Lebron James Says The Celtics Already Have A Star In Isaiah Thomas

[Phantom255x]

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cavs-lebron-james-says-the-celtics-absolutely-have-a-star-isaiah-thomas/

(*I apologize in advance if this was already posted in another thread on this forum, but I couldn't find it. If it is, feel free to remove this or merge it to the other thread as you wish.*)

Not often do you see Lebron James praising other players a ton, but he seems to have high praise for IT. The notion is that the Celtics lack a star, but LBJ dismisses that as "blasphemy", saying IT is a legit star the Celtics have, and goes on to call him "unique" and a challenge to guard as well. Basically, Isaiah Thomas has the complete respect and praise from the King himself.

I mean, when the King himself says IT is a legit star that can *help* carry Boston moving forward (key word: "help", as in be a key piece, not necessarily the superstar/#1), then why do people want him traded? Why do people not want to pay him with his BIRD RIGHTS and instead let him walk in favor of Rozier?

The reason IT may be limited/contained against teams like Cleveland and Atlanta in the playoffs is NOT because of Thomas, but the fact that the Celtics LACK another go-to scorer (another offensive weapon). Just double team Thomas and challenge the other C's shooters. Simple. Closest they got to that #2 scorer is Bradley, but he can be a bit inconsistent at times as well. The goal should be to BUILD with Isaiah Thomas, and finding the C's BOTH a big who can score and rebound, AND a #2 scorer to go alongside IT. IT has been a beast in the 4th but he can't always carry them in the 4th. Make those moves, develop the rookies and I think the C's become a LEGIT contender TWO years from now (even enough to compete with Cleveland and GSW).

What do you guys think?

[Ilikesports17]

Don't much care about Lebrons opinions. When he doesn't feel threatened he is very complementary of other teams and their players.

[hpantazo]

We have two of them, IT and Horford. We need a third.

[Phantom255x]

We have two of them, IT and Horford. We need a third.

Hayward or Griffin would have been nice.

But they are staying put.

Trade for Cousins OR PG13 would solve that too, but they are likely untouchable at this point.

[hpantazo]

We have two of them, IT and Horford. We need a third.

Hayward or Griffin would have been nice.

But they are staying put.

Trade for Cousins OR PG13 would solve that too, but they are likely untouchable at this point.

I think Hayward signing here this summer is the strongest probability.

[Phantom255x]

We have two of them, IT and Horford. We need a third.

Hayward or Griffin would have been nice.

But they are staying put.

Trade for Cousins OR PG13 would solve that too, but they are likely untouchable at this point.

I think Hayward signing here this summer is the strongest probability.

I used to think that but I didn't expect Utah to play as well as they have this season.

New CBA rules also play a role. I guess a lot depends on how Hayward views the possibility of playing under Brad Stevens in the NBA. Also how the playoffs go for both Utah and Boston.

[Clench123]

Don't much care about Lebrons opinions. When he doesn't feel threatened he is very complementary of other teams and their players.

I know, right.

[Ogaju]

The King is right.

[fairweatherfan]

Hot take: LeBron seems like a nice guy who's consistently shown respect for the Celtics franchise and top players.

[tarheelsxxiii]

IT looks to be a lock for the AS game this year; Hard to argue a 2x AS isn't a "star." Defensive limitations are also a moot point in my book -- half the "stars" in the league are offensive studs with significant defensive weaknesses.

But anyway, LBJ should shut up... because. 

[Neurotic Guy]

Right now I think it would be difficult to argue that, other than Calvin Murphy, there has ever been a more skilled offensive player under 6' than Isaiah Thomas.   Of course, that presumes Iverson was 6 feet.   IT is definitely a star in my book  -- a guy who can carry his team to a home win v. the Heat in December.  But he's not a superstar who can carry his team to a championship v. Cleveland and Golden State in May.

[SHAQATTACK]

Don't much care about Lebrons opinions. When he doesn't feel threatened he is very complementary of other teams and their players.

Bingo  ...glade somebody else saw thought this

[Bobshot]

Lebron is the King. Really like the guy. And there is some truth to what he's saying about IT.

It bothered me, however, that the close up replay of that winning "block" in the GS championship game showed that his left hand clearly hit the rim before he blocked the ball with his right hand against the backboard. I thought it was goaltending. I figure the refs wouldn't dare call it. After all, he is the King.

[GreenEnvy]

Right now I think it would be difficult to argue that, other than Calvin Murphy, there has ever been a more skilled offensive player under 6' than Isaiah Thomas.   Of course, that presumes Iverson was 6 feet.   IT is definitely a star in my book  -- a guy who can carry his team to a home win v. the Heat in December.  But he's not a superstar who can carry his team to a championship v. Cleveland and Golden State in May.

Name 3 players that can? I'll spot you LeBron and Curry. Name just one other. Thanks in advance.

[LatterDayCelticsfan]

Right now I think it would be difficult to argue that, other than Calvin Murphy, there has ever been a more skilled offensive player under 6' than Isaiah Thomas.   Of course, that presumes Iverson was 6 feet.   IT is definitely a star in my book  -- a guy who can carry his team to a home win v. the Heat in December.  But he's not a superstar who can carry his team to a championship v. Cleveland and Golden State in May.

Name 3 players that can? I'll spot you LeBron and Curry. Name just one other. Thanks in advance.

Curry needed Klay and Draymond. Lebron needed Wade, Bosh, Kyrie ans Tristan Thompson to get over the hump.

Even Mike Needed Pippen and Bird needed Mchale and Parish.