KEY POINTS

  • Isaiah Thomas could reunite with LeBron James if signed by the Los Angeles Lakers
  • The 5-foot-9 guard could be a defensive liability due to his height
  • Thomas will have to settle for limited playing time if he signs with a new NBA team

In the NBA, it is that time of the season once again when teams are looking at free agents–both old and new.

It is the best time for veterans to get their chance although there is no assurance that they will get the right amount of playing time.

One player who saw his stock drop since his Boston Celtics days is Isaiah Thomas. Since being traded by the Celtics to the Cleveland Cavaliers, things have not been the same for the two-time All-Star.

Injuries have added to that decline, and the 60th pick of the 2011 NBA Draft just struggled to blend in.

Thomas last saw action with the Washington Wizards during the 2019-20 NBA season. He averaged 12.2 points, 3.7 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 23.1 minutes of action. These are a far cry from his career averages of 18.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds.

He has been waiting for a chance to return to the NBA and that chance could be happening soon. According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks are among the teams who may give the 5-foot-9 guard a chance.

Given that he has been out for a long period, there is no telling as to what shape he is in. He is expected to be rusty although Thomas may have kept himself in shape despite the pandemic.

Regardless, the Washington native remains confident that he still has something to show if an NBA team would take a chance on him.

Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Washington Wizards
Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Washington Wizards Getty Images | Patrick McDermott

“This allows me to compete against other professionals, represent my country at the same time — which is an honor and a privilege — and ultimately show NBA teams that I’m back to myself and I’m 100% healthy. That’s why I chose to come here. When Team USA brought it to me, it was a no-brainer,” Thomas said in a report by Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.

If the Lakers or the Bucks do sign him, Thomas will have to lower his expectations. He is likely to be more of a bench player and get spot minutes.

There is no question that he has the energy to help any team in the NBA. However, questions are raised about his durability and his ability to defend since he will have to go up against taller guards.

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