Isaiah Thomas is making headlines once again as he prepares to return to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings' players. The 35-year-old guard, who began his NBA journey with the Kings, was drafted with the No. 60 pick in 2011 and quickly became a fan favorite. However, his initial stint with Sacramento came to an end following a sign-and-trade deal in the 2014 offseason.
Since then, Thomas' career has been a rollercoaster with several highs and lows. In the 2016-2017 season, during his time with the Boston Celtics, Thomas was in stellar form, finishing fifth in MVP voting. Unfortunately, a hip injury that year derailed his career, significantly limiting his playing time. In fact, since 2017, Thomas has played fewer than 40 games in any single season, a stark contrast to the player who once dominated on the court.
Last season saw Thomas putting in appearances for both the Phoenix Suns and the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. Despite limited opportunities, the veteran guard remained optimistic about his future in the league. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas shared. His determination and passion for the game were evident as he also participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas just last month.
Thomas elaborated on his situation, saying, "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity." This upcoming workout with the Kings might be the chance he has been waiting for. In addition to Thomas, the Kings' workout will showcase guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley, adding a mix of seasoned professionals and promising talents to the session.
Lonnie Walker IV, coming off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, brings a sharpshooting edge to the workout. He boasted a 38.4% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc while averaging an impressive 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His ability to make an impact on both ends of the court will surely be a focal point during the session.
Meanwhile, Juan Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season, finished the year with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. His versatility as a forward and experience in the league adds an interesting dynamic to the group. Participating alongside him is Tony Bradley, a big man who spent the last season honing his skills with the G League's Texas Legends. Bradley's presence in the paint and potential upside might catch the eye of the Kings' coaching staff.
Thomas' prospective return to the Kings carries a sense of nostalgia for fans who remember his early days with the team. Despite the setbacks, his journey embodies resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The upcoming workout is set to be a pivotal moment, not just for Thomas, but for all the players involved. Each of them brings a unique story of perseverance and ambition to the court, aiming to prove their worth and secure their place in the league.
As the Kings evaluate their options, Thomas' experience and leadership could offer valuable insights to the younger players and provide a veteran presence in the locker room. Whether or not this opportunity materializes into a roster spot remains to be seen, but Isaiah Thomas continues to demonstrate the tenacity and passion that has marked his career from the beginning.
In sum, Isaiah Thomas' return to Sacramento for a workout signifies another chapter in his ongoing narrative. It's a testament to his enduring love for the game and his unyielding spirit. As he steps onto the court once again, eyes will be on him to see if he can harness his skills and experience to carve out one more stint in the NBA. For Thomas, and indeed for fans and analysts alike, it's a story worth watching.