West contender, possible Nuggets playoff foe signs ex-All-NBA guard for stretch run
By Ben Handler
With the final playoff and play-in push upon us, NBA teams are doing everything they possibly can to bolster their chances. For some teams that means being smart about rest, other teams have signed two-way players to standard contracts, and some have added free agents off the street.
One Western Conference team that has been tinkering on the margins all season is the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have made a series of all-in moves since new owner Mat Ishbia took over, trading almost every resource possible to form a big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
The Suns, and their big three have had some nice moments this season, but they put the team together at the expense of depth and positional versatility. A prime example of that is their lack of a true point guard. The team has been heavily relying on their big three to be lead ballhandlers and creators on offense.
Welcome back Isaiah Thomas
All three are capable, but that’s not an ideal role for any of the three players who each truly thrive playing on the wing in an off ball role. The Suns tried to amen that issue by signing former All-NBA point guard, Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract in March.
And then on Monday, Phoenix made it official and signed IT to a standard contract for the rest of the season and the playoffs. Realistically, Thomas likely won’t move the needle for the Suns, but he has always packed a scoring and shooting punch, he’s a great ballhandler, and a great veteran presence.
Comeback complete: The Phoenix Suns plan to sign guard Isaiah Thomas for the remainder of the season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. In his 12th NBA season, Thomas completed two 10-days – providing the Suns backcourt depth, strong leadership and vet presence in locker room. pic.twitter.com/PDbIT15vES
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 8, 2024
It’s also just an awesome story for a guy who had one of the most miraculous seasons in NBA history, as the 5’9” guard put up 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game in the 2016-17 season, helping lead the Celtics to the number one seed in the East, and coming in fifth place in NBA MVP voting.
Since then, Thomas has dealt with a number of injuries and struggled to stay in the league. But he’s worked as hard as anyone, and it’s great to see him rewarded with this opportunity. Who knows, maybe he has one more magical run left in him.