Getty
SAN ANTONIO – MAY 7: (FILE PHOTO) Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers bites his jersey in Game two of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at SBC Center on May 7, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. Bryant was released on bail by the Eagle County Sheriff’s office in Colorado July 6, 2003 after posting a $25,000 bond on a felony count of sexual assault. (Photo by: Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Getty
SAN ANTONIO – MAY 7: (FILE PHOTO) Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers bites his jersey in Game two of the Western Conference Semifinals against the San Antonio Spurs during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at SBC Center on May 7, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas. Bryant was released on bail by the Eagle County Sheriff’s office in Colorado July 6, 2003 after posting a $25,000 bond on a felony count of sexual assault. (Photo by: Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
It’s always exciting to see Former NBA players return to the court to revitalize their career and make an unforgettable comeback. Some are lucky enough to return and do even better, like Michael Jordan, who ended up adding three more consecutive championships for the Chicago Bulls. However, some end up vanishing among this generation’s stars. Well, it looks like we will be getting to see All-NBA guard, Isaiah Thomas, return to play for a few days with the New Orleans Pelicans. Not only that, but he will also be honoring his idol Kobe Bryant in his own way.
Isaiah Thomas gives tribute to Kobe Bryant
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The New Orleans Pelicans announced on Saturday that they had signed a 10-day contract with Isaiah Thomas. This means the veteran guard will be part of a rotation for the first time in an entire year.
He had last played as a member of the Washington Wizards in 2020 and averaged 12.2 points and 3.7 assists in the 40 games that he played that season.
Thomas is best known for his iconic time with the Boston Celtics. After which, he had brief stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and then the Wizards.
While there is nobody in the league who doesn’t idolize Kobe Bryant, Thomas is taking it to the next level to pay a tribute to the man he looks up to.
Throughout his career, Thomas has worn jersey Nos. 0,3,4,7, and 22. But he is going to be wearing the No. 24 as he plays for the Pelicans. He confirmed that this was to honor the late legendary Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020.
Kobe!!!! 🙏🏾🏁 https://t.co/EvleQqOZdU
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 3, 2021
No. 24 in New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans aren’t having as great a season as one would expect. They are standing twelfth in the Western Conference with a 21-27 record. In fact, they barely have a shot at making a comeback big enough to land them a spot in the playoffs.
They recently also traded JJ Redick to the Dallas Mavericks and are also without Lonzo Ball because of a hip flexor injury. This leaves him playing with the rising star, Zion Williamson.
Getty
DENVER, CO – APRIL 10: Isaiah Thomas (0) of the Denver Nuggets and the bench watch as the players on the court take on the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 99-95 win on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Thomas is predicted to make his debut in their next game against the Houston Rockets. Given his age, securing a long-term deal won’t be easy, but channeling Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” might give him the strength he needs.
Read also- Isiah Thomas Shares How the Late Paul Westpal Made Him Guard Kobe Bryant
