On Wednesday, The Players’ Tribune released “Ascent,” the third chapter of Isaiah Thomas’ new video documentary series, Book of Isaiah II. In this chapter, the Cavs point guard reflects on his exit meeting with the Boston Celtics and the challenges of playing for a new team.
“My exit meeting with the Celtics was — I mean, it wasn’t a lot,” Thomas says in the new video release. “(The Celtics) were like, ‘We can’t really tell you too much more. You’ve given us everything. You’ve had one of the best seasons in NBA history. Not just Celtics history, but NBA history. Now let’s get this hip better.'”
The Celtics were right. In his 76 games played last season, Thomas turned in averages of 28.9 points on 46 percent shooting from the field (both career-highs), 5.9 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and just under one steal per game (.9).
As most hoops fans know, Thomas, now 28 years of age, suffered a hip injury last season. Staying true to his devoted nature, the former Washington Huskies stand-out continued playing. However, the crafty ball-handler took another shot to the hip in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Then, in Game 2 of the Conference Finals against the Cavs, Thomas bumped into Kevin Love as he was set for a screen. It was subtle, but the two-time All Star immediately began to limp. Due to swelling and fear of long-term effects, Celtics team doctors were forced to pull their point guard from the floor.
Thomas then went into rehab mode, not knowing he’d soon be traded. On July 18th, his MRI results, which were to determine whether or not he’d need surgery on the injured hip, came back.
“I’m alright. No surgeries, so we’ll see,” Thomas said when he received the MRI results. “We’re still playing the waiting game, though. But that’s alright news.”
Thomas later goes on to explain why he and his medical team decided to forgo surgery.
“We came to the conclusion that surgery is not the best option,” Thomas says in his new documentary release. “Rest is the best option, and let’s let the inflammation get out of the hip before we move forward.”
A strenuous rehabilitation regiment ensued. And though he admits there were dark days, Thomas vowed to come back as “the same player.”
“At the end of the day, like I always say, I’m gonna get the last laugh,” Thomas said in the closing minutes of his new video. “I’m gonna be able to be who I am, and I’m gonna be better than I ever was.”
Now, as a member of the Cavaliers, Thomas’ rehabilitation process continues. And while there is no timetable set in stone, most initial reports pointed to him returning sometime around January. However, more recent reports are indicating that his recovery could be slightly ahead of schedule.
The Cavs, now winners of nine straight games (longest active streak in the NBA), could certainly use some help in their backcourt. Several of their players, including Derrick Rose (ankle), Iman Shumpert (knee), and Tristan Thompson (calf), have been dealing with injuries of their own.
Without question, Thomas wants to play. For now, though, Cavs fans will have to wait a bit longer for his debut.
