It is hard to tell the story of the Boston Celtics over the past decade without mentioning Isaiah Thomas. He won’t top any lists of Celtics greats, but the 5’9″ point guard’s run in Bean Town was impossible to ignore.
Now, the former Boston hero is asking for one more chance, whether it be with his old team or any other franchise in the NBA. Speaking with Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Thomas told the writer he is looking to make a final basketball comeback before ending his career on his own terms.
“I want to play one more year. I want to be able to put on a jersey and mentally end it on my own,” Thomas said. “And I know I’m able to produce for a team whether it’s on the floor or whether it’s a veteran presence in the locker room. Ultimately my No. 1 goal is to get back in.”
After bouncing around the league for a few years, Thomas had his legendary run with the Celtics from 2014 to 2017, highlighted by leading the franchise to the 2017 Eastern Conference Finals. He played on several teams after that, never holding the same role, and last appeared for the Phoenix Suns during the 2023-24 season, playing in just six games.
Isaiah Thomas Wants An NBA Return
Although he hasn’t been in the NBA for a few years, Thomas has remained outspoken on events and news related to the league. But now, he is making a final case as to why he deserves to be on a roster and help contribute to winning.
“Thomas said he is healthy because he still has the desire to play in the NBA again. In stops with Charlotte and Phoenix, he served as a veteran presence and mentor, erasing concerns that he would be clamoring for playing time or be a potential distraction,” Washburn wrote. “At age 36, Thomas knows his prime years are in the past, but he still has something to give to the game.”
Thomas’ agent, Sam Goldfeder, also said he and his client have been in talks with multiple NBA teams on a potential return, but nothing has come to fruition yet.
“We stay consistently speaking to NBA teams,” the point guard said. “And I would love to go overseas but it’s a tough situation for me because my kids are a little older and I don’t like missing a lot of things they’ve got going. But I don’t want to shut down that [overseas] option either.”
Yet still, an NBA return is ideal. Other teams have added veteran stars to help teach and manage their young talent, and Thomas is open to the idea of a role like Joe Ingles on the Timberwolves or Kyle Lowry on the Philadelphia 76ers.
“I like playing the game of basketball and I don’t take that situation for granted. I’m just making sure everybody knows I’m still ready,” Thomas added. “Given my experiences and everything I’ve been through, I think a young guard could be helped with that.”
Boston Reunites With Its Former Star
While he still hasn’t gotten that elusive final NBA contract, Thomas was recently seen at the Celtics’ practice facility.
Along with visiting his former team, which he led to the conference finals, Thomas was also honored at the Sports Museum’s The Tradition. He was one of multiple Boston athletes to earn the honor, and according to Washburn, Thomas was surprised he got the call.
“When I was selected, I was honored and I was surprised,” Thomas said to the writer. “What is this going on eight years after [I left]? It’s super dope to get the memo and for people to explain to me what the award was. It was super cool, [I’m] thankful and I’m honored. To read on the history on the past guys who have accepted the award, it’s really legendary people in the city.”
While a final contract with the Celtics doesn’t appear on the horizon, Thomas’s impact with the team before their current Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era is hard to ignore. Playing in Boston across three total seasons, the short-statured star averaged 24.7 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 179 regular-season games, while making the All-NBA second team in 2017.
Despite that peak, Thomas never reached anything close to those heights after being traded from the team that summer. He wants one more shot in the NBA, but considering the talent around the league, that might be a tough task.
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