Isaiah Thomas Drops 40 in G League Debut! The All-Star Guard NBA Keeps Overlooking

Isaiah Thomas is back, and he's making noise in the G League. The 35-year-old veteran point guard, who once electrified the NBA with his scoring prowess, exploded for 40 points and 8 assists in his debut for the Salt Lake City Stars, the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate. Despite his heroics, the Stars fell 115-122 to the Valley Suns.

For Thomas, this performance is yet another reminder that his tank isn’t empty. Though the NBA has largely turned its back on him in recent years, his ability to put the ball in the basket remains undeniable. Could this game spark another return to the league? Or will he once again find himself stuck in the cycle of 10-day contracts and unemployment?

The Rise and Fall of Isaiah Thomas

Thomas’s story is one of the most compelling in modern NBA history. At just 5’9” (1.75m), he defied the odds to become an elite scorer in the league. After being the final pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, he quickly proved he belonged, bouncing from Sacramento to Phoenix before truly breaking out with the Boston Celtics.

During his three seasons in Boston, Thomas was nothing short of spectacular. He made two All-Star teams, with his peak coming in the 2016-17 season when he averaged a jaw-dropping 28.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. He was the heart and soul of that Celtics team, leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals while playing through personal tragedy and injuries.

However, that dream season marked the beginning of his downfall. A hip injury derailed his career, and the Celtics, in a controversial move, traded him to Cleveland for Kyrie Irving. Thomas never fully recovered, and he soon became a journeyman, bouncing between teams on minimum contracts and 10-day deals.

G League Resurrection

With no NBA team offering him a guaranteed contract this season, Thomas decided to go the G League route, hoping to prove he still belongs. And in his first game back, he wasted no time making an impact.

Thomas shot 13-of-28 from the field, including 4-of-10 from three-point range, displaying his signature offensive skill set. He got to the rim, hit deep jumpers, and created for teammates, showing flashes of the player who once dominated the league.

But will NBA teams take notice? That’s the million-dollar question. Thomas has been in this position before—lighting up the G League, getting a 10-day contract, and then fading back into obscurity.

The NBA's Reluctance to Bring Him Back

Despite his undeniable scoring ability, teams have been hesitant to sign Thomas long-term. The biggest concerns? His defense and durability. At his size, he’s a liability on the defensive end, and his lingering hip issues have made teams wary of investing in him.

However, in a league where scoring is king, it’s hard to justify why a player of his caliber remains on the outside looking in. Plenty of NBA teams could use an experienced bucket-getter off the bench, yet Thomas continues to be overlooked.

Should He Go Overseas?

At this point in his career, Thomas faces a crossroads. He could continue chasing the NBA dream, hoping for another short-term deal, or he could embrace opportunities abroad.

Overseas leagues, especially in China and Europe, have been known to offer lucrative contracts to high-level scorers. Players like Stephon Marbury and Jimmer Fredette found new life in international leagues, earning millions while dominating as superstars.

Recent betting odds have even linked Thomas to potential overseas destinations, including CBA teams like the Shanghai Sharks, as well as the Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns, both of whom have given him chances in the past.

But Thomas has made it clear—his heart is still set on the NBA.

A Commentary on His Journey

Isaiah Thomas’s story is one of resilience. Few players have had such extreme highs and lows, going from an MVP candidate to struggling for an NBA roster spot in just a few years. His unwavering belief in himself is admirable, but at some point, reality has to set in.

If NBA teams continue to pass on him, perhaps it’s time for Thomas to take his talents elsewhere. He’s proven time and again that he can still play at a high level—just not at the level NBA teams seem to require.

Regardless of what happens next, Isaiah Thomas will always be remembered as one of the best underdog stories in basketball history. And if his G League debut is any indication, he’s not done writing that story just yet.