7:44 PM
After one game with the Dallas Mavericks, former All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas entered the NBA's health and safety protocols.
Brandon Knight, another hardship-deal addition who tested positive for COVID-19, was replaced by Thomas.
The general manager of the Dallas Mavericks called to inquire about whether Thomas could play in Sacramento that night, when he was grocery shopping near his Seattle home. He arrived in Sacramento a little after four hours before the game.
In a loss to the Kings, Thomas had six points and four assists after signing a 10-day hardship deal with the Mavs.
I was like, "Hell yeah I can play tonight!" After scoring six points and dishing out four assists in 13 minutes during the Mavs' 95-94 loss to the Kings, Thomas received a standing ovation from the crowd. I got home from L.A. on Tuesday. It's been a long time, but I'm ready for this. I'm ready for it. I'm grateful for the opportunity. It was a no-brainer when he asked.
The team is optimistic that several players will be returning soon and that Thomas' 10-day deal will likely expire while he's in the league's protocols. Eight players are in the protocols for the Mavs.
A serious hip injury derailed Thomas' career, as he was a two-time All-Star for the Boston Celtics. In the past two seasons, he's played in seven games for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Lakers on 10-day deals.
