Veteran point guard Isaiah Thomas believes he can still help a team. Some teams might believe him.
“I’m a free agent right now…talking to a few teams trying to see what the best opportunity is down the line,” Thomas told ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth. “I want to play a year or two more. Just staying on the slow grind. Staying patiently ready. Knowing that I can impact an organization whether I play or not, and be super impactful each and every day. So, I’m just waiting for the call.”
Thomas, 35, is 5-foot-9 and once led the Eastern Conference in scoring at 28.9 points per game. But that was back in 2016-17 with the Boston Celtics, before a major hip injury seemed to slow him down. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers after that season as part of the Kyrie Irving deal.
He has since become a journeyman — and occasional G Leaguer — as he aims to find a regular role. These days, Thomas is not a starter. But he could be an NBA player.
He was signed by the Phoenix Suns late last season and appeared in six games. Teams with a hole at backup point guard (or even in need of a veteran third-stringer) could reach out
He has also served stints with the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks. Could another stop await?
At this point, it may be a long shot for Thomas to find himself on a training camp roster. But trying to get back to the league via the G League is something you can bet Thomas will again consider.
A two-time All-Star, Thomas carries career averages of 17.7 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists.
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