Isiah Thomas

Guide Note: Isiah Thomas is a retired Hall of Fame basketball player and former head coach for the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. He played his entire NBA career with the Detroit Pistons.

Thomas was drafted by the Pistons in 1981, making the All-Rookie team and Eastern Conference All-Star team that season. He went on to appear in 12 NBA All-Star Games and won back-to-back NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990. Thomas' accomplishments rank him as one of the best players in the history of the NBA.

Thomas' coaching career began with the Indiana Pacers in 2000. Despite having a talented team, he was unable to get the Pacers past the first round of the playoffs in either of his two seasons there, and was replaced by Rick Carlisle. Thomas was hired as president of the New York Knicks in 2003, eventually taking over head coaching duties after Larry Brown was fired in 2006. Thomas' tenure with the Knicks was mired with poor team performance and controversy, including a [[Anucha Browne-Sanders|sexual harassment suit] brought against Thomas and Madison Square Garden. On April 17, 2008, Newly appointed Knicks team president Donnie Walsh removed Thomas from the head coaching position, stating that he would remain with the team with no official title. Fast Facts:

1. Born: April 30, 1961
2. Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
3. Drafted: 1981 / Round 1 / Pick 2
4. Position: PG
5. 12x NBA All-Star (1982-93)
6. 2x NBA All-Star Game MVP (1984, 1986)
7. 2x NBA Champion (1989, 1990)
8. NBA Finals MVP (1990)
9. U.S. Olympian (1980)
10. 2000: Inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame

Career Stats:

• Points: 18,822
• Assists: 9,061
• Steals: 1,861

Coaching Record:

• Indiana Pacers 2000-01: 41-41
• Indiana Pacers 2001-02: 42-40
• Indiana Pacers 2002-03: 48-34
• New York Knicks 2006-07: 33-49
• New York Knicks 2007-08: 23-59
• Overall: 187-223