HOT: Isaiah Thomas reveals he called Hornets president, Mitch Kupchak, for a roster spot

Isaiah Thomas reveals he called Hornets president Mitch Kupchak for a roster spot.

Since the 2019–20 season, former Boston Celtics star Isaiah Thomas has been searching for a reliable club. Thomas was moved to the Brooklyn Nets following an outstanding postseason performance in which he overcame a lip injury and the death of her sister. He has had trouble locating a squad that will be his permanent home ever since.

On Thanksgiving, Charlotte stood as high as fifth in the conference. Its high-powered offense, spearheaded by rising All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball and fourth-year breakout forward Miles Bridges, drew praise as the most exciting team in the league. Up until late January, the Hornets were firmly in the fight for the East’s sixth seed. That’s when Gordon Hayward sustained a foot injury and Charlotte dropped nine of 10 games in a difficult stretch. 

The trade deadline acquisition of Montrezl Harrell did help fortify Charlotte’s frontcourt, and Hornets staffers credit point guard Isaiah Thomas for providing integral veteran leadership for a young group. Charlotte closed the regular season winning 11 of its last 15 games. Perhaps some perspective is needed. When Kemba Walker departed in free agency in 2019, Hornets staffers were prepared for the franchise to take a step back. Advancing beyond the play-in tournament—especially after last season’s flameout in the elimination game against Indiana—would be progress for Charlotte’s rebuild. 

But this is the fourth season for Charlotte’s current regime, dating back to April 2018 when Hornets owner Michael Jordan named Mitch Kupchak, now 67, the franchise’s general manager. Kupchak, like others who have passed through Charlotte’s doors during Jordan’s stewardship, played college ball at North Carolina. Thomas joined the Washington Wizards following stints of 15 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers, 17 with the Los Angeles Lakers, and 12 with the Denver Nuggets. He scored 12.2 points per game on a career-high 41.3% shooting from downtown across 40 games. But he ultimately joined the New Orleans Pelicans the next season.

Thomas divided time between the Lakers, Mavericks, and Hornets during the 2021–22 season after appearing in just three games for the Pelicans in 2020–21. Since then, Thomas hasn’t been able to sign with a club despite his strong ProAm results.