Isaiah Thomas might not be one of the most awe-inspiring players in the NBA but he certainly has one thing that separates him from the most and that thing is grit. His sheer determination to succeed in the league has yet to die down even after being a journeyman for over a decade.
After pinballing around the NBA and the developmental, the 35-year-old again got his chance to shine and the latest chance comes from a familiar hand.
Suns rumored to sign Isaiah Thomas
Isaiah Thomas’ determination has finally paid off as he made his way back to the NBA through the Phoenix Suns.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, The Suns planned to get Thomas on board for the postseason tournament. The veteran joined the franchise for two brief 10-day contracts last month. The 2-time All-Star couldn’t provide much in numbers, playing for 3.5 minutes per game, but with his “backcourt depth, strong leadership and vet presence in locker room”, Thomas would presumably earn his position back in the franchise.
Comeback complete: The Phoenix Suns plan to sign guard Isaiah Thomas for the remainder of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. In his 12th NBA season, Thomas completed two 10-days – providing the Suns backcourt depth, strong leadership and vet presence in locker room. pic.twitter.com/PDbIT15vES
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 8, 2024
On failing to get selected for any NBA team, Thomas joined the G-League team Salt Lake City Stars, the affiliates of the Utah Jazz. While discussing his move on “FanDuel’s Run It Back” podcast, the 35-year-old stated, “I think this is the quickest route to get back in the NBA, and to get on a playoff roster by the end of the season.”
Thomas showed his ability in the City Stars’ jersey by averaging 32.5 points and 5.3 assists in the 4 games he had played, as he believed it could get him closer to his dream. The point guard has always emphasized the importance the league holds for him and preached the same to the younger generation despite having a not-so-decorated NBA career.
Closer look at Isaiah Thomas NBA career
After playing for 11 long seasons in the league, one would hope to acquire glittery accolades. However, that was not the case for Isaiah Thomas.
Thomas entered the NBA in 2011 holding the hands of the Sacramento Kings and by showcasing his exceptional skills, he won the Rookie Of The Month award twice that season but ended up in seventh place in the ROTY race.
After adding massive numbers to his name for three seasons and becoming the shortest player to score a triple-double in the league, the 5’9″er continued his journey with the Phoenix Suns.
His time in Boston (2015–2017) is worth recalling, as the guard became a savior for the franchise by contributing in crunch time to snatch wins. Thomas’ performance had placed him in the second spot in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award by votes. However, he received a hip injury which ended his time at the Celtics, where he averaged 28.9 points in the last season.
Due to his string of injuries, Thomas failed to make a mark in the latter part of his career and was only offered brief contracts by the Pelicans, Mavericks, and Hornets. Now with the Suns’ probable contract, the veteran can make an impact in crucial times as the franchise prepares for a deep play-off run.
