Isiah Thomas was a rival of the Boston Celtics during his tenure in a Detroit Pistons uniform, but he had nothing but good words to say about the organization to newly acquired guard Isaiah Thomas.

Thomas, a five-foot-nine point guard brought in from Phoenix before the trade deadline on Thursday has a good relationship with the Hall of Famer Piston that extends all the way to the younger Thomas' college days as a Washington Husky. Isaiah Thomas has been averaging 15.2 points per game along with 3.7 assists. He joins a young backcourt of Avery Bradley and rookie Marcus Smart. 

The older Thomas was excited when he heard about Boston's trade for the young guard and had this to say.

“I told him he would love Danny (Ainge) and that he was going to be immersed in a basketball culture. I told him he was going to be around people who have won championships, who talk championship and understand championship. Not too many players are blessed with that opportunity to be around that environment. I mean, Cedric Maxwell is calling the games, and he was the MVP of The Finals. Tommy Heinsohn is doing their TV, and he’s in the Hall of Fame as a player and a coach. I told him, ‘You’re getting ready to be immersed in a basketball culture and tradition that you’ve never experienced before, and feel fortunate because it’s a wonderful opportunity. Embrace it.” (Boston Herald)

Isaiah Thomas brings a scoring punch to a primarily defensive backcourt, and allows Marcus Smart to play off the ball as a two guard which could prove to work in the Celtics' favor. Even though the 26-year-old doesn't have the same defensive prowess as his new backcourt partners, the former Piston did explain what Thomas can bring to the table.

"Basketball-wise, in terms of scoring, creating your own shot, finishing around the basket and in the lane, he’s got every offensive basketball shot that you want a guard to have. And at the end of a game, he can make a play and make a shot." (Boston Herald)

With this move Boston is trying to make a playoff push, but they also have a guard with a friendly contract who can grow with a young backcourt and help attract free agents. While Celtics fans never thought they'd root for a guy named Isaiah Thomas, they sure hope this one can help lead them into the playoffs.