View source for Isiah Thomas

{{short description|American basketball player and coach (born 1961)}}
{{distinguish|Isaiah Thomas (basketball)}}
{{about||other people with similar names|Isaiah Thomas (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Isiah Thomas
| image = Isiah Thomas 2007 (cropped).jpg
| image_size = 
| caption = Thomas in 2007
| team = [[Saginaw Soul]]
| number = 
| position = Head coach
| league = [[Basketball Super League (North America)|BSL]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|04|30}}
| birth_place = [[Chicago]], Illinois, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 1
| weight_lbs = 180
| high_school = [[St. Joseph High School (Westchester, Illinois)|St. Joseph]] ([[Westchester, Illinois]])
| college = [[Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball|Indiana]] (1979–1981)
| draft_year = 1981
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 2
| draft_team = [[Detroit Pistons]]
| career_start = 1981
| career_end = 1994
| career_number = 11
| career_position = [[Point guard]]
| coach_start = 2000
| coach_end = 
| years1 = {{nbay|1981|start}}–{{nbay|1993|end}}
| team1 = [[Detroit Pistons]]
| cyears1 = {{nbay|2000|start}}–{{nbay|2002|end}}
| cteam1 = [[Indiana Pacers]]
| cyears2 = {{nbay|2006|start}}–{{nbay|2007|end}}
| cteam2 = [[New York Knicks]]
| cyears3 = [[2009–10 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|2009]]–[[2011–12 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|2012]]
| cteam3 = [[FIU Panthers men's basketball|FIU]]
| cyears4 = 2025–present
| cteam4 = [[Saginaw Soul]] ([[Basketball Super League (North America)|BSL]])
| highlights = '''As player:'''
* 2× [[NBA champion]] ({{nbafy|1989}}, {{nbafy|1990}})
* [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] ([[1990 NBA Finals|1990]])
* 12× [[NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|1982}}–{{nasg|1993}})
* 2× [[NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game MVP]] ({{nasg|1984}}, {{nasg|1986}})
* 3× [[All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|1983|end}}–{{nbay|1985|end}})
* 2× [[All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|1982|end}}, {{nbay|1986|end}})
* [[NBA All-Rookie First Team]] ({{nbay|1981|end}})
* [[NBA annual assists leader|NBA assists leader]] ({{nbay|1984|end}})
* [[NBA anniversary team]] ([[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|50th]], [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th]])
* No. 11 [[Detroit Pistons#Retired numbers|retired by Detroit Pistons]]
* [[List of NCAA Men's Division I Basketball champions|NCAA champion]] ([[1981 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|1981]])
* [[NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player]] (1981)
* Consensus first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1981 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1981]])
* [[USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year]] (1980)
* [[McDonald's All-American Game|McDonald's All-American]] (1979)
'''As coach:'''
* [[NBA All-Star Game head coach]] ([[2003 NBA All-Star Game|2003]])
| stats_league = NBA
| stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
| stat1value = 18,822 (19.2 ppg)
| stat2label = [[Assist (basketball)|Assists]]
| stat2value = 9,061 (9.3 apg)
| stat3label = [[Steal (basketball)|Steals]]
| stat3value = 1,861 (1.9 spg)
| cstats_league1 = NBA
| cwin1 = 187
| closs1 = 223
| cstats_league2 = College
| cwin2 = 26
| closs2 = 65
| HOF_player = isiah-thomas
| CBBASKHOF_year = 2006
| medal_templates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[basketball]]}}
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Pan American Games]]}}
{{MedalGold |[[1979 Pan American Games|1979 San Juan]] | [[Basketball at the 1979 Pan American Games|Team competition]]}}
}}
'''Isiah Lord Thomas III''' ({{IPAc-en|aɪ|ˈ|z|eɪ|.|ə}} {{respelling|eye|ZAY|ə}}; born April 30, 1961), also known as "'''Zeke'''", is an American former professional [[basketball]] player who is head coach of the [[Saginaw Soul]] of the [[Basketball Super League (North America)|Basketball Super League]], and also an analyst for [[NBA TV]] and [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports]]. He played his entire professional career for the [[Detroit Pistons]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). Widely regarded as one of the greatest [[Point guard|point guards]] of all-time, Thomas was a [[List of NBA champions|two-time NBA champion]], an [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award|NBA Finals MVP recipient]], a five-time [[All-NBA Team]] member, a 12-time [[NBA All-Star]] with two [[NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player award|All-Star Game MVP]] awards and the 1985 [[List of NBA annual assists leaders|NBA assist leader]]. He was named to the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|NBA's 50th]] and [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th anniversary teams]], and inducted into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 2000. From 2000 to 2012 he coached the [[Indiana Pacers]], [[New York Knicks]], and [[FIU Panthers men's basketball|FIU]].

Thomas played [[college basketball]] for the [[Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball|Indiana Hoosiers]], leading them to the [[1981 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|1981 NCAA championship]] as a sophomore and declaring for the NBA draft. He was taken as the second overall pick by the Pistons in the [[1981 NBA draft]], and played for them his entire career, while leading the "[[Detroit Pistons#1980–1991: The "Bad Boys" era|Bad Boys]]" to the [[1988–89 NBA season|1988–89]] and [[1989–90 NBA season|1989–90]] [[NBA championship]]s.

Following his playing career, Thomas was an executive with the [[Toronto Raptors]], a television commentator, the owner of the [[Continental Basketball Association]], the [[head coach]] of the [[Indiana Pacers]], and an executive and head coach for the [[New York Knicks]]. He later served as men's basketball coach for the [[FIU Golden Panthers men's basketball|Florida International University (FIU) Golden Panthers]] for three seasons from 2009 to 2012. Thomas was a president and part owner of the Knicks' WNBA sister team, the [[New York Liberty]], from 2015 to 2019.

==Early life==
Isiah Lord Thomas III is the son of Isiah Thomas II and Mary Thomas.<ref name="consciousness">{{cite news|url=http://www.consciousnessmagazine.com/IsiahThomas.html|author=Aaron Robinson|title=Isiah Thomas Receives Lifetime Humanitarian Award "Children Uniting Nations 2013 Awards Celebration and viewing Diner"|publisher=Consciousness magazine|date=2013|access-date=April 27, 2017|archive-date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812061731/http://consciousnessmagazine.com/IsiahThomas.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The youngest of 9 children, Thomas was born on April 30, 1961, in [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]], and grew up in the city's [[West Side, Chicago|West Side]]. He started playing basketball at age three and would dribble and shoot baskets as the halftime entertainment at [[Catholic Youth Organization]] games.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Berkow |first1=Ira |title=At 19, Thomas Makes His Decision |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/27/sports/at-19-thomas-makes-his-decision.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=29 July 2019 |date=27 April 1981 |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729180223/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/27/sports/at-19-thomas-makes-his-decision.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Thomas's father, Isiah Thomas II, was an army veteran wounded in the [[Battle of Saipan]].<ref name="consciousness"/> He later attended trade school, eventually becoming the first black supervisor at [[International Harvester]] in Chicago. When the plant closed, the only work he could find was as a janitor; the family fell into hardship. Isiah Thomas II left the family when Isiah was a young child.<ref name=consciousness/>

Isiah Thomas III attended [[Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica|Our Lady of Sorrows School]] and [[St. Joseph High School (Westchester, Illinois)|St. Joseph High School]] in [[Westchester, Illinois|Westchester]], which was a 20-minute commute from his home.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hartman |first1=Hermene |title=Pop A Cork With Isiah Thomas! |url=https://ndigo.com/2019/05/26/pop-cork-isiah-thomas/ |website=ndigo.com |access-date=July 29, 2019 |date=May 26, 2019 |archive-date=September 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904111452/https://ndigo.com/2019/05/26/pop-cork-isiah-thomas/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="slate">{{cite news| url=http://www.slate.com/id/2144509| title=The Devil Wears Nikes; Liking Isiah Thomas against my better judgment| last=Metcalf| first=Stephen| date=June 29, 2006| work=Slate.com| access-date=November 2, 2008| archive-date=July 26, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726031425/http://www.slate.com/id/2144509/| url-status=live}}</ref> Playing under coach [[Gene Pingatore]], he led St. Joseph to the state finals in his junior year and was considered one of the top college prospects in the country.<ref name=SI>{{cite magazine| last= Reed| first= William F.| title= There's No Doubting Thomas| url= https://www.si.com/vault/issue/70932/17| access-date= May 28, 2018| magazine= [[Sports Illustrated]]| date= April 6, 1981| archive-date= May 28, 2018| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180528222329/https://www.si.com/vault/issue/70932/17| url-status= live}}</ref>

==College career==
[[File:Isiah Thomas and Bobby Knight, The Cincinnati Enquirer 1981-03-15 page C-4.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Thomas with Indiana coach [[Bob Knight]] during the [[1981 NCAA Division I basketball tournament|1981 NCAA tournament]]]]
Thomas was recruited to play college basketball for [[Bob Knight]] and the [[Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball|Indiana Hoosiers]]. Although he received mail saying Knight tied up his players and beat them, he did not believe the rumors.<ref name=SI/> When Knight visited the Thomas home, one of Isiah's brothers, who wanted him to attend [[DePaul Blue Demons men's basketball|DePaul]], embarrassed him by insulting the Indiana coach and engaging him in a shouting match. Nevertheless, Thomas's mother chose Knight and Indiana because she felt that getting away to [[Bloomington, Indiana|Bloomington]] would be good for her son, as would Knight's discipline.<ref>{{cite web|first=Melissa|last=Isaacson|title=One tough (but sweet) mother|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=isaacson_melissa&id=4826990|website=ESPN|date=January 14, 2010|access-date=March 3, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515055752/https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=isaacson_melissa&id=4826990|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Mike|last=Schumann|title=IU Basketball: How Isiah Thomas' Mom Delivered the Hoosiers' 1981 National Title|url=https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-how-isiah-thomas-mom-delivered-the-hoosiers-1981-national-title/|website=The Daily Hoosier|date=May 6, 2020|access-date=May 6, 2020|archive-date=May 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510225325/https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-how-isiah-thomas-mom-delivered-the-hoosiers-1981-national-title/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Thomas quickly had to adjust to Knight's disciplinarian style. At the [[1979 Pan American Games]] in [[Puerto Rico]], Knight got so mad at Thomas he threatened to put him on a plane home. Knight recalled yelling at the freshman-to-be, "You ought to go to DePaul, Isiah, because you sure as hell aren't going to be an Indiana player playing like that."<ref name=SI/> Prior to the start of his freshman year, the 1979–80 season, Knight became so upset with Thomas that he kicked him out of a practice. According to Thomas, Knight was making a point that no player, no "matter how talented, is bigger than Knight's philosophy."<ref name=SI/>

Thomas quickly proved his skills as a player and became a favorite with both Knight and Indiana fans. His superior abilities eventually caused Knight to adjust his coaching style.<ref name=SI/> Fans displayed bedsheets with quotations from the Book of Isaiah ("And a little child shall lead them") and nicknamed him "Mr. Wonderful."<ref name=SI/> Because of Thomas's relatively short stature for college basketball at {{convert|6|ft|1|in|abbr=on}}, coach Knight would call him "Pee Wee".<ref name=SI/> Thomas and [[Mike Woodson]] led the Hoosiers to the [[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]] championship and advanced to the [[1980 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|1980 Sweet Sixteen]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryce|last=Houston|title=Indiana Hoosiers honor 1980 Big Ten champs, Isiah Thomas makes appearance|url=https://www.jconline.com/story/sports/2020/02/08/isiah-thomas-indiana-hoosiers-basketball-1980-big-ten-champions/4694362002/|website=Lafayette Journal & Courier|date=February 8, 2020|access-date=March 22, 2021}}</ref>

The next year, the [[1980–81 Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team|1980–81 season]], Knight made Thomas captain and told him to run the show on the floor.<ref name=SI/> Thomas responded so well that, as the season unfolded, Knight and Thomas grew as friends. When a [[Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball|Purdue]] player took a cheap shot at Thomas during a game at Bloomington, Knight called a press conference to defend his star. And 19 days later, when Thomas hit an [[Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball|Iowa]] player and was ejected from a game, Knight refused to criticize him.<ref name=SI/>

That year, Thomas and the Hoosiers once again won a conference title. In addition, the team won the [[1981 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament|1981 NCAA tournament]], the school's fourth national title.<ref name="1981 championship">{{cite web|first=Gordon S. Jr.|last=White|title=INDIANA DEFEATS NORTH CAROLINA, 63-50, FOR N.C.A.A. TITLE|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/31/sports/indiana-defeats-north-carolina-63-50-for-ncaa-title.html|website=The New York Times|date=March 31, 1981|access-date=March 3, 2019|archive-date=December 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141212052600/http://www.nytimes.com/1981/03/31/sports/indiana-defeats-north-carolina-63-50-for-ncaa-title.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The sophomore earned the tournament's [[NCAA basketball tournament Most Outstanding Player|Most Outstanding Player]] award and made himself eligible for the upcoming [[NBA draft]].<ref name="1981 championship"/><ref>{{cite web|first=Ira|last=Berkow|title=ISIAH THOMAS ELECTS TO JOIN N.B.A. DRAFT|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/25/sports/isiah-thomas-elects-to-join-nba-draft.html|website=The New York Times|date=April 25, 1981|access-date=March 3, 2019|archive-date=March 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306042659/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/04/25/sports/isiah-thomas-elects-to-join-nba-draft.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Professional career==

=== Detroit Pistons (1981–1994) ===
[[File:Isiah-thomas detroit-v-new-york 1985.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Thomas competing for the Detroit Pistons against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1985]]
In the [[1981 NBA draft]], the [[Detroit Pistons]] chose Thomas with the second overall pick and signed him to a four-year, $1.6&nbsp;million contract.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=NBA Draft: For Nets, First Round Was First Rate|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/10/sports/nba-draft-for-nets-first-round-was-first-rate.html|website=The New York Times|date=June 10, 1981|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624222321/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/10/sports/nba-draft-for-nets-first-round-was-first-rate.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=DuPree|title=Piston Isiah Thomas Finds a Kind World|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1981/12/29/piston-isiah-thomas-finds-a-kind-world/a7333891-b466-45d6-8dc1-7178eb4112fa/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 29, 1981|access-date=March 10, 2020}}</ref> Thomas started for the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] in the [[1982 NBA All-Star Game]] and made the All-Rookie Team.<ref>{{cite web|title=1982 NBA All-Star recap|url=https://www.nba.com/history/all-star/1982|website=NBA.com|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=June 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627112226/https://www.nba.com/history/all-star/1982|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Year-by-year NBA All-Rookie Teams|url=https://www.nba.com/history/awards/all-rookie-team|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207223620/https://www.nba.com/history/awards/all-rookie-team|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 13, 1983, Thomas scored 47 points and recorded 17 assists during a 186–184 triple overtime win over the [[Denver Nuggets]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/news/week-history-denver-nuggets-detroit-pistons-highest-scoring-game|title=Legendary Moments in NBA History: Pistons win NBA's highest-scoring game|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 12, 2023|archive-date=March 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230312204445/https://www.nba.com/news/week-history-denver-nuggets-detroit-pistons-highest-scoring-game|url-status=live}}</ref> In the opening round of the [[1984 NBA playoffs]], Thomas and the Pistons faced off against [[Bernard King]] and the [[New York Knicks]]. In the pivotal fifth game, Thomas scored 16 points in 94 seconds to force the game into overtime, but then fouled out, and the Knicks held on to win.<ref>{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Goldaper|title=Knicks Win in Overtime and Eliminate the Pistons|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/28/sports/knicks-win-in-overtime-and-eliminate-the-pistons.html|website=The New York Times|date=April 28, 1984|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205125840/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/28/sports/knicks-win-in-overtime-and-eliminate-the-pistons.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Best moments in Joe Louis Arena history: No. 10|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/03/29/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704650/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=May 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520144637/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/03/29/joe-louis-arena-memorable-moments/99704650/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Rhiannon|last=Walker|title=The day Pistons guard Isiah Thomas dropped 16 points in 94 seconds, trying to deliver 'staggering punch' to the Knicks|url=https://andscape.com/features/pistons-isiah-thomas-dropped-16-points-in-94-seconds-1984-nba-playoffs-against-knicks/|website=[[Andscape]]|date=April 25, 2018|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=August 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809201727/https://andscape.com/features/pistons-isiah-thomas-dropped-16-points-in-94-seconds-1984-nba-playoffs-against-knicks/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[1985 NBA playoffs]], Thomas and his team went to the conference semifinals against the 15-time NBA champion [[Boston Celtics]] led by future Hall of Famers [[Larry Bird]], [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]], [[Robert Parish]], and [[Dennis Johnson]]. Detroit would not shake the Celtics in their six-game series, eventually losing.<ref>{{cite web|title=Celtics Win in Six Games as Wedman Takes Charge|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-05-11-sp-9795-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|date=May 11, 1985|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721041927/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1985-05-11-sp-9795-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[1987 NBA playoffs]], Thomas and the Pistons went to the Eastern Conference Finals and faced the Celtics again. It was the furthest the team had advanced since moving from [[Fort Wayne, Indiana|Fort Wayne]]. Detroit tied the Celtics at two games apiece, but its hope of winning Game 5 at [[Boston Garden]] was dashed by Larry Bird. After a Celtics turnover with 5 seconds remaining and the Pistons clinging to a 1 point lead, Thomas attempted to quickly inbound the ball, Bird stole the pass and hit Dennis Johnson for the game-winning layup.<ref>{{cite web|first=Peter|last=May|title=25 years later, remembering 'a steal by Bird'|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4694098/25-years-later-remembering-a-steal-by-bird|website=ESPN Boston|date=May 25, 2012|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721041925/https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4694098/25-years-later-remembering-a-steal-by-bird|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Top Moments: Larry Bird's steal saves Celtics against Pistons|url=https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/1987-bird-steal-pistons|website=NBA.com|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=March 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316051834/https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/1987-bird-steal-pistons|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1988, the Pistons finally defeated the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals and advanced to their first Finals in 32 years, in which many of the Celtics players walked off without shaking hands. Only Kevin McHale, while talking to Isiah can be found shaking hands. That year they faced the [[Los Angeles Lakers]], led by [[Magic Johnson]], [[James Worthy]], and [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]. Before the series, Thomas and Johnson exchanged a courtside kiss on the cheek prior to tip-off as a sign of their deep friendship.<ref name=thomsen>{{cite news |last=Thomsen |first=Ian |title=Ian Thomsen: Isiah blasts Magic Johnson over criticisms in forthcoming book |date=October 22, 2009 |work=SI.com |publisher=Time Inc. |url=https://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/10/22/isiah-magic |access-date=March 10, 2020 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115191809/https://www.si.com/more-sports/2009/10/22/isiah-magic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Lazenby |first=Roland |author-link=Roland Lazenby |title=The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It |page=[https://archive.org/details/showinsidestoryo00laze/page/261 261] |year=2006 |publisher=McGraw-Hill Professional |location=New York |isbn=978-0-07-143034-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/showinsidestoryo00laze |url-access=registration |quote=the show roland lazenby. |access-date=May 26, 2011}}</ref> After taking a 3–2 series lead back to Los Angeles, Detroit appeared poised to win their first NBA title in Game 6.<ref name="Game 6">{{cite web|first=Shaun|last=Powell|title=Top NBA Finals moments: Thomas scores 25 in quarter on injured ankle|url=https://www.nba.com/top-nba-finals-moments-isiah-thomas-game-6-ankle-1988-finals|website=NBA.com|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=December 24, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224144455/https://www.nba.com/top-nba-finals-moments-isiah-thomas-game-6-ankle-1988-finals|url-status=live}}</ref>

One of Thomas's most inspiring and self-defining moments came in Game 6. Although he had severely sprained his ankle late in the game, Thomas continued to play. While hobbling and in obvious pain, Thomas scored 25 points in the third quarter, an NBA Finals record. But the Lakers won the game 103–102 on a pair of last-minute free throws by Abdul-Jabbar, following a controversial foul called on [[Bill Laimbeer]]. With Thomas unable to compete at full strength, the Lakers were able to take advantage and clinched their second consecutive title in Game 7, 108–105.<ref name="Game 6"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Lakers Capture the Elusive Repeat|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19871988.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=June 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222173733/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19871988.html|archive-date=February 22, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In the [[1988–89 NBA season|1988–89 season]], Thomas, along with teammates [[Joe Dumars]], [[Rick Mahorn]], [[Vinnie Johnson]], [[Dennis Rodman]], [[James Edwards (basketball)|James Edwards]], [[John Salley]], [[Bill Laimbeer]], and [[Mark Aguirre]], guided his team to a 63–19 record. Detroit played a brash and dominating brand of basketball through [[1989 NBA playoffs|the playoffs]] that led to their nickname "[[Detroit Pistons#1980–1991: The "Bad Boys" era|Bad Boys]]". First, they defeated Boston, which had been suffering persistent injuries. After being down 2–1 against [[Michael Jordan]] and the up-and-coming [[Chicago Bulls]] in the Conference Finals, the Pistons utilized the [[Jordan Rules]] to limit Jordan's impact, which allowed them to defeat the Bulls in six games and advance to the finals yet again, setting up an NBA Finals rematch with the Lakers. This time the Pistons dominated, sweeping the Lakers in four games to win their first of back-to-back championships.<ref>{{cite web|title=1988-89 Detroit Pistons|url=http://www.nba.com/history/89pistons.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110210150800/http://www.nba.com/history/89pistons.html|archive-date=February 10, 2011}}</ref>
 
In the [[1989–90 NBA season|1989–90 season]], Thomas and the Pistons had another dominant run. They finished the regular season as the #1 seed for the second straight year. After sweeping the Pacers and defeating the Knicks in five games, Thomas and the Pistons faced a tough seven-game series against the Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pistons prevailed and advanced to their third straight finals. The Pistons repeated as champions, by defeating [[Clyde Drexler]]'s [[Portland Trail Blazers]]. Thomas was voted [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals Most Valuable Player]] of the [[1990 NBA Finals]] after averaging 27.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.2 [[Rebound (basketball)|rebound]]s per game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bad Boys Still the Best|url=http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19891990.html|website=NBA.com|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222183055/http://www.nba.com/history/finals/19891990.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 22, 2012}}</ref>

The [[1990–91 NBA season|1990–91 season]] proved to be a struggle, as the team went through some injuries, with Thomas only playing 49 games in the regular season because of a wrist injury. The Pistons would win 50 games. Despite advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, they were no match for a more developed and determined Bulls who swept the two-time defending champions. In the last 7.9 seconds of Game 4, Thomas and most of his teammates walked off the court without shaking any of the Bulls' hands.

In 1992, the Pistons made it to the playoffs, but were eliminated in five games by the [[New York Knicks]] in the first round.<ref>{{cite web|first=David|last=Aldridge|title=Knicks Shatter More Than Pistons' Season : NBA playoffs: Their series-clinching 94-87 victory over Detroit may mark the end of an era.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-04-sp-842-story.html|website=Los Angeles Times|agency=The Washington Post|date=May 4, 1992|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721043334/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-04-sp-842-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1993, the Pistons won just 40 games, missing the playoffs for the first time since the [[1982–83 NBA season|1982–83 season]]. In the following season, an aging and ailing Thomas tore his [[Achilles tendon]] on April 19, 1994, forcing him to retire a month later.<ref>{{cite web|title=Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons Box Score, April 19, 1994|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199404190DET.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=September 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921054513/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199404190DET.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Achilles>{{cite web|title=Sports: Basketball; Thomas Ends on Injury|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/20/sports/sports-people-basketball-thomas-ends-on-injury.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=April 20, 1994|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624031131/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/04/20/sports/sports-people-basketball-thomas-ends-on-injury.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Retirement>{{cite web|title=Isiah Thomas Bids Farewell|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/12/sports/isiah-thomas-bids-farewell.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=May 12, 1994|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521185923/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/12/sports/isiah-thomas-bids-farewell.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Rivalries===
In the [[1985 NBA All-Star Game]], Thomas was joined on the Eastern Conference squad by star rookie [[Michael Jordan]]. Jordan wound up attempting nine shots, relatively few for a starting player. Afterward, many veteran East players were accused of having planned to "freeze out" Jordan from their offense by not passing him the ball, supposedly out of spite over the attention Jordan was receiving. No player involved has ever confirmed that the freeze-out occurred, but the story has long been reported.<ref name="si">Wolff, Alexander.[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/jordan_retires/news/1999/01/13/wolff/index.html "Look of a Winner"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060523013149/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/1999/jordan_retires/news/1999/01/13/wolff/index.html |date=May 23, 2006 }}, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'', accessed October 3, 2007."There was the famous freeze-out at the '85 All-Star Game, at which Isiah Thomas led a movement of several veterans to keep the ball out of the hands of their uppity rookie teammate."</ref> Thomas has ridiculed the idea that he masterminded the supposed freeze-out as "ludicrous", pointing out that he was a relatively young player on a team that included [[Larry Bird]], [[Julius Erving]] and [[Moses Malone]].<ref>Albom, Mitch. [http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/SPORTS03/80404101/1082/col01 "Why is Isiah leaving Detroit – Part 2"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130720032649/http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080411/SPORTS03/80404101/1082/col01 |date=July 20, 2013 }}, ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'', accessed April 30, 2008."I don't know how something like that gets started...what you're telling me is that I came in the locker room that had [[Larry Bird]], [[Julius Erving]], [[Moses Malone]], [[Micheal Ray Richardson]] and whoever else was on that team, and I said, 'Hey, Bird, hey, Doc' – and I'm a young guy myself – 'hey, let's not give Jordan the ball.' Do you know how stupid that sounds? Do you know how ludicrous that sounds?"</ref> During Jordan's Hall of Fame induction, in which Thomas introduced [[John Stockton]], who was also being inducted, Jordan dismissed the claims about a freeze-out having taken place, saying "I was just happy to be there, being the young guy surrounded by all these greats, I just wanted to prove myself and I hope that I did prove myself to you guys."

In 1987, following a playoff loss to the [[Boston Celtics]], Thomas was asked if he agreed with [[Dennis Rodman]]'s comments that Larry Bird was overrated because he was white; Thomas agreed that if Bird was Black he "would be just another good guy" instead of being portrayed as the league's best player. Thomas later said he was joking and just supporting his teammate.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Roy S. |title=Thomas Explains Comments on Bird |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/05/sports/thomas-explains-comments-on-bird.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=April 27, 2020 |date=June 5, 1987 |archive-date=May 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509115653/https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/05/sports/thomas-explains-comments-on-bird.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In the Eastern Conference Finals of the [[1991 NBA playoffs]], the two-time defending champion [[Detroit Pistons]] faced the Jordan-led [[Chicago Bulls]] in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. The Pistons had eliminated the Bulls in each of the three previous years, but this time they suffered a four-game sweep at the hands of the Bulls (who would win the first of three consecutive, and six overall, NBA championships between [[1990–91 NBA season|1991]] and [[1997–98 NBA season|1998]]). The series was marked by a number of verbal and physical confrontations. With 7.9 seconds remaining in the fourth game, Laimbeer organized a walk-out and Thomas and all of his teammates—except [[Joe Dumars]] and [[John Salley]]—walked off the court, refusing to shake hands with the Bulls. Replicating what was done to them by the Celtics teams before.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Stone |first1=Mike |last2=Regner |first2=Art |title=The Great Book of Detroit Sports Lists |page=[https://archive.org/details/greatbookofdetro0000ston/page/103 103]|publisher=Running Press |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7624-3354-4 |url=https://archive.org/details/greatbookofdetro0000ston |url-access=registration |quote=isiah thomas walk off bulls. |access-date=February 2, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Banks |first=Lacy J. |title=Amid Bulls celebration, Scottie Pippen has no regrets |date=March 12, 2011 |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |url=http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/4266098-419/amid-celebration-pippen-has-no-regrets.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417024253/http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/4266098-419/amid-celebration-pippen-has-no-regrets.html |archive-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1992, Thomas was [[#National team career|passed over for the Dream Team]] apparently because of his strained relationship with Jordan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/12/isiah-thomas-gets-shredded-in-new-dream-team-documentary/ |title=Isiah Thomas gets shredded in new Dream Team documentary &#124; ProBasketballTalk |publisher=Probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com |date=June 13, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-date=May 26, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526051807/http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/12/isiah-thomas-gets-shredded-in-new-dream-team-documentary/? |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2009, during Jordan's Hall of Fame acceptance speech, Jordan thanked Thomas and others for giving him the motivation he needed to compete in the NBA.<ref>{{cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Jon |title=Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame induction speech reveals the man beneath the sports legend |url=http://www.espn.com/chicago/columns/story?columnist=greenberg_jon&id=4468210 |publisher=ESPN |date=September 12, 2009 |access-date=May 23, 2019 |archive-date=December 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205105032/http://www.espn.com/chicago/columns/story?id=4468210&columnist=greenberg_jon |url-status=live }}</ref>

==National team career==
Thomas was selected to the [[1980 Summer Olympics|1980 Olympic]] [[United States men's national basketball team|U.S. basketball team]],<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0LSZX4z6WZAC&q=Isiah+Thomas|title=Latino and African American Athletes Today: A Biographical Dictionary|first=David L.|last=Porter|date=March 30, 2004|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|isbn=9780313320484|via=Google Books|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-date=June 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618002703/https://books.google.com/books?id=0LSZX4z6WZAC&q=Isiah+Thomas|url-status=live}}</ref> but like all American athletes, he was not able to play in Moscow due to the [[1980 Summer Olympics boycott|Olympics boycott]]. The boycotting countries instead participated in the "Gold Medal Series", a series of games against NBA teams, a French team and the [[Basketball at the 1976 Summer Olympics|1976 Olympic gold medal team]] in various U.S. cities, recording a 5–1 record (losing only to the [[Seattle SuperSonics]]). Thomas shot 22–55 from the field and 14–17 from the line. He led the U.S. in assists with 37 (the next highest total on the team was 17) and averaged 9.7 points per game.<ref name="usa">{{cite web|url=http://www.usabasketball.com/news.php?news_page=moly_1980|title=Games of the XXIInd Olympiad – 1980|publisher=usabasketball.com|access-date=September 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080910035341/http://www.usabasketball.com/news.php?news_page=moly_1980|archive-date=September 10, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2007, Thomas received one of 461 [[List of Congressional Gold Medal recipients|Congressional Gold Medal]]s created especially for the spurned athletes.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Caroccioli|first1=Tom|last2=Caroccioli|first2=Jerry|title=Boycott: Stolen Dreams of the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games|year=2008|publisher=New Chapter Press|location=Highland Park, IL|isbn=978-0942257403|pages=243–253}}</ref>

Despite his talent, Thomas was left off the original Olympic [[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team|Dream Team]], possibly as a result of an alleged feud with [[Michael Jordan]].<ref name="times dream">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9507EFD71531F932A25752C0A962958260|title= Sports People: Basketball; Thomas Is Named To Dream Team II|date=January 11, 1994|work=The New York Times|access-date=August 24, 2008}}</ref> In the book ''When the Game Was Ours'', Magic Johnson relates that he, Jordan and other players conspired to keep Thomas off the Dream Team.<ref name=thomsen/>

After [[Tim Hardaway]] left the team due to injury, Thomas was named to Dream Team II for the 1994 World Championship of Basketball, but did not play due to his Achilles tendon injury that eventually led to his retirement.<ref name=Achilles/><ref name=Retirement/><ref name="times dream" /> He was replaced by [[Kevin Johnson (basketball)|Kevin Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Terry|last=Armour|title=Marketing Skills Put to the Test to Promote a Dream|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-07-21-9407210132-story.html|website=Chicago Tribune|date=July 21, 1994|access-date=March 10, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407041443/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1994-07-21-9407210132-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Post-playing career==
{{too many sections|date=August 2018}}

===Businessman===
Thomas's business career began during his career with the [[Detroit Pistons|Pistons]]. Planning for life after the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]], Thomas invested in a host of ventures through his private investment company out of Michigan, Isiah Investments, LLC. His primary investment was a large chain of printing franchises, American Speedy Printing Centers Inc. Thomas took a very hands-on approach at American Speedy, helping lead the company out of bankruptcy to become profitable and one of the largest printing franchises in the world.<ref name="Printing Business">{{cite news|last1=Vlasic|first1=Bill|title=Basketball Star Takes Shot at Printing Business|url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19930606/1705249/basketball-star-takes-shot-at-printing-business|access-date=April 13, 2015|work=Detroit News|date=June 6, 1993|archive-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414174007/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19930606&slug=1705249|url-status=live}}</ref>

Thomas is the founding chairman and CEO of Isiah International LLC, a holding company with a diverse portfolio of business ventures and investments. Gre3n Waste Removal, Re3 Recycling, and Eleven Capital Group are three of the primary businesses in the Isiah International family of companies.<ref name="Isiah International">{{cite web|title=About Isiah International, LLC|url=http://isiahinternational.com/|website=Isiah International|access-date=March 14, 2014|archive-date=May 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518001504/http://isiahinternational.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2023}}

In 1998, Thomas founded a company serving consumers, retailers, and corporations with online gift certificates and other i-commerce products.<ref name=igift>{{cite news|title=Isiah Thomas' i-gift Taps Somerset Collection to Preview New Online Gift Certificate|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isiah-thomas-i-gifttm-taps-somerset-collection-to-preview-new-online-gift-certificate-77564857.html|access-date=April 13, 2015|work=PRNewswire|date=December 1, 1998|archive-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414182842/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/isiah-thomas-i-gifttm-taps-somerset-collection-to-preview-new-online-gift-certificate-77564857.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Isiah.com also had a partnership with the NBA store.<ref name="igift NBA">{{cite news|title=All in Favor of Onling Gift Certificate, Say Isiah|url=http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1998/12/1/Sports-Industrialists/ALL-IN-FAVOR-OF-ONLINE-GIFT-CERTIFICATES-SAY-ISIAH.aspx|access-date=April 13, 2015|work=Detroit Free Press|date=December 1, 1998|archive-date=January 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106231522/http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Daily/Issues/1998/12/1/Sports-Industrialists/ALL-IN-FAVOR-OF-ONLINE-GIFT-CERTIFICATES-SAY-ISIAH.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In April 1999, Thomas became the first African-American<ref name="First AA CHX">{{cite news|last1=Fine|first1=Mike|title=Pro Basketball: Master of Disaster|url=http://www.nexis.com/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T21826959929&format=GNBFI&sort=BOOLEAN&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T21826959937&cisb=22_T21826959935&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=152787&docNo=1|access-date=April 14, 2015|work=The Patriot Ledger|date=November 29, 2007|ref=Lexis Nexis|archive-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414183033/http://www.nexis.com/results/docview/docview.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T21826959929&format=GNBFI&sort=BOOLEAN&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T21826959937&cisb=22_T21826959935&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=152787&docNo=1|url-status=live}}</ref> elected to the board of governors of the [[Chicago Stock Exchange]]. He served until 2002.<ref name=CHX>{{cite news|title=CHX Announces Board of Governors' Election Results|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chx-announces-board-of-governors-election-results-73933917.html|access-date=April 1, 2015|work=Chicago Stock Exchange|publisher=PR Newswire|date=April 9, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121184311/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chx-announces-board-of-governors-election-results-73933917.html|archive-date=January 21, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In addition to these business ventures, Thomas has been involved in real estate projects in [[Chicago]] and the surrounding region as the owner of Isiah Real Estate.<ref name="Medical District development clears key hurdle">{{cite news|last1=Marotti|first1=Ally|title=Medical District Development clears key hurdle|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150304/CRED03/150309922/medical-district-development-clears-key-hurdle|access-date=March 8, 2015|work=Crain's Chicago Business|date=March 4, 2015|archive-date=October 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024121124/http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150304/CRED03/150309922/medical-district-development-clears-key-hurdle|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, Thomas said he was putting money in distressed areas and reinvesting: "I'm hoping I can be a catalyst for change in those areas, to get the population back into those communities and be a catalyst to make a difference."<ref name="Reversing Chicago's housing blight">{{cite news|last1=Decker|first1=Danny|title=Isiah Thomas' latest playbook: Reversing Chicago's housing blight|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150304/CRED03/150309922/medical-district-development-clears-key-hurdle|work=Crain's Chicago Business|date=November 18, 2013|access-date=April 14, 2015|archive-date=October 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151024121124/http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20150304/CRED03/150309922/medical-district-development-clears-key-hurdle|url-status=live}}</ref> As of 2015, Thomas was involved in a $300 million development deal for a mixed-use complex at the [[Illinois Medical District]] Commission. Isiah Real Estate partnered with Higgins Development Partners, Thomas Samuels Enterprises, and East Lake Management & Development to develop {{convert|9.5|acre}} of land that would include retail space, a hotel, apartments and parking areas.<ref name="Medical District development clears key hurdle" />

Thomas was one of the founding members of the advisory board for Marquis Jet Partners and a partner of Dale and Thomas Popcorn.<ref name=Bloomberg>{{cite news|title=Executive Profile of Isiah Thomas|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/people/person.asp?personId=25500036&ticker=MSG&previousCapId=137244053&previousTitle=Elite%20Sports%20Promotions%2C%20Inc.|website=Bloomberg|access-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref>

Thomas has served as CEO and executive chairman of the board of directors of One World Products, a [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] company based in the U.S. with cultivation and processing facilities in [[Colombia]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hasse |first1=Javier |title=Isiah Thomas Discusses His Journey From NBA Champion To Champagne To Cannabis |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/07/07/isiah-thomas-cannabis/ |access-date=December 19, 2021 |work=Forbes |date=July 7, 2020 |archive-date=December 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211219215459/https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2020/07/07/isiah-thomas-cannabis/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Toronto Raptors===
After his playing career ended, Thomas became part owner and executive vice president of the expansion [[Toronto Raptors]] in 1994. In 1998, he left the organization after a dispute with new management over the franchise's direction and his future responsibilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/classic/biography/s/Thomas_Isiah.html |title=ESPN Classic – Isiah defied the odds |publisher=Espn.go.com |date=April 30, 1961 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014210753/http://espn.go.com/classic/biography/s/Thomas_Isiah.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During his tenure with the team, the Raptors drafted [[Damon Stoudamire]], [[Marcus Camby]], and high schooler [[Tracy McGrady]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://clutchpoints.com/what-people-forget-isiah-thomas-explains-his-role-in-creating-the-toronto-raptors |title=Isiah Thomas explains his role in creating the Toronto Raptors |website=ClutchPoints.com |last=Pagaduan |first=Jedd |date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=June 18, 2023 |archive-date=June 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618190911/https://clutchpoints.com/what-people-forget-isiah-thomas-explains-his-role-in-creating-the-toronto-raptors |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Broadcasting===
After leaving the Raptors, Thomas became a television commentator (first as the lead game analyst with play-by-play man [[Bob Costas]] and then as part of the [[NBA Showtime|studio team]]) for the ''[[NBA on NBC]]''. He also worked a three-man booth with Costas and [[Doug Collins (basketball)|Doug Collins]].

===CBA===
Thomas purchased the [[Continental Basketball Association]] (CBA) for $10 million in 1999.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/04/sports/pro-basketball-thomas-buys-control-of-cba-with-eye-toward-nba-link.html|title=PRO BASKETBALL; Thomas Buys Control Of C.B.A. With Eye Toward N.B.A. Link|first=Richard|last=Sandomir|work=The New York Times|date=August 4, 1999|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-date=June 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618000648/https://www.nytimes.com/1999/08/04/sports/pro-basketball-thomas-buys-control-of-cba-with-eye-toward-nba-link.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

When at the CBA, Thomas launched partnerships with Enlighten Sports and the [[University of Colorado]] and the CBA. The new websites allowed fans to watch live game webcasts, use live shot charts, chat with players and more. Thomas said the internet was an "integral part of [the CBA's] strategy to provide engaging and entertaining content for fans."<ref name="Enlighten Sports">{{cite news|title=Enlighten Sports Launches New University of Colorado Buffaloes And Continental Basketball Association Web Sites|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enlighten-sports-launches-new-university-of-colorado-buffaloes-and-continental-basketball-association-web-sites-72674862.html|access-date=April 14, 2015|work=Enlighten Sports Inc|agency=PR Newswire|publisher=PR Newswire|date=February 19, 2000|archive-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414181330/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enlighten-sports-launches-new-university-of-colorado-buffaloes-and-continental-basketball-association-web-sites-72674862.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Thomas also launched a partnership between the CBA and SEASONTICKET.com to bring personalized video highlights and scores to fans across the country as well as be a portal for All-Star League voting. Thomas believed that streaming video would be the future of news and entertainment.<ref name=SeasonTicket>{{cite news|title=SEASONTICKET.com and the Continental Basketball Association Bring Online Video Highlights to Fans|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SEASONTICKET.com+and+the+Continental+Basketball+Association+Bring...-a062416237|access-date=April 13, 2015|work=Business Wire|date=March 20, 2000|archive-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414180725/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/SEASONTICKET.com+and+the+Continental+Basketball+Association+Bring...-a062416237|url-status=dead}}</ref>

During Thomas's tenure, the budget for the CBA league office reportedly doubled. When Thomas became head coach of the Indiana Pacers in 2000, he was required by NBA rules to sell the CBA. The NBA offered to buy the league from Thomas, but he declined. The NBA then started its own minor league, depriving the CBA "of its lifeblood, a $2 million annual payment the NBA made to retain the CBA as its official developmental league". After Thomas placed the league into a blind trust, its funds ran out.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2015/5/5/8553115/isiah-thomas-new-york-liberty-knicks-raptors-pacers-cba-fiu|title=Hiring Isiah Thomas is the worst a team can do|first=Rodger|last=Sherman|date=May 5, 2015|website=SBNation.com|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-date=June 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618002258/https://www.sbnation.com/2015/5/5/8553115/isiah-thomas-new-york-liberty-knicks-raptors-pacers-cba-fiu|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2001, the league was forced into bankruptcy and folded.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Isiah Thomas Years (1999-2001) |url=http://www.cbamuseum.com/the-isiah-thomas-years-1999-2001/ |website=cbamuseum.com |access-date=April 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827084629/http://www.cbamuseum.com/cbaisiah.html |archive-date=August 27, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/moresports/news/2001/0213/1081724.html|title=Execs claim Thomas owes them $300,000|website=www.espn.com|date=February 14, 2001|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-date=June 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618002350/https://www.espn.com/moresports/news/2001/0213/1081724.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' asserted that Thomas's "foray into league ownership became a case study in how not to run a business".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/02/sports/sports-business-plans-to-get-bigger-fed-cba-s-demise.html|title=SPORTS BUSINESS; Plans to Get Bigger Fed C.B.A.'s Demise|first=Richard|last=Sandomir|work=The New York Times|date=March 2, 2001|via=NYTimes.com|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-date=June 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618000649/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/02/sports/sports-business-plans-to-get-bigger-fed-cba-s-demise.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Indiana Pacers (2000–2003)===
Thomas was hired as head coach of the [[Indiana Pacers]] on July 20, 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/its-official-pacers-hire-isiah/|title=It's Official: Pacers Hire Isiah - CBS News|date=July 20, 2000|website=www.cbsnews.com|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-date=June 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230618001721/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/its-official-pacers-hire-isiah/|url-status=live}}</ref> He succeeded [[Larry Bird]], who previously coached the Pacers to the [[Eastern Conference (NBA)|Eastern Conference]] title. Thomas attempted to bring up young talents such as [[Jermaine O'Neal]], [[Jamaal Tinsley]], [[Al Harrington]], and [[Jeff Foster (basketball)|Jeff Foster]]. But under Thomas the Pacers were not able to stay at the elite level as they went through the transition from a veteran-dominated, playoff-experienced team to a younger, less experienced team. In Thomas's first two seasons with the Pacers, the team was eliminated in the first round by the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] and the [[New Jersey Nets]], both of whom eventually made the NBA Finals.

In his last year with the Pacers, Thomas guided them to a 48–34 record in the regular season and coached the Eastern Conference team at the [[2003 NBA All-Star Game]]. As the third seed, the Pacers were eliminated in the [[2003 NBA playoffs|first round of the playoffs]] by the sixth-seeded [[Boston Celtics]]. With blossoming talents such as [[Jermaine O'Neal]], [[Brad Miller (basketball)|Brad Miller]], [[Ron Artest]], Al Harrington and Jamaal Tinsley, along with the veteran leadership of [[Reggie Miller]], some perceived Thomas's lack of coaching experience as the Pacers' stumbling block.

In the off-season, Bird returned to the Pacers as president of basketball operations, and his first act was to replace Thomas with [[Rick Carlisle]]. Thomas was fired by Bird on August 27, 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/isiah-thomas-fired-by-the-pacers/101-384267458|title=Isiah Thomas fired by the Pacers|website=wltx.com|last=Anderson|first=Reggie|date=August 27, 2003|access-date=June 18, 2023|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210113206/https://www.wltx.com/article/sports/isiah-thomas-fired-by-the-pacers/101-384267458|url-status=live}}</ref>

===New York Knicks (2006–2008)===
On December 22, 2003, the [[New York Knicks]] hired Thomas as president of basketball operations.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pincus |first=David |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2012/8/9/1073447/12-22-2003-knicks-hire-isiah-thomas |title=12/22/2003 – Knicks hire Isiah Thomas |publisher=SBNation.com |date=August 9, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-date=June 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617170026/http://www.sbnation.com/2012/8/9/1073447/12-22-2003-knicks-hire-isiah-thomas |url-status=live }}</ref> Thomas was ultimately unsuccessful with the Knicks' roster and fanbase. At the end of the [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06 season]], the Knicks had the highest payroll in the league and the second-worst record. He traded away several future draft picks to Chicago in a deal for [[Eddy Curry]] including what turned out to be two lottery picks in talent-rich drafts, [[LaMarcus Aldridge]], and [[Joakim Noah]].

In January 2006, [[Anucha Browne Sanders]], a female former executive with the [[New York Knicks]], filed an employment and harassment lawsuit against [[The Madison Square Garden Company]], alleging in part that Thomas had sexually harassed her in the workplace and that she had been fired in retaliation for complaining about the harassment. The case was then settled for $11.5 million.<ref name="lawsuit">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3149371|title=MSG, Thomas settle lawsuit with compensatory damages looming|date=December 10, 2007|access-date=February 7, 2012|archive-date=October 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025063448/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3149371|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Dolan">{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-10-28/if-dolan-sells-the-knicks-give-jat-capital-some-credit|title=If Dolan Sells the Knicks, Give JAT Capital Some Credit|last1=Sherman|first1=Alex|date=October 28, 2014|work=Bloomberg|access-date=April 16, 2015|archive-date=March 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317131718/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-10-28/if-dolan-sells-the-knicks-give-jat-capital-some-credit|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Isiah Press at FIU Arena - 2009.jpg|thumb|250px|A press conference for Isiah Thomas at the [[U.S. Century Bank Arena]] at [[Florida International University]] in Miami]]
On June 22, 2006, the Knicks fired coach [[Larry Brown (basketball)|Larry Brown]], and owner [[James L. Dolan|James Dolan]] replaced him with Thomas on the condition that he show "evident progress" or be fired.

During the following season the Knicks became embroiled in a [[Knicks–Nuggets brawl|brawl]] with the [[Denver Nuggets]] that Thomas allegedly instigated by ordering his players to commit a hard foul in the paint.<ref>{{cite web |title=Melo apologizes; Isiah reportedly under investigation |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2700761 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=April 27, 2020 |date=December 18, 2006 |quote=Though Thomas acknowledged telling Anthony not to go into the paint, he said Monday he meant it not as a threat but as a lecture on sportsmanship. |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211080943/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2700761 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was not fined or suspended; NBA Commissioner [[David Stern]] said that he relied only on "definitive information" when handing out punishments.<ref>{{cite web |title=Suspensions total 47 games from Knicks-Nuggets fight |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2701228 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=April 27, 2020 |date=December 18, 2006 |archive-date=June 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611094941/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2701228 |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in the season, nine months after Dolan had demanded "evident progress", the Knicks re-signed Thomas to an undisclosed "multi-year" contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Thomas shows 'evident progress'; earns new deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795257 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=April 27, 2020 |language=en |date=March 12, 2007 |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625111655/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2795257 |url-status=live }}</ref> After Thomas was granted the extension, the Knicks abruptly fell from playoff contention with a dismal finish to the season.

During the [[2007 NBA draft]], Thomas made another trade, acquiring [[Zach Randolph]], [[Fred Jones (basketball)|Fred Jones]], and [[Dan Dickau]] from the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] for [[Steve Francis]] and [[Channing Frye]].

Thomas also compounded the Knicks' salary-cap problems by signing fringe players such as [[Jerome James]] and [[Jared Jeffries]] to full mid-level exception contracts. Neither player saw any significant playing time and both were often injured and highly ineffective when able to play.
[[File:Isiah Thomas.jpg|thumb|Thomas coaching the Knicks in 2007]]
Despite the constant criticism he received from Knicks fans, Thomas maintained that he had no intention of leaving until he turned the team around. He predicted he would lead the Knicks to a championship, stating that his goal was to leave behind a "championship legacy" with the Knicks just as he had done for the Detroit Pistons.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/01/03/2008-01-03_isiah_thomas_predicts_a_title-2.html | location=New York | work=Daily News | title=Isiah Thomas predicts a title | date=January 3, 2008 | access-date=January 7, 2008 | archive-date=January 6, 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080106093429/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2008/01/03/2008-01-03_isiah_thomas_predicts_a_title-2.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 2, 2008, [[Donnie Walsh]] was introduced to replace Thomas as president of basketball operations for the Knicks. One night after the Knicks tied a franchise record of 59 losses and ended their season, news broke that Thomas had been told he would not return as Knicks head coach the following season. He was officially "reassigned" on April 18 "after a season of listless and dreadful basketball, a tawdry lawsuit and unending chants from fans demanding his dismissal".<ref>{{cite web |title=Isiah Thomas fired as coach of New York Knicks |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story?id=3354045 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=April 27, 2020 |date=April 19, 2008 |archive-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524075943/https://www.espn.com/nba/story?id=3354045 |url-status=live }}</ref> Thomas posted an overall winning percentage of .341 as head coach of the Knicks, fifth lowest in [[List of New York Knicks head coaches|team history]]. As part of the reassignment agreement, Thomas was to serve as a consultant to the team, reporting directly to Walsh. He was banned from having contact with Knicks players on the grounds that he could undermine his successor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3358377|title=Report: Ex-Knicks coach Thomas banned from contacting players|work=ESPN.com|date=April 22, 2008|access-date=April 23, 2008|archive-date=April 24, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080424112815/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3358377|url-status=live}}</ref>

===FIU (2009–2012)===
On April 14, 2009, Thomas accepted an offer to become the head basketball coach of [[FIU Panthers men's basketball|FIU]], replacing [[Sergio Rouco]] after five losing seasons.<ref name="CBS0409">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/11629553|title=FIU Hires Isiah to be Head Coach|date=April 14, 2009|publisher=CBS|access-date=May 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014092455/http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/11629553|archive-date=October 14, 2012}}</ref>

After posting a 7–25 record in his first season at FIU, on August 6, 2010, Thomas announced that he was taking a job as consultant to the New York Knicks, while keeping his position as head coach at FIU.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2010/08/06/2010-08-06_isiah_thomas_officially_returns_to_new_york_knicks_two_years_after_scandalmarred.html |title=Isiah Thomas Officially Returns to New York Knicks Two Years After Scandal-Marred Exit From Garden |date=August 6, 2010 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=February 3, 2011 |archive-date=October 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024025344/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2010/08/06/2010-08-06_isiah_thomas_officially_returns_to_new_york_knicks_two_years_after_scandalmarred.html |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the ''New York Daily News'', "nearly every major media outlet panned the announcement of Thomas' hire", and it led to a "public outcry" among fans.<ref name=reneg>{{cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2010/08/11/2010-08-11_nba_sources_say_isiah_turns_down_knicks_gig.html |title=Isiah Thomas Renegs on Consultant Job with Knicks |date=August 11, 2010 |work=New York Daily News |access-date=February 3, 2011 |archive-date=August 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100816154424/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2010/08/11/2010-08-11_nba_sources_say_isiah_turns_down_knicks_gig.html? |url-status=live }}</ref> In a reversal on August 11, Thomas announced that he would not be working with the Knicks because holding both jobs violated NBA bylaws.<ref name=reneg/>

Thomas finished his [[2010–11 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|second season]] at FIU with an 11–19 record (5–11 in conference games). On April 6, 2012, FIU fired Thomas after he went 26–65 in three seasons. Under Thomas, FIU never won more than 11 games in a season.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/ncaa/04/06/Isiah.Thomas.fired.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a6&eref=sihp |title=FIU fires Isiah Thomas after 3 seasons |date=April 6, 2012 |work=SI.com |access-date=April 6, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022145535/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/basketball/ncaa/04/06/Isiah.Thomas.fired.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a6&eref=sihp |archive-date=October 22, 2014 }}</ref>

===Back to broadcasting===
On December 19, 2012, [[NBA TV]] announced that Thomas would begin work on December 21, 2012, as a member of the studio analyst panel.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8762141/isiah-thomas-join-nba-tv-studio-analyst |title=Isiah Thomas to join NBA TV as studio analyst – ESPN |publisher=Espn.go.com |date=December 19, 2012 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |archive-date=December 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222055235/http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8762141/isiah-thomas-join-nba-tv-studio-analyst |url-status=live }}</ref> It was also announced that Thomas would become a regular contributor for [[NBA.com]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Isiah Thomas to join NBA TV |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8762141/isiah-thomas-join-nba-tv-studio-analyst |website=ESPN.com |access-date=April 27, 2020 |date=December 19, 2012 |archive-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623000232/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8762141/isiah-thomas-join-nba-tv-studio-analyst |url-status=live }}</ref>

===New York Liberty===
On May 5, 2015, the [[Women's National Basketball Association|WNBA]] [[New York Liberty]] hired Thomas as team president, overseeing all of the franchise's business and basketball operations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Liberty introduce Team President Isiah Thomas|url=http://liberty.wnba.com/news/liberty-introduce-team-president-isiah-thomas/|website=New York Liberty|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906000608/http://liberty.wnba.com/news/liberty-introduce-team-president-isiah-thomas/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Broussard|first1=Chris|title=Isiah Thomas returns to N.Y. basketball as Liberty president, part owner|url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/12824892/isiah-thomas-joining-new-york-liberty-president-part-owner|website=espn.com|publisher=ESPN|access-date=May 8, 2015|date=May 5, 2015|archive-date=May 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507142640/http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/12824892/isiah-thomas-joining-new-york-liberty-president-part-owner|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Berkman|first1=Seth|title=Seattle Storm Express Concern After Liberty's Hiring of Isiah Thomas|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/08/sports/basketball/seattle-storm-criticize-libertys-hiring-of-isiah-thomas.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 8, 2015|date=May 8, 2015|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518234829/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/08/sports/basketball/seattle-storm-criticize-libertys-hiring-of-isiah-thomas.html?_r=0|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Mandell|first1=Nina|title=Isiah Thomas' message to concerned Liberty fans: 'Come out and enjoy the game'|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/05/isiah-thomas-liberty|work=USA Today|access-date=May 8, 2015|date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=May 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509011719/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/05/isiah-thomas-liberty|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 22, 2015, the Liberty and the WNBA agreed to suspend consideration of Thomas's ownership application.<ref>{{cite news|title=WNBA, Liberty suspend consideration of Isiah Thomas' partial-team ownership application|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/06/wnba-liberty-suspend-consideration-of-isiah-thomas-partial-team-ownership-application|website=USA TODAY Sports|access-date=August 3, 2015|archive-date=August 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822042313/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/06/wnba-liberty-suspend-consideration-of-isiah-thomas-partial-team-ownership-application|url-status=live}}</ref> He remained president of the team.

Under Thomas's leadership as team president, and with his former Pistons teammate [[Bill Laimbeer]] as head coach, the Liberty finished first in the Eastern Conference during the 2015 season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Berman|first1=Marc|title=Isiah Thomas – yes, that Isiah Thomas – is Liberty's Mr. Fix-t|url=https://nypost.com/2015/08/01/isiah-thomas-yes-that-isiah-thomas-is-libertys-mr-fix-it/|website=New York Post|access-date=December 7, 2017|archive-date=September 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907111312/https://nypost.com/2015/08/01/isiah-thomas-yes-that-isiah-thomas-is-libertys-mr-fix-it/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Thomas was relieved of his duties with the Liberty on February 21, 2019, after James Dolan sold the Liberty to [[Joseph Tsai]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kussoy |first1=Howie |title=Isiah Thomas is no longer running the Liberty |url=https://nypost.com/2019/02/21/isiah-thomas-is-no-longer-running-the-liberty/ |website=New York Post |date=February 22, 2019 |access-date=8 February 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208024618/https://nypost.com/2019/02/21/isiah-thomas-is-no-longer-running-the-liberty/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Cheurlin Champagne===
In 2016, Thomas announced that he was the exclusive United States importer of the Cheurlin Champagne<ref>{{cite web|title=Cheurlin Thomas Champagne|url=http://www.cheurlin.com/|access-date=February 15, 2017|archive-date=February 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219060552/http://www.cheurlin.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> brand through ISIAH Imports, a subsidiary of ISIAH International, LLC.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Baetens|first1=Melody|title=Isiah Thomas touts Cheurlin Champagne stateside|url=http://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/food/2017/02/08/isiah-thomas-detroit-pistons-touts-cheurlin-champagne/97673238/|website=The Detroit News|access-date=February 8, 2017|archive-date=February 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209033417/http://www.detroitnews.com/story/life/food/2017/02/08/isiah-thomas-detroit-pistons-touts-cheurlin-champagne/97673238/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cheurlin Champagne made its debut in the United States at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in [[Philadelphia]]. Other activations have included a private luncheon honoring former President [[Bill Clinton]]. In 2017, Cheurlin debuted at [[The Palace of Auburn Hills]] for the final season of the [[Detroit Pistons]] at the historic arena.<ref>{{cite web|title=Former Detroit Pistons Guard Isiah Thomas Will Debut Fine Champagne at The Palace on Wednesday|url=http://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/Annual-2017/Former-Detroit-Pistons-Guard-Isiah-Thomas-Will-Debut-Fine-Champagne-at-The-Palace-on-Wednesday/|website=DBusiness Daily News|date=February 6, 2017|publisher=Detroit's Premier Business Journal|access-date=February 6, 2017|archive-date=February 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216044302/http://www.dbusiness.com/daily-news/Annual-2017/Former-Detroit-Pistons-Guard-Isiah-Thomas-Will-Debut-Fine-Champagne-at-The-Palace-on-Wednesday/|url-status=live}}</ref> Cheurlin produces two champagne categories: Cheurlin's Brut Speciale and Rose de Saignee and Cheurlin Thomas's "Celebrite" Blanc de Blanc and "Le Champion" Blanc de Noir. In August 2017, Thomas brought his Cheurlin Flagship Collection portfolio of Champagnes to the Bellagio in Las Vegas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/aug/29/isiah-thomas-vegas-nba-team-cheurlin-champagne/|title=Basketball legend Isiah Thomas thinks Las Vegas is ready for the NBA|date=August 29, 2017|work=LasVegasSun.com|access-date=October 2, 2017|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002170248/https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/aug/29/isiah-thomas-vegas-nba-team-cheurlin-champagne/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Players Only===
Since 2017, Thomas has been a regular panelist during [[The NBA on TNT|NBA on TNT's]] Monday coverage ''Players Only'', which features only former NBA players as studio analysts, play-by-play announcers, and color analysts for games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pressroom.warnermediagroup.com/|title=Home {{!}} Pressroom|website=pressroom.warnermediagroup.com|access-date=2020-04-17|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924065003/https://pressroom.turner.com/us/john-martin|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Saginaw Soul (2025–present)===
Thomas was named head coach of the [[Saginaw Soul]] of the [[Basketball Super League (North America)|Basketball Super League]] (BSL), an expansion team which will begin play in 2025.<ref name="z837">{{cite web | last=Sevilla | first=Dominic | title=Saginaw Soul bringing pro basketball to the region as part of the BSL | website=Midland Daily News | date=April 10, 2025 | url=https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/saginaw-soul-bringing-pro-basketball-region-part-20267361.php | access-date=April 10, 2025}}</ref> 

===Acting===
Isiah had a guest appearance on the 1990s television comedy ''[[Home Improvement (TV series)|Home Improvement]]'', playing himself in Season 3 episode 2 (titled "Aisle See You in My Dreams"). He further appeared as himself in a basketball themed episode of the police procedural ''[[Due South]]'' in 1997 (season 2, episode 13, titled "White Men Can't Jump to Conclusions").

==Education==
Thomas graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in 1987.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://fadeawayworld.net/isiah-thomas-biography-the-story-of-a-skinny-kid-from-chicago-who-became-the-detroit-pistons-biggest-legend|title=Isiah Thomas Biography: The Story Of A Skinny Kid From Chicago Who Became The Detroit Pistons' Biggest Legend|first=Titan|last=Frey|date=March 29, 2023|website=Fadeaway World|access-date=June 4, 2023|archive-date=June 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604175056/https://fadeawayworld.net/isiah-thomas-biography-the-story-of-a-skinny-kid-from-chicago-who-became-the-detroit-pistons-biggest-legend|url-status=live}}</ref> He received his Master's in Education from the [[UC Berkeley Graduate School of Education]] in 2013.<ref name="Berkley">{{cite web |title=Local sports digest: Ex-NBA star Isiah Thomas enrolled at Cal as a graduate student |url=http://www.insidebayarea.com/other-sports/ci_21432152/local-sports-digest-ex-nba-star-isiah-thomas |access-date=October 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906035654/http://www.insidebayarea.com/other-sports/ci_21432152/local-sports-digest-ex-nba-star-isiah-thomas |archive-date=September 6, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Isiah Thomas earns master's degree from Cal-Berkeley|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2013-05-20/isiah-thomas-gets-masters-degree-cal-berkeley-detroit-pistons-indiana-hoosiers|access-date=May 24, 2013|archive-date=June 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608073415/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2013-05-20/isiah-thomas-gets-masters-degree-cal-berkeley-detroit-pistons-indiana-hoosiers|url-status=dead}}</ref> At [[UC Berkeley]], Thomas studied the connection between education and sports, specifically how American society makes education accessible (or inaccessible) to black male college athletes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Black males, athletes and academic achievement |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isiah-thomas/black-males-athletes-and-_b_3232989.html |work=Huffington Post |date=May 7, 2013 |access-date=May 8, 2013 |archive-date=May 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508063844/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/isiah-thomas/black-males-athletes-and-_b_3232989.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Philanthropic work==
In 1987, when he was a Piston, Thomas organized the "No Crime Day" in Detroit. He had the help of Detroit Mayor [[Coleman Young]] to call for a moratorium on crime in the summer of 1986.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nack |first=William |title=I Have Got To Do It Right |date=January 19, 1987 |newspaper=Sports Illustrated |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1126880/9/index.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130120063352/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1126880/9/index.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 20, 2013|access-date=October 2, 2012}}</ref>

Thomas founded Mary's Court, a foundation that supports economically disadvantaged parents and children on the West Side of Chicago. The charity is named for Thomas's mother. Mary's Court has teamed up with another Chicago-based charity, Kids off the Block, to serve meals to Chicago children and families during Thanksgiving.<ref>{{cite news |last=Zimmerman |first=Stephanie |title=Volunteers give thanks to veterans |date=November 25, 2011 |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/9050190-418/giving-thanks-to-veterans.html |access-date=November 27, 2011 |archive-date=August 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055259/http://www.suntimes.com/news/9050190-418/giving-thanks-to-veterans.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

While Thomas was at FIU, Thomas and Mary's Court donated $50,000 to FIU's First Generation Scholarship and organized a sell-out charity game during the NBA lockout featuring NBA stars [[LeBron James]] and [[Dwyane Wade]].<ref name="FIU">{{cite web |title=Isiah Thomas' Mary's Court Foundation donates to FIU First Generation Scholarship Fund |date=October 8, 2011 |url=http://news.fiu.edu/2011/10/isiah-thomas-marys-court-foundation-donates-to-fiu-first-generation-scholarship-fund/31755 |access-date=September 28, 2012 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107133509/http://news.fiu.edu/2011/10/isiah-thomas-marys-court-foundation-donates-to-fiu-first-generation-scholarship-fund/31755 |url-status=live }}</ref> A street on Chicago's West Side was named in honor of his mother.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Isiah Thomas dedicates Chicago road to his mother |date=August 5, 2012 |newspaper=The Southern Illinoisan |url=http://thesouthern.com/news/local/isiah-thomas-dedicates-chicago-road-to-his-mother/article_8cb29428-df41-11e1-befd-001a4bcf887a.html |access-date=August 7, 2012 |archive-date=October 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171029023622/http://thesouthern.com/news/local/isiah-thomas-dedicates-chicago-road-to-his-mother/article_8cb29428-df41-11e1-befd-001a4bcf887a.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys & Girls Club of Chicago honored Thomas with the organization's King Legacy Award at their 24th Annual King Legacy Awards Gala.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hooks |first=Theresa Fambro |title=Annual MLK Legacy Gala Honors 3, Supports E.G.P. Boys & Girls Club |date=March 15, 2012 |newspaper=Chicago Defender Online |url=http://www.onestopnewsstand.com/chicago/annual-mlk-legacy-gala-honors-3-supports-e-g-p-boys-girls-club |access-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-date=January 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106231523/http://www.onestopnewsstand.com/chicago/annual-mlk-legacy-gala-honors-3-supports-e-g-p-boys-girls-club |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In July 2012, Thomas joined The Black Men's Roundtable in Florida along with other national and local black leaders to discuss issues that directly affect black males.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bright |first=Marcus |title=Black Men's Roundtable Seeks to Address a Crisis |date=June 20, 2012 |newspaper=The Huffington Post |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcus-bright/black-mens-crisis_b_1682475.html |access-date=June 20, 2012 |archive-date=July 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725035458/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marcus-bright/black-mens-crisis_b_1682475.html? |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Peace League is an annual community basketball league within the [[Chicago]] area established by Thomas and Father [[Michael Pfleger]] in 2011.<ref name="Peace League Tournament">{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Aaron|title=Isiah Thomas The Peace League Tournament|url=http://consciousnessmagazine.blogspot.com/2014/10/isiah-thomas-peace-league-tournament.html|access-date=April 15, 2015|work=Consciousness Magazine|date=October 21, 2014|archive-date=April 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420042106/http://consciousnessmagazine.blogspot.com/2014/10/isiah-thomas-peace-league-tournament.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2012, Thomas co-hosted the Ballin' for Peace Tournament at St. Sabina Church in Chicago to reduce gang violence through communication and basketball.<ref name="Slam">{{cite web |title=Isiah Thomas, Derrick Rose and Others Against Chicago's Gang Violence |date=September 24, 2012 |url=http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2012/09/isiah-thomas-derrick-rose-and-others-against-chicagos-gang-violence-video/ |access-date=September 28, 2012 |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927233310/http://www.slamonline.com/online/media/slam-tv/2012/09/isiah-thomas-derrick-rose-and-others-against-chicagos-gang-violence-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Powers |first=Scott |title=Isiah Thomas turns to hoops for peace with Chicago gangs |date=September 22, 2012 |newspaper=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/8408360/isiah-thomas-turns-hoops-peace-chicago-gangs |access-date=October 3, 2012 |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006014058/http://espn.go.com/chicago/nba/story/_/id/8408360/isiah-thomas-turns-hoops-peace-chicago-gangs |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Peace League initiative expanded into a program which offers GED classes, employment training, and internship opportunities. The surrounding Auburn-Gresham neighborhood has seen a drastic drop in violence since the league began.<ref name="Chicago Peace League">{{cite news|last1=Bellware|first1=Kim|title=Pastor Gets Rival Gang Members To Put Down Guns And Pick Up Basketballs, And The NBA Notices|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/22/peace-basketball-tourname_n_5863762.html?ir=Black%20Voices|access-date=April 15, 2015|work=The Huffington Post|date=September 22, 2014|archive-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210113209/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/peace-basketball-tourname_n_5863762?ir=Black+Voices|url-status=live}}</ref> The Peace League Tournament was expanded to New York City during the 2015 [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] All-Star Weekend. The New York City Peace Game featured over 50 players from across all five boroughs that competed in a tournament as well as a brief speaking program with special guests that included [[Harry Belafonte]].<ref name="NYC Peace Game">{{cite news|title=New York City Peace Game During NBA All-Star Weekend|url=https://www.prweb.com/releases/new_york_city_peace_game_during_nba_all_star_weekend/prweb12509189.htm|access-date=April 15, 2015|work=PR Web|date=February 11, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924143826/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/02/prweb12509189.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NYC Peace Game article">{{cite news|title=Celebrity Philanthropy: Isiah Thomas, Mary's Court Foundation|url=http://www.blackgivesback.com/2015/04/celebrity-philanthropy-isiah-thomas.html|access-date=April 15, 2015|work=Black Gives Back|date=April 7, 2015|archive-date=March 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302054351/http://www.blackgivesback.com/2015/04/celebrity-philanthropy-isiah-thomas.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In March 2013, Children Uniting Nations, an organization that focuses on advocacy/awareness and provides academic and community-based programs for at-risk and foster youth, presented Thomas and Mary's Court with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his passion and commitment to improving the lives of children.<ref name=CUN>{{cite news|title=Hollywood Stars Celebrate Awards Night at the 14th Annual Children Uniting Nations Awards Viewing Dinner and After Party Held at Historic Movie Mogul Mansion|url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10495485.htm|access-date=April 15, 2015|work=PR Web|date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924140050/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/3/prweb10495485.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Each year, Mary's Court provides gifts, clothing and educational items to hundreds of children in [[Chicago]] at its Holiday Toy Giveaway.<ref name="Toy Drive 2014">{{cite news|last1=Robinson|first1=Aaron|title=Mary's Court Third Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway|url=http://consciousnessmagazine.blogspot.com/2014/12/marys-court-thirdannual-holiday-toy.html|access-date=April 15, 2015|work=Consciousness Magazine|date=December 22, 2014|archive-date=April 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420042249/http://consciousnessmagazine.blogspot.com/2014/12/marys-court-thirdannual-holiday-toy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Humanity of Connection Award===
On February 13, 2017, Thomas was presented the [[AT&T]] Humanity of Connection Award at the Smithsonian's [[National Museum of African American History and Culture]] in [[Washington, D.C.]] He was honored for his historic achievements in sports and his contributions to the African American community.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lelinwalla|first1=Mark|title=BET.com Exclusive: NBA Legend Isiah Thomas Talks Champagne Venture, Trump's Warning to Chicago and Jordan Crying Meme|url=https://www.bet.com/article/8gsr0k/isiah-thomas-on-champagne-trump-s-chicago-tweet-mj-meme|website=BET Networks|access-date=February 7, 2017|archive-date=February 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209160053/http://www.bet.com/news/sports/2017/02/08/isiah-thomas-interview.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Thomas met his future wife, Lynn Kendall, the daughter of a Secret Service agent and a nurse,<ref>{{Cite web|title=ISIAH PAYS DEARLY FOR LOVE-CHILD BORN AFTER HIS NUPTIALS|url=https://nypost.com/2006/01/29/isiah-pays-dearly-for-love-child-born-after-his-nuptials/|last=Gilmore|first=Heather|date=2006-01-29|website=New York Post|language=en|access-date=2020-05-08|archive-date=November 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106012701/http://nypost.com/2006/01/29/isiah-pays-dearly-for-love-child-born-after-his-nuptials/|url-status=live}}</ref> in the early 1980s while they were both attending Indiana University. The couple married at Our Lady of Sorrows in 1985. Thomas and Kendall had a son, Joshua, in 1988, and a daughter, Lauren, in 1991.

===Paternity case===
Two months before Thomas's marriage to Lynn Kendall in 1985, Jenni Dones, a woman from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, filed a paternity lawsuit against Thomas. Dones alleged that she had become pregnant following a three- or four-month "intimate, exclusive, ongoing relationship" with Thomas. Dones's child, Marc E. T. Dones, was born in 1986. After a long-running legal dispute, Thomas agreed to pay a settlement as well as monthly payments. In 1995, Dones obtained additional financial support from Thomas in a separate lawsuit. Marc Dones has been described by the literary site thedetroiter.com as "a talented writer and poet".<ref name="marc1">{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2006/01/29/isiah-pays-dearly-for-love-child-born-after-his-nuptials/|title=Isiah pays dearly for love-child born after his nuptials|author=Heather Gilmore|date=January 29, 2006|access-date=April 27, 2017|newspaper=[[New York Post]]|archive-date=April 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428051834/http://nypost.com/2006/01/29/isiah-pays-dearly-for-love-child-born-after-his-nuptials/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="marc2">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/words-father-goodbye-isiah-19-yr-old-love-child-takes-shot-dad-met-article-1.622190|title=I should get to say two words to my father: "Hello. Goodbye". Isiah's 19-year-old love child takes a shot at dad he's never met...|author=Darren Everson and Dave Goldiner|date=January 30, 2006|access-date=April 27, 2017|newspaper=[[New York Daily News]]|archive-date=April 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428053531/http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/words-father-goodbye-isiah-19-yr-old-love-child-takes-shot-dad-met-article-1.622190|url-status=live}}</ref> He served as chief executive officer of the King County (WA) Regional Homelessness Authority.<ref name="marc3">{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/king-county-head-of-homelessness-may-be-an-impossible-job-but-marc-dones-is-optimistic/|title=King county head of homelessness may be an 'impossible' job, but Marc Dones is optimistic|author=Scott Greenstone|date=September 24, 2021|access-date=September 24, 2021|newspaper=[[Seattle Times]]|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924154851/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/king-county-head-of-homelessness-may-be-an-impossible-job-but-marc-dones-is-optimistic/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="marc4">{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/regional-homelessness-authority-ceo-resigns/|title=Regional Homelessness Authority CEO resigns|author=Greg Kim|date=May 16, 2023|access-date=May 16, 2023|newspaper=[[Seattle Times]]|archive-date=May 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516200303/https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/homeless/regional-homelessness-authority-ceo-resigns/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Legacy and accolades==
During his playing career, Thomas won an NCAA championship with Indiana in 1981 and NBA championships with Detroit in 1989 and 1990. He was selected as the Most Outstanding Player of the 1981 Final Four and the Most Valuable Player of the 1990 NBA Finals.  He was a consensus first-team All-American in 1980 and a 12-time NBA All-Star.

When Thomas retired as a player in 1994, he ranked third in NBA history with 9,061 [[assist (basketball)|assist]]s and fifth in league history with 1,861 [[Steal (basketball)|steal]]s. As of 2023, his 9,061 assists rank tenth in NBA history,<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA & ABA Career Leaders and Records for Assists|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=February 17, 2022|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/ast_career.html|archive-date=February 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110217164500/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/ast_career.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and his average of 9.3 assists per game ranks fifth.<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA & ABA Career Leaders and Records for Assists Per Game|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=February 17, 2022|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/ast_per_g_career.html|archive-date=March 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328064305/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/ast_per_g_career.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of 2020, Thomas also remains the Pistons' all-time career leader in minutes played (15,904), points scored (18,822), steals (1,861), and assists (9,061).<ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit Pistons Career Leaders|publisher=Sports Reference LLC|work=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=August 4, 2020|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/leaders_career.html|archive-date=February 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217220718/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/leaders_career.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 1996, the Pistons retired Thomas's jersey No. 11.<ref>{{cite news|title=11th Hour: Nerves will be a tough foe as Isiah's jersey is retired|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=February 17, 1996|pages=1B, 6B|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56708407/11th-hour-nerves-will-be-a-tough-foe/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407042309/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56708407/11th-hour-nerves-will-be-a-tough-foe/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1996, Thomas was named to the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History]], selected upon the 50th anniversary of the founding of the NBA.<ref>{{cite news|title=NBA's Top 50|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=October 30, 1996|page=3C|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56709458/nbas-top-50/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407043812/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56709458/nbas-top-50/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2021, he was elected to the [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]].<ref>nba.com/75</ref>

Thomas has been inducted into the following halls of fame:

* In 1993, Thomas was inducted into the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame.<ref>{{cite web|title=Isiah Thomas|publisher=Indian University|access-date=August 4, 2020|url=https://iuhoosiers.com/honors/indiana-university-athletics-hall-of-fame/isiah-thomas/134|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613150106/https://iuhoosiers.com/honors/indiana-university-athletics-hall-of-fame/isiah-thomas/134|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In 1998, he was inducted along with [[Magic Johnson]] into the [[Michigan Sports Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news|title=He doesn't have Pistons, but Thomas still owns fans|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 19, 1998|page=1D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56706060/isiah-thomas-mshof/|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407041443/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56706060/isiah-thomas-mshof/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In May 2000, he was elected to the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] in his first year of eligibility.<ref>{{cite news|title=Isiah Thomas: A Basketball Hall of Famer; Hoop Dream|newspaper=Detroit Free Press|date=May 25, 2000|pages=1D, 10D|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56705425/isiah-thomas-hall-of-fame/|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407043814/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/56705425/isiah-thomas-hall-of-fame/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Michael Jordan called Thomas the second greatest point guard ever, only behind [[Magic Johnson]].<ref>{{cite web |date=4 May 2020 |author= |title=MJ stands firm on 'Republicans buy sneakers' quip |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29130478/michael-jordan-stands-firm-republicans-buy-sneakers-too-quote-says-was-made-jest |website=ESPN.com |access-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-date=August 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803095925/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/29130478/michael-jordan-stands-firm-republicans-buy-sneakers-too-quote-says-was-made-jest |url-status=live }}</ref> Thomas was inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/cbs-news-detroits-ronnie-duncan-inducted-into-american-basketball-hall-of-fame/|title=CBS News Detroit's Ronnie Duncan inducted into American Basketball Hall of Fame - CBS Detroit|date=April 14, 2023|website=www.cbsnews.com|access-date=July 2, 2023|archive-date=July 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230702035355/https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/cbs-news-detroits-ronnie-duncan-inducted-into-american-basketball-hall-of-fame/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==NBA career statistics==
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

===Regular season===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nowrap|{{nbay|1981}}}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1981–82 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|72||72||33.8||.424||.288||.704||2.9||7.8||2.1||.2||17.0
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1982}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1982–83 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|81||81||'''38.2'''||.472||.288||.710||4.0||7.8||'''2.5'''||'''.4'''||'''22.9'''
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1983}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1983–84 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''*||style="background:#cfecec;"|'''82'''*||36.7||.462||'''.338'''||.733||4.0||11.1||'''2.5'''||'''.4'''||21.3
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1984}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1984–85 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|81||81||38.1||.458||.257||.809||'''4.5'''|| style="background:#cfecec;"|'''13.9'''*||2.3||.3||21.2
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1985}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1985–86 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|77||77||36.2||'''.488'''||.310||.790||3.6||10.8||2.2||.3||20.9
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1986}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1986–87 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|81||81||37.2||.463||.194||.768||3.9||10.0||1.9||.2||20.6
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1987}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1987–88 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|81||81||36.1||.463||.309||.774||3.4||8.4||1.7||.2||19.5
|-
|style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|1988}}†
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1988–89 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|80||76||36.6||.464||.273||'''.818'''||3.4||8.3||1.7||.3||18.2
|-
|style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|{{nbay|1989}}†
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1989–90 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|81||81||37.0||.438||.309||.775||3.8||9.4||1.7||.2||18.4
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1990}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1990–91 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|48||46||34.5||.435||.292||.782||3.3||9.3||1.6||.2||16.2
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1991}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1991–92 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|78||78||37.4||.446||.291||.772||3.2||7.2||1.5||.2||18.5
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1992}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1992–93 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|79||79||37.0||.418||.308||.737||2.9||8.5||1.6||.2||17.6
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|1993}}
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1993–94 Detroit Pistons season|Detroit]]
|58||56||30.2||.417||.310||.702||2.7||6.9||1.2||.1||14.8
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
|979||971||36.3||.452||.290||.759||3.6||9.3||1.9||.3||19.2
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|All-Star
|11||10||28.9||.571||.400||.771||2.5||8.8||2.8||.0||16.8
{{s-end}}

===Playoffs===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1984 NBA playoffs|1984]]
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|5||5||39.6||.470||.333||.771||3.8||11.0||2.6||'''1.2'''||21.4
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1985 NBA playoffs|1985]]
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|9||9||39.4||'''.500'''||.400||.758||5.2||11.2||2.1||.4||24.3
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1986 NBA playoffs|1986]]
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|4||4||'''40.8'''||.451||.000||.667||'''5.5'''||'''12.0'''||2.3||.8||'''26.5'''
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1987 NBA playoffs|1987]]
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|15||15||37.5||.451||.303||.755||4.5||8.7||2.6||.3||24.1
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1988 NBA playoffs|1988]]
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|'''23'''||'''23'''||39.6||.437||.295||'''.828'''||4.7||8.7||'''2.9'''||.3||21.9
|-
|style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[1989 NBA playoffs|1989]]†
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|17||17||37.2||.412||.267||.740||4.3||8.3||1.6||.2||18.2
|-
|style="text-align:left; background:#afe6ba;"|[[1990 NBA playoffs|1990]]†
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|20||20||37.9||.463||'''.471'''||.794||'''5.5'''||8.2||2.2||.4||20.5
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1991 NBA playoffs|1991]]
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|13||11||33.5||.403||.273||.725||4.2||8.5||1.0||.2||13.5
|-
|style="text-align:left;"|[[1992 NBA playoffs|1992]]
|style="text-align:left;"|[[Detroit Pistons|Detroit]]
|5||5||40.0||.338||.364||.786||5.2||7.4||1.0||.0||14.0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan="2"|Career
|111||109||38.0||.441||.346||.769||4.7||8.9||2.1||.3||20.4
{{s-end}}

==Head coaching record==

===NBA===
{{NBA coach statistics legend}}
{{NBA coach statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2000–01 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2000}}
| 82||41||41||{{Winning percentage|41|41}}|| style="text-align:center;"|4th in Central||4||1||3||{{Winning percentage|1|3}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[2001 NBA playoffs|First round]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2001–02 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2001}}
| 82||42||40||{{Winning percentage|42|40}}|| style="text-align:center;"|4th in Central||5||2||3||{{Winning percentage|2|3}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[2002 NBA playoffs|First round]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2002–03 Indiana Pacers season|Indiana]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2002}}
| 82||48||34||{{Winning percentage|48|34}}|| style="text-align:center;"|2nd in Central||6||2||4||{{Winning percentage|2|4}}
| style="text-align:center;"|Lost in [[2003 NBA playoffs|First round]]
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2006–07 New York Knicks season|New York]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2006}}
| 82||33||49||{{Winning percentage|33|49}}|| style="text-align:center;"|4th in Atlantic||—||—||—||—
| style="text-align:center;"|Missed playoffs
|-
| style="text-align:left;"|[[2007–08 New York Knicks season|New York]]
| style="text-align:left;"|{{nbay|2007}}
| 82||23||59||{{Winning percentage|23|59}}|| style="text-align:center;"|5th in Atlantic||—||—||—||—
| style="text-align:center;"|Missed playoffs
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:left;" colspan="2"|Career
| 410||187||223||{{Winning percentage|187|223}}|| ||15||5||10||{{Winning percentage|5|10}}||
{{s-end}}

===College===
{{CBB Yearly Record Start | type = | conference = | postseason = | poll = }}
{{CBB Yearly Record Subhead
| name = [[FIU Panthers men's basketball|FIU Golden Panthers / Panthers]]
| conference = [[Sun Belt Conference]]
| startyear = 2009
| endyear = 2012
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = 
| season = [[2009–10 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|2009–10]]
| name = FIU
| overall = 7–25
| conference = 4–14
| confstanding = 6th <small>(East)</small>
| postseason =
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = 
| season = [[2010–11 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|2010–11]]
| name = FIU
| overall = 11–19
| conference = 5–11
| confstanding = 6th <small>(East)</small>
| postseason =
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Entry
| championship = 
| season = [[2011–12 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|2011–12]]
| name = FIU
| overall = 8–21
| conference = 5–11
| confstanding = T–5th <small>(East)</small>
| postseason =
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record Subtotal
| name = FIU
| overall = 26–65
| confrecord = 14–36
}}
{{CBB Yearly Record End
| overall = 26–65
| legend = no
}}

==See also==
* [[Michigan Sports Hall of Fame]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career assists leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career steals leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career playoff assists leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career playoff steals leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association career playoff turnovers leaders]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association players with most assists in a game]]
* [[List of National Basketball Association franchise career scoring leaders]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{basketballstats|nba=78318|bbr=t/thomais01}}
* [https://www.isiahinternational.com/ Isiah International official website]
* {{Basketballhof|isiah-l-thomas}}
* [http://tkt.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=49080&SPID=4764&DB_OEM_ID=11700&ATCLID=204765650 FIU profile (2011)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505233456/http://tkt.xosn.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=49080&SPID=4764&DB_OEM_ID=11700&ATCLID=204765650 |date=May 5, 2015 }}
* [http://www.nba.com/coachfile/isiah_thomas/ NBA profile (2006)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120125091830/http://www.nba.com/history/players/thomas_summary.html Historical profile on NBA.com]
* {{IMDb name|858946}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Thomas, Isiah}}
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