Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Every year there’s a guard who embarks on an exceptional season in which they set career marks in several categories and their team ranks among the game’s best. Boston has the potential to be that kind of club this year, with Thomas being a key catalyst in making that happen.
He had an amazing season last year, averaging career-highs in scoring (22.2 points) and rebounds (3.0) to go with 6.2 assists.
But for the Celtics to take that next step and get past the first round, they’ll need him to be even better. And while an uptick in Boston’s success will likely be attributed to the addition of Al Horford, it’ll most likely because Thomas becomes an even more impactful player.
It will require him to step his game up in at least one key, tangible area. That probably would be assists.
Sherrod Blakely makes the case for Isaiah Thomas as a top 5 candidate for MVP. It’s possible. If IT steps up his assist numbers and the Celtics meet expectations (55 wins, ECF), then Thomas could slide into the discussion.
Early betting odds from Bovada have Thomas way, way, way down the list:
Russell Westbrook 2/1
Stephen Curry 4/1
LeBron James 5/1
Kevin Durant 12/1
Anthony Davis 16/1
James Harden 16/1
Kawhi Leonard 16/1
Paul George 22/1
Blake Griffin 22/1
Damien Lillard 28/1
Giannis Antetokounmpo 33/1
Carmelo Anthony 33/1
DeMarcus Cousins 33/1
Kyrie Irving 33/1
Chris Paul 33/1
Draymond Green 50/1
Karl Anthony Towns 50/1
John Wall 50/1
Kyle Lowry 66/1
Isaiah Thomas 66/1
Honestly, I don’t really care where IT falls in the discussion. I just want playoff victories.
On Page 2, the 08 Celtics and the fastest man alive.
The rest of the links:
ESPN Summer Forecast – Save the Date
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