Ainge: Isaiah Thomas Got Second Opinion On Hip Injury Before Playoffs
The Isaiah Thomas hip injury continues to be a story, even though the former Celtics guard is on the verge of returning to the court. But when he comes back he’ll be in a Cleveland Cavaliers uniform – and Isaiah didn’t hesitate to imply the Celtics deserve blame for his long-delayed return.
Speaking to ESPN’s Rachel Nichols in a new interview, Isaiah said “I do wish I had more information” regarding his hip injury, which eventually forced him out of the NBA Playoffs. As a result, he’s missed the first two-plus months of the Cavs’ season.
“If I went back and could do it again, I would have sat out the playoffs,” said Isaiah. “Because I would have been playing right now. I would’ve been 100 percent healthy.”
Isaiah Thomas Hip Injury: A Second Opinion
Celtics president of basketball ops. Danny Ainge confirmed 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Johnston & Flynn (filling in for Toucher & Rich) on Thursday that Isaiah got a second opinion on his hip injury. That apparently occurred before the playoffs even started.
In other words, Isaiah did get more information. From a doctor who’s not affiliated with the Celtics.
Listen to the full Danny Ainge interview below:
In fairness to Isaiah, his comments to ESPN don’t necessarily heap all the blame on the Celtics for his hip injury becoming such a long recovery. He could also be saying he wished he got more information from independent doctors in addition to the Celtics’ team physicians. Furthermore, the Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported back in May that Isaiah visited a hip specialist. So in light of that, it’s not exactly a state secret that Isaiah sought other opinions.
Isaiah Thomas jokes during his introductory press conference for the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sept. 7, 2017. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Long-Term Concerns?
Besides all that, Isaiah is already hurt about the fact he was traded in the first place. Ainge admitted that the Isaiah Thomas hip injury played “some” role in the Celtics’ decision to package him along with the Brooklyn Nets’ 2018 first-round pick, Jae Crowder, and Ante Zizic to the Cavs for Kyrie Irving.
Considering all that is known about his hip injury and the people he met with to discuss it, Isaiah isn’t being totally genuine when he implies that the Celtics didn’t give him enough information. He got plenty of opinions about it. The reality is that hip problems are almost always long-term injuries for those who suffer them. You’re seeing it with the Bruins’ David Krejci, and Isaiah is simply the latest example.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff.
