After a two-year hiatus, Isaiah Thomas has secured another NBA opportunity. Thomas inked a 10-day deal with the Phoenix Suns, as reported by Shams Charania on Saturday. The last time Thomas graced an NBA court was during the 2021-22 season with the Charlotte Hornets.
At 35 years old, Thomas made a strong comeback, showcasing his skills with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League. He impressed with remarkable performances, notching 30 or more points in all four of his games and maintaining an average of 32.5 points and 5.3 assists.
Notably, he displayed sharpshooting accuracy from beyond the arc, hitting 44.6% of his three-point attempts.
While Thomas is primarily known for his scoring prowess rather than play making, his genuine point guard abilities fill a void the Suns have felt throughout the season. Moreover, his proficiency as a long-range shooter is a valuable asset for a team ranked 26th in the league in three-point attempts per game (32).
As a backup guard capable of orchestrating an offense and stretching the floor, Thomas could offer significant contributions down the stretch of the season.
Regardless of his playing time or the duration of his return, Thomas’s comeback serves as a testament to his unwavering work ethic and mindset. Despite facing setbacks, he remained resolute, eschewing the easy route of seeking opportunities overseas or retiring from the game altogether.
“I just love this game too much,” Thomas candidly expressed in a recent interview with The Athletic. Above all, his motivation stemmed from setting an example for his children.
“I don’t want them to encounter obstacles in life and give up,” Thomas emphasized. “They’re closely observing my every move right now, so even if I wanted to, quitting isn’t an option. I have a few more years left in me, at least.
I’ll pursue every opportunity and give my all to the game. And I know, whether it’s about sports or just life in general, it’s impacting my children positively, and it might help another individual dealing with uncontrollable circumstances. That’s what matters most. I’m aiding my kids, but if I can assist one person facing challenges, then I’ve fulfilled my purpose. And I’ve done it.”
While Thomas’s persistent social media posts seeking a job often drew amusement over the years, his unwavering determination to return to the top level was undeniably admirable.
