Isiah Thomas, born on April 30, 1961 in Chicago, Illinois, is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Detroit Pistons. Growing up in a rough neighborhood, Thomas had to commute 90 minutes to attend St. Joseph High School in Westchester, Illinois. It was during his time at St. Joseph High School that Thomas began to showcase his incredible talent on the basketball court.
After high school, Thomas went on to play college basketball at Indiana University under the guidance of legendary coach Bob Knight. During his time at Indiana, Thomas helped lead the school to an NCAA Championship in 1981, where he was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player. His exceptional skills on the court caught the attention of NBA scouts, and Thomas declared for the 1981 NBA Draft.
Thomas was selected as the 2nd overall pick in the 1981 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. He quickly became a key figure for the team, earning the nickname "Zeke" and leading the Pistons to back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. Throughout his career, Thomas was a 12-time NBA All-Star and a 3-time All-NBA First Team selection.
Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision, Thomas was a dynamic point guard who could score and distribute the ball with ease. He was also known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership on the court, qualities that helped him elevate the play of his teammates.
Off the court, Thomas married Lynn Kendall in July 1985, and they had two children together. He also had a son named Marc Dones with a different woman. Thomas's commitment to his family and his dedication to his craft earned him the respect of his peers both on and off the court.
After retiring from professional basketball, Thomas transitioned into coaching and front-office roles within the NBA. He continued to make an impact on the game, both through his work with various teams and his philanthropic efforts in the community.
Today, Isiah Thomas is remembered as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His contributions to the game and his legacy as a leader and competitor continue to inspire future generations of basketball players.