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Isaiah Thomas might be on the Phoenix Suns the rest of the season. Saturday, Thomas earned his second 10-day contract.
ClutchPoints asked Devin Booker, the Suns’ star guard, what Thomas has meant to the team.
“The ultimate teammate, ultimate professional, just ultimate hooper,” said Booker, who is averaging 27.6 points and 6.9 assists in his ninth season.
“Somebody in the past that I’ve always had a lot of respect for, but I’ve never got to develop a relationship like we are now. I don’t take it for granted. I know what he’s capable of.”
Thomas is someone who has a lot of respect around the NBA, Suns coach Frank Vogel said. I.T. is yet to play 10 combined minutes in Suns games, but his impact around the team has spoken for itself, Booker said.
“He’s right there, every time,” Booker said. “He’s a sixth man defensively and offensively. You can hear him right there, communicating, letting you know in the timeout what he sees, what he thinks you can do better. And like I said, I’m open ears to him.”
Thomas, who is listed at 5-foot-8 and is behind Beal, Booker and maybe even guards David Roddy and Josh Okogie on the depth chart, has played with a chip on his shoulder throughout his playing career.
“I think it’ll always be there, but 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 at each and every level no matter the circumstances.
Thomas made a promise to Suns fans.
“Whatever the opportunity is, I’m ready to make an impact each and every day. Whether I’m playing or not, it’s bigger than putting the ball in the basket for me. I’m able to lead, lead by example, lead by my experiences and help in any way possible. If my name is called, you know I’m ready. But if it’s not, I can still impact the game in so many ways.”
Even though the Phoenix Suns do not have a point guard, Booker and guard Bradley Beal, who is a three-time All-Star transitioning to point guard, have manned the role.
Beal in the Suns’ 122-101 win over Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and the Cleveland Cavaliers continued his strong play at point guard. Beal is in the 92.7 percentile in turnovers per game, something that is very important for the Suns, who are poor in the fourth quarter and with maintaining possession.
What did Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal say about Thomas?
Durant: “Happy for him. It’s just the non-stop work and something I admire about him. been knowing I.T. since we were 17 years old, and he’s been the same worker since then. The story that he has, the career that he’s been through has only inspired basketball players around the world. So I’m grateful I get to spend some time with him…first couple days, he’s just in the gym, working on his game…I think that’s going to rub off on everybody here.”
Beal: “It speaks volumes, because I’m a huge “I.T.” fan, from competing against him for so many years…I’ve got him a chance to see him every single day, put the work in. The challenges that he went through every single day, as a player, overcoming some injuries, too. But to be able to come back now, like you said, it’s very unheard of. But I commend him, man. I salute him.”
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