Isaiah Thomas hopes his decision to become a scout with the Celtics will lead to bigger things in his post-playing career, Khari Thompson of The Boston Globe writes in a subscriber-only story. Speaking on his “Point Game” podcast, Thomas revealed that discussions regarding the scouting position have been “in the works for a while.”
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, be a part of an organization, be a part of the front office and help make these decisions that are being made down the line,” he said. “So this is a step in the right direction in terms of, you know, hopefully one day being a GM or head of basketball operations or whatever the game of basketball takes me.”
Thomas, who will be based in his hometown of Seattle, has already begun working, and his first duties included representing the team at last week’s draft combine in Chicago. He took part in some player interviews and said the prospects were comfortable with him because they’re familiar with his playing career.
“To go through that process as a player is hectic,” he said. “You’re a little nervous. You know that they know a lot, but you don’t know what they’re going to ask. So, being in that space as obviously not like a player, and being able to ask questions and really relate to these kids because they know me. They don’t always know anybody in the front office, like they know the face of the organization but they don’t know everybody else that is involved in the front office. So, it’s easy for me. I’m able to chop it up with these guys because I can relate to them. Obviously I’m a lot older than them, but I’m still a part of the game.”
There’s more from Boston:
- Derrick White‘s selection for First Team All-Defensive honors marked the first time in his career he has received that recognition, notes Brian Robb of MassLive. White, who was the only guard named to the First Team, was a Second Team selection in 2023 and 2024.
- The Celtics have a surplus of wing depth now that Jayson Tatum is healthy, which may lead to an offseason trade, Robb states in a mailbag column. He explores the pros and cons of parting with Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez and Jordan Walsh.
- Chad Finn of The Boston Globe (subscription required) makes the case for sending out Jaylen Brown in a deal to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Bucks. He argues that a “big swing” is necessary to get the Celtics back into title contention and that Antetokounmpo would represent an upgrade over Brown.