Comeback season: Ex-Celtic Isaiah Thomas makes first NBA appearance in 2 years
The two-time All-Star received a standing ovation from fans in Phoenix when he checked into his debut game for the Suns Wednesday night.
Isaiah Thomas hadn’t stepped foot in an NBA game for 709 days, but late in the fourth quarter during Wednesday’s 115-102 victory over the 76ers, he checked in for the Suns.
The former Celtic signed a 10-day contract with Phoenix earlier that same day, inching one step closer to the NBA return he’s been working toward.
“I want to play a few more years in the league, so hopefully this is a setup for that,” Thomas told reporters in Phoenix ahead of Wednesday’s game. “Whatever the opportunity is, I’m ready to make an impact each and every day. Whether I play or not, it’s bigger than putting the ball in the basket for me. I’m able to lead by example, lead by my experiences. Just help in any way possible.”
Just over nine years ago Thomas was traded from the Suns to the Celtics. The two-time All-Star became became a fan-favorite and finished fifth in the NBA MVP voting in the 2016-17 season.
His run in Boston ended shortly after that, when the 5-9 guard was sent to the Cavaliers in a trade that brought Kyrie Irving to the Celtics in 2017. After dealing with a persistent hip injury that shuffled him between three teams during the 2021-22 season, Thomas’s career was assumed to be over.
Thomas, however — known for his resilience on and off the court — refused to throw in the towel.
Joining the G-League’s Salt Lake City Stars in March, he shot 44.6% on 3s and made 25 over four recent games. He also averaged 5.3 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals.
“We’ll be watching if he’s able to play in some of the pickup games we have, our off-day bumps,” head coach Frank Vogel told reporters Wednesday. “See how he fits around our group as a personality. He’s a guy that everybody loves. He’s a very well-liked, respected guy in this league and NBA player fraternity, but we’re going to see where his game is at. I don’t know how much he’ll play for us ’cause he’s really here from a depth standpoint.”
Thomas did ultimately see the floor that night, playing for two minutes and putting up one assist while going 0-for-1 from the field.
“I’m ready to just take advantage of whatever the opportunity is, I’m ready to be here, have fun, have good positive energy each and every day. And just get after it,” Thomas said.
Old friend and new teammate Kevin Durant says he’s happy for Thomas, who he’s known since he was just 17 years old.
“The story that he has, the career that he’s been through, has only inspired basketball players around the world,” Durant said. “The first couple days he was just in the gym working on his game. I love that about him, absolutely love that about him. I think that’s gonna rub off on everybody here.”
After his current contract expires, the Suns will have the opportunity to sign Thomas to an additional 10 days. Beyond that, they’ll be faced with the decision to offer him a longer contract or release the role player.
For now, however, Thomas is focusing on what’s right in front of him – the same way he always has.
“Took it day by day, step by step, and just continued to work and showcase what I can bring to an organization and then Phoenix came calling. I’m super blessed, super thankful, and ready for the opportunity, whatever it may be.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com