There has been much discussion dating back to last February when Danny brought Isaiah Thomas to Boston in a trade with the Phoenix Suns, but as recently as this September in a Boston.com article, on whether Isaiah should start or come off the bench. As I believed back then, and still do now; He helps the team more coming off the bench.
I am not denying that he was the spark plug behind the Celtic's resurgence in the second half of last year. His energy and up-tempo approach were instrumental. He helped give the team an identity and help Coach Brad Stevens solidify a lineup.
However, Marcus Smart has solidified the Starting PG role and Avery Bradley has secured the SG spot. He's too small to play the other three. Thomas needs to have the ball to make things happen. He's not one to create plays off the ball and he's not a solid defender, two things his aforementioned teammates do well.
I see him leading the second team with Amir Johnson, Jonas Jerebko, Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynyk. This would make for one high-energy, high-octane second unit. Kelly, Jonas and Jae all can spread the floor, giving Isaiah plenty of space to slash to the basket which he excels at, dish to the perimeter or drop off to Amir. Without Isaiah leading the second team they wouldn't be as dynamic.
I hope he realizes that his true intrinsic value lies with him being the sixth man, an award that last year rightfully belonged to him but went to Lou Williams.
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