As Isaiah Thomas suited up for the G-League Salt Lake City Stars, all he wanted was an opportunity to get back to the NBA. Well, the Suns offered him just that, signing him to a 10-day contract. Thomas, 35, has been vocal about his NBA comeback, so he got just what he wanted.
In his first game eligible for the Suns, Thomas got to play Wednesday in their win over the 76ers. It was the first time in nearly two years that Thomas got to see an NBA court. He last played in the league as part of the 2021-22 season; his most recent NBA game was April 10, 2022, with the Hornets.
“I want to play a few more years in the league, so hopefully this is a setup for that,” Thomas told reporters in Phoenix earlier Wednesday. “Whatever the opportunity is, I’m ready to make an impact each and every day. Whether I play or not, it’s bigger than putting the ball in the basket for me. I’m able to lead by example, lead by my experiences. Just help in any way possible.”
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Thomas ended up playing in two minutes, putting up one assist while going 0-for-1 from the field. As expected, at this point in his career, Thomas is unlikely to become a rotation mainstay. But there’s plenty he can bring behind the scenes, and he can still get buckets quickly.
Part of Thomas’ strengths, too, can be as a veteran presence in the locker room. He’s played plenty of NBA games throughout his career and he’s been a well-liked presence on all of his teams. Thomas played in Phoenix as part of the 2014-15 season, though he was soon traded to the Celtics that year.
Of course, Thomas is only around currently on a 10-day deal. The Suns are allowed to sign him to another 10-day contract, but beyond that, they’ll either have to let him go or sign him for the rest of the season. That’s for the near-future, though. For now, Thomas got to be back on an NBA court as he’s waited behind the scenes, working for his next opportunity.
“I feel like I’m better than I was at 25,” Thomas said. “I feel the same. My mind is a lot further than it was. And I’m ready to just take advantage of whatever the opportunity is, I’m ready to be here, have fun, have good positive energy each and every day. And just get after it.”
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