Isaiah Thomas is one step closer to joining the Cavaliers.

The team assigned the All-Star point guard to its Canton Charge G-League team on Thursday so he could practice and scrimmage, a significant development in his recovery from a torn labrum in his right hip.

On Wednesday, Thomas said how his body responds from the stress of 5-on-5 scrimmages will determine how soon he’ll be able to make his debut with the Cavaliers. He’s been sidelined since aggravating a hip injury in the playoffs last season with the Celtics.

The Cavs have said since October that they believed Thomas would be able to play in NBA games by Jan. 1. The 28-year-old was acquired during a hectic offseason in a trade for All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving. The Celtics sent Thomas, forward Jae Crowder, center Ante Zizic and a draft pick to the Cavs in the blockbuster deal.

Thomas, who averaged 28.9 points last season as one of the NBA’s top playmakers, said he wants to be “special” when he returns and not “just another body.” AP