Isaiah Thomas, the seasoned NBA veteran, is set to return to the roots of his professional journey. This week, the 35-year-old guard will participate in a workout with the Sacramento Kings’ players, marking a significant reunion with the team that drafted him with the No. 60 pick in 2011.
Thomas started his NBA journey in Sacramento, where his talent on the court quickly stood out. However, his tenure with the Kings ended following a sign-and-trade deal in the 2014 offseason. Since then, Thomas has struggled with injuries that have significantly impacted his once-promising career. A hip injury has particularly plagued the guard, limiting him to fewer than 40 games in any season since 2017, a stark contrast to his peak performance years, which included a fifth-place finish in the 2017 MVP voting during his time with the Boston Celtics.
Determined to Continue
Isaiah Thomas remains undeterred by the turbulent path his career has taken. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas expressed, highlighting his continued passion for the game. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity." This statement underscores his resolve to make a significant comeback, despite a challenging previous season where he managed only six games with the Phoenix Suns and four games with the G League's Salt Lake City Stars.
Thomas' persistence led him to workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month. The upcoming session with the Kings represents yet another step in his effort to demonstrate that he still has the skills and determination to contribute at a high level in the NBA.
Company for the Workout
Thomas won’t be alone in Sacramento's workout; he will be joined by guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. This group brings an interesting mix of talent and potential to the table, each with their own aspirations and reasons for participating.
Lonnie Walker IV had a standout season with the Brooklyn Nets, showing impressive accuracy by shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His performance indicates a player on the rise, looking to make a more significant impact in the league.
Meanwhile, Juan Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings during the 2023-24 season before moving to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, offers versatility and experience. His journey, much like Thomas', has been one marked by resilience and adaptation.
Tony Bradley, who spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends, adds another layer of depth to the workout. Bradley's time in the G League provided him valuable on-court experience, preparing him for opportunities like the one with the Kings.
The Road Ahead
For Isaiah Thomas, the path back to regular NBA play is steep, but his determination serves as a powerful motivator. His career, though marred by injury, is a testament to his skill and tenacity. The opportunity with the Kings offers a symbolic gesture of returning to where it all began, with the hope of reigniting his professional journey.
With players like Walker, Toscano-Anderson, and Bradley also aiming to carve out their places in the NBA, Sacramento's workout promises to be a melting pot of ambition and potential. Whether Thomas can secure a spot remains to be seen, but his undying spirit and love for the game continue to inspire fans and peers alike.