Isaiah Thomas, once one of the brightest stars in the NBA, continues to capture the hearts of fans—especially in Boston. Standing at just 5’9″, he defied the odds during his prime, earning recognition as one of the league’s premier point guards. Recently, a quote from an interview conducted by NBA writer Alex Kennedy resurfaced on social media, reigniting conversations about his longstanding affection for the Celtics and the possibility of a return.
In the interview, Thomas expressed his unwavering support for the city of Boston, stating, “I hold no grudges, and they know that. I have genuine love for the city of Boston. If that were to happen, I’d love to be part of what they have going on. You never know… Time has passed.” This sentiment resonates deeply with Celtics fans who fondly remember his explosive contributions on the court.
As the Celtics approach the trade deadline, they made a strategic move by trading away Jaden Springer. This decision not only cleared some space on their tax bill but also opened up a roster spot—signaling potential opportunities in the near future. Although the Celtics recently signed Miles Norris to a two-way contract to address their rotation needs, the allure of reuniting with Thomas remains intoxicating for many fans.
Despite the challenges, Thomas, at 36 years old, is still making strides toward an NBA comeback, currently playing for the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. He is showcasing impressive stats, averaging 29.3 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. While it’s likely that Thomas would only see court time in significant need—like injuries or a spark off the bench—his veteran leadership would bring invaluable experience to a team currently positioned to contend.
Adding to the intrigue of a possible reunion is Thomas’ familiarity with key players like Jaylen Brown and Al Horford, as well as his previous relationship with Celtics President of Basketball Operations, Brad Stevens, who coached Thomas during his standout years in Boston.
Looking back, Thomas was a force in the 2016-2017 NBA season, finishing fifth in MVP voting and earning All-Star honors twice as a member of the Celtics. However, after his unexpected trade to the Cavaliers in 2017 for Kyrie Irving, injuries began to hinder his performance. A hip procedure aimed at resolving ongoing issues derailed his rhythm, leading to a series of short-term contracts in his quest to make a comeback.
Thomas’s enduring passion for the game paired with the affection he receives from fans in Boston makes the prospect of a reunion quite enticing. Though the late stage of the season presents challenges in securing a team, Thomas is relentless in his pursuit of another opportunity. His journey serves not just as a testament to his love for basketball, but as an inspiring narrative for aspiring players everywhere—the essence of hope and perseverance shining through despite the hurdles he has faced.
In the end, whether or not Thomas finds his way back to the Celtics, his story is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished in the pursuit of a dream—especially for someone who has never let his stature define his impact on the game.
