32-year-old Isaiah Thomas was an MVP candidate with the Celtics in 2017. That season, he posted averages of 28.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds on 46% shooting.
Unfortunately, he would end up missing time in the playoffs due to a hip injury — and he hasn’t been the same since.
He played 3 games for the Pelicans last season before the team moved on, and his chances of making an NBA return seemed minimal.
But after making his G-League debut on Wednesday, there is renewed hope he might take the NBA court once again. He dropped a whopping 42 points and 8 assists in an impressive offensive display.
Isaiah Thomas was nothing short of AMAZING tonight. 🙏 @isaiahthomas
42 points | 8 assists | 6 rebounds | 5 3PT pic.twitter.com/qBO1IelI0f
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) December 16, 2021
After the game, the fireworks began with both former and current players showing their support.
@isaiahthomas 🎲🎲🎲 https://t.co/RcN22Q8nr8
— Fred VanVleet (@FredVanVleet) December 16, 2021
https://twitter.com/IsiahThomas/status/1471298944953159682
Get him back in the league already damn….
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) December 16, 2021
Appreciate the LOVE and support!! That shit go a long way for real #MarathonRunner 🏁
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) December 16, 2021
While doubts remain about IT’s comeback attempt, he hasn’t wavered in his belief that he’s good enough for the NBA, and it remains his main goal today.
“That’s the only goal… is to be in the NBA, to be on a roster. I know I got the talent to do it. I’m finally healthy. I’m just waiting on the opportunity. And I know at some point when it does come, I’m gonna take full advantage of it, and I’m gonna do it with a smile on my face.
I’ve worked out with some teams… Teams have seen me move. They just seen me be who I am. That’s what the biggest thing for me is, to get it out there so people can see that I’m healthy. So people can see I have no restraints, I have no restrictions. I’m 100% ready to go. I’ve been working out with guys, I’ve been ready. I’m just waiting on the opportunity, I’m waiting on the right opportunity for me to showcase my skills, and be able to have an opporuntity to play at the highest level, and show that I can compete at a very high level.”
Thomas, a 2x All-Star, saw his best years in Boston. There, he led a gritty team to a respectable place in the East.
Scoring was always his specialty, and his talent in that regard is undeniable. But, even back then, his biggest issue was on defense and it’s likely a major part of the reason why he remains unsigned today.
Until he can improve on that end of the floor, it’s unlikely he’ll make a long-term return to the league.
