Isaiah Thomas scores 40 in G League return as he eyes NBA comeback

Isaiah Thomas, in his latest NBA comeback attempt through the G League, proved at 35 years old that he still possesses impressive offensive skills. 

In his second stint with the Salt Lake City Stars, the affiliate team of the Utah Jazz, Thomas erupted for 40 points on Tuesday night, showcasing that he remains a dangerous scoring threat.

The two-time All-Star connected on 13 of his 28 shot attempts, including four three-pointers, while also adding three rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. 

This marks Thomas’ latest attempt to return to the NBA, following a brief stint with the Phoenix Suns at the end of the 2023-24 season. There, he played just six games, averaging 1.3 points per game in 3.2 minutes per game. His time with the Suns was minimal, but it marked his most recent opportunity to showcase his skills at the NBA level.

It was his strong performance in the G League that earned him a shot with Phoenix. During a previous stint with the Stars, Thomas averaged 32.5 points and 5.3 assists across just four games, demonstrating his elite scoring ability and playmaking skills. 

His G League success made it clear that he still had plenty to offer, even if his NBA appearances were limited.

Thomas’ career has been a series of highs and lows, and his recent performance in the G League serves as a reminder of his talent. His journey has been marked by moments of brilliance, especially during his time with the Boston Celtics. 

With the Celtics, he became one of the most electrifying players in the league, earning a spot as the runner-up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2015 and finishing fifth in MVP voting in 2017 after averaging a remarkable 28.9 points per game. 

However, injuries, particularly after being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, derailed what had looked like a promising career trajectory.

After his Celtics tenure, Thomas faced a series of setbacks, including numerous trades and short stints with several teams. He played for seven different franchises but struggled to find a consistent role, making his career a cautionary tale of how injuries can alter the path of even the most talented players.

Over 556 NBA games, the veteran guard has averaged 17.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists, proving that when healthy, he is a productive and impactful player. 

Despite this, he has never managed to secure a long-term home, as teams have questioned his ability to stay healthy and/or maintain a high level of play. However, Thomas' recent G League performance highlights that the 5-foot-9 point guard remains an elite scorer when healthy. 

Across eight games in the G League, dating back to the 2021-22 season, he has averaged 36.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists, shooting 44.7 percent from three-point range with an average of 5.8 three-pointers per game. 

His scoring outbursts are a testament to his enduring talent and his determination to prove he still belongs at the highest level.

As his 36th birthday approaches, Thomas’ passion for the game remains strong. Though his NBA journey has been filled with uncertainty, it is clear that he continues to fight for his place in the league. 

For Thomas, it’s not just about proving his worth — it's about showing that a player, no matter their size or age, can still make an impact when given the opportunity.