Isiah L. Thomas' Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Speech

Chuck Daly introduces Isiah L. Thomas as he delivers his speech upon being enshrined to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2000. To learn more about Isiah L. Thomas take a look at his official Hall of Fame bio at www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famer...

[@johngallo1824]

Will never forget him playing with one foot , This Laker Fan gives him a standing ovation 👏👏👏

[@ahnoldshort5500]

Yeah what a BEAST he may have had more heart any other player ever

[@giantkiller56]

Maaaaan! He gave LA the business that night. If it wasn't for some BS call at the end, that would've given Zeke the perfect championship ending.

[@trentonayershandsoffire3620]

So is this Laker

[@capitanfuturo594]

Los Angeles Lakers win that finals in 1988 whem Isiah Thomas injured in game 6.

[@nathanielthomas2502]

Ty..a lot of people forget or don't know

[@mobetta2092]

RIP Mrs. Mary Thomas and thank you. I grew up in Detroit and we all felt we knew Mrs. Mary Thomas because Isiah was always eager to share with the public how special she was to him. I watched the Disney Movie, "A Mother's Courage, The Mary Thomas Story," countless times as a kid...still one of my favorite movies. Zeke is my favorite player of all-time, and his wife Lynn Thomas is such a beautiful and classy lady....btw, his brother Larry would visit high schools on the east side of Detroit in the early 90s to talk with students to encourage us to do great things. The Thomas family will forever be good anywhere at anytime in Detroit.

[@TheTruthness2011]

So-arrogant. Most people in Detroit don't follow basketball. Basketball has created false-hope for so-many young people. Basketballers are disgusting the way they live. Nearly, all-of-them betray their wives and all-of-them will promote harmful products to sustain their disgusting, un-natural lives 🌳💙.

[@dougcody-nk2fp]

My favorite in any sport...all❤

[@ezekielmajor5511]

I'll never forget that playoff game when he played with the injured leg. He refused to leave the game and it was one the best NBA single performances ever.

[@tiffanycardot4966]

Ezekiel Major ya momma

[@davidtargos6278]

Ezekiel Major sadly that’s the main reasons why he had a short career

[@nelsonrodriguez6639]

May 16, 1980 In the NBA Finals Championship Series, point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson as a rookie scores 42 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the Lakers to victory and was named Most Valuable Player of the finals. That is the best NBA single performance ever. No other great, as a rookie has had a better NBA single performance.

[@nelsonrodriguez6639]

Magic Johnson also played all 5 positions during that NBA Finals Championship game, as a rookie that is insane when you think of the top 10 players of all time. Nobody could pull that off their rookie year, not Michael Jordan, not Larry Bird, Not Kobe Bryant, Not Lebron James, that may never happen again.

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

Reminds me of cp3 in that game 7

[@eurozone69]

Who's on a hall of fame binge?

[@JeffTygart]

Me after watching Shaq and AI.

[@KINGKAYLEB-vq2tb]

fr

[@JeffTygart]

Muniversity 13 lol

[@mookeychase0907]

Stop playing me too...

[@kumodee1]

for real for real - started with mj and kept on clicking

[@meharinationsportspodcast2582]

This man deserves more recognition as one of the all time greats. Regardless on his controversies with the top stars during the 80's and early 90's, this man showed heart, determination, desire, leadership, and well every time he stepped on the court. His 25 point 3rd quarter performance on the sprained right ankle is perhaps the most courageous performance in the history of sports. Only a few stars can equal what Isiah did in almost leading the Pistons to the championship. He's a winner and was jobbed out of the Dream Team in 92 not just because of Jordan.

[@aleksandrpondios]

For those who followed the game during the eighties he is one of the greatest ever,Isiah had it all,at least the same class with John Stockton,if not better.

[@meharinationsportspodcast2582]

No disrespect to Stockton. But, Isiah was a greater PG then he was despite setting records in assists and steals. With a National Championship and 2 World Championship he's in another stratosphere.

[@meharinationsportspodcast2582]

gerizzyYMcrew I'm not gonna waste my time on a dumb ignorant ass like you. It's obvious you do know anything about basketball so I won't waste my time responding back because its not worth it.

[@jeezydogpsn]

gerizzyYMcrew are you stupid?

[@jeezydogpsn]

y u hate the greatest pg ever

[@RGT4285]

I can listen to the speech of Isiah the whole day! He is an orator and so spontaneous! He speaks from his heart!

[@jeffgroth5032]

Thank you Isiah Thomas and thank you Chuck Daly for what you did for Michigan. You may not have wanted to come here originally but you made Detroit so proud and relevant when you were here. How could we as fans not respect guys like you forever because of that? You guys are amazing..... Thank you thank you thank you...... RIP Chuck...... we miss you as a Michigan family.....

[@lukegottleber7013]

Jeff Groth Daley

[@cynlev]

I couldn't have said it better myself. As a native Detroiter growing up in the 80s, Isiah and the Pistons brought me so much pride and joy!

[@jimries625]

Nice. Jeff. 🤝

[@wildworld33]

A legend

[@PaulHowardNetwork]

Isaiah's mother is such a beautiful Lady! Thank you Isaiah for being such a great example!

[@TL2354]

Isiah. His name is in the title and you still got it wrong

[@olijadu]

Great speaker, story teller, no prepared speech. The reason s lot of the guys don't like him is because he is brutally honest, and many people don't like brutal honesty, they like facade

[@rasheedahking3197]

This gotta be the most accurate thing about him ive ever heard. He's very genuine. When honest people arent going to like you.

[@joseaviles673]

I want to say isiah Thomas is underrated and overlooked because of magic and bird what people fail to understand he had to go thru the bird and magic gauntlet to win the chip and for all you Jordan bandwagoners isiah has a better win loss record against jordan. Greatest performance by one man injured in the finals he refuse to quit

[@stacyhunt1173]

Oh and dont forget they were dirty players

[@edmerc92]

The funny thing is that all these same players voted him to be the president of the players' association. If if they didn't like him, they still respected his intelligence.

[@GeeVoo]

they dont like him because jordan dont like him and they are MJ dickriders

[@valetudo1974]

On of the best speeches Ive heard in a long time... Much respect to Isiah Thomas...

[@notmine4268]

Just met him in person 10-6-23 at work. He’s just a super nice person and that smile can be seen a mile away, the same as he had on the court: I couldn’t stop smiling myself! Awesome!!!

[@user-hm4rh6im7v]

Please! Tell us more. Very interested!!!

[@badsolja1]

That’s some gay shit Wow good for you

[@miguelperkins7997]

This guy was special, mentally tough with that god given talent and the will to be great. Some controversy but hell nobody is perfect. Zeke, loved watching you play and admired how well you did LEAD!

[@abdelrahmanelsheikh5798]

The biggest shame on the NBA is excluding this legend from the so-called dream team. It ain't so without him, this man embodies what dreams are.

[@chillbest14]

The whole team didn't want him. But Yes Isiah damn sure should have been on the dream team.

[@waylonsteelman4577]

The failure to show sportsmanship after the bulls finally overcame them was a huge factor. Low class actions at the wrong time and it cost him

[@abdelrahmanelsheikh5798]

@@waylonsteelman4577 Doesn't make sense. Chuck Daly was the head coach of the Pistons, and was selected to coach the so-called dream team.

[@abdelrahmanelsheikh5798]

@@chillbest14 Mostly Jordan and Pippen didn't.

[@big-l5771]

He didn't make the dream team cause his personality was a nightmare.

[@kudabeen]

could listen to him speak on basketball for hours...the most captivating, intelligent descriptive and honest basketball mind outside of Bill Russell to ever do it.

[@TheWebmasterJL1]

WORD!

[@mmafan2223]

very well said thank you

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

Agree .. to bad the mainstream sportsmedia allows any former basketball player to just say nothing on TV.

[@yaotmacfrancis]

too bad he was a dbag. so many of his peers hated him during his playing days.

[@superdopehiphop]

@@yaotmacfrancis you mean MJ & Pippen?!?!

[@tarawebb9800]

Classy and one of the best induction speeches I've heard!

[@midsummersnight3848]

This girl from IL graduated in his sister schools class! I can tell you firsthand that this is an incredible guy. So well deserved!!!

[@gustinn3509]

Thank you Isiah for giving me, Detroit and the entire state of Michigan, over a decade of memories that will last a lifetime... we are all bonded, and branded with the scars of the tough times and the joys of the better times... those that were not there and were not a part of it will never get it... thanks for the ride.

[@mrswaggmasta]

the best speech i've seen thus far.. so well spoken. Legend.

[@edmerc92]

Fantastic speech from a fantastic player. Thank you Isiah, from a Piston fan.

[@MrAiden3121]

I am a Celtics fan and i love Isiah he was a Great Leader and Player well deserved SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE DREAM TEAM

[@khunmoh2492]

I love his smile, he is grateful, and humble.

[@toksaden5951]

Isiah Thomas style of playing was what got me hooked to watching Basketball. The team played like men.He's one of the best point guard to ever lay hands on a basketball.

[@aarondigby9859]

Curly Neal of the Harlem Globetrotters is an alumni of Johnson C. Smith Univ Golden Bulls out of Charlotte NC.

[@letterstomyson195]

most underrated under appreciated superstar EVER! He beat Michael, Magic and Bird IN THE SAME POSTSEASON to win his first ring! NO LOWER THAN 2ND GREATEST POINT GUARD EVER IF NOT THE GREATEST!

[@darylshackelford3673]

FACTS!!!!!!

[@nuftis]

He's not better than magic but he was fantastic. I dont agree with things he's said and done but he deserved a spot on that dream team. Incredible player and leader

[@tarnopol]

Good point. Man, was there mad talent in the game back then!

[@iceplayer3244]

@@nicholaslee3241 Curry is my favorite player too but (GOAT in shooting)... Man they don't play on the same era. And this guy is 1.84m whereas Curry is 1.91m... Also Steph isn't clutch enough.

[@iceplayer3244]

@@nicholaslee3241 I didn't say that he's not. I said that he's not ENOUGH. Ofc he's clutch bcs he convert all the FTs on the money time. And he already show some clutch shot (and especially a lot of daggers) but u can't compare him with KD for example. If MJ is 20/20 to clutch, Curry is maybe 14~16/20. That's my point.

[@toddsands6000]

Isiah Thomas was clearly one of the greatest competitors winners in basketball period. In my humble opinion, Isiah is among the inner circle of GOATs. Isiah is there on the same level as Magic Johnson, Bob Cousy and other great Point Guards in the history of the game of basketball when It came to basketball I.Q. and leadership.

[@samiahmed6875]

He beat them in their primes.

[@toddsands6000]

@Devi Lisa Easy....I can respect opinions, but we are all too sensitive. My perspective was simply from a point guard's point of view. Cerebral! The whole basketball world knows that the early Celtics success were constructed around Bill Russell. But as a point guard, Bill Russell is NOT dribbling the ball up the court. And to correct you further, Bob Cousy has a strong basketball IQ (I personally reference greats in the present tense). His basketball IQ is definitely better than yours, mine or any other non-pro. Again, I'm talking from a point guard perspective. I'm not a Boston fan. But overall, I'm a basketball fan. And history doesn't lie. Cousy is recognized as one the best point guards in NBA history. Isiah would easily play in his era - I get that. I like Isiah simply because he's a true point guard. But I can say the same thing about how you compare Isiah to Bob Cousy with another point guard great. In your words, Magic Johnson would prison rape Isiah Thomas straight up. I know it doesn't sound fair. And I don't like talking in that way. But these arguments can go on and on if we base arguments on your terms.

[@toddsands6000]

@Devi Lisa Ahh,....I was wondering where the bitterness came from. In retrospect, I'm sorry that your grandfather did not get the opportunity to play. I do mean that. But we can't change history. Those things happened, and it's set in stone. Can't do anything about what happened in the past. I understand your frustrations. Let's be real, a Boston Celtics fan or fans broke into Bill Russell's home and defecated on his bed. That story wasn't immediately posted in the news. Especially when the Boston media controlled everything within that area. All, I'm saying are things from a point guard's perspective. I used Cousy simply because of the amount of championships he helped win. I am not a Boston Celtics fan. Never was. But hypothetically, if more black players were integrated into the league back in that era, would it make too much of a difference? The coaching definitely would have limited the play of black players during that era. The1960's and even the early 1970's preached an organized team game. And unfortunately, the Celtics were the best at it. Heck, I've heard stories and rumors that some personnel from Boston Celtics management helped influence the rules committee. In my opinion, I though Jerry West was greater than Bob Cousy. Unfortunately, Cousy has more rings - unfair or not. Basketball during that time was predominantly white. Let's be honest, fans at that time were not ready for black players. I'm glad I didn't grow up in that era. And we still have a whole lot of work to do now. Again, it was an honest comparison on comparing champions from my perspective. Regardless of damn race, I look at the game of basketball as much as possible without the damn race debate. Did race play a factor? You're damn right it did. But I just want to discuss basketball - "The Game! Overall, I respect your take.

[@toddsands6000]

@Devi Lisa Just deviating a bit from the basketball discussion, my late great uncle earned a "Q" Card to have the right to compete with professional golfers. But he could not play in the PGA as no sponsor would endorse him because he was a man of color. And clubs throughout the nation and world would not allow people of color access on their links. We all know about the history of Golf and people of color. Again, I respect your perspective, about your negative views of Bob Cousy, and I respect mine as well.

[@johnnyboy7538]

I agree.

[@madmanmiles725]

Underrated and incredibly well spoken. Last dance doesn’t give this incredible personality the appreciation he deserves regardless of how he is received from how he played the game

[@JustNeedaBeerandPark]

R.I.P. Coach Daly: Greatest NBA Coach ever!!!

[@edmerc92]

There was a reason he was named to coach the Dream Team. Amazing coach and person.

[@huntergerelds332]

I love the way the he talks and how smooth he transitions. Love watching TNT Open Court with him

[@amirharris6676]

Great player, young man, father and character above reproach! Congratulations Isaiah!

[@jozayphil2294]

Zeke is from Chicago, played college in Indiana, and Pro in Detroit. Jordan played in Chicago, Magic was from Michigan..., and Bird was from Indiana.

[@John6-40]

Would kinda be cool if teams could only take players from their state. Imagine Magic as a Piston. Isaiah as a Bull. Jordan as a Hornet. Bird as a Pacer. ETC

[@benashworth7653]

the chicago thing was the main reason Thomas had a problem wit Jordan. Untill jordan came along, chi town was Isiah's.

[@joonant1]

That midwest connection right there.

[@tuno1538]

Very perceptive🤔 The irony of it. I never would've made that connection.

[@deucewayne449]

Jozay phil Never thought about that.

[@jermaineonealnumber7]

I miss coach Daley. I'm glad there are some 90s games here where he's co-commenting. I love hearing coach Daley talk basketball & he's got a great sense of humour.

[@TL2354]

Daly

[@vhoy7899]

The best acceptance speech.... ..he praised his team. That's a leader!

[@kedrick71]

I have to admit I didn't like him much during his playing days, only because I loved the Bulls. This is one of the most moving speeches I've ever heard. I love the fact that he loves his Mom, being that I lost mine in 03. I love the man that you are Isaiah (happens to be my son's name too). You're a good man.

[@mikes3827]

+kedrick Y I admit I also didn't like him much, but only because I was (and am) a diehard Celtics fan, so I'm with you there. And there were some on-the-court things he did that I thought were uncalled for, but I think that was ultimately just Isiah's ultra-competitiveness more than anything. But even when he was playing for the Pistons, he always seemed like he was a good person. His smile lit up the room, and you could tell it was genuine, and that's where I like him. (BTW, I still hate Laimbeer's dirty playing self.)

[@calvinotto7440]

Same here, grew up a bulls fan and couldn't stand Isiah Thomas. Only because he was giving my bulls hell during those "BadBoys" Era. But I'm touched and moved by your speech Zeke..

[@braxtonthomas6194]

Beautifully put. ❤

[@mandogarcia7905]

I also didn't like Isiah against my bulls but I respected his game and toughness and how he grew up in chicago and succeeded thru it all. Also he is from Chi town and that's how his toughness was born thru...mad respect.

[@terrellgrant1570]

Facts

[@beeojeiks6516]

Excellent speech. Loved him looking back from where he came from. Thanking his mother 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Artstar2]

Listen to all of the NBA Hall of Fame speeches over the years. This could be the best. Isiah is a natural on and off the court.

[@AnHebrewChild]

Listen to Iverson's That was also beautiful. So was Rodman's.

[@okenough123]

Isiah great on and off the court, true legend

[@sepidehsh4661]

16 points in 94 second!!! dammmmmn

[@saritaale7482]

Isaiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman and Allen Iverson - Dayuuuum, that was one hell of moving speech. 😭😭😭

[@billthebutcher2]

Toughness personified, great, great player.

[@robertphilip6649]

Isaiah Thomas was a winner and the reason why Chicago Bulls lost time and again during the 80s. 'Bad Boys' for life!

[@Ossissindwestpolen]

That Made the bulls a better champion because of that

[@ronaldlewis739]

robert philip they only lost two years to the pistons

[@johnmayes761]

Bulls did something right for the pistons have to come up with the Jordan rules the only player that has a book out on how to try and stop the greatest player ever Jordan congulations Thomas on a great career

[@Hawkeyespeedblitz]

They played real dirty

[@barrylird6853]

@@Hawkeyespeedblitz but in all of honest as michael said .....when the bulls lost the games 89 & 90 .....michael was the first to shake hands.....next year 91 ....when bulls ....won the games ...bloody pistons .....left the stage ....like cunts ..and he admin that on the last dance ....that isiah is an asshole ...and after all these years he changed his excuse ....once that the celtics did that before so he thought that was normal and bla bla.....MR ISIAH THOMAS ....REAL MEN ... ACCEPT THEIR LOST ...but 91 pistons were great loosers ...and loose the game by just 2 players ....MJ and SCOTTIE....thats the story .......

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

1st round pick by Detroit out of IU in 1981 NCAA championship with Hoosiers in 1981 Most outstanding player of the NCAA tournament in 1981 2x All Star ⭐️MVP 1990 Finals MVP 2x NBA Champion (89 and 90) 12x All Star ⭐️ 1982 All Rookie Team Led the NBA in assists in 1985 3x All- NBA First Team 2x All-NBA Second Team Averaged 19 points 9 assists and 1.9 steals a game in his 13 year career with the Detroit Pistons (1981-1994) Considered one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history 2000 basketball 🏀 hall of fame

[@wingchundragon]

And shouldve been on the Dream Team!

[@naturalblockade3412]

@@wingchundragon but he wasn't.

[@Godoftheturnaround]

I absolutely love this one of all -- I’ve always thought he was one of the greatest dribblers of all time to me -- this was such a a magnificent and so well spoken speech and I love him being so humble, about his life, being so transparent, Isaiah you had me crying and also amazed how well spoken you where and your love of family

[@SuperJimmielee]

The best small pg ever. A true warrior.

[@johnnyberry9343]

Johnny L.Berry Jr.4358.. .....312 665847...chicago bulls 6 tuners with Chicago Bulls winners Phil Jackson..cacan winner ..winner Michel Jordan...all star..7 years.

[@lorrydriver1004]

Isiah was the fucking best ! .. Pistons were a beast team, they played the tough game .. Bad Boys Forever

[@t100base]

fuck jordan

[@lucan2281]

Bad boys forever yep! 👊💪

[@adskw1935]

I believe that Isiah Thomas is the second greatest point guard of all time, closely behind Magic and in his same class.

[@ejmac11]

+ADSkw1 Best 3 pointguards of all time are John Stockton, Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson. You can put them in any order you'd like, I personally liked Stockton the most, but they were all outstanding.

[@lotyloty2]

+ejmac11 and Jason Kidd , I think is pretty much a top 3 , cause of his overall career stats.

[@claytonstluka4933]

ejmac11 I agree tho I believe Stockton isn't as good as either of them as when they played Stockton would usually get lit up by them. Although Stockton might be better or equal to statistically as isiah, I think isiah was the 2nd best ever.

[@slipnorris5882]

Besides Magic, Ill take Isiah over Kidd, CP3, Nash, Stockton, Payton etc.. Russell Westbrook isn't a proto type point guard, but I think he is on the verge to be #2.

[@mjjohnson9925]

The big difference between Zeke and Stockton as basketball players? When needed, Zeke could put up 40 on you and take over a game when needed.

[@miafora7308]

Iv gone on a binge of these speeches the last couple days, Isiah is IMO the most poetic speaker I'v watched. Very powerful words.

[@thisislaflaretv5250]

I get teary eyed when I c this

[@valentinotera3244]

"Sinatra was made to sing. Jesse Owens was made to run. Isiah Thamas, was made to play basketball"

[@JohnnyCage333]

Chuck Daly said something interesting. He said that if Isiah Thomas was 5 inches taller he may have been the greatest of all time. I agree. No doubt. Definitely 1/2 right there with Michael Jordan.

[@gunradiahmad7742]

just like Kobe said that we're lucky Allen Iverson is just 6 ft tall..

[@JohnnyCage333]

@@gunradiahmad7742 👍🏻👌🏼🏀Yes.

[@TitamKron]

I think he could be better than Jordan but not the best ever.

[@TitamKron]

I think he could be better than Jordan but not the best ever.

[@brianbadonde9251]

@@TitamKron if he was better than Jordan, that would make him the best ever. Duh

[@elijahaywago7274]

I do watch this video many times to see how Zeke appreciated his mom. God help me one day I appreciate my mom this way.

[@laquitajones7897]

Zeek! My favorite basketball player! So happy Chuck Daly was able to speak!

[@24BIGDYL]

Thomas is a legend

[@jack2roman]

I had the privilege to admire his generation for the distance. Growing up and playing basketball in Romania, we had no idea about the tensions between Mr.Thomas and others. For us they were all Gods on top of Mount Olympus. Magic, Isiah, Jordan, Bird. And this is what they still are. Thank you, Mr.Thomas! It was an absolute joy to see you- on WHS tapes, with more than a year delay- battling the Lakers and the Bulls and the Celtics!

[@kaiyeem]

Chicago stand up for our greatest Captain Isiah Thomas.

[@ronaldlaury5370]

Love you brother,one of the greatest to ever play the game.The greatest player to come out Chicago,Mr Westside!!!!!

[@tiotaz7934]

Glad Chuck Daly Was Alive To Go To Isaiah Thomas Hof Ceremony.

[@georgemartinez8434]

Isaiah Thomas i almost missed your induction, GREAT thought out and articulate speech. Graceful and calm as you played the game.

[@RonaldDregan]

Damn yo this is a tear jerker no doubt I thought dennis rodman had a really touching speech man ofcourse I.T. takes the cake man. Much love man

[@the_Giovanni_Jian]

I agree, Jordan's speech was so boastful. Zeke's speech is very humble.

[@stevieray7829]

IT would be acting the same way if he was the goat

[@dusk6159]

@@stevieray7829 No, Lebron nor Kareem do it and they are the best ever depending on how you make the top 3, almost anyone does it aside those Jordan, Kobe and others examples, not even Shaq do it because even he knows how to limit himself. Zeke proved how he is higher than those said Jordan, Kobe etc etc NBA players types, he was one of the cases that didn't go the speech settling things and boasting himself.

[@ronaldlewis739]

Jian Qiu Zeke has nothing to boast about he’s a bum

[@normajeaneason6983]

That's because hes sneaky. He doesn't have the guts to speak his mind. Hes not humble.

[@tikogto3866]

@@ronaldlewis739 Zeke was better than most, you're just a jealous hater.

[@MrBlackout06]

My favorite point guard, my favorite Piston..great dude, glad I got to talk with him.

[@moralsovermoney100]

The 47 pt. game against the Lakers in the heartbreaking Game 6 loss was literally on one leg. Included a 25pt. third quarter. Great leader with a tremendous desire to win.

[@aarondigby9859]

If he hadn't hurt his ankle the Pistons would've won that chip in '88. The year Isaiah threw the inbounds pass nd Bird intercepted and flipped the ball to Dennis Johnson for a layup, they probably would've won that year also. They should've won at least three, four chips but they did win back to back.

[@scorpionJB]

the greatest small player of all time

[@usafo6885]

From 1986-1990, there was no point guard in NBA history better in a four year period. While battling the HOF stacked Celtics, Jordan's Bulls and Magics Lakers, Isiah was a peerless/fearless competitor with sublime skills. Watch 1988 NBA Finals Game 6, you will never see a greater basketball performance. He is in my all time NBA top 15 list, and was a supreme master of the game. Congratulations Isiah, you are a the role model for young men.

[@Stgfre]

You forgot Larry Celtics.

[@dmagical32]

@@Stgfre The HOF stacked Celtics? As if the Bulls and Lakers weren't HOF stacked. You're right, he should've mentioned Larry Legend, the best small forward in NBA history.

[@Stgfre]

@@dmagical32 You wonder why he was not selected to the United States Olympic Basketball Team. Larry Bird was one of those basketball players that did want him selected on the team.

[@Stgfre]

@@dmagical32 Who is the HOF?

[@dmagical32]

@@Stgfre If Laimbeer gets in the HOF, it loses all credibility, it would devalue all the greats and their accomplishments, it would be a slap in the face to all the greats.

[@shadowskill078]

He had the rare distinction of beating Jordan, Bird and Magic in the same year enroute to his first NBA Championship. Truly one of the all time great players.

[@naturalblockade3412]

I thought that basketball is a team sport. Moreover, is he therefore better than Magic, Bird and Jordan?

[@aarondigby9859]

@@naturalblockade3412 he kicked their arse all in the same year.

[@naturalblockade3412]

@@aarondigby9859 is he therefore better than Magic, Bird and Jordan?

[@daystar73]

@@naturalblockade3412 that year HE WAS....

[@naturalblockade3412]

@@daystar73 but does make him (Isiah Thomas) better than Jordan, Magic and Bird?

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

Love him as a analyst! He is entertaining and has a good way with words unlike many former players that get jobs in the media today

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

@Mari Jata ¨hehe Shaq also has a high education :) lol but i guess he payed for it.

[@gregoryrowlerson8457]

He even has given high plaudits to Jordan, Pippen and Malone during the 98 Finals; even though he personally dislikes these guys. Much respect.

[@lurking0death]

Greatest competitive heart I ever saw. Just an extraordinary player. My God, what a player.

[@missayawk]

All you Isiah fans...find the book " Dream Team" by Jack McCallum and read what John Stockton says when he 1st played against Isiah ( way before the NBA).All i will say is...Isiah been on top for a long time.

[@crzctrlable]

and thats why when stockton got inducted to HOF, he had isiah up there on the stage

[@missayawk]

@@crzctrlable Even if he didn't mention it, I'm sure he credits Isiah for making him step up his game when they met as teens.Isiah was so far ahead of guys his age.I respect John for that, despite what feelings Karl Malone might have towards Isiah.

[@scoot1105]

Isiah's my favorite basketball player EVER!! Skills, leadership, and HEART!! Bigget heart of any player I've ever seen!! I learned how to play the game watching him growing up!!

[@aarondigby9859]

Curly Neal of the Harlem Globetrotters is an alumni if Johnson C. Smith Univ. Golden Bulls.

[@leandropinero7830]

spectacular speech. Amazing player

[@t.bozmkw3562]

Jordan rates this guy as the best point guard after Magic.

[@aarondigby9859]

I think Isaiah was a better point guard than Magic because he was a better shooter, all Magic shot was a set shot, if you got in Magic's face he'd just try to drive buy you, Zeke would drive,stop and shoot a jumper.

[@t.bozmkw3562]

@@aarondigby9859 this man is a winner. I don't think that Pistons team was talented but they were a great unified outfit.

[@LocoAsasino]

5:17 look at the scar tissue on his face you would swear he was a boxer! This guy was the greatest competitor. The stakes were always so high when he was playing on the other team

[@a.perkins907]

I was thinking the same thing!! I'm from Detroit....I'm gonna ALWAYS LOVE those BAD BOYS!!

[@mohammedkhaleel7542]

That was Karl Malone in 91-92

[@nadirkhan2250]

The dude can stitch a picture with words. Brilliant and eloquent speaker.

[@lovenlightman]

Love u Thomas. Few People came from no where like u and fought all the way to the NBA- Thanks to there huge Talent and will power. And u Kept fighting- Beating the bets of the best -Magic, Bird and Jordan-Ye. Your team was the one to stop the bulls.

[@kudabeen]

Love when people speak from the heart...not trying to read (when it isn't their best attribute) to express themselves.

[@seiracross1050]

Spoken like a true Statesman ... Much love to you Mr Isiah Thomas.

[@Marekxk]

I dont Remember this guy playing but what I Can Tell from his speech is he has a brain, a class, he is in inner peace and his voice is very soothing. You probably dont have many like him in the game.

[@randyw8761]

Zeke and those guys were special. Legends. I love those guys.

[@waelharp4060]

Isiah beat Jordan, Bird and Magic. He doesnt get the recognition that he deserves. He was the best PG of all time in my opinion. Magic was bigger but Isiah was a better leader. When the game was on the line he would take over and he was unstoppable when he decided it was time. Also he is a great coach and has an eye for talent. I think if Indiana kept him around a few more years they would have won a championship. He built that Pacers team that was giving the 03 04 Pistons fits. Then they fired him and hired Larry Bird after Isiah built that team.

[@johngallo1824]

Wael Harp yeah he beat Magic when he pulled a hamstring, let's not forget that

[@MM-lp4cm]

yes, people dont remember , he was great maaaan. one of top 2 pg of al time.

[@SilentService697]

If he was a man of character, he would have been a Dream Teamer...

[@stevelambrecht5417]

The man who destroyed the CBA

[@jameshill927]

Wael Harp the best

[@johnsontan6808]

a great player, the best little player ever and a winner 👍

[@wmakombe6472]

So much respect for you sir, especially after watching the LAST DANCE. what a player. Probably the most underrated.

[@rjp0083]

A lot of remembrance of greatness on his face thank you for inspiring me!

[@bobbywall172]

Bad to the bone, guys!! I loved watching the bad boys battle every time you went out. My dad and myself watched a lot of early nba, thanks dad!!!

[@Scarsuna]

He only mentioned his teammates who were in the audience by name. However, he thanked all of his teammates.

[@isabeltgama3904]

Wow ❤️ What a beautiful beautiful speech Mr Thomas 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@leroystover1062]

Thank u chuck Daley and those bad boys Isiah Thomas u the best mam

[@enrycabello5217]

Another legend! Great player

[@rahulv8365]

Absolute Legend

[@tinathomas8593]

On God this man help build a relationship with my father that no girl could ever not love the Detroit Pistons. Man you are my favorite basketball player ever. PERIOD!!

[@stefonwilliams9790]

Yo Isaiah you got me crying man

[@JeffLcarz]

Toughest 6 foot guard to play the game. Tough defender, could score at will and handle the ball as well as anyone. Former champ with back-to-back rings to prove it and did whatever it took to win.

[@Alexz_Archivz]

L'il 'Siah... man, the Pistons n definately myself... miss u dearly!!! Detroit misses u! U repped Motown tho u were from the Chi. Miss u Zeke! - A Detroit kid from the 80s

[@asuma1997]

he doesnt say a word and the crowd still clap! that is the BEAST

[@untouchables11]

Very well spoken from the heart.

[@PhuckHue2]

well deserved. greatest clutch player EVER!

[@redberrydivac031]

I still LOVE me some Isaiah my Piston 4life🏀💪💕

[@jhovaj]

HEART AND SOUL, PERIOD

[@kilojoliet3855]

One of the best professional basketball prayer of my generation. Thank you!

[@lebronsfather4012]

New respect for this man

[@deeessex11]

greatest pg ever deeetroit basketball

[@blackstersherron]

+dee essex HELL NO!

[@tommyjeromeharris2778]

U crazy as hell Tysaun prince is

[@stephenyu7859]

+Bitch Ass no one wants ur +Bitch Ass here

[@bhoodboyg101]

no one did it better then him

[@jhovaj]

Simply: Heart and Soul

[@cartoonworld1000]

This right here is a man full of heart and someone that has matured and grown over the years