INDIANAPOLIS — After their Jan. 16 game ended with lots of heated conversation and posturing, the Pacers and Pistons are already going at it and have already drawn double technical fouls and one player has been ejected.
Pistons center Isaiah Stewart — who made fun of Pacers center Myles Turner for his Lego-building hobby in the last verbal skirmish — got into it with Pacers veteran James Johnson Jr., known around the NBA as the guy no one wants to fight. Stewart and Johnson were assessed double technical fouls. The incident came with 3:32 to play in the first quarter and the Pacers leading 31-22.
Later in the second quarter, Stewart hit Pacers big man with an forearm to the chest and knocked him over. Stewart was immediately sent to the Pistons’ bench and Bryant got up ready to get after him but was held back. Officials ruled that the action involved a wind-up and was an unnecessary action and therefore a Flagrant 2 foul, leading to Stewart’s ejection. He was booed heartily on his way off the floor. Ben Sheppard seemed to wave goodbye to him as he was leaving and Stewart pointed out him forcefully as he entered the tunnel to the visitor’s locker room.
The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham then drew a techincal with 7:06 to play in the second quarter.
No one on either side was interested in divulging the details to the media of the first dust up, except to say that it was a product of an old Central Division rivalry that’s getting its juice back.
“It wasn’t no malice or anything crazy like that,” Pacers center Myles Turner said, possibly but not clearly referencing the Malice at the Palace brawl involving the Pacers in a game against the Pistons in 2004. “It was just competitive talk. It’s a team that’s on the rise, a team that we’re gonna see in the future. It was just good-spirited stuff, man. I think that’s the beauty of this game. You go out there and compete and you talk a little bit and you go out and back it up too.”
In a heated matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers, Isaiah Stewart was ejected after a scuffle on the court. The game took a dramatic turn as tensions flared between the two teams, leading to Stewart’s ejection. Stay tuned for updates on this intense game! #Pistons #Pacers #IsaiahStewart #Ejected #NBA.
The Jazz and head coach Will Hardy made a notable lineup change on Saturday, inserting rookie Isaiah Collier at point guard and benching Keyonte George. As Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune notes, George had started every game since the middle of his rookie campaign last year.
After a promising rookie year in which he earned All-Rookie Second Team honors, George has endured a sophomore slump. While his per-game stats have generally risen, the second-year guard hasn’t been able to elevate his teammates. Utah has won just 10 games after contending for a play-in spot last season.
George, the 16th pick of the 2023 draft, is averaging 16.2 points and 5.8 assists in 31.6 minutes per game but is shooting just 38.4% from the field. Collier, the 29th pick of last season’s draft, is more adept at pushing the pace and initiating the offense than George and has also played better on the defensive side.
However, Collier is more turnover prone (2.6 in 21.3 minutes per game) and has also struggled with his shooting (35.2% from the floor).
How long the switch lasts depends on the performance of Collier and the team’s fortunes with him as the floor leader. In his first start, he had eight points, eight assists and four turnovers in 33 minutes in a 22-point loss to Memphis. He also committed five fouls. He has started 10 games, as George missed 10 games due to ankle and heel injuries.
George played the same number of minutes as Collier and contributed eight points and seven assists but had a miserable shooting night, going 3-for-15 from the field.
Jazz Fans, it’s time to shake things up and insert Isaiah Collier at point guard!
With his incredible ball-handling skills, court vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates, Collier has the potential to revitalize our offense and lead us to victory.
Let’s give him the chance to showcase his talents and bring a new dynamic to our team. Who’s ready to see Collier take the reins and lead us to success on the court? #IsaiahCollierForPointGuard #LetsGoJazz
Two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas is pursuing another NBA return, signing into the G League and rejoining the Utah Jazz‘s Salt Lake City affiliate, sources told ESPN.
Thomas, 35, is expected to debut for the Stars this week, sources said.
Last season, Thomas averaged 33 points and made 25 3-pointers in four G League games, earning a call-up to the Suns. He signed a pair of 10-day contracts with the Suns beginning in March 2024 before inking a deal for the rest of the season — completing his comeback to the league after 23 months away.
Thomas has played 12 NBA season for 10 teams, averaging 17.5 points and 4.8 assists over 556 games.
An NBA All-Star in 2016 and 2017, the 5-foot-9 guard finished fifth in NBA MVP voting when he averaged 28.9 points for the Boston Celtics during the 2016-17 season.
Sources have confirmed that former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas is set to rejoin the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. Thomas, who was waived by the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this season, is looking to make a comeback to the league after dealing with injuries and struggling to find a consistent role on a team.
The 32-year-old point guard has had a storied career in the NBA, earning two All-Star selections and leading the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017. However, injuries have plagued Thomas in recent years, limiting his playing time and effectiveness on the court.
Despite his setbacks, Thomas is determined to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. By joining the Salt Lake City Stars, he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills and work his way back into the NBA.
Fans of Thomas will be eagerly watching his progress with the Stars, hoping to see him regain his form and earn another shot in the NBA. Stay tuned for updates on Isaiah Thomas’ journey back to the league with the Salt Lake City Stars.
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Isaiah Thomas, G League, Utah Jazz, basketball, NBA, sports news, Isaiah Thomas news, basketball updates, G League affiliate, Utah Jazz affiliate, player news
Veteran point guard Isaiah Thomas agreed to a deal with the NBA G League’s Salt Lake City Stars in a bid to extend his NBA career, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Thomas made six appearances for the Phoenix Suns in 2023-24 and registered eight points and three assists in 19 combined minutes on the floor. That followed a brief spell with Salt Lake City.
The two-time All-Star lit up the G League in his four games with the Stars, the Utah Jazz’s affiliate. He averaged 32.5 points and shot 44.6 percent from beyond the arc.
It only takes one team having an injury crisis in its backcourt for Thomas to get another shot in the Association. Fans were probably dismissive of his comeback attempt last year, only for the Suns to need his services.
Thomas is obviously far removed from his two-year peak with the Boston Celtics. He averaged 24.7 points and 6.0 assists in Boston, playing a key role in the team’s trip to the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals.
But the 35-year-old’s career was never the same as a result of the hip injury he suffered during the 2016-17 season. Since that year, he has made 115 appearances with eight different teams.
At this point, the odds are long of Thomas even carving out a regular reserve role for an NBA team; his limited usage with Phoenix is a sign of that.
Still, that’s not going to stop him from trying.
In a recent development, Isaiah Thomas has signed a contract with the Jazz’s G League team as he sets his sights on making a return to the NBA. The former All-Star point guard has been working hard to showcase his skills and prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Thomas, who last played in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2020-2021 season, has been on a mission to prove his doubters wrong and get back to the league. The 5’9″ guard has faced his fair share of challenges, including injuries and roster changes, but he remains determined to make a comeback.
With this new opportunity with the Jazz’s G League team, Thomas will have a chance to prove himself on the court and catch the attention of NBA scouts. His scoring ability, playmaking skills, and leadership qualities make him a valuable asset for any team looking for a veteran presence in the backcourt.
Fans of Thomas will surely be rooting for him as he embarks on this new chapter in his basketball career. Stay tuned for more updates on his progress as he works towards earning a spot on an NBA roster once again.
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Isaiah Thomas, Jazz, G League, NBA, PG, contract, return, report, news, scores, highlights, stats, rumors
In search of another NBA opportunity, veteran guard Isaiah Thomas is signing a G League contract and rejoining the Jazz‘s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, reports Shams Charania of ESPN (Twitter link).
A two-time All-Star, Thomas was a Sixth Man of the Year runner-up in 2015 and finished fifth in MVP voting back in 2017 after averaging 28.9 points per game for the Celtics.
However, a right hip injury sidetracked his career, as concerns about his health, age (36 in February), and limited contributions on defense made it more difficult for him to find NBA work in recent years. He has only appeared in 31 regular season games since the start of the 2020/21 season.
If the idea of Thomas joining the Salt Lake City Stars as he seeks an NBA comeback sounds familiar, it’s because he took the same route last March.
During a brief stint for Utah’s G League team last winter, the 5’9″ guard scored at least 30 points in four straight games, earning an NBA call-up with the Suns, who signed him to a pair of 10-day contracts and a rest-of-season deal near the end of the 2023/24 regular season.
Although he spent the final month of the 2023/24 season – and the playoffs – in Phoenix, Thomas played a very limited role for the Suns, getting into six regular season games and scoring eight points in 19 total minutes on 3-of-10 shooting. He also saw four garbage-time minutes in a single postseason appearance.
Isaiah Thomas Rejoining Jazz’s G League Team
Former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas is set to make his return to the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate team, the Salt Lake City Stars. Thomas, who last played in the NBA with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2021, has been working hard to make his way back to the league after dealing with injuries and setbacks over the past few years.
The 5-foot-9 point guard will bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the Stars, as well as his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Thomas, known for his fearless attitude and scoring prowess, will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the team as they compete in the G League.
Fans of Thomas and the Jazz will be eager to see him back on the court and in action with the Stars, as he looks to prove that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Stay tuned for updates on Thomas’s journey back to the NBA with the Salt Lake City Stars.
The Minnesota Timberwolves displayed a strong performance in their recent game against the Denver Nuggets, winning 133-104. Anthony Edwards led the team with 34 points and nine assists, and Rudy Gobert contributed a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds. The victory marked the Wolves’ fourth consecutive win against the Nuggets, emphasizing their dominance in recent matchups. Coach Mike Conley highlighted the importance of maintaining energy and fast play on offense to keep the momentum going.
By the Numbers
The Timberwolves shot 56% from the field in their victory.
Anthony Edwards recorded 34 points and nine assists.
Rudy Gobert achieved 14 points and 14 rebounds.
This was the Nuggets’ fourth straight loss to the Timberwolves.
Yes, But
While the Timberwolves had an impressive outing, consistency remains a challenge as they’ve struggled to replicate last season’s Western Conference Finals success. Their past performances have leaned towards stagnation, highlighting the need for continued energy and focus to avoid going back into isolation plays.
State of Play
Jaden McDaniels scored 13 points, marking his sixth consecutive game in double figures.
Isaiah Hartenstein from the Thunder is set to return from a calf strain on Sunday against Portland.
What’s Next
The Timberwolves will look to build on their momentum as they aim for a more consistent performance in the upcoming games. Meanwhile, Hartenstein’s return could provide a boost to the Oklahoma City Thunder as they face the Trail Blazers.
Bottom Line
The Timberwolves are showing promise by finding their rhythm and dominating key matchups, but maintaining focus will be crucial to sustain success moving forward. With players like Hartenstein returning, the competition in the league is heating up, emphasizing the importance of every game.
Houston Rockets center Isaiah Hartenstein is set to make his return to the court this Sunday after missing a handful of games due to injury. The young prospect has been sidelined with a sprained ankle, but has been putting in the work to get back to full strength and help his team compete.
Hartenstein’s return is much anticipated by fans and teammates alike, as the 21-year-old has shown flashes of potential during his limited playing time this season. With his size, athleticism, and skill set, he has the ability to make a significant impact on both ends of the floor.
Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni is excited to have Hartenstein back in the rotation, as he provides valuable depth in the frontcourt and gives the team more options in their lineup rotations. Look for Hartenstein to make his presence felt on Sunday as he looks to make up for lost time and help the Rockets continue their push towards the playoffs.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been without big man Isaiah Hartenstein for a shade over a week and in that stretch he missed five games. This left the Thunder center-less for a second stint this season as Hartenstein began the year on the shelf before Chet Holmgren joined him in street clothes due to a hip fracture on Nov. 10.
This past week, the Thunder went 3-2 with losses to the Dallas Mavericks twice. Now, Hartenstein will return to the lineup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday evening.
This season, Hartenstein has played in 24 games to the tune of 11.8 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.2 stocks per game while shooting 56 percent from the floor.
Cason Wallace, who left the team’s last game against the Dallas Mavericks after a hit to the face, will suit up in Portland despite suffering a facial fracture.
Though, the Thunder have added Lu Dort to the injury report with right knee soreness. He will miss this game – marking just his second missed contest of the season for Oklahoma City.
Earlier today, the Thunder sent down rookie swingman Dillon Jones to the NBA G League where he will be able to play three games in short order this week for the Blue spread between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Isaiah Joe and Ousmane Dieng, who missed the last game with an illness, are each off the injury report signaling their return as well.
Thunder Injury Report vs Trail Blazers: Lu Dort (Knee) OUT Chet Holmgren (Hip) OUT Ajay Mitchell (Toe) OUT Nikola Topic (ACL) OUT Dillon Jones (GL) OUT Cason Wallace (Facial Fracture) Available
Isaiah Hartenstein isn’t on the report. Signaling a return.
Houston Rockets fans have something to celebrate as Isaiah Hartenstein is set to make his return to the lineup against the Portland Trail Blazers. Hartenstein, who has been battling injuries, will provide a much-needed boost to the team’s frontcourt.
Unfortunately, the Rockets will be without the services of Lu Dort, who has been ruled out for the game against the Blazers. Dort has been a key contributor on both ends of the floor, so his absence will surely be felt.
Despite Dort’s absence, Rockets fans can look forward to seeing Hartenstein back in action and hopefully making an impact in the game against the Trail Blazers. Let’s hope for a strong performance from the team and a successful return for Hartenstein. Go Rockets! #IsaiahHartenstein #LuDort #HoustonRockets #PortlandTrailBlazers
HOUSTON — Right out of the gate, the Houston Rockets didn’t have an answer for Jalen Duren.
The third-year center physically-dominated his matchup, Alperen Sengun, and stuffed the stat sheet early with 12 points (on 6-for-6 shooting) and three offensive rebounds in the opening quarter. The Detroit Pistons marched to an early 15-point lead, feeding off of the physical tone set by their starting center.
It was the type of performance they would like to see more frequently. Duren finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks, leading the defensive charge in a 107-96 road win that brought the Pistons (22-21 overall) back above .500.
Sengun, who has generated some All-Star hype this season while averaging 19.2 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists, was held to 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists on 5-for-14 (35.7%) shooting.
“He is (a tone-setter) and that’s what we ask him to be,” J.B. Bickerstaff said. “How he goes, especially to start the game, typically is how this team goes. We put a ton of pressure on him to bring that juice, to bring that energy and help this team get off to great starts because typically when we get off to good starts it bleeds through the rest of the game.
“He was amazing tonight. Effort was great, executing coverages was great, force on offense and defense. He was big-time for us.”
Duren’s having his best season defensively — at least statistically. Per 100 possessions, he’s blocking a career-high 2.3 shots per game with 1.2 steals, an increase from last season and roughly equivalent to his rookie season.
His overall minutes have dipped, though, along with his raw scoring and defensive rebounding numbers. Some of that is because of his fellow “Dawg Pound” member, Isaiah Stewart. The two have split time at the center position this season, after starting alongside each other during Duren’s first two seasons. Duren’s averaging 25.1 minutes per game, after averaging 29.1 last year.
It’s been a net positive for all parties involved. Stewart has been the Pistons’ best defensive player, and a tone-setter in his own right despite coming off of the bench. According to NBA Stats, opposing players are only making 46.1% of their shots at the rim contested by Stewart — the lowest percentage of any players averaging at least four contests per game.
Duren, on the other hand, has had superior pick-and-roll chemistry with Cade Cunningham. His 70.3% overall field goal percentage reflects the high-quality look he consistently gets as an alley-oop and putback specialist. He said his teammate should be the Defensive Player of the Year. Stewart’s earned the title — at least with the Pistons — and has provided Duren a bar to reach.
“That’s my brother, man,” Duren said. “He’s the type of guy that any team would love to have. He’s the guy that does all the little things that might not show up in the stat sheet, hell of a leader, great locker room guy and on the court I feel like everybody’s scared of him. It starts with him and we talk to each other. He tells me when I’m bullshitting, I tell him when he’s bullshitting, we keep it real with each other. And at the end of the day that’s my brother.
“We both want the same thing, we both want the team’s success, he’s been here long enough to see what the team’s been through and what the organization’s been through. Obviously I’ve been here for a little bit too. We just both want the best.”
Together, Duren and Stewart provided given coach J.B. Bickerstaff two very different options. Stewart can’t jump like Duren and isn’t as effective a lob threat, but can stick with bigs both in the paint and on the perimeter.
Duren isn’t the consistent defender that Stewart is, but he’s capable of dominating. And Monday he showed what he’s capable of when he’s doing his best Stewart impersonation.
“Give our big guys credit,” Bickerstaff said. “JD and Stew had those assignments one on one and I think they did a really good job of understanding his tendencies. They played physical defensively and didn’t allow him to get to his spots, and then they contested all his shots and did a good job contesting without fouling and not sending him to the free throw line. Hats off to Stew, hats off to JD, they took an individual challenge and did a good job.”
Isaiah Stewart, the young center for the Detroit Pistons, has been making waves with his stellar defensive play this season. His shot-blocking ability, rebounding prowess, and overall defensive intensity have set a high bar for rookie Jalen Duren, who was recently drafted by the Pistons.
Stewart’s tenacity on the defensive end has been a key factor in the Pistons’ improved performance this season. He has shown an ability to protect the rim, defend the pick-and-roll, and switch onto smaller players with ease. His energy and effort on defense have been infectious, inspiring his teammates to raise their own defensive intensity.
Jalen Duren, the highly-touted rookie out of Memphis, has big shoes to fill in terms of defensive impact. However, with Stewart as a mentor and role model, there is no doubt that Duren has the potential to become a defensive force in the NBA.
As the Pistons continue to develop their young core, Stewart’s defensive prowess will be a cornerstone of their success. And with Duren looking up to him and learning from him, the future looks bright for Detroit’s defense.
Divisional Round Prediction: Isaiah Likely More Than 34.5 Receiving Yards
Without No. 1 wide receiver ZayFlowers, the Ravens targeted IsaiahLikely on 21% of his routes run, and he tied for the lead in total targets in a comfortable win over the Steelers.
His 3 receptions totaled 53 yards, almost double the next closest Ravens receiver.
And that was in a blowout win.
This game is likely to be a much more back-and-forth affair, and the Ravens will likely find themselves in more third downs needing to pass the ball.
Back in Week 4 against the Bills, Likely had only 2 targets but still hit 26 receiving yards, and that was in a 35-10 blowout with Flowers in the lineup.
The Bills would be smart to load the box in an effort to slow the run game of DerrickHenry and the Ravens.
If they do that, solid opportunities to exploit will exist against a defense changing structure against their will.
With the defense needing to be ever mindful of Lamar Jackson‘s legs on scrambles, it will be impossible to cover a dynamic player like Likely while simultaneously devoting resources to the box to slow Henry and spy Jackson.
As we head into the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, one player to keep an eye on is Isaiah Likely of the Kansas City Chiefs. Likely has been a key weapon for the Chiefs all season long, and his performance in the Wild Card round showed just how dangerous he can be.
In the Wild Card round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Likely racked up an impressive 112 receiving yards on 7 catches. He was a constant threat downfield and was able to make big plays when his team needed them most.
Looking ahead to the Divisional Round matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Likely will once again be a key player to watch. With his speed and route-running ability, he has the potential to have a big game and put up some impressive receiving yards.
While the Bills have a strong defense, Likely has shown that he can excel against tough opponents. Look for him to be a major factor in the Chiefs’ passing game and potentially put up over 100 receiving yards in this crucial playoff matchup.
Keep an eye on Isaiah Likely in the Divisional Round, as he looks to continue his impressive play and help lead the Chiefs to victory.
The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills battle in the final NFL Divisional Round game on Sunday, Jan. 19, at Highmark Stadium to determine who gets the final spot in the AFC Championship Game. Kickoff for Ravens-Bills is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET; the game will be broadcast on CBS.
Beyond NFL spreads and total bets, I’m looking at Ravens vs. Bills anytime touchdown scorers — I have one pick for each team on Sunday night.
Ravens vs. Bills Anytime Touchdown Picks
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Isaiah Likely Anytime TD (+400)
The Ravens and Bills met during the regular season — it was a one-sided contest that saw Ravens RB Derrick Henry shred the Bills for 199 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
While I expect an improved gameplan from the Bills, there’s only so much they can do to contain Henry. That’s why he’s up to -230 to score a touchdown.
This is why I’m not as high on Baltimore’s pass-catchers to score — the Ravens likely won’t need to throw unless they’re in a trailing game script. And when they get to the red-zone, Henry has dominated and carried the ball on 92% of all carries inside the 10-yard line.
The one Ravens pass-catcher I would consider, however, is TE Isaiah Likely at +400. Likely had more targets than Mark Andrews in the Wild Card game and the TE2 may need to be utilized more once again with WR Zay Flowers likely sidelined.
As I mentioned with the Ravens’ rushing attack, this could mean Likely sees the field more in two-TE sets to help establish the run for Henry. Likely played over 80% of snaps in the Wild Card game, and with the Bills playing zone defense at a higher rate than league average, he could see more targets underneath to chew up yards and also be a big target for Lamar Jackson in the end zone.
Amari Cooper Anytime TD (+500)
While Likely has me intrigued, my eyes lit up when I saw Amari Cooper at +500.
The former All-Pro hasn’t been as impactful in Buffalo with only two receiving TDs. Still, he Cooper is a veteran who has the ability to make plays outside against a man-heavy Ravens defense.
Another reason why I expect him to be utilized more? The Ravens’ run defense is no joke. Josh Allen may rush the ball at times to extend drives, but I’m not expecting RB James Cook to be effective in this one.
When these teams played in September, the Bills’ running game was non-existent and totaled 81 yards on 23 carries. The Ravens ranked first during the regular season with only 80.1 rushing yards allowed per game — only Saquon Barkley ran for over 100 yards on them all season.
The value in this game is on Bills pass-catchers, which is why I’m drawn to Cooper in this spot. Even the Steelers managed two touchdowns last week to outside options — WR George Pickens and WR Van Jefferson — so that’s where I expect the Bills to be busy. The Ravens allowed 27 passing TDs this season, with 18 of those to WRs.
About the Author
Gilles Gallant is a sports betting expert at the Action Network, specializing in NFL Anytime Touchdown Scorer props. A regular contributor to The Action Network Podcast and YouTube shows like Action Island and Bet What Happens Live, Gilles has been betting on the NFL since 2012 and honed his profitable strategy in 2018. With a background at Odds Shark and FTN Network, he’s known for his expertise in NFL and other sports markets like NBA and MLB. Gilles holds a degree in broadcast journalism from Nova Scotia Community College and is a Certified Sales Professional.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Action Network makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.
The Ravens took on the Bills in a thrilling matchup, and two standout players found the end zone for their respective teams. Amari Cooper showed off his playmaking abilities with a touchdown for the Ravens, while Isaiah Likely made a big impact for the Bills with a touchdown of his own. Both players proved to be key contributors in this exciting game, showcasing their skills and helping their teams put points on the board. These anytime touchdown scorers were certainly ones to watch in this highly anticipated showdown.
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Ravens vs. Bills, Amari Cooper, Isaiah Likely, touchdown scorers, NFL, football, game analysis, player highlights
A two-time All-Star, Thomas was a Sixth Man of the Year runner-up in 2015 and finished fifth in MVP voting back in 2017 after averaging 28.9 points per game for the Celtics.
