BOSTON -- When the Boston Celtics starters are introduced before games, Isaiah Thomas finds a quiet spot along the baseline in the corner opposite the Boston bench and, amid the on-court chaos, quietly ponders that night's challenge. Maybe it's the dimmed lights or his diminutive status, but most don't notice Thomas' unique location and Boston's fellow starters all wander out to greet him as they are introduced, then just point his way when public address announcer Eddie Palladino calls his name.
It's a bit of a habit for a player that's spent the majority of his NBA career in a reserve role.