Apr 14, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) works the ball against Toronto Raptors forward
Terrence Ross(31) in the second half at TD Garden. The Celtics defeated the Toronto Raptors 95-93. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
1. Isaiah Thomas
2014-2015 Stats: 16.4 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 4.2 APG, 42% FG, 37% 3PT, 20.6 PER
If you ever watched this guy play, you know why he is tops on this list. Despite his diminutive size, the guy can score with anyone in the NBA. I would even venture to say he is top 10 pure scorer in the entire league.
Thomas remains one of the most ridiculously underrated players in the NBA despite his reputation as one of the best backcourt scorers in the league. In 21 games with the Celtics last year, he averaged 19 points per game off the bench while also knocking down 2.3 three-pointers per contest and dishing out 5.4 assists.
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Needless to say, he thrived under Brad Stevens. His uncanny ability to get his shot whenever he wants is something this Celtics team needs. He will be backing up Marcus Smart, but when Boston needs an alpha dog it seems Thomas steps right up to the plate.
Thomas was the 11th most efficient scorer in the entire NBA last season and lead the Celtics in both points and assists per game, and I don’t really see that changing at this point. In today’s NBA, it isn’t all about the starters but rather it is about who finishes and sees time. Some great caliber players play roles off the bench but are integral parts to a team’s success. Thomas is exhibit A of that point.
He is my favorite to win the award and if you are underestimating him, it doesn’t matter – he has been underestimated his whole life. The 5’9” scorer looks well on his way to a 6th Man Award and earning his rightful respect.