In a remarkable turn of events, Isaiah Thomas, once a fan-favorite in Sacramento, is set to return to his NBA roots as he plans to join the Kings for a workout. The 35-year-old point guard, who initially launched his NBA journey with the Kings as the No. 60 pick in the 2011 draft, is determined to prove he still has the prowess that once made him one of the league's most electrifying players.
Thomas' NBA career has been a tumultuous journey. After a promising start with the Kings, his tenure in Sacramento ended in 2014 with a sign-and-trade that sent him to the Phoenix Suns. Yet, Sacramento holds a special place in his heart, being the city where his professional aspirations were first realized.
Over the years, Thomas has had stints with numerous teams. Just last season, he appeared in six games for the Phoenix Suns and played four games for the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. His journey back to the NBA also saw him participating in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month, highlighting his undeterred spirit and resilience.
Thomas' Determination and Challenges
Despite the numerous setbacks, including a debilitating hip injury that has plagued him since 2017 and limited him to fewer than 40 games in any season since then, Thomas remains optimistic about his future in basketball. "I want to play a year or two more," he stated, showcasing his unwavering determination to continue his professional career. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity."
Thomas' peak came during his tenure with the Boston Celtics, where in 2017, he finished fifth in MVP voting. His spectacular performance during that period remains one of the highlights of his career, cementing his status as an elite point guard in the league.
The Current Kings' Workout Roster
Joining Thomas in the upcoming Kings' workout are guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and center Tony Bradley. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, promising an engaging and competitive workout session.
Walker IV had a standout season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he showcased his shooting proficiency by hitting 38.4% of his shots from beyond the arc and averaging an impressive 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His offensive capabilities could offer a significant boost to any team looking to enhance their perimeter play.
Toscano-Anderson's journey has been equally intriguing. After playing 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season, he finished with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. His versatility as a forward could make him a valuable asset during the workouts.
Rounding out the group is Tony Bradley, who spent the last season with the G League's Texas Legends. As a big man, Bradley's presence in the paint and his capacity for rebounding could add depth to any team’s frontcourt rotation.
A Glimmer of Hope for Isaiah Thomas
For Thomas, this workout is more than just an opportunity to showcase his skills; it's a chance to reignite his NBA career and possibly finish where he started. His journey has been marked by highs of exceptional performance and the lows of injury setbacks, but his passion for the game remains unshaken.
The Kings' workout could prove to be a pivotal moment, not just for Thomas but for all the players involved, as they look to secure spots on an NBA roster. With Thomas’ veteran experience, combined with the fresh talents of Walker IV, Toscano-Anderson, and Bradley, this session promises to deliver competitive and high-energy performances.
As the Kings prepare to evaluate these talents, fans and analysts alike will keenly watch to see if Thomas can defy the odds and make a triumphant return to the court. Regardless of the outcome, his journey remains a testament to perseverance and the undying love for the game of basketball.