Connect with us
Burn+

Phoenix Suns

Isaiah Thomas is officially back in the NBA, signing a 10-day contract with the Phoenix Suns

After almost two years of not playing in the NBA, Isaiah Thomas is back in the league with the Suns, as he signed a 10-day contract with the team today.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Thomas met with the media to discuss his signing with the Suns (39-29) after today’s shootaround. Phoenix plays the Philadelphia 76ers tonight, the first game of which Thomas will be eligible. 

The Suns signed the 35-year-old Thomas after he only played four games with G-League affiliate of the Utah Jazz, averaging 33 points on 45% shooting from deep across these contests.

“I just took it day by day, step by step and just continued to work and showcase what I can bring to an organization,” Thomas said. “And then, Phoenix came calling. I’m blessed, super thankful, and ready for the opportunity, whatever it may be.”

Thomas is eligible to be signed for the Suns’ final 15th roster spot for the playoffs and can be signed to one more 10-day before the Suns make this decision.

Yesterday, coach Frank Vogel called Thomas’ signing purely for depth purposes, so it is unclear if he will play at all unless the Suns have some injuries. For Thomas, he is just happy to be back in the NBA.

“Whatever the opportunity is, I’m ready to make an impact each and every day,” Thomas said. “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, and just help in any way possible. If my name is called, you know I’m ready. I’m ready to go right now. But if it’s not, I can still impact the game in so many ways … I’m just super thankful for the opportunity, and gonna impact each and every day.”

Coming back to Phoenix

This is IT’s second stint in the Valley. The Suns acquired Thomas in a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings back in July 2014.

However, Thomas only played for the Suns for half of a season, as he was traded to the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline. In his half season in Phoenix, the Washington product averaged 15.2 points, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals while playing 25.7 minutes per game across 46 contests.

“I was surprised I got traded,” Thomas said. “But, it changed the way my career was going. Like it was a blessing in disguise for me, obviously to get traded to Boston and and to do those types of things I did on the Celtics. But me and my family always say like this is the best place we’ve been last night. We said that back in 2014. Hopefully, I can make it last longer than you know what’s expected.

“Ten years ago went by so fast, it don’t even look like the same city. There’s definitely some great energy in here and good vibes, so I’m happy to be here.”

With the Celtics, the 5-foot-9 Thomas became very well known because of some legendary playoff moments. He averaged a career-best 28.9 points in 76 games in the 2016-17 season and placed fifth in MVP voting that season.

Thomas would go onto play for eight more teams after 2.5 seasons with the Celtics. He has not played in more than 40 games in a season since 2016-17 due to various injuries.

Thomas last played for the Hornets in the 2021-22 season, averaging 8.3 points on 43.3% shooting in 12.9 minutes per game across 17 contests. 

“It was dope to put on the NBA uniform,” Thomas said on his time in Charlotte. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s about. Each and every day, I come to work, each and every day I come to the gym, I have that same feeling as when I was little kid. I just feel like once that feeling goes away it’s probably time to step away. But I’m still in that space, I still got that good energy. I know I can still play at a high level, so I’m just ready to work.”

For his NBA career, IT has averaged 17.7 points in 550 contests and racked up two All-Star appearances, both with Boston.

“I don’t have anything to prove,” Thomas said. “I know who I am, I think the world knows what I bring. I’ve played the same way on each and every level, no matter the circumstances, other than when I was hurt. I’m fully healthy, I’m fully ready to just help everybody in this organization make the next step. However long I’m here, I promise y’all (I’m going to) make a positive impact.”

Bradley Beal commends Isaiah Thomas’ perseverance to make it back to the NBA

*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*

Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau

 

Related Topics

More in Phoenix Suns