The Boston Celtics have hired former All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas as a pro and college scout, according to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, bringing a fan favorite back to the franchise in a front office role.
Thomas, 37, will be based in Seattle, his hometown, and provide West Coast scouting coverage for president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. The move signals a new phase in Thomas’ basketball career after more than a decade in the NBA.
Isaiah Thomas Returns to Celtics Organization in Scouting Role
GettyIsaiah Thomas returns to the Boston Celtics in a new role.
The hiring reconnects Boston with one of the most impactful players of its post-Big Three era. Acquired in 2015, Thomas quickly became the centerpiece of the Celtics’ rebuild under Stevens, then the team’s head coach.
Thomas earned All-Star selections in 2015-16 and 2016-17 and finished fifth in MVP voting during the 2016-17 season, when he was named second-team All-NBA. His scoring ability and late-game production helped push Boston into Eastern Conference contention and reestablish its competitive identity.
Stevens has credited Thomas with helping build the culture that has defined the Celtics’ success over the past decade.
Celtics Expand Scouting Department Ahead of NBA Draft
According to Himmelsbach, Thomas has already begun his transition into the role, attending the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago this week. There, he assisted with prospect interviews and gained experience in the organization’s evaluation process.
The Celtics hold the No. 27 and No. 40 picks in the upcoming NBA draft and are expected to use those selections to add depth following an early playoff exit. Thomas’ presence adds a former player’s perspective, particularly in evaluating guards and perimeter talent.
Boston’s scouting structure includes regional evaluators across the country, and Thomas will focus on West Coast prospects, an area rich in collegiate and pre-draft talent.
Isaiah Thomas’ Career Defined by Boston Peak and Injury Setback
GettyKyrie Irving hugs Isaiah Thomas after a Boston Celtics win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018.
Thomas’ tenure in Boston ended abruptly after he played through a significant hip injury during the 2017 playoffs. He was sidelined late in the Eastern Conference finals and traded months later to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a deal involving Kyrie Irving.
The injury altered the trajectory of his career. Thomas spent time with multiple franchises and in the G League before making his final NBA appearance with the Phoenix Suns during the 2023-24 season.
Though he never formally announced his retirement, Thomas had recently explored continuing his playing career overseas before shifting into a front office path.
Celtics Bring Back Familiar Voice as Franchise Rebuilds
Thomas’ return comes as the Celtics regroup following their postseason exit and look to strengthen their roster. His familiarity with the organization and its expectations could help bridge the gap between scouting, player development and team culture.
Coach Joe Mazzulla previously described Thomas as a high-character player who left a lasting impact on the franchise.
Now, Boston is bringing that presence back — this time off the court — as it prepares for the next stage of roster building.
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