Isaiah Thomas, the veteran point guard, is set to return to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings’ players, signaling a potential comeback. The 35-year-old, who began his NBA career with the Kings after being drafted with the No. 60 pick in 2011, has found himself journeying through different teams and leagues in recent years.
Thomas' time in Sacramento ended with a sign-and-trade in the 2014 offseason. His career then saw highs, including finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2017 during his impressive tenure with the Boston Celtics. However, a hip injury has since plagued his career, limiting him to fewer than 40 games in any season post-2017.
A Journeyman’s Struggle
Last season, Thomas played six games for the Phoenix Suns and four games in the G League for the Salt Lake City Stars. Despite the challenges, Thomas remains optimistic about his future in the NBA. "I want to play a year or two more," he expressed, reflecting his undying passion for the game. His determination was evident as he participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month.
Hope in Familiar Grounds
The Kings’ upcoming workout session, which will include guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley, offers Thomas an opportunity to showcase his skills once again. Lonnie Walker IV had a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, displaying impressive shooting with a 38.4% rate from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Meanwhile, Juan Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before moving to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, and Tony Bradley, who spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends, will also be present.
For Thomas, this workout symbolizes more than just a return to the court; it is a chance to reconnect with the franchise where it all began. “I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity,” he shared, highlighting his readiness for the next chapter of his career.
Challenges and Resilience
Isaiah Thomas’ resilience and determination have been tested repeatedly. After his standout season with the Celtics, his hip injury cast a long shadow over his once-promising trajectory. Yet, his unwavering dedication to the sport underscores his professional journey. In a league that often forgets, Thomas’ determination serves as an inspiring story of perseverance even in the face of persistent setbacks.
As he returns to Sacramento, the city remembers the young point guard who defied odds and rose from being the 60th pick to a celebrated NBA player. His story, coupled with his persistent pursuit of the game, emphasizes the enduring nature of professional sports and the relentless spirit required to navigate its challenges.
The upcoming workout with the Kings will be pivotal — not just for Isaiah Thomas but for the organization itself. It’s an opportunity for both parties to potentially reignite a relationship that began over a decade ago. Should Thomas impress and secure a spot, it will mark an emotional and professional milestone in his storied career.
As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, veterans like Thomas who continue to push through adversity remind us of the essence of passion and dedication in sports. Sacramento, a city with its share of basketball memories, might just witness another inspiring chapter with Isaiah Thomas at its heart.