The Boston Celtics point guard was injured virtually his entire first season but made a successful return in what many saw as an odd move. This article breaks down the importance of this signing and how it will impact the NBA moving forward.
Isaiah Thomas recently signed with the Los Angeles Lakers and is set to make his first appearance for the team on Sunday. He will be looking to break his own record of most points in a game, which he did last season.
Since 2020, Isaiah Thomas has only appeared in four NBA games. Three of them were with the New Orleans Pelicans late last season, and one was with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
At the Target Center, the Lakers were defeated by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 110-92. Thomas, on the other hand, established for one night that he belonged on an NBA floor.
On Thursday, it was announced that guards Russell Westbrook and Avery Bradley have signed COVID-19 health and safety regulations, joining Malik Monk, Talen-Horton Tucker, and Dwight Howard. However, Westbrook passed procedures on Friday afternoon, reducing the need for a second creative guard.
Until Isaiah Thomas entered the game early in the second quarter.
Early in the second quarter, IT checks in, gets fouled, and makes two free throws on his first possession https://t.co/i4e9uqcGkZ
December 18, 2021 — Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA)
The 32-year-old scored 19 points in 22 minutes for a team-best -1 (excluding garbage time +3 from two-way center Jay Huff). He was aggressive from the start, and his shot seemed to be flawless. He made seven of his nine free-throw tries to lead the Lakers.
The first game back for Isaiah Thomas
5/12 FG 21 MIN pic.twitter.com/pZCwape0VI 19 PTS 5/12 FG 21 MIN
18 December 2021 — Overtime (@overtime)
The Lakers, who are more anxious about Anthony Davis’ forthcoming MRI than anything else, expressed delight in Thomas’ performance afterward.
“It’s great to have IT back in the league and healthy,” added LeBron, who played alongside Thomas for the Cleveland Cavaliers for half a season. “Obviously, he’s regained his shooting, and it’s great to have him back.”
“He’s a proven scorer,” says the coach. Frank Vogel described him as a “excellent attacking player.” “There’s a reason he’s the league’s leading scorer with 28 points a game.”
Thomas was overjoyed at the prospect of not just returning to the NBA, but doing so for the Lakers.
“It’s been too much for me.” “The previous 24 hours have been a lot,” he remarked. “It’s something I’ve always desired.” It’s something I worked hard for. Fortunately, I was given the chance. It’s incredible to be able to play for the Lakers once again… First and foremost, I’m grateful for the chance.”
“Honestly, I simply prepare for these occasions,” he continued. “I’ve been in the NBA for ten years. The hoop is ten feet tall, and the ball is brown. It’s just a matter of getting to know your teammates. Apart from the defeat, it was a memorable day for me. In the previous few years, I’ve gone through a lot. It was a blast to be out there in Laker gear.”
Returning to the Lakers sans Kobe: @isaiahthomas to @mcten pic.twitter.com/S28f53V8rK
December 18, 2021 — Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA)
Thomas went into great detail regarding his rehabilitation from two hip surgeries:
“One of my lowest points was not being able to play at the level that I’m used to. When your head tells you to accomplish something but your body won’t let you, it’s very aggravating. That was my first significant injury… To me, basketball is everything. As a result, it effectively prevented me from being who I am. It has a significant impact on my ability to be joyful. Basketball has brought me joy. As a result, it was difficult for me. Those were the worst days of my life for me. Obviously, my sister died in 2017, and it seemed like everything was going bad from then… But I relied on my support system, which included my family, wife, and children, to keep me going.”
Thomas expressed his gratitude to the Timberwolves fans for their kind welcome.
“The most memorable event for me was when I arrived to the game and was greeted with enthusiastic applause. It’s also an away game. They appreciate what I do, and people respect the grind I’m on, so those moments mean more to me than anything else. And I believe that my height of 5’9 helps. I’m about the same height as a regular human. As a result, people root for me only because of it. … I never imagined I’d be in such a bad mood again. My body, namely my hip, has no restrictions. That’s why I’m always smiling: I’m in such a good mental and physical state.”
Yes, the Lakers were blasted out for the second game this season by Minnesota, and who knows how much longer Thomas will be with the club. For the time being, though, IT’s comeback serves as a happy narrative, something the Lakers need need after being crippled by COVID-19 and AD’s knee injury.
Watch This Video-
Isaiah Thomas, who was traded from Boston to LA on Wednesday, made his first game back for the Lakers. He scored 18 points and had six assists in a win over the Suns. Reference: isaiah thomas height.
Related Tags
- did isaiah thomas sign with the lakers
- isaiah thomas net worth
- isaiah thomas stats
- isaiah thomas 81 points
- isaiah thomas free agent
