Isaiah Thomas, American basketball player

Isaiah Jamar Thomas, born on February 7, 1989, in Tacoma, Washington, is an accomplished American professional basketball player whose career has been marked by remarkable scoring prowess and an inspiring underdog narrative. Standing at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters), Thomas carved out a significant role in the National Basketball Association (NBA) despite his stature, becoming one of the league's most dynamic offensive threats. His career has seen him play for numerous teams, culminating in his most recent NBA appearances with the Charlotte Hornets on a 10-day contract during the 2021-22 season.

Collegiate Excellence and NBA Draft Beginnings

Thomas honed his skills over three impactful seasons of college basketball for the University of Washington Huskies. During his tenure from 2008 to 2011, he distinguished himself as a three-time all-conference selection in the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) Conference, showcasing the talent that would eventually translate to the professional level. Notably, he led the Huskies to two Pac-10 Tournament championships, demonstrating his leadership and clutch play even in his collegiate years.

In 2011, after opting to forgo his senior year, Thomas entered the NBA Draft. He was famously selected by the Sacramento Kings with the 60th and final pick, earning him the moniker "Mr. Irrelevant." This late selection fueled his competitive drive, propelling him to defy expectations for a player drafted last in the entire league.

Rise and Recognition: From Sacramento to Phoenix

Thomas spent his first three seasons with the Sacramento Kings (2011-2014), where he quickly proved his critics wrong. He consistently outplayed his draft position, developing into a starting-caliber point guard and showcasing his ability to score and distribute effectively. His time with the Kings laid the foundation for his breakout performances. In 2014, he joined the Phoenix Suns, further establishing himself as a potent offensive weapon, albeit in a crowded backcourt that included Goran Dragic and Eric Bledsoe.

The Unforgettable Boston Celtics Era (2015-2017)

February 2015 marked a pivotal moment in Thomas's career when he was traded to the Boston Celtics. It was in Boston that he truly blossomed into an NBA superstar, enjoying the most notable and impactful period of his professional career. From 2015 through 2017, Thomas captivated the league with his relentless scoring and clutch performances. He was a two-time NBA All-Star (2016, 2017) and earned Second-Team All-NBA honors in 2017, a testament to his elite play.

The 2016-17 NBA season stood out as his career-best, where he led the Boston Celtics to the first seed in the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record. During this remarkable season, Thomas averaged a career-high 28.9 points per game, becoming the shortest player in NBA history to average over 28 points in a season. His incredible ability to score in crunch time earned him the beloved nickname "King in the Fourth," as he consistently dominated the final quarter of games, often scoring more than 10 points in the fourth quarter alone. He finished fifth in the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting that year, a rare feat for a player of his size. This period was also marked by immense personal tragedy, as his sister, Chyna Thomas, passed away just before the 2017 NBA Playoffs; yet, Thomas continued to play through his grief, displaying extraordinary resilience and dedication.

Post-Celtics Journey and Pursuit of a Comeback

The highly publicized trade in August 2017 sent Thomas from Boston to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of the blockbuster deal for Kyrie Irving. This trade, combined with a lingering hip injury that had plagued him towards the end of his Celtics tenure, significantly impacted the trajectory of his career. After a brief and challenging stint with the Cavaliers, he was traded mid-season in February 2018 to the Los Angeles Lakers. Thomas then continued to navigate various teams in pursuit of regaining his form and a consistent role, often battling persistent injury setbacks.

His journey saw him join the Denver Nuggets in July 2018 for the 2018-19 season. In July 2019, he signed with the Washington Wizards, but was again traded mid-season in February 2020 to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he was subsequently waived shortly after. The following seasons saw Thomas striving for opportunities, often through 10-day contracts and NBA G League assignments, highlighting his persistent determination to return to the highest level of professional basketball.

During the 2020-21 season, Thomas signed a 10-day contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, playing three games. The 2021-22 season further exemplified his resilience; after playing one game with the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League, he secured 10-day contracts with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks. Later in that same season, following two more games with the Grand Rapids Gold, Thomas joined the Charlotte Hornets on a 10-day contract, which concluded his most recent NBA appearances as of the information provided.

Frequently Asked Questions About Isaiah Thomas

When was Isaiah Thomas born?

Isaiah Jamar Thomas was born on February 7, 1989.

How tall is Isaiah Thomas?

He stands 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters) tall, making him one of the shortest players to achieve NBA All-Star status.

Which college did Isaiah Thomas attend?

Isaiah Thomas played college basketball for the University of Washington Huskies.

What was Isaiah Thomas's draft position in the NBA?

He was selected with the 60th and final pick of the 2011 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, earning him the nickname "Mr. Irrelevant" due to being the last pick.

What are Isaiah Thomas's most notable achievements with the Boston Celtics?

With the Boston Celtics (2015-2017), he was a two-time NBA All-Star (2016, 2017) and earned Second-Team All-NBA honors in 2017. He also led the Celtics to the first seed in the Eastern Conference in the 2016-17 season and finished 5th in MVP voting, averaging a career-high 28.9 points per game.

Why is Isaiah Thomas called "King in the Fourth"?

He earned the nickname "King in the Fourth" during his time with the Boston Celtics due to his exceptional ability to score and take over games, particularly in the fourth quarter, consistently leading the league in fourth-quarter scoring during the 2016-17 season.

Which NBA teams has Isaiah Thomas played for?

Isaiah Thomas has played for the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Dallas Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets throughout his NBA career.