When a big-name player is traded from a team, you usually can expect a tribute video of some kind thanking them for their time with the team. Once Isaiah Thomas was traded for Kyrie, the first thing I looked for was when is the first home game between these two teams. January 3rd was the day and I had that date marked since I was going to be curious to see the reaction he'd get when he comes back since I figured he'd recover from his injury by then. As the date got closer, the Cavs had announced Isaiah's return date and it January 1st against the Blazers. While at first I was confused since why not have it against the Celtics? I figured he'd play the next game against us and he did not. Here's where it gets interesting. Of course, I was a little bummed Isaiah would not play against us since it would have been nice to see, but the team would have still shown his tribute video and all would be well. However, Isaiah came out saying he didn't want his tribute video that day because he wanted his family there and wanted to play against the Celtics at full strength. The Celtics said they would show this at a later date and the "later date" is Paul Pierce's jersey retirement and that for me is where I draw the line.
A player works his entire career to win a championship obviously, but one of the biggest honors a player can have is their jersey being retired. The impact Paul Pierce has made on this team he deserves to have a night to himself. Pierce said "I’m not saying Isaiah shouldn’t get a tribute video. … But on February 11, the night I get my jersey retired, I’m not sure I want to look up at the Jumbotron and see Isaiah highlights". You can't blame Pierce for having these feelings because this is his night, he deserves this and to share it with a player who's impact is nowhere near Pierce's just seems odd. It would be like saying when Robert Parish had his jersey retired, you also do an Antoine Walker tribute video during the game. Some may say Pierce does not deserve to have a night all about him because what has he done? True, he may not have the resume of Kobe or someone of that calibre to have a night dedicated to himself, but there are many players who's number is retired and they've won nothing (Charles Barkley for example). Pierce to us Boston fans is our version of Kobe for what he did for the city and how much he meant to this team.
Overall though, this situation is just a mess. It makes no one look good at the end and makes them look petty. First with Thomas not wanting the video because he isn't playing and his family isn't there? Thomas knew what the schedule was before the season started and he could have looked at the calendar and tell his family plan a mini vacation for this day since it'll be the first time back in Boston. Make those plans, and your family is there even if you don't play. Thomas said between not playing, having his family not being there was another. Looking at a calendar is all Thomas needed to do and his side in this would be all set. As much as we love Pierce, he also looks petty in this too. While I feel he has a right to have the day to himself, the way he comes across may sound bratty to other people. He is making this about himself and no one else for a minute tribute video. The Celtics themselves are also at fault too because they could have told Isaiah we're doing the video January 3rd since February 11th is Pierce's night or just wait until the playoffs or next season. Having Thomas cause them to make this change just messed things up entirely and they should've given him a take it or leave it option. Is this story pointless and we're all overreacting? Yup, we are. But then again, grab your popcorn and keep it going!
