Isaiah Thomas is set to make a return to familiar territory, as the 35-year-old point guard will participate in a workout with the Sacramento Kings' players. Thomas, who began his NBA career in Sacramento, was the No. 60 pick in the 2011 draft and quickly endeared himself to Kings fans with his tenacity and skill on the court.
Thomas' tenure with the Kings ended in 2014 when he was traded during the offseason, but his journey in the NBA has been anything but conventional. Having played for several teams over the years, Thomas has faced numerous challenges, especially concerning a lingering hip injury that has limited his game-time dramatically since 2017. Indeed, the persistent hip issues have restricted him to fewer than 40 games in any season following his magnificent 2017 campaign with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting.
Last season, Thomas played a total of ten games, suiting up for the Phoenix Suns in six of those and remaining four with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League. Despite these limited appearances, Thomas has continued to express his desire to remain competitive. "I want to play a year or two more," he stated in a recent interview, demonstrating his enduring passion for the game.
Before his upcoming stint in Sacramento, Thomas participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month. Reflecting on his determination and readiness, he remarked, "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity." It appears his persistence might bear fruit with the Kings extending an invitation for this workout.
Youthful Energy and Veteran Experience
The Kings' workout will also feature other talented players, including guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley, suggesting a diverse range of skills will be on display. Walker IV is coming off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets where he showcased his scoring ability by averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes and impressed with a 38.4% shooting rate from beyond the arc.
Toscano-Anderson brings versatility and defensive acumen to the court. Last season, he played 11 games for the Kings before finishing the season with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. His ability to adapt to varying team dynamics and his familiarity with Sacramento's system may play in his favor during the workouts.
Rounding out the group, Tony Bradley spent the previous season with the Texas Legends in the G League. As a big man, Bradley's physical presence and rebounding skills will be crucial components in evaluating his fit with the Kings' roster needs.
A Potential Comeback Story
For Isaiah Thomas, this workout represents more than just another chapter in his storied career. It's an opportunity for redemption and a testament to his resilience. His return to Sacramento, where it all began, brings a narrative of full circle for a player who has seen the highest highs and the lowest lows of professional basketball.
Thomas has made an impact at every stop in his career, and sentimental connections to Sacramento could provide a boost of motivation as he aims for another shot at contributing to an NBA team. As he steps onto the court once again, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, not only to see if Thomas can regain his form but also to witness the enduring spirit of a true competitor.