In a move that rekindles memories of his early NBA days, Isaiah Thomas is set to make a return to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings' players. The 35-year-old guard, who began his professional career with the Kings after being the last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, is eager for another chance on the court.
Thomas' journey in Sacramento saw him transform from an underdog into a fan favorite. His tenure with the Kings climaxed in the 2014 offseason, when he was traded, marking the start of a peripatetic career that has since led him through various teams and leagues.
A Rocky Road Since Leaving Sacramento
Since his departure from the Kings, Thomas has struggled to find a permanent home in the NBA. Last season, he played a handful of games—six for the Phoenix Suns and another four for the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. Thomas elaborated on this volatile period, stating, "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity."
Despite these setbacks, Thomas has never given up on his dream of returning to the NBA. Last month, he participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas, signalling his ongoing commitment to the game. His pursuit is driven by a desire to extend his career, as he expressed, "I want to play a year or two more."
Injury Woes and Moments of Glory
A significant factor in Thomas' struggles has been a persistent hip injury. This ailment has limited him to fewer than 40 games in any season since he finished a stellar 2017 campaign with the Boston Celtics, during which he placed fifth in MVP voting. The sharp decline in his availability and performance post-2017 can be traced back to this debilitating issue.
Other Players Joining the Workout
Thomas won't be the only player under evaluation during the Kings' workout. The session will also feature guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. Walker IV had an impressive season with the Brooklyn Nets, where his sharpshooting—38.4% from beyond the arc—and scoring ability—averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes—stood out.
Meanwhile, Toscano-Anderson played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before moving to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. Bradley also spent his previous season in the G League, representing the Texas Legends.
As Thomas prepares to step back onto the court where his NBA journey began, fans and analysts alike are keenly watching. His dedication to the sport and persistent efforts to overcome injuries serve as a testament to his resilience. Whether he will secure a spot on the Kings roster remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Isaiah Thomas is not ready to hang up his basketball shoes just yet.