Key Takeaways:
– Former Celtics all-star guard Isaiah Thomas is set to return to NBA with Phoenix Suns after nearly two years.
– Thomas has secured a 10-day contract after impressive G League performances.
– NBA legend Kevin Garnett supports a Netflix special for Thomas’ impressive comeback.
– Thomas’ career All-Star selections occurred during his tenure with the Celtics.
The Phoenix Suns are welcoming Isaiah Thomas on a 10-day contract, marking his return to NBA after a near two-year hiatus. This announcement came in the wake of his scoring feat in the NBA’s G League – a heartening development for the former Celtics guard.
Impressive G League Stint Fuels Comeback
Thomas last played an NBA game for the Hornets in April 2022. His recent stint with Salt Lake City Stars in G League, where he averaged 32.5 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while scoring a stellar 44.6% from the three-point arc, captured the attention of the Suns.
This high-profile performance compelled Phoenix to offer Thomas a fresh opportunity on court, recognizing his contributions as undeniable assets. His scores were simply too significant to disregard, and speculation is rife that had the Suns passed, Thomas might have landed elsewhere.
Celtics Alumni Cheer for Thomas
News of Thomas’ NBA return stirred excitement among his former colleagues. NBA legend and former Celtics player Kevin Garnett voiced his support, suggesting that Thomas’ story of perseverance merited a Netflix special.
Thomas responded to Garnett’s endorsement with gratitude. Known collectively for their Celtics lineage, Garnett and Thomas share an intimate connection. Garnett was instrumental in 2008 in scoring Celtics’ 17th banner while Thomas served as Boston’s critical scoring option between 2014 and 2017.
What this Means for the Suns
Phoenix Suns’ acquisition of Thomas sparks curiosity about this team’s expectations. With Thomas’s history in G League, fans wonder if he can replicate his magic in the NBA off the bench. In 2022, Thomas lit up the G League scene playing for the Grand Rapids Gold, eventually landing a 10-day contract with the Hornets.
However, his journey in Charlotte was short-lived. Playing behind leads like LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier, Thomas averaged only 8.3 points in 17 games, leaving the NBA shortly after. This time, however, Thomas arrives for a team with championship objectives, aiming to become a potent scoring option off the bench.
The Unyielding Spirit of Thomas
Throughout his time away from the NBA, Thomas held firmly onto his hope and determination. Days before his new signing, he revealed to The Athletic that he never considered quitting. His career recounts a 35-year-old veteran guard with an average of 17.7 points and 4.8 assists over 550 games.
On March 20, the Suns are set to host the Sixers at Footprint Center, possibly marking Thomas’ 551st NBA game. His journey of persistence is set to continue testing him, albeit with a persistent smile of hope.