He’s had a celebrated playing career at Indiana University and the Detroit Pistons. His post-playing career is something else. Isiah Thomas was an analyst on the NBA on NBC and wasn’t great. His coaching and managerial career in the NBA has been less than stellar. And he’s tried to coach in college.
So it’s only natural that Thomas tries TV again with NBA TV as a studio analyst. He’ll begin on Friday which if you’ve been following these things is the end of the Mayan calendar.
Here’s the press release from NBA TV. You can check it all out below.
Isiah Thomas Joins NBA TV as Studio Analyst
Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas will join NBA TV as a studio analyst, making his debut Friday, Dec. 21, during the network’s Pre-Game Show at 7 p.m. ET. He will make several appearances each month on the network and will also be a regular contributor to NBA.com. Thomas is a 12-time NBA All-Star and was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
Thomas played 13 seasons in the NBA, all as a member of the Detroit Pistons. He led the franchise to back-to-back world championships in 1989-90 and earned NBA Finals MVP in 1990. During his career, he was named All-NBA First Team three times (1984-86) and All-NBA Second Team twice (1983 and 1987). He was also a two-time MVP of the NBA All-Star Game (1984 and 1986). Thomas averaged 19.2 points per game during his professional career and 9.3 assists per game. In his 13 seasons with the Pistons, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals and games played. His No. 11 was retired by the team in 1996. Off the court, Thomas received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1987.
Drafted second overall by the Pistons in 1981, Thomas played collegiate basketball at Indiana University under head coach Bobby Knight. Thomas led the Hoosiers to an NCAA Championship in 1981 when he was the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
Following his playing career, Thomas was part owner and executive vice president of the expansion Toronto Raptors in 1994. Thomas parted from the organization in 1998 and became a television analyst for NBC. He coached the Indiana Pacers from 2000-03, guiding them to the playoffs each season. In 2003, Thomas was hired by the New York Knicks as president of basketball operations and he held the position through 2008.
Thomas is currently chairman and CEO of Isiah International, a holding company with interests in a diversified portfolio of companies with strong market positions and growth potential. In addition, inspired by his mother’s work to improve the lives of disadvantaged families, Thomas founded Mary’s Court in her honor to support the health, safety and academic achievement of Chicago’s youth and youth around the country.
That’s all.
