Isaiah Thomas is gearing up for a potential return to the NBA, as the seasoned guard is set to work out with the Sacramento Kings’ players. Known for his tenacity and scoring prowess, Thomas’ NBA journey started with the Kings after being drafted with the No. 60 pick in 2011. Now at 35 years old, he seeks to reignite his career where it all began.
Thomas' tenure with the Kings was marked by his explosive scoring and leadership on the court. However, his time in Sacramento concluded with a sign-and-trade deal in the 2014 offseason, sending him on a journey through several NBA teams. Despite a career that has seen its fair share of highs, including a remarkable fifth-place finish in MVP voting in 2017 during his time with the Boston Celtics, injuries have cast a shadow over his recent years. Since 2017, a hip injury has limited him to fewer than 40 games in any single season.
Last season, Thomas played a handful of games, dividing his time between the Phoenix Suns, where he suited up for six games, and the G League's Salt Lake City Stars, where he appeared in four. Despite these limited opportunities, his determination remains unshaken. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas said, underscoring his desire to continue contributing at a high level in the league.
Thomas’ journey towards another NBA roster spot saw him participate in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month. These workouts serve as a testament to his enduring talent and resilience. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," Thomas shared, highlighting his readiness and persistence in staying prepared for his next break.
As the Kings' workout session approaches, Thomas will be joined by a mix of established talent and promising players. Guard Lonnie Walker IV, who had a standout season with the Brooklyn Nets, will be present. Walker showcased his sharpshooting ability, hitting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His performance this past season makes him a compelling fixture in the workout lineup.
Additionally, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson will also participate. Toscano-Anderson played 11 games for the Kings during the 2023-24 season before concluding his season with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. His versatility and experience could provide valuable insights during the session.
The workout will also include big man Tony Bradley, who spent his last season with the G League's Texas Legends. Bradley's size and presence in the paint add another layer of depth to the workout roster, providing a broad spectrum of talent for the Kings' evaluation.
The Kings' interest in these players, along with Thomas, points to a strategic move to bolster their roster with experienced and versatile players. Thomas' presence is not just an attempt to return to the league but a potential opportunity for the Kings to leverage a veteran presence known for his scoring ability and on-court leadership.
As Thomas steps back onto the familiar courts in Sacramento, the basketball world will be watching closely to see if the two-time All-Star can carve out yet another chapter in his storied career. His perseverance, combined with the promising talents around him, makes this workout session a significant event for the Kings and for Thomas’ enduring aspirations.
In an ever-evolving league, opportunities like these showcase the continual drive and passion of veteran players like Isaiah Thomas, reminding fans and analysts alike of the enduring spirit that defines professional sports.