Every basketball lover must be familiar with the name Isiah Thomas. Isiah Thomas is considered one of the best players in the history of the NBA.
Notably, he was named as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Likewise, he has also been honored as NBA All-Star 12 times in his career.
Furthermore, Thomas played his entire basketball career for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. All in all, he played for 13 years at the NBA.
Indeed, Isiah is an idol for all the basketball players and many other youths as well. So today, let’s dive a little into his life and discuss his early life, age, career, net worth, and many more.
But firstly, let’s look at some of the quick facts.
Quick Facts:
Name | Isiah Lord Thomas III |
Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
Birthdate | April 30, 1961 |
Age | 61 years old |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Black |
Religion | Christianity |
Nickname | Mr. Wonderful
Pee Wee The Baby Faced Assassin Zeke |
Education | St. Joseph High School
Indiana College |
Father Name | Isiah II |
Mother | Mary Thomas |
Siblings | 8 |
Height | 6 ft. 1 inch |
Weight | 82 kg |
Shoe Size | 12 |
NBA Draft | 1981 |
Profession | Former Basketball Player, Coach, Executive, Analyst |
Currently Working At | ESPN (Analyst) |
Affiliations | NBA |
Playing Career | 1981-1994 |
Position | Point Guard |
Coaching Career | 2000-2012 |
Jersey Number | 11 |
Achievement | Hall of Fame (2006 College Basketball)
Gold Medal in Pan American Games |
Net Worth | $100 million |
Salary | $6.21 million |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Black |
Achievements | Two times NBA Champion
12 times NBA All-Star J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award One time NBA All-Rookie first team |
Sexual Orientation | Straight |
Marital Status | Married |
Wife | Lynn Kendall |
Children | Zeke Thomas
Marc E.T. Dones Lauren Thomas |
NBA Stats | 19.2 ppg (Points)
9.3 APG (Assists) 1.9 (SPG) Steals |
Career Average | College (.286)
NBA (.456) |
Controversy | Paternity Case
Sexual Harassment Drug Overdose |
Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
Last Update | July, 2022 |
Early Life, Family, and Education | Isiah Thomas
Isiah Lord Thomas III, better known as Isiah Thomas, was born in Chicago, Illinois, in the United States, on April 30, 1961.
He was the ninth child to be born to Isiah II (the father) and Mary Thomas (the mother). Isiah was the youngest of the siblings, thus everyone in his family referred to him as junior.
Additionally, his mother oversaw the youth ministry at Our Ladies of Sorrows Catholic Church, and his father had previously worked for International Harvester.
Isiah was living a regular life as a child until his father abandoned the family since he couldn’t find work and had lost his job.
Childhood Adversities
After his father left, Mary was forced to carry the weight of the entire family. She had to care for her nine children while working.
Despite her best efforts, she was unable to provide for her children’s needs in terms of food. Thomas spent his childhood wandering the streets in search of food wrappers that still contained cheese. Thomas did the same to earn money by shining other people’s shoes.
Unfortunately, Thomas would have to be concerned with bringing the money home without getting robbed every day. He was poor throughout his entire youth.
Thomas played basketball since the age of three, so despite his poverty, he never gave up hope.
Thomas later came to the realization that basketball might be the key to ending his family’s poverty. He began to take basketball more seriously than ever after that.
Larry Thomas, a sibling of Thomas, also participated in the youth clubs’ basketball program. One of the brothers should play in the NBA, according to his family.
Similar to Thomas, his brother received an invitation to try out for the Chicago Bulls but was unable to take it due to an injury.
Lord Henry, their other sibling, lost his athletic ability due to drug addiction. It was therefore up to Isiah to succeed.
Larry Thomas, though, did back him and bring a lawsuit against him. Isiah’s brother also advised him to avoid controversy and concentrate on his work.
Additionally, he attended Our Lady of Sorrows School. There, he picked up the fundamentals of basketball. After leaving there with his diploma, he enrolled at St. Joseph High School.
He also participated in basketball for his collegiate squad. Thomas’s true voyage therefore began there.
Also Read Cam Newton Career
What is Isiah Thomas’ age? Age, height, and physical characteristics
Isiah Thomas is 61 years old as of the date of this writing. Isiah is a Taurus, according to the horoscope for his birth chart.
This zodiac sign’s natives are frequently determined, independent, and forthright. Thomas is unquestionably a dedicated and self-reliant individual.
Thomas not only has a great personality but also great looks. He is 82 kg in proportion to his height and stands at 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) in height.
Thomas has kept up his body even though he retired. He has kept up his body and is still in excellent shape.
However, Thomas would not be where he is now if he had not been determined.
His tenacity has led to his achievement and excellent financial standing now. Thomas is a talented player, no doubt.
He is among the top basketball players of all time, and that is not in dispute. Additionally, he serves as an example for many young people who want to play basketball and other sports.
Other than this, Thomas’s body is known for his short black hair and black color. He is also a Christian, a nationality of the United States, and a member of the black race.
Early Career of Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas attended St. Joseph High School, where Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers scouted him to play for them.
Someone mentioned Isiah at that point; Knight defeats his players. Isiah, however, didn’t take that rumor seriously.
But Isiah’s brother didn’t want him to be on that team, so when Knight paid them a visit, he ended up embarking Isiah in front of him.
Isiah would help the Knights team, but Mary wanted to send him there because she thought it would help her son’s behavior. Indeed, Knight was a stern coach who emphasized discipline among his team members.
Knight was so furious at Knight in the beginning, let’s say during Thomas’ first year, that he advised Thomas to send him back home.
But shortly after, Thomas gave Knight a demonstration of his aptitude and abilities. Thomas’ abilities and capabilities were what forced Knight to modify his coaching approach.
Amazingly, Isiah began to gain attention, and his supporters even gave him the nickname Mr. Wonderful.
Because of his very small height for college football, Knight gave Isiah Pee Wee a different nickname than Thomas.
Thomas was also performing well during his college years. The 1981 NCAA Tournament was won by the squad captained by Isiah Thomas.
As a result, he was named the game’s Most Outstanding Player, which finally qualified him for the upcoming NBA Draft.
Isiah Thomas: Career in the NBA
When Isiah Thomas made his NBA debut, his life did in fact take a different turn. Amazingly, the Detroit Pistons signed him to a four-year, $1.6 million contract.
Despite being perceived as being little, he refused to be defined by his height and proved to be one of the best players.
Additionally, he established himself as a powerful player with strong arm and ball-handling ability. Finally, during the rematch against the Los Angeles Lakers, Thomas earned his first NBA triumph.
The following year, they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers to earn their second NBA victory.
Thomas was also regarded as the game’s Most Valuable Player. Due to their strength and aggressive play, their group was dubbed the “Bad Boys” as well.
Thomas did become the fourth NBA player with more than 9000 assists during his 13-year career, though. In a similar vein, he also rose to become Piston’s all-time points leader.
He has received numerous basketball-related awards, including USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year, NBA All-Star 12 times, 2 NBA games, and many more.
after retirement
Thomas opened a business after leaving the NBA and coaching. He also serves as the CEO and founding chairman of Isiah International LLC.
As a result, this organization’s primary tasks include recycling, green trash removal, and eleven capitals.
Additionally, Thomas is a real estate investor and a founding partner of Dale and Thomas Popcorn. He also works actively in the real estate industry.
He also served as an NBA television pundit on NBC.
In addition, he also owns the CBA (Continental Basketball Association), which he purchased for $10 million after it filed for bankruptcy.
Career in Coaching
Thomas began serving as the Indiana Pacers’ head coach after leaving the NBA. In addition, he spent three years there.
Isiah joined the Knicks in 2003, too. Sadly, Thomas was let go by the Knicks after compiling a record of 56-108.
He was not having success as a coach, in contrast to his playing career. He was fired by Florida International University in Miami in 2012 after three seasons of losing games.
Additionally, Liberty in New York was sold in 2019, ending his term as President there.
has finished his studies
Ishia Thomas graduated with his master’s from the Berkeley Graduate School of Education in 2013. He also looked into the connection between sports and education.
Additionally, he looked at how easy it was for black male college athletes, particularly in American society, to obtain an education.
On the NBA website, you may get the most recent Isiah Thomas-related news and updates.
What is the wealth of Isiah Thomas? Salary and Assets
Isiah Thomas has undoubtedly made a respectable sum of money. He has put a lot of effort into becoming where he is now. However, he found it difficult to get from poverty to wealth.
Isiah’s net worth is reportedly estimated to be $100 million. He also makes about $6.21 million annually.
Thomas also has a business company. He also makes money there. Isha also has properties in Bloomfield Hills, Westchester County, and New York, each totaling $3.73 million.
However, not much information about his possessions and auto collection has been made public. Thomas undoubtedly has a lavish life.
Net Worth of Isiah Thomas in Different Currencies
Have a look into Isiah Thomas’s net worth in different currencies.
Currency | Net Worth |
Euro | 84,233,930€ |
Pound Sterling | 72,032,500£ |
Australian Dollar | 133,922,600A$ |
Canadian Dollar | 124,725,000C$ |
Indian Rupee | 7,445,100,000₹ |
BitCoin | 2,911฿ |
Philanthropy
Thomas has also been involved in various social activities. He has an organization that helps financially weak parents and children on the west side of Chicago.
Similarly, his organization donates clothes, education supplies, and food every year to hundreds of children in Chicago in the signature event. Likewise, he has also paid the tuition fees of 75 college students.
Notably, Thomas has also won the Humanity of Connection award in 2017 for his good works, which brought impactful changes in society.
Does Isiah Thomas have a daughter? Personal Life and Wife
Isiah Thomas’s life has always been full of drama, ups, and downs. But his marriage with Lynn Kendall definitely is one high; they both got married in 1985.
However, both of them met at Indiana University. Lynn was present when Thomas signed his first contract with the NBA.
Besides, Thomas proposed to Lynn in the same place they met before submitting to her; he took Lynn’s father’s blessings.
However, Thomas was accused of cheating on Lynn by Jenni Dones. Jenni claimed she had a romantic relationship with Thomas, and she conceived a baby just two months before Thomas’ marriage.
However, both the parties went on a settlement, with Thomas agreeing to pay $500,000 and pay $2,764 every month until Marx turns 18.
Similarly, Jenni filed another case stating that the money being provided was not enough for Marc. Hence, she got additional settlement money, which has not been disclosed.
Similarly, in an interview, Marc has said that he doesn’t care about his father, and both live different lives.
“Our lives are separate. He lives his and I live mine. He hasn’t been a good dad to me.”
However, Thomas has two kids with Kendall named Lauren Thomas (daughter) and Joshua Thomas (son).
Despite all these controversies, Lynn and Thomas share a strong bond and are happily married.
Isiah Thomas | Controversies
Isiah Thomas’s life has been full of ups and downs. The star player had to face a lot of problems in his life.
However, as he is a celebrity, he is always in the limelight and watched by people. Likewise, one small mistake can create a lot of controversies.
Talking about controversies, Thomas had been accused of sexual harassment in 2006.
A former female executive of Kinks filed a case stating she was harassed and then fired from the job. However, that case was later settled for $11.5 million.
Besides, in 2008 Thomas was hospitalized as he accidentally took an overdose of Lunesta. However, later Thomas explained he was quiet about being hospitalized because he wanted to focus on his family.
Similarly, Thomas has a son named Marc from another lady. Likewise, she filed a case against him to settle for her son’s education and daily expenses.
However, the lawsuit was filed two times, and both the times that lady got the settlement.
Social Media Presence:
Twitter: 182.8k followers
Instagram: 666k followers
Some FAQs:
How much is Isiah Thomas’s rookie card value?
Isiah Thomas’s rookie card price ranges from $18.38-$154.50.
What did Isiah Thomas say about LeBron James?
Isiah Thomas said that LeBron James is one of the greatest players of the National Basketball Association(NBA). He said,
“The best and most ‘complete’ player I have seen in my lifetime is LeBron James on and off the floor,”
Why did Isiah Thomas retire early?
Isiah Thomas retired early because of his torn Achilles tendon. He suffered the injury on April 19, 1994, and announced his retirement just a month later, on May 11, 1994.
When was Isiah Thomas’s last game?
Isiah Thomas played his last game against Orlando in 1994.
Is Isiah Thomas a Hall of Famer?
Isiah Thomas was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.