In a significant development for Sacramento Kings fans, Isaiah Thomas is set to make an anticipated return to Sacramento for a workout with the team’s players. Thomas, a veteran point guard and fan favorite, began his illustrious NBA career with the Kings after being drafted as the final pick in 2011. At 35 years old, Thomas is aiming for a comeback to the league, expressing his desire to continue playing. "I want to play a year or two more," he stated, highlighting his enduring passion for the game.
Thomas’ Journey and Recent Endeavors
Thomas' initial tenure with the Kings concluded in the 2014 offseason, when he was involved in a sign-and-trade deal. While his career has taken him to several teams since then, including a notable stint with the Boston Celtics where he finished fifth in MVP voting in 2017, injuries have hampered his consistency on the court. Specifically, a hip injury has significantly affected his playing time, limiting him to fewer than 40 games each season since 2017.
Despite these setbacks, Thomas continues to pursue his passion for basketball. Last season saw him appearing in six games for the Phoenix Suns, as well as playing four games for the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. Moreover, he has stayed active by participating in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas as recently as last month. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," he said, underlining his determination to secure another chance in the NBA.
Joining a Competitive Training Environment
The workout session in Sacramento will not only feature Thomas but also several other notable players vying for a place on the team. The Kings have invited guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley to participate. Walker IV comes off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he showcased his shooting prowess with a 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc and an impressive average of 20.1 points per 36 minutes.
Toscano-Anderson is another intriguing prospect. Having played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before moving to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes, he brings valuable experience and familiarity with the Kings' system. Meanwhile, Bradley spent the last season with the G League's Texas Legends, adding depth to the competition for a roster spot.
Thomas’ Potential Return to Roots
Isaiah Thomas' return to Sacramento, even if only for a workout, has sparked excitement and curiosity among the Kings' faithful. His journey from the last pick in the NBA Draft to an MVP candidate with the Celtics and now, a seasoned veteran battling to revive his career, encapsulates the resilience and determination that define professional athletics. As he stands on the brink of potentially rejoining the team where it all began, Thomas' narrative continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike.
Whether this workout will translate into a spot on the Kings' roster remains to be seen. However, Thomas' persistence and the passion he brings to the court are undeniable, and his efforts to stay in the game speak volumes about his character and dedication. For Isaiah Thomas, the dream of playing a year or two more is alive and well, and his upcoming workout in Sacramento is yet another chapter in his compelling basketball journey.