Isaiah Thomas acknowledged getting back to the NBA remains his primary goal. In the meantime, Thomas will settle for leading Team USA to victories in 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifying.

Thomas scored 21 points, including a game-clinching three-pointer with 13.3 seconds left as Team USA won their opening qualifier. That shot gave the USA a 93-88 lead over Cuba. The United States erased a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter to get the win.

Following the game, Thomas said he's open to playing overseas, if he can't land a deal in the NBA.

“For me, personally, the ultimate goal is to get back in the NBA,” Thomas said. “But I just love playing the game of basketball. So, obviously, at some point, if the NBA isn’t an option I’ve got to look at options overseas. But I’m in love with the game. No matter where I’m playing, I have no pride whatsoever. I love competing and I love playing against the best players in the world.”

Former NBA player Alexis Ajinca has retired from playing professional basketball. Ajinca last played in the NBA for the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2016-17 season.

Overall, Ajinca played seven season in the NBA. In addition to the Pelicans, he also played for the Charlotte Bobcats, Toronto Raptors and Dallas Mavericks. In 293 NBA appearances, Ajinca averaged 5.3 points, 3.9 rebounds per game.

In addition to the NBA, Ajinca enjoyed a long career his native France. He played for four different clubs in France. Ajinca was also part of the French National Team on both the senior and youth levels.

During the 2022 preseason, the NBA will play two games in the United Arab Emirates. These will be the league's first scheduled games outside of the United States since the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets played in Paris, France in January of 2020.

Both games will take place in Abu Dhabi. The participating teams and venues will be announced at a later.

"Hosting NBA and NBA 2K League games and events in Abu Dhabi builds on our commitment to growing basketball around the world," NBA deputy commissioner and chief operating officer Mark Tatum said. "Through this partnership, we will bring the authentic NBA experience to fans in the UAE and support basketball development in the region by providing more opportunities for young boys and girls to learn and play the game."

NBA teams have previously played in the Middle East. Four different teams have played games in Tel Aviv, Israel against Israeli clubs.