Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team when the NBA All-Star reserves were announced on Thursday.
For Thomas, it will be his second consecutive selection and certainly a deserving one considering the career-defining season he's having. After his recent 38-point performance against the Rockets, Thomas currently ranks second in the NBA in scoring, averaging 29.1 points per game.
He became only the fifth Celtic to break the 50-point barrier when he scored 52 points against the Heat on Dec. 30, placing him alongside legends such as Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Sam Jones and Paul Pierce. Thomas also has a shot of averaging the most points per game in a month in franchise history -- he's currently averaging 32.9 points in January, putting him right behind the leader -- Pierce -- who averaged 33.5 points in February of 2006.
Thomas posted a series of tweets on Twitter late last night, thanking his coaches and fans.
I want to thank the coaches for selecting me. I also want to thank the fans, especially Celtics fans for their incredible support.— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) January 27, 2017
It's an honor to again represent the Boston Celtics, The greatest franchise in the NBA in this years ALL STAR weekend!— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) January 27, 2017
While this is supposedly an individual honor, it really is a team award, recognizing our success as a team! #CsUP #YouKnowWhatTimeItIs ⌚️— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) January 27, 2017
I hope this is just another step in achieving the ultimate team goal and that is to bring another championship to Boston.— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) January 27, 2017
Joining Thomas for the East will be Wizards guard John Wall, Cavaliers forward Kevin Love, Kyle Lowry of the Raptors, Pacers forward Paul George, Hornets guard Kemba Walker and Hawks forward Paul Millsap round out the reserves. They will backup the starting lineup of LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, DeMar DeRozan and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Headlining the Western All-Star reserves was MVP candidate Russell Westbrook, who will be playing in his sixth All-Star Game. Warriors guard Klay Thompson and forward Draymond Green were also announced on Thursday along with Kings center DeMarcus Cousins and Grizzlies veteran center Marc Gasol. Playing in their first All-Star game, respectively, Clippers center DeAndre Jordan and Jazz guard Gordon Hayward round out the reserves. The starting lineup for the Western All-Stars consist of James Harden, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Davis.
The 2017 All-Star Game will be played in New Orleans on February 19.
Picture is courtesy of Associated Press
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