Lillard or Isaiah Thomas?

Their career per 36 numbers are awfully similar, I would give the current (and probably peak) value edge to Thomas, but Lillard will probably have the longer career. Both are pretty terrible defenders, but Isaiah Thomas’ size limitations will catch up to him in his 30s. Thomas may make more NBA Finals than Lillard if the Celts make the leap next year though, which could make his career look better in retrospect. 

I just do not see Thomas being tha valuable. He is the worst guard defensivly not one of but the worst guard in the NBA at defense.  You just can not be a franchise player on a team when you are at the small. Fun player to watch amazing skills but at that size its to much of a disadvantage.

 Thomas is having a better year than what Lillard may ever have, but I think Dame over the course of his career will have more seasons at a higher level than IT. Thomas will age poorly cos he is just that much smaller, his game is speed and finishing at the rim. When he goes past his peak, he’ll be Earl Boykins for a while, that’s about it. He’s killing it right now though. He’ll be at this level 3 years or so, Boston need to use these assets and make a push while he’s at his best. 

 Boston fan here. I have seen every game. My take is that IT is offensively doing one of the most amazing jobs as I have seen from "almost" anyone in years. Factoring his consistency (especially in the 4th) all while being 5’9 or less is truly remarkable.

BUT

although fiesty on defense, he is a liability. teammates often have to over rotate tpo help. Boston is also nar the boton on rebounds. Though Stevens uses small lineups throughout. If Boston could find a true "rim protector" It would help negate much of IT’s weakness on defense and help Boston overall.

If the NBA had a BEST OFFENSIVE player award, I’d vote for I Thomas. But his offense has "blinded me" to the point where I don’t see the other side as well.

 I’ll go with Lillard on this one, even though I absolutely love IT. Basketball, more so than any sport, is a game that comes down to size and stregth. Literally, look at LeBron James. Not a great shooter, doesn’t have the shake and bake moves that Kyrie has, so-so in the clutch, so-so at creating his own shot like Kobe/TMac. But what makes LeBron so great is that he is literally bigger and stronger than everyone on the court, and is a mismatch where ever you put him. All of a suddenhis decent skills like shooting and breaking his man down don’t matter so much because he can just lower his shoulder and get where he wants to, and the fear of that stregth and size makes defenders sag off of him, freeing up his shot and playmaking nd ultimately turning what for most players would be average skills into weapons that are feared. IT is 5’9, his potential is limited, and personally I think he would be better served playing the Manu role, 28-32 minutes off the bench, and become easily the best 6th man in the entire NBA.

I look at what Lou Will is doing for the Lakers, and that’s the role I envision IT having on a championship level team (Because that’s what really matters). Just give him the ball, and tell him to do what ever the hell he wants out there, then in the 4th you play offense/defense when the games are close, something the Celtics already have to do with him. 

I know people hate him, but Marcus Smart is really the best PG on the Celtics in that he’s the best passer and igniter of the offense. I think with his offensive game improving like it has been, he should eventually win over the starting PG spot if we are ever going to be true contenders. I think the Celtics are only 2 pieces away from really contending (even if they are two big pieces, a solid rebounding PF/C hybrid, and a Scoring SG in the mold of Bradley Beal). 

Ultimately, I think Lillard could win a ring as the 3rd best starter on a good team playing the tony Parker role of scorer, whereas I don’t think IT will win a ring unless he comes off the bench.