Isaiah Thomas Set for Sacramento Workout
In a bid to reignite his NBA career, Isaiah Thomas is returning to familiar territory. The veteran guard is set to participate in a workout with the Sacramento Kings, a team that holds a special place in his professional journey. At 35 years old, Thomas's career has been marked by dazzling highs and challenging lows, and his latest endeavor in Sacramento may mark a significant chapter in his storied career.
Thomas, who began his NBA journey with the Kings as the 60th overall pick in the 2011 draft, saw his tenure in Sacramento end with a sign-and-trade in the summer of 2014. Despite being the last pick of the draft, Thomas defied expectations and quickly established himself as a prolific scorer and playmaker. His departure from Sacramento led him to several other NBA destinations, including a memorable stint with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting in 2017.
However, the path since then hasn't been easy. Thomas's career has been significantly impacted by a hip injury, limiting him to fewer than 40 games in any season since 2017. This past season, he played a handful of games for the Phoenix Suns and the G League's Salt Lake City Stars. These limited appearances have kept him on the periphery of the league, but his passion and determination remain undeterred. In a recent statement, he shared, "I want to play a year or two more."
Beyond his time with the Kings and Celtics, Thomas has had experiences with several other teams, always bringing a spark of offensive firepower and veteran leadership. Just last month, he participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas, showcasing his relentless drive to stay in the game. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," Thomas noted, underscoring his readiness to make a contribution wherever he might land.
The upcoming workout with the Kings will not be an individual endeavor. Joining Thomas in this session will be guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. The trio adds a diverse blend of skills and experiences, each looking to carve out their path in the NBA.
Walker IV, who had a notable season with the Brooklyn Nets, demonstrated his scoring prowess by averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes and shooting an impressive 38.4% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor and provide offensive production makes him a valuable asset in any workout session.
Toscano-Anderson brings versatility and athleticism to the table. He played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before finishing his year with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. His experience within the Kings' system might provide him a slight edge in the upcoming workout.
Meanwhile, Bradley spent last season with the G League's Texas Legends, honing his skills and staying ready for a potential call-up. As a big man with a strong presence in the paint, Bradley adds a different dynamic to the mix of players participating in the workout.
For Thomas, this workout is more than just a chance to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. It's a potential full-circle moment, returning to the team where his professional journey began. Regardless of the outcome, Thomas's commitment to extending his career and fighting through adversity serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and perseverance in the ever-competitive world of professional basketball.
As the Kings evaluate their options and roster needs, Thomas and his fellow participants will aim to make a lasting impression. While the road back to an NBA roster spot is fraught with challenges, especially for a veteran player battling injuries, Thomas’s determination and experience could yet pave the way for another chapter in his remarkable basketball odyssey.