- He is an American basketball player who plays as a point guard
- He has not played in the NBA since 2022
- He has been signed by the Phoenix Suns to a 10-day contract
Isaiah Jamar Thomas is an American basketball player who plays as a point guard and was recently signed by the Phoenix Suns on a 10-day contract. While he hasn’t played in the NBA since 2022, the Suns decided to give him a chance.
The player had a lingering effect of a hip injury, which could be why he has not played in the NBA for two seasons. When he sustained the injury, he was playing for the Boston Celtics.
The injury hampered his mobility and overall performance, impacting his value to teams and making them hesitant to offer him long-term contracts. After the Celtics, he bounced around several teams including the Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and the Pelicans.
While showcasing his scoring ability, his play style was affected by the injury and in recent years, the NBA has seen an influx of talented young point guards, the increased competition for playing time at the position might have made it difficult for Thomas, with his injury concerns, to secure a guaranteed roster spot on a contending team.
However, he realized the need to prove his fitness, he played in the NBA G League and this could have been a way to showcase his recovery and potentially earn another shot in the NBA.
Isaiah Thomas biography
Isaiah Jamar Thomas was born on February 7 1989 in Tacoma, Washington and played college basketball for three years for the University of Washington Huskies in his senior year, he entered the NBA draft in 2011.
Isaiah Thomas. Photo/ESPN
He was drafted in the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings with the 60th overall pick and spent three seasons with the Kings where he showcased his scoring ability but struggled with playing time and the success of the team.
His breakthrough point was signing with the Boston Celtics, earning the name “King in the Fourth” due to his performances in late-game situations, leading the team to the Eastern Conference’s first seed in the 206-17 season.
Unfortunately, during that season’s playoffs, he suffered a right hip injury and despite playing through the injury, it impacted his performance eventually leading to a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The hip injury continued to hamper him over the next few seasons, playing for multiple teams with limited success. After several challenging seasons, Thomas signed a 10-day contract with his former team, the Phoenix Suns, a chance to showcase his talent again.
Thomas personal life
Isaiah Jamar Thomas was born on February 7 1989 in Tacoma, Washington to James Thomas and Tina Baldtrip he had a younger sister by the name of Chyna who tragically lost her life in a car accident at the age of 22 years.
Why hasn’t Thomas played in the NBA for two seasons?
Thomas sustained a hip injury while playing for the Celtics during the 2016-17 playoffs. Despite playing through the injury, it impacted his performance eventually leading to a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Isaiah Thomas. Photo/NewsNow Nigeria
The hip injury continued to hamper him over the next few seasons, playing for multiple teams with limited success.
Why did the Suns sign Thomas on a short contract?
While Thomas hasn’t played for two seasons, while he impressed in the G League, the Suns are probably weighing his performance in NBA practices and games before committing to a longer contract.
The short contract will create room to assess his conditioning and how he performs with the team’s system. Additionally, the 10-day contract is a low-cost way for the Suns to add depth and scoring punch to their bench. If he doesn’t perform well, they can call the financial commitment off and if he does, they can offer him another contract for the rest of the season.
Overall, the contract allows the Suns and Thomas to assess the situation with minimal risk, it is a chance to prove himself to earning a permanent role.
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