Isaiah Thomas, the 35-year-old veteran point guard, is set to return to Sacramento, where his NBA journey began. In a bid to extend his professional career, Thomas will participate in a workout with the Kings’ players.
Thomas entered the league as the 60th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, landing in Sacramento to kickstart a promising career. His tenure with the Kings, however, came to an end in the 2014 offseason through a sign-and-trade. Reflecting on his aspirations, Thomas has expressed his determination to continue playing: "I want to play a year or two more," he said.
Despite the challenges posed by injuries, notably a debilitating hip injury that has limited him to fewer than 40 games in any season since 2017, Thomas remains undeterred. His perseverance was on display last season when he played six games for the Phoenix Suns and four games for the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. Moreover, Thomas showed his relentless drive by participating in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month.
A Star with a Storied Past
Thomas' career has witnessed remarkable highs. During his time with the Boston Celtics, he finished fifth in MVP voting in 2017, underscoring his impact on the court. Yet, injuries have since plagued his career, diminishing his ability to contribute consistently.
Now, in what can be seen as a full-circle moment, Thomas returns to the place where it all began. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," he said, and it appears that opportunity has finally arrived with the Kings.
Fresh Faces in the Kings' Workout
Thomas won't be the only player showcasing his skills during the Kings' workout. The session will also feature guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. Each player brings their own unique storyline and set of talents to the table.
Lonnie Walker IV, coming off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, displayed his sharpshooting abilities by hitting 38.4% from beyond the arc. Walker also proved to be an efficient scorer, averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His performance suggests that he could be a valuable asset to any team looking for perimeter scoring and energy.
Meanwhile, Juan Toscano-Anderson, who appeared in 11 games for the Kings during the 2023-24 season before finishing with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, will be looking to solidify his place on the roster. His versatility and experience in the league could provide the Kings with a reliable option off the bench.
Veteran Presence with G League Experience
Tony Bradley, who spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends, rounds out the trio of players joining Thomas in the workout. Bradley's presence in the paint and his rebounding abilities will likely be under scrutiny as he vies for a spot with the Kings.
The upcoming workout session offers a mix of veteran experience and youthful potential, providing a platform for these players to demonstrate their readiness and fit for the team.
For Isaiah Thomas, this workout with the Kings is more than just a return to familiar grounds. It represents a potential rekindling of a promising career that has faced significant challenges. Whether Thomas can turn this opportunity into a new chapter in Sacramento remains to be seen, but his dedication and passion for the game are undeniably inspiring. As fans and analysts watch closely, Thomas' journey continues to captivate the basketball community.
