Isaiah Thomas: A Comeback Story in the Making?
Isaiah Thomas, the 35-year-old veteran point guard, is set to return to familiar territory for a workout with the Sacramento Kings' players. Thomas, who began his NBA journey with the Kings after being drafted with the No. 60 pick in 2011, has had a career filled with remarkable highs and devastating lows.
As Thomas gears up for the workout, he joins a trio of other hopefuls—guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. Lonnie Walker IV had an impressive season with the Brooklyn Nets, boasting a 38.4% shooting efficiency from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Toscano-Anderson, who had a brief stint with the Kings during the 2023-24 season before finishing with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, will also be looking to make an impression. Tony Bradley, who spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends, rounds out the group.
For Thomas, the road back to the NBA has been arduous. Following a spectacular 2017 season with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting, a lingering hip injury has severely hampered his career. Since then, Thomas has been limited to fewer than 40 games in any season. Nonetheless, the two-time All-Star remains undeterred. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas recently stated, underscoring his determination to extend his professional career.
Last season, Thomas wore the jerseys of both the Phoenix Suns and the G League's Salt Lake City Stars, playing a total of six games for the Suns and four for the Stars. His journey to get back on an NBA roster led him to participate in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas just last month. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," he revealed, showing that his drive and passion for the game is as strong as ever.
Thomas' return to Sacramento brings with it a sense of nostalgia and unfinished business. His initial tenure with the Kings ended in 2014 with a sign-and-trade deal, sending him to the Phoenix Suns. Since then, he's had fleeting moments of brilliance but has been unable to secure a long-term role due to recurring injuries.
The upcoming workout is a crucial moment for Thomas. While the inclusion of emerging talents like Walker IV, Toscano-Anderson, and Bradley offers stiff competition, Thomas brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the game. His ability to mentor younger players could add value to any team's roster, even if he isn’t logging heavy minutes on the court.
As the basketball world watches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see whether Thomas can seize this opportunity to reclaim his place in the NBA. His journey is not just about making a roster; it’s about redemption and proving that he can still contribute at the highest level of the sport.
Whether Thomas can defy the odds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his resolve and love for basketball are unwavering. His story reminds us that the path to greatness is seldom straight, often requiring a detour filled with resilience and perseverance.
Stay tuned as Isaiah Thomas aims to add another chapter to his remarkable career with the Sacramento Kings.