Isaiah Thomas is making a noteworthy return to where his NBA journey first began. The 35-year-old point guard is scheduled to return to Sacramento for a workout with the Kings’ players. This marks an important moment for Thomas, who originally entered the league as the last pick in the 2011 draft.
The Kings played a significant role in shaping the early years of Thomas' career. Drafted 60th overall in 2011, he quickly proved his worth on the court, establishing himself as a valuable asset to the team. However, his tenure in Sacramento came to an end in the 2014 offseason with a sign-and-trade deal.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Thomas' career has been characterized by both remarkable achievements and challenging setbacks. The peak of his career arguably came in 2017, during his time with the Boston Celtics, when he finished fifth in MVP voting. Unfortunately, a hip injury has plagued him since then, limiting him to fewer than 40 games in any season post-2017.
"I want to play a year or two more," Thomas has stated, underscoring his determination to keep his NBA dreams alive despite the adversity he's faced. Last season, he saw limited action, playing six games for the Phoenix Suns and another four games for the G League's Salt Lake City Stars.
In addition to his efforts to stay in the game, Thomas participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," he revealed, highlighting his ongoing quest to find a spot on an NBA roster.
A Competitive Workout Group
Thomas will be joining a competitive group of players at the Kings' workout. The session is set to include guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills and recent experiences that will make the workout even more engaging.
Lonnie Walker IV, for instance, had a noteworthy season with the Brooklyn Nets. Known for his sharpshooting, he posted a 38.4% success rate from beyond the arc and averaged 20.1 points per 36 minutes—a testament to his offensive capabilities.
Juan Toscano-Anderson also has a recent history with the Kings, having played 11 games for them during the 2023-24 season before transitioning to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. His familiarity with the team dynamics could play a favorable role in his performance during the workout.
Meanwhile, Tony Bradley comes into the workout after spending the last season with the G League's Texas Legends. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, Bradley's presence as a big man adds another layer of depth to the workout group.
Intent on Making a Comeback
For Isaiah Thomas, this workout represents more than just a return to Sacramento—it symbolizes another crucial chapter in his relentless pursuit of an NBA comeback. With his vast experience and resilience, he aims to demonstrate that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level of the game.
As he steps onto the court for the workout, all eyes will be on Thomas and his prospective teammates. These sessions serve not just as a proving ground for Thomas, but as an opportunity for the Kings to assess talents that could potentially strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
In a league where opportunities can often feel fleeting, Isaiah Thomas continues to exemplify perseverance and dedication. As he joins the Kings for this pivotal workout, the hope is that his journey will take an encouraging turn, reigniting a career that once lit up the NBA stage.