Last week’s NBA trade deadline has already started to benefit the Celtics. In two last minute deals, the Celtics picked up Isaiah Thomas from the Suns for Marcus Thornton as well as Jonas Jerebko and Luigi “Gigi” Detome from the Pistons in exchange for Tayshaun Prince. Thomas is far and away the most exciting pick up, but the other two will also help supplement a building team.

Isaiah Thomas is small but prolific on the court, averaging 15 points and 5 assists per game. His height, an almost shocking 5’9”, does not prevent him from getting baskets. In three appearances with the Celtics, he has helped the team win two games, including one against his former team, the Phoenix Suns. His backstory is almost as surprising as his height. His father originates from Los Angeles and has been a devout lifelong Lakers fan, which has not kept him from already sporting green. In 1989, when Isaiah’s mother was pregnant with him, the Detroit Pistons were playing the elder Thomas’s beloved Lakers in the NBA Final. On a bet, Thomas had to name his son after Pistons all-star Isiah Thomas. In the end, however, both parents fell in love with the name. The story connected the two players and Isiah has served as a mentor and role model for the younger Isaiah for several years.

The other two players have equally interesting stories. Jonas Jerebko is one of the few professional basketball players hailing from Sweden, which history teacher and lifelong Celtics fan Bob Frye has jokingly described as a “truly an underrepresented basketball powerhouse.” Although the first couple years of his NBA career have been a bit disrupted by injury, Jonas is healthy now and already being a big help off the bench, scoring twenty points in his debut at the Garden against the Knicks. He also plays for the Swedish nation team.

Gigi Detome is also a European. Born in Italy, he played in the Italian basketball league for several years before signing with the Pistons earlier this year. Most of his American career has been spent in the Development League up to this point, but his Italian career was very impressive. In his native country he won two titles and an MVP award. Although he has not been given much playing time in the NBA, he averaged 16 points a game in Italy and was known for being deadly accurate behind the three point line. He has played for the Italian national team.

All three players will help supplement the growing team and help the Celtics in the second half of the season. They will each add needed skills and points to the team in the hunt for the playoffs.