Isaiah Thomas hadn't stepped foot in an NBA game in 709 days, but he checked in with the Suns late in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's 115-102 win over the 76ers.
The former Celtic signed a 10-day contract with Phoenix earlier in the day, moving him one step closer to his goal of returning to the NBA.
“I want to play a few more years in the league, so I hope this prepares me for that,” Thomas told reporters in Phoenix ahead of Wednesday's game. “I'm ready to make an impact every day, no matter what the opportunity is. Whether I play or not, it's more important to me than putting the ball in the basket. I lead by example and build my I can guide you based on my experience. Please help in any way possible.”
About nine years ago, Thomas was traded from the Suns to the Celtics. The two-time All-Star became a fan favorite, finishing fifth in NBA MVP voting during the 2016-17 season.
Shortly after, his time in Boston came to an end. The 5-9 guard was sent to the Cavaliers in 2017 in the trade that brought Kyrie Irving to the Celtics. After a lingering hip injury sent him back and forth between three teams during the 2021 season, Thomas' career was thought to be over after 22 seasons.
But Thomas, known for his resilience on and off the court, refused to throw in the towel.
He joined the G League's Salt Lake City Stars in March and has shot 44.6 percent from 3-point range with 25 made in his last four games. He also averaged 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
“We'll be looking to see if he can play in some of the off-season pickup games,” head coach Frank Vogel told reporters Wednesday. “Look at how he fits into our group as a personality. He's a guy that everyone loves. He's very popular and well-respected in this league and in the NBA player world. Person, but we're going to see where his game is. I don't know how much he's going to play for us, because he's really here from a depth standpoint. .”
Thomas finally got his chance to play that night, playing two minutes and going 1-for-0 from the field with one assist.
“I'm ready to take advantage of any opportunity, I'm ready to come here, have fun and get good positive energy every day. And just go after it,” Thomas said. said.
Old friend and new teammate Kevin Durant said he was happy for Thomas, who he has known since he was 17 years old.
“His story, the career he's had, it's just an inspiration to basketball players all over the world,” Durant said. “The first few days, he was just in the gym working on his game. I love that about him, I really love that. I think it rubs off on everyone here.”
The Suns will have the opportunity to sign Thomas for another 10 days after his current contract expires. Additionally, they will have to decide whether to offer him a long-term contract or release a role player.
But for now, Thomas is as focused as ever on what's in front of him.
“I just kept working, taking it one step at a time and showing what I could bring to the organization, every day, and then I got a call from Phoenix. Uh, I’m ready to take a chance.”
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