After engineering the deal that saw them get traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics GM Danny Ainge thanked Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder in a press release for their service to the Celtics.
“Isaiah embodied what it meant to be a Celtic. He captured fans' hearts not only with his spirit, but his personality,” said Ainge. “Jae’s toughness was contagious for our team. He improved his skills each year, but it’s his energy and fight that will be remembered.”
Ainge was pretty accurate in how he described both Thomas and Crowder. Thomas became a fan favorite during his relatively brief time in Boston thanks to the passion that he played with, which resonated with the blue-collar Boston faithful. The same went for Crowder, who was never one to back down from anything.
Thomas and Crowder also owe Ainge some thanks as well. Their respective careers took off to an entirely different level after Ainge brought them to Boston and gave them the opportunity to shine. Thomas, in particular, was able to fully realize his potential as a true star in this league despite his small stature as a Celtic.
But while Ainge was gracious in praising his former players now, he'll certainly be hoping for their downfall when the Celtics cross paths with the Cleveland Cavaliers during the regular season and possibly the playoffs.
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