Isaiah Thomas is now one step closer to his NBA return. The 11-year NBA vet has signed with the Salt Lake City Stars, the G League affiliate of the Utah Jazz, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. After last playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 2021–22, he has been pining for a return for one final shot. The Hornets were the third team Thomas suited up for in ’22, a sharp decline from his status five years prior. At his peak, he was briefly recognized as one of the most prolific scorers in the league. However, that was before a catastrophic hip injury. He hasn’t been the same player since, but he is looking to leave a mark once more before calling it a career.

Charania tweeted on X, “In pursuit of NBA return for stretch run, 11-year veteran Isaiah Thomas is joining the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate Salt Lake City Stars, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The two-time All-Star could be another guard option in marketplace.” This presents Thomas a chance to prove his mettle and potentially earn a call-up from an NBA team to aid them till the end of the season or even compete in the playoffs. Here are a few teams that could use the 35-year-old’s skills.

1. San Antonio Spurs

Despite winning the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, the Spurs have failed to make any significant improvement. While Wemby’s individual statistics have been nothing short of stellar for a rookie, he needs a better-supporting cast to translate his brilliance into the team’s success. This is where Isaiah Thomas comes into play. Currently, it is easy for the opponents to double-team Wemby, but with Thomas sharing the floor, the spacing could look very different.

As of now, their three-point percentage is the second-worst in the league. Therefore, the Spurs could use another ball-handler in Thomas on that front to inject a new dimension to their offense. With the Spurs still in their rebuilding phase, the veteran presence of Isaiah Thomas could infuse leadership and playoff experience into their young core.

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As Isaiah Thomas Breaks Silence on NBA Return, Will the 2x All-Star Be Able to Fulfill His Desire?

2. The New York Knicks

The Knicks are in a tight spot with injuries to key players during the final stretch of the season. Their primary scorer, Jalen Brunson, suffered a left knee injury in the first minute of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. This has left a huge void in the scoring department. To make up for his 27 points per game, Donte DiVincenzo, Alec Burks, Immanuel Quickley, and Derrick Rose will be expected to pick up the pace. However, all of them are streaky shooters and lack the defensive skills to join the starting five on the court.

Adding to their injury woes, the Knicks are also without their second-leading scorer and rebounder, Julius Randle. Therefore, the inclusion of Thomas could alleviate their offensive struggles while their key players work their way back from injuries. If only Isaiah Thomas could replicate even a fraction of his 2017 Boston Celtics form, he would be a valuable asset for any team looking to add a reliable backup point guard.

3. The Phoenix Suns

With three All-Star caliber players, the Suns were expected to be one of the most formidable offensive forces in the league. But that hasn’t been the case so far. Despite possessing the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns’ offensive rating has plummeted from sixth place a few weeks ago to 11th a few days ago and is currently good enough for the 12th rank in the league.

Injuries have played a significant role in this regression, as the Suns have struggled to field a healthy lineup with all three stars. Therefore, they could use Isaiah Thomas as insurance against injuries and foul trouble, bolstering their chances of making a playoff push.

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