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Isaiah Thomas (basketball)

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Isaiah Thomas (basketball)
NameIsaiah Thomas
CaptionThomas with the Washington Wizards in 2019
Weight lb185
PositionPoint guard
Birth date7 February 1989
Birth placeTacoma, Washington
High schoolCurtis High School, South Kent School
CollegeWashington (2008–2011)
Draft year2011
Draft pick60
Draft teamSacramento Kings
Career start2011
Career end2024

Isaiah Thomas (basketball) is an American former professional basketball player whose career is defined by his exceptional scoring ability despite being one of the shortest players in NBA history. Selected with the final pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, he overcame doubts about his size to become a two-time NBA All-Star and an iconic figure for the Boston Celtics. His peak season in 2016–17, where he averaged 28.9 points per game and finished fifth in MVP voting, cemented his legacy as one of the most prolific offensive forces of his era.

Early life and college career

Born in Tacoma, Washington, Thomas was named after Isiah Thomas, the legendary Detroit Pistons point guard, after his father lost a bet on the 1989 NBA Finals. He starred at Curtis High School before finishing his prep career at the South Kent School in Connecticut. He committed to play college basketball for the Washington Huskies under coach Lorenzo Romar. At the University of Washington, Thomas made an immediate impact, earning Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors. He led the Huskies to a Pac-10 Tournament championship in 2011, hitting a game-winning shot in the final against the Arizona Wildcats, and was named a First-team All-Pac-10 selection.

Professional career

Thomas began his NBA journey with the Sacramento Kings, earning All-Rookie Second Team honors. After stints with the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics, he blossomed in Boston, becoming a two-time NBA All-Star and earning the nickname "The King in the Fourth" for his clutch performances. His 2016–17 campaign, which included a 53-point game in the playoffs, was cut short by a hip injury. This injury significantly impacted his subsequent tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets. He had brief returns to the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns before concluding his playing career.

National team career

Thomas represented the United States internationally, winning a gold medal at the 2009 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand. He was also selected to the USA Basketball Men's Select Team that trained against the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup national team.

Player profile

Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Thomas was a dynamic and fearless point guard known for his elite scoring, deep three-point range, and ability to finish at the rim against taller defenders. His offensive arsenal included a quick first step, a reliable pull-up jumper, and proficiency in the pick-and-roll. While his size was a defensive liability, his offensive output, particularly during his peak with the Boston Celtics, was historically great for a player of his stature, drawing comparisons to Allen Iverson.

Personal life

Thomas is the son of James Thomas and Tina Baldtrip. He has a close relationship with his family, and the tragic death of his younger sister, Chyna Thomas, in a car accident during the 2017 NBA playoffs profoundly affected him. He is known for his philanthropic work in the Boston community and remains a popular figure for his perseverance and underdog story. He has participated in the NBA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest and is active on social media.

Career statistics and awards

Over his NBA career, Thomas averaged 17.7 points and 4.8 assists per game. His accolades include two NBA All-Star selections (2016, 2017), an All-NBA Second Team honor in 2017, and the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award multiple times. He led the Boston Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017. He also won the NBA Community Assist Award in recognition of his charitable efforts.

Category:1989 births Category:Living people Category:American basketball players Category:Point guards Category:Washington Huskies men's basketball players