Isaiah Thomas Eyes NBA Return with Sacramento Kings Workout
Isaiah Thomas Eyes NBA Return with Sacramento Kings Workout
As Isaiah Thomas prepares for what could be one of the final chapters of his storied NBA career, the 35-year-old veteran point guard is set to return to where it all began: Sacramento. Thomas, who was drafted by the Kings with the No. 60 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, will join current Kings players for a workout session—a testament to his enduring love for the game and his determination to play at the highest level, despite numerous setbacks.
"I want to play a year or two more," Thomas recently said, revealing his steadfast ambition. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity."
A Career of Highs and Lows
Thomas' journey in the NBA has been marked by exhilarating highs and challenging lows. His initial years in Sacramento displayed hints of his explosive talent, but it was with the Boston Celtics that he truly shined. During the 2016-2017 season, Thomas finished fifth in MVP voting, captivating fans with his scoring prowess and clutch performances. Yet, the euphoria was soon tempered by a severe hip injury, which has since limited him to fewer than 40 games in any season from 2017 onwards.
Last season illustrated the precarious nature of his professional life. Thomas played a mere six games for the Phoenix Suns before transitioning to the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars, further highlighting the volatility that often accompanies the career of an aging, injury-plagued athlete.
Returning to Roots
Thomas' return to Sacramento for workouts indicates a potential homecoming to the team that offered him his first NBA break. His tenure with the Kings concluded in the 2014 offseason via a sign-and-trade deal, setting him on a path that would see him don multiple jerseys in both the NBA and G League. His latest venture brings him back full circle, as he trains alongside Kings players such as guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley.
Walker IV, a promising young guard, had a standout season with the Brooklyn Nets, posting impressive shooting statistics and demonstrating his scoring capability with an average of 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings during the 2023-24 season before heading to the G League’s Mexico City Capitanes, and Bradley, who spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends, are both poised to showcase their talents in this crucial pre-season period.
Uncertain Yet Hopeful Future
Whether Thomas can secure a spot on an NBA roster remains uncertain. In an era where the league increasingly favors younger and taller guards, the 5'9" Thomas faces steep competition. Nonetheless, his veteran experience and tenacity provide intangible benefits that could sway a team's decision. He continuously demonstrates that, while physical attributes are crucial, heart and professional wisdom hold irreplaceable value.
This summer saw Thomas participating in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas, another manifestation of his never-quit attitude. The evaluations by various franchises will be crucial in determining if and where he’ll play next season. Regardless of the outcome, his undying spirit and candid acknowledgment of his situation shine through his recent quotes, encapsulating his resolve to make the most of every opportunity.
"If I can play and somebody gives me a chance, I'm gonna take it," he asserts.
Thomas has never shied away from battling against the odds. Drafted last in 2011 yet rapidly establishing himself as a formidable scorer, he remains a beloved figure in the eyes of many NBA aficionados. Sacramento, the very soil that once nurtured his growth, may now serve as a springboard for his last professional endeavors.
As Isaiah Thomas gears up for this all-important workout with the Kings, a narrative of full-circle triumph or the difficulty of rekindling former glories is about to unfold. Regardless of the outcome, his unwavering passion for basketball continues to inspire, keeping fans hopeful that there's still more to write in the Isaiah Thomas story.
