The Phoenix Suns officially rounded out their 15-man playoff roster this morning by signing Isaiah Thomas to a contract for the remainder of the season.
“Give all the glory to God,” Thomas said at this morning’s Suns’ shootaround. “I just spoke it into existence the last couple of years. I’ve always spoke everything that’s happened in my career into existence. It’s definitely not a surprise for me, but I’m super thankful as always. Appreciative of the opportunity, obviously, the Suns gave me an opportunity when nobody else would.”
Thomas was on his second 10-day contract with the Suns (46-32) and has been praised by multiple players and coaches for the leadership he has brought. Phoenix only has four regular season games remaining.
“Ultimate teammate, ultimate professional, just ultimate hooper,” Suns’ star guard Devin Booker said of Thomas last week. “Somebody that in the past I’ve always had a lot of respect for, but I’ve never gotten develop a relationship like we are now, and I don’t take it for granted. I have a high respect for him, and I’ve obviously played against him and know what he’s capable of.”
This is the second time Thomas has had a 10-day contract lead a to rest-of-season deal, the first coming with the Charlotte Hornets at the end of the 2021-22 season. This was the last time “IT” was in the NBA before signing his first 10-day with Phoenix on March 20.
“Whether I play or not just making an impact, whether it be for the younger guys, whether it be another voice for the vets that’s already on the team, that’s playing already, I’m just here to do that each and every day,” Thomas said. “And then obviously, when my name is called, I’m gonna do my thing.”
Thomas’ Role on the Suns
With the Suns currently in sixth place in the Western Conference and at least a play-in spot guaranteed, Thomas could be heading to his first playoffs since the 2016-17 season, which featured some very memorable performances of his with the Boston Celtics.
The 12-year veteran has only played in garbage time for the Suns, averaging 1.3 points on 33.3% shooting in 3.5 minutes across four appearances for Phoenix. Coach Frank Vogel has said Thomas is only in Phoenix for “depth.”
Does Thomas feel he’s proven that he should play?
“I am who I am,” Thomas said. “The world knows that. The world knows what I bring. I know the coaching staff knows what I bring. It’s just a situation where you just got to stay ready. I’m super positive each and every day. Each and every day, I feel like I’m gonna get in the game. Whether I do or not, it’s bigger than that. But I know if my name is called, I’m gonna be able to make a really, really positive impact on the court and make things easier for each and everybody that’s out there that I’m with.”
Thomas’ Journey in the NBA and What He Hopes to Gain from This
The Suns first signed the 35-year-old Thomas after he only played four games with G-League affiliate of the Utah Jazz. In those games, he averaged 33 points on 45% shooting from deep across these contests.
This is IT’s second stint in the Valley. The Suns acquired Thomas in a sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings back in July 2014.
However, Thomas only played for the Suns for half of a season, as he was traded to the Celtics at the trade deadline. In his half season in Phoenix, the Washington product averaged 15.2 points, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals while playing 25.7 minutes per game across 46 contests.
For his NBA career, Thomass has averaged 17.5 points in 554 contests and racked up two All-Star appearances, both with Boston.
What does Thomas hope to gain out of signing this contract with Phoenix?
