Brodric Thomas, left, plays defense against Jayson Tatum during a game last season. Thomas, who saw time with both Cleveland and Houston, signed a two-way contract with Boston on Monday. Tony Dejak/Associated Press

BOSTON — As Brodric Thomas explained it — fate or not — his NBA journey is already full of coincidences not even two years into the league. He officially signed a two-way deal with the Celtics on Monday, becoming the newest member of the team.

Thomas said his mom, especially, was thrilled about the signing because she’s a Celtics fan. That’s where the fun comes in: His dad’s a Cavs fan while Thomas grew up a Rockets fan (hat tip to Tracy McGrady for that fandom). Those three teams just so happen to be Thomas’ three NBA stops thus far in his career.

“It’s kind of crazy because every single person in our family kind of has different favorite teams for each sport,” Thomas said. “… It’s kind of weird when you look back on it: Those are the three teams I kind of bounced from. So I don’t know if it’s fate or whatever, but I’m just enjoying the journey.”

Thomas is from Bolingbrook, Illinois, which is a short drive away from Chicago. Despite that, he said, none of his family members were Bulls fans.

But Thomas and his family are just soaking in his NBA career as the 24-year-old looks to stick in the league.

Life comes fast in the NBA – especially for the fringe players. Thomas was just with the Cavs a week ago after inking a two-way contract, but they waived him. He sat for a few days until the Celtics contacted him Saturday when they were making some roster moves themselves.

Boston Coach Ime Udoka and his staff watched him for a workout Sunday and Thomas’ contract was officially announced Monday. The former Division II Truman State product practiced Monday at the Auerbach Center as he acclimates to his new teammates and surroundings.

“Especially in this league, it takes a lot of mental strength,” Thomas said. “When adversity comes up, you can’t just shut down, you can’t self doubt, because there’s going to be opportunities, and you gotta stay ready for that. And just like this opportunity, I stayed ready, I didn’t hang my head.”

Thomas bounced around the Rockets and Cavs last season, appearing in a total of 32 NBA games. He also had a successful G-League season for the Canton Charge, putting up 18.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in his 14 total appearances.

The Celtics are hoping he can translate the shooting – 41.3% on 7.4 3-point attempts per game – to the NBA. They’re also looking for him to grind as a defender, making his mark on the league despite coming in as an unheralded prospect. It’s that unsung element where Thomas said it “adds more fuel to the fire when you hear people doubt.”

“You just take that in and use it as motivation,” Thomas said of his background. “You just let that drive you and let that push you to keep breaking those barriers and keep playing the game in that way. Now, obviously, I have high hopes for my future as well.”

Thomas joins the Celtics on a two-way contract, joining Sam Hauser as the two players who will also see time with the Maine Celtics. He’s still plenty new to the team, barely getting to know his teammates ahead of the season opener Wednesday.

Despite the arduous adventure, Thomas said he was appreciative of the Celtics “embracing” him as they incorporate him into the team. While he’s bounced around his family’s favorite teams, he said that’s always a great phone call to inform them of his latest move around the league.

“Talented guy had some time in Cleveland and Houston last few years,” Udoka said of Thomas. “A guy that we feel has some upside and potential coming from a smaller school. We like his grind; we like his story.”