Isaiah Thomas Pheonix Suns
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Suns' Isaiah Thomas speaks about returning to play in Phoenix

Published March 21, 2024 at 8:50 PM
BY KEVIN BARREAU
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After a lengthy journey, Isaiah Thomas has made his return to the NBA. Thomas, who signed a 10-day contract with the Suns on Wednesday, rejoined the team over a decade after his initial stint. Here's what he had to say about his comeback:

''Ten years ago went by so fast, it don't even look like the same city,'' Thomas said.

Before the Phoenix Suns' 115-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Coach Vogel made it clear that Thomas won't be part of the rotation when the team is fully healthy. Thomas played for just two minutes during the game, missing a shot.

For Thomas, the situation in Phoenix now is a stark contrast to his time there a decade ago. The Suns are now contenders for an NBA championship, a scenario vastly different from his previous tenure. He expressed encouragement at the prospect of playing alongside stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal.


«It's amazing to see the player Devin has become,» said Thomas. «I was in Boston when he had 70 (points, his career-high that took place at TD Garden against the Celtics), so you knew what he was capable of doing. KD is self-explanatory. I got to work with him this morning. It's an honor to be able to be on the same team as somebody like that. And Bradley Beal, I played with half a year in Washington. So that's one of my good friends and somebody that's always been in my corner.»

Thomas has always carried a chip on his shoulder. Standing at 5-foot-8, he was famously selected as the last pick, No. 60, in the 2011 NBA Draft, despite boasting a two-time first-team all-conference selection at Washington.

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While he still retains that chip, Thomas mentioned that he feels he has "nothing to prove" anymore.

«I know I belong in the NBA,» Thomas said.

Thomas acknowledges that he may not see significant playing time in the Suns' rotation, but he assures fans that he'll still fulfill a leadership role.

"Whatever the opportunity presents, I'm prepared to contribute every day," Thomas stated. "Whether I see court time or not, it's about more than scoring points... I can lead through example, drawing from my experiences."

With guards like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal ahead of him in the Suns' depth chart, Thomas might not even get minutes during his 10-day contract, according to Vogel.

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