Isaiah Thomas Explains Why He Didn't Want Video Tribute from Celtics

The Boston Celtics didn't air a video tribune to Isaiah Thomas—at the point guard's behest—during Wednesday's 102-88 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, and they may have a mess on their hands as a result.

In an interview after the game, Thomas said he wanted to be honored by the Celtics not only when he was available to play but also when his family was in attendance, per NBC Sports Boston (h/t Pro Basketball Talk's Dan Feldman): 

"I just wanted my family to be here to see it. That's what it came down to. I wanted to be able to play. And I wanted my family to experience the love and appreciation this city and this organization was going to give me on that night. And when my representatives reached out to these guys, they were all for it. They agreed on it."

The problem for the Celtics is they don't play the Cavs at home again until Feb. 11, which is when they're going to retire Paul Pierce's No. 34 jersey.

Pierce was rather emphatic about not wanting to share the spotlight with Thomas.

"I'm not saying Isaiah shouldn't get a tribute video...but on Feb. 11, the night I get my jersey retired, I'm not sure I want to look up at the Jumbotron and see Isaiah highlights," Pierce said on ESPN's The Jump (via ESPN.com's Chris Forsberg).

For his part, Thomas said his tribute "ain't the whole night" and that he "would be honored" to have the Celtics celebrate his achievements.

According to ESPN.com's Dave McMenamin, Thomas has buried the hatchet with Celtics general manager Danny Ainge after telling Sports Illustrated's Lee Jenkins he didn't plan on talking to Ainge ever again following his trade from the Celtics:

Thomas received a tribute of sorts as well in Wednesday's game. The TD Garden crowd gave him a loud ovation when he arrived at the Cavaliers bench, per NBC Sports Boston:

Thomas made his 2017-18 debut for the Cavs in the team's 127-110 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. He scored 17 points and dished out three assists in 19 minutes on the floor. Cleveland held him out for the game against Boston to ease his comeback to full-time action.

Cavs head coach Tyronn Lue told reporters he plans on starting the two-time All-Star on Saturday against the Orlando Magic.