Isaiah Thomas Returns to Sacramento for Workout with Kings
Former NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas is set to return to Sacramento, the city where his professional basketball journey began. At 35 years old, Thomas is slated to join the Kings’ players for a workout, potentially eyeing a chance to reignite his storied career.
Isaiah Thomas, who was drafted by the Kings with the No. 60 pick in 2011, has had a circuitous journey through the NBA. His initial tenure in Sacramento came to an end in the 2014 offseason when he was part of a sign-and-trade deal. Despite the ups and downs, it seems the diminutive guard is eager for more court time. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas remarked, highlighting his desire to continue competing at the highest level.
Last season, Thomas saw limited action, playing six games for the Phoenix Suns and an additional four games for the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. His comeback aspirations were evident as he also participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," Thomas shared, underscoring his readiness to seize another shot in the league.
Isaiah Thomas has had a memorable career, notably finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2017 during his time with the Boston Celtics. However, a troublesome hip injury has significantly impacted his availability, limiting him to fewer than 40 games in any season since that standout year. Despite these challenges, Thomas remains determined to carve out another chapter in his NBA story.
The upcoming Kings' workout also features other notable participants, including guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. Lonnie Walker IV comes in on the heels of a productive stint with the Brooklyn Nets, where he impressed by shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. On the other hand, Juan Toscano-Anderson played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before finishing the year with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. Meanwhile, Tony Bradley spent the last season with the G League's Texas Legends.
For Thomas, the Sacramento workout is more than just another tryout; it’s a potential homecoming and a chance to revisit the roots of his NBA career. While his persistence in overcoming obstacles is commendable, the road ahead is undeniably challenging, given his age and injury history.
As Thomas joins his fellow hopefuls in Sacramento, the basketball community will watch closely to see if the veteran guard can add another chapter to his enduring and remarkable career. With a strong will and the tenacity that has defined his journey thus far, Isaiah Thomas remains a player to root for, both as a nostalgic favorite and as a competitor who refuses to let go of his NBA dreams.