Alex KennedyAlex Kennedy Email Print 0

Mr. Irrelevant isn’t supposed to emerge as a starter during his first season in the NBA. Mr. Irrelevant isn’t supposed to win Rookie of the Month twice. Mr. Irrelevant isn’t supposed to average 14.7 points and 5.4 assists in the final month of the season.

Nobody told Isaiah Thomas.

The 23-year-old was the final pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, but he exceeded all expectations during his rookie season with the Sacramento Kings. Entering the season, there was no guarantee that Thomas would make the team. He had to fight for his roster spot during training camp and prove that he belonged in the NBA. However, by February, Thomas was one of Sacramento’s most consistent contributors and was moved into the starting lineup.

Thomas was one of the biggest surprises of the 2011-12 season, someone who will likely receive Rookie of the Year votes just 10 months after being overlooked by every team in the league. At 5’9, Thomas has always had doubters, and being dubbed Mr. Irrelevant only motivated him more and solidified his underdog status.

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