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.
While it has not been a problem in Boston yet, Thomas remains steadfast in his desire to be a starter.
“I would love to start,” Thomas said. “But it’s his (Brad Stevens) decision. If I’m out there playing, I’m gonna be fine. I tell everybody. People act like it’s a problem if someone says it, they want to start. I don’t know anyone who wants to come off the bench. But I would love to start, but whatever is best for the team I’m here to do. I’m just trying to fit in and be me and try to win as many games as possible and get to the playoffs. If coming off the bench is what I need to do, then I’m gonna do it to the best of my ability.”
Credit to Isaiah for bringing up these points. Wanting to be a starter is something nearly every bench player in the NBA wants and Isaiah knows he’s capable of that kind of role (started 54 games last season and averaged 20 and 6). He likely could have found a team last summer with less point guard depth than the Suns had and became a starter, but he chose Phoenix with the mentality that he’s the best guard there. That confidence is something the Celtics desperately needed, even if IT remains in the sixth man spot.
Sure Brad could swap IT and Smart, let Smart work against weaker opposing units, and let IT command the starting offense — but that’s not what’s most important. The 8th seed is a goal, but it’s clear that it’s not the goal. Continuing to see Marcus Smart’s development through is incredibly necessary to the Celtics’ future plans even if we don’t know just how yet. Having Thomas around will increase the competition at the guard position and help move Smart’s progress along. I believe Thomas fully understands why the roles are this way — and plus, they all get to share minutes on the court at the end of the game which is what really matters.
Page 2: The team’s camaraderie is evident (thanks, Twitter)
GOOD WIN FOR US TONIGHT.!! #CELTICSNATION #99PROBLEMS #PLAYOFFPUSH
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) March 7, 2015
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Great team win tonight to start the roadtrip! Now florida for 2 more games. Lets keep them W’s coming. #CelticNation #BleedGreen @celtics — Jonas Jerebko (@JonasJerebko) March 7, 2015
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Great team win tonight, glad i got to get a win in front of my sister!!! off to orlando https://t.co/2EDVM2oAvy
— evan turner (@thekidet) March 7, 2015
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Off to Orlando! — YJ (@realjamesyoung) March 7, 2015
Good team win tonight, on 2 the nxt 1! C’s up
— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) March 7, 2015
It’s cool to see the team playing for each other. Isaiah Thomas mentioned after last night’s game that this team is like a college team: ‘we don’t just play with each other, we play for each other. It’s a big difference, man.”
Also Jae Crowder tweets in all caps 100% of the time.
The rest of the links:
CelticsBlog – Celtics clip Pelican’s wings
ESPN Boston – Bass razes some eye brows
Boston Herald – Swing for the fences? That’s always Danny Ainge’s plan
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