Isaiah Thomas: Rising from the G League to Shine with the Phoenix Suns
Isaiah Thomas, the former All-Star point guard, has made a triumphant return to the NBA scene by securing a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns, as reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania on Saturday.
Thomas, who last graced an NBA court in April 2022 while playing for the Charlotte Hornets, recently inked a deal with the G League in early March with aspirations of earning another opportunity in the NBA.
During his brief stint with the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars, Thomas showcased his scoring prowess, averaging an impressive 32.0 points and 5.7 assists per game. He shot 37.9% from the field and maintained a solid 40.9% accuracy from beyond the arc.
Originally drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2011 as a second-round pick, Thomas embarked on a journey through the NBA, representing 10 different teams until 2022. Notably, he had a stint with the Suns during the 2014–15 season, appearing in 46 games.
However, it was with the Boston Celtics that Thomas truly flourished, enjoying the peak years of his career. Between 2015 and 2017, he averaged an impressive 25.5 points and 6.1 assists per game across 158 appearances. His outstanding performances earned him All-Star nods in 2016 and 2017, along with a spot on the All-NBA second team in 2017. Nonetheless, his time in Boston concluded abruptly when he became part of the blockbuster trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Celtics in exchange for Thomas, landing him with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now at 35 years old, Thomas finds himself back in contention, joining a formidable backcourt lineup for the Suns alongside stars like Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Eric Gordon. His role will primarily be to provide depth off the bench as he strives to secure a longer-term deal for the remainder of the season.
There’s anticipation for Thomas to make his debut for the Suns as soon as Sunday, potentially against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum. It marks a significant milestone in his journey back to the NBA, and fans are eager to see how he contributes to the Suns’ aspirations for success.