How Long Did Isaiah Thomas Excel in the NBA- A Timeline of His Professional Career
How long did Isaiah Thomas play in the NBA? This question often arises among basketball enthusiasts and fans who have followed the career of this talented point guard. Isaiah Thomas, known for his fiery personality and exceptional playmaking skills, had a remarkable NBA journey that spanned over a decade. In this article, we will delve into the details of his career and explore the length of his time in the league.
Isaiah Thomas was born on November 27, 1989, in Inglewood, California. He attended the University of Washington, where he played college basketball and showcased his skills on the national stage. After a successful college career, Thomas was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional journey in the NBA.
Thomas spent his first two seasons with the Suns, gradually establishing himself as a valuable player. However, it was during his time with the Sacramento Kings that he truly made a name for himself. In the 2013-2014 season, Thomas was traded to the Kings, where he became the team’s starting point guard. His playmaking ability and scoring prowess quickly turned him into a fan favorite and a key player for the Kings.
During his tenure with the Sacramento Kings, Isaiah Thomas played a significant role in the team’s resurgence. He averaged 20.3 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game during the 2014-2015 season, earning him an All-Star selection. His performance during this season highlighted his potential as one of the league’s top point guards.
In the 2015-2016 season, Thomas was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he played alongside LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. Although his time with the Cavaliers was brief, he made a significant impact on the team, averaging 14.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. His performance during the 2016 NBA Finals, where he scored 26 points in Game 1, further solidified his reputation as a clutch player.
After the Cavaliers, Isaiah Thomas signed with the Boston Celtics in 2016. His time with the Celtics was marked by a combination of success and adversity. In the 2016-2017 season, Thomas played a crucial role in the Celtics’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, he suffered a hip injury during the playoffs, which limited his playing time and impact on the team.
Despite the injury, Thomas made a comeback in the 2017-2018 season, but his performance was inconsistent. He was eventually traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a limited role. In the 2018-2019 season, Thomas signed with the Denver Nuggets, but his playing time was further reduced due to injuries.
In the 2019-2020 season, Isaiah Thomas returned to the Celtics, but his playing time was once again limited. He played in just 13 games for the Celtics before being waived in February 2020. This marked the end of his NBA career.
In conclusion, Isaiah Thomas played in the NBA for approximately nine seasons. His time in the league was marked by a combination of success, adversity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Although his career was cut short by injuries, Thomas will always be remembered for his fiery personality, exceptional playmaking skills, and the impact he had on the teams he played for.
