Isaiah Thomas, the tenacious and underdog point guard, is set to return to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings' players. At 35 years old, Thomas is aiming to make a mark and find a roster spot once again. This opportunity to work out with the Kings brings his journey full circle. Thomas began his NBA career with Sacramento after being drafted with the 60th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.
Thomas’ initial stint with the Kings ended in the 2014 offseason via a sign-and-trade deal, propelling him to a series of roles with multiple teams. Despite the turbulence, one highlight that cannot be overstated is Thomas’ remarkable 2016-17 season with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting. However, a nagging hip injury has since severely limited his ability to stay on the court, causing him to play fewer than 40 games in any season post-2017.
Last season, the journeyman guard laced up for six games with the Phoenix Suns and had a brief stint in the G League with the Salt Lake City Stars, participating in four games. Earlier in the summer, Thomas was spotted in Las Vegas attending workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks, signaling that his desire to continue competing in the NBA burns as brightly as ever. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas stated, underlining his determination to prolong his professional career. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," he added, signifying his readiness to seize any chance to get back on the NBA stage.
The upcoming Kings’ workout will be a competitive environment as it features not just Thomas but also other notable players seeking to solidify their NBA positions. Among them is guard Lonnie Walker IV, who had a noteworthy season with the Brooklyn Nets. Walker demonstrated his offensive prowess by shooting 38.4% from three-point range and averaging a robust 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, who appeared in 11 games for the Kings during the 2023-24 season before ending up with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, will also be present. Additionally, big man Tony Bradley, coming off a season with the Texas Legends, will participate.
These workouts represent a crossroads for Thomas and his peers, each showcasing their skills and hoping for a chance to make an impact. For Thomas, returning to Sacramento, the franchise where it all began, symbolizes more than just a workout; it is an opportunity for redemption and a renewal of his love affair with the game. Sacramento fans will undoubtedly remember the spark and energy he brought to the court in his early days and will be eager to see if the veteran can reignite that flame.
The narrative of Isaiah Thomas is one filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. From being the last pick of the draft to becoming a legitimate MVP candidate, his journey encapsulates the essence of perseverance and passion. As he steps onto the practice floor with the Kings, basketball enthusiasts and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Thomas can carve out one more chapter in his remarkable career.