In 2016-17, Isaiah Thomas put together one of the most improbable and legendary campaigns in NBA history.
The 2016-2017 NBA season was a landmark year for the Boston Celtics, and at the heart of it all was a player who had been doubted, overlooked, and ultimately dismissed by many. Isaiah Thomas, at just 5’9″ tall, was one of the smallest players in the NBA. But what he lacked in size, he more than made up for in heart, grit, and sheer determination. Thomas’ 2016-17 campaign, which saw him put together one of the most improbable and legendary seasons in NBA history, stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the idea that sometimes, the most unlikely players can leave a lasting legacy.
In a league dominated by towering athletes, Isaiah Thomas was the epitome of what it means to defy the odds. His journey from being the last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft to becoming the face of the Boston Celtics’ resurgence was remarkable enough. However, it was in the 2016-17 season that Thomas would elevate himself to the level of superstardom, capturing the imagination of Celtics fans and basketball fans around the world. His play that season would be a career-defining achievement, one that would solidify his place in Celtics lore and leave an indelible mark on the league.
The 2016-17 season was a crucial one for the Boston Celtics. After years of rebuilding, the team had finally assembled a roster that was competitive, deep, and led by a dynamic point guard in Isaiah Thomas. Under head coach Brad Stevens, the Celtics had become one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, but they lacked a true superstar. Thomas was the player who could change that, and heading into the season, the team’s expectations were higher than ever.
The Celtics had made the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017, but that was a result of a team effort — there was no dominant superstar in the mold of LeBron James or Kevin Durant who could carry the team over the hump. But with Thomas, Boston believed it had its own legitimate star. His scoring ability had already been proven in the previous seasons, but the 2016-17 campaign would see him take his game to a level that no one — including Thomas himself — could have anticipated.
The season began with Thomas coming off a breakout year in 2015-16, where he had finished third in the NBA’s Most Improved Player voting. He had helped lead the Celtics to a 48-34 record, and his scoring prowess had been a major catalyst for Boston’s success. But in 2016-17, Thomas wasn’t just trying to lead the Celtics to the playoffs — he was aiming for something much bigger.
From the very beginning of the 2016-17 season, Isaiah Thomas was on fire. He played in 76 games that year, and his numbers were astounding. He averaged 28.9 points per game, ranking 5th in the NBA in scoring. But it wasn’t just the points; it was how he scored them that made Thomas’ season so remarkable.
For a player his size, Thomas had an arsenal of moves that made him nearly impossible to stop. His ability to create his own shot was elite, with a quick first step, a lethal crossover, and a deadly pull-up jumper. What set Thomas apart from many other high-volume scorers was his efficiency. Despite his undersized frame, Thomas was able to finish at the rim against much bigger defenders, thanks to his creativity, strength, and fearlessness. He often used his speed and craftiness to weave through defenders and get to the basket, where he would finish with both hands, often contorting his body in mid-air to avoid shot blockers.
But Thomas wasn’t just a slasher; his jumper was incredibly reliable, and he had range that stretched well beyond the three-point line. What made him particularly dangerous was his ability to create separation from defenders using screens or his handle, allowing him to get clean looks in isolation or pick-and-roll situations. In many ways, he was a one-man offense, capable of taking over games and scoring at will.
One of the most impressive aspects of Thomas’ game that season was his ability to perform in the clutch. He became known as one of the most dangerous players in the final minutes of a close game, often hitting game-winners or pulling up for key baskets down the stretch. Thomas’ confidence was at an all-time high, and it showed. He would regularly score 40 or even 50 points in a single game, making him one of the most exciting and unstoppable players in the NBA.
In fact, Thomas had an incredible stretch in March 2017, where he scored over 30 points in 17 consecutive games. He posted 40-point games on multiple occasions, including a career-high 53 points against the Washington Wizards on January 3, 2017. That performance, which included 29 points in the second half and 20 in the fourth quarter alone, was a testament to his scoring ability, but also his poise and determination.
Isaiah Thomas’ remarkable rise to stardom wasn’t just about numbers. It was about the story behind the numbers. The NBA is a league filled with players who have overcome adversity, but few had a journey as improbable as Thomas’ — and fewer still managed to thrive in such an unforgiving environment. He was a two-time All-Star, yet still, many doubted his ability to sustain such high-level play. His height, his size, and his draft position were all strikes against him in the eyes of many scouts, analysts, and even some fans.
Thomas had been drafted as the 60th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. He had played at the University of Washington and had proven himself to be a scoring machine in college, but there was skepticism about his size. No one expected him to become the type of player he turned into. In his early years with the Kings, Thomas was relegated to a secondary role, playing behind DeMarcus Cousins and struggling to get consistent minutes. But even as a rookie, he showed flashes of brilliance, and over time, he carved out a niche as a microwave scorer who could light it up in bursts.
Thomas’ time in Phoenix and then Boston was where his game truly flourished. When he was traded to the Celtics in 2015, he became the focal point of the offense. In that environment, Thomas’ confidence blossomed. By the time the 2016-17 season came around, he had fully embraced the role of “The Little Guy Who Could.” It was almost as if his entire career had been about proving people wrong, and that motivation fueled his extraordinary performance on the court.
But even as Thomas became one of the league’s best scorers, he didn’t abandon his desire to improve his overall game. He worked tirelessly to become a better playmaker, and in 2016-17, he averaged 5.9 assists per game. He also proved that he could lead his team to success. Under his leadership, the Celtics finished with a 53-29 record, earning the top seed in the Eastern Conference — a remarkable feat considering the team was built around Thomas and a collection of complementary pieces.
One of the defining moments of Thomas’ 2016-17 season was not just his on-court brilliance but the personal tragedy he faced off the court. In the midst of his historic run, Thomas was dealing with the heartbreaking loss of his sister, Chyna, who tragically died in a car accident just days before the start of the playoffs.
Thomas’ ability to play through such immense grief was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite the emotional toll, he carried his team through the postseason. In the first round of the playoffs against the Chicago Bulls, Thomas put on an incredible performance, averaging 23.8 points per game and leading Boston to a dramatic comeback after they had fallen behind 0-2 in the series. In Game 1 of the series, Thomas put up 33 points, playing through intense pain as he battled the emotional aftermath of losing his sister.
Despite his personal challenges, Thomas continued to perform at an elite level, and his resilience was a defining characteristic of the season. The Celtics would go on to reach the Eastern Conference Finals that year, where they ultimately lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games, with LeBron James continuing to dominate the East. But despite the loss, Thomas had proven that he was one of the league’s most dynamic and clutch players, capable of leading a team with heart and resolve.
Isaiah Thomas’ 2016-17 season remains one of the most remarkable individual campaigns in NBA history. In a league where the physical attributes of players are often the deciding factor, Thomas’ ability to transcend his size limitations and perform at an MVP-caliber level was awe-inspiring. He was a testament to the idea that heart, work ethic, and determination could overcome almost any obstacle.
His legacy with the Celtics, while bittersweet given the eventual end to his time in Boston, remains an important part of the team’s modern history. In a time when the Celtics were in need of a true leader, Thomas answered the call and put together a season that will live on as one of the most improbable success stories the league has ever seen.
Isaiah Thomas’ 2016-17 season wasn’t just a celebration of his basketball talent; it was a celebration of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself. He will forever be remembered as one of the most iconic players in Celtics history — and for good reason.
