Isaiah Thomas, at 35 years of age, is preparing for another potential chapter in his NBA career, returning to where it all began. The seasoned point guard is set to join a workout session with the Sacramento Kings' players. The Kings were the team that drafted Thomas with the 60th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, marking the start of his professional journey.
Thomas' initial stint in Sacramento came to a close in the summer of 2014, when he left the team via a sign-and-trade deal. Since then, his career has been a testament to perseverance and determination, despite significant setbacks, particularly a nagging hip injury that has limited his game appearances to fewer than 40 in any season since 2017.
Brief Stints and a Glimpse of Glory
Last season, Thomas featured briefly in six games for the Phoenix Suns and subsequently played four games in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars. Despite these limited appearances, his passion for the game remains undiminished. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas stated, expressing his continued desire to compete at a high level. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity."
One notable highlight of Thomas' career came in 2017 during his tenure with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting. His time in Boston showcased his scoring prowess and leadership, etching his name in the annals of Celtics history.
Current Workout Prospects
In his latest bid to return to the NBA, Thomas participated in a workout with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month. As of now, his focus shifts to the upcoming workout with the Kings, where he will be joined by guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley.
Walker IV, coming off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, will look to impress with his sharp-shooting skills, having shot an impressive 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaged 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Toscano-Anderson had a stint with the Kings during the 2023-24 season, playing 11 games before moving to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. Meanwhile, Bradley, fresh off a season with the G League's Texas Legends, will add depth to the workout session.
A Story of Resilience
Thomas' career has been marked by its fair share of trials and triumphs. His journey from being the last pick in the draft to an MVP candidate in Boston is a testament to his resilience and sheer talent. The workout with the Kings represents another opportunity for him to prove that, despite the setbacks, he can still contribute meaningfully on the court.
As the Kings assess their options ahead of the new season, Thomas' experience and veteran presence could provide invaluable. While his hip injury has undoubtedly taken a toll on his playing time, his willingness to push forward and continue competing speaks volumes about his character and dedication to the game.
For fans and analysts alike, Thomas' return to Sacramento for this workout brings a sense of nostalgia and hope. It is a reminder of his early days with the Kings and a potential prelude to a new chapter in his storied career. Whether this leads to a contract with the Kings or another team remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Isaiah Thomas is not done yet.