It’s time for Isaiah Thomas.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The former Washington Huskies basketball star, suiting up for USA basketball this week, has his chance to show the world he’s fully healthy and deserves to be back in the NBA.
“It was a no-brainer,” Thomas said of the opportunity to represent the country, per the USA basketball website. “It is a great opportunity to come out here and participate. A lot of NBA teams have told me that they want to watch me play. Here at this tournament, I’m able to play against real competition in addition to being able to represent my country, which is an honor and a privilege.”
Thomas, 32, is part of an American squad that will be playing FIBA AmeriCup qualifying games in San Juan, Puerto Rico, this week. The U.S. will play the Bahamas and Mexico on Friday and Saturday, respectively.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
The American roster features a number of NBA veterans like Thomas, including 17-year veteran and former All-Star Joe Johnson.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 22: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Washington Wizards in action against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on January 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
The U.S. roster for these types of qualifying games are usually dominated by G-League players. And the Americans have already qualified for the FIBA AmeriCup, which is scheduled for September of 2022. So the two games don’t technically mean much for the U.S.
For Thomas, though, the opportunity is huge. Since undergoing successful hip injury, the qualifying games offer his best chance of impressing NBA scouts. A two-time All-Star with the Celtics, Thomas last played in the league last February with the Washington Wizards.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Thomas was a second-team All-NBA selection in 2016-17 with Boston after averaging 28.9 points per game, which ranked third in the league.
“It’s been a long year since I last played,” Thomas said. “But now I’m in a good space both mentally and physically. The opportunity I’ve been given with the USA team is a way for me to show that I can still play at a high level. My skills didn’t go anywhere, but I haven’t been healthy enough to display those skills. Now I am."
“It’s been night and day,” Thomas continued, on how his hip feels. “With how bad my hip was, I never thought that I could play the game without pain ever again, and now I wake up every day with a smile on my face, because I’m not dealing with constant pain. It’s got me in so much of a better place not only physically, but mentally.”
Thomas, who’s played nine seasons in the NBA, starred at the University of Washington for three seasons before turning pro. He also attended Curtis High School in University Place.
