Image Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Isaiah Thomas eyes NBA comeback via G League: Top 5 players who made successful returns after years away

Image Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Two-time All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas is eyeing a comeback to the NBA. On Monday, he signed with the Utah Jazz’s G League affiliate, the Salt Lake City Stars. Thomas hasn’t started an NBA game since the 2021-2022 season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Last year, he appeared in six games for the Phoenix Suns, the team he played for back in 2014-2015.

Thomas’ career took a hit after suffering a major hip injury in 2016-17. Since then, he has played for eight different NBA teams. While being 35-year-old, his comeback looks slim but it is not out of the question.

"I've been in all situations. From a MF that don't play, franchise player, all that. Don't take this s— for granted. Embrace the journey. It ain't always going to be sweet. Y'all know what I'm dealing with right now. I'm trying to get back in." pic.twitter.com/d9jrIKG3ov https://t.co/pWtm3HSJ2B
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 27, 2025

If Thomas does make it back to the NBA, he wouldn’t be the first player to successfully return after a lengthy absence. Here are the top 5 players who made remarkable comebacks after years away from the league:

P.J Tucker

Tucker’s NBA career took a wild path. After being waived by the Toronto Raptors in 2007, he played overseas in Israel, Ukraine, Italy, and Germany. After dominating in Europe, Tucker joined the NBA again with the Phoenix Suns in 2012.

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Magic Johnson

Magic’s story is legendary. After retiring in 1991 due to his HIV diagnosis, Johnson made a comeback in 1996. He rejoined the Lakers for one final season before officially retiring the same year.

Damien Wilkins

Wilkins had a unique journey. After brief stints with the 76ers and Hawks, he played internationally before returning to the NBA through the D-League. His hard work paid off when he earned another shot with the Indiana Pacers in 2017 after a series of overseas seasons.

Joey Dorsey

After a short NBA career, Dorsey found success in Europe, winning the EuroLeague with Olympiacos in 2012. After a few years overseas, Dorsey returned to the NBA with the Houston Rockets in 2015, playing 67 games in his final full season in the league.

Michael Jordan

Arguably the most famous comeback in NBA history. After retiring in 1993, Jordan returned in 1995 with the Chicago Bulls, leading them to three more championships. He retired again in 1999 but came back in 2001 with the Washington Wizards.

Isaiah Thomas

Magic Johnson

Michael Jordan

P.J. Tucker

Swati Bhatia

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I work as a content strategist, specializing in creating engaging content about the NBA, WNBA, and MLB. My main focus is on writing breaking news updates, research-based articles, and covering trending topics. Right now, I’m leading the content team for the NBA, WNBA, and MLB categories at Playoffs English.