Professional athletes have evolved into some of the most media-savvy individuals on the planet. It’s an excellent way for them to connect with fans and offer an “authentic” look behind the scenes of their everyday lives. But it has other advantages as well. For instance, it’s an opportunity for athletes who may not know one another personally to reach out and establish a rapport…to various ends.
That’s what Isaiah Thomas had in mind recently when he sent out a tantalizing tweet to his 356,000 followers, which consisted of picture of Kevin Durant’s jersey No. 35 next to the Boston Celtics’ shamrock logo. Although Thomas reportedly deleted the tweet soon after it started to gain traction online, it was the All-Star point guard’s first foray into recruiting the player who’s at the top of every team’s free agent list this summer. Via Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe:
“I just wanted the world to know, that’s who I’m trying to get,” Thomas said.
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“I definitely want to give him some time,” Thomas said. “I know that was a tough series and a long season for him. I wouldn’t want anyone calling me up about the biggest decision of my life right after the season’s over. So I’ll probably give him some time and casually talk to him, and then go all-in.”
Even if Boston seems like an unlikely destination for Durant, Thomas deserves props for at least getting his team into the conversation. Many believe that if Durant does, in fact, leave Oklahoma City this summer, it’ll be for his hometown Wizards. But even that seems like a long-shot now that so-called insiders are reporting that Durant is leaning toward signing a two-year deal to remain with the Thunder that would include a player-option for the second year.
Regardless, Thomas has to tread lightly moving forward so as not be accused of tampering, which is something he’s clearly cognizant of given the somewhat cryptic nature of the tweet.
