Isaiah Thomas Returns to Sacramento for Kings' Workout
The story of Isaiah Thomas' NBA journey will see another chapter written in Sacramento, as the 35-year-old veteran is set to return to the place where it all began. Known for his tenacity and remarkable scoring ability despite his 5-foot-9 frame, Thomas is gearing up for a workout with the Kings' players.
Thomas, who began his professional career after being drafted by the Kings with the No. 60 pick in 2011, is looking to reignite his NBA prospects. During his initial stint with the Kings, Thomas quickly proved that he was far more than his draft position suggested. Over three seasons, he established himself as a dynamic scorer and playmaker before parting ways with the team via a sign-and-trade in the 2014 offseason.
Reflecting on his enduring passion for the game, Thomas stated, "I want to play a year or two more." His sentiment echoes the drive that has kept him going, even as injuries have significantly limited his time on the court. Following a spectacular 2016-17 season with the Boston Celtics, where he finished fifth in MVP voting, Thomas has battled a nagging hip injury, playing fewer than 40 games in any season since.
Last season, Thomas had a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns, appearing in six games. He also participated in a handful of games for the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars, showcasing his determination to stay in top form. His involvement in NBA circles remained steady, as he took part in workouts with the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas just last month, continuing to seek the right opportunity.
"I was talking to a few teams and waiting for an opportunity," Thomas shared, underlining his persistent optimism and readiness to contribute to an NBA squad.
As he joins the Kings' workout, Thomas will not be the only player under the spotlight. Guard Lonnie Walker IV, forward Juan Toscano-Anderson, and big man Tony Bradley are also set to participate, creating a competitive environment aimed at assessing their fit with the team.
Lonnie Walker IV comes off a productive season with the Brooklyn Nets, where he demonstrated his scoring prowess by shooting 38.4% from beyond the arc and averaging 20.1 points per 36 minutes. His performance has marked him as a valuable asset who could potentially contribute to the Kings' offensive schemes.
Joining Walker is Juan Toscano-Anderson, who played 11 games for the Kings in the 2023-24 season before finishing the year with the G League's Mexico City Capitanes. Toscano-Anderson's versatility as a forward provides the Kings with additional defensive and offensive options, as they look to bolster their roster depth.
Additionally, Tony Bradley will be participating after spending last season with the G League's Texas Legends. As a big man, Bradley's impact in the paint and his ability to provide solid rim protection will be closely evaluated during the workout.
This gathering of talent in Sacramento signals the Kings' commitment to exploring all options as they strive to enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming NBA season. For Isaiah Thomas, it represents another opportunity to prove that his storied career still has chapters left to be written. His return to Sacramento is a poignant reminder of his journey and the relentless determination that defines his professional ethos.
The Kings' workout session promises to be a compelling blend of aspiration and nostalgia, with each player vying to make their mark and earn a spot on the roster. As Isaiah Thomas steps back onto the court where it all began, he does so with the same relentless spirit that has carried him through a career full of highs and challenges alike.