Ex-Celtics All-Star Sends Message About Future Playing Plans
The "King of the Fourth" is not ready to hang up his sneakers just yet, but his next chapter might take place on a different continent. Isaiah Thomas, the former Boston Celtics superstar who captivated the NBA world with his heroic scoring exploits nearly a decade ago, has signaled a potential shift in his career trajectory. After years of fighting for 10-day contracts and roster spots in the NBA, the 36-year-old guard is now openly considering taking his talents across the Atlantic.
In a candid social media post shared on Friday night, Thomas revealed that he is weighing a move to the EuroLeague, the world’s premier basketball competition outside of the NBA. "Thinking about slidin' to the Euro league," Thomas wrote to his millions of followers. "I just want to HOOP." This declaration marks a significant pivot for the veteran scorer, who has spent the last several seasons relentlessly pursuing an NBA comeback, often dominating Pro-Am leagues and G-League stints to prove he still possesses his signature burst.
Thomas’s journey since his MVP-caliber 2016-17 season with the Boston Celtics has been well-documented. After averaging 28.9 points per game and leading Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals, a hip injury and a subsequent trade altered the course of his career. Since leaving Boston, he has suited up for eight different NBA franchises, most recently making a brief cameo with the Phoenix Suns during the 2023-24 season. Despite his limited minutes in recent years, Thomas has maintained that his love for the game remains his primary motivation, a sentiment clearly reflected in his willingness to play overseas.
A move to Europe would not be unprecedented for a player of his stature. Former teammate Kemba Walker recently spent a season with AS Monaco, finding a competitive outlet in the EuroLeague environment. For Thomas, the European game—which values skill, shooting, and basketball IQ—could offer the consistent playing time he craves. While the NBA door may be closing, Thomas’s message is a reminder that his passion for basketball transcends borders, and he intends to keep playing until the wheels fall off.
In a candid social media post shared on Friday night, Thomas revealed that he is weighing a move to the EuroLeague, the world’s premier basketball competition outside of the NBA. "Thinking about slidin' to the Euro league," Thomas wrote to his millions of followers. "I just want to HOOP." This declaration marks a significant pivot for the veteran scorer, who has spent the last several seasons relentlessly pursuing an NBA comeback, often dominating Pro-Am leagues and G-League stints to prove he still possesses his signature burst.
Thomas’s journey since his MVP-caliber 2016-17 season with the Boston Celtics has been well-documented. After averaging 28.9 points per game and leading Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals, a hip injury and a subsequent trade altered the course of his career. Since leaving Boston, he has suited up for eight different NBA franchises, most recently making a brief cameo with the Phoenix Suns during the 2023-24 season. Despite his limited minutes in recent years, Thomas has maintained that his love for the game remains his primary motivation, a sentiment clearly reflected in his willingness to play overseas.
A move to Europe would not be unprecedented for a player of his stature. Former teammate Kemba Walker recently spent a season with AS Monaco, finding a competitive outlet in the EuroLeague environment. For Thomas, the European game—which values skill, shooting, and basketball IQ—could offer the consistent playing time he craves. While the NBA door may be closing, Thomas’s message is a reminder that his passion for basketball transcends borders, and he intends to keep playing until the wheels fall off.
