5’9” Isaiah Thomas defies narratives of him being a defensive burden: “I’ve never been a defensive liability”

Isaiah Thomas' career has been full of ups and downs. He went from being an All-Star to a player fighting for 10-day contracts. Thomas has been through it all.

In an episode of the "Ball Don't Stop" podcast, Thomas spoke candidly about his NBA career. He made sure to remind everyone that he is not a defensive liability.

"I’ve never been a defensive liability. This is the most frustrating label I get. It’s because of me being 5’9," Thomas said.

“I’ve never been a defensive liability. This is the most frustrating label I get. It’s because of me being 5’9. Nobody has ever taken advantage of me on an NBA court”

- Isaiah Thomas

(Via @balldontstop ) https://t.co/p4LgZvSech

"Nobody has ever taken advantage of me on an NBA court."

Despite his weaknesses on the court, you have to acknowledge his competitive drive. He believes there is still a role for him in the league. Thomas knows exactly what he can offer:

“Give me a real bench role where I play in both halves? I’ll give you 14 and 4 in 18 mins easy. I’ll make an impact”

“Give me a real bench role where I play in both halves? I’ll give you 14 and 4 in 18 mins easy. I’ll make an impact”

- Isaiah Thomas

📺 FULL EP: youtu.be/pHnFvA2HCj0 https://t.co/jlCkrXpS4Y

Also read: "Heard that before lol" - Isaiah Thomas takes a spiteful jibe at the Boston Celtics after it is revealed they are encouraging Robert Williams III to play despite injury

Where is Isaiah Thomas now?

The 5-foot-9 point guard has inspired people to work hard in pursuing their dreams. Despite being selected 60th overall in the 2011 draft, Isaiah Thomas has defied the odds and became an All-Star. He wasn't expected to do much when he entered the league. This motivated him to improve his game and become a leader.

The last time Thomas was an All-Star was in 2017. He led the Boston Celtics to a 53-27 regular-season record. They made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, but ultimately lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games.

His career never recovered after he suffered a hip injury during the 2017 postseason. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers the following season and has bounced from team to team ever since.

Last season, Thomas played for three different teams. The LA Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Charlotte Hornets all gave Thomas 10-day contracts. The Hornets gave Thomas a second 10-day deal, and then signed him for the remainder of the season.

Thomas is currently a free agent.

The Charlotte Hornets should bring Isaiah Thomas back

The Charlotte Hornets are in need of some offense after not offering Miles Bridges a new contract over the summer. Without Bridges, LaMelo Ball has become the only go-to scorer on the team. Additionally, Ball is working his way back into shape after missing the first month of the season due to a left ankle sprain.

Signing Isaiah Thomas won't solve all their problems. But he would supply them with much-needed depth. The two-time All-Star can no longer give you 20+ points per game. However, I.T. would provide them with instant offense off the bench.

Whether he's offered a 10-day or a veteran minimum deal, Isaiah Thomas is ready to take on the challenge. He's got a lot of heart and passion for the game and refuses to give up on his career.

Also read: Isaiah Thomas: 4 highest scoring games as a member of the Boston Celtics