Latest news with #IsiahThomas
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"Isiah Thomas would be right there as 1B"- Jason Kidd's candid take on Kyrie Irving being the NBA's undisputed ball-handler
Having impressed us for years with his razzle and dazzle on the court, Kyrie Irving's wizardry with the ball makes him a nightmare for the opposition. The 6'2" guard's deep bag of moves, especially with the basketball in his hand, coupled with his clutch gene, have etched his name in history. A perfect combination of speed, agility and creativity, "Uncle Drew" is arguably the greatest ball-handler the league has ever seen. This discussion also reached "The Dan Patrick Show," with Kyrie's Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd dishing out his take on the matter. Advertisement When asked if anyone had a better handle than Kyrie in NBA history, J-Kidd responded, "I'm gonna say no, but I'm gonna say there's some close seconds when you talk about Detroit Isiah Thomas. Jason Williams (White Chocolate) I thought his handle and his passing is incredible. I think Isiah would be right there as 1B." "Zeke's" dribbling prowess went unnoticed Host Dan Patrick and Jason agreed on the Detroit Pistons legend not getting his due and being extremely underrated, even discussing the possible reasons behind it. Widely considered the second-greatest point guard behind Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas was one of the league's most prominent names in the late '80s. At 6'1", the Pistons star built his legacy on elite scoring, sharp playmaking, leadership, and exceptional ball-handling. Advertisement Among all his abilities, many felt "Zeke's" dribbling abilities didn't get the limelight it deserved. "I think sometimes it's our fault. I don't know if we do a good job of storytelling for Isiah or our past players," stated the now-Mavs head coach. Adding to the 2011 champion's take, host Patrick weighed in, saying, "I think with Isiah, the likability, the way they played, they were the bad boys, you know, they were trying to hurt Jordan. I think that maybe plays into it with Isiah." One could assume that Thomas' feud with Michael Jordan painted him as a villain to a great extent. This rings especially true for the current generation, many of whom primarily associate the Pistons' champion with Netflix's award-winning docuseries, The Last Dance. For them, Isiah's legacy is often filtered through that narrative, overshadowing the full scope of his career and accomplishments. The age-old conspiracy theory that the Pistons guard did not make the 1992 Olympic Dream Team remains a hot topic of debate even today. All assumptions and narratives point towards Jordan despising "Zeke," something the latter only learned about during MJ's docuseries. From how things stand today, reconciliation between the two Hall of Famers looks far from happening. Advertisement Related: "When you get somebody with that kind of potential and they're white and you are in America, you keep that dude" - Stephen A. Smith claims Dallas must draft and keep Cooper Flagg Other prominent ball-handlers While J-Kidd mentioned Jason Williams (White Chocolate) apart from "Zeke" as one of his nominees, there are a couple of names that could also make the list for their knack for dribbling past opponents, including Allen Iverson, Tim Hardaway and Stephon Marbury. Talking about current established names, the likes of Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, James Harden and Damian Lillard are popular for their ankle-breaking moves. Looking ahead, budding talents such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball and Darius Garland have displayed the potential of being top-class ball-handlers for years to come. With their shiftiness and court awareness, these rising guards are well on their way to becoming the next generation of maestros with the ball in their hands. Related: Kidd breaks down why the Mavs are a perfect landing spot for Cooper Flagg: "This is a great situation for him to grow his game"
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Isiah has to own up to his own problem" - Magic Johnson said Isiah Thomas needs to look in the mirror over Dream Team snub
"Isiah has to own up to his own problem" - Magic Johnson said Isiah Thomas needs to look in the mirror over Dream Team snub originally appeared on Basketball Network. Speculation has followed Isiah Thomas for decades — specifically, the shadow of the 1992 Dream Team and his absence. He was, after all, one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, won two NBA championships and had 12 NBA All-Star appearances. Advertisement He had the credentials. But he never made the cut. Various reasons have been put forward from politics, personality and fractured relationships. The story has never been short on theories. The prevailing narrative points to Michael Jordan in a rumored power move in response to a long-running feud with Thomas that dated back to the late '80s. Thomas' pill to swallow Magic Johnson, a close friend of Thomas, sees the story through a wider lens. He insisted on accountability on the Detroit Pistons legend for his absence from the Dream Team. "That doesn't take away from Isiah's career or who he is as a man," Johnson said. "But at the same time, Isiah has to own up to his own problem and say, 'Hey, you know what, I had a hand in that, in that situation." Advertisement Thomas' rivalry with Jordan became infamous, not only on the court but in the psyche of the NBA, fueled by bruising playoff matchups and the bitter physicality of Detroit's Bad Boys era. The Eastern Conference battles between Detroit and Chicago were turf wars and Thomas stood at the center of it all, a general on a team that made it their mission to rattle and reject Jordan at every turn. While the spotlight has often fallen on Jordan's role, Johnson's comments redirect the focus. He points to Thomas himself, suggesting the point guard's own actions and strained relationships across the league contributed as much as any behind-the-scenes veto. Thomas had tensions with several Dream Team members, including Scottie Pippen and Larry Bird. The Pistons' unapologetically aggressive style, particularly during their peak from 1988 to 1990, drew resentment from rivals who saw their success as coming at the cost of sportsmanship. Advertisement In 1991, they famously walked off the court without shaking hands after being swept by the Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals — a move that, though not orchestrated by Thomas alone, was closely associated with his leadership. That moment wasn't forgotten. In the politically charged selection process for the Dream Team, every grudge mattered. Chemistry was paramount and if too many stars had reservations about one player, that player wasn't technically going. Related: "Yeah, they'll probably have to do something" - Bird says the NBA will be forced to move the 3-point line back if high volume continues Magic's part Johnson, who had once shared a brotherhood with Thomas before their relationship soured in the early '90s, also took a moment to clarify his role, or lack thereof, in the Dream Team controversy. The Los Angeles Lakers legend didn't have a part to play in Thomas not making the cut despite a leadership role in the selection process. Advertisement "The only thing David Stern and Rod Thorn asked me to do was to call Larry Bird and Michael Jordan and tell them they should play on the Dream Team," Johnson recalled. "Because Michael Jordan was on the fence on whether he wanted to play or not. Larry Bird was on the fence only because of his back." Johnson, a central figure in the NBA's golden age, wasn't involved in gatekeeping. Instead, he was a recruiter, called upon to ensure the league's top stars bought into the Olympic experiment. Amid the web of stories and finger-pointing, Thomas might benefit from acknowledging the dynamics that made his inclusion a hard sell. For a player of his stature, being kept off the most iconic team in basketball history was a statement about the NBA's ecosystem at the time and how the game's best had come to view one of their own. Even now, the debate endures. But as Johnson pointed out, careers like Thomas' don't get erased by a single omission. They are marked by rings, records, moments and the respect of those who played the game at its highest level. The Dream Team lives in legend, but Thomas' legacy still stands. Advertisement With or without the Dream Team. Related: 'We are too old for this right now' - Magic Johnson pleads with Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas to talk out their beef This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
LeBron Shuts Down The 'No Bag' Talk: "I'm Sitting Here With 50 Billion Points"
LeBron Shuts Down The 'No Bag' Talk: "I'm Sitting Here With 50 Billion Points" originally appeared on Fadeaway World. LeBron James is done listening to people claim he has 'no bag.' On the latest episode of Mind The Game, the all-time NBA scoring king finally addressed the long-running internet narrative questioning his creativity and dribble package. In true LeBron fashion, he didn't raise his voice, he raised the bar. Advertisement "When I was growing up, it wasn't talked about it. The least amount of dribbles to get where you need to get to was what I grew up on." "Michael Jordan wasn't out there dribbling 1,000 times, you know, to get to the spot. He'd get to a spot and raise. Isiah Thomas, as great of a handle that Isiah Thomas had, Isiah would get to a spot and raise." "All these guys that I grew up on, Grant Hill, get to a spot, I'm bigger than you. Big Dog Robinson, I'm bigger than you. Allen Houston, all these great players, that I grew up watching and admiring." "Penny Hardaway, they could dribble the basketball, but there's no... Tracy McGrady, even as great as Tracy's handle was, it was, I'm bigger than you, I'm gonna get to the spot and the least amount of dribbles." Advertisement "Kevin Garnett... Just good footwork, get over the top. If I'm bigger than you and I get you on my shoulder, I get you on my hip, I'm gonna use my size." "I see it all the time. It's like, you know, I'll be on social media, like, LeBron has no bag. LeBron has no bag and I'm sitting over here with 50 billion points." That's not hyperbole. LeBron James has amassed 52,243 career points, a mind-boggling number that includes 42,184 in the regular season and 8,289 in the playoffs. That's over 50,000 points in the NBA alone. Add in his points for Team USA, All-Star Games, the In-Season Tournament, and various exhibition and international games, and the total vaults well beyond the 52K mark. To put it simply, if LeBron has no bag, then basketball doesn't need one. Advertisement What triggered LeBron's subtle roast of the internet critics was a deeper discussion about how offensive basketball was taught and understood in his generation. He pointed out that players he admired growing up like Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, and Tracy McGrady, all emphasized efficiency over flash. He mentioned legends like Allen Houston and 'Big Dog' Glenn Robinson, who dominated their matchups by using size, footwork, and precision, not a flurry of crossovers or highlight-reel ankle breakers. Even someone like Isiah Thomas, known for his handle, played within a framework that emphasized getting to a spot with purpose. In that context, LeBron sees himself not as lacking a bag, but simply operating from a different philosophy. Advertisement The comments are a timely reminder that "bag" talk — especially the internet's obsession with flashy dribbling and aesthetic shot creation — often ignores the actual results. LeBron didn't need to dance with the ball. He bulldozed, he glided, he orchestrated, and he dominated. From post fades to downhill drives, from bullet passes to chase-down blocks, LeBron's game is built on control, versatility, and overwhelming impact. And while social media might be fixated on who has the deepest handle or slickest combo, LeBron is focused on the scoreboard and history. Whether or not someone wants to call it a 'bag,' LeBron's point is simple: the man with over 50,000 points, four championships, and a two-decade run of dominance doesn't need to prove his artistry. He is the canvas. Related: Dominique Wilkins Says LeBron James Is A Sidekick For The Lakers After Luka Doncic Trade This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"I think Indiana wins Game 3"- Isiah Thomas issues bold prediction as the 2025 NBA Finals shift to "The Hoosier State"
"I think Indiana wins Game 3"- Isiah Thomas issues bold prediction as the 2025 NBA Finals shift to "The Hoosier State" originally appeared on Basketball Network. The Indiana Pacers have certainly been the biggest surprise of the 2025 Playoffs. Not remotely considered championship contenders, Coach Rick Carlisle and his crew made history, with the franchise clinching its first Finals appearance since 2000. Advertisement Voted as the most overrated player, Tyrese Haliburton responded in the best way possible. Letting his game do all the talking, the 25-year-old sent the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson back home empty-handed. What has stood out the most about Hali lately is his clutch performance. After stunning the Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden, the Iowa State product stole Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, sinking a game-winning jumper that gave his team the first and only lead of the game. Never one to shy away from the moment, the OKC Thunder answered in dominant fashion. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they cruised past the Pacers to tie the series at 1-1. As the battle heads to Indiana's Gainbridge Fieldhouse, former Pistons great turned analyst Isiah Thomas backed Haliburton and company to take control, especially in Game 3. "Game 3 is the most important game in the series. Game 3 is where you get momentum at, and I see Indiana winning Game 3 at home and forcing to perform in a Game 4, or OKC is got to win a Game 5 to stretch it to Game 6. I think Indiana goes home; they know how important Game 3 is. I think Indiana wins Game 3," predicted "Zeke," who is widely regarded as a Top 5 point guard of all time. Will home-court advantage enable the Pacers to regain the lead? As the Finals shift to Indiana for Games 3 and 4, one can expect a loud and energetic crowd at their home gym in what is also their first Finals appearance in over 25 years. The Pacers will look to maximize the situation, especially with the Thunder losing the home-court advantage after the Game 1 stunner. Advertisement At home, the Pacers stand at 29-12 during the 2024-25 regular season and 6-2 in the playoffs. Thus, the odds are in its favor for the next two games of the Finals. Still, the Thunder hold a respectable 4-3 record on the road this postseason, making it entirely likely for them to get their Game 1 payback — whether in Game 3, Game 4, or perhaps both. What adds even more intrigue is the elite-level defense that Mark Daigneault and his squad continue to hang their hats on. Related: "Dad, you at 17, me at 17, who was better? I said, 'Listen, son...'" - Dominique Wilkins on the moment he realized his son didn't know how great of a player he was Where did the Pacers go wrong in Game 2? The plan to double-team Hali seems to have produced favorable results in Game 2, given the two-time All-Star was limited to 17 points with five turnovers. Reigning ECF MVP Pascal Siakam had a rough night, going 3-for-11 from the field and finishing with 15 points. Outrebounded both offensively and defensively, the Pacers didn't have a great shooting night from the field. Advertisement OKC came out unstoppable, leaving no stone unturned this time around. The Big 3 of Shai, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren had an impressive outing. Alex Caruso and Aaron Wiggins stepped up off the bench, combining to shoot an impressive 9-of-16 from beyond the arc. And while the Thunder may be the deeper, more complete team on paper, they still have gaps to tighten if they plan on finishing this run with a title. That's exactly why Isiah picks Indiana to steal Game 3 and take control of the series. Related: Dwyane Wade shares why Rick Carlisle should get more recognition for the Pacers' success: "I give a lot of credit to the leader over there" This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Shaquille O'Neal throws shade at Celtics' Jayson Tatum's HOF credentials
The post Shaquille O'Neal throws shade at Celtics' Jayson Tatum's HOF credentials appeared first on ClutchPoints. Shaquille O'Neal has one of the greatest resumes of any player in the Basketball Hall of Fame. The former Los Angeles Lakers center won four championships, 15 All-Star appearances, 14 All-NBA selections, and an MVP award in 2000. O'Neal reflected on what is needed to make it into the Basketball Hall of Fame these days, with Brandon Jennings, using Boston Celtics forward Jason Tatum as an example. He brought up something Isiah Thomas told him to make his point. Advertisement When Brian Lefkoe told O'Neal he already thought Tatum's career was worthy of the Hall of Fame on Thursday's episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, O'Neal was shocked. Lefkoe tried to explain to O'Neal what qualifies players to enter the Hall of Fame these days, but the former Laker was not having it. 'You ever see that movie Ocean's Thirteen? I'm going to break into the Hall of Fame and take all of my s—t out,' O'Neal said. 'You all just throwing people in there now. Isiah Thomas said it the best one day, he said there's two Hall of Fames. There's a bad mother f—-er Hall of Fame and there's a basketball Hall of Fame. So, which Hall of Fame is he in?' According to O'Neal, Tatum could potentially make it into the Hall of Fame with his current resume. However, there is a gap between him and the true legends of the game. Jennings agreed with O'Neal, but Lefkoe's argument for Tatum is fair. So far in his career, the Celtics forward has six All-Star appearances, five All-NBA selections, a championship, and two Finals appearances. Compared to recent Hall of Fame classes, Tatum should have no trouble finding his way in. The 27-year-old will miss most of, if not all, next season with the Celtics because of a torn ACL. However, he will have plenty of chances to rack up more accolades. Advertisement O'Neal's take on the Basketball Hall of Fame is not a new one. There are former players and media members who think that its standards have gone down over time. For now, though, O'Neal might need to accept the fact that Tatum has already done enough to join him. However, O'Neal considers himself on a higher echelon as a 'bad mother f—er Hall of Fame.' Related: Spurs' trade proposal for Jaylen Brown if Celtics blow it up Related: NBA rumors: Rockets 'anticipating' Celtics trade talks
