The Celtics planned to give Isaiah Thomas a tribute video on Wednesday night in his return to the TD Garden, but the point guard politely declined the team's request once he knew he wouldn't be playing in the game. Celtics PR announced on Tuesday afternoon that the team will play the tribute video for him at a later date.
Thomas defended himself on Twitter Tuesday afternoon against those who criticized him for turning down the tribute Wednesday, stating his reasoning for the request.
Get over myself huh? Because I would like to actually PLAY & have my family in the arena to appreciate the LOVE the city/organization will show US? It ain’t about me it’s about my family... Ha you get over yourself you dumbass https://t.co/LiqeXUVTwD
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 2, 2018
Paul Pierce
Brad Stevens:
Jaylen Brown:
Al Horford:
Other Practice Notes
- Semi Ojeleye took part in practice for the first time since suffering a bruised back last week. He looked good according to Brad Stevens and is a game-time decision for the Cavs game.
- Brown on the challenge of facing off with the Cavs and getting over past defeats against them: "This is a whole new team now. Ya know, same coaching staff but a whole new team with 11 new players. And most of the players that were here last year are young guys. … Other than that everybody’s kind of new to it. So I don’t think we have anything nostalgic that’s built up besides some of the players that were here last year. Everybody else is coming in and just can play freely. And I think that’s the beauty of it. That’s where we can bring our edge and just come out, play freely, play aggressive, and fly up and down the floor. And I think we’ll be fine.”
- Horford on being able to get little out of a season opener against the Cavs, following the Gordon Hayward injury: "I can’t count that one. We moved on with the game, but mentally that was a hard game for me personally. They won, give them credit."
- Marcus Morris will be on a minutes restriction for the fourth straight game.