IT thrilled over NBA return after undergoing hip procedure: 'I'm 102%'

Isaiah Thomas hasn't played in the NBA since Feb. 3, 2020, but the recent New Orleans Pelicans signee says he's in the best condition in recent memory after undergoing a hip resurfacing procedure last May.

"I'm 102%. I'm more than good," Thomas said Tuesday, according to ESPN's Andrew Lopez. "This is the best I ever felt since before I got injured. It's not even a question no more.

"Every day I wake up with a smile on my face because, honestly, I never thought I would feel this good again and feel back to normal. Physically, I'm ready. Mentally, I'm ready. And I'm just happy to really be here."

Thomas had a career year with the Boston Celtics in 2016-17, leading the team with 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game. However, he's since been hindered by a hip injury he suffered that postseason. The two-time All-Star suited up for a combined 44 games over the following two campaigns for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Denver Nuggets.

Thomas looked to have secured a consistent role with the Washington Wizards during a 40-game stint last season but the team shipped him to the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline and he was promptly waived.

The 32-year-old signed a 10-day deal with the Pelicans on Saturday. He missed Sunday's win over the Houston Rockets due to the NBA's health and safety protocols but he's eager to get back on the court.

"I was always going to get back no matter what," Thomas said. "I think with me and the mindset, if you ever have doubt, you shouldn't be doing anything that you're doing.

"Obviously, I'm human, and some days it was (harder) to get up than others and continue to work without seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. But I have the utmost faith and the utmost confidence in myself. Things have never been easy for me, why would they start now?"