Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Thomas’ random act of kindness went viral this weekend after a story about the encounter appeared in The Boston Globe. McNulty appeared on “Good Morning America” on Monday, and Thomas surprised him yet again, asking him to be his guest at a Celtics game this season.
McNulty, wearing a No. 34 Paul Pierce Celtics jersey T-shirt from his home, drew laughter on GMA when he joked about not initially realizing it was Thomas because of his height.
“It was really just insane. … I saw somebody walking toward me but he wasn’t that tall, so I didn’t expect [it to be a NBA player],” McNulty said. “I took another look and then, ‘Oh, I know that guy.'”
During a taped appearance from the Celtics’ practice facility on GMA, Thomas told McNulty, “Thanks for letting me shoot hoops for you the other day” and invited McNulty to be his guest at a game this season.
A stunned McNulty asked, “Are you serious?” Which is what all of his friends have been asking him since last week.
Didn’t take long for this story to make national news.
Isaiah Thomas is a genuinely nice guy who also gets it. He knows how to endear himself to a fan base with tough, gritty play on the court and a million dollar smile off it. He’s also savvy enough to exploit every bit of it.
For the record, I’d give my left ____ to launch a few jumpers with Larry Bird.
On Page 2, more national recognition for the Celtics.
The top 50 players have yet to be revealed, but the Celtics landed three players in the 51-100 range: Amir Johnson (No. 86), Avery Bradley (No. 72) and Jae Crowder (No. 53). It’s safe to assume the team’s two All-Stars, Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford, will both be recognized when Sports Illustrated publishes the rest of the list.
After two straight trips to the playoffs, the Celtics received far more respect from Sports Illustrated this season. Crowder and Bradley both made the list for the first time, while Johnson moved up a few spots despite only playing 22.8 minutes per game. The former two guys have done a lot of improving offensively, but, as much as anything else, SI’s rankings seem like a nod to Boston’s elite defense.
I’m shocked the Celtics have 5 guys in SI’s Top 100. Lists like this are generally loaded with sexy names and the Celtics might be the least sexy team in the NBA. The list of players snubbed is also surprising. Then again, this is how you collect NBA page views in September.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
