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Hornets interested in bringing Isaiah Thomas back

By Evan Birchmore

MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - APRIL 05: Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on April 05, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly interested in bringing back veteran point guard Isaiah Thomas, according to Shams Charania.

Thomas appeared in 17 games for Charlotte last season and posted averages of 8.3 points and 1.4 assists in approximately 13 minutes per night. He made 39.7% of his three-point attempts and 93.3% of his free throws while registering a +24 cumulative plus-minus.

The Hornets went 13-7 in 20 games after signing Thomas and posted a 12-5 mark in games where Thomas saw the floor. After having gone 2-11 in the 13 games preceding Thomas’ arrival, the veteran provided a steadying presence on the court and in the locker room for a team that was in limbo upon his arrival. Fans and teammates alike embraced Thomas, and he parlayed his two 10-day contracts into a deal to remain in Charlotte for the remainder of the 2022 season.

Thomas expressed his desire to return to the Hornets on Twitter in the wake of Charlotte’s reported interest.

While the 33-year-old point guard is clearly not the player he was at his apex with the Boston Celtics, he can still be a valuable piece both on the floor and in the locker room. Charlotte was one of the youngest teams in the league a season ago, with only Ish Smith, Gordon Hayward, and Mason Plumlee being above the age of 30 at the start of the season. With Hayward and Plumlee still on the roster, as well as with the Hornets’ reported interest in bringing Kemba Walker back, the Hornets could have a more experienced roster for next season.

If he returns to Charlotte, Thomas would be the oldest player on the roster, a title currently held by Plumlee. These moves would give Charlotte a veteran group of Thomas, Walker, Hayward, and Plumlee to go along with the young core of LaMelo Ball and PJ Washington. Combined with Charlotte’s in-their-prime players such as Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre as well as developmental players such as Mark Williams, Kai Jones, James Bouknight, and JT Thor, the roster could have a better balance of age as the Hornets approach the 2023 season.

Isaiah Thomas returning makes sense for the Hornets and for Thomas

Thomas’ arrival provided an essential spark for a teetering Hornets squad a season ago, as the team found their needed veteran presence. Thomas also found what he needed in Charlotte, as the former MVP candidate found an NBA home after having become a journeyman on a series of 10-day contracts. Amid a tumultuous offseason, Thomas’ return would be a sensible move for both parties and could inject some positive momentum into the franchise.

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