In a stunning development, two-time NBA All-Star Isaiah Thomas is launching another bid to return to the league. The 5-foot-9 scoring dynamo has signed with the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars, as he aims to prove he still belongs at basketball’s highest level.
Thomas, now 35, is no stranger to beating the odds. Despite his diminutive stature, he emerged as one of the NBA’s most electrifying players during his prime years with the Boston Celtics. The high-octane point guard earned back-to-back All-Star nods in 2016 and 2017, even finishing fifth in MVP voting after averaging a spectacular 28.9 points per game in the 2016-17 campaign.
The Long Road Back
However, a debilitating hip injury derailed Thomas’ meteoric rise. He bounced around the league in subsequent years, suiting up for the Cavaliers, Lakers, Nuggets, Wizards, and Pelicans in quick succession. As his explosive athleticism waned, so did his NBA opportunities.
Undeterred, Thomas has repeatedly sought to resurrect his career. His most recent NBA action came with the Phoenix Suns last season, where he signed a pair of 10-day contracts after a scintillating G League stint that saw him average 33 points and drain 25 threes across just four games. While his Suns tenure was brief, it showcased Thomas’ unshakable determination to compete at the sport’s pinnacle once more.
Proving Ground in Salt Lake City
Now, Thomas will look to replicate that G League magic with the Stars. It’s a fitting destination, as Salt Lake City has become something of a haven for undersized guards in recent years. The Jazz have found great success with the likes of Donovan Mitchell and Mike Conley running the show.
I just want an opportunity to show that I can still play at a high level. I’ve been grinding, staying ready, and I know I have a lot left in the tank. I’m excited to join the Stars and prove myself all over again.
Isaiah Thomas on his G League signing
While it remains to be seen if this G League stint will translate into another NBA shot for Thomas, his relentless pursuit of his basketball dreams is nothing short of inspiring. Through all the setbacks and rejections, the diminutive guard continues to bet on himself.
A Franchise’s Fascination
For the Jazz organization, bringing Thomas into the fold represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble. If he can recapture even a fraction of his All-Star form, he could provide a valuable scoring punch off the bench for a Utah team with playoff aspirations.
- Thomas has averaged 17.5 points and 4.8 assists over his 12-year NBA career
- He scored a career-high 52 points in a game against the Heat in 2016
- Thomas led the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017
Moreover, Thomas’ mere presence could serve as a motivational spark for the Stars’ young prospects. His tireless work ethic and underdog mentality are attributes any developing player would do well to emulate.
The Isaiah Thomas Legacy
Regardless of whether this G League chapter yields an NBA epilogue for Isaiah Thomas, his indelible impact on the game is secure. The former 60th overall draft pick defied expectations at every turn, carving out a remarkable career through sheer grit and determination.
Isaiah is a true embodiment of perseverance. No matter how many times he gets knocked down, he always gets back up. That’s a testament to his character and love for the game.
Celtics head coach Brad Stevens on Thomas
As Thomas embarks on this latest endeavor with the Salt Lake City Stars, fans across the league will be rooting for the resilient guard to defy the odds once more. In a sport where size often reigns supreme, Isaiah Thomas has always stood tall in the face of adversity.
