchise player this season; he has defied odds again.