When and where was Isiah Thomas born?
Isiah Lord Thomas III arrived in Chicago on the 30th of April 1961. He grew up as the youngest of nine children on the city's West Side.
Questions about Isiah Thomas
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What college did Isiah Thomas play for and what championships did he win there?
Bob Knight recruited Isiah Thomas to play for Indiana University. The team captured the 1981 NCAA tournament, and Thomas earned the Most Outstanding Player award that year.
How many NBA championships did Isiah Thomas win with the Detroit Pistons?
The Detroit Pistons won their first championship by sweeping the Lakers in 1989. They repeated as champions in 1990 after defeating Clyde Drexler's Portland Trail Blazers.
Why was Isiah Thomas not selected for the original Dream Team?
Thomas was passed over for the Dream Team due to strained relations with Michael Jordan. Magic Johnson stated they conspired to keep Thomas off the team.
What business ventures has Isiah Thomas pursued since retiring from basketball?
Thomas invested through Isiah Investments LLC and founded Isiah International LLC as a holding company. He purchased the Continental Basketball Association for ten million dollars in 1999 and later bought Cheurlin Champagne brand rights in 2016.
When was Isiah Thomas elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame?
Isiah Thomas was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in May 2000. He joined the American Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.