In the final moments before the February trade deadline, the Celtics made a trade with the Phoenix Suns: Marcus Thornton and a 2016 first-round pick headed to sunny Phoenix while former 60th pick journeyman point guard Isaiah Thomas packed his bags for Boston. Boston loved how Isaiah battled on every possession, never backing down despite seemingly insurmountable size difference, and Isaiah seemed enamored with the unwavering support he received every time he stepped on to the parquet of the TD Garden. While Isaiah came to Boston as a projected bench scorer, he left as a legend who embodied what it means to be a Celtic.

Unfortunately, the Isaiah that left Boston in 2017 is not the same Isaiah that would be walking through those doors should he return.