Isaiah Thomas may have been away from the NBA for some time, but he isn’t ready to put his playing career behind him just yet.
After spending the past season without a team, Thomas revealed that he is interested in playing overseas for a year, and fans were quick to question whether he can still dominate at the professional level.
Isaiah Thomas’ Comeback Confidence Draws Brutal Reactions From NBA World
Thomas was the 60th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings in the second round of the 2011 NBA Draft and quickly exceeded expectations, developing into a two-time All-Star. With international basketball offering opportunities for former NBA players, he now seems eager to test himself overseas as well.
Thomas addressed the possibility in multiple tweets on Sunday.
“I want to hoop overseas for a year!!! I want that experience! And to cook them boys over that water,” Thomas tweeted.
I want to hoop overseas for a year!!! I want that experience! And to cook them boys over that water 😂
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 6, 2026
In another post, Thomas pushed back against those who question whether he can still perform at a high level.
“It’s funny when people be like you can’t still cook like you use too. Like why can’t I??? I don’t even want to play like that anymore though lol. If I played again I’d just be a PG and make plays lead the league in ast type shit, and let y’all see how easy it is,” he wrote.
It’s funny when people be like you can’t still cook like you use too. Like why can’t I??? I don’t even want to play like that anymore though lol. If I played again I’d just be a PG and make plays lead the league in ast type shit and let yall see how easy it is 😂
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) September 6, 2026
Thomas’ most recent NBA appearance came in the 2023-24 season, when he played six games for the Phoenix Suns. The two-time All-Star’s desire to return to competitive basketball was met with plenty of skepticism.
“As a licensed therapist I am begging you to give it up brother. This (expletive) is not healthy for your mental,” one wrote.
“Idk about that gang. Depending where at overseas they actually play defense out there,” another posted.
Idk about that gang. Depending where at overseas they actually play defense out there..
— ApexJaye (@Apexjaye) September 6, 2026
“You won’t cook no one in the Euroleague,” another user added.
Another user mocked Thomas’ ambition with a meme, writing, “Literally any NBA player seeing a 37-year-old IT on defense.”
Literally any NBA player seeing a 37 year old IT on defense pic.twitter.com/upzcekxI8o
— believer (@4espect_) September 6, 2026
Users online continued to mock his assertion that he would return to the court, especially after the Boston Celtics hired him as a professional and college scout.
“You are not LeBron (James), my brother, you ain’t cooking,” one said.
You are not lebron my brother you ain’t cooking
— phillyBron (@DustinSheldon3) September 6, 2026
“He’s trying the Idc gimmick I use to do to my ps2,” a fan said.
Thomas played in 556 games over his 12 NBA seasons and enjoyed the best season of his career in 2016-17, averaging 28.9 points ppg for the Boston Celtics. His impressive season earned him a fifth-place finish in the NBA MVP voting that year.
Thomas last played in the G League during the 2024-25 season, playing for the Salt Lake City Stars. Despite the extensive experience, International basketball would still pose a challenge for him, given the quality and competitiveness of overseas leagues.
