Adam WellsMarch 21, 2024
Barry Gossage/NBAE by means of Getty Images
After Isaiah Thomas played his very first NBA video game in 2 years on Wednesday night for the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant had absolutely nothing however appreciation for his brand-new colleague.
Talking to press reporters following the Suns’ 115-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Durant stated Thomas’ story and profession has actually “influenced basketball gamers around the globe.”
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“The story that he has, his profession that he’s been through has actually motivated basketball gamers around the globe.”<< br><> < br>> Kevin Durant stated he’s understood Isaiah Thomas given that he was 17 years of ages, and he’s been the very same employee ever since. KD thinks that work principles will rub off on the Suns: << a href="https://t.co/OT0NYARUYW">> pic.twitter.com/OT0NYARUYW
The Suns signed Thomas to a 10-day agreement previously in the day. He was balancing 32.5 points per video game on 44.6 percent three-point shooting in a current four-game stint with the Salt Lake City Stars in the G League.
Isaiah Thomas @isaiahthomas
Guy it felt great to put that Suns jersey back on. I value the love frfr
Thomas had not played in the NBA considering that the 2021-22 season for the Charlotte Hornets. He likewise had stints with the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks throughout that season.
The Washington alum has a fish story. He was the last choice of the 2011 NBA draft however instantly became a function gamer for the Sacramento Kings.
After a stint with the Suns at the start of the 2014-15 season, Thomas was traded to the Boston Celtics midway through the year. He turned into among the very best point player in the league, making the All-Star group in back-to-back years in 2015-16 and 2016-17.
A hip injury suffered in the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals hindered Thomas’ profession. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in August 2017 as part of the Kyrie Irving offer, however hip concerns restricted him to 15 video games and he never ever fit together well with LeBron James.
Thomas bounced around the league with numerous various groups over the next couple of years. His longest stint with a single franchise because being traded by the Celtics was a 40-game run with the Washington Wizards in 2019-20.
Wednesday was Thomas’ very first NBA video game given that April 10, 2022. He was just on the flooring for 2 minutes versus the Sixers, however he taped a help in the win.
The Suns require more scoring punch off the bench as they aim to protect a playoff berth. Thomas is a restricted gamer at this phase of his profession, however he’s more than efficient in supplying points off the bench when his number gets called.
