Isaiah Thomas Returns to Sacramento for Kings' Workout
The Sacramento Kings are set to welcome back a familiar face as Isaiah Thomas returns to the city where his NBA journey began. At 35 years old, Thomas is scheduled to participate in a workout with current Kings players, joining a roster of hopefuls aiming to stake their claim for a spot on the team.
Thomas, who was drafted with the No. 60 pick by the Kings in 2011, spent the initial years of his career in Sacramento, showcasing his talent and securing a place in the league despite his late draft selection. His tenure with the Kings came to an end in the 2014 offseason via a sign-and-trade deal, but the years in between were marked by perseverance and standout performances. His most notable achievement came in 2017 during his time with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting. However, a persistent hip injury has significantly limited his playing time since that stellar season, restricting him to fewer than 40 games each year since 2017.
Last season saw Thomas split his time between the Phoenix Suns and the G League, featuring in six games for the Suns and four for the Salt Lake City Stars. Despite the challenges, Thomas remains determined to extend his professional career. His recent participation in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas signifies his ongoing pursuit of opportunities. "I want to play a year or two more," Thomas stated, reinforcing his commitment to the sport. "I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity."
The Kings' upcoming workout will not only feature Thomas but also include promising talents such as guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley. Walker IV had a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, shooting an impressive 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His scoring ability and efficient shooting could be a valuable addition to any roster.
Toscano-Anderson, another participant in the workout, had a brief stint with the Kings in the 2023-24 season before moving to the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. His versatility on the court allows him to contribute in multiple roles, making him a player to watch during these sessions. Meanwhile, Tony Bradley spent the last season with the G League's Texas Legends, bringing a presence in the paint that could bolster the Kings' frontcourt depth.
As Thomas gears up for this critical workout, the basketball community will be watching closely. His journey from being the very last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft to achieving MVP consideration exemplifies a career marked by resilience and determination. Should he successfully earn a spot with the Kings or another NBA team, it would be a testament to his enduring talent and unyielding drive.
The Sacramento Kings, on their part, continue to explore a mix of seasoned veterans and burgeoning prospects to refine their roster ahead of the upcoming season. Thomas’s potential return could provide both experience and inspiration to a squad looking to make significant strides in the competitive landscape of the NBA.