NEW YORK -- Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas said he was trying to channel his inner Brad Stevens when he rose from his seat during the 2016 NBA draft lottery and prepared to join the representatives from the other two teams that were among the final three to be revealed.
With Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca beaming from the front row, Thomas could hardly mask his own trademark smile. Standing on the side of the stage alongside Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown as ESPN's broadcast went to commercial, Thomas was confident that he had secured the No.