Isaiah Thomas Threw the Pass of the Year Last Night

Image via AP

Earlier this week, Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said he regrets trading Isaiah Thomas to Boston last season. One can only wonder how McDonough felt when he saw Thomas throw the pass of the year Thursday night.

In the closing moments of the Celtics’ 112-107 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Thomas dished an incredible no-look, behind-the-head pass to Jae Crowder, who hit a three-pointer that iced the game. Thomas led all scorers with 27 points and recorded seven assists as well.

Yeah, this happened: pic.twitter.com/AWSmVZTU5X

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 26, 2016

The Celtics acquired Thomas last February from the Suns in exchange for swingman Marcus Thornton and a first-round pick. The 5-foot-9 point guard, who was the last selection in the 2011 NBA Draft, has ascended to stardom, and the best part is, he’s signed for two more years at an affordable $13 million.

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge has pulled off several stellar trades over the years, but landing Thomas may be one of his greatest coups yet. After arriving in Boston last year, Thomas sparked the Celtics to a strong finish and playoff birth primarily as a sixth-man. He’s moved into the starting lineup this season, and is averaging a team-high 21.6 points per game. He also appeared in his first All-Star Game earlier this month. He’s the lowest draft pick ever to play in the NBA All-Star Game.

I am honored to be selected as an all star & represent the @Celtics, Joining the greatest of @Celtics who have played in the all star game

— Isaiah Thomas (@Isaiah_Thomas) January 29, 2016

The Celtics’ search for a bona fide superstar continues, as evidenced by the reports that they expressed interest in trading for Carmelo Anthony earlier this month. Ainge has a war chest of assets at his disposal, including three first-round picks from the moribund Brooklyn Nets—including this year’s, which could be the No. 1 pick overall.

Though the C’s aren’t ready to contend for a championship yet, they’re currently the third-seed in the Eastern Conference and remain an exceptionally fun team to watch on a nightly basis. Thomas is one of the biggest reasons why, and the pass he threw Thursday night is all the proof anyone needs.