Former Toronto Raptor Looks For Bigger Role, Signs In Germany

He's played a total of 126 NBA games over three seasons. However, tired of being limited to the role of "shooting specialist", former Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls shooting guard Matt Thomas has decided to take his talents overseas. 

Alba Berlin signed Matt Thomas for the next season pic.twitter.com/RFYU4xxsUC

— Luca D'Alessandro (@DAlessandro_LU) August 7, 2023

Thomas has signed with Alba Berlin of the German League for the coming basketball season, after playing in Greece last year. 

“In my three years in the NBA and last year at Panathinaikos, I was often limited to the role of (shooting) specialist,” Thomas said in a team news release. “This season, I want to show all aspects of my game in a bigger role and thus contribute to the team’s success. I also know that the team has a very loyal fan base. It will be great to play in front of the passionate Alba fans in the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Since I have German roots, I am extra motivated to immerse myself in the culture, history and everything Berlin has to offer. I’m very grateful for this opportunity and I’m already looking forward to Berlin.” 

In his season and a half in Toronto, Thomas averaged 4.1 points while shooting 45.7% from long distance, on an average of two attempts per game over a total of 67 contests. He played just 9.4 minutes a night. 

In Chicago in his last appearance in the NBA, in 2021-22, Thomas got 11 minutes per game in 40 contests, and again averaged 4.0 points, while shooting 38.5% from deep. 

Thomas previously played two seasons in Spain before coming to the NBA in 2019.

He'll try to take his game to a new level with more responsibility with the German side. 

Photo: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports