NBA News: Returning All-Star Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant

Isaiah Thomas is finally back in the NBA.

One of the most beloved players during his initial stint with the league, the 5-foot-9 spitfire guard was an inspiration to many and a testament that hard work will get you far in life.

From being the 60th-overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Thomas blossomed into a star in the NBA and was at one point the face of the prestigious Boston Celtics franchise.

Injuries have plagued Thomas for the last few seasons, ultimately leading to him bouncing around teams before being out of the league at the end of the 2019-2020 season.

On April 3rd, it was announced that Thomas had been signed to a 10-day contract by the New Orleans Pelicans.

This was after Thomas had an impressive run representing Team USA Basketball in the third window of the 2021 Americup Qualifiers back in February.

In the two-game window, Thomas played and started in both games, averaging 14.0 points 2.5 assists, and two rebounds. Against the Bahamas, he scored a team-high 19 markers.

In his return to the league, Thomas decided to honor the late Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest to ever play in the NBA, by wearing jersey No. 24.

If Thomas can return to the level that he was at during his peak in the NBA, expect the Pelicans to sign him for the remainder of the season.

Thomas’ offensive abilities would be a massive boost for the Pelicans, who are currently at 11th place in the Western Conference, just half a game back from the tenth-seed and a spot in the play-in tournament.

Thomas would be a good complementary piece along with sophomore sensation Zion Williamson, former Most Improved Player of the Year Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball.

Throughout his career, Thomas has averaged 18 points and five assists per game. During the 2016-2017 NBA season, he normed a career-high 28.9 markers per game to help lead the Celtics to the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.