How 4 once dominant NBA stars became journeymen

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Isaiah Thomas (Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports)

NBA Journeymen #2: Isaiah Thomas

It’s fair to say that Isaiah Thomas’ career is one of the weirdest in recent memory. Thomas was taken with the last pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and, against all odds, managed to carve out a role with the Sacramento Kings. He was later to the Phoenix Suns, and became one of the best sixth men in the NBA, before being traded again to the Boston Celtics.

There, he emerged as a star. In fact, during the 2016-17 season, he averaged a terrific 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game and even finished 5th in MVP voting.

Unfortunately, a hip injury prevented him from ever replicating that incendiary season. After the 2016-17 season, he was sent to Cleveland in the Kyrie Irving trade.

He missed most of the 2017-18 season and failed to live up to expectations when he finally played. As a result, he was traded again, this time to the Los Angeles Lakers. Things didn’t work out there either, and he’s bounced around ever since. Thomas has played for six teams in the last four years and is currently a free agent waiting to be signed.

Overall, a former second-round pick who’s played for nine teams is more in-line with expectations, but Thomas exceeded them by making two All-Star teams in his 11-year career. Unfortunately, he couldn’t sustain it.

Next: DeMarcus Cousins