Isaiah Thomas, a once-dominant force in the NBA, is set to make a nostalgic return to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings' players. At 35 years old, Thomas’s journey in professional basketball has been marked by remarkable highs and challenging lows.
Thomas's NBA career began in Sacramento in 2011 when he was drafted with the No. 60 pick. His tenure with the Kings ended in the 2014 offseason through a sign-and-trade deal. Ever since his departure from Sacramento, the two-time All-Star has embarked on a circuitous journey across the NBA landscape, marked by both brilliant performances and significant setbacks.
From Prominence to Perseverance
The pinnacle of Thomas’s career came during his time with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting in 2017. However, his rise to prominence was abruptly halted by a severe hip injury that has since limited him to fewer than 40 games in any season. Despite the physical challenges, Thomas remains unwavering in his commitment to the game. "I want to play a year or two more," he shared, expressing his enduring passion for basketball.
A Continuing Struggle
Last season, Thomas split his time between the NBA and the G League, playing six games for the Phoenix Suns and four for the Salt Lake City Stars. The journeyman guard also participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month, signaling his relentless pursuit of another shot at the NBA. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," Thomas revealed, reflecting his determination to reignite his professional career.
Alongside New Faces
The upcoming Kings’ workout in Sacramento will also feature other talented players eager to showcase their skills. Guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley will join Thomas in the workout session. Walker IV had a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, boasting an impressive 38.4% shooting from beyond the arc and an average of 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before joining the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, also looks to seize this opportunity. Meanwhile, Bradley spent the last season with the Texas Legends of the G League, further honing his abilities.
Isaiah Thomas’s return to Sacramento holds special significance, not just for him, but also for the Kings’ faithful who remember his early days with the franchise. With his wealth of experience and deeply ingrained passion for the game, Thomas exemplifies resilience and the undying spirit of a true competitor.
As Thomas gears up for the workout, the basketball community watches with bated breath. Will this veteran guard manage to carve out a place for himself again in the NBA? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Isaiah Thomas is not done fighting for his dream just yet.