With the next NBA season still approximately two months away, multiple teams have been reshaping their rosters during the offseason. So far, we’ve seen stars change teams and championship contenders fill their vacancies with seasoned veterans.

However, another thing to look forward to is the potential return of some players next season. Whether it’d be due to an injury or a hiatus, it’s always great to see a familiar face back on the NBA hardwood. For this piece, let’s take a look at five returns we’d like to see.

NBA fan favorites: Isaiah Thomas

If there’s a former NBA vet that makes a solid case for a comeback, it’s Isaiah Thomas. IT has been making noise, as of late. In the Pro-Am games, he has been dropping a string of explosive scoring games including a 81-point outburst.

Although the competition there is far from NBA level, there’s no question IT proved he can still play ball.

IT last played for the New Orleans Pelicans last NBA season on a 10-day contract. In just three games, he registered 7.7 points per outing.

Despite standing at just 5’9, IT used to be the face of the Boston Celtics. His best year came in the ‘16-‘17 NBA season, where he tallied 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game. But unfortunately, a nagging hip injury has hampered his career.

However with IT proving all summer that he still got it, IT’s comeback bid looks to be in the books. The Lakers are reportedly working out Isaiah Thomas, as they see him as a candidate for its remaining NBA roster spots.

If the Los Angeles Lakers do pickup IT, it will certainly be a reunion to look forward to. Given his scoring prowess and veteran presence, IT could give the Purple and Gold a shot in the arm off-the-bench.

Darren Collison

Aside from Isaiah Thomas, another former NBA veteran the Los Angeles Lakers are looking at is Darren Collison. Collison retired from the league after 10 seasons, as he wanted to direct his focus on his family and faith. His last stint came in the ‘18-‘19 season with the Indiana Pacers, where averaged 11.2 points and 6.0 assists per game.

However, Collison has been linked with the Lakers in terms of his comeback bid. Rumors first started back in 2020, when Collison made an appearance in a Lakers game by sitting beside Lakers President, Jeanie Buss.

Although Collison didn’t come out of retirement after that, that could all change in the upcoming NBA season. Collision is one of the three guards being worked out by the Lakers alongside Isaiah Thomas and Mike James.

Collison’s return would be an intriguing addition to the squad. Given that he shined under Lakers head coach Frank Vogel in Indiana, his presence can surely help the Purple and Gold re-discover their championship ways.

Monta Ellis

Another NBA veteran that voiced out his desire for a comeback is Monta Ellis. Ellis is a former NBA veteran who played 12 seasons in the league. He suited up for the Golden State Warriors, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and the Indiana Pacers. His last stint was in the ‘16-‘17 season as a Pacer. Ellis tallied 8.5 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per outing.

In a Zoom call with Empire Sports Media, Ellis didn’t hide his desire to return to the league.

Ellis said, “My main thing is, just bring me in and give me a look. Like you could make the decision on me. I just want a shot. I ain’t asking for a contract to get $5 million, $10 million, or even $1 million. All I’m asking is give me a look. That’s all and let my game speak for itself. I just want an opportunity, a workout, and that’s not the end of the world, that’s not gonna hurt anybody.”

Before Stephen Curry had Klay Thompson as his other half of the Splash Brothers, Ellis was the main running mate of Curry back in the days. Although at age 35 and four years removed from the league, it is difficult to tell what shape Ellis is in. However with the Warriors still finding their loss championship glory, taking a look at Ellis should be no big deal.

Klay Thompson

Speaking of the Splash Brothers, the other half might be finally returning back to the hardwood. Klay Thompson has been a significant piece in the Warriors’ success during the past decade. However, a pair of major injuries have kept him out for two seasons.

Thompson initially suffered a torn ACL during Game Six of the 2019 NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. And he hasn’t gotten back on the court ever since.

Although he was expected to return during the ‘20-‘21 season, Thompson would suffer a dreaded torn Achilles’ tendon while working out.

But after two seasons of dealing with serious injuries, Thompson might finally be able to return to the court should things fall into place. The three time NBA Champion has shown signs of recovery by participating in the team’s pre-game shoot-arounds earlier this year.

Thompson’s deadeye shooting might’ve been the missing piece to the Warriors’ hopes of reviving their championship glory. Before his injuries, he was a career 41.9% shooter from downtown and produced 19.5 points per game. The Warriors’ spitfire guard is also the current record holder for most three-point field-goals in a single game with 14. With his return looming around the corner, there’s no doubt that the Bay Area has a lot to be excited about.

LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge was one of the big names in last season’s buyout market. And he positioned himself for a championship after signing with a loaded Brooklyn Nets squad. However, he would proceed to shock everyone after announcing his retirement after five games with his new team.

Fast forward to today, despite retiring due to an irregular heart beat, Aldridge is planning to make a comeback.

Although his intention to return is clear, Aldridge will first have to get medically cleared by an individual organization. Because of this, there’s no guarantee that he will be able to come out of retirement in the upcoming season.

But nevertheless, Aldridge will be an enticing addition to any championship contender. The seven-time All-Star provides veteran presence and can do some damage inside and outside the paint. Furthermore, given that he wasn’t able to maximize his stint with the Nets, Aldridge must be hungry enough to add a championship ring to his already decorated career.