KEY POINTS

  • Isaiah Thomas could get another call to suit up for the Pelicans
  • Injuries to key Pelicans guards could pave a way for Thomas to return
  • Austin Rivers and Troy Daniels are also up for consideration by the Pelicans

Isaiah Thomas got a new lease on life although it was only a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.

Unfortunately, there are no immediate plans of giving the spitfire guard a renewed lease although the door is not entirely closed for the 32-year-old guard.

The 10-day contract of Isaiah Thomas will not be renewed according to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez. The deal is set to expire on Tuesday, but there is a chance that the 5-foot-9 guard could be handed another contract if the Pelicans are unable to find another credible guard from the free-agent market.

However, there are other things to consider which could boost the chances of Thomas returning to the Pelicans’ fold.

Josh Hart and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are dealing with injuries, so head coach Stan Van Gundy may need more bodies to fill up the void.

Hart tore a ligament in his thumb last April 1, while Alexander-Walker suffered an ankle sprain last April 6.

There is no official word on the status of Hart, while Alexander-Walker will be out of action for at least two weeks per reports.

There are several players that the Pelicans may consider in the free-agent market right now. Among the names that could ring a bell include Austin Rivers and Troy Daniels.

New Orleans is expected to look for a backup with Lonzo Ball expected to start for the team.

In the three games that Thomas played, he managed to average 7.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 rebounds in 16 minutes of action.

Considering he has been out of the NBA scene for quite some time now, seeing the two-time All-Star drop big numbers was something that most were not expecting.

However, his energy and experience are two things that the Pelicans may consider if ever they decide to re-sign Thomas once more.

Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Washington Wizards drives around George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks
Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Washington Wizards drives around George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks Getty Images | Stacy Revere

However, Rivers is an interesting prospect that may fit not only for the remainder of the season but beyond.

Rivers is only 28 years old and could be a curious addition to the Pelicans moving forward. However, convincing the 6-foot-3 guard to commit to the Pelicans is no assurance–especially if he is looking to be part of a winning team.

The Pelicans are 25-29 in the Western Conference and 3.5 games behind the eighth-seeded Memphis Grizzlies.

They can still make it via the play-in conference, but the real concern is more about the backcourt of New Orleans after this season.

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