Sacramento Kings: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

6. Isaiah Thomas (PG) — No. 60 Pick in 2011 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Kings): 216 GP, 15.3 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 1 SPG, .1 BPG, 2.1 TOV, 44.7 FG%, 36 3P%, 85.7 FT%

“Mr. Irrelevant” of the 2011 NBA Draft, it all started in Sacramento for Isaiah Thomas upon making the jump to the NBA.

Arriving to Sacramento at a particularly frantic time in the team’s history, Thomas instantly showed the fledgling signs of the more efficient scorer he’s become in his career. But the question that dogged Thomas during this time, both inside and outside of the organization, was whether he was worthy of being a starting-caliber point guard, despite the fact that he started in nearly 70 percent of his appearances for the Kings.

As we all know, Thomas’ story only blossomed in a big way since leaving the Kings.

After being unable to agree on a deal that both parties desired, the Kings chose to deal Thomas away to the Phoenix Suns. Thomas’ stay with the Suns didn’t last for long and since joining the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline during the 2014-15 season, he has blown up to become a two-time All-Star and All-NBA level talent.

Assuming Thomas would have experienced the same level of success had he stayed in Sacramento is a little presumptuous. On the other hand, asking “What if?” is nothing new for Kings fans after what we’ve seen over the last decade, and Thomas’ continued success since going elsewhere has only made everyone ponder what might have been.