Isaiah Thomas, a familiar face in Sacramento, is set to make a return for a workout with the Kings' players. The 35-year-old guard, who began his NBA career with the Kings after being selected as the 60th pick in the 2011 draft, is eager to demonstrate that he still has something left in the tank.
Thomas, whose last stint with the Kings ended in a sign-and-trade deal during the 2014 offseason, has been on a journey to rekindle his NBA career. Despite the challenges posed by a nagging hip injury that has limited him to fewer than 40 games in any season since 2017, Thomas remains committed to the sport. "I want to play a year or two more," said Thomas, expressing his enduring passion for basketball.
Seeking Opportunities
Last season, Thomas had brief stints with both the Phoenix Suns, appearing in six games, and the G League's Salt Lake City Stars, where he played in four games. His search for a stable spot in the NBA lineup has been relentless. Just last month, he participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," Thomas mentioned, highlighting his perseverance.
Workout Details
The upcoming workout session in Sacramento will feature not only Thomas but also three other notable players: guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. This assembly promises an exciting mix of talent and experience.
Lonnie Walker IV comes off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he impressed by shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His performance has drawn attention as he seeks to solidify his role in the league.
Juan Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before finishing the year with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, brings versatility to the table. His experience with the Kings could yield valuable insights during the workout session.
Tony Bradley, having spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends, adds depth to the mix. Bradley's presence in the paint and his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will be closely monitored during the session.
The Road Ahead
Isaiah Thomas' journey is a testament to his resilience and love for the game. Finishing fifth in the MVP voting during his time with the Boston Celtics in 2017 stands as a high point in his career, and he continues to chase the possibility of reaching such heights once again. This upcoming workout in Sacramento represents another step in his quest to prove that, despite his age and past injuries, he still belongs among the elite in the NBA.
As Thomas gears up for this critical juncture, the basketball community watches with bated breath to see whether the undersized guard with a heart of a champion can carve out yet another chapter in his storied career. For the Kings, who are in the midst of assembling a team capable of contending, the addition of a seasoned veteran like Thomas could bring valuable experience and leadership both on and off the court.
The next few days will be crucial for Thomas. His performance in Sacramento will undoubtedly be pivotal in determining whether he gets the opportunity to prolong his career and potentially make a difference for a team that is looking to ascend in the competitive landscape of the NBA.