Strong points
- Isaiah Thomas impresses in his Salt Lake City debut with 32 points, showcasing impressive playmaking skills and 3-point shooting.
- A former seasoned star, Thomas is seeking a return to the NBA after a successful career that included standout seasons with the Boston Celtics.
- After a strong season in the G-League and NBA, Thomas is hoping for another opportunity in the NBA, aiming to contribute as a leader and scorer.
In his first appearance with the Salt Lake City Stars, the official NBA G-League Affiliate Utah Jazzveteran guard, and Boston Celtics fan favorite, Isaiah Thomas put on an impressive show by scoring a game-high 32 points in a 127-116 triumph over the Texas Legends.
Thomas, now 35 years old, has been eyeing a The return of the NBA. A two-time All-Star, Thomas believes he can have an impact on whether a team wins the playoffs.
Back in force
HE reminded the basketball world of his abilities
Thomas started the game in Utah, logging 39 minutes on the court, despite two years away from the hardwood. Along with his 32-point contribution, the two-time All-Star showcased his playmaking skills with four assists and connected on five 3-pointers throughout the contest.
The 35-year-old also made eight charity shots, proving his ability to attack the basket, despite previous injuries that greatly affected his career. Celtics fans, with whom Thomas enjoyed his NBA heyday, will have seen fond memories of the unique way he carves out space in the lane, despite his small stature.
|
Isaiah Thomas’ Salt Lake City debut |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MINIMUM |
SPT |
FG% |
AST |
STL |
|
39 |
32 |
30.4% |
4 |
1 |
The last chapter of Isaiah
This isn’t Thomas’ first rodeo
A former seasoned star who once finished fifth in MVP voting, Thomas had an illustrious 11-year career that he can be proud of. After playing an increasing role with the Phoenix Suns And Kings of Sacramentohe came into full swing in Boston between 2015-2017.
He inspired the Celtics to several improbable playoff runs, facing injuries and personal tragedy.
|
Isaiah Thomas with the Boston Celtics |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Category |
2014-2015 |
2015-2016 |
2016-2017 |
|
General practitioner |
21 |
82 |
76 |
|
MPG |
26 |
32.2 |
33.8 |
|
PPG |
19 |
22.2 |
28.9 |
|
APG |
5.4 |
6.2 |
5.9 |
|
FG% |
41% |
42% |
46% |
Thomas’ most recent NBA appearance came during the 2021-22 season, when he played for the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles LakersAnd Charlotte Frelons, bouncing around the league, unable to find a suitable consistent role. Although frequently targeted on defense, he had no trouble putting the ball in the hoop despite the small sample size.
During the same season, he also competed in the G-League, playing in four games with the Grand Rapids Gold and averaging an incredible 41.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game.
A welcome return
Thomas has openly hoped for a return for a while
The first performance comes after Thomas’ signing for the Stars was announced on Tuesday, after spending the entire 2022-23 season unsigned but publicly available for work. Just scroll through his social media accounts to see how outspoken he is about his desire to return to an NBA roster.
In an interview Friday, he shared his goals with Shams Charaniaexpressing his ability to serve as a leader and contributor in the field.
“At the end of the day, I’m just fighting for an opportunity, I’m just trying to show teams that I’m still capable of producing on the field, but I’m also most importantly, I’m able to teach these kids .”
Despite rumors of a move overseas, Thomas has been consistent in his dream of remaining in the NBA, with his personal situation paramount in his priorities. He also feels like he would be able to help a playoff contender in the upcoming postseason.
Devoted Thomas fans will be paying close attention to his upcoming G-League performance and hoping he can realize his dream of another run in the NBA, but for now, they can be satisfied with a reminder of what Thomas can do with the ball in his hands.
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