THOMAS, ISIAH

born April 30, 1961, Chicago, Ill., U.S. Thomas (centre) of the Detroit Pistons maneuvering the ball away from Harvey Grant (left) and Tom in full Isiah Lord Thomas Iii African-American collegiate and professional basketball player, considered one of the best point guards in the history of the game. He led the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA) to consecutive world championships in 1989 and 1990. Thomas was reared in Chicago, where, at an early age, he developed exceptional basketball skills. A highly sought-after college prospect, he entered Indiana University in 1979 after helping the U.S. team win the gold medal in the Pan-American Games. He led his team to the national championship in 1981 and was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament finals. At the end of his sophomore year, he left Indiana to enter the NBA draft. He was the second overall pick, selected by the Detroit Pistons, then one of the weakest teams in the league. Though considered small at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), Thomas proved himself to be a dominant player on the strength of his dribbling and passing skills and his fearless drive to the basket. He was the first player in league history to be voted to the All-Star team during each of his first five seasons; in 1984 and 1986 he was named MVP of the contest. In 1988 Thomas led Detroit to the NBA finals, narrowly losing the title to the Los Angeles Lakers. In a 1989 rematch, however, the Pistons prevailed, capturing their first NBA championship. The following year, the Pistons repeated as champions by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers, and Thomas was named MVP of the finals. Detroit's title teams were noted for their tough, physical play, earning the nickname Bad Boys. During his 13-year career, Thomas became the Pistons' all-time leader in points, assists, steals, and games played. He was also the fourth NBA player to amass more than 9,000 assists. After his retirement in 1994, Thomas became general manager of the Toronto Raptors, an NBA expansion team that made its debut in the 199596 season.