Thomas still has NBA in his sights
Isaiah Thomas was set to play the fourth game of his return to professional basketball Saturday in Grand Rapids, Mich., with his Salt Lake City Stars. His return has been impressive, as the 5foot-9-inch former All-Star has averaged 32 points on 40.9 percent 3-point shooting, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in the G League. So much so that he will soon be joining the Phoenix Suns on a 10-day contract, according to The Athletic on Saturday night.
Thomas touched on his journey this past week in a conversation with the Globe after the Stars’ win over Wisconsin, when he played in front of some Celtics staff in town to play the Jazz.
But he’s been pushing for a return for more reasons than regaining glory.
“I got a lot of people to root for me, that’s the easy part to keep going,” Thomas said. “Everybody is like somewhat rooting for me and is inspired by my story. Everybody just says keep going because it helps them in some way, some fashion. So I’m just taking it day by day, trying to enjoy the experience, helping these young guys and just sharpen my tools, sharpen my skills, and just be ready for whatever is next.”
Thomas’s two sons are his inspiration. Coming back from multiple hip surgeries to play well at the highest level is his goal, even if, at 35, it’s unlikely.
“I don’t want them to hit a wall in life and give up,” he said. “They’re really seeing me and watching my every move right now. So it’s like even if I wanted to I couldn’t give up. I got a few years of this at least. I’m going to chase everything that I possibly can and give the game everything I possibly can, and I know even if it doesn’t have anything to do with sports, life in general, it’s going to help my kids and it’s going to help another kid who’s something through some real things they can’t control, and that’s the most important thing. If I can help one person with what they’re going through, that’s my job and I’ve done it.”
Thomas still has the utmost confidence in his skills. He knows he needs to prove he can still play against professional competition. Thomas believes he can be a productive NBA player once again, metal in his hip and all.
“The crazy thing about it is I’m 5-9 and these opportunities don’t come all the time, and I know with a guy being hurt at 5-9, they kind of look past you,” he said. “They don’t think you could be as special as you were before. But ask anybody that would guard me, I’m that same player. I’m just super thankful to be out here, for real. I’m just appreciative of everybody that’s been pulling for me. I impact any and everything when I’m in the building, and I know that for a fact. And that’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to showcase who I am, but I’m here to help them young dudes be great.”
Thomas’s injury case may have led to the advancement of load management in the NBA. He played two months with a torn hip labrum, essentially derailing his career. The Celtics traded him to the Cavaliers while he was less than healthy, and Thomas never cashed in on that potential ninefigure contract he sought.
Many NBA players noted Thomas’s case and decided to empower themselves. Players and teams were more cautious with injuries, fearing the longterm repercussions. Players played hurt less, and the Load Management Era took full effect.
“My peers show me all the love and that’s what matters the most,” Thomas said. “That could have been the start of something for sure because before that happened, you didn’t hear about load management. You didn’t hear about guys protecting themselves. You live and you learn. I went through that moment, that experience, and I really came out of it on top when nobody thought I would. Whether I’m back in the NBA or not, I’ve played for numerous NBA teams since that. I think I’m the first basketball player to ever play with metal in his body. So I’m just trying to move the game forward and showcase the never-give-up mentality because I know I’ve got a lot left. I know I’ve got a few years to give the game everything I have and I’m just going to keep striving to do that.”
Layups
The 76ers, trying to boost their sagging club, added former Hornets firstround pick Kai Jones on a 10-day contract. Jones was considered a Charlotte prospect before a series of disturbing social media posts last summer discussing his playing time, criticizing teammates, declaring himself the best basketball player of all time, and finally requesting a trade. The Hornets waived Jones, a 6-11 swingman, in October. Philadelphia has been decimated by injuries and has shuttled players in and out on 10-day contracts. The 76ers recently allowed the contracts of Kenneth Lofton Jr. and former first-round pick Darius Bazley to expire, and both joined the Jazz on 10-day deals. Taking on Jones with a 10-day contract is a low-risk move that could pay dividends if Jones comes close to his potential . . . It’s highly unlikely they’ll get into the Play-In Tournament, but the Rockets are creeping up on the Warriors for the 10th seed, entering Saturday 3½ games behind Golden State with 16 to play. The Rockets have won four straight and six of 10 to make a push. Houston was one of the league’s worst road teams entering the All-Star break, but four of its recent wins have come away from Toyota Center. Houston’s remaining schedule is difficult with two games against the Mavericks and matchups with the Warriors and Timberwolves. But there are three games against the sinking
Jazz and a pair against the Trail Blazers. The Rockets will have to make this run without rising star center Alperen Sengun, who badly sprained his ankle last weekend against the Kings and is expected to miss the remainder of the season . . . For those wondering about former Celtics, ex-first-round selection Romeo Langford is playing with the G League’s Salt Lake City Stars, but not affiliated with an NBA franchise, and averaging 11.9 points and 4.2 rebounds in 17 games. The Celtics selected Langford in the first round in 2019 before including him in the trade that brought Derrick White from the Spurs. The Spurs did not renew Langford’s contract and former Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, now an executive with the Jazz, signed him to a G League contract. Langford, who has been beset with injuries, is still only 24.