Celtics' Thomas becomes lowest draft pick to make All-Star team
Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas doesn't look like an NBA All-Star, let alone an NBA player. He's listed at 5-foot-9 and was selected with the 60th-overall pick back in 2011.
But here we are today, living in a world where Thomas is one of the NBA's very best players:
Isaiah Thomas, last pick in 2011, is lowest draft pick to make All-Star Game since NBA went to 2 rounds in 1989 pic.twitter.com/fdNAVCkOZA
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) January 29, 2016
Thomas' numbers are incredible. He's the engine driving Boston's offense on a nightly basis, and can score from anywhere on the court (via ESPN Boston):
Thomas is putting together a remarkable season regardless of height. He's averaging 21.6 points, 6.6 assists and 1.1 steals over 32.4 minutes per game. He is one of only five players averaging 21-plus points, 6-plus assists and 1-plus steal per game this season and the four others -- Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, LeBron James and James Harden -- are also All-Stars.
Obviously, Thomas is thrilled to accomplish something nobody in NBA history has before. After Thursday's announcement, he was showered with love by some of the sport's all-time greats:
@Isaiah_Thomas congratulations on your first @NBAAllStar appearance. Happy for you!
— Isiah Thomas (@iamisiahthomas) January 29, 2016
Along with a few players in the league today:
Congrats to @Isaiah_Thomas well deserved, what a journey!! Boston, & Tacoma you have a special one!
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 29, 2016
Of course, nothing is more important than the media, and we take full credit for pushing Thomas toward this historic achievement. See, he agrees!
Also thanks to the media, you have been very positive and supportive! #GoCeltics
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) January 29, 2016
But seriously, this story is awesome, and it's always great to see talented players find a home to succeed. Boston is that place for Thomas, and should be for a very long time.