Isaiah Thomas Returns to Sacramento for Kings Workout
In an eagerly anticipated return, 35-year-old Isaiah Thomas is set to work out with the Sacramento Kings' players. The diminutive guard, who began his NBA career with the Kings after being the No. 60 overall pick in the 2011 draft, is looking to rekindle his professional journey where it all started.
Thomas’ history with the Kings came to an abrupt halt in the 2014 offseason when he was traded in a sign-and-trade deal. Now, years later, the veteran point guard is determined to prove he still has something left in the tank. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas recently stated, reflecting a sentiment of unfinished business.
After his prominent run with the Kings, Thomas showcased his talent across various teams in the league. His most notable stint came with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting during the 2017 season. However, a challenging hip injury has since limited his appearances, confining him to fewer than 40 games in any season post-2017.
Thomas’ recent exploits include playing a minor role with the Phoenix Suns last season—featuring in only six games—alongside a brief tenure with the G League's Salt Lake City Stars, where he played four games. Continuously seeking opportunities, he also participated in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas last month. His resolve remains apparent as he noted, "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity."
Supporting Cast: The Kings have also invited a trio of other players to the workout session. Guard Lonnie Walker IV will join the mix, coming off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he shot an impressive 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaged 20.1 points per 36 minutes. Walker’s presence is expected to elevate the competitive intensity of the workout.
Joining Walker is forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, who had a brief 11-game stint with the Kings during the 2023-24 season before rounding out the year with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. Toscano-Anderson's versatility and experience could prove beneficial in evaluating the team’s depth at various positions.
Rounding out the workout cohort is big man Tony Bradley, who spent the previous season with the G League's Texas Legends. Bradley’s size and skill set will offer the Kings an opportunity to examine how he complements their current roster dynamics.
The Kings’ renewed interest in Thomas is likely influenced by his blend of experience, skill, and leadership. Even with his injury-plagued recent years, Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge and an undying passion for the game that any young squad can benefit greatly from. His return to Sacramento, albeit on an exploratory basis, symbolizes a full-circle moment in a career marked by both triumph and adversity.
As the Kings deliberate over their roster decisions, Thomas’ performance in this workout could potentially shape not only his future but also the team’s strategic plans moving forward. Whether he manages to secure a spot remains to be seen, but his unwavering dedication to returning to the NBA will certainly inspire both his peers and the fans.