What the man lacks in size, he makes up for in his effort, hustle and determination.
He also makes up for it with his heart.
February 10th 2017, Isaiah Thomas, opened up a new basketball court in his own name at the Al Davies Boys & Girls Club in downtown Tacoma, and the pictures and feel within the building breath of newness, inspiration, and a warmth that only lead you to believe in bigger things. This mentality and this structure that Isaiah grew up around is the reason he is where he is today.
Isaiah was a small guard at Curtis High School in Tacoma Washington back in the mid 2000’s, and nobody thought he would be a guy that would impact the NBA the way he does today. When Isaiah scored 51 points in the Washington State Championship back in 2006 against Franklin Pierce, losing 80-76, you knew the man was going Division I basketball, but would he make up for what he lacked in size? He went onto the University of Washington where Nate Robinson (3 Time NBA Dunk champion) allowed for Isaiah to wear his #2 Jersey and he thrived once again beating the odds, again defying everybody with his determined mentality and his tough structure.
(Photo by Dan DeLong/Red Box Pictures)
Now, as we sit today at the 2017 All Star Break (heading to his 2nd All Star appearance) Isaiah Thomas is averaging a shade under 30 points a night (29.9), 6.3 assists & 2.7 rebounds and securely holding the closer role for the Boston Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in all of sports. On Thursday February 16th 2017, prior to the All Star break, Isaiah also cemented his name in Celtics lore by having his 41st consecutive game of 20+ points scored in a game breaking the All-Time Record by the great Larry Bird. But he still remains the same, and true to his mentality and structure of the great Pacific Northwest.
Knowing the odds at 5’9, the obstacles which he would have to overcome, and the sheer fact that his ability was going to be in question from the moment he stepped on the court, his dream was always to make it to the NBA. And even though it has taken quite some time to find his place, it’s sure looking like that boy from the 253 is really standing out, and showing out in front of the whole world.
And the best part. He’s the same guy, every. single. day.
And he’ll always call Tacoma, Washington home no matter what.
-Chris Morrison
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