The New Orleans Pelicans will not look to bring Isaiah Thomas back right away after his 10-day contract expired, according to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.
However, the Pelicans could bring him back in the future.
The Pelicans have two weeks before they need to sign another player on either a 10-day contract or for the rest of the year, notes Lopez.
Thomas, 32, who averaged 7.7 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in three games, received an ovation from fans when he checked into the game on April 12, his only home game with the Pelicans that he played.
The Pelicans loved Thomas’ veteran presence and the way he communicated with younger guys while he was with the team.
“I haven’t run into a veteran guy more grateful for an opportunity to play in the league in my entire time in the league. He’s been unbelievable here,” said head coach Stan Van Gundy. “To see him go in, even for a few minutes, make a shot, get the appreciation of the fans, I hope he heard it. A lot of times you don’t when you’re out there playing. I hope he heard it. I hope he enjoyed it. Because he certainly deserved it. I feel privileged that I’ve gotten the opportunity to coach him even for a very short amount of time.”
Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram also called Thomas “the ultimate professional.”
“He just came in and did his job whenever he got in the basketball game but also on the bench,” said Ingram. “He was giving advice, talking to our younger guys, cheering us on no matter whether he gets in the game or not. That’s a big part of our team, also.”
