All-Star former Kings guard workout could lead to a return to Sacramento
After a successful past year, it would be hard for the Sacramento Kings to look back to any older players to return to the Kings, especially with the Kings’ roster filling up. However, there are two roster spots left – and this former Sacramento draft pick could be an option for the Kings.
Isaiah Thomas was the last pick of the 2011 NBA draft, but proved during his time in the league he was worthy of a first-round selection. Dismissed for being too short, the 5-foot-9 guard proved to be the steal of the draft for the Kings.
Unfortunately, a hip injury during the 2016-17 season with the Celtics continued for years – and after bouncing around five teams in four years, Thomas has been out of the league since the 2021-22 season.
Now, he is hosting a private workout in Las Vegas Monday for several teams, according to Jamal Crawford.
Isaiah Thomas’ time as a King was cut short
Thomas truly had a breakout year during the 2013-14 NBA season where he averaged 20.3 points, 6.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Thomas became known as a shoot-first point guard that was loved by many fans. Thomas’ shooting ability, along with his craftiness and speed to get to the basket, made him a dual-threat player with great passing abilities as well.
Unfortunately, Thomas was traded away in the dark Pete D’Alessandro era of Sacramento’s history. The trade stemmed from IT not wanting to be a sixth man after having a fantastic year, and the Kings ultimately decided to roll with guard Darren Collinson instead.
Thomas said this in 2014 on a return to Sacramento, via USA Today:
"“I felt like if they wanted me as bad as they said they did, they should have been the first to show more interest than others. That’s the only thing that caught me off guard … I wanted to be wanted – that’s what I keep telling people – and I didn’t feel like they wanted me as much.”"
A lack of interest from the Kings and disagreement over the role to be played led to IT’s dismissal. However, his workout in Vegas could be an opportunity for a return to Sacramento.
Should the Sacramento Kings sign Isaiah Thomas?
Here’s one thing for sure – Isaiah Thomas got screwed in the NBA. He came off back-to-back all-star game appearances with the Boston Celtics and was rewarded by getting bounced around from team to team until he was forced out of the league. He has dealt with unfair bias his entire career, even while he proved he was one of the best scorers in the league.
Regardless, NBA fans still love IT. A return to the league would be a wonderful sight to see for basketball fans, but it might be difficult for the 34-year-old.
While many fans speculate a return to the Celtics, the Kings have two roster spaces open after waiving P.J. Dozier, and one two-way contract available to make a play. They also are in need of a third-point guard.
However, even though Isaiah Thomas may be a quick and proven player, it seems much more likely for summer league standout and Sacramento native Jordan Ford to get offered a contract after his dominant performances over the past week.
IT’s time in Sacramento had a bad ending, but it probably has to stay that way. It wouldn’t make sense to sign him to a deal right now, even though the Kings would have the cap space to do it. A young team with a dominant point guard in De’Aaron Fox doesn’t leave much room for Thomas.
Regardless, seeing Isaiah Thomas return to the NBA and find a good fit would be a perfect way for him to close out the last few years of his career. Here’s to IT.
